Dragons and Magic: The Amulet of Suun

[AmenRa]

For the OOC thread, please go here if you wish to join.
http://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=409487

Make sure to read the last few pages, as this story takes place a few decades after the events in Dragons and Magic II.

Post your character's bio with a request to my attention or to the attention of LittleSprite2.


Dragons and Magic: The Amulet of Suun (IC)

In the north, beyond the range of the Stil Mountains, was the kingdom of the High Elves, the Great Northern Lands. Within this criss-cross of fertile valleys, and surrounded on all sides by jutting peaks, the Elves worked and lived and played. Ruled by M'Rhun, of the Great House of Shi'kal'vir, the kingdom prospered.

If one were to journey southward, through the Bora'vi Pass, the River Odai would be seen where it flowed from the Elven kingdom and turned sharply east, skirting the base of the Stil mountain range and opened into the village of Kant. From there the river widened, heading for the sea.

Southward still from Kant were the prairies and plains of the Centaurs, each tribe having a cheiftain and each cheiftain owing his loyalty to the Lord of the Centaurs, Belos The Half Horse.

West of this area, the forests took over the land, and then gave way to the craggy, alpine rocks and cliffs of the Western Highlands, where the highest mountains were home the the keep of the Dragons, Red Mountain.

If one passed through the cliffs and canyons of this place, they would walk into the forests and plains of Westland, home of various clans of men, orc, goblins, and the like. This is called the Warlands, for there is constant battle between the warlords of the various clans.

But, back further south from Red Mountain were various villages, including the cities of Netahl, Pradala, and the seaport of New Hope. Though mostly made up of humans, other races actively lived and worked in these kingdoms.

On this day there is met in the village of Kant a Great Council, such as those that have met in times before. The leaders of the great races and cities are there, with their generals and advisors.

They met outside in a field bordering the village, around a great stone table, one that had been made for a meeting that took places ages ago, since time unremembered when they first met to sign an accord for an alliance between all creatures. On that day the great Dragon known as Thorn stood with them, and held an outstretched wing to shield the leaders from a downpour as each affixed their marks upon the scroll of the alliance.

This day, though, the great Dragon was noticeably absent.

At one end of the table sat M’Rhun, king of the Great Northern Lands. Standing to his right, behind his chair, was his son, O’Bonn, a High Warrior and commander of the King’s Royal Guard and the leader of the Battlemages. M’Rhun was wearing a flowing, gilded purple robe. The prince was dressed in the silver and gold plate armor common to the Great Northern High Warriors, and he wore a blue hood trimmed in gold, signifying his status as a Battlemage. With him were a small company of the Royal Guard, who stood behind him, remaining ever silent and alert, their scimitars sheathed at their sides.

Near M’Rhun stood Belos The Half Horse. He had several of his Centaur chieftains with him, and each of them had a cup of wine in their hands. Further down were several nobles and generals from the other cities, as well as other peoples who had received the call to the meeting.

M’Rhun was speaking: “We know this for several rangers have passed this information along from the Warlands themselves,” he continued. “The warlord Azurus has located two of the three pieces of the Amulet of Suun, and he seeks the third and final piece.”

“Superstitious nonsense,” someone at the other end of the stone table said, “stories told to frighten children!”

“My father speaks the truth,” O’Bonn stated, his voice even and soft, “and you would do well to listen to him.”

“Aye,” Belos agreed, “the legend of the Amulet of Suun is old, true, but true it is.”

The table fell into argument. Voices raised, and shouts were made, and they echoed across the field and against the distant trees. And then a great shadow passed over the sun, and there was the sound of mighty wings flapping.

Thorn herself landed near the table, folding her great wings into her inky blackness. She gazed down upon the group gathered with her slit eyes and a plume of smoke escaped her nostrils.

“You would do well to listen to the Elves and Centaurs,” she hissed. “They speak of a time before most of you even remember.”

M’Rhun, O’Bonn, and the rest of the Elves faced Thorn and bowed deeply. She returned with a bow of her horned head. “Wisdom of the Ages,” M’Rhun greeted, “you are most welcome among us.”

“And you,” she returned, “King of Elves, are wise and noble. May your House be blessed by the Fay.”

The others gathered had gotten quiet upon Thorn’s approach. As she lowered her head towards the great table, the Elves returned to their seats. Thorn came to within touching distance of O’Bonn, her black scales shining in the sunlight.

“The third piece of the Amulet of Suun must not be found,” she said. “If it were to be brought together, if it were to be made whole once again, then it would grant its wearer the power to un-make the world.”

She let out a sigh, and continued.

“When the world was new, and there were but the first of the Elves, the Amulet was created and given to the wisest and most powerful to create the rivers and mountains and even the peoples of this place.

“And then war came upon the world. Greed and tyranny and oppression and all those things which make evil beings. And the Maker knew that if the Amulet were to fall into the hands of such, then it would be a terrible thing, and darkness would come about, and the world would be no more.

“So,” she continued, smoke rising from her great snout, “the Amulet was broken into three pieces, and sent to the far corners of the world. Alas, though, two have been gathered.”

“Where is the third piece?” M’Rhun asked.

“The third piece of the Amulet of Suun lies in the ancient Elven stronghold of N’Las Tor,” she said.

“N’Las Tor is impenetrable!” Someone said. “It is guarded by demons!”

“Is it not demons that seek the Amulet?” Thorn countered.

More bickering ensued.

A great flame lit up the sky and area around the stone table as Thorn tilted her head back and roared.

Silence followed.

“The third piece of the Amulet of Suun must be retrieved before Azurus and his wizards acquire it,” she said. “This quest is before you,” she told them, “as it befalls you to see to the safety of this world.”

More silence.

“I will go,” O’Bonn said, stepping forward. All eyes turned to him.

O’Bonn pulled his blue hood from his head, his white-blonde hair long and pulled back into a tail.

Thorn nodded her head slowly. She had expected as much from the Elven prince.

“So,” she questioned, “who will join him?”

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial
age ?
race. Half/Elf.
class.. Hunter/ranger
hight 5ft, 4in
weght 110lbs

Hair long blue black in color braided down her back, her eyes amber,gold in color, an hour glass athletic like figure from using a sword and bow. Her skin bronzed by the sun in her travles, ears only slightly pointed fair of face, brests slightly larger than a handfull, dressed in studded brown leather ranger armor, and Dark Blue hooded cloak.

She rides a Redbrown horse with black main, her pack and bedroll carried attatched to her saddle along with other items in her saddle bags. she carries a sword, bow and quiver of arrows, as well as a dagger in her boot.

Long ago she rescued a boy named Rhys from a burned out village named Kent and from there met and made sevral friends who banded together to protect the boy.. they had travled to the matriarch and went on a quest putting Dreamweaver to rest once more..

she had fallen in love with O'Bonn a full blooded elven warror, whom she still cared for, and loved greatly but could not wed.. for even if he accepted her his people never would.

Returning to the dragons Keep and Rhys she discovered it had been attacked and Revrend wounded and the Dragon Kind along with Rhys were... and so she continued her quest not only to find her brother but to find Rhys as well for she felt it was her destainy to find the young blade singer and make sure he did not fall into evil hands...

years had passed sence she had bidden O'Bonn and the others fair well but from time to time she sent a message to O'Bonn telling him of her travles and the creatures she came across in the lands she travled but had yet to find her brother.. Rhys was another storie she did not wish to think about for the moment... she also sent any word she had especally lately about a wizard who was sending out minons to search for peaces to some sort of amulet..

Receivng word of a meeting to be held in Kent Idrial decided to join..

Kent was much changed in the years sence she had rescued Rhys more humans had come along and rebuilt the town.. it now thrived with life as if it had never been distroyed.. she stabled her horse at one of the inns in Kent and made her way twords the meeting. She kept her wepons with her never one to go with out them unless forced to do so.

She kept the hood of her cloak up and her face hidden in its shadow as she listened to Thorn, O'Bonn, his father, and Belos argue with the others.. shaking her head at the foolishness of there bickering..

O'Bonn stepped forward and spoke lowering his hood.. she had not laid eyes on him in many a long year not sence she had biden him fair well, and he was yet unchanged to her still the handsome proud elven warrior who would one day rule in his fathers place...

Thorn asked who would join him.. no one yet spoke.. it would be well to join O'Bonn once more she thought and perhaps the answers she sought lay in joining with him..tho she would not blame him if he turned down her aid for there parting had not been a happy one for ether of them..

I will join thee if you'll have me.. Idrial said moving threw the crowd so that she would better be seen, stopping not far from O'Bonn and Thorn she lowered her hood.. many murmers and snears as well as shocked wisperings of half breed and mixed blood which were the nicest things wispered went round..

what good is a half breed be gone from here.. one man was bold enough to state.. murmrers of agreement went round the room as well as disagreement from those who had met her in her travles or from Thorn and O'Bonn who knew her..

When Thorn Roared for silence Idrial spoke..Strangly she wasnt upset by there comments she was used to them.. I am Idrial two bloods and i have fought beside O'Bonn before.. and it is for him to decide if he will have my aid once more or no...

 

[AmenRa]

Idrial was here.

She had been here the whole time, watching them.

Watching him.

O'Bonn's usually stern countenance broke into a soft smile as he beheld her.

And others around the table murmured their disapproval, once such that Belos The Half Horse quickly backhanded someone for their unsightly remarks about this warrior ranger that had fought beside the Champion of Elves. He didn't even spill his wine.

O'Bonn moved to Idrial, and he placed a gauntleted hand gently on her shoulder.

"Silence!" M'Rhun commanded. "Though she be a half blood, she has fought along side O'Bonn and thus has served my kingdom with all the honor of a true Elf!"

O'Bonn looked into Idrial's eyes.

"You are most welcome," he said to her.

Thorn snorted her approval.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial looked into O'Bonn's eyes as he walked forward and smiling placed a guantleted hand upon her sholder she returned his smile with one of her own and then turned her attention to his father M'Rhun who spoke up in her favor

she bowed to him, before looking once more into O'Bonn's eyes as he welcomed her and Thorn snorted her approvel. I thank you for your welcome its good to see you once more and am honored to fight along your side again.

She stepped back by his side and allowed the discussions to continue, the more they knew about the wizard and the amulet as well as its wear abouts the better prepaired for the journy and what they faced they would be. she wondered if O'Bonn had any word from Ona as she hadnt heard from her sence they had all parted ways after Reverends funaral..

still no matter what they faced even if it were only two of them some more warriors would be most welcome.

 

[Dracona]

She sleeps

“The time has come, child…”

A voice in the darkness, a familiar voice that had spoken to her often in this dream. Telling her tales of the world she had left behind. Ona felt as if she was swimming, drifting up toward the surface. She fought against it. In that direction lay pain.

“Your friends have need of your presence, little one…you must wake.”

Her friends. Ona had never had friends until the end of her life. They had parted company but they still had her loyalty. For them Ona would leave the safety of this place. She stretched her consciousness, reaching outward, pulling toward the waking world. She became aware of her limbs, at first feeling leaden then blood pumping through them, strength filling her. Where she anticipated pain there was a thrum of power. The wounds she remembered had long healed, she was whole.

With a sudden gasp her lungs filled with air. Arms flew out, hands searching for someone or something to grasp hold of as she sat upright. Blue within blue eyes opened on total darkness.

“Mother?”

“I am here.”

Ona glanced around her seeking the source of the voice. It was a part of her, inside her mind, yet she had no face to put with it. A soft blueish glow began, slowly growing to illuminate the small chamber. Brows knit in confusion Ona turned her head this way and that, unsure of the truth of what her eyes beheld. She was in a bubble.

The chamber was roughly circular with no visible exit. As the light brightened it refracted from the walls like the sun on jewels. Ona looked down, running her hand over the softness she lay upon. It seemed to grow from the floor of the chamber, spongey and yielding. It reminded her of the flesh of mushrooms, but no mushroom she had ever seen grew to this proportion.

“I have prepared the way. It is time for you to go.”

“Wait, I cannot see…where are you?”

Ona felt herself enfolded in a warm embrace. She was warm and she was cared for and she was strengthened by the contact. And she was moving. Through space or time or through the earth itself, she had no idea, she was only aware that she travelled at great speed.

“I am all around you, always. Be safe, my daughter…” There was a flare of light, a warm yellow light, and Ona found herself blinking up at the sun. A gust of wind caught her hair, tangling it around her face and torso. Ona closed her eyes and lifted her face toward the source. A smile spread over full lips and she threw her arms wide. She was reborn.

And she was naked.

Her state of undress came to her in the same instant as a sound like the tinkling of bells. Ona looked around but saw nothing. Again the tinkling sound came and Ona turned a full circle, once and then again. She stopped half way through her second turn and focused on a nearby tree. Hanging from a branch was a length of cloth where nothing had been a second before.

“Mother said you would need these things. Although I do not understand the need of your kind to cover yourselves.” A tiny, feminine voice whispered in her ear. There was a fluttering and a brightly colored moth hovered at the edge of her sight. A moth and yet not. No matter how Ona tried to focus on the creature it stayed barely within sight and the closest thing her mind could come to what she was a moth.

“Mother said to bid you be quick and join your friends there, in the field beyond these trees.”

Ona held out her hand to the hanging cloth and it fluttered loose from the tree limb and came to her call. It was a simple garment, a hooded robe with long bell shaped sleeves, but it would do for now. A pair of sandals dropped onto the ground at her feet and a long wooden walking staff fell beside them. It took only a moment for Ona to don her new clothing.

“Thank you, little sister.”

Her only answer was the high, sweet sound of bells and Ona realized it must be laughter. She turned and walked through the trees and stood at the edge of the large field. At a distance she could see the beginnings of the village, but closer than that a large gathering of all variety of peoples. Pulling her hood forward around her face she strode across the field toward them.

It was surprising to her that her diversion field came so much easier now. She had only to think of it and she passed through the majority of those grouped near the stone table unseen. Even skilled warriors trained to depend on their senses and not their sight turned from her, their attention suddenly drawn elsewhere. She stopped at the edge of the group closest to the table and listened to the words of the Elven King and the Centaur Lord, saw the arrival of Thorn herself. And when O‘Bonn and Idrial stood together in the face of ignorant disapproval she nearly gave herself away with a wild cheer.

Ona let the furor die down and then, letting her diversion field fade away, stepped forward.

“I stand with O’Bonn and Idrial.” She said in a soft voice. She reached up and pushed her hood back from her face, shaking her dark hair free. “As in times past… I am at your service if you will have me.”

 

[LittleSprite2]

Ona.. Idrial smiled as she said Ona's name and stepped forward clasping her hands in her own in warm welcome. it is good to see you my friend it had been long sence we last met.. i for one would be glad of your aid..

She stepped back allowing Ona to move forward so that O'Bonn could greet and welcome her as well things were defanatly begining to look up.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn stepped to Ona and took her hands in his.

"It is good to see you again," he said. He then released her hands and gave a bow.

He turned once more to Idrial, with whom he shared a long look.

In that moment his eyes told her everything he himself could not considering the company at the moment.

"There are three of us," O'Bonn said to his father. "Three who stand against many."

"Aye," Belos interjected. "But you do not stand alone."

The great Centaur put down his cup of wine and trod over to where they stood.

"I would send no one in my stead," he told O'Bonn as he clasped the Elve's shoulder plate. "It will be good to fight beside you once again."

The High Warrior smiled. "And the last time we fought alongside each other, I remember a village we nearly drank dry. Come to think of it, were we not run out of the village? What village was that?"

Belos The Half Horse laughed. "That was this village!" he exclaimed. O'Bonn joined in the laughter for a moment, until M'Rhun spoke.

"The ancient stronghold of N'Las T'or lies deep within the northernmost highlands of the Warlands. You'll have to cross treacherous ground to get there. You know, my son, it is forbidden for our army to cross the mountains into the Warlands, but I will place a Legion of High Warriors under your command who will escort your fellowship to the border, and there they shall make camp and await your return."

O'Bonn gave his father a bow, and the two, father and son, looked into each other's eyes for a moment.

"Tell Mother," O'Bonn began.

M'Rhun held up his hand. "She knows, my son. As do I."

O'Bonn returned his attention to the group to see if there were any others that would join them.

 

[stubborn_dreamer]

Ona, Idrial, and O'Bonn.

So far three had lined up for the quest of a lifetime. Araavis Valore wrinkled her nose and gulped trying to muster up the last vestiges of her courage. Currently she was seated in an inconspicuous place near the end of the table. She was 5'7, had milky brown skin and currently was masquerading around as a boy. To be truthful it was a wonderful transition. She had 3 brothers, each a warrior who despite her father had taught her what she needed to survive in case they ever had to leave her side. They had left about 3 months ago to explore disturbances around the Bora' vi Pass. Since then her father had been hurrying to marry her off. Knowing time was of the essence she snuck herself off to the great stone table, hoping that there would be some escape. She had found it in this glorious quest. She wore baggy brown pants and a gray shirt to hide her figure. This with a cloak did a great job of disguising her looks. Her short black hair covered her human ears being that it would be strange to see a full human in elf country. Standing, her tall black boots clinging to her legs, she slightly pulled down the hood of her cloak.
"I am Astril, Astril Valore" she said adding as much base to her voice that she could. "I am a shorts sword and dagger marksman. If you would have me, I would be most honored to join you on this most noble quest." With this she looked at them with determination, as though her gray eyes could will them to accept her.

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn looked to the newcomer. He sized this one up, and recognized the boy's lithe frame held a strength that would aide them well.

O'Bonn nodded his head, looking to Belos The Half Horse, who merely shrugged his shoulders.

"If the others have no objections, I have none," O'Bonn stated.

"It would be unwise to object to any offer of help in this quest, High Warrior," Thorn hissed.

Thorn knew who Astril was, really, of course. The Great Dragon knew everything. She eyed Astril with an intense stare.

Deceit will be the undoing of this fellowship, Thorn directed into the girl's mind, and when such time is necessary, you must reveal your true self to these noble beings. When, of course, the time is necessary, but not before.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial saw no reasion to object to the boys joining there party, between O'Bonn's Ona's and her own skills should the lad need more training they could teach him as they went.

If there are no others.. with respect to all present if there are no objections we should rest this night and gather what equipment and supplies we need to start out at first light.. she bowed to M'Rhun, and the others at the table showing her respect.

Those who didnt like her or even want her there let alone speaking were wise enough to hold there toungs this time around, not wishing a fist in the face from Belos as the other lord receved, or to incur the matriarchs wrath.

Idrial awaited the others responce.

 

[Dracona]

The clasp of her friend's hands felt good, if a bit odd. Time had held very little meaning while she lay in her suspended state, healing and growing in strength. Only now was her mind grasping just how many long years it had been. The touch of another living creature was almost alien.

She stepped back and to Idrial's left as the Centaur Lord joined their party. Ona observed him discretely, admiringly. The idea of fighting alongside such a creature was exciting. Centaurs were well known for their battle skills as well as their wisdom. As once before Ona found herself thinking that her anticipation of the coming quest might not be completely appropriate. There was, after all, much at stake. Still, she found herself glad to be at the beginning of something new.

Lost in such thoughts, Ona let her blue within blue gaze shift to the newest member of their party and felt a tingle of curiosity. Though he was just a lad there was no reason to doubt that he was skilled with his weapons. Just from his stance she could tell he had been trained. But there was something...Ona tilted her head and focused on him. The boy had secrets. How deep they ran was not for her to know. Though she was certain she could have probed his mind and found them with little trouble that was not her way. His secrets were his own to keep or divulge as he saw fit. And as long as she did not feel it endangered their quest she would let him keep them.

Still...curiosity had always been one of her greatest temptations.

 

[AmenRa]

If there are no others.. with respect to all present if there are no objections we should rest this night and gather what equipment and supplies we need to start out at first light.. she bowed to M'Rhun, and the others at the table showing her respect.

Idrial awaited the others responce.

O'Bonn nodded his head. "The Lady Idrial is right," he stated. "We will gather provisions and leave at sunrise tomorrow," he told them all.

"We meet at the south village gates in the morning," he told the group.

The battlemages made way for him as he took his leave of the group. He gave a lasting look to the dragon Thorn as she let out a puff of smoke from her snout before taking flight herself, her great wings beating the air around them as she rose into the sky.

O'Bonn would camp with his battlemages, in the circle of tents set up by his father's soldiers on the outskirts of the village.

 

[LittleSprite2]

The party having now been dispersed to meet at sunrise Idrial watched O'Bonn leave and then turned to Ona a sad mocking smile on her face a she laughed at her self for her own folly.. before turining thoughtfull and concerned I shall see you in the morning my friend.. do you have lodgings for the night? if not you are welcome to share my room at the inn when your ready.

Idrial waited for Ona's responce before making her own way back to the village, making her own rounds to the fletcher and blacksmith shops wanting to reach them before they closed for the night.

Many of her items were in need of repair and she wanted to have her horse reshoed for the journy none of them knew how long it would be before they would find a village the area they were going to was one not many ventrued into even rangers.

Along with those things she bought an extra blanket and food rations, rope and other supply's they might need along the way including healing save and various potions to aid not only in healing but rejuvianation. she payed extra coin to have her things ready by sunrise.

All that done she returned to the Inn where she found a dark quiet corner table. claiming it as her own she sat down and ordered honey meade, along with bread, ham and cheese.. she had gathered alot of money in her travels in search of her brother the pay for a ranger wasnt much but rather than spend it right away she had saved as much of it back as she could.

Her meal and Meade arrived she sat silently and begain to enjoy it wondering if O'Bonn, and Ona would join her here before finding there beds or if O'Bonn would stay with his men just as well if he did tho she wasnt really sure what to say... it was enough to be near him again it would have to be.

Ona.. she was glad to see had come threw the last 50yrs well but she seemed a bit lost as tho... she had been asleep for most of that time, but Idrial knew if and when Ona wanted to speak she would. They all had there stories to tell after all..

 

[AmenRa]

The three, with a clank of armor and rustle of cloaks, entered the dining area of the inn. They were clearly Elven Battlemages, of the Order of the High Warriors. Two flanked the middle one as they walked purposely towards the table where Idrial now sat. Other patrons sat and stared for a moment, silence gripping them, until they finally went back to their food and drink.

The one in the middle reached up and pulled his blue and gold hood off his head. He looked down at Idrial with eyes of amber.

"Leave us," O'Bonn said to the others. The other two did not speak a word, but turned slightly towards him and bowed curtly.

Once his personal guards had removed themselves from the table proper, O'Bonn gestured to a chair opposite Idrial. "May I?" he asked.


OOC: If Ona joins Idrial at the table, I will come back and edit this post to include her. Thank you.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial watched the procession as O'Bonn entered the Inn with his guards making his way twords the table where she sat.. she staired up at him in silence a mocking half smile on her lips as the occupants resumed there normal conversations and pretended not to notice them..

watching as he lowered his hood and sent his guard away from them brought home even more not only the differance in blood but in station as well.. but she shook it off trying not to let it bother her. Part of her wanted to leave the other part wanted to kiss him, and never let go..

She nodded at his request and jestured for him to join her. you make a fine entrance might i still call you O'Bonn or should i call you My Lord ? she asked only half teasingly as she saluted him with her mug of Meade and waved the barkeep over to take his order should he wish anything.

forgive me my manors, it has been long sence ive had company of any kind save my own... she said in the way of apologizing..

it is truly good to see you, and Ona again I have missed you both.. she commented after the barkeep took his order and left them.

 

[Dracona]

Ona reached out and rested a hand on Idrial’s forearm. To simply touch another person was irresistible.

“If you do not mind, I will meet you at the Inn a bit later. There are a few things I must acquire to be ready to leave by morning.”

With that she turned and made her way back into the thick of the woods. The deeper she walked the quieter it became. Soon all that could be heard was the whisper of the breeze in the upper limbs of the trees and Ona’s own soft footsteps. She stopped and glanced around seeing nothing, but knowing she was not alone.

“Little sister…?”

There was the tinkling of bells, the laughter of the small creature she had spoken with before. Ona made herself comfortable beneath a nearby tree and waited.

“Mother bid me watch over you.” There was a whisper of sound, a fluttering of wings like a breath of air on her cheek.

“And shall I trust you not to lead me into mischief?” Ona couldn’t help smiling as the small moth-like creature hovered into view. With a few graceful sweeps of her wings she landed daintily on Ona’s bent knee.

“Nothing you would not be able to handle I am sure.”

Ona’s mind still insisted that what she saw was nothing more than an overgrown moth. She focused and tried to see past the image and only succeeded in crossing her eyes. She shook her head to clear her vision and laughed softly.

“Would you be so kind as to leave off your glamour, little sister? It is stronger than my mortal mind can overcome.”

“Of course it is.” Came the tinkling reply. “Although you may give yourself too little credit. I will do as you ask though. Look on me now, dear sister.”

Ona opened her eyes cautiously, blinking a few times as her vision regained focus. On her knee, no bigger than a hummingbird, perched a winged woman. Her coloring matched that of the woods surrounding them, the design on her wings shifting and changing as they moved restlessly. Her hair was a light purple color and flowed like corn silk around her shoulders and body. It parted here and there to give glimpses of pale greenish skin.

“You are lovely to behold.” Ona spoke softly. “Is there a name I may call you by?”

“I am Milkweed Thistle, but you can call me Thistle…although I do not object to being little sister either.” Ona barely caught the hint of a blush that flashed over Thistle’s tiny cheeks before she bustled on. “Now, to business. There are things you need. Mother told me to prepare them. I am not certain they are exactly what you need, some of your human accoutrements baffle me, but I think you will do fine.”

Thistle placed two tiny fingers to her lips and produced a surprisingly loud and shrill whistle. After a moment there was a rustling in the underbrush and soon a broad face peeked out at them. His coat was dark reddish, and there was a silver blaze across his forehead. His ears were a bit larger than horses Ona remembered and there was a tuft of hair at the tip of each one. It was the eyes, however, that really set him apart. There was an intelligence in them that raised the question of this being an ordinary animal. An intelligence as well as a hint of craftiness.

“This is Durbin.” Thistle said, and she flew up to greet the newcomer. “He has agreed to be your beast of burden for this quest.”

Durbin raised his head and let out a breathy snort that pushed Thistle backward in the air. There was a tinkling peal of laughter from her and she darted forward to land on the forelock between Durbin’s ears. He pushed his way through the rest of the brush and stood before Ona, his gaze measuring her. He was not overly tall at the shoulder, but he was well muscled. From what little Ona knew of equine creatures he looked built for strength rather than speed, but she had the feeling that he would surprise anyone thinking him slow.

“I thought Durbin would be perfect for you because your pelts match.” Thistle said this as if it was the most important deciding factor. Ona met the gaze of the unique horse and found herself grinning when he rolled his eyes.

Laid across Durbin’s back were a thick pad and a set of pack baskets rested across his haunches.

“There are food supplies and better travel clothing in the packs. Durbin refused to be saddled so you will have to make do.”

“I am sure we will get along fine.” Ona stood and approached the pair with deliberately even steps. “Thank you for accompanying me, Durbin.”

Durbin gave a soft whickering sound and tossed his head, unseating Thistle. Her wings fluttered furiously as she caught herself and rose above them both.

“You’ll want to watch him,” she said, “He can be a pain in the backside when he wants to be…which is most of the time.”

Ona approached Durbin and ran her hands appreciatively over his muscled shoulders and strong neck. Thistle was right, the color of his coat was a most complimentary shade to her own hair. As she let her hands warm against his skin she opened her mind and reached for his, radiating feelings of friendship and gratefulness. To her surprise she met with a mental wall. It wasn’t that there was nothing in his mind to reach for, she was being blocked.

Durbin turned his head to look back at her, nudging her shoulder gently with his broad nose, then very deliberately moved his head from side to side in a negative manner. Ona stared. Her curiosity flared to life. This was no ordinary equine and she really wanted to know how he was able to block her that way. However, out of courtesy she decided that she would let it rest for now. Maybe once they had gotten to know each other better he would trust her enough to let her in. She bowed her head in acknowledgement and gave his neck a final pat.

“I should probably get back and seek out my companions in case there are any final details to be worked out.” For a moment Ona thought of staying in a room at the Inn and the idea caused a clenching in her gut. “But I think I will spend the night out here in the woods.”

“Come back here when you are done.” Thistle hovered at eye level, the breeze from her wings stirring Ona’s hair around her face. “We will have camp ready for you.”

“Oh no, I should stay and hel...” Durbin nudged Ona hard enough to upset her balance a bit.

“You’ll just get in the way. Go see your friends, just don’t be too late getting back young lady.”

Ona laughed and turned to make her way back through the woods toward the village.

By the time she had found the Inn Ona was feeling a little conspicuous. She had to struggle not to throw up her distraction field because so many people were staring at her as she passed through the streets. It was with great relief that she entered the Inn and spotted Idrial and O’Bonn sitting at a table together. She made her way across the busy room and stopped beside them.

“Good evening, my friends…may I join you?”

 

[AmenRa]

O'Bonn gave Idrial a half-smile. "O'Bonn will suffice," he said as he sat. "Though once you did call me something other..."

He locked eyes with her at that moment, and he held her gaze until the barmaid came to take his order of wine and bread.

"It is good to be among friends once again," he said. "Though it seems we meet when there is trouble about, and things aren't right with the world."

There were many things O'Bonn wanted to say to Idrial, but this was not the place or time. Would they have a moment alone again in the days to come? Perhaps....

Ona came to the table then, and O'Bonn motioned to a chair at the table.

"Please, Ona, sit and dine with us," he requested.

 

[LittleSprite2]

What could she say Idrial wondered it was true that the only times they met was in times of great trouble or need, other wise there paths took them off in other directions.... would there ever be a time when she would settle down and start a family.... she tryed to picture it but ...

seeing Ona approch she gave a welcoming smile as O'Bonn answered her question.. the barmaid had just returned with O'Bonn's order and asked if Ona cared for anything..

I've made all the preperations i can think of, tho the area we travle in is one not even i or many other Rangers explore even we prefer to stear clear of it if we can.. what else can you tell us O'Bonn ? Idrial said after the barmaid left once more

 

[AmenRa]

I've made all the preperations i can think of, tho the area we travle in is one not even i or many other Rangers explore even we prefer to stear clear of it if we can.. what else can you tell us O'Bonn ? Idrial said after the barmaid left once more

O'Bonn stared for a moment at the candle burning on the table's center. As he stared, the flame died down to almost nothing, then when he looked up at Idrial, the candle returned to it's full brightness.

It was no secret most Elves held a capacity for elemental magic. The BattleMages, like O'Bonn, studied this magic to it's fullest power.

The High Warrior cleared his throat.

"Well," he began, "once my sister and I ventured away from home and crossed into the Warlands. We traveled just as far as the edge of the Dark Forest, the first of the great woods that lay on this realm. There we were met by a pack of the Great Wolves, giant beats these are, almost as tall as a horse. We were certain to be eaten, but the Great Wolves spoke to us as the children we were then, and they bade us to return to our home.

"We did return home, and we were duly chastised by Mother and Father," he finished with a smile. He took a sip of his drink and continued, "So, besides the Great Wolves, there are other beasts we will see, such as the Great Bears, and the sand spiders that live in the open desert beyond the plains. There are small villages here and there, near the outskirts of the forests, where there live simple folk, who care nothing for the politics of the world. There are others, though, such as the clans that ally themselves with the warlord, or those that ally themselves with no one. These live among the plains and into the rocky areas that precede the canyons. Goblins, orc, men, elves, all manner of folk make up these tribes.

"There are....other things," he said, his voice quiet, "that we will face. Dark things. Shapeshifters who can turn themselves into all manner of beasts. Evil fairies that live in the woods. Good fairies, too, but one can not tell one from the other most of the time. Within the Dark Forest, there are darker places where sorcery and evil thrive. And, once we make it to the cliffs of the stronghold N'las T'or, we will face the ghosts that dwell within."

 

[RownaIrishNalio]

Unknown to the three in the inn, a being in a mottled cloak was almost invisible in a near corner; watching, and listening. Every word and detail being stored away in a overactive brain.

They were the only reason that the being was alive. Details are very useful to thieves.

 

[LittleSprite2]

her food was gone and her drink neary so when O'Bonn begain his account Idrial listened intently.. especally to the part about the animals being able to speak... it was true rangers had an afinity for any wild creature... many also had companions.. Idrial had yet to choose one or have one choose her..

she had always thought it not ment to be, but also mayhap it was that she with the amount of danger she ushually found herself in needed a more intellegent sort..

she spoke when O'Bonn finnished well then.... it seems we've a nack for finding ourselves working together on the most difficult , and interesting of quests.. Idrial smiled at this point and relaxed.. I cant think of any others i'd rather have at my side.. she layed a hand on Ona's sholder companionably before removing it and then downing the rest of her mead.

Idrial stood and tossed some coins on the table the hour had grown late and they'd not get much sleep before dawn found them.. I am for bed i'll see you both before dawn. with a teasing and more friendly air than before she winked at Ona, and bowed to O'Bonn.. sleep well my lord.. this time there was no mockery only simple banter between friends.. and with that she left the tavern..

To anyone watching they might have thought she drank too much but in truth any one who knew her or had ever thought to jump her in the past found Idrial could still well defend herself and was quite alert.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Bumped .......?

 

[AmenRa]

The High Warrior O'Bonn made his way back to the Elven encampment just outside the city's walls. Darkness had fallen across the land, and O'Bonn could see the campfires of the High Warriors burning brightly.

As he approached the outskirts of the campsite, prior to entering into the array of travel tents that had been set up, he saw a curious sight:

A large, wolf-like dog, with fur of silvery white, and a black nose, but with eyes of the deepest amber. The dog waited for him on the path to the camp, and as he approached, the dog stood on all fours from where he had been sitting and gave a soft bark.

"Majai-hi," O'Bonn whispered. The High Warrior then knelt and offered his hand. The Fay Hound approached and sniffed O'Bonn's offered hand, and then licked it. This was the wolf-dog that had accompanied O'Bonn and his companions in the city of Gilad once before. The wolf-dog that was Fay made flesh, an elemental spirit embodied in the form of a wise animal of the forest.

I will accompany you, O'Bonn of the Great Northern Lands, the Majai-hi said to him in his mind. If you will have me?

"You are most welcome," O'Bonn answered.

Off to his right, where the land disappeared into a stand of trees, came a sound of wind, as if great wings had folded through the air. In the darkness, O'Bonn's Elven eyes could just make out the inky black shape of the Great Dragon Thorn. He walked to her and bowed.

"Your fellowship is now joined once again, O'Bonn," she said to him.

"It is indeed," he answered. "Once more we set out upon a great quest that will foretell the fate of our world."

"You will succeed, young Elf," she spoke quietly. "And such does not come from the great sight given to Dragonkind, but it comes from knowing you and your companions. This one has much faith in you, O'Bonn."

The High Warrior gave another deep bow of respect.

"Listen to the majai-hi," she warned him, "for he shall be your eyes and your ears. The Fay of the woods, rivers, and earth speak through him."

"I will do this," he said to her.

"Until you return, then," Thorn said lastly. She then flapped her wings and rose into the dark sky.

O'Bonn turned, and with the Fay hound close on his heels, found his tent among the others. Sleep came, but it was restless. Sunrise would tell their departure from Kent and onto their journey.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Thanatos Ippotis

There was a faint whisper on the wind, he twisted his head slightly, tilting it to listen, the horse seemed to tense slightly as it listened as well.

“The time has come, the time has come, the time has come.”

The horse snorted, where there should be vapour there was none, for just like Thanatos, the horse was undead, a servant of Death and it’s champion. A faint memory stirred Thanatos to action and he patted the horse’s neck, he knew that it could feel the touch, but it held no sensation for either of them. He looked about him; the wind howled over the barren rocks, swirling snowdrifts into little cone shapes as it rushed past them. His cold gaze sought the far reaches from where the voice came, he knew it was a voice whose owner could not be found nor seen, but it never hurt to make certain that it was no trick or test of his master.

A slight nudge and the horse moved, its strong frame ploughing through the snow, effortlessly and untiring as was the way of the undead in bleak places like these. Behind him he left the corpses of Mountain Trolls, they had seemed to think of him as a human knight, an easy target. How wrong they found their thoughts to be. He stared into the wind, the cold and wet not bothering him nor his steed, his eyes unblinking, yet still he saw all that there was to see in the storm. It took them two days to cross the mountain, resting by day and moving as the sun faded away, not that they needed the rest, but old habits, even if they were in another life, died hard. The evening of the fourth day found them travelling through plains, they made good speed, as the horse could now run and none of them needed rest. Still the voice guided them, showed them the quickest way to where it had wanted them to go. Farmers and Travellers avoided the dark apparition, the black horse, bearing a black rider, both came straight from the Book of the Damned, and they warded themselves against the Evil Eye, spat through their fingers to hold Evil at bay and watched as the dark ones faded away, wondering what soul would perish at their touch.

It was early morning on the seventh day that he finally pulled on the reigns, bringing the horse to a halt, not far from them was a place of gathering, where many souls dwelt, where goodness and evil was so mixed that it became hard to know what who was. He sat there in the shade of a tree, watching silently, the horse stood so silent that one could swear both of them was just a stone statue planted under the tree.

“Wait, wait, wait…destiny comes….”

The voice faded away with a soft chuckle, one that would have sent chills down the spine of any mortal, but he knew that chuckle as good as his weapons, he knew that his master had brought him here and that soon all will be revealed to him.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Idrial woke just before dawn dressed and gathered her things together.. she left the inn and saddled her horse, and prepairing everything for the journy to come.. gently and quietly she lead her mount out of the stables and in the distance could see O'Bonn's army camped just outside the village.

she gently patted her horse and lead it threw the village twords O'Bonn's camp as she neared she could see signs already of the soldjers rousing and dropping tents ect prepairing to move out when the order is given.

Some stopped in there work and looked her way some curious some hostil.. but none stopped her, until she approched O'Bonn's tent two elven guards stepped forward and blocked her path. She simply looked at them and said. " please inform Lord O'bonn that Idrial has arrived and is ready when its time" with that she turned to lead her horse twords the edge of the encampment wether or not the guards delivered the message she was ready.