Dragons Realm ~

OOC ~ This is another thing that just came in mind, if it goes, it goes. If not, then well. But any are welcome, play what you want type thing. Elves, human, shapeshifters... etc.. This is just a start, I'll make things up as it goes along and see how many are in.




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IC:
Back in a time when there was great magic, magical creatures of many. There was a female born into the dragon realms. Her mother had left her in some cottage when she was five years, her father died as far as what her mother had told her. One day her mother just never came back, whether she was left or if her mother had died. Kailya did not know.

For years she has been living in this cottage, it wasn't much to begin with. Just simple one room, log made, straw and mud roof, leather that covered the window and a small fire place for warmth. The floor was was mostly dirt and patched up floor boards, it wasn't enough to be considered a floor. The only reason she had stayed here for so long was because she was to young to know where she was, or to survive without any shelter at all from the night creatures. How she survived here at such a young age was a mystery. Even to her.

Every morning there was always food, clothes, drink and every so often another blanket. During the winter there would be a few blankets outside her door just before the big storms came. There were a few times when she would go seek out this person, though, Kailya never found them. After sometime she just stopped looking and kept recieving the the supplies.

Kailya never really knew exactly when her birthday was, Or if she even had one, but that someone always seemed to know. On a certain day in the summer months there would be a special present, she had always took this as a birthday present. And marked her age by them. Kailya was at least in her early 20's now, tall and slender now. Managed to keep her blood red hair in perfect shape and braided down her back with ribbons that she also recieved. Sea green eyes that were always alert for anything, looking in the direction of any sound her elevn ears would hear.

It was time to leave this place, time to go seek out either this person one last time. Or some place where she won't be so alone anymore. Kailya had to teach herself many things in her years alone, how to fight.... with sticks... That to wasn't a problem on her ... she guessed... her 15th birthday, she recieved a beautiful sword and bow. Both held magic, yet she did not know what that magic was. The bow never came with arrows, but somehow when she would just play around with it, the arrows came after she pulled and let go of the string.

Made up a pack filling it with things that she may need for a few days at least. Kailya left the cottage behind. It was a beautiful summer day, the sun felt wonderful against her skin. Everything seemed so perfect for most of the day, even if she didn't know where she was going. It wasn't until she heard a dragons cry, Kailya had seen the dragons around here flying every once in awhile. This was the first time she heard one. Following the sounds to some clearing and seeing someone fighting it. To her she didn't see any reason why this person would be killing a dragon, there was no village here. It was obvious this guy was just out for the kill.

Startled by what she was seeing, Kailya took off running towards the fight. Drawing her bow towards the man that was attacking the dragon. The black dragon was chained and didn't look to good, for a moment she had wondered how this guy got the huge raven black dragon down like this. Shot an arrow at his feet, warning shot to get his attention.

Kailya was still far enough to be able to use her bow against the man, at the same time walking side ways towards the dragon, saw into the emerald green eyes of the beast as she was getting in between the dragon and the man. Course it through the man off when he saw her, then laughed when he saw the slender female form within her cloak and noticed she had no arrows. Her hood hid her face and her clothes, keeping her eyes on the offending male in front of her.

Kailya said nothing to this and shot another arrow right passed his ear.

Ketralviasa (Shivaras)

The Slayer sneerd at her and spat on the ground "As soon as I've finished with this beast I'll have some fun with you...but if you cannot wait..." Drawing a line along the ground with his blade he gave her a challenging look, but all the while keeping most of his attention foccused on the Dragon.

The Dragon, she could now see was female. Large for an adult of this paritcular race of Dragon. Although thouroughly beaten it was by no means finished yet. The chains upon it only served to anger it more, but there was something about the chains...Craning its neck within the limitations of the chains it took in a deep but quick breath and then flung its head down...but the only thing that came out was a rush of air that caused the bushes to shake..nothing more. "Awww...what's the matter..got a cold?" The Slayer said with a grinning sneer...with a quick glance to the Feamle who had wondered upon them. "Now off with you, I've more pressing matters here than you!"

The Dragon took this opportunity to look to where Kailya stood, and in Kailya's mind she oculd hear a soft feminine voice, it sounded strong yet weakend at the same time "Please..go..he is not the only one here"

Kaylia has lived to long alone and in the forest to fear such threats such as this man.

"Why are you doing this? It is forbidden to kill female dragons. Anyone and everyone knows this.."

Course that was long ago and was something her mother told her, making it unknown if it was still forbidden or not.

"I will die trying to save you.... I will not allow myself to just walk off."

It did surprise her that the dragon had spoken, first she was wondering where the voice came from.

"I will not leave... And least of all I do not fear you."

Kaylia kept her hood up, she wasn't sure how many more where here. Or if she could actually fight them off, but she had to try. Fear didn't even phase her, she had seen far more things that couldn't compare to this man.

The chain was doing something to this dragon, it was a thick chain and well bound into the ground. Made Kaylia wonder how long this dragon had been here like this. Taking a step back behind the chain, all the while keeping an eye on the man. She didn't know if it would work or not, if it didn't then she would seem like a fool. Though, it was a risk she had to take, either way there was going to be a fight.

Lowered her bow and drew out the sword that was given to her, everything was in one movement as she struck down against the chain. It shocked her that it actually broke, it was still wrapped around her neck, but not longer bound her to the ground. The dragon did not move right away must be something more to the chain.

Looking back towards the man, lifting the hood off her head revealing the beauty that was hidden.

"Do you still have more ..pressing.. matters? Or do you wish to deal with me now? If I can help it, I will not allow you to kill this dragon, or any other for that matter. Even if I have to hunt you down."

It was clear that there was no fear in Kaylias' eyes, or tone of voice. Taking a few steps forward, raising her sword towards the man. She had never fought an actual person before, this thought lingered in her mind, wondered if she can actually do this.

"Forbidden to...BAH! That ban was lifted two years ago girl...ever since it was discovered that there population had been increasing greatly in numbers..especialy in Lorien where I hail from..now stand aside.."

The Dragon heard her reply and only lowered her head a bit as a response.

As she drew her sword the man kept a cautious eye on her, he was just about to speak when her sword swept down and snapped the chain. and it wasn't just to Kaylia's surprise but to his as well.

"Do you still have more ..pressing.. matters? Or do you wish to deal with me now? If I can help it, I will not allow you to kill this dragon, or any other for that matter. Even if I have to hunt you down." she had said.

The man started to step back, although the chain still held the dragon in check somehow. Then he made a gesture to a small copse of trees, there another man stepped out slowly dressed in heavy looking blue robes. His lips started to move showing thathe was speaking and his arms began to circle in the air. As they dida shimmering swirl of small flecks of light began to surround him showing anyone that was looking that the weave of magic flowed strongly in him.

The chain around the Dragon's neck began to glow, first white, then suddenly a deepened red. She gave a loud roaring cry of pain as she thrashed down upon the gorund, trying to be careful not to crush the woman who had come to her aide, but the pain was becoming unbearable as the collar around her neck began to burn into her.

The slayer had backed away to a reasonable safe distance and he just watched. "I had planned on taming a beast today and if nolt able to at least make off with it,s hide..perhaps I shall tame you instead.." He said with a wry grin.

Kaylias' eye grew wide with what was happening to the dragon. Such a beautiful creature being treated so poorly. The huge creature writhed in much pain on the ground trying to avoid hurting Kaylia. Soon Kaylia was fighting back the tears, turning them into anger.

"You will not tame this dragon, nor take her hide. Least of all you will NEVER tame me... I am not some animal that you can catch and make into some pet."

Glaring hard at the slayer then back to the magic user. It was another risk she had to take, but if nothing else she had to free this dragon. Moving around from the dragons movements she caught sight of the perfect shot and again, took a strike at the burning chain that wrapped around her neck.

At first it didn't seem like it did anything, the heat was so intense that took a few moements before the chain fell to the ground. More and more Kaylia was shocked by this sword,

The black dragon was stunned for a moment then in one sudden movement took to the sky, leaving Kaylia alone with the two men. Even though Kaylia didn't care, just as long as the dragon was free, that's all that mattered.

Taking another defensive stance towards the men, having no idea how she was going to fight against the caster, but she would if she had to.

Though she would run if she had to as well, both men were in her line of sight, the forest behind her. She was sure she would lose them if she did run. Unwilling to show her fear, but her heart was pounding hard making it hard for her to think of what she was going to do.

The more she thought about it, the more she was realizing that she couldn't fight two on one, specially with one being a caster and other a swordsman most likely to be far more skilled than she was. Kaylia had this look in her eyes that told them both she was going to bolt into the woods. Within a moment she did. Kaylia was on foot running blindly into what she hoped was the safety of the woods.

The two men began to give chase. She could hear them behind her as she raced through the woods, knocking limbs out of theway. The branch of a fern tree sappling nearly triped heras she ran.

After what seemed like an hour she began to nottice that they werent chasing her anymore. Everything behind her was quiet.
Above her the Shadow Top Trees created a thick canopy that just about blocked all light from the forest floor.

All around her strange..but non-threatning sounds, began tofill the forest. Some sounded like strange birds, others were more like strange groundbound animals.

Then..ahead of her lying curled up on a large flat rock she could see what looked like a nude human female lying curled on her side facing away from her. Her skin looked like it had a light tan with wht looked like traces of black hereand there that gave a slight shimmer in the light. Her hair was raven black although shecould not see her eyes as her head was covered by her hands.

She started to move a little but stopped as she cringed in pain.

Kaylia heard them fairly far from her. She had never ran like this before, since she didn't ran for the trail she was lost deep in the woods. It took sometime before she ran out of breath, feeling the numbness in her legs, heart raciing relentlessly against her chest. Everything seemed to blur, darkness closeing in around her weakness, though it was far from sunset.

For a moment she fell to her knees once she realized they were no longer following her. Or so it seemed. The sounds around her became somewhat different, it was hard to place why it was different, but they didn't feel right. Almost calming in a strange way.

Looking around to see if she could hear or place the two men, still they were no where to be found. Instead Kaliya sees this female figure in the middle of no where on a rock.

She wasn't there before? Was she? And shes naked..... hurt..

Thoughts were running wildly through her mind.
This has to be a trap..... Has to be?!? .......... But then....

Looked around once more, she felt eyes on her but she didn't know where from. Slowly got up, cautiously walked towards the girl as the girl moved in pain. Kaylia was now scared, this wasn't something a person would see everyday.

"What... what happened?"

Kaylia spoke softly and quietly as to not startle the girl, takeing a few more steps closer, not quite close enough to be in physical contact with the female.

As she came closer the girl rolled to her side so that now she was facing her, the pain evident in her movements. Her small breasts rose and fell quickly in time with her breathing. She was still frightened and around her neck Kaylia could see a deep red mrk as if she had been burned, there were also small cuts on her forearms and what seemed like a deep gash upon her chest, only it looked like it had been healed over, most likely by magic as the wound stil loked fresh, but not completely as it still bled some.

Upon seeing Kaylia she did not recognize her at first and raised a hand to try and bring up a defensive barrier against her...but she lacked the energy to do so and the spell fizzled with her words.

Her eyes of deep brown and rounded in this Human Form searched Kalyia over, trying to discern her intentions. If this was another come to slay her then she would not fight..she was too tired. During the ordeal just moments ago she had only caught glimpses of the womans face who had come to save her..soshe tried placing those with the one shesaw now.

And then it dawned on her. Slolwy her arm outstretched to Kaylia, her hand opeing and turning paml upwards as if wanting to hold her hand..and she spoke, her voice in this form was just as soft as when she had spoke into Kaylia's mind.."Thank you..for helping me..."
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Indeed Kaylia was being watched, the two men had followed her this far. She oculd noth hear them still for they had a spell upon them that was masking there movements. They made no move yet, they just sat in the bushes and watched.....for now.

This confused and shocked look crossed Kaylia's face.

"The dragon? Your the black dragon? But how? I-I.."

Her words faded, it did not matter how at this moment. What mattered was, she knew was being watched. She could feel crawl up her spine, raising the hair on her neck. Again, when she looked or listened nothing was out there.

Taking off her cape relvealing a simple leather outfit that formed nicely to her body. Placing the cloak over the female figure, but just as quickly stepped back out of reach of the girls hands.

"Please forgive me, I haven't had much physical contact in my life. I wish to help you, but I- I don't know how. I don't even know where I am, let alone take you somewhere where it is safe."

It was now clear that Kaylia didn't like to be touched, even if that other person was hurt. Only way to really help her was through magic, and Kaylia knew little about that. From what she did know, it took concentration, something that would make her let her guard down. Something she couldn't allow right now.

Looking into her pack and pulling out a flask of cool water. Kaylia handed it to the female in front of her. Eyes darted to every sound, with obvious alertness. Not liking the idea that she didn't know where she was, where the two men were, and most of all. Being unable to heal this female. Night was falling and it was not safe out here.

"I will help you get somewhere, if you know of a place where we will be safe, I will do all that I can to get you there. But it is not safe out here."

Kaylia spoke softly, slowly approaching the female again, but each time she reached out her weak hands, Kaylia would pull back some. This girl maybe hurt, grateful that she was saved, still, in Kaylias' eyes she was dangerous. Unable to trust anyone so fast.

"What shall I call you? Surely you have a name?"

"The Elves of Lierian call me Shivaras.." She accpeted the cloak and wraped it more about herself as she slowly sat up, wincing in pain. She knew this woman was curious as to how she looked like a Human at the moment. "Yes..I am the Dragon. As we get older, usualy in our late adolescent stages, we gain the ability to take opn a Humanoid form, some of us can change into Elves, others Human, a rare few of us can transform into Dwarves. But Black Dragons arenbt the only ones who can do htis, other Dragon's can as well. Who knows, I may not be the only Dragon you have met."


Sitting up now, she slid from the rock and onto shakey legs, nearly faling over but catching herself. Yes this owman had spoke the truth, they were not safe here. And the faster the sun set the darker it began to grow. The two Slayers were not the only things here to wory about, for as the shadows grew various creatures of a foul nature would soon roam this forest.

"Yes..I do know of a place..there isan old Keep at the forest edge two mils east of here. If we are lucky we may find shelter there. The worst they can do is turn us away..right?"

She knew this womanmay be puzzeled as to her actions as Black Dragons were noted in this land for there cruel and deadly nature...Shivaras seemed like none of that.

"So what should I call you?"

Dorien RyKar

OOC:

Dorian is a Forest warden. A guardian of the forests, and most importantly, it's inhabitants. He is one of the few humans to have the skills to become one.

A Forest Warden is a weapon unto himself, but still carries an impressive arsenal. His duty is to keep the Forests safe from brigands, highwaymen, and the like, and to ensure safe passage through it. He also guards against over-harvesting of the trees, and other natural resources.

His primary concern, however, is the safety of the sentient creatures living in the Forest wilderness.

6'4", broad shoulders, hazel eyes, dark hair.

Most used weapons: Bow, sword, short short, dagger, small crossbow.

IC:

He croched low, studying the footprints. They'd been here not less than two hours ago. His eyes followed the trail off the path, the broken twigs and snapped braches giving them away easily. He'd been tracking them for days. They kept their speed, an unusual trait for outlanders in a strange Forest, but he would catch them eventually. he always caught their kind.

His face twisted into a grimace. Poachers. Ever since some of the kingdoms had lifted the ban of dragonslaying, their kind had come out in force, killing indiscriminantly. Both dragon, and human alike.

There had been three when they started, but he had happened upon a body ealier this day with a nasty slice across it's belly.

Dorian knew enough to realize that wasn't caused by any human weapon. Which menat that they had nearly caught their prey.

He rose from his crouch, and set off at a brisk walk . . . moving quickly, but silently through the underbrush.

"Well. The only name I remember ever being called is Kaylia. As I said, I've been isolated for a very long time."

With that she helped Shivaras to her feet and they began walking towards the place that she knew.

Kaylia was silent for most the time, wanting to ask what happened, yet, didn't want to bring back the harsh memories. Instead, she remembered all the things that her mother had said about the black dragons, how they were vicious creatures. Never mess or even look at a black beast, for they will kill you.

HAd to wonder if that is what Shivaras had in mind? Maybe not now, but later. Once she is strong enough again. This villiage was quite aways, seemed even further with a naked and wounded female on her arm. It was slow mainly because Shivaras was hurt and barefoot. Kaylia felt like she was being watched from every direction, it was driving her insane as the sun decended even more behind the mountains.

Cautiously and reflectivly she touched her sword at her hip, then the bow at her shoulder. As if she was reassuring herself of her safety. None the less, it would be dark within moments and if this dragon wanted to..........

Then the men........ Whatever other creatures... Kaylia suddenly didn't feel so well about her confidence, fear rising in her with each passing second. She knew enough to survive, but that was it, even then. It was all self taught.

Korgan tried the binds that held his hands together for the millionth time. His wrists had bright welts, each time he tried to stretch them, they seemed to give him a fresh burst of pain. He wasn't going to get out of them anytime soon.
"What was that?"
The old man, wearing a blue cloak, who was on the carriage, guiding the two horses down some old trail, pondered for a moment.
"Magical. I could sense that. Protection, drakonfell. It's messy work."
The slayer, which Korgan thought his name to be Prin or Quin, was walking ahead of the horses, despite the fact they were going at a slow gallop.
"She a protector?"
"No, she didn't feel of it. She has the power though. We should be wary."
"Indeed," Even though the warriors back was to Krugan, he knew the man was smiling. For the short time he knew both of these men, they seemed to take pleasure in the suffering and pain of others. Dragons, mostly, as Krugan now himself sat in the back of the carriage, tied together, sitting between large jars of dragon's blood, and various body parts laying around him.
After the first day he had puked twice, but now, he was too tired to throw up... not that there was anything left to throw up.
"What does our butcher say?"
The wizard in the blue cloak turned around, his cold milky eyes fizxed on Krugan. THe wizard never spoke his name, and neither did Prin... or Quin. Krugan had no idea who he was, or where he came from.
"What about it, boy? What did you see?"
Krugan shook his head, "Nothing."
The wizard laughed, "You sure? You remember what happened to your friend when he lied..."
Blood rushed to Krugan's head, and he wanted more than ever to get out of his restraints. When he pushed out, the pain doubled once again.
"Nothing of importance. She didn't know about the dragon beforehand, she stumbled upon the scene."
The wizard's smart eyes seemed to probe him for more information. Krugan sat, silently, trying not to think of anything, especially the hints that kept coming to him. They had found each other somehow... if she wasn't the dragon's protector before, she certainly was now.
"We going the right way?"
Krugan nodded, no need to lie about this. He wanted to go meet them. He had hopes of those two being able to save him, get him out of these evil clutches and back to a normal life again.
"Keep going."
He looked back, sighing, hoping that he wasn't alone.

Dorian RuKar

Closer now. Very close. In the silence he could hear their laughter. Minutes ago he had come upon a clearing in the forest. The earth had been churned, and there were the remnants of a chain. A big chain.

But nothing else. There had obviously been a fight, but he didn't think they had caught their prey. There had not been enough blood for that.

Briefly, he wondered if they knew that they too, were hunted.

He ghosted along the small path, pralell to the one they were traveling. He would be upon them soon. Within minutes.

With luck, they wouldn't find out he was there until it was too late.

The more they walked the more she felt uneased. It was dark now and they were still at least half a mile from the town that Shivaras spoke of. It was strange how Kaylia felt that she must protect this girl, at the same time couldn't place why she felt like that. And most of all, thoughts of this being a trap some how just wouldn't leave her mind. There were more people out there, she just felt it. Each one being hunted in some way, she didn't know exactly how she knew this, she just did.

Something more about that caster and the slayer that nagged at her, as if they knew something she didn't. Watching her every move, the feeling of eyes on her ran chills up her spine once more. For a moment she thought she heard something, but it was only a wolf, or at least what looked like a wolf, running from them.

This was to much for Kaylia to take in all in one day. Having no idea where these thoughts were coming from, mainly that one feeling of protecting this dragon. And more importantly, waiting to see if this was a trap.

"We are almost there, just stay with me for a little longer."

Kaylia knew that this little trip was hard on Shivaras, she had been hurt a great deal.

Everything was fine up until the clearing. As they passed through the forest, they hurried, turning into a run now, as they were getting closer. Korgan felt his mouth go dry, unsure what was about to happen. The dragon was injured, she wouldn't put up much of a fight, and if it's just the protector, then this battle would surely be short.
They passed the treeline, coming up to a large clearing, and ahead of them, barely a hundred yards, were the two women, heading east.
Out from the forest, the clearing swallowing them, sudden deliberate pain struck Korgan like a bolt of lightning. He folded in on himself, hitting the base boards of the carriage, screaming out his pain and frustration. He had to scream, if he held it in, he would just burst. Torrents of red and black covered his vision, and all he could feel was the pain.
He was coming... God it hurt so much. They would fight. No.
Flashes, pain in his side, something sharp cutting him down. The taste of blood was sharp in Korgan's mouth.
Someone was going to die. He screamed out the pain of a man not yet dead.
The wizard stopped, looking back at Korgan, whose entire body flew into a fit of convulsions.
"What is it? Tell me..."
The blood in his mouth tasted foul, like it had been tainted.
"What. I want..." But at that moment, the wizard, looking back, saw something else.
"Ahhh, we're being followed, is that it? That's what it is, eh? I thought so, I wasn't sure. but..."
The wizard stood up, his oak staff in hand, and a spell forming at his lips.
The slayer was already full speed forward, his weapon out, ready to destroy what was left of the destined ones.
Korgan tried to do something, to warn someone, to tell them the flashes that invaded his mind, but the pain was unbearable. all hje could do was scream and tense every muscle, hoping it would go away.
Tears and blood mixed in his lips.
One way or another, this would be it.

Dorian RuThar

The man in blue turned suddenly, and Dorian stifled a curse.

Wizard!

He had only seen them a moment before. He already had an arrow nocked in preparation, and drew and released in one fluid motion. The broadhead shaft soared towards its target, and bloomed in the man's side, it's broad head stabbing out his back. Dorian snarled, and drew another arrow, cursing himself for the hastiness that had made him miss the heart. He never missed.

Certainly not twice.

The man stood there transfixed, mouth hangin slightly open, before staggering and waving a hand at Dorien.

It was like a fist of air caught him in the chest. He heard the telltale snap of the bowstring breaking as he landed. He roled to his feet, and reached for the small crossbow, only to find that damaged too.

Cursing again, he drew his sword and charged in to die.

Both the girls stopped as they heard the noises from behind, so close, to close. Shivaras dropped to her knees in weakness and fear, not wanting to be caught again, nor die. At the same time she was far to weak to fight them anymore.

Kaylia turned to where the noise was, instinctivly pulling her bow out, she noticed that the caster was distracted, his back turned towards the girls. She had to think quickly, wondering what he was casting at, wondering what he was casting. The horses were coming fast and close to them, there was something else, something or someone inside the wagon. Kaylia felt the pain the person was going through, felt deep inside. It was so strange, she has never felt anything like it before. It was was strong and close to hurting her at the same time, instead, she faught that feeling. Having to stop those horses, if she was to shoot at the caster, the slayer would still come and the horses with full speed.

Reluctantly, hating herself for thinking such things as she drew her bow, aimed where she wanted to shoot, closed her eyes in disbelief when she let the string go. The piercining scream of the horse tore into her soul when the arrown hit its neck. It would have a quick death, bad enough it was something Kaylia had to do, she didn't want it to suffer anymore than it had to.

When the horse dropped into convulsions and soon died, it made the wizard and the slayer lose their balance, causing the the caster to fall backwards to the ground, missing his spell. The slayer barely hung onto the reins of the other horse, again. Kaylia drew her bow, aimed, followed by another whine of the second horse as it to fell to the ground. Kaylia did all she could to force the tears back. But she had to, she had to protect Shivaras at all cost now. Even if she didn't know why.

Stepped between her and the men as they both stood up, her bow aimed at the caster. In the distance she saw a figure running towards them, at first she was tempted to aim at him, afraid he was with the the slayer. No, she had to watch out for this caster.

In mind words came out of no where, it wasn't the dragon, something else, almost sounded like her mothers voice. Almost. This made Kaylia all the more afraid, refusing to repeat the words. Upon seeing the caster start another spell, she shot an arrow into his leg. Not wanting to kill him just yet. His spell broke as he cussed in pain.

"You will not bring any more harm unto me, nor this dragon."

There was fire in the elfs eyes as she spoke, trying hard to hide her fear. Then she raised the bow towards the figure that was running towards them. Keeping the slayer in her sight, it wouldn't take much to switch targets.

Dorien RuKar

As he heard a horrible scream as one of the horses went down, and the wizard, still clutching Dorien arrow which was embedded in his side, toppled backward.

When he got to his feet he was hit again, this time from an arrow coming from the other direction, in the back of his leg. The wizard cursed and fell to one knee.

Then Dorien was there. He leapt upon the wagon and swung the blade hard, bringing the flat side down on the side of the wizard's skull, knocking him cold. Then he saw the man in the wagon. He was tied up painfully, writhing in agony it seemed.

Dorien reached out and clasped the man's arm. "You're safe. I'll return for you when the slayer is finished."

Leaping down from the wagon, he saw the slayer moving towards two women and he called to him. "SLAYER!"

The man looked back over his shoulder at Dorien, his eyes widening in surprise. Dorien swung the longsword easily, gracefully. "You're alone now, slayer. Alive or dead, the choice is yours." Dorien did not name the slayers crimes. Poaching might not carry the death penalty, but murder did. And if he could take the man into custody without a fight, perhaps no others would be harmed here.

One of the women held a bow, and must be the one whom shot the wizard, but he would not risk her life on the guess of whether it was a lucky shot, or skill. No matter how easliy she held the bow. The other woman was bare as a newborn, and weak as one from the looks of her.

Dorien kept moving closer to the slayer.

"Forest Warden," the slayer spat. "I didn't think your kind came out this far..."

"We go where we're needed slayer." Dorien kept moving forward, closer and closer to the man. He saw doubt enter his eyes, and knew he had him. Uncertainty is the enemy in a battle. Know you can win. And if you don't know, believe anyway. "I give you a slow count to three."

Kaylia stood defensivly in front the dragon, keeping her from harm and the bow raised towards the men. If worse came to worse she would just simply shoot them all. It was strange though how the new one came and spoke to something or someone in the wagon. Confusion crossed over Kaylia for that moment, then was quickly replaced with more caution. If he was with them, then why was he also fighting against them? Not understanding what was happening, keeping her bow and focus towards any wrong movement towards her or the dragon.

Kaylia never heard of a Forest Warden that just made her all the more defensive against the stranger. Her eyes and aim were moving from one man to the next, more and more she was begining to wish she would have just stayed at the hut. These men were cruel and didn't seem to care who or what they hurt, so far, these men being the only ones she has met so far, she was begining to dislike all men.

"Just leave us alone! If only you can feel the pain you have made her endure..."

With that she shot another arrow into the slayers leg, wanting him to feel pain. Wanting them all to feel pain, Kaylia has never had these feelings before, it was clear in her eyes. Yet, she wanted them to pay dearly for what they have done to this dragon, what they were going to do to her.

Next she aimed the bow at the new stranger, wondering what his intentions truely were. It seemed he was helping, but who was he talking to in the wagon? Where did he come from? Why was he following? All these thoughts made her doubt his intentions.

Korgan tried to speak, his lips moving breathlessly. He didn't even know what he wanted to say, or how he wanted to communicate it. He wasn't safe, they weren't safe at all.
"No," but all that came out was another wince of agony, as something darker ripped through him. It was fierce, and close, like hot breath on his skin, itching and burning at him.
The wizard coughed up blood, smiling.
Korgan moved towards him, as fast as he could, which wasn't more than a limping crawl. Blood oozed down the wizards head, as he leaned against the ground, almost kissing it.
He whispered words, some of which Korgan understood. He was close enough to the wizard and the spell.
"... let them run upon the cursed ground...."
The entire ground under them began to shook. Had Korgan not already been on his hands and knees, he would have fallen. The slayer, seemingly immune to his partner's spells, stoof with a wide grin on his face, looking at the whole clearing begin to shake and rattle. An earthquake, one done by the wizard's own hands.
"No, stop it."
The wizard turned around, his bloody teeth showing, "You knew he was following. This is all your fault."
Another dark ripple, shots of the future, one so close he was almost upon it. He could see the binds in his hands, going for the neck.
The wizard lunged for him. Korgan grabbed him, his hands moving around the wizard's neck, locking tight.
He spit up blood, cursed, but the words were taught, filled with agony.
The whole ground shook, but the wizard shook too, now locked in a death's embrace with Korgan.
"No," Korgan tried to fight it. The dark shadows ripped about him, and he threatened to lose consciousness. If he did, the wizard would be free, and he could finish the spell. He fought through, letting the tendrils of something deep and cold enter him.
Both of them screamed now, in each other's arms. The wizard fought for his life, and Korgan fought against something else. At first, he thought it was the wizard's death by his own hands, but then, he realized all too soon, it was something worse.
"No," The wizard grabbed onto the side of his face. He immediately stopped the spell, the ground settling at once. As he did, he began whispering in a classical language, no words, no sounds, his throat was too closed for that, but they came out nontheless.
At first Korgan couldn't understand it, but then, in a flash, he could. Moments of language pieced themselves together in his mind. He screamed once more, trying to let go, but his body refused to move. The spell the wizard had now was unbreakable.
"Let go!!!!"
Memories flooded him, childhood, apprenticeship, sexual affairs, murders, spells, books on arcane knowledge, anatomy, the cost of good robes, the right tailor, the slayer, the dragon's true reason for being caught. It all flooded through him, imbedding inside his mind.
"NO!"
THe wizard fgell limp in Korgan's arms. He looked at the dead body, with his eyes, which had been brown, now were a light blue. He couldn't move for a moment, refusing to do anything but shake.
Had he completed the spell? Something in his mind, a voice that hadn't been there a few minute's before, said no. He didn't finish it. Korgan was still himself, for the most part.
He could feel the slick arms of whatever was left of the wizard, running around in his own mind, opening doors and leering through thoughts. Memories, some his own, some not, but all familiar, began to weave together inside him.
He just laid there, quiet, unable to speak or move. He could, he felt the weight lifted off of him. His hands, still tied, opened and closed at the bloody palms.
Good God, what had he done?

Shivaras

(Me's been buisy last few days)

Shivaras slowly lifted her eyes to what was oging on around them. It was all happening so fast and so close together it was hard for her to tell who from what right now. She heard screaming, Kaylia had steppedin front of her and had fired an arrow and was geting ready to fire another.

Inwardly she sighed...she felt this was all her fault. That none of this would have never had hapened if she had never left the Elven lands of Lierian. She knew how people viewed the Black Dragon's, but the Elves of Lierian were different..they had taken her in when she ws young, they had accpeted her as one of there own. But now that she was here...it was like she had been hunted ever since she touched ground. There was much suffering now, one of the sufferer's she could hear quite clearly, making his pain and anguish quite audible.

Then after everything was done she put a gentle hand upon Kaylia's arm, restraining her from loosing the Arrow.

"Calm yourself...and wait here if only for a second." Her voice and tone were still just as calm and soft.

Quiely she made her way towards the wagon, casting an eye of thanks to the Forest Warden before she hopped into the wagon. She oculd see the man, Korgan, huddled in a half ball, his hands bound andbloodied. She could see him still shake in pain and frustration, and now perhaps confusion.

She also knew what lay in the barrels, the scent to her one of disgust and pulling upon her hate for the people who do such things. But she pushed that aside...for now.

"Shhhh...it's alright now.." She said to Korgan, trying to sound as soothing as possible for the man. Somehow she knew that he was an unwilling servent to this Wizard. Taking his hands in hers she held them gently as she looked upon him with her Brown Human eyes. Then her hands moved to the ropes that held him bound..she oculd feel a twinge of a magical aura flowingthrough them. But the flow had been weakend some, probably over time and use...."Heltier Nomvak Vei'sil" She spoke quietly, the ropes began to loosen , then unravveled in her grasp droppingto the wagons floor boards.

Then looking to Korgan she gave him a nod as she sat up. "You are free now...as all innocent things should be." Then looking to the Warden she smiled a bit "Forest Master, if this man should wish of it, I bid you to see him to safety..."

Then she looked to Kaylia. She knew the Elf Woman would be most confused now. But explanations would come later as for now Shivaras was weary, quite weary. Even the cantrip she had done to set Korgan free had weighed heavily upon her. But she knew she must press on, she oculd not rest, could not find the peaceful sleep of the ages until her job was done..the job....quest....she had set upon herself as she left Lierian to fulfill.

Kaylia never let her bow down, changing from target to target, it all happened to fast and she didn't like this one bit. The injured man had some how killed the caster, yet seemed somehow different after doing so. She saw this confused look on his face as Shivaras released him of the binds. Granted Shivaras had told her to calm down even for a moment, perhaps she was calm, to a point anyway. Kaylias' anger had turned into fear and confusion more than anything else.

Watching the men around her, never letting down her bow, doubting herself on the inside if she would really shoot one of them at this point. Having Shivaras being so close to them made her that much more fearful.

"We must go, I do not know who you are.... Forest master, but I must thank you for the help."

With this Kaylia lowered her bow but did not replace it over her shoulder just yet, she wanted to be ready for what may happen next. The town seemingly so close, though it was still some distance with now two injured people. But only the one, the dragon, is the one she must protect. The other man just made her curisous as to why they held him in such a state. She didn't have another cloak or she would have let him use it, but she had given her cloak to Shivaras for now.

Kaylia looked once more at the horses, they would have been fine meat to bring to the villiage. But, she had now way to carry them, sadly and reluctantly she had let whatever lay in the woods have at them. Which now since after the fight was dark, luckily Kaylia had grown used to the nights here and was able to see a bit more than most. Though, she didn't know how well the others here would be able to see in the darkness either.

"We may as well travel together at this point, seeing how we are going to end up in the same town. What say you? It isn't far and we have two ........."

Looking at the slayer and his wounded leg.

"Three wounded people on our hands, surely it would be best if we all went together. The town isn't much further."

Kaylia eyed the Forest master with caution, she still didn't trust him, though, he hasn't posed any threat against her or the dragon she was with. Awaiting his response before she would put away her bow.

OOC: Apologies for the delay.

IC:

The woman seemed to tend to the prisoner in the wagon, freeing him, and murmuring softly. Then she stood and looked toward him.

"Forest Master, if this man should wish of it, I bid you to see him to safety..."

Dorian noded at the woman, before looking back at the one with the bow.

He was still unsure, and cursing the lack of luck that snapped his bowstring. He would not hurt her if he could help it, but he didn't intend to die here, either.

Of course, he was at a distinct disadvantage.

Then the one with the bow spoke.

"We must go, I do not know who you are.... Forest master, but I must thank you for the help."

Dorian relaxed slightly and sheathed his sword, just before she lowered her bow.

"We may as well travel together at this point, seeing how we are going to end up in the same town. What say you? It isn't far and we have two ........."

She looked at the slayer, briefly.

"Three wounded people on our hands, surely it would be best if we all went together. The town isn't much further."

He nodded in reply.

"I am Dorian RyKar. A Forest Warden." Forest Master was an old term. Very old. One of respect given to the true masters of the craft. Not many knew the phrase, or whom to use it on. Interesting. Especially so, since he was one of the few living with whom the tiltle could be used.

But again, it was an old term. Not one used in . . . a very long time. How could two women in the middle of nowhwere know it?

Perhaps the one with the bow had just repeated the phrase from the other, but he couldn't be sure. Either way, the one in the wagon had been certain.

It was a riddle, but one that did not need to be solved immediately.

He reached into his pouch, and pulled out a small gem, and rubbed the smooth surface in a particular pattern before replacing it in the pouch.

"A Call Stone," he explained. My horse will be coming soon enough. "I tell you this so you'll not try to skewer him when he arrives. He is a friend."

He looked at all three of them, one by one.

"I will join you, if it is agreeable."

His name was Renald.
The mage held his name secretive. Any man with magical power, purposely held his name in that respect, for it gave great power to those who knew it. That is why Korgan never could figure the mage's name.
Now he knew it, and it ricocheted off the fragile walls inside his mind, playing with everything it touched.
Korgan looked solemnly at the girl who set him free, a smile coming to her face. He smiled back. She seemed so sweet, so touching.
Why did Renald want her dead?
No... not dead. He wanted information from her, a great power. She knew something, even most of the dragons didn't know. She had been called upon a quest...
These thoughts came to him easy enough, but they were not part of his power, not created from his psychic bond. He knew this because Renald knew this.
Renald was inside his head.
Korgan didn't know what the quest was, but he wanted to help her, he wanted to stay with her, make her safe.
Renald wasnt to go with her too, he wanted to kill her, to know what she knows, and to take what had been rightfully his.
"I'll go," He said, getting to his feet. He stepped to the side, keeping his balance, but made it for the most part. He could walk, not very well, his muscles still weak and sore from everything, but he could do enough.
He needed to follow the dragon. To kill her, or help her... the two disturbing thoughts circled each other, like rabid wolves fighting for a piece of meat.
"My name is Korgan..." Inside his mind, some voice overlapped Renald at the same time, but refused to say it out loud. The name was too magical to give out, too precious.