Thru Time... {All Welcome Please PM First}

[ZuesTheGod]

1817 - Zues, sisters, Draken, Raymond, Kali (???)

With the force of not only his weapon but his cunning. Zues kept his magic to a minimum in hope to not startle onlookers in the battle, he'd no need to catch the wrath of other Gods by displaying magic that would be wrote down in history books... granted this day and age it would be legends. He chuckled... "Gods are legends."

Moving deeper into the foray, he disguised himself for a brief moment and approached the soft spoken woman. It was a quick, yet staggering blow he delivered to her head. He knew the woman's head would hurt but he had no other choice. He could have teleported her, but he wanted her in a particular place, that and he wanted the men to see them taken by someone other than Zues' image.

If the men saw him as Zues taking each girl then his plans for them would be ruined, because they would know the women weren't in true harm. He lifted Wyn's unconscious form and carried her quickly to his mount. His mind carried thoughts to Kali and she seemed distracted in the battle and he wondered if perhaps she wasn't ready to claim Raven as their prisoner. "It has to be done," he growled sending the thought to her.

He mounted his horse and disappeared into the thick tropical foliage that led from the valley, once there he became his true self and deposited Wyn in the cave that would serve his purpose. He looked at her prone form, ran his eyes over her body, noted no true damage, and left her shielded and protected from harm.

Returning to his disguised state he searched out Iolantha, wondering how it would be best to approach her, knowing her guard would be up, now that her mental connection with her sister was lost to her.

 

[cobrasangel]

Raven and the others amid the battlefield... 1817 South America

Gusts of wind began swirling around Raven. Her eyes teared up in fright and
from the smoke and ash that was gusting about from the sudden wind devils.
Blinking and wiping at her eyes she sees a tree off in the distance going up like a torch. Oh hell...now we are to be burned to a crisp as well. Tears flowed now from being so alone and lokking aback at the tree, it was the only one aflame.

Could it be ..the flames were a bit unusual iin color and faintly she felt one of her sisters....which one? So many voices and thoughts were rushing about her mind and she could not hold onto the one that meant the most to her.

Oh please let them be alright. Trying again and again to reach them...Wyn and Iolantha....but nothing came back to her but the other angry voices of the battle around her. The tree had to be a sign...it just had to be. She waited amid the strewn bodies and chaos hoping it to end soon and that they all be safe.
Raven kept the burning tree in her line of sight and took hope that they would find her and get away from here soon.

 

[airatome]

Caught in the Trap

Draken had lost sight of Wyn in all the confusion. He was running things over and over again in his mind, attempting to find the truth in all this chaos. He was caught in a trap, maybe two of them; the problem was finding out who was setting them. Why would Zues be interested in the females, if his only concern was the Demoness being killed? Unless she wasnt a Demoness nothing else made sense. But surely his Runes had reacted to her, and not someone else.

It wasnt untill Draken spotted Wyn being removed from the battle field that he realized what had happened. "I go to take your woman" he had said.....He was disuised as someone else, but his words had given away his plan. It was primarily a decoy. The Goddess was their source of power. Draken couldnt kill her, he and the goddess both knew that. She even challenged him openly. Their fight was to be something to either kill, or draw away the goddess from her girls. Now this battle......but still something wasnt clear. What made them so important as to be stolen by a god?

Draken spotted Lo and Raymond admist the chaos. The first sister he had come accross since it all started. ""Dragon Fang Wave!"" Draken swung the Katana in an arc and hit the ground a few feet behind her with a blast, stoppin the soldiers indirectly that were about to advance on them. He landed behind Raymond.
"Glad to see your okay Raymond.....wasnt sure if my healing fix would work. Lo its Draken. This whole thing is a trap, you and your sisters are being harvested by Zues for reasons unknown to me. He got Wyn, and im not sure who else."

Draken looked up and saw a shell of some sort falling from the sky. He opened his wings and covered them as the incindiary exploded dousing their surroundings in fire. Drakens draconic hide protected them from the heat and flame. He uncovered them quickly, not trying to look hostile. No one trusted him yet. He couldnt say outloud directly what was on his mind, for it was apparent that Zues could hear his words. He was planning on abandoning this plan of killing their goddess, but their was no way he could tell them that directly.......Draken had been caught up im somthing far beyond his understanding. Zues wanted their goddess dead, and if he didnt comply Draken would be added to the list; and secondly, he had realized the problem but couldnt fix it without loosing his life either to Zues, or the sisters......now he had to find a way out, and then a way to save them.

 

[larrion]

War is hell

"I lost track of her!" Raymond yelled over the noise of the war. When Draken came with his own little explosion, Raymond at first thought he was aiming at them. He was about to slug the thing then and there, but realized what Draken had done. Then the dragon man protected them once more, and explained what he could.

"Draken, can you fly Io (with an i) away from here? I lost the map, and I gotta find Raven! Is Wyn ok?" Raymond shouted.

Fucking Zeus... why is he fucking with time like this?

 

[ZuesTheGod]

Zues.. and one more girl... (pfft... I don't think so!!)

He saw Draken, then Raymond, both hovering close, to close. He moved in quietly, easing himself into place, before releasing the image of Wyn. "Please... I'm here." Zues swarmed closer to the group, his thoughts for Iolantha and taking her to Wyn. kay," he called to them, throwing himself into her likeness and pushing her/his way through a group of soldiers. "I've found a cave... hurry go save Raven. I can hear her, she's hurt, in pain. She needs you both. Io come with me."

She/he grabbed Iolantha's wrist and pulled her with her. "Please Draken... please Raymond, save our sister." She/he threw her/his arms around the Demon hunters neck and kissed him roughly on the lips. "Please... don't fail me." She/he looked to Raymond and gave him a heated kiss also. "I'm counting on you both."

Turning to Io she/he said, "Iolantha hurry!" Her/his eyes connected with Io's, "Trust me." They ran away, looking back Wyn/Zues gave both men pleading looks. "Please...," she/he mouthed to the two men. "Raven," she/he whispered.

Once they got closer to a cave, Zues closed the gap they'd made between the battling armies and knew they were gone from sight. He then dropped his disguise. "Your sisters are fine... or will be. Go to the back of this cave, use the satchel Avaline gave you to light your way. Wyn is in the back. Stay put. I'll get Raven for you. Don't disobey me woman... stay here with Wyn."

 

[airatome]

Draken didnt move from his position, as 'Wyn" took Io and lead her away. He should have acted right then and there. He had seen Wyn abducted by Zues, in a disguise, so whats to say this wasnt another one of his tricks. This wasnt the same Wyn he had talked with at the stream. Not the same person at all. Again he had seen through the trap was powerless to do anything against the gods powers.

Once the two were out of Draken sight he turned to Raymond. "That was NOT Wyn, Raymond.....im sure you've been with her long enough to figure that out. We need to persue them and do it quickly. This god obviosly thinks he knows what our every move will be. But i dont intend on checking out any caves. Come on, and please be careful. Another bullet wound wont do you very good...."

 

[ZuesTheGod]

Zues sets up Avaline. *poor girl*

Zues moved quietly, quickly and unnoticed. Kali wouldn't be quick enough if he allowed things to continue. The Demon Hunter was becoming to much of a liability to his plan. It was a quick but staggering blow that he delivered to the two want-to-be hero's. “I have no choice but to act quickly.”

He pulled from his battle gear a long blade with sharp edges on both sides. Zues signaled out the men that were for Spain, dealt them several blows killing San Martin's enemies, only helping the man to win his battle. He reached Raven before the others, stared back to the two men and once more they saw what he wanted them to see. There stood an image of Avaline, rearing her sword back and claiming the life of the beautiful Raven.

He then disappeared, taking Raven with him. An unconscious beauty that truly was not harmed, but only forced into a deep sleep. In their place, left for Raymond and Draken to see would be a pool of blood, blood that a Goddess in the image of Avaline spilt. Zues felt the anger from his wife, Hetta, descend upon him, he pushed it away and carried Raven to her sisters. “She'll be fine also.” He looked out past the cave, saw the battle raging and then closed the entrance to the cave refusing to reveal its magical place, that only legends knew about.

He looked to the sisters, showed his true form and waited for them either wake up and lash out at him, or just plan attack him. “There is a method to my madness.”

 

[airatome]

"Holy shit! Raymond did you see that? Was that.....was that really your Goddess? None of my Runes reacted to her presence like they did before........can a god really take the form of another God? It could have been our friend again......" Draken walked over and saw the pool of blood.

(Dammit.....the blood is here to proove it....)
"What the hell is this? He wasnt supposed to harm them.......then again this whole thing was one big set up.......even my placment here was supposed to be a distraction. Now what the hell are we supposed to do........i dont even know where they're being kept, the ones that are still alive that is. Any ideas Raymond? Im starting to run my a little thin......"

 

[Babette_____]

Chicago 2005

Lily looked at the group of people that her brother was forcing her to watch. She understood now, she'd been told how they were married, lived as close to actual husband and wife as they had to, sometimes even taking it to the bedroom. That hadn't happened since she'd been back in her time. She did wonder why she had her old life's memories, but she also knew the workings of magic and the gods were hard to follow, so she'd haress Avaline when she saw her.

She now had to deal with this group of German officers that thought they were loyal to the government, a government that she also had found out she was thickly involved in underground work to over throw. She'd passed out booze from the fridge and even asked when they could go to Jake's bar. She'd learned they'd be there now if it wasn't for this party.

So while the booze flowed freely and the drugs passed the room, Lily did her best to slip into the background and become nothing. She edged her way to her bedroom, slipped inside, locked the door, and sighed against it, not realizing there was another in her room, not until it was to late. The scream from her throat was silenced, while the man's hand came over her mouth.

 

[bullshot]

Karl / Avaline / NPC's - Jakes Bar

As they walked towards the bar Karl could sense that Avaline wasn’t feeling very happy, he’d thought about the group they’d met and decided that his German accent was the thing that had save her from rape and him from death. Obviously they didn’t meet many real Germans and those that were in the city were very important one way or another.

"It wasn't like this Karl..," she looked around, her eyes full of sadness. She clutched his arm and stopped outside the bar. "He kept it clean and happy. Music played, people laughed. This place was full of the good and the bad, but the good was so much it outweighed the evil... but now...," she sighed, feeling the pain the enveloped the city.

As she clutched his arm he looked at her and could see pain in her eyes as she spoke the words, "Your Hitler can't win. Don't you see?" She spread her hand and the scene changed from the dirty rundown place they were standing in to a bright clean place with happy people walking around. The scene faded and Avaline looked into his eyes convincing him that the present state was all wrong, for the first time since Io had been snatched away from him he started to trust Avaline’s motives.

When Avaline pushed open the door the smell and state of the place took him by surprise, he’d seen the inside of brothels but he’d never seen anything like this.

"There is one of Jake and Lily's friends. We need to talk to him." Avaline told him as she took his hand and led him towards the bar. Karl could feel the eyes of nearly every woman in the place fixed on him. A quick look around showed that the men were also interested in both him and Avaline. "His name is Tony, ask him where Lily and Jake are," Avaline whispered as he felt her arm go around his waist, to make it really appear that they were a couple he put his around her.

“Tony can we have a quiet word?” Karl asked when they reached him.

“What would the likes of you want with me?” Tony asked in reply.

“My friend here is a friend of Lily’s and is desperate to find her,” Karl explained keeping his temper.

“Well she’s not here,” Tony told them.

“We knew she wasn’t in the room, but if you know where she is can you get a message to her?” Karl asked knowing that Tony wouldn’t tell them where to find her.

“What’s the message, I’ll see what I can do,” Tony relented having realised that he wasn’t about to be forced to give his friends where abouts.

“Avaline is in the bar looking for Jake and Lily,” Karl told him. “Can you deliver that message?” he asked.

“Stay here and don’t move,” Tony instructed as he went through a door into the back room. Karl was going to follow then thought that it might just be a trick to see if they were genuine. He didn’t know if Jake or Lily were actually on the premises at the moment.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Avaline - Karl - npc - Chicago 2005

Avaline watched Tony disappear, she knew he was one that Lily didn't like, at least didn't appreciate that much. She pressed herself closer, as her eyes darted around the room, she could protect them both if she needed to, but she didn't want her powers displayed in public, the world was already in chaos it didn't need another God to muck it up more, she, Zues and Richard had done a fine job all their own.

'Avaline... he's soooo warm and strong. One taste. That is all I want... one more taste of his mouth, give it to me Avaline.' She turned in Karl's arms, leaned up, and pressed her mouth to his, her tongue snaked out to trace the shape of each lip, before dipping inside to taste him better. She separated from his mouth, blinked rapidly the yellow fire hiding quickly. “I'm sorry,” Avaline whispered and moved away from him, not far enough to lose contact with him, but enough to distance herself. 'Wasn't it wonderful... you can feel it still can't you. His tongue with yours... you'll want more, need it, crave it. Take it Avaline.'

She closed her eyes and placed her hand on the bar to steady herself. Avaline took several deep breaths and looked back at Karl, “Forgive me. I hope that added to the illusion of us, I'm sorry... I shouldn't have done that.“ She turned away and stiffened her shoulders, saw Tony come back so she returned to Karl's side. Once more she pressed against him, assumed the pose of a couple, and listened to Tony speak.

“She's at her apartment. You're lucky I found something with you name on it, or you'd be dead right now,“ he tossed a calendar on the table, one that was old and worn. It was an ancient calendar, one that was used to guage the stars and planets. The dates showed the times it was easiest to reach the Gods and Goddesses, Lily had kept hers, even though she hated Avaline. There circled some three years ago was Avaline's days and her name written over the shimmering letters and symbols.

“Thank you,” she told him. “We'll go there now.”

“No... you best not. She's got a meeting and well... I've never seen you two before, so you wouldn't be welcomed. I'd go over in the morning and see her. In the meantime, take the upstairs apartment, its Jake's, and sits empty, now that he and Lily are married.“ Tony sneered the word, and tossed a set of keys to Karl. “I wouldn't come down here tonight if I were you... you're lady friend would be prime pickins' for the rowdy crowd.“

Avaline looked around and noticed the characters in the bar. She shivered, wondering how bad the rowdy crowd was, because this group looked down right evil.

 

[cobrasangel]

Raven ...lost and an cornered like a deer in headlights....South America 1817

Lifting her head to wipe her eyes again and to keep sight of the aflamed tree , she sees someone standing very close and blocking the tree from view.

She raises her eyes and cannot believe her eyes as she realizes it is Avaline and as she begins to speak to her with all the relief she feels at that moment, her voice catches in her throat. She stares incredulously at Avaline and the sword poised over her head and seeing no one else around but herself...a scream builds up in her throat.
She begins to raise her hand to defend herself as futile as that may be. The blade swings down in a flash and a gasp is released from Raven's throat. She feels not what she expected but a peace and a sudden blackening of her vision. Her last thought being ...why...why Avaline...we did nothing to deserve this..........why?

Raven crumpled backwards and was in the dark void of her mind in a deep,
safe, slumber.

 

[larrion]

Raymond thought he had lost all his senses when he saw "Avaline" kill Raven.

No sense... was all Raymond could think about, aware yet uncaring that Draken was yelling at him.

"Pray that the other gods fuck Zeus over for screwing with us and our world..."

Was that Avaline, or Zeus... does it matter?

"WILL SOMEONE UP THERE KILL THAT BEARDED FUCK?! YOU DID IT TO TITANS! WHY NOT THAT OLD FUCK!?" Raymond screamed, drawing the attention of more soldiers. Angrily, Raymond grabbed a weapon.

 

[airatome]

Raymond thought he had lost all his senses when he saw "Avaline" kill Raven.

No sense... was all Raymond could think about, aware yet uncaring that Draken was yelling at him.

"Pray that the other gods fuck Zeus over for screwing with us and our world..."

Was that Avaline, or Zeus... does it matter?

"WILL SOMEONE UP THERE KILL THAT BEARDED FUCK?! YOU DID IT TO TITANS! WHY NOT THAT OLD FUCK!?" Raymond screamed, drawing the attention of more soldiers. Angrily, Raymond grabbed a weapon.

"Your not one to take a step back and think much are you Raymond?" Draken turned and summoned his Katana once more to help Raymond defend themeslves. This humans were easy to fall, and the two of them wouldnt have much problems dispersing of what was left. But they needed to get out of there, quickly.
"These people arent our targets Raymond.....we need to go somwhere else. Is there a safehouse somewhere? Anyway to contact your god?" Draken asked between swings of his sword.
"We need to find out where he's taking them...." He said to himself outloud.

 

[larrion]

"Like I know what to... the map! It'll be hell, but we gotta find that map!"

 

[LadyChance]

Io... And Zues???

Nodding my head, all I could think about was that Wyn was no longer Wyn but she/he had said that Wyn was at the back of the cave we were now standing at. The question was why would I trust this he/she/it whatever the hell it was... But he/she/it had known about the bad. I hadn't told anyone about the bag, but they had known.

Moving deeper into the cave I thought about Raven just intime to turn and watch the he/she/it disappear. "Damn it," mad at myself for not using my brain. I reach in the bag on my shoulder grabbing out a flashlight. Grinning as I send Avaline a silent 'thank you' for the wonders of technology. Adding to it a message for Karl, "I miss you and hope to be back to you soon." Knowing that Avaline heard all the girl's preyers she knew that she would get this one as well.

Turning on the light I head further back into the cave, the dirt under my feet never once being disturbed by my passing. Looking about me I notice the walls glowing lightly with the light from my flash light. Shutting off my flashlight I see small greenish colored dots of something speckling the walls around me. Shaking my head and grinning, I turn back on the light and continue walking.

Zues had thought of everything, the spots I was almost sure held the ability to give off light if need be. And though it was hot outside inside the cave felt comfortable. It should have been either dry or damp, but it was neither. Almost like walking into a man made cave at the Zoo. Comfortable with the feeling of being in a cave but somehow you always knew you weren't.

"Wyn, its me Io... Wyn where are you can you hear me?" Calling out softly as my feet carry me more to the back of the cave. I knew I should be concerned about what was going on. But Avaline had said that Zues would test and give quests to the guys. And now I knew he had sent Draken as well, somehow I knew this to all be an elaborate scheme. All I was worried about was my sister's and Karl at this point. As long as I had them the world could pass me by and I would not care anymore.

Since we had cast that spell things had gone from being good and comfortable to wet, then dry, cold and hot, dangerous and boring to knowing and unknowing. Now I was right back at the beginning wondering around having no clue where the hell I was and still the guy I wanted to be with was years away from me.

"Karl please, remember me and stay true no matter what happens." Whispering this as I turn a bend in the cave seeing movement up ahead I begin to quicken my pace. "Wyn, It's Io.."

 

[airatome]

"You want us to track down a map you lost? its either engulfed in flames or shredded with bullet holes by now......" Draken sighed, knowing that more then likely it /was/ their only chance.
"Where were you when the map fell from your grasp, and lets pray no one else has it that knows what it can do.......I already have two gods pissed off at me......by the way......where did you learn to use a sword like that?"

 

[larrion]

For whatever reason, Draken and Raymond were given a reprieve.

"Nobody else -can- use it, unless that sonuvabitch screwed us again... and I, I just got royally pissed. I never used something like this before. It's not that hard to use. I dunno." Raymond sighed, drained almost completely. His rage subsided and adrenaline gone, Raymond was as surprised as Draken he only got a bunch of minor injuries, instead of dead.

Why am I even here?

 

[LadyFairy]

Wyn sat there waiting for something to happen. She had tryed talking to any animals who might be in the cave but hadnt gotten any awncers and something about the cave semed to block mental communication. Her healing powers were certenly not of any use at the moment ......

Hearing Io's voice she stood and walked a little ways down a tunnel and peeked around the corner to see if it really was Io, but all she could see was a shadowy shape.

No help for it she thought just going to have to take a chance. Io..? Io Is that you? Really you? Wyn asked as she watched the shape move closer. she stepped out from around the turn and smiled seeing that it really was Io.

Thank the gods it really is you... she said watching as the one who had brought her there came in the cave again carreing Raven, and then turned back into Zuse. Ok what the hell is going on... Wyn said glairng at Zuse ready to help Io in any way she could if they decided to attack.

Kneeling down next to Raven Wyn checked to see if she was injured and didnt find any wounds so they would have to wait for her to awake to ask her if she was alright. She's ok Io i think she is just passed out.. Looking back at Zuse she waited to see what he would say.

 

[airatome]

For whatever reason, Draken and Raymond were given a reprieve.

"Nobody else -can- use it, unless that sonuvabitch screwed us again... and I, I just got royally pissed. I never used something like this before. It's not that hard to use. I dunno." Raymond sighed, drained almost completely. His rage subsided and adrenaline gone, Raymond was as surprised as Draken he only got a bunch of minor injuries, instead of dead.

Why am I even here?

"Thats hard to say my friend; Human life, just like Draconic life or Elven life is cursed by death. Even though you humans have a shorter life span, everything dies and comes to an end eventually. Its where we end up afterwards that defines why we live in the now. I've traveled through paralell universes, traveled to other plans of existances, i've even run accross myself in another time once before. No one knows why we live when and where we do, but from my experiences; everyone has some kind of reason, something that they are destined to do before their time is up."

Draken paused thinking of his dead parents. "I had a purpose....it was to avenge my parents death, and kill the sorcerror named Kain-Sante. Thats changed now. I've been thrown blindly into a trap of which i know not how far it runs, and now i have someones life in my hands, and i /need/ to save her. We have to save Wyn and her sisters, and we can start by locating that map."

 

[larrion]

Raymond felt weak and dizzy from blood loss, more then a few bones were broken, and he suspected he was bleeding internally as well.

"Stay the hell out of my mind."

With that, Raymond promptly collapsed, succumbing to exhaustion and injury.

 

[airatome]

Raymond felt weak and dizzy from blood loss, more then a few bones were broken, and he suspected he was bleeding internally as well.

"Stay the hell out of my mind."

With that, Raymond promptly collapsed, succumbing to exhaustion and injury.

(( O.O Oops.....i thought that was speech, not thoughts -_-. everyone should have a uniform way of posting.....anyways.....sorry bout that, didnt mean to be reading his thoughts.))


O.O! Draken saw Raymond hit the dirt suddenly for no reason whatsoever. "Raymond? Raymond are you okay?" He got no answer. He reached into his satchell and pulled out a vial with a gold dragon wraped around it, the head as the stopper.

(Would a human react normally to Dragons Blood......) Draken thought to himself. He put the vial back in his satchell, not wanting to chance farthering his injuries. He placed his right hand over Raymonds body, hoping the Druids form of healing might be able to work in this age. His runes gave off a very faint green light then died.

"Great.......I think my powers are leaving me......"

 

[ZuesTheGod]

The battle quickly ended just as the three women were taken away from the two remaining men. San Martin's soldiers beat back the Spainards and went on to victory. Raven, Io, and Wyn were safely snug in a cave with Zues. He looked to each one and sighed heavily. “Wyn... I know you are upset; if there had been time I would have explained all, but with Draken around flitting here and there or at least having the ability to, I had to act quickly."

“I have sat in my home, watched you young women learn lessons of love, compassion, hope, and in the end each one of you have given something of yourselves to give your Goddess back friendship as well as her life. You are three extraodinary women and not any man will do for you. Each one of your men are now on a quest, a quest to prove their worth.“

He pushed up from the edge of the wall, and walked around the room. He saw that Raven was still weak and he moved close to her, knowing she was the next step in the fulfilling the laws of the Gods. He touched her head with his lips and whispered words into her mind, words that would aid Draken in his destruction of Avaline, words she would not know how or why they were there, but ones that would only damage the good name of her Goddess. He would have touched them all, but the others were to strong, and so he used the empath, the one who was at the time was weak and easily opened to suggestion. He smiled to her sisters, a look of assurance crossed his face, “She will be fine, just weak from all the pain of the battle. I was concerned, but with rest she will be well.“

Walking around the cave, filling it with warmth, light, and food he continued speaking, “I have heard the complaints of these men, felt the bitterness of rivalry from one, and I have set them upon a quest to help them grow. They bicker like cats and dogs in their minds. One is young, inmature, and focuses only on the here and now. The other strong and forceful, but arrogant and full of himself. These attributes are not ones that will serve you ladies and so I have taken you from them, if they are true men, true perfect mates, then you will be allowed to see them again, if... they fail then they will return to their times, empty handed...“

Zues stared at the sisters and shook his head. “I only fear that if they do complete their quests, they will return to the states they were before. I have to judge their cunning, strength, and ability to think quickly, but most of all... I must judge them on themselves. Are they men, or boys playing like men?“

“Wyn and Iolantha you will watch these men, see how they interact with each other, judge their maturity. Iolantha, Avaline judges your gentleman, otherwise you would not be here with your sisters. But I know she wishes you to watch Draken, so by all means pay special attention to him. I will give you each a cloak, wear it when you are near them, follow them, see how they behave. They will not be able to see or hear you... you will be able to see and hear them... listen to their words, make sure they do not speak of love on a whim... learn their hearts.“

“In the morning... the men will come to this cave. You must have your robes on before they arrive. Once here they will begin with the first riddle. I must leave you soon. Watch them... and I will watch you,“ his eyes rested on Raven and he knew his words had seaped into her and she would do as she was commanded when the time was right. “Raven the men will find you here... tell them of the riddles... and travel with them along the path on Raymond's map. Once they get here someone will arrive with a missive... and the first riddle.“

With a wave of his hand the landscape of the area was painted on the walls of the cave. The beauty aweinspiring, but lost to Zues. “If they solve this riddle they need to move on to the highest peak in this country where another riddle or puzzle awaits them, this will continue on until the fourth and final riddle once there then all will be well for you and your men, and perhaps Avaline will have fixed time. If not... then I believe all will end.“

Zues then left the women and returned to the battlefield now littered with the wounded and dieing. He hung his head in disbelief and looked to the two mortals, one unconsious the other weak. He bent low to Draken and muttered, "Avaline would wipe the floor with you." He glared at Draken, not bothering with the unconsious man on the ground, he was no longer Zues' problem, the quests were beginning. “Find the map you foolish mortals... then you'll find one of your women. Don't waste your time being angry or trying to figure out the reasons behind a God... you'll only strain yourselves.“ He then disappeared, somewhat disgusted with the lack of leadership or the lack of stamina in mortals.

He arrived back to Hetta raised his arms to silence anything she may have wanted to say and shrouded himself in a mist of peace. “I really hate Earth,” he muttered.

 

[LadyFairy]

Wyn had listened quitely to everything Zuse had to say and the longer she listened the less her anger became, simply because it made sence that they test the mens worthyness just as their's had been.

Wyn watched Zuse go and held her cloak in her hands as she looked over at Io who had been quiet sence before Zuse had entered the cave. Well i suppose all we have to do now is wait, and be ready to put on the cloaks before they get here. Seeing Io's face Wyn said. I am sure your love will not let you down. Will you tell me about him?

 

[LadyChance]

Io/Wyn/Raven

I watched Zues and his treatment of Raven, I knew that she was weak and there was something about how the god had acted that made me concerned about her. Zues was out for Avaline he had sent the dragon/man out to get her, so why this and why now? What would it get Zues if Avaline died I wondered.

Turning as I hear Wyn start talking, part of my mind still working the facts of all I knew out and the other part I was listening to Wyn and thinking of Karl. "Karl saved Avaline and I from a prison camp, he took us out certain death against another man's will and helped when it could have gotten him into trouble. He believed in us when there was actually no reason to believe, he gave us food and shelter and during this whole time he was a perfect gentleman."

Upon hearing my own words I begin to wish that I was now back there and that he and I had never left. I missed just having him with me and I wonder if he is ok with Avaline in the future or past where ever they would be at this time. If Karl would remember my words to him just before I left and if he would pass the test, a test that I knew would be hard on him.

"Wyn, Karl is with Avaline right now trying to save the world so that he can come back and be with me. He's kind and gentle but has an authorative manner but not so much that it over rides everyone else around him. He stayed with me through healing Avaline holding my hand and adding his strength it seemed just when I thought I had run out."

Looking once more at Raven I remember the pack that Avaline had given to me, and Zues words. "Oh and I almost forgot, if you reach into this pack anything you wish for within reason will be there. So clothing, brush, things like that as well as.." Reaching in I deminstrate exactly what I mean by pulling out a blanket. Placing it around Raven so that she would be warm. Then I toss the pack to Wyn so that she can find herself some clothing and such. Wanting to stay as close to Raven as I can.