NationStates Jolt Archive

Lúthien finished her strange song and headed over to her bed. As she lay down, she added the final touch to the spell, causing an overhang to form over each bed to serve as a rain shield. Her own forewent this as it formed an almost cocoon around her.

Horatio gave another small nod and fell limp, giving up resisting the exhasution that sent him into blackness.

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Mienna shook her head, a birds natural instinct demanded she sleep somewhere highish and this tree was the nearest high location. As the canopies sprung up above the beds though she flapped over to Ixiars and perched on top, gving a yawn like caw as silently as she could.

Harlin was sitting peacefully watching the others as they settled to bed when he heard the sound that triggered his almost autonomic response. Flying from his seated position, he spun through the air and came to rest where he'd just heard a twig snap. Looking to his left a very frightened man lay on the ground in a pool of his own urine. He was whimpering for his life as Harlin stood with his blade to the man's throat.

The man managed to get out a few words, and Harlin's heart fell, "I... I was... only supposed to distract you."

Harlin had failed his comrades. He sliced the poor man's neck open from ear to ear and began to rush back to the camp site as he heard the tell-tale clank of Imperium armor descending on the unsuspecting travellers.

Ixair smiled and slowly drifted off to sleep...

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

After a few years of searching, a very reliable spy had been able to locate one of the most wanted criminals of the Imperium. A man wanted for obstructing justice, kidnapping criminals, thieves, and murderers, and being each of those himself.

But these were not all the famous "Imperium Death Squads" that scoured the land for criminals, this particular squad included a complimentary assassin unit...especially brought together for a very wanted criminal to the Imperium.

About six of these assassins ran along the trees with catlike grace, following the man known as Harlin as he ran along the floor, preparing themselves for what they trained for...

The heavy plated soldiers on the ground, however, about ten of them, would surround this jiltaken's cohorts. Afterall, they were 'aiding' the criminal...

"In the name of the Imperium, and with it, Justice, we order you all to get up off the bushes with you're hands high in the air. You will not be harmed if you comply with these orders," the Captain barked as the "Death Squad" surrounded the sleeping group, their armor a dull green color rather than the usual gold plating of the Imperium.

Ixair was statled in his sleep and fell to his feet next to his bush bed. "Huh-wha?" was all he can mumble, before being pushed towards the center of the circle.

Beatrice awoke, her eyes frightened and nervous as she tried to curl herself into a ball.

"Bea, come here. Come to me," Ixair said soothingly to Beatrice, trying to keep her somewhat safe.

As he saw her moving towards him, slowly but surely, he looked at Luthien's 'pod'. He decided that she was safest, should the imperium not know that it wasn't just random foliage.

Lúthien sighed slightly as she snuggled in on herself more. She didn't like when Lorathin had to preform a lock-down when experimenting. It worried her even thought nothing bad ever happened to him. When she was worried and couldn't visit daddy she curled up into a warm ball with the covers, or in this case leaves, wrapped tight.

The shouted 'Come out with your hands in the air' woke her from her mostly sleep, and she peered out, no more than a pair of eyes. She tried to think a message to Lorathin but found 'static', a common condition when he was in the lab and needed to focus. She began preparing in case the people tried to hurt her 'sister' or even Ixair, Cantrell and Cobiesel.

The Captain walked in clear sight of the two who stood up and frowned as he looked at the other beds. He made a hand signal and several squadmembers walked to them and rolled them out of bed, herding them to the middle.

"Throw down all your weapons, now," the officer barked as he noticed Cantrell's chains and the swords of Beatrice and Ixair.

Ixair nodded slowly and unbuckled his sword belt, tossing it in front of him. He looked to the side and noticed the deathly expression in Beatrice's face. She was scared, almost to the point of being petrified. Her hands went to the blade sheathed at her waste and she looked at the officer and shook her head slowly.

"I...I can't..." she stammered.

The officer furrowed his brows and motioned again as the same guards walked on either side of Beatrice, who turned around rapidly to see each one, yelping to herself as they placed their hands on her lower torso and bottom, in attempt to get her sword off. Beatrice tried to push them away, but they only held on harder. "Please...leave me alone," she sniffled, tears reaching her eyes.

"Leave her be," Ixair growled. "I'll do it." Several more guards walked over, sword extended towards the rebel elf.

"Halt. Go ahead. Men, keep you swords trained on each one of these criminals..." the officer growled.

Ixair walked in front of Beatrice and gently lifted her chin up so her eyes were looking at his. "Bea, I'm going to unbuckle your sheath and belt. You trust me, right? I trust you, Bea. Don't worry...we haven't done anything wrong and I believe this is a misunderstanding. They won't hurt us unless we hurt them. You alright?"

Beatrice slowly nodded and sucked her breath in as Ixair's hands went to her belt buckle. Or atleast one of the many he found. He muttered something to himself and gently released it, his hand gripping the sheath as he unwrapped it around the dark elf, and tossed it to the ground with a loud thud.

"Why's the man in chains?" the officer growled, pointing to Cantrell.

"He's been tortured by the Cult, sir," Ixair replied as he resumed his placed in line and gently gave Beatrice's hand a comforting squeeze. The dark elf slowly brought her hand away from his and wrapped it around her stomach, along with her other hand.

"Nasty business. Bind him. Now, to answer the question you're all probably wondering. Why are you all under arrest? Well for one, Ixair Riftdreamer, you are convicted of assisting escape of prisoners and criminals, causing unrest and rebellion in stable governments and nations, and impersonating several officials, including many guards, several religious authorities, and a noble for 'accessing the noble's...harem...'" the captain smiled weakly and looked up at the elf.

"'Tis not what you think, officer," Ixair began to defend himself, before he was silenced by a jab in his back.

"The rest of you, for aiding and being of service to the jiltaken criminal known as, Harlin."

"He's not a crim-ooh," Ixair began before feeling another jab in his back.

"Where are the others?" the officer growled as he looked at the pod shaped object. "This doesn't look...familiar..." he smiled and looked at Ixair. "Place a spell bind on it. Whatever's in it won't be coming out..."

"No! Wait, wait, I need you to read off our rights...individually. And I need you to help me with disarming myself. I'll admit, I forgot to take out a few daggers on my belt, however, shifting in bed has caused them to go up my back and I need you to take them out. So they won't...you know, damage me," Ixair said quickly.

"Sure..." the officer chuckled as he brought out a flat retangular looking item that gleamed in the moonlight, before continuing to examine the pod.

Horatio gave another small nod and fell limp, giving up resisting the exhasution that sent him into blackness.

Horatio's 'Savior' had been jogging with no rest for a good portion of the day, before settling down for the night.

He started a small fire and pulled out a small flask of liquid from within his cloak. His 'healing potion', for when Horatio should awake. During the druid's sleep, he noticed Horatio's distinct demonic signs. Wings, claws, devilish tail.

And this 'healing potion' should definately heal Horatio. It should...bring out the demon from within, let it break away from it's cage. How better for a demon to communicate with another, than for the demon to communicate with another demon?

The 'Savior' sighed to himself and spoke quietly with a long forgotten language as he relaxed against a tree and watched the druid for any signs of movement.

Lúthien mentally thanked Ixair twice, first for taking care of Beatrice, and second for giving her a chance to move. Since she was already in contact with a large amount of plant-life it made the spell quite a bit easier. Putting a special goo on her lips she cast a spell, her mouth making the motions of the words without sounds. The goo was one frequently utilized by assassin-mages to help deal with the spells that were noisy on the casting end.

Disappearing with a gentle rustle akin to the wind's passage and, had anyone seen her she'd have seemed to merged with the plants, she emerged in the branches of a nearby tree. Calling down, "What are you doing bringing armour and weapons into my grove." With her elfin nature, the lighting and her position in the tree she seemed to be a dryad and most beings knew that it wasn't wise to try and brace a dryad in her grove.

The heat from the small fire slowly brought Horatio back to the waking world, he moved a hand to rub his eyes and groaned as he felt sharp pains in his arms. He struggled anyway and managed to rub his eyes, as he opened them he could see small sharp spikes had started to grow from his wrists.

Gritting his teeth and pushing himself up to a sitting position he eyed the demon opposite him suspiciously. Not quite having the energy to speak.

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Mienna was startled from sleep and stood on top of the canopy cawing at the guards in indignation, their were too many of them for her to try and do something except be a distraction. Anyhow, currently she was more curious about what was going to happen.

The officer looked up at the girl and frowned again. "In the name of our god, the god of justice, these criminals must be taken to the Imperium Court of Justice. You should understand, 'Dryad of the Grove'."

Beatrice let out a small shriek as she turned to face the 'dryad'. Ixair put his index finger to his mouth and hushed at her, giving her a wink.

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

"Greetings, druid. I trust you are well rested?" the demon asked calmly, from behind the fire. Two dark red eyes gleaming across to Horatio. He paused for a moment before bringing out the flask again.

"Here, drink this. It should aid with the wounds," the demon wheezed, holding the flask out for the druid.

Horatio nodded in response to the question and reached out to take the flask, ignoring the pain in his arm. He eyed it suspiciously, but came to the conclusion that if it wished him harm it could have dealt with him long before. There was also the minor detail that natures blessing had granted him an immunity to most natural poisons.

He sipped the liquid, it seemed to have a warmth of its own, slightly too hot to be pleasent and he felt the heat boil through his veins, he grabbed his head as the heat seemed to flood into his mind obliterating all thought. Horatio collapsed back against the tree, his claws digging into his head as if to push back the heat with pain, but it did not dissapate. Another force appeared in Horatio's mind, a dark, twisted force. It absorbed the heat and left his mind cold and merciless.

Horatio removed his hands from his head, blood seeping from the marks they left. He stoof and looking at the demon said. "Take me to your master, we should become... aquainted."

----------------------------------------------------

Mienna leapt into the sky and flew around behind Lúthien and landed above her, letting out a defiant caw, as if to add her support to Lúthiens claims.

The demon stood up and smiled a deadly smile, as though his teeth were made from a bear trap, even metallic in color. "With pleasure, master druid," he smiled before turning around and beginning his next jog to the looming palace of Rimoru.

Within an an hour, they arrived at the ruined gates, passing by the tired crowd assembled, as they awaited their new leader. They entered, instead, in a side entrance that Habdebza spoke of, on of Rimoru's secret ones, should she not wish to show herself at the front gates, which was rarely.

The demon halted in front of an open door and motioned inside. "This is as far as I go, master druid. I will meet with you again."

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

Ixair smiled at Luthien and Mienna, but kept his smile minimal, so as not to arouse the suspicions of the guards.

"Silly little men. What is justice in your lands, is injustice here. The Imperium's laws only hold in the Imperium, not in my grove and these are my guests. Now please uphold justice and depart my grove." She replied, and if they were truely dedicated to the concept of justice they would be obligated to do as she was requesting.

Horatio took off after the demon and kept up, following it to the palace. Horatio gave a small nod to the demon and entered. A vague recollection of the master being called 'The Warmaster' and 'the Ultimate Champion of Fighting'. If he was served by demons, then it was a title he probably deserved and Horatio would have to take care.

The surprise immeaditly woke up Cobiesel and Cantrell. At the command, Cobiesel dropped Nirvana. Cantrell looked at the man. "I can't drop the chains. They are part of me." Then he was bound. He cursed in his mind. He would wait. If it came down to it, he could break out of the bindings, but he didn't want to put others in danger. Cobiesel was about to run to him, but he gave her a look that said relax. He looked at his captors. "So, what crime have we commited that requires binding me?"

She felt something gently rub along her bare stomach. She let out a small moan, unsure if she was pleasured by its soothing touch or hurt by the pain it brought her when sliding across several portions of her skin. She shifted, trying to get herself in a more comfortable position, but found herself immobile. Who was she?

I am Rimoru, she reminded herself as she felt her brows furrow. She willed her eyes to open, but it seemed as though they were crusted over by sleep. She moaned and began to strain against whatever she lay on and mumbled something unintelligable as she felt the bindings on her ankles and wrists.

"Now, now dear Rimoru, lay rested...you are in no condition to move," a voice called to her soothingly. Yet, she could hear a sinister tone, being masked by it's loving nature.

"Alegain? Is that you? I...I can't see," she whispered sadly, panic creeping into her voice.

"Use your magic Rimmy," the voice replied.

Rimoru almost laughed at such a simple thought. Of course, she was a goddess after all. She let her mind clear away the pain she felt to the lower portions of her body and felt herself get at peace. She willed whatever kept her eyes shut to disappear. But she felt no difference. She tried again, ending in the same result. Once more, before she began to panic. "Alegain...Alegain? Help me!" she screamed as she once again began to struggle against her bindings. She felt something gently wipe her eyes off and she was finally able to open them. What she saw made her wish she hadn't.

She lay in the dungeons, the stench of death surrounding her, trying to engulf her with it's smell. Chained against the walls were Maverion and Alegain. On another table, fully dressed, Fala was chained in much the same way as the Empress. She looked at herself, she was lightly dressed, only in her undergarments. Rimoru whimpered as she rattled the chains around her hands and looked up to see who's gently touch was gliding across her smooth, and bruised skin.

"Good evening, Rimoru," Habdebza smiled wickedly as he stepped back, replacing a gauntlet on his hand. "Remember me?"

Rimoru couldn't. Atleast not at first. Then vague images came up, images of deadly blows, of the demon defeating her and stealing the orb that housed Rothargot. Or atleast a part of him. Now it housed a part of her as well...

Rimoru cursed loudly as she filled with rage, her skin slowly turning from pale to reddish, her lean muscles bulging against the chains as she tried to hoist herself away. "What did you do to me?" she screamed furiously.

"I didn't do anything, little Rimmy. Your guards did. I do hope you still remember how to keep yourself from getting pregnant..." Habdebza said with a light chuckle, motioning to several dead corpses nearby. "I didn't want them too pleasured, so I killed them for you."

Rimoru's eyes opened wide and she screamed as she instantly attempted her anti-pregnancy spells. She hoped they'd work...

"You...monster," came a low growl from the wall. Alegain was stirred awake by his wife's cries.

Habdebza slowly turned around to face the chained and bloodied elf. The demon himself was able to heal the lethal wound in the king's chest, albeit slowly. "I only gave them the chance. They took it...perhaps you shouldn't flaunt yourself more openly, Rimmy."

"I'll tear you apar-" Alegain began until the air was knocked out of him from something pressing onto his stomach.

"I believe I have a visitor...he's to be...guarding you in my absence. Yes, I'm afraid it's true, I will be leaving you all, only for a few days. My master calls for me to the North. Someone else needs to be taken care of..." Habdebza said in mock sadness as he spun around to face the cell door.

****

Horatio would hear a voice speaking to him around corners, through doors, past rubble, blood, and broken bodies, all the way to the dungeon, where Habdebza awaited.

"Oh, naive one, your chains can be weapons. We wouldn't want your chains getting in the way, now would you?" the officer growled. He looked up at the 'dryad' and the cawing at them.

"Please get that bird quiet," he asked Luthien, thinking Mienna was one of Luthien's pets.

Harlin frowned at the shadows which darted around him. He counted four seperate entities, and was suprised by their agility. "The Imperium's learned some new tricks, eh? Well, you are still nothing but cheap imitations of me."

Sinking into a defensive stance, Harlin goaded, "Come on now, arrest me."

"I shall quite my bird when you leave as I requested, and without those you came to arrest." Lúthien replied, "Now cease your actions and depart."

"Silly little men. What is justice in your lands, is injustice here. The Imperium's laws only hold in the Imperium, not in my grove and these are my guests. Now please uphold justice and depart my grove." She replied, and if they were truely dedicated to the concept of justice they would be obligated to do as she was requesting.

"Ah, but my Tree Nymph must not be well versed in the laws of Lustria..." The captain began with a face as though he knew what was going on here. "According to a treaty made long ago with the late Empress Rimoru and The Judges of the Imperium, criminals who sought haven from the Imperium by escaping into Iskan would be sought after, unless otherwise noted, by either party, directly from a high authority."

"I'm afraid we cannot go against the law, because, this grove is indeed part of Iskan and therefore, Rimoru's and shall remain so unless she told me herself."

"And if you harbor these criminals, then you yourself must be arrested and brought to Imperium court, tree nymph, which I am pretty sure you will find uncomfortable..."

"And you appear not to be well versed in these laws. Rimoru declared all dryad groves self-governing protectorates." She replied before adding, "I am not a nymph. If I were, we wouldn't be having this conversation as you'd all be gibbering."

"And how do you men know that we are guilty of the crimes you arrest us for?" Cantrell siad. He may have been bound, but he was still pissed. He looked at Ixair from the corner of his eye. The people would most likely be distracted by the sewed one. He tried to signal to Ixair that if nescessary, he could make a distraction, at least one that would allow the others to escape.

The officer laughed and shook his head. "Strange Dryad of the park. Why on earth would she ever do such a thing? You cannot argue laws with me. I am well versed in them. This is your last warning, relieve yourself of the criminals or you shall be under arrest as well."

"And you, sir," the officer addressed Cantrell. "We know because we have many connections and with the knowledge that Harlin is around here as well, along with people matching your discriptions, some unmistakable, then you are under arrest unless proven otherwise."

Ixair nodded subtly to Cantrell, but held up a finger as if saying "Wait".

"You'll have to bring your judges here if you wish to arrest and try me as you don't have the man power otherwise." Lúthien replied, more correctly in fact as ten people unless exceptionally strong did not have the strength to both unearth and carry a full grown tree.

Cantrell nodded a bit. "But what did we do?" Cobiesel spoke up. She was playing on her talent as an actress. She tried to look innocent and she made herself tear up a bit. "As you can see, there is no one here but us, so the person you seek must be with someone else. Please, don't take my fiance." She oftened called Cantrell this in times of trouble, and hopefully it would work this time.

"Again, dryad, you need to get out more...get it? Get out more?" the officer laughed, recieving a few dry laughter from his comrades. "Special units, such as ours, tend to have a few tricks up our sleeves for certain folk such as yourself or other uncommon criminals. Plus, if it comes to it, I am a judge."

"You know, you really should be a jester," Ixair smiled, before recieving another jab on the back. "You know that's getting real ol-ow! Stop it!"

"Magnus, will you?"

"Of course," a man clad in similar armor, yet also wearing a cloak underneath stepped towards the tree and circled around it, poking and prodding as he did so, leaving a tiny mark in each poke.

"Dryad, you have been convicted of harboring wanted criminals, and therefore are one yourself. You will accompany us to the Imperium, where you shall stand trial. May our gods guide our decisions justly, as they always have," the one named 'Magnus' said as he stood away from the tree.

As Magnus was dealing with Luthien, the officer gave Cobiesel a sad face. "Oh, I'm so sorry...your fiance seems to be the only man with chains around. Not to mention that he is traveling with Ixair. Hurry it up...I don't want to be here longer than we should."

*******


Four assassins leapt down from the trees, around Harlin and spoke something in unison.

"You may choose the peaceful way or the violent end, Harlin of the jiltaken," one of the black-cladded assassins said.

"And you should realize that special tricks don't matter when you don't know what you are doing." She replied as focused on the man who'd poked holes in the tree and cast a spell causing him to dance irresistibly.

Cobiesel continued to cry, but in her mind she spoke to Ixair. I say we attack. These guys are irratating me. If Cantrell and I cast a spell, we can distract them enough to grab your weapons and fight. I'll get Beatrice away. What do you say?

The man named Magnus only laughed and shook his head. "My dear Dryad, simple tricks do not work on me," was all he said. His armor, along with the armor of his comrades, protected them from heavy to light magics and notifying it's wearer, however, they were never perfect, and prone to letting a few spells escape through.

He stood back and muttered something, before the ground began to shake gently as roots began to be lifted out of the ground.


Meanwhile, the guards had tied up Cobiesal, Ixair, and Beatrice, and began to take away their weapons.

That's when Ixair nodded. "Cantrell, Now!" Ixair shouted.

Cantrell roared in anger. His chains immeaditly whipped out, shredding his binds. He cast his spell that caused bone palisaides to erupt from the earth. They slammed up, but he made sure no one would die from them. Cobiesel cast her heart attack spell on both her attacker and Beatrice's. She levitated her sword, and cut herself and Beatrice free. "Come with me." She said. Cantrell graabed the man who had been thretening them. "Look how's bound up now." He hurled him into his companions, and then smashed away with his chains.

"You're wasting your effort, this is the wrong tree." Lúthien replied

The heavily armored Imperium soldiers growled as the event turned to violence.

The spells of Cobiesel had no effect on the soldiers, however Cantrell's chained attack surprised the officer as he was thrown against his comrades.

Beatrice screamed as soldiers brought out their weapons and threatened the others, mostly Cantrell and the armed Cobiesel. However, Ixair kicked his weapon to his hand and gently sliced the ropes off.

Beatrice looked at Cobiesel and ran for her as Ixair fended off a few attackers.

Magnus turned around and left the tree to levitate, before casting a ten-second stunning spell on Cantrell.

Lúthien slid throught to a tree beside Beatrice and lightly took her arm, pulling her into the tree. It would feel like she was stepping into water as Lúthien took Bea away from the fight, "I'm here, you can stop being scared." She said soothingly.

Cobiesel was glad to see Beatrice with her. Then she saw Beatrice taken into the tree. "Stay there." As she said this, she cast a spell that made her invisible. She stepped into battle, taking shots at then with Nirvana, which was designed to pierce armour. Cantrell found himself frozen. He tried to mve, but found it useless. A soldier was about to attack him with a sword, but then Cantrell snapped out of it and swung the chains foward. They pierced the man's armor and skin, and when Cantrell pulled them apart, the man was ripped in two. He turned his attention to Magnus. He lept high into the air and brought his chains down on Magnus.

Beatrice screamed again, but was silenced as she heard the familiar voice of Luthien whisper in her ear. "Luthien, are you alright?" she whimpered as she looked at the ground, quivering in fear.

Ixair let one of the soldiers thrust out at him, sidestepping and thrusting his own weapon into a gap within the plate armor. He was surprised, however, to find his weapon not piercing through any skin.

The Imperium soldier let out a laugh, before sending a punch Ixair's way. The elf nimbly dodged and pushed the man's arms together at his chest, before kicking him into another soldier.

"Imperium Death Squad, people!" Ixair shouted as he dodged a throwing knife. "These guys are tough as rocks!"

The officer laughed as he got up and walked towards the others, his sword at the ready.

Magnus, was ready for Cantrell, and had a forcefield up already, before letting a bolt of energy blast into Cantrell's chest.

"Yes, more importantly are you?" Lúthien asked as she held Beatrice in a comforting hug. Meanwhile ever since it went to pot, she began blasting the static to get Lorathin's attention.

"I am...scared," Beatrice whispered as she leaned up against the smaller girl, wrapping her in a sisterly embrace as well.

Ixair growled as he dodged another blow from a nearby soldier and kicked at the man's knee joint, only succeeding in bending it by the smallest of margins, before having to roll away from the man's sword.

The elf prince was getting annoyed as he couldn't remember how to beat these monstrous soldiers. They seemed invincible in every way...

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

Kalzog heard two screams some distance away and looked back at Eva, who had been talking to the family, stealing glances at the big lug every once in a while.

"I'm going to go for a little bit. Keep safe until I find us a way out," the ogre growled as he stepped out and began to walk towards the area of the scream.

Eva, meanwhile, watched the ogre leave the house, before smiling widely. "Finally..." she mumbled, letting David wrap his hand around hers. Her eyes returned to her boyfriend's who lowered his own, either out of fear, or subordination one may not be able to tell.

"Let's...go elsewhere..." Eva said quietly, stealing a glance at David's parents, who wouldn't object. If the girl wanted to take their relationship farther, they wouldn't care. They might even get a child who could be third in line for the throne...If Rimoru was even still part of the throne.

"Uhh...Eva, let's not go to my room...let's...go somewhere else?"

"Why?" Eva asked, pushing herself up to David, bringing her lips right up to his, as she'd seen her mother do so many times to Alegain, and occasionally someone else...

"Uhh...ummm...well...more...comfortable?" the boy replied.

Eva frowned and spun around, marching up to David's room, and slamming it wide open, revealing a young women, dressed in her undergarments, listening at the door.

"Hello," she replied sheepishly, before recieving a punch in the face, knocking her out.

"You...good for nothing...cheater!" Eva growled as she spun around.

"Your highness, we weren't doing anything! I promise! I was just painting a-" David began, and almost finished before Eva walked up to him and kneed him in the nether-regions. The boy crouched to the ground before falling over, moaning in pain as tears escaped his eyes.

"We've been over since this morning, you...buffoon!" Eva shouted, before looking at his parents. "You should be ashamed of yourselves! If my mother comes back, I'm going to make sure she turns him into...into...something bad!"

With that, Eva took hold of Jorian and Daejan, along with Loki and stomped out the door, where she could see the Ogre walking in the distance.
************

Kalzog reached a nearby wooded area, where he could hear grunts and metal clashing. A fight...just what I've been...dieing for... he chuckled as he cautiously walked through, not wanting to encounter Habdebza again...

Yet he recognized a certain elf there. "Ar'mai...no...Ixair. What in blazes are you doing fighting here when you should be in the forsaken palace?" he growled as he looked around at the Imperium soldiers.

"Oh? I never knew you were a supporter?" Ixair managed to grunt as he battled through a sword lock.

"I'm not. I figured you'd be behind bars in Rimoru's dungeon...Or Habdebza's," Kalzog replied as he looked around for something to hit them with. He regretted leaving his prized club with the demons.

"I'm here and will keep you safe." She replied as she returned the embrace. A few minutes later she looked up as she thought she heard a familiar sounding voice.

Four assassins leapt down from the trees, around Harlin and spoke something in unison.

"You may choose the peaceful way or the violent end, Harlin of the jiltaken," one of the black-cladded assassins said.

Harlin nodded, standing up as though to surrender, but a glint entered his eye as he replied, "I choose the violent end... for you."

With a light pop, Harlin disappeared, entering the Shadowfold. Moments later, he reappeared behind on of his assailants, his swords already in a scissors slash. Harlin received a rude surprise when his swords past straight through the neck of the assassin, but the man did not fall, and instead turned around and engaged him. The other shadow warriors melded with the first, and began to slash at Harlin who parried every blow masterfully, but was unable to return any with any effect.

Kalzog sighed as he waded through the Imperium soldiers, some who gawked at him, but none engaged him, as he was legally, a passerby. He made his way to the floating tree and wrapped his hands around it like he would a pole axe of some sort.

"What are you doing? Interfering with Imperium-" The officer couldn't finish his sentence as Kalzog batted the officer away, sending him in the air, falling onto another soldier.

Kalzog did the same with the other few guards who remained fighting him.

Ixair growled as he dodged a flying body and took hold of his opponents arm and dived behind, cracking the man's arm under the strange angle the elf set it at. The Imperium soldier screamed as he took a small dagger out of his armor with the other hand and spun around to stab at the elf, who lithly dodged under and did the same with the other man's arm. He screamed and searched for the officer who promptly showed himself, gripping his waist, before shouting a retreat.

The Imperium soldiers retreated if they could, running out of sight.

"They'll be back, once they're healed. They usually do that," Ixair grumbled as he looked at Kalzog. "So what's a big ugly ogre like you doing in a fine place like Iskan?"

Kalzog let the tree fall to the ground and smiled at the elf. "Looking for a good elf to eat. And you fit the discription." With that, he began to walk closer to Ixair, who raised an eyebrow and took a few steps back. He could never tell with the strange ogre, as he was known to eat people...

Harlin nodded, standing up as though to surrender, but a glint entered his eye as he replied, "I choose the violent end... for you."


"We are not copies of you Harlin. We are no criminals, no thieves, and certainly not lowly jiltaken such as yourself," the assasin growled as he took a pouch from his hand opened it up, revealing a glittery powder, in which he blew at Harlin.

Should it be breathed in by Harlin, who didn't wear the black filter masks the assassins did, it would temporarily paralyze him, leaving his fate to his assailants.

Another Assassin appeared behind Harlin with a chain, in attempt to choke him.

Lúthien thought she heard the voice again, and raised her voice to call out. "Uncle Kal, is that you?"
She then turned to Beatrice, "Uncle Kal is a little scary looking but is a softy so don't worry."

Kalzog stopped and looked around. "Luthien?" he asked, the hint of a smile playing against his lips. "Now where is little Luthien hiding?"

Beatrice quivered at the ogre's deep voice. If he looked scary, Beatrice wasn't sure what she'd do.

"I'm over here, but don't be scary." She called back before hugging Bea again. "I promise he won't hurt you, but he might tease a bit. Most of what he says and does is teasing."

"We are not copies of you Harlin. We are no criminals, no thieves, and certainly not lowly jiltaken such as yourself," the assasin growled as he took a pouch from his hand opened it up, revealing a glittery powder, in which he blew at Harlin.

Should it be breathed in by Harlin, who didn't wear the black filter masks the assassins did, it would temporarily paralyze him, leaving his fate to his assailants.

Another Assassin appeared behind Harlin with a chain, in attempt to choke him.

If Harlin knew one thing, it was poisons. Holding his breath, he spun around and laid a swift kick in the gut of the assassin with the chain. Following through, he came around full circle a brought his elbow down on the neck of the man with the poison powder.

Looking at the other two, he smiled, his wickedly curved swords glimmering in the starlight. They remained resolute though, so Harlin dove at them, flaiing short and into a roll bringing his swords up into their chests as he rose to his feet.

Looking back at the other two stunned assassins, he said, "Never try to beat a Jiltakin at his own game. In the end, we are death incarnate, and nothing can stand against us."

He slowly advanced on the other two who managed to stand defiantly, "You may have defeated us today Harlin, but we will return, in greater number, and you will be brought to Justice." With that, they retreated in a puff of smoke.

Harlin shook his head, "Cheap parlor tricks." Hurrying back in the direction of his comrades, he arrived to discover that the skirmish was over with out him, and also that a very familiar hulking mass stood amongst the group. "Kalzog!" He exclaimed ecstatically.

"Ah, the assassin, it's almost half the old group that I met in Lustria...the ones that tried to get me killed but failed," Kalzog chuckled as he walked to the tree he heard the familliar elven's voice. "What have you been up to since last time we met?" he asked as he looked up at Luthien and smiled.

"Greetings, little Luthien," Kalzog chuckled, revealing his famous dagger-like teeth, before his red eyes turned to Beatrice. "Who's your friend?"

Beatrice shivered as the tattooed ogre's face came into view. Luthien told her to be calm, but with teeth like that? And red eyes? And the imposing tattoos and scars?

"I'm...B-B-Beatrice," she stammered, getting closer to Luthien.

"B-B-Beatrice...you're lover, Luthien?" he asked as he noticed how close they were, a smile creeping up his lips.

"She's my sister, now stop being mean and teasing her or I'll sic daddy on you and stop making you sweets." Lúthien commented with a stern look that faded to mock stern as he got a bit of a smile to grace his face. It wasn't exactly an idle threat as while they'd never fought, Lorathin had a couple methods of dealing with Kalzog that drove the ogre batty, including enforced socialization.

"Oh? You're sister?" Kalzog looked at the shivering Beatrice and flashed his toothy grin. "Older sister that I never knew about. Not to mention a slight change of race. Pleasure to meet you..."

Beatrice nodded slowly, forcing a smile. "N-n-nice to meet you, too..."

"I'm Kalzog, Luthien's poor ogre friend who occasionally puts up with her and her 'daddy'," the ogre replied rather calmly, keeping his eyes planted on Beatrice's.

Actually, Luthien and Kalzog met on a rather gruesome level. Luthien was to be Kalzog's dinner, before Ar'mai the elven princess and Lorathin the strange mage got in his way. He's glad they did, but he would never admit it.

"Now what are you doing hiding in those trees? Come on down," Kalzog said as he backed away.

Lúthien was happy that Beatrice wasn't totally freaking out at meeting Kalzog, as she'd mostly done when she'd met him for the first time and he was very scary and mean, before daddy came and made him be nice.

"I was keeping Beatrice safe from the soldiers." She replied, the last note bearing a bit of scorn to it. Taking Beatrice's hand, the slid down into the tree again and out the trunk.

As they were doing it, a soot stained and somewhat chemically smelling Lorathin appeared from the door that wasn't there. "Hello, when did you get here Kalzog, and I take it we have you to thank for the tree?"

"Ah...now I wonder why the Imperium is sending soldiers here," Kalzog asked, giving a glance to Harlin.

"Beatrice does not know how to fight?" Kalzog asked as he examined her further. "She looks like she's in a good enough shape to."

Beatrice darkened a bit as she tried to cover herself up as much as she could.

"I'm not commenting on your looks, more on your fighting indications," Kalzog growled as he saw her blushing.

Beatrice shied away slowly and the ogre sighed.

Suddenly a familiar voice which Kalzog could not say he enjoyed or disliked appeared behind him. "I was wondering where you were...Lorathin," he replied as he turned around slowly. He sometimes thought of Lorathin as a thief for stealing away Luthien from him. In fact, he had all the right to, but the girl has grown too attached to the one she calls 'Daddy' and so he can't do much about it with her around. "No, it was actually a mage who uprooted the tree. I only used it to save our precious children." He replied, referring to not only Luthien and Beatrice, but everone else.

"There you are, you oaf!" came a growl from the bushes. Out came an enraged, blond haired, red eyed elf-like girl, covered in a torn, dirty dress, pulling a boy with a child and a small thing with a hat. "You told me you were...finding help you idiot! You imbecile! My mom is in trouble and you take the time to start talking to a bunch of nobodies when you leave me with a blasted cheating boyfriend and his goons of parents? When My mom gets back in power, she's going to have you executed!"

"Please stop teasing her." Lúthien commented with an impish smile.

"Ah, that fine then. How've you been since last time, still looking for your orb?" Lorathin asked as he looked over at the ogre.

As the imperious voice came from the bushes, he looked over to the girl and her entourage. She seemed familiar, but he couldn't place it. "So have you taken up baby-sitting in your old age?" He asked Kalzog teasingly.

"Alright, alright," Kalzog replied, giving Beatrice as good of a smile as the ogre could manage at the moment.

"Aye, stilling looking for my orb, and I found it in the wrong hands," Kalzog replied, furrowing his brows. "And this, hold onto your britches, Azrael."

"Azrael?" Beatrice asked curiously.

Kalzog gently pat the girl's head with a sigh, but otherwise did not reply.

"This is the illustrious spawn of the now dethroned Empress Rimoru. And her name is Eva. The little devil wouldn't leave me alone, so I threatened to eat the smallest one. Bunch of pests."

"You foul beast!" Eva screamed as she picked up a rock and tossed it at the ogre. "What did you call me? You're supposed to call me 'your highness' or 'princess' or 'your beautifulness' or or or, something like that!"

Eva continued to toss rocks, tears slowly forming at the corners of her eyes.

"It's one of daddy's names." Lúthien explained

At hearing that Rimoru was dethroned, Lorathin's eyes widened briefly before he asked in a calm voice, "What happened and where is she?"

Lúthien looked over at Eva as she pelted Kalzog with rocks and commented, "So you're Eva. I always wondered what daddy's friend's daughter looked like, and please stop throwing rocks at uncle Kal."

"She's dead!" Eva screamed, letting the tears flow out as she slumped to her knees. "She's dead, all because of you, you big fat ogre!"

She looked at Luthien through her tears, but couldn't say much because she was crying instead.

"She's not dead!" Kalzog growled back at her. He paused to recompose himself before facing the others. "She's momentarily out of commission. It seems an old friend of ours has finally succeeded in taking her out. Habdebza was in the palace, along with our old Teralynn friend. I tried to save them, but Habdebza is too strong. He always was..." The ogre seemed weaker as he spoke about his old master. But it was only momentarily. "She's still in the palace, held up against the wall. I have no clue how Habdebza managed to defeat her."

"She wasn't moving!" Eva screamed again.

"Where in the palace?" Lorathin pressed as if Rimoru was injured there wasn't much time to search the massive estate.

"The lobby," Kalzog replied. "You're not planning on saving her, are you? If you are, it's futile with Habdebza around there."

"Oh, please do! Save my mother and my father and Auntie Fala and Uncle Mavey! Please oh please!" Eva screamed, running to the man and wrapping her arms around him.

Beatrice looked to and fro and frowned. "Rimoru is dead?" she asked Luthien quietly. "That's Rimoru's daughter?"

"Habdebza won't even touch me." Lorathin replied, "Take care of the children for me." He added as he divested himself of a dead-weight princess.

With that and a whistle for his horse he took off, but not before shouting back, "Lúthien, listen to Kalzog, stay put and set up a TC for me if you can."

"Daddy doesn't think she is, or at least I don't think he does, and it seems she is." Lúthien replied, unsure as to Lorathin's mental state as it was completely locked down, with the only sense of his existance coming throught.

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

"Who is Habdebza, uncle Kal?" Lúthien asked, mangling the name quite horribly.

"Didn't even acknowledge me, you dirty piece of rabble!" Eva ranted at the fleeing Lorathin, stomping her foot on the ground.

"Can it, princess," Kalzog growled as he watched Lorathin take to the air. He looked at Luthien with a frown. "You do know he won't survive an encounter with Habdebza. He's one of the most powerful demi-gods and an old...acquantance."

"Ah, authority...How I love it...First off, tell me what a TC is, Beatrice...go hide somewhere, bring Luthien and Eva with you, along with her friends and big-hat."

Ixair frowned. "Who ever said everyone was in your charge?"

"Look here, pretty boy, you won't go far with Habdebza-"

"We're not going against Habdebza...In fact, I'm supposed to be taking this group to the Northern end of Rimoru City, before I leave them. I'm...I'm not even supposed to be caught up in these problems!" Ixair growled.

"Then leave us. I'm taking it from here," Kalzog challenged with a snarl.

Beatrice hid behind Luthien. "I'm scared," she whispered.

"Ah shut up you bunch of hoo-hahs," Eva growled. "If anyone should be leading, it should be me! I'm the princess! I deter-"

Kalzog gently pushed her back towards Luthien and Beatrice as he walked closer to Ixair, who flaunted his blade.

"There's no bars to hold me back now, Ixair," Kalzog growled as his eyes glowed a red color.

"Bring it, chunky," Ixair retorted, getting himself in a defensive stance.

"I'm tired of...of...Ugh!" Eva screamed throwing herself to the ground and taking her rage out on the ground.

"Daddy's going to help your mother, show some respect." Lúthien said to the princess.

"Daddy's not going to fight, or I don't think he is. He's got something else planned. A TC is short for teleportation circle, I'm not sure what daddy wants with one thought." She explained as she found a clear spot and began etching it out.

"Both of you stop it." Lúthien commanded as she continued to etch out the complicated design, "Kalzog, no beating up Ixair. Ixair, leave my uncle alone. You're both scaring Beatrice. Princess, be quiet."

"When my mother comes back, I'll make sure she does something to all of you! Just like she's going to defeat Habmonza and retake the throne!" Eva growled angrily. "What makes you all think you can order me around? I'm the princess! None of you have authority here! I can scream if I want!"

Ixair glared at Kalzog, who returned the look. Ixair slowly sheathed his sword, until the ogre took a speedy step forward, immediately making the elf spring backwards, unsheating his weapon. "Don't test me, ogre," the elf scowled.

Kalzog snorted as he took a step backwards. "Don't get any ideas. I'm not going to tear you apart since the children are here."

"I know you're grown soft, Kalzog. I remember when you bragged about eating children," Ixair taunted as he sheated his sword and walked backwards slightly.

Beatrice walked to Luthien, unsure if she should bother her or not. "Luthien...I don't know if Kalzog is harmless...he looks like he's...like he's gonna kill someone..." she whispered.

"Daddy once told me that uncle Kalzog and Ixair really don't like each other. They're both silly." She replied as she continued to etch the circle. "Both are good fighters, thought."

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

Meanwhile, Lorathin's mount's speed had increased quite a bit and he'd likely arrive at the outskirts of the palace in short while. Of course he had no intention of landing that close, considering he could remain a fair distance away for his first step.

ooc: Gone now.

Beatrice nodded slowly. "Why wouldn't they like each other? Why is the princess angry?" she whispered.

"Why am I angry? Get over here and I'll show you," Eva growled as she got up and began to stomp towards Luthien and Beatrice. She felt the familiar hand grip her around her waste and gently lift her away. "Gerroff me you ogre! Just...just let me be what I am supposed to be for once!" she cried. "Why am I not being treated as a princess?! Why!?"

"Because you aren't one anymore," Kalzog growled as he walked to the fallen tree and began to pull branches off of it.

**********

The Palace, or atleast the streets around the large walled gates, were full of people, anxious to see who or what has taken control. The wall prevented them from getting a good view of what was inside, but those that ventured as far as the front gate, didn't notice, or couldn't see the horrible creatures silently moving about the grounds.

Cantrell smiled as he attached his chains to Magnus. As the bolt hit him, it hit his chain, and the electricity surged into Magnus. Then the ogre and child appeared. Cobiesel and Ixair were confused. "So.. is this a reunion of sorts?" Cantrell asked.

Horatio followed the voice that guided him, past various gruesome displays of corpses which he could do nothing byt nod at to appreciate the cruelty. He walked through various pools of blood, then stopped and removed his shoes, revealing feet that had also grown more clawlike. He tossed the shoes onto a corpse and continued walking.

Eventually he was lead to a dungeon which reeked of death and decay, he smiled slightly as he entered, absorbing the display. A pile of corpses, several injured people chained to walls and tables and who he presumed was 'The Master'. He gave a bow and said. "I have come, as requested."

Habdebza turned around and, if one could see his face, would notice a smile. "I've been expecting you, druid. Horatio, I presume?" the demon asked as he stood still, revealing no piece of his body from beneath the large cloak.

"My you definately look different from what I expected...your...growth has proceeded quite well. However, that is not why I asked for you."

"You intrigue me, because you are a druid. And yet you are also a demon. That is a rare gift...And I have need for someone just like you. I have been searching for a way to release a god upon the world, a god who rewards his servants with power, wealth...passion. Does this interest you?"

***********

Kalzog looked at Cantrell and examined his chains. "Somewhat. Don't you belong in prison?" he grumbled.

"I am Horatio... 'Master'" He replied, examining the cloak in front of him, he couldn't garner much except from the obvious signs of death on his way here and the pile of corpses in the room showed that this was a powerful creature.

He considered the question carefully and responded. "Wealth has little meaning to a druid, power may useful, but i am more interested in... revenge. What did you have in mind for me?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mienna eyed the ogre curiosly, and, while being sure to remain out of its reach it cawed down a greeting.

"I'm not sure why they don't like each other. The princess is angry because she's scared and worried." Lúthien replied as she continued her work.

*****

Lorathin stopped and took a seat on a small hillock as he prepared for his work.

Habdebza began to walk around Horatio his cloak eerily swaying back and forth. "But you are not so much a druid anymore, Horatio. Power is on everyone's mind...power is what makes the flea a flea and a king a king. But revenge...there's plenty of that, Horatio. A quiery, however...what do you want to enact your vengeance upon?"

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

Beatrice nodded and slowly sat a few feet away from Luthien. "Do you need help?" she asked quietly, her eyes falling on Kalzog and the princess.

Kalzog remained relatively quiet as he slowly crafted himself a makeshift club. He looked up a the bird and raised an eyebrow. "I thought birds slept at this time of day..."

Eva was sniffling as she sat by another tree, casting angry glances at the others occasionally. Ixair walked over to her and crouched so he was eye level with her and studied her carefully.

"So you're the famous Princess Eva?" he asked softly.

Her cold red eyes stared into his warm blue ones. She nodded slowly. "Yes...I am," she whispered, her voice wavering, contradicting her staunch eyes and defiant position.

"Pleased to meet you, Princess. I am Ixair," he said holding his hand out.

"I thought you looked familiar from the wanted posters," was all she said, not bothering to shake Ixair's hand. "I don't understand you rebel scum."

Ixair frowned slowly and retracted his hand. "Not many leaders do," he replied.

"Thank you for the offer, but I don't think you can help." She replied with a smile at Beatrice.

Beatrice nodded slowly and looked for something to do. The eery silence was strange for her as each person seemed to be doing their own thing, except for Ixair and Eva. She yawned and sighed as she picked up a stick and began to draw a much smaller version that Luthien's, smiling a bit when she made her own little details.

Eva, meanwhile, spent her time chatting with Ixair.

"So, why do you want to get rid of my mom?" she asked quietly, looking down at the dirt.

"She doesn't rule correctly. She abuses her powers and forgets about her people."

Eva shook her head. "No, she had schools built around Rimoru city, increasing the number of educated individuals and decreasing the amount of homeless."

"One good thing in the realm of bad ones," Ixair replied, before recieving a muddy slap in the face. "Ow...what was that for?"

"You don't know half the good things my mom does," Eva growled, tears falling down her cheeks.

Ixair closed his eyes and sighed. He knew he shouldn't be arguing with the girl, even if she was Rimoru's child. "You're right...I'm sorry, Eva," he whispered as he held out his hands in a shrug. However, he was surprised to find out that Eva mistook it as someplace to rest her tear-stained face.

She quietly sobbed on Ixair's chest, his eyes wide with surprise. He slowly wrapped his arms around the girl and gently rocked her. "Shh, don't worry Princess Eva...it'll all be fine."

"Are you...are you going to save my family?" she sobbed, looking up at Ixair.

Ixair sighed and thought about it, his eyes becoming entranced in her strange dark red ones. "Yes," he finally muttered. Eva gave a hint of a smile and dug her face in his chest again.

Even if he is a rebel...he certainly is a cute one, Eva thought to herself as she pressed herself closer to Ixair, feeling his muscles.

Lúthien finished her large, complicated design and looked over at Kalzog, "Now we just need to wait for daddy."

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

Meanwhile Lorathin had cast a spell, creating a large number of semi-tangible and translucent 'eyes' each about the size of a small apple. He then sent them out to explore the palace and find out the situation, as well as Rimoru's condition and locals of the guard enclaves.

"No I don't. The cult did this to me. Unjustly I might add. And how are you, ogre?"

Kalzog raised an eyebrow. "And what if he doesn't come back?" the ogre asked in a somewhat annoyed tone. Not only has he missed one of his meals now, he's been shamed by Habdebza, hurled on by the arrogant princess, and threatened by a rebel elf. All he wanted to do was get out of there and get his orb back.

Eva had sobbed herself into a light sleep on Ixair's chest as he gently massaged the girl's back. The elf prince, however, didn't want to remain in one place with the princess sleeping on his chest. He sighed as he gently picked her up and lay her on the bush bed he slept on earlier.

He smiled as he walked away from the sleeping girl and yawned himself as he walked over to Beatrice and Luthien. "It's strange how you girls look like such angels while you sleep, but you are such devils while you are awake."

"No I don't. The cult did this to me. Unjustly I might add. And how are you, ogre?"

"In the wrong place for getting revenge on the cult now aren't you? Unless you could see into the future and saw this happening. How am I, you ask? Tell me what you think and I'll tell you if you're right," the ogre growled.

"Power is arbitary, it can be given and it can be taken, it can be earned or it can be stolen. Power comes and goes like the shifting tide. Revenge however, comes once and is to be savoured." Horatio replied, staying perfectly still, watching the demon examine him, frowning slightly at the secretiveness of the demon; "As to who i want to enact my vengeance upon... the list is endless, though highest on that list are the family that exiled me, followed by the druids that placated my true self for so long, then... there are many others, the order is unimportant."

---------------------------------------------------

Mienna let out a dissapointed caw, the ogre was clearly too foolish to accept things out of its scope of knowledge, so instead she turned her haid and watched Lúthiens drawings.

"But out of power, you may enact your revenge," Habdebza replied. "But it will be done, Horatio, should you aid me. Revenge will be all yours...and people will tremble just by the sound of your name."

"But first, I need you to guard these individuals and guard them well. They are important to me..." He glanced at the crying Rimoru and walked up the stairs. "I will be back soon, dear Horatio."

"In the wrong place for getting revenge on the cult now aren't you? Unless you could see into the future and saw this happening. How am I, you ask? Tell me what you think and I'll tell you if you're right," the ogre growled.

"Who said I want revenge? I want nothing to do with the cult. I wish to find my friends. And I assume you're having a lovely day." Cantrell sair with a sarcistic smirk.

"Daddy will be back." Lúthien replied as she put the last touch on the symbol and stood back. "All the better to tease you with uncle." She commented with a grin that bespoke a certain amount of devilishness. "Want something to eat?"

Horatio remeained standing in the room as the 'master' left, considering his options. He had to told to guard these prisoners... against what exactly? and what could be so important about these people. He shrugged and resolved to make finding this room as difficult as possible for those who didn't need to. "You guys just 'hang around', don't go anywhere." He said to the people on the walls and tables and stepped out of the room.

He warped the wood to seal the door shut and did the same to many doors along the various linking passages, occasionally modifying the stonework itself to create new doors that led nowhere. Making a maze for people that did not know their way and leaving various unfriendly magical and nonmagical traps for those same people. As a finishing touch he returned to the dungeon room and sealed the entrance by stretching the stone, creating a new entrance on a differant wall. He was curious to see how the 'master' would react if he returned.

He sat in the room and watched the prisoners, making sure that none looked like they were going to die anytime soon, using his druidic magic to heal the wounds enough to make them non life threatening.

"Oh, I am, you little runt. And if you don't like those chains, tell me. I'll gladly rip them out of you," Kalzog growled.

He noticed Luthien had finished her work and gave her a smile. "Oh you always tease me, you relentless little devil," Kalzog replied as he sat down and motioned for Luthien to come over. "I am a bit hungry, but don't pull that strange stuff out of mid air like your 'daddy'...or liquid food..."

"So you don't want any soup?" She asked, "Then will you be providing the provisions for me to cook, or would you prefer to go rabbit today?"

Kalzog raised an eyebrow and sighed in thought. "Something large, Luthien. Something...meaty, not so much...soupy."

"Get something sweet!" Beatrice chimed in happily as she continued to scratch in her own variation of Luthien's design.

"If you want some large meat, then I guess we can try to get you large fish, if that lake has any. We don't afterall carry cows around." Lúthien replied

"I remember your 'daddy' owing me I believe atleast five more cows and a cake," Kalzog chuckled. "And he did happen to pull the cows from mid air...but all the better, right, Luthien? But sure, let's try the fish." His eyes narrowed and his smile widened. "Or we can steal a nearby cow," he chuckled quietly as he spoke into Luthien's ear.

"You guys just 'hang around', don't go anywhere." He said to the people on the walls and tables ...

"Please...help us," Rimoru sniffled to the newcomer. "We didn't do anything...please..."

Alegain was barely conscious, however he watched the man carefully. He didn't want to see what happened to Rimoru earlier happen again...his own wife...right before his eyes.

"Yes, but daddy's not here." She replied, "No stealing cows or I won't make you any dessert."

"Now let's go fishing." Lúthien added, "Do you want to join us Beatrice?"

"Oh, but it'll be fun, Luthien! Think of it!" Kalzog chuckled, trying to draw out the more mischievious side of the girl.

"Yes please!" Beatrice smiled as she sprung up and walked a short distance away from Luthien and Kalzog.

Horatio turned to the lightly dressed woman who had just spoken and gave a small chuckle, "Perhaps if you had done something, you wouldn't be in this situation." Apart from that he did not stir from his position, he had been told to guard them, not entertain them.

"Please...with all the goodness in your heart! Believe me! You don't want to be doing this! In the Gate War, I once loved a man...who was corrupted by Valtrox's touch...Please...don't listen to them..." Rimoru begged, tears streaming down her face.

"Maybe later." Lúthien replied, a mischievious smile gracing her face as the trio walked to the lake. "Do you know how to fish?" She asked both of them.

"You're asking me, your uncle Kalzog, if I know how to fish? Luthien...you need to spend more time with me," the ogre chuckled as he walked to the lake.

Beatrice shook her head. "Nope...I know how to swim though!" she said happily.

Horatio laughed again, "Mere hours ago your pleas would have been answered, but you're too little too late." He fell silent for a moment and it occured to him that he knew very little about his current 'employer', not even his name, apart from that he served Valtrox or course. "What do you know of the being that was here a while ago? the one who presumably tortured you."

"It's not my fault you and daddy argue." Lúthien replied with exaggerated innocence. She pulled out three sets of line and hooks. "You dangle this in the water, jiggling it occasionally and if a fish bites it, you pull it in. Be careful you don't hook yourself."

Horatio laughed again, "Mere hours ago your pleas would have been answered, but you're too little too late." He fell silent for a moment and it occured to him that he knew very little about his current 'employer', not even his name, apart from that he served Valtrox or course. "What do you know of the being that was here a while ago? the one who presumably tortured you."

"He's a cruel...manipulative demi-god. Before you know it, he's going to have a knife in your back," Rimoru sobbed. "He is unpredictable and enjoys being in charge. Please, with whatever goodness you still have in your heart...save us...."


"It's not my fault you and daddy argue." Lúthien replied with exaggerated innocence. She pulled out three sets of line and hooks. "You dangle this in the water, jiggling it occasionally and if a fish bites it, you pull it in. Be careful you don't hook yourself."

Kalzog only smiled and picked up his rod. He looked over into the water and frowned. The sight of water still brought shivers to the ogre as he remembered his inability to swim and his encounter with the legendary Orogen.

Beatrice was ducking and dodging from her swinging hook, trying not to get speared before tossing the hook in the lake at the end of a very short string, due to wrapping around the pole.

Lúthien helped Bea cast her line, before doing so herself. "After this do you want to go swimming?" She asked them both.

"Demi-god?" he stiffened slightly in his chair, he would definately have to be more careful around him. "No matter, the choice you are offering is foolish, one way, i release you, he will definately try to kill me, the other, i don't and he might get killed. It doesn't take a genius to make the logical choice." Though to placate her slightly he did loosen her bonds a little, not enough for her to get free, but she might be slightly more comfortable.

"Yes please!" Beatrice nodded with a giggle. As she thanked Luthien for helping her.

Kalzog frowned and shook his head. "No thank you Luthien. I'd get seasick..." he growled.

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

Rimoru looked at the druid, tears in her bright blue eyes in silent thanks for loosening up the bonds, however, behind that was a pleading and incredible fear for what was to happen to her. "We can protect you...that will be my promise..."

"Seasick, from swimming? You're silly uncle Kal." Lúthien commented before tossing her line out again. As she did, she froze. "Daddy's saying it's time to go." She announced.

"Time to go?" Beatrice asked as she pulled on her line, succeeding only on pulling out her tenth strand of seaweed.

"Oh? How would Lorathin know?" Kalzog asked, but never the less following after Luthien.

"We'll go fishing later, alright Beatrice?" Lúthien replied, "And daddy just told me."

She then returned to the circle and began making sure it hadn't been disrupted, "Kalzog, could you please gather the others, but make sure they don't step on my circle."

"Relax Ogre. I mean you no harm. I only wish to find my friends. And these chains are bound to me, they are impossible to rip off."

Kalzog nodded slowly to Luthien and walked to the others. "Time to go," he growled, shaking Eva's bed, making her stumble to the ground.

Ixair had been meditating alongside one of the remaining trees and slowly opened his eyes. With a frown he watched Kalzog turn to Cantrell.

"I can test that theory," Kalzog growled at Cantrell, ignoring his kind words. "But let's go to the circle first. And no one had better step on it...or else..."

"Stupid ogre," Eva growled as she plucked leaves and sticks from her hair. "I like how selective you are in taking orders from little girls, you twit."

"For one thing, Luthien has never lost her dinner on me. For another, she isn't a brat," Kalzog growled.

"Go stuff a spike up your-"

"Hey, Kalzog, buzz off," Ixair growled as he helped Eva to her feet.

"Oooh, Ixair the rebel is courting the daughter of the one he was going to dethrone!" Kalzog taunted, recieving a glare from the elf prince.

Eva, blushed slightly, but hid it with her long dirty hair as she leaned slightly on his shoulder.

Cantrell stop talking. He didn't fear the ogre, but he knew that things might get ugly for him if he continued.

Lúthien watched Kalzog 'bully' the others into compliance. "Now when I activate this, it'll take us to Lorathin so we can get Rimoru. Any questions?"

"Should we get in a certain position before we go?" Ixair asked as he nervously stood at the edge of the circle.

Eva stood next to him and furrowed her eyebrows in irritation at the others. Yet, the girl looked so familiar. But who was she to be giving her, Princess Eva, orders? She was so tempted to ruin the circle, but if it meant saving her mother, it meant getting what she wanted most again.

"Just hurry up and get on with it," Eva growled.

"Line up, and don't stop walking till out of the deposit end, unless you want to risk Kalzog tripping and falling on you..." She replied as he was the biggest and most likely to squish the person he fell on.

Once they'd all lined up, she put her hand on a section and it began glowing. "Let's go." She replied, gesturing for the first to enter. They'd find themself on the edge of Rimoru's city nearby Lorathin.

"Luthien, I don't see how that would be any different from you tripping and falling over them," Kalzog said with a mocked hurt expression.

Ixair walked shuffled through the portal cautiously.

Eva followed but stopped suddenly, in front, facing Luthien, causing Kalzog to stumble.

"Keep moving, you spoiled brat!" Kalzog barked, making Eva wince slightly.

"Shut up you galoot," Eva growled, before glaring at Luthien. She casually, brought her left hand to her right shoulder and flicked some mud off her dress onto Luthien, before proceeding into the portal.

Kalzog sighed as he walked in after her.

Lúthien smiled up at Kalzog, a mildly contrite look on her face. Eva flicking the mud didn't cause a visual reaction from her intended victem, but a thought, "Daddy better hope she got her manners from her father rather than mother or I'm yelling at him."

Once the ogre and princess had passed throught, she used a minor spell to 'superheat' her hands for a brief instant to evaporate the mud and brushed it off.

She then waited for the rest to cross over the threshold.

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

"Good to see you." Lorathin commented as the elf stepped throught. "Step lively now, unless you want the others treading on your heels."

Ixair nodded and looked at the palace. He noticed the mob surrounding it, trying to get a good view. "Surprised to see me come with?" Ixair asked with a smirk as he searched the palace grounds, seeing little.

Eva appeared next, stumbling a bit as she went through. She looked up at the man with the same glare she gave Luthien. "Learn to respect royalty," she growled before walking by, closer to Ixair. Kalzog followed and looked about at the all too familiar palace.

"Want to save your wife from death, dont you?" Kalzog chuckled under his breath.

"Not really. I figured if Lúthien didn't dragoon you, she'd have gotten Beatrice or Kalzog to do it for her." He commented as he watched the princess arrive.

"Kalzog, that has to be your favourite angle regarding my relationship with Rimoru." He thought to himself, before replying with a faint grin, "Same old Kalzog."

Ixair chuckled as he waited for more information on how to go about this.

"Do you think Rimmy's changed her styles. She is married..." Kalzog asked Lorathin in a hushed whisper so the brooding princess wouldn't hear. If she did hear, she payed them no head as she watched the palace with her violent red eyes.

"There are only a few more to come and then a briefing." Lorathin commented to Ixair's fidgeting. "That's between her and her husband, not for us to gossip about afterall."

"Not so much as gossip as to trying to find out why you want to do this," Kalzog replied as he awaited the others.

"Nothing happened between us, regardless of what you think. I do this to rescue a friend." Lorathin replied, "Who knows, if you were in trouble, I might well do the same."

"Hah! I don't see you trying unless Luthien made you," Kalzog chuckled. "Besides, I don't need anyone's help..."

"But, I've been pretty curious...what if, Eva...is your child?" the ogre asked with an amused smile.

"She isn't, beside a couple problems with that assumption on my end, I would know if she was of my blood." He commented, "And while Lúthien might influence me, it would still be my decision."

"You're too confident, Lorathin. I'd love to see the look of your face should a surprise come your way," Kalzog laughed. "And say whatever you want, I still think Luthien would be the one pulling your strings."

Eva looked up at Ixair who began to meditate again. She examined his long blond hair, the sharp points his ears made, his lean, muscular body.

"Is there something you need, princess Eva?" Ixair asked with one eye opened and a small smile on his face.

Eva blushed and looked away. "Not from a rebel," she muttered as she looked at the palace, than at the scheming ogre and the strange man next to him. He looked...too familiar...

Beatrice slowly walked through the portal and looked about, her face showing content and amazement. Her eyes went to the magificent palace and she clapped. "It's beautiful!" she laughed.

"You should have seen the insides of it," Eva grumbled as she yawned and stretched in a somewhat seductive way in front of Ixair, a stretch she learned from her mother.

"I've been surprised before, but you'll have to trust me that Eva is not related to me. There are some, shall we say, heritary traits that are part and parcel of my make-up." He commented as the last people stepped throught followed by Lúthien who closed down the circle. Noting Eva's look in his and Kalzog's direction, he asked, "Can either of us help you?"

Eva scowled and turned away. She finally turned again and frowned.

"Do I know you?" she asked rather bluntly.

"Are you asking have we ever met, then no, unless of course if you count while you were still growing in Rimoru." Lorathin replied, "You may know of me if you've picked up the habit of reading your mother's mail thought."

Eva narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips in thought. "Rothargot?" she asked quietly.

Kalzog burst out in laughter, giving Lorathin a somewhat heavy pat on the back.

Eva muttered something about ogres under her breath before she continued to stare at Lorathin. "Azzy wazzy?" she asked again, giving Kalzog another burst of laughter.

His eyes widened quite a bit as she called him Rothargot. Surprise would be an understatement at getting called that, well that and getting almost pounded into the ground by Kalzog's pat. With a slight sigh and a glare at the ogre, he replied, "Yes."

The diminunative was slightly annoying but he didn't really mind it.

Eva stared with wide eyes at Lorathin and walked closer to him, studying his every feature. "Wow...my mother was wrong..." she whispered in curiousity.

"You're uglier than a sack of potatos..." she muttered.

Kalzog couldn't handle it. He roared with laughter, falling to his knees. Ixair raised an eyebrow as it was the most he'd ever seen the ogre laugh. But even the elf couldn't help but smile.

Beatrice frowned slightly and walked behind Lorathin. "Ugly? Lorathin is not ugly," she replied.

"You don't get out much," Eva replied, a devilish smile curling up her lips.

"Good to know you care princess." He replied with a bit of a grin. Kalzog's laughter was a bit much thought. "At least I still have one supporter." He added as even Lúthien had been beset by a giggle attack.

"Now that we've got that out of the way, shall we get down to buisness?"

ooc: Gone for the night

ooc: You don't wanna leave :p

"I don't think you're ugly," Beatrice chimed in, much quieter as she stood behind Lorathin.

Kalzog stood up, wiping tears from his face, a chuckle escaping his lips every so often. "Ready...as I'll ever be," he chuckled.

"What am I supposed to do?" Eva asked with a smile, knowing she had something over these people, even if it was a bit of comedy. "I don't know how to fight..."

"Well, lead us to your mother and hope you don't get killed," Kalzog replied, making the princess shiver slightly.

Doesn't know how to fight... Her words repeated themselves over and over in Kalzog's mind. His gaze went to Luthien, then back to Eva. A cruel smile played upon his lips as insidious thoughts played in his mind. Perhaps he could do what he couldn't with Luthien...

Ixair stood up slowly and set his hand on Eva's shoulder. "You have my words, Princess, no harm shall come upon you within the palace," he said sternly. "That goes with you too, Luthien and Beatrice."

Beatrice smiled and blushed slightly, but otherwise remained silent.

Cantrell and Cobiesel had entered the portal. They had vbeen walking with the others, in awe of the palace. The conversation was somewhat confusing to them, since they had no idea what the group was talking about, they merely followed without a word.

"That may be a bit of a problem, as someone's been doing some extensive re-decorating." He commented

"Well, mother made my room bigger, and father insisted on painting it without magic...he's a little wierd. My father insisted on refurnishing the whole house, but my mother only let him decorate the lobby and several of the kitchens. She told me that she sometimes doesn't understand why my father wants to do things the hard way. She says it's just men," Eva babbled, not exactly getting what Lorathin meant. "But I still know my way around the palace...it's not like I haven't been living there my whole life..."

"That's nice, but not very helpful. I'm talking about adding walls, dead ends, doors, that sort of thing. Stuff that's likely happened quite recently." Lorathin replied, "Let me set out a basic floor plan and see if you still recognise it."

He muttered a minor spell, generating a detailed illusion of the palace, that had some blank areas in it it and did not show any people or anything of similar nature.

Rimoru looked at the druid, tears in her bright blue eyes in silent thanks for loosening up the bonds, however, behind that was a pleading and incredible fear for what was to happen to her. "We can protect you...that will be my promise..."

"Protect me? From the looks of it you couldnt even protect yourself. I'm sorry, but no." He was beggining to bore with the womans pleading and turned his back to her, returning to his seat. He looked around at the others. "What about you red eyes, don't you have anything to say?"

-------------------------------------------------------------

Mienna had followed the others through the portal, perching on Kalzogs head. But when they got to the other side she let out a caw of surprise and leapt into the sky as her connection to Horatio was established with a vengance, except it felt strange, cold and alien. She landed nearby and let out a low confused caw.

Eva nodded and paced around the magical floor plan, her red eyes skimming through the walls and chambers. " The lobby remains unchanged, as does most of my side of the palace. My mother's and father's room is not truly part of the palace, so it shouldn't show up...but here," she said, pointing to a door that lead to the basement and dungeons. "I am not allowed to go down there."

"That's where little Azzy got his first drink of alcohol, isn't it?" Kalzog laughed, trying to shoo the bird away from him. "Who's bird is this?"

Ixair chuckled a bit. "This is Mienna, a druid's bird. We've been looking for him for a bit, but we haven't found him. However...Mienna seems a bit confused...Maybe because of all the people?"

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

Rimoru shook her head violently. "We have a better chance now! I know how he fights!" she screamed, trying to get out of her bindings.

Alegain furrowed his brows and stared at the druid. "You traitor to your people. You aren't fit to carry the name of Druid. If I get out of these bindings, I'll rip you to shreds," he growled, spitting at him. Did I just say that? he wondered to himself, making sure not to lose his menacing glare. Where did it come from?

"Would you still be able to guide us to where we need to go?" Lorathin asked as otherwise she'd be, in all likelyhood, staying behind with Bea and Lúthien, at least if he had any say in the matter.

"Maybe it can feel him nearby?" Lúthien suggested as she looked at the bird.

"If you were powerful enough to beat him, you would be powerful enough to escape and defeat me. Since you have not done this..." Horatio said to Rimoru, then Alegain cut in with his comment. Horatio laughed, "They were never my people, and the same to you, what is stopping you from breaking those bonds and trying to make good on your threat?" He had a mocking tone in his voice.

-------------------------------------------------------

Mienna ignored their comments and let out another low caw, she tried to send a message along the bond but found it blocked by something else, Horatio had changed, or his good side had been surpressed in some way and she could not reach it, all that she knew was that it was coming from the direction of the palace. She hopped forward a few steps, then turned back to the others and cawed impatiently, as if to say "Come on. Hurry up!"

"I believe so, if mother and father weren't moved from the lobby," Eva replied. "Plus, I want to get stuff from my room. Important things..."

Kalzog frowned and shook his head. "We don't have time for that," he growled.

"Yeah we do. For these we do," Eva returned angrily.

Beatrice looked down at the palace and then at Lorathin. "W-w-what is going on?" she asked, still not fully understanding what they were doing.

Ixair laughed at Mienna and nodded, before turning to address the others. "Our impatient Mienna wants to get a move on. I agree as well. Perhaps you can get us through without all these people seeing us, Eva?"

Eva nodded and smiled mischieviously. "Of course!"

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

"No, druid...I can regain my power...just need...the orb," Rimoru sobbed quietly.

Alegain just hung there, flustered, unable to fulfill his threat. Not yet atleast...

Horatio misunderstood Rimoru's comment, An Orb that grants power? this could prove useful. "Where might i find this orb?" He was thinking back to a few moments earlier when he had been trapping the palace, had he seen an orb anywhere?

"What do you want to get Eva?" Lorathin asked

"Daddy's planning a rescue mission to get Rimoru out safely. I also think he wants us to remain out here where it'll likely be safer, but I think we'll be safer with daddy and uncle Kalzog." Lúthien replied to Beatrice's question.

Harlin walked out of the portal and into a three dimensional representation of the palace. Looking around at the floor plan, he was impressed by the detail.

"Do we know where everyone is that we need to rescue? If we do, there's a possibility that I could sneak in there in the Shadowfold and bring them out one by one. It seems to me that going up against a hoarde of demons is not a very good plan. Sneaking is my style though, I'm open to suggestions."

"Ask your master, you traitor," Alegain growled as he struggled against his chains.

"I don't know...I was hoping you knew...to give to me," Rimoru replied, giving Horatio a doe-eyed look, tears gently rolling down her smooth face.

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

"Aren't you nosey...it's my business, not yours what I want to get," Eva snapped back at Lorathin.

"Why do you think that?" Beatrice asked, as the spot seemed a good distance away from the throngs of people and the palace itself. And if there was to be a fight in the palace, whatever the threat in there was, would have to push through the people, Lorathin and the others to get to Beatrice and Luthien.

"Have no clue, Harlin. Last I was in there, they were hanging in the lobby. Besides...nothing like a good fight with demons won't do," Kalzog grinned, hoping that Habdebza is not still there...

"Hurry up!" Eva shouted, stomping her foot on the ground.

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

Habdebza was already at the desert outskirts of the city, heading north to where a cultist castle had been taken over by a mysterious force. He'd have to show this 'mystery' what it means to tamper with Valtrox. And he might give his new toy a little whirl as well...

He smiled as he held up the orb, gently stroking a series of scratches that made out Kalzog's name. He could feel immense power radiating off of it. Incredible...haven't seen one this big before...

He looked back at Teralynn who rode on the large Maw. "Do you not think this is one of the most marvelous pieces of equipment ever?"

Horatio shrugged, "I have not seen the orb you speak of. It is likely that my 'master' as you called him, has taken it, if it is as powerful as you suggest." He ignored Rimoru and watched the Red-eyed elf stuggle against his bonds. "If you continue that you might hurt yourself, or i could be forced to hurt you." A small smile spread across his face; "And i would loath to do that."

"It's my buisness if it could get Rimoru, my family or those who are otherwise important hurt or killed." Lorathin replied, "Now you can tell me, in private if you wish, or remain behind, your choice."

"Because there might be some powerful things around here and daddy and Kalzog are very strong and powerful." She replied

Harlin nodded, "Well, actually, it might be a good idea for you to distract them. If Rimmy and company are too tired to stay in the Shadowfold. In that case I'd have to carry them out in this dimension. I'd rather not have to carry them past a huge hoarde of demons."

"Seems as good an idea as any other," Kalzog rumbled with a slight nod.

"Harlin, you think you can pull it off?" Ixair asked. He didn't want his friend to die or pass out in the alternate dimension he's been known to go to. "Plus, we don't know where exactly they are if they were moved..."

"Well, considering you can't order me around, I'm going whether you say so or not," Eva replied, crossing her arms and walking down the hill to a small patch of trees.

*****

"You couldn't hurt a fly," Alegain growled as he glared at Horatio's robes. Suddenly, they lit on fire as the elf finished his spell.

"That it does Harlin, if you think you can manage it." Lorathin commented, "And Eva, you'd be surprised what I can, and will, do to protect those important to me."

"Well, You can't make me stay. I'm going. Who else is going to get you in the secret entrances, huh? That's right, me and only me!" Eva ranted.

Ixair looked up at Lorathin. "I think she'd be safe with us. I'll make sure nothing touches her."

Harlin looked around at the others and then at Eva. "Why must you be so self centered?" Looking down for a moment, he frowned and put his hand at his brow. Looking back up, he said, "Certainly we could bring back whatever it is you need. If it's light, I could even grab it while I'm in there."

"Fine, then I hold you responsible for keeping her under control and any problems she might cause." Lorathin replied

"I'm not self-centered! I just need a few...private things," Eva replied, her cheeks the faintest of reds. "Under control...what am I, some sort of animal? And I certainly don't cause problems!" She stomped her foot for emphasis, her red eyes glossy with tears.

Ixair gave a small lop-sided grin as he thought he knew what she was going for.

Beatrice walked up to Lorathin and wrapped him in a hug. "Please be safe," she whispered sadly.

"You think about yourself more than others and rely on your mother for power." Lorathin replied with a faint shake of his head, "In many ways you remind me of your mother when I first met her, only moreso."

"You, at least from what I've seen in the short while I've had the pleasure of your company, acted before thinking and in this kind of situation it can get people hurt or killed." He added as he gave her a serious look.

When Beatrice gave him a hug, he lightly returned it, "Would you like to come with us? I know my daughter won't stay away and it will be much easier to protect you both if you are together."

"It's bad enough we're bringing in her highness. I don't want anymore to come. Luthien and Beatrice, you must stay," Kalzog growled. Beatrice shied away sadly.

"Lorathin, you're a maniac. Bringing defenseless children against a possible demi-god and his troublesome minions. Trust me on this, if Habdebza is there, he's going to go right where our hearts are. You're making them commit suicide!"

"Then you try convincing Lúthien to stay here, I know I've argued my darndest." He replied as they'd been arguing if she'd come ever since he told her to use the circle.

Lúthien looked at Kalzog defiantly, challenging him to come up with a reason for her to stay. Of course he had a large edge in convincing her to stay and if Kalzog brought his foot down, she might well capitulate.

"Luthien, you stay," Kalzog said roughly. "You get to keep Beatrice with you. Go swimming like you said earlier." In the back of his eyes, one may be able to find worry...

Lúthien glared at Kalzog for a few moments as she weighted the decision before replying, "Fine, but you'll get no dessert for a week."

"Now I'll be half a second." Lorathin commented, inwardly relieved that she accepted Kalzog's edict. He set up a circle of his own, in a bare fraction of the time it took Lúthien. "Off you two go, and Lúthien, feel free to use the house."

"Alright daddy. Let's go Beatrice." Lúthien replied as she offered her hand so they could go throught the circle together.

Harlin looked at the group before saying, "I'll be off then. Remember, keep them busy as long as possible."

Lightly, he headed down the hill. He intended to minimize his time in the Shadowfold so as to conserve energy.

Kalzog was going to snap at her, but decided against it, waiting for her and Beatrice to leave.

Beatrice smiled and waved at the others and took Luthien's hand.

As soon as they left, Kalzog slapped Lorathin on the back in a rather harsh manner. "I knew you shouldn't have taken her. Disrespectful kids need to know their place. Someone like Luthien and Beatrice should never ever attempt to do something like this. If I had kept her, we wouldn't be in this predicament, wasting time trying to get a tiny elf to not come with us." Kalzog shook his head and walked off muttering something to himself.

"Let's go..."

Eva looked up at Lorathin with her devilish smile again. "Yeah, control your kids," she taunted before looking down at Harlin.

"You don't intend on walking through the front door, do you?" she called out, running down the hill after him.

"She does." Lorathin replied slightly coldly. "If she had gone with you, I shudder to think what might have resulted."

He simply turned a cold eye to Eva as neither of them understood Beatrice or Lúthien or what motivated them.

"Better than what she's becoming," Kalzog growled. "Atleast I listened to my superiors. Maybe it was because I disciplined them. Something I fail to see being done with any child around here!"

"My niece is becoming like a Lorathin..." he grumbled he walked down the hill with the others.

"Your niece is becoming something beyond either of us." Lorathin replied as he followed the others toward the palace and off the hill.

"Well, I hope she becomes someone better than you then. I hope she learns that she cannot be independant all the time. I hope she realizes that she cannot be the hero all the time. I learned it too late and I've suffered greatly for it. If you cannot control her, than you should let me take it from here."

"Shut up the both of you. I don't want to hear about annoying prattle about somebody- Wait...Luthien? That little girl is Luthien?" Eva asked as she began to knock on a few trees.

Lorathin didn't reply as he did not disagree, nor did he agree.

"Yes, why?" He asked Eva as he watched her knock on wood.

ooc: Gone for the night

"Aren't you too old for her?" Eva asked with a smile as she came to one more tree and knocked on it. She purposely evaded the question for she just felt like playing around with Lorathin.

Eva looked up and leapt up, trying to reach a branch she couldn't get. She jumped a few more times before crossing her arms and pursing her lips.

"Ixair, get that branch," she ordered, snapping her hands.

"You could say please," he mumbled as he leapt up and felt himself get lowered slowly as the ground nearby opened up, revealing a staircase.

"Didn't have to," she smirked with a flirtatious and devious tone of voice before she descended.

Horatio leapt up in surprise as his robes started to burn and rapidly used a spell to quench the fire. He stalked over to the elf and backhanded him, though not too hard, he didn't want the things he was protecting to get damaged. "There is no point in hurting a fly, it is insignificant, you on the other hand are significant, unfortunately, too signifiant for me to kill."

He took a step back and sighed as he examined the burnt material. He threw the robe off. He still wore his leather armor from the fight in the jungle and it had melted and shrivelled from the lightning blasts and been damaged by the weapons the guards had used, it was more or less useless now. He would have to replace it. He turned back to Rimoru; "Where is the nearest armory?" He may need the armor if a fight was coming, if there wasn't any, well, nature would provide.

Lorathin simply shook his head at Eva' pseudo-lecherous comment, before asking again, "Why does it matter who she is?"

"Mother is very curious as to how she is. Or atleast she was," Eva replied, not truly answering the question. As she picked up an unlit torch and said a series of words, before it lit aflame, causing the shadows to flee.

She failed to mention the annoyance in her mother's tone when she mentioned Luthien and the bad moods she'd get into after reading a letter. Eva knew that Rimoru wanted to be the only girl in Lorathin's life. And Eva understood perfectly. She wasn't recieving nearly enough attention diverted in the right direction. Instead, they were treating her like rabble and this 'Luthien' like the princess. She may need to fix that...but only until after mother comes. Mother would know what to do...

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

"That's because you are the insignificant fly on the wall," Alegain growled as he spat again at Horatio.

When Horatio asked his question to Rimoru, she closed her eyes and sighed. "If you untie me, I will show you," she said weakly. The empress was going to attempt to run for it, or test the extend of her powers and hope she wasn't as weak as she felt. But somehow she doubted her powers extended past a smidget of what they once were. If anything, she may just be on par with a well wizard or the such, playing parlor tricks for children.

She felt a few more tears fall down her cheek but sat perfectly still. She doubted she could even walk. Her lower half ached, bruises showed themselves all over her body, her face was stained by tears, her neck had intimate marks, and for the first time in her life, she felt defiled and helpless.

Horatio frowned at the elf as he spat, but shrugged, he was going to get a new set of armor afterall. "Out of us two, it is you who are pinned to the wall while i walk free."

He then turned to the woman on the table and examined her, she would have been beautiful if she was not so badly bruised and battered, though on the plus side she probably wouldn't be able to escape easily if she tried, he sighed and released her bonds saying. "Show me, if you try anything i wil be forced to incapacitate you and bring you back down here."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mienna examined the subteranean passage way and let out a caw of refusal before flying off to find another entrance.

Rimoru slowly rose out of her table sat up, stretching her numb arms, letting the blood once again flow through them. The empress slowly slid off the table and tried to stand and as she thought, she fell to the ground with a yelp.

She looked up at Horatio, like a child asking for help, her watery eyes pleading.

Horatio was tempted to laugh at her pathetic display, but took pity on her instead, he knelt beside her and placed a hand lightly on each of her legs and healed some of the bruises, enough to allow her to walk, but little more. He then stood and pulled her to her feet. "Lead the way."

"Ah." He replied as he watched Eva light up the corridor. "How far do these torches light up, and is the tunnel hidden on both ends? It wouldn't afterall do to let them know we're here."

"So, outside of this incident, how's your mother been princess?" He asked as had things run smoothly there would've been a letter arriving in the very near future.

"I don't know and yes," Eva replied to Lorathin's first set of questions.

"You don't know...about the light? Well, how can you not know if you said the spell to light it?" Kalzog growled.

"I didn't make the spell, you dolt. I only said the words my mom told me to say should an emergency come up in which I needed to use this tunnel," Eva replied with an annoyed tone.

"Mother has been...flirty as normal. Alegain asks me if I know if she's seeing another man a lot. I don't know...I mean...I'm not my mother's keeper," Eva began. "Serves him right, I say. That's what he gets for never letting me get what I want..."

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

"Thank you," Rimoru whispered, her eyes looking deeply into his. She slowly leaned towards him, her arms wrapping around his waist, under his arms, but over his wings, as she began to fall forward. Her lips were inches away from his and she sucked in her air as her blue eyes looked up at him.

Alegain curled his lips but otherwise said nothing.

"And what is it you want princess?" He asked whilst wondering who Alegain was.

"A lot of things. Mother had to make me ponys, lions, hippos, and horses. Father would always say 'You have enough animals, Eva. Why don't you take care of them'," she replied, imitating her father's voice. "I mean, he doesn't have any animals. He has no clue what it's like. I was going to ask for a drake before this happened..."

"It sounds like you have, or had, a great deal of stuff, quite a bit more than most." Lorathin commented, "Why didn't you play with some of the animals and such you already had?"

"I never said I didn't play with them. I played with all of them. Once they started smelling, I didn't want to get contaminated or sick though. And if people don't have as many things as I do, that's their fault. They should ask for it instead of whining about it," Eva growled as she looked down a corridor. Along the walls were several mirrors of different sizes and shapes. "Don't go in there," she snapped as Ixair got close to one of them.

"Thank you," Rimoru whispered, her eyes looking deeply into his. She slowly leaned towards him, her arms wrapping around his waist, under his arms, but over his wings, as she began to fall forward. Her lips were inches away from his and she sucked in her air as her blue eyes looked up at him.

Alegain curled his lips but otherwise said nothing.

Horatio was tempted, but resisted, he caught her, momentarily considering the feel of her, then pushed her back to standing. "Armory. Now." He considered finding something to bind her hands to make sure she didn't try anything, he was sure he could find something in this dungeon, but, she was unarmed and injured, she couldn't do too much could she?

"I can't help that my dungeon has been changed," Rimoru whispered as she continued to hold onto Horatio for support. Her legs still felt quite weak, and she didn't want to risk falling again. The ex-empress' fragile hands gently stroked past Horatio's wings, gently feeling around them. She was tempted to pull so hard on them, but decided it would not be best. She needed to get out of this maze first...

"When something gets smelly, the best way to deal with that problem is to wash it. Very few people can just ask for something and get it, most have to work quite hard to get the things they need, much less want." He commented before asking, "Is that silly inventor Mebbiwik or whatever his name is, still working here?"

"You're dungeon? Then you must be Empress Rimoru and be able to recognise it. Not as powerful as people said obviously. Now, either take me to an armory, or i will tie you back to that table and find one myself." He allowed her to use him for support but his leathery wings naturally flinched away from her touch, they were still growing and were fragile and sensitive. As a precaution he placed a hand on his rapier which he still wore at his belt, his scythe he had left resting in a corner with a protective spell on it.

"Ew...I'm not washing anything but myself...and my husband," Eva giggled. "Besides, that's what servants are for. And I worked hard to get my animals. I deserve every little bit of them. It's not my fault that other people are a bunch of undeserving rabble. If they wanted to be a princess, then they can found their own country." Her face was scrunched up as the conversation was being brought to people less deserving than her. She didn't care about them...

"Mebbi? Yeah he's still working here. He was on vacation, lucky bum. Good thing too, because he's been real busy with mother's new 'Devil's' weaponry," Eva said, before clamping her hand over her mouth. She kept moving forward but she didn't say anything more about it.

Lorathin shook his head, that was generally the problem with pampered princesses, very little concept of reality. "So would you have given up on your drake when it got smelly as well, or any children you might have with this future husband?" He asked raising an eyebrown at the concept of new 'devil' weapons but realizing she'd be unlikely to let more slip out.

"You're dungeon? Then you must be Empress Rimoru and be able to recognise it. Not as powerful as people said obviously. Now, either take me to an armory, or i will tie you back to that table and find one myself." He allowed her to use him for support but his leathery wings naturally flinched away from her touch, they were still growing and were fragile and sensitive. As a precaution he placed a hand on his rapier which he still wore at his belt, his scythe he had left resting in a corner with a protective spell on it.

Rimoru frowned and gently pulled away from him and looked around. "I will take you..."she whispered. She was still ready to pounce on him and attempt to rip off his wings, but not until the right time...

She walked to the doorway and opened up the door and gasped as she saw demons walking about her palace, rummaging through things. "What...what's going on?" she asked quietly.

Lorathin shook his head, that was generally the problem with pampered princesses, very little concept of reality. "So would you have given up on your drake when it got smelly as well, or any children you might have with this future husband?" He asked raising an eyebrown at the concept of new 'devil' weapons but realizing she'd be unlikely to let more slip out.

"No, I won't have the children. Mother told me that having children is like having your insides come out your bottom end. Painful and disliked. She told me when I'm old enough, she'll teach me how to make my husband give birth to them. And he'll take care of the children, not I. Him and the servants," Eva replied.

"That's sick," Ixair replied at the husband giving birth.

"Not any different as the wife giving birth," Eva replied.

"It's just not...natural..."

Eva only giggled as an ascending staircase was coming into view.

"And you'll have to find a pretty special husband to consent to that." Lorathin commented, "Thought I have had this discussion with your mother once before. If things had gone as she had been talking about we'd have had, shall we say, a much closer relationship."

"It seems that the master has provided me with some help, so be it. Continue." He waved to the demons and pointed at two saying "You 2, guard this door, if anything tries to come out, don't kill it, just hurt it... badly." He assumed he was in command of this lot, but he wasn't quite sure.

"Oh the husband won't know," Eva smiled mischieviously, giving a glance to Ixair who frowned in return. She chuckled and stepped on the first set of stairs, before stopping.

"Really? Mother always threatens Alegain that she's going to get him pregnant, since he wants another child. I say no, because then they'll have to care for another child, who'll become a brat and take away my things and other stuff that I don't do. Mother always said I am the perfect little angel, anways. Wait...you're saying that if she followed whatever it was you talk about, you'd be my father?"

Kalzog snorted when Eva called herself 'the perfect little angel' but otherwise said nothing as he began to ascend the steps as well. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

"Wait," Eva said, pursing her lips as if trying to remember something.

"So you didn't want someone taking over your role." He commented wondering if she'd notice the discreet jab, "And you already appear to have your eyes fixed on a potential husband, thought I believe his eye is for another."

"It seems that the master has provided me with some help, so be it. Continue." He waved to the demons and pointed at two saying "You 2, guard this door, if anything tries to come out, don't kill it, just hurt it... badly." He assumed he was in command of this lot, but he wasn't quite sure.

The demons nodded. "Of course, master Horatio," they replied eerily.

Rimoru gulped and weakly stepped out and began to walk to the armory. She, of course, chose the smaller one, with the weaker weapons and outdated versions. She opened up the door to find that the room had already been raided, although little had been taken. Steam rifles lay on the floor, swords scattered about, one set of heavy plate was spread out amongst the floor, several other lighter pieces of armor on top of it.

"Looks like someone's already been here," she whispered.

"So you didn't want someone taking over your role." He commented wondering if she'd notice the discreet jab, "And you already appear to have your eyes fixed on a potential husband, thought I believe his eye is for another."

"What do you mean, 'my role'? And what do you mean? I haven't found my husband yet," she snapped, a faint red glow eminating from her cheeks.

Ixair, however, didn't catch it. He was too anxious to see Rimoru and her possible ursurper.

"Sir Sebastion, you're looking at what's left of it," Ikara replied sadly. "And we thank you for your help, it is greatly appreciated...however..."

"A pity," Lord Sebastian remarked at hearing what very little was left of the great Order that had been spoken of. "I had heard it was a land of peace and justice. Sadly, I take it that was years ago when I first began my travels."

"I'm sorry, Sir Sebastion. But you have come at a bad time. We are all that is left..." she said, her voice wavering. "You may die if you remain with us."

"M'lady, had I come at a good time, it would have been a wasted journey... I have come in this dark our to lend my aid in any way I can, and there is nothing you should apologize for. I come of my own accord and I stay of my own accord," Sebastian remarked nobly as he stood tall.

"I'll let you figure what I meant by your role yourself, perhaps you'll learn something you did not know about yourself, perhaps you shall just struggle with the problem." Lorathin commented, "And I didn't say husband, I said potential husband."

He found her blush quite interesting as it appeared she really did have a crush on Ixair.

Whisked about like a doll so many people mistook him for, Loki traveled from the palace, to a small house, to the forest, and then back again in a circle to the palace.

The group he was with grew quite rapidly from that ogre he had met a few weeks ago and his two new friends to a myriad of unfamiliar men and woman. As they talked, argued, and clashed, the young mage remained quiet and still. The shy little fellow he was, he didn't often speak unless spoken to, keeping his opinions to himself. Not to mention that many of them seemed to know each other from another time and were getting reacquainted.

He learned a lot by simply listening: She's a princess? he thought upon hearing the news. A long rolling list of thoughts went through his mind, but not once did he utter a word...

Thus Loki simply followed along and stood in his usual oversized clothing next to the group...

Horatio smiled at the demons response and followed Rimoru to the armory.

"It will have to do." Horatio said as he looked about the room, he frowned at the weapons everywhere. "Wait outside." He told Rimoru and beckoned one of the demons to keep an eye on her.

He entered the armory and began looking at the lighter armor, if he wanted to use his natural magic he could only use 'natural' armor, so he found a few pairs of leather armor and literally tore off his old set. He examined his body and smiled slightly at how it was changing, his skin was toughening, only just noticably, but it was happening, he had also grown slightly leaner. He looked at the pile of armors he had made and cut slits in the back so that it would accomodate his wings.

He tried several on before finding one that more or less suited and seemed in reasonable condition. He would use magic to make his own at a later time, it was something he had been thinking about for some time, but first he would need certain things. For now though, this would do.

"Aye, an' so, the Order is nothin' anymore. Only a few miles o' land around Illuminata, their cap'tol city. Poor guys."

The sound of a heavy metal foot clamped through the tavern doors, an elegantly dressed man who wore a captain's coat smiled wickedly as he played with a pistol in his hands. Behind him, a good few more of them smiled and laughed, the aura of being drunk definately surrounding them.

"I 'ate elves," he growled as he pointed his gun at Mae'lakador, who sprung from his seat.

"Whoa now, what's goin-"

A faint pop and the elf fell dead to the floor. "Don' worry, I'll send Ixair with ya in a bit," hiccuped the captain.

"You infernal cretin!" William growled as he went to the dead elf's side.

"No one move, or ya'll will be killed," the Captain growled. "Me name's Capt'n Conroy, an' I'm gonna be yer new mayor fer a while. I want e'ry elf in this forsaken town ta line up against the wall outside, fer execution. An if ya find a certain Ixair, hand 'em over an' I'll deal with 'em meself. Perhaps I won't kill all o' ya if that 'appens."

"Ya wretched-!" shouted William, before a gun pointed to his head too.

Ar'mai and the other elves eagerly took in all of the information that the townsfolk had to impart on them. Names, faces, and places that were familiar only to Ar'mai and partly to Bael'ther were paraded around, evoking strong memories of the journey fifteen years ago. Fifteen long years ago...

But hardly had she enough time to process the information when all of a sudden a band of roguish looking gents appeared in the tavern brandishing metal pieces. Things went from bad to worse when the leader dropped the elf with the simple tweak of his finger.

The twelve elves remained still, though rigidly on guard, waiting for their princess to take a course of action. Each would willingly give their life for her, but more than likely the drunken fools could be defeated even if they outnumbered the elves and wielded self-projecting weaponry.

As the bar grew quiet, Ar'mai slowly stood, cloak still about her and covering every dimension of her body and head. In return many of the pirates turned their weapons on her, daring her to make a move... but she did not. The other eleven elves, Venisar, Bael'ther, the six Royal Guards, and the three Priestesses of Elune, stood in unison with their weapons and defenses ready... but they waited...

"You have offended me thrice in but a second's time," Ar'mai spoke, breaking the uneasy silence. "I do persuade you too leave," she said in a mesmerizing voice, which carried a certain 'weight' to it, "And never harm another elf. I will not ask you twice or thrice to leave these good townsfolk in peace; I will ask you only once..."

"We still carry out justice, Sir Sebastion...but peace is only a dream now," Ikara replied.

After Sebastion had given his speech, she smiled and bowed her head. "It will be a pleasure to work alongside you, Sir Sebastion. You remind me so much of my fiance."

Ikara, had been destined to wed Sarik when they were children. They played together, ate together, worked together. Sarik then went off as a highly skilled paladin, a great general, a powerful fighter, and loyal to the core. And he was hers...they both knew it.

Whenever they could, they'd meet under the moonlight and hold hands, speaking of the future. The children running about as they would sit under the trees. They would live the perfect life under the Patriarch's gentle hand.

And then it was ruined. Sarik was reported missing from the battle. But she saw him. She remembers it like it was yesturday. She just wanted to hold him tight, but they both knew someone had to help the Patriarch, especially since the Templars were locked in their own engagements.

She cried as the thought of him being sucked into that terrible vortex and wouldn't stop for months, despite several templars, paladins, friends, and priests came to comfort her. Her Sarik was gone...

Ikara however, tried not to show her feelings anymore. Other people needed help, not her.

"Come with me, Sir Sebastion, Master General will give you your orders and briefings," the Templar said as she walked over to the tent where the General stood.

"And who may you be, warrior?" he asked staunchly, his eyes showing distrust.

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

"I know everything about myself," Eva shouted angrily. And, without thinking, she lied. "And I know my mother hates you! She told me!"

Kalzog stopped where he was and looked at Lorathin, curious to what he would say to that, as Rimoru was, in his mind, Lorathin's girlfriend.

"Are you saying that she doesn't want me to help her, well then she'll be disappointed as I'll be doing it anyways." Lorathin commented blandly. "And would you mind keeping your voice down, unless you want to alert any and all in the vicinity of our presence..."

Horatio smiled at the demons response and followed Rimoru to the armory.

"It will have to do." Horatio said as he looked about the room, he frowned at the weapons everywhere. "Wait outside." He told Rimoru and beckoned one of the demons to keep an eye on her.

He tried several on before finding one that more or less suited and seemed in reasonable condition. He would use magic to make his own at a later time, it was something he had been thinking about for some time, but first he would need certain things. For now though, this would do.

The demon watched her, never blinking for a second. Rimoru sighed and stared up at the demon's face. "So...what's your name?"

The demon remained silent, but shifted on it's feet just slightly. It's four spindly arms were positioned so it could easily unsheath it's four swords and wield them.

Rimoru frowned and looked inside, the door still open. She needed to get in there. It was her only chance of arming herself and taking down her captor. Her eyes turned back to the demon and she screamed. "I'm saved, my people have come!" she shouted. The demon spun around with a growl, his swords already in attack position. Before it could realize it was duped, Rimoru already ran inside.

With a shout she leapt onto the back of Horatio and began to tug at his wings. "Get out of my nation!" she growled.


"You have offended me thrice in but a second's time," Ar'mai spoke, breaking the uneasy silence. "I do persuade you too leave," she said in a mesmerizing voice, which carried a certain 'weight' to it, "And never harm another elf. I will not ask you twice or thrice to leave these good townsfolk in peace; I will ask you only once..."


"Hah...an elf lover...what's wrong with ya people. Ya let the elves come in, ruin natural human bloodline, giving way to the hybrids. Either that or they breed like rabbits...Then they take office, like Rimmy. And look what's 'appened to your country..." Conroy spat at the group of cloaked individuals.

"It'll be me honor, to offend ya another time miss. And this," he said as he loaded up his pistol. "Is an offense ta ya," he growled, taking aim...and shooting.

The other pirates laughed and taunted before they too began to shoot at the cloaked individuals. The townspeople dived for cover, shouting and screaming the whole way.

William took Mael'kadar's body underneath the table, tears flowing down his cheeks.

"Are you saying that she doesn't want me to help her, well then she'll be disappointed as I'll be doing it anyways." Lorathin commented blandly. "And would you mind keeping your voice down, unless you want to alert any and all in the vicinity of our presence..."

"No! I'm saying she doesn't want to see you ever again!" Eva shouted, ignoring Lorathin's request. Suddenly, the stairs by the upper doorway suddenly flipped over, becoming spiked instead, ready to sever any unwary traveler's feet....

"That's what I was waiting for," Eva said angrily, before continuing up the stairs. "I think mother said every ten minutes..."

Horatio had been stretching his wings to make sure htye fit comfortably in the new armor when Rimoru had leapt on his back, the pain was intense and he almost collapsed from the sudden force on his back, but he managed to mainatain his balance as he stumbled forward,

He couldnt reach her and his wings which he was trying to flap free of her grip were in the way of him trying to elbow her, his tail flailed and stabbed wildly at her, trying to make her let go. "Get off!" He roared, half in agony, half in anger as he tried to ram her backwards into a wall.

"Well then I guess she'll be disappointed in me, as she'll be seeing me again." Lorathin commented as he followed Eva up the stairs.

"Not until you get out of my nation and bring your lackeys with you!" Rimoru growled in his ear. She felt a sharp pain in her back as it appeared his tail had begun to stab at her. She growled as she took her grip off one wing and attempted to grab his tail and use it against him.

She slammed into a wall, each time making her dizzy and disoriented but she was not determined to let go.

Again, she slammed into the wall, but this time, she pulled a knife with her teeth out of a holder and tried to run it into the demon's shoulder.

The guard demon from outside rushed in, weapons at the ready, however it did not know if it should attack or what.

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

"You...you..." Eva growled but grew silent as they reached the door. She pushed on the door, revealing a dark storage room, foods, wines, and many other edible items were stacked neatly amongst racks.

They were in the kitchen's storage.

"I remember this place." Lorathin commented in a quiet voice, "Now any suggestions on how to continue princess?"

Cantrell and Cobiesel were ready for anything that would happen, although they were slightly confused about what exactly was going on.

Why does she have to be so persistant? Horatio roared again as she grabbed hold of his tail which still tried to lash around, though was failing somewhat. He felt the knife slashing at his shoulder and a vague though crossed his mind saying what a waste of new armor. He raised a hand to the demon which had run in to placate it.

He stopped slamming into the wall since it didn't seem to be working and instead bent over as fast as he could, trying to throw her off that way, repeatedly straitening and bending quickly. The pain from the wing she still gripped was maddening.

"Well... we start by walking out the door..." Eva replied, rolling her eyes. She walked to the door and swung it open, revealing a few of Habdebza's demons walking about.

"These aren't like the ones that beat you up earlier, Kalzoog," Eva said, mispronouncing the ogre's name. The demons stared at her, before taking out their four swords and leaping at the door. Kalzog pulled Eva back, slamming the door shut. Eight swords sliced through, and exactly when that happened, the ogre opened the door again, smashing the demons into the wall next to it, creating a bloody pulp on the floor.

"Be more careful, Evil-I mean Eva. You never know what's around the corners..." Kalzog grumbled, although he smiled very slightly when Eva gave him a glare.

"Alright, Looks like Habdebza is not here right now...he may be elsewhere in the palace. Beware of him...he's cloaked but he can look like anything. If he has my orb, get out of it's way if it's thrown at you. Everyone got that?"

"I'm getting my stuff," Eva replied hotly as she already began to walk out the door. She felt a hand wrap around her waist and was about to smack Kalzog, but ended up spinning, inches from Ixair's handsome face. She almost melted in his arm.

"No Princess. We're going to get you closer to your destination before you go in. It'll be easier on both of us."


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

Rimoru swung forward, but held vigilantly onto his wing. She stabbed at his shoulder again, but left the knife there so she could say "You throw me off, I brake your wing!"

Although she felt her energy draining away. She didn't know how much longer she could keep this up. His tail was waving rapidly, pulling her around, but she would not let go of his wing.

"I'm going to get Rimoru, those who wish to join me are welcome, those who wish to escort the princess, are welcome to her. Princess, try to be careful." Lorathin commented as he mentally oriented himself and prepared to set off, alone if it turned out that way.

He did wonder why she hadn't tried to call him yet, and if perhaps Eva was being truthful.

Horatio felt the knife bite into his shoulder, not too deep though, her energy seemed to be waining. "You forget, i can heal myself." he responded to her threat and gritted his teeth he struggled towards the door, doing his best to ignore the pain in his shoulder. "Back to the dungeon for you." He made it out into the passage and started to head back the way they had come.

"So," Cobiesel said still confused, "I think I'll escort the princess." Cantrell looked at Lorathin. "I'll come with you."

Eva looked somewhat stunned as Lorathin wished her well. After all the rudeness she showed him. She stood watching him, her mouth slightly ajar. As if just snapping out of a trance, she closed her mouth and nodded. "You too," she replied softly, before walking towards the lobby, Ixair following, his sword at the ready.


"I'm going with you, Lorathin. If Habdebza was guarding someone, it would be Rimoru," Kalzog said.

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

Rimoru screamed and kicked, knowing that she was at the last bit of her energy. She pulled at Horatio's wing, trying to snap it.

Cobiesel followed Ixiar and Eva. She drew Nirvana out, and slowly followed the two. "So, what exactly are we up against here, Ixair? "

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cantrell stayed with Lorathin and the ogre. He prepared himslef for battle, in case it should occur. "I'm ready when you are." he said to Lorathin.

He missed Eva's stunned look and her wishing him well as he quickly scanned his mental map. "Alright let's get going." He commented to Cantrell, Kalzog and any others that chose to accompany him as he headed to rescue the woman who hated him, allegedly, his eyes glowing blue briefly which would ensure he'd have at least a little advanced warning about any traps of a magical nature.

Cantrell saw Lorathin's eyes glow blue for a bit. He raised his eyebrow. Interesting. He let his chains unravel slightly, which he alwys did before he fought, that way they would be faster on the first strike.

"I can't say, Miss Cobiesel," Ixair replied as he watched the girl expertly traverse through the maze of the palace, when she suddenly stopped.

"Things have changed..." Eva said calmly, as if she were starting a conversation about the weather. She ran her hand along the wall and frowned. "Well...alright...follow me."

Ixair nodded, his senses alert as he followed the girl up the staircase.


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

"Well, you know where she is, right? Remember, Harlin is going to try to rescue the others and Rimoru if we can't get to her. We just need to keep the demons off his back," Kalzog rumbled.

"If the palace hasn't been changed drastically, and if she hasn't been moved." Lorathin replied, "And if that's the case, a frontal assault by you would've done wonders as a distraction."

"Well, I'm afraid that cannot be done any longer..." Kalzog growled. "Besides, that would get the people surrounding the palace angry and then they would get in the way..."

"Since you are the resident smash expert, I shall differ to your suggestions on how to rescue Rimoru and distract the demons." Lorathin commented, teasing and requesting aid in the same sentance.

Kalzog grinned wickedly. "I thought you'd never ask that," he chuckled as he walked to a wall and felt along it. "It's strange how these walls could not be affected by magic...and yet..."

"Has to be someone who could manipulate the stone itself," Kalzog frowned. "Looks as though we'll have to traverse the maze the boring way."

"Probably a druid, they are the ones who specialize in nature manipulation." Lorathin commented before pausing, "Make that a shadow druid as I can't see any regular one working even indirectly with Valtrox."

"Times have changed, one may never know what to expect next," Kalzog replied grimly as he began to walk down the opposite way he'd seen Eva move. Almost immediately something sprung up, pulling on Kalzog's leg, making him stumble a bit. "Traps..." he growled as he pulled the rope apart and untied his leg.

"Is there a way to detect Rimmy?" Kalzog asked. As if in answer, a scream echoed through the maze, one that matched Rimoru's voice, should anyone know her well enough.

Lorathin's eyes widened as he heard the scream, "That's one way." He replied as he began quickly muttering. Placing his hand against a wall in the direction the scream came from, he released it. If all went well, something not certain by any means considering the palace likely had a great many tamper wards, a passage would be formed throught the wall.

Eva turned hurredly turned a corner and for the fourth time, ended up in a dead end. She huffed and turned back, without speaking a word to the silent Ixair or following Cobiesel. "What happened to my palace!" she shouted when suddenly, something wrapped around her legs and hoisted her high into the air, her dress falling down around her. She sputtered and growled something as she flailed about, trying to wrap her dress back over her lower body. Her face was a bright red, whether by the blood rush or just deep embarassment.

"Get me down!" she screamed, swinging back and forth as she pushed her dress upwards.

Ixair couldn't help but laugh at the princess. He reached within his boot and pulled out a small knife. "Hold still, your highness," he replied as he closed one eye and aimed carefully.

"Don't throw that at me! I'm so high up I'll crack my-Ixair no!" she screamed, fear in her eyes. The elf prince threw his dagger into the air, slicing directly into the rope and dropping her down to the floor.

With a quick slide, he let the girl fall into his arms, flustered and embarassed. Ixair laughed and gently brushed several strands of her hair out of her face. "Don't trust me, your highness?"

Eva pursed her lips and examined the elf's face. "I don't trust rebels," she finally growled, slapping Ixair on his cheek. "Next time I say don't do something, don't do it." Oh, but she yearned to feel his lips against hers...she yearned to feel how adults do it...how her father and her mother do it so much and so enjoyably...

Her eyes lingered on his as her lower lip quivered, before she turned away. "Unbind me!" she ordered. Ixair laughed quietly as he used his sword to cut the rope loose from her feet and gently set her on her feet.

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

The wall only glowed briefly, before returning to it's normal state.

However, as with most of Rimoru's bags of tricks, if someone tampered with something of hers, especially in a magical way against her palace, she always had something strike back. Usually, a playful, humiliating trick. And one of her more enjoyable ones had struck back out at Lorathin.

He would feel the intense pain within his nether-regions, as though he drank the whole Lustrian Sea and never used the bathroom for three days after.

And, like a broken dam, would burst forth the waters from within...

Horatio winced at the scream coming from right next to his ear and the kicks into his back. And then felt agony as she tore part of his wing. He swayed slightly as little black spots appeared in his eyes and fell to his knees before the pain subsided, he tried to move the wing but winced as pain shot through it. He was beggining to get very angry at this woman and would gladly have killed her if she didn't need to be kept alive.

"I'm going to tear both your wings off!" Rimoru shouted as she continued to pull on his wing. "Heal that, demon!"

The demon continued to watch, unsure if Horatio needed his help yet.

Horatio struggled against the pain from the tear she was making in his wing and jabbed his elbow back towards her, it stretched the wing to make the attempt and it hurt immensely, but if he did nothing she would be the one causing the pain instead.

He saw a demon watching and almost shouted for help, but his pride prevented him from doing so.

-------------------------------------------------------

Mienna flew round the palace, looking for an entrance and eventually just settled on flying through the main gate, she was surprised to see the demons, but continued flying in the direction she felt Horatio to be, staying high to hopefully be out of reach of the demons.

Horatio's elbow caught her right in the stomach and she fell off onto her back, breathless. She stared a few seconds more, trying to catch her breath before She desperately clawed at the ground, trying to get back in the armory for a weapon.

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

The demons looked up at the crow and spoke amongst themselves in a demonic language. Several of the demons brought out small disks with blades jutting out of it.

Soon, the air was filled with these bladed discs, trying to take out the crow.

Horatio felt her weight leave his back and sighed. "Finally!" he roared. Then stood and turned, grabbing the remains of his wing and holding the torn its together he focused as best he could and the breach slowly filled. He turned to the woman on the floor. "You will pay for that. Mark my words. You will pay." He reached down to grab her by the back of her neck with intent to carry her like that back to the dungeon.

--------------------------------------------

Mienna noticed the bladed disks and started to fly erratically, trying to dodge them all and still head in the direction of Horatio, she let out a loud caw and swopped down in a safe enough gap between the demons, hoping to make them hit eachother.

Rimoru screamed as her hands desperately searched for something to hold onto. "No!" she screamed, kicking her feet out at Horatio when he grabbed her by the neck. When she was being dragged, she screamed again, tears flowing down her eyes as she pulled and scratched at her captor's hands in attempts to get her free.

He found Rimoru's counter-spell most annoying, it was afterall a trifle embarrassing. Looking over at Kalzog, he growled, "Not a word." He then cast a spell to launder and dry his garments, before adding, "Let's get going."

Kalzog smiled briefly at Lorathin's embarassing predicament, but said nothing of it.

"This place is full of traps..." he growled as he turned a corner and walked towards the sounds of the screams, only to find himself at a dead end. "I wish we had a map..."

Again he spun around, only to notice four demons, blades at the ready, closing in on them.

"Agreed." Lorathin replied as he turned and also saw the demons, "Let's send them packing, quickly." He added as he sent quintuplet of magic missles at one of the demons.

Rimoru screamed as her hands desperately searched for something to hold onto. "No!" she screamed, kicking her feet out at Horatio when he grabbed her by the neck. When she was being dragged, she screamed again, tears flowing down her eyes as she pulled and scratched at her captor's hands in attempts to get her free.

Horatio ignored the scratching and dragged her back to the dungeon where he threw her on the table and resecured her bonds, making them tighter than before.

The demon expertly brought his swords out to take the magic missles, ending in a few blinding flashes and much hotter swords. The demon seemed discomforted by the blinded lights and perhaps had been blinded, however it did not show anything to prove it, as it leapt towards the group and slashed out at Lorathin.

Another slashed at Kalzog, but he backed away and snarled as the creature kept slashing and hacking at him, but never hitting him. "All show and no go," he growled as he lunged to take out the demon, who nimbly dodged out of the way. This time, Kalzog swiped at the ground, again missing the demon as it leapt above and hacked at his hand.

But Kalzog was ready and grabbed the creature with his free hand and squeezed roughly, the sounds of many bones cracking eminated from the demon, before it slumped to the floor.

"A thing with Habdebza's demons is that they are not as tough skinned nor strong as Rothargot's, however they are deadly in melee combat and very nimble."

Horatio ignored the scratching and dragged her back to the dungeon where he threw her on the table and resecured her bonds, making them tighter than before.

"No, please no!" she sobbed and screamed, the binds digging into her skin. "Please don't!"

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

Several of the demons did exactly what Mienna was planning. One of the discs was deflected angrily by it's target, who promptly scolded it's thrower. Another two hit their targets however, killing both.

As Mienna passed, however, they continued their throwing onslaught.

Lorathin just grinned as he spoke a word and his skin turned a dull grey, the blade simply clinking off him. Slashing and piercing weapons would be quite useless for the time being. Pointing a finger at the demon, he let loose a icy ray that would either freeze a portion of the opponent, or if he tried to block again, shatter the weapon.

The demon slid across the floor in a sliding strafe, before bringing the hilt of it's blade down upon Lorathin.

"I thought you wanted to hurry," Kalzog growled as he stuck in combat with another demon.

"I do, I'm just not the close combat specialist you are." Lorathin commented as he stepped backward. "What's your tolerence for being frozen?"

A demon rushed forth to attack Cantrell. He smiled, and wrapped his chain around it's neck. He then slammed it's face down into the floor. He repated this multiple times, until the demon no longer had a face. He spun around, ready to fight any more demons should they come.

"Depends. Tattoos help against magic, but natural, is a bit lower..." Kalzog grinned however, as he pat his stomach. "And this ain't just for show..."

Two more demons appeared from nearby to fight the ogre and chain man, swords at the ready.

Kalzog lifted a body and, using it like a club, batted away the one coming towards him.

Cantrell saw the demon approach him. He wrapped the chain around it. Then, he pulled the chain out fast, sending the demon spinning into a wall. As it lay on the ground, Cantrell summoned the bone palisides to come up from the ground, skering it.

The demon snarled as it leapt out back to it's feet and got into a position where it could dodge Cantrell's chains well or throw him off guard.

But as the bone palisades attempted to brake through Rimmy's palace floor, once again, her prankish nature was brought out on Cantrell. He would suddenly feel slightly bloated and uncomfortable and every ten seconds he would have to let loose all that gas from either the top or the bottom...it was an annoying spell that lasted a good five minutes.

"Good." Lorathin replied as he muttered a more powerful version of the ray he'd targetted the demon with. Breathing out, he sent a blast of glacial air down the corridor, and while it wouldn't do much to stone, against flesh it would be quite damaging.

OOC- You fiend....

IC- Cantrell cursed loudly as the bizarre spell stuck him. He made note of that. He saw the demon still alive. He attempted to wrap his chains around the demons neck, but the feeling always crept up. Finally he thrust his chains into the demons stomach, and pulled out as fast as he could, pulling out it's organs. He continued to curse angrily as the spell continued.

ooc: rofl...lemme think up another good one for Lorathin

Kalzog didn't know whether he'd break down laughing or not as his friends seemed to be constantly bombarded with these annoying little spells.

"Cantrell, keep yourself controlled!" Kalzog laughed as he watched the remaining demon run after Lorathin, before it was blasted by a cold spell. It slowed down and began to shiver, but it kept it's advance going.

However, the frost also touched the walls, and once again, Rimoru's magic was taking it's toll. Lorathin was hit with a spell that was quite humorous, however had to be somewhat sickening. Every five seconds, Lorathin would get a terrible feeling within his throat, followed by an even worse taste, before a toad would come spilling out of his mouth. This, however, would only last a minute.

"This is taking far too long!" Kalzog growled as he picked up a body again and threw it at the remaining demon, smashing the body and the demon into the far wall, ending in a crack.

Cantrell looked at Lorathin's curse. "You know, I'd rather have that one then this." He released some more gas. He took a breathe, and tried to take Kalzog's advice. "I need to get some of those tattoos."

"I don't think you'd enjoy the getting of them." Lorathin commented as he 'belched' out another frog.

"Good luck getting them," Kalzog replied to Cantrell. "Few creatures have them and they are all ogres...they tend to be the only ones that can withstand that kind of pain. Although your chains may have been painful, however those were inserted would be ticklish compared to these...plus you need to prove yourself first to get them."

Kalzog smiled at Lorathin. "Luthien would love to have seen this..." he chuckled before continuing down the hall. Another scream, much closer now...

"It sounds as though we're getting close," he mumbled, before the halls erupted in a fury of explosions. Some sort of acorns had exploded into deadly shrapnel, showering the ogre and sending him flying against the wall.

"Blast!" he coughed as he slowly stood up.

"Probably." Lorathin agreed, "As well as Beatrice and most likely Eva as well."

"Are you alright?" Lorathin asked as the ogre got blasted, almost certain as to the answer but it never hurt to check. Also better Kalzog than himself, the ogre was the toughest of the three afterall.

"The chains were actually the easiest thing to withstand. I'd be willing to try." Cantrell said before the ogre was blasted away.

"Come with me, Sir Sebastion, Master General will give you your orders and briefings," the Templar said as she walked over to the tent where the General stood.

"And who may you be, warrior?" he asked staunchly, his eyes showing distrust.

Sebastian nodded in return of the Templar's invitation and followed behind in long regal strides.

Straight backed and strong in appearance, the knightly figure bowed before the Master General, before straightening to face him. "Sir, I am but a humble servant of the light come in this time of need," Sebastian replied to his inquisition.

"Aye, that's the answer we got a lot around here. Don't get me wrong. It's just a lot of Imperium soldiers in disguise have been saying so as well. They almost broke the gate to let the barbaric creatures of the south enter in and finish us off," The Master General growled, letting his eyes fall to the map of camps and predicted troop deployments.

"Master General...He is Sir Sebastion and he is true to his word. I can feel it," Ikara said, almost pleadingly. The General slammed his fist on the table and looked up.

"Templar Ikara, you've been saying that about every single new comer in white ever since Sar-" The General stopped and sighed, his face softening as he noticed Ikara starting to tear up. "Alright, Sir Sebastion. We'll accept you if you can prove yourself."

The General sighed again as he walked to his map. "Sir Sebastion, I'll ask you this question. If you found a child with the deadliest disease known in the world. A disease that not only effects the child, but can contaminate anything the child touched. Would you kill the child to save mortals...or would you spare the child and doom all life on this world?"

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

"Yeah yeah, I'm alright," Kalzog growled as he dusted himself off and put out a small fire on his pant leg.

"And no, Cantrell. You cannot get these tattoos. You wouldn't survive the process nor would you be able to prove yourself to this task. Let's just keep going..." he grumbled as he continued on his path.

"Then let's pick up the pace." Lorathin replied as he decided to try a homing spell that would attempt to backtrack Rimoru's screams.

Cantrell merely shook his head as he followed. Although the tattoos would be useful, he could go on without them. His chains helped against physical attacks enough, so tattoos weren't nescessary.