Sleeping Handsome

Cursed Woods of Raelm History Page One







It took many miles of walking before Noctis arrived at the blackened trees Reise had spoken of. He stepped cautiously now looking out for the cave that the harpy was said to live in. His highness should really be doing this himself. he thought unhappily with a frown. Why must I risk my life? He carried on walking but suddenly stopped when he saw it, a large and ominous cave hidden amongst the trees. “This must be it.” Noctis moved towards the entrance then with a steadying breath stepped inside. “Hello?” He called a little tentatively as his eyes adjusted to the darkness within.

“You dare enter my cave?” Came a dangerous voice from the shadows ahead. A flame suddenly erupted in the ceiling of the cave, illuminating the large room and the creature that was revealed was not the one Noctis was expecting.

“Wait..I must have the wrong cave.” He said in an irritated tone as his eyes fell on the dark skinned drow who stood before him, a serrated scimitar held firmly in her hand. “I was looking for a harpy..”

“She’s dead.” The drow replied then took a slow step towards Noctis. “And you are about to meet the same fate.”

“You killed her?!” Noctis growled, ignoring her threat to kill him. “The prince will not be pleased..”

“Prince? Which prince is it you speak of?” The drow asked stopping in her movement.

“Prince Reise..” Noctis replied folding his arms then raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Maybe you could be of some use to him? Do you think you would be interested in helping to change the world to our ways?”

The drow frowned. “I take orders from no one..especially a prince. Unless…he has something great to offer me.” She moved to a shallow pool in the centre of the cave and knelt beside it, causing Noctis to take a step closer in curiosity. “I wish to speak with prince Reise..” She commanded then waited as the water’s surface began to shift and change transforming into a mirror in which she could communicate with the prince.

Reise's image slowly formed in the water, rippling to life, and his grin was distinctive. He eyed the receipient and then paused, studying Alavara's face. "Ah... Well, well, well... It seems the harpie that once occupied this cave has been... replaced." he said and gave a dark chuckle. "Excellent news." He rubbed his hands together a little and looked at Alavara. "Tell me, drow, what is your name? How easy was the harpie to overcome?"

Alavara's eyes narrowed down at the form or Reise. "She was no challenge to me." She said then placed her scimitar back in her belt. "I am Alavara and you must be the one to send this creature to disturb me.." She glanced at Noctis who waved down at Reise with a grin. "Do you wish to explain to me why or should I just kill him?" The drow continued seriously.

Reise gave a laugh at Alavara. He liked her bitterness, and how forth-coming she was. "Well, considering I still need him, I would appreciate that you didn't kill him. So I guess that only leaves me one answer: i'm hiding my twin brother, prince Dyllin of Layfette... He was the older of us by mere minutes, and thus the heir to the throne. But i'm changing that... And now his betrothed and two sprites, along with an enchanted wolfdog are on the hunt for him, and I need them... Taken care of. If you were so easily able to dispense the harpie... I'm sure your assistance to Noctis would prove invaluable." He nodded with a smug smile. "Tell me, drow... What is the price for hiring you?"

"The complete destruction of the elves of Cuole." Alavara replied without taking a moment to think. "But I want to be the one that kills their prince..the only creature who has ever been able to best me in a fight." She shifted slightly revealing a long scar running down the left side of her face down over her eye. "But never again. So are you able to give me your word that you can do this? If you can then my sword is yours.."

Reise seemed to ponder this. "Well, if the elves of Cuole were no longer around, it would make my father's kingdom that much easier to overtake." he thought aloud, rubbing his chin. He gave a soft, contemplative chuckle. "If I recall correctly, Prince Ihara has just joined the group searching for Dyllin. I suspect Noctis could lead you to them easily. Very well. You have my word. I will wipe out every elf in Cuole, except for Ihara.. He is yours. For the simple price of keeping those meddlesome sprites and that princess away from my brother's slumbering corpse. Deal?"

A slow and menacing grin spread across Alavara's face. "You have a deal. I will deal with your little problem and you make sure those woods burn. Now what would you like me to do with the sprites and princess to stop them reaching your brother?"

"The tower he's hidden away in is cloaked by invisibility charms... They won't be able to find it that easily. But perhaps you can send them on a wild goose chase? Give them some exercise." Reise suggested with a grin. He then paused and seemed to admire her. "My, my, Alavara... That smile of yours is perfectly diabolical." he chuckled. "Simply beautiful. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

"I don't like friends." Alavara commented causing Noctis to give a small snort of laughter. "So all you wish for me to do is create diversions and obstacles?" Alavara asked as she folded her arms lightly across her chest.

"Yes." Reise continued, seemingly unaffected by her blatant rejection. "Mazes, trials, labyrinths... If we can avoid death on either part for the time being, it would be best. I dont want my father or the neighboring Kingdoms to find out about my plans until I have successfully taken the throne from my father." he explained. "Do you think you can handle that?"

"Are you questioning my abilities?" Alavara asked with narrowed eyes. "Of course I can do it, just as long as your pet here.." She paused motioning to Noctis who frowned at her. "..doesn't get in my way. He doesn't seem very useful at all."

Reise gave a low chuckle. "He knows his duties. He'll lead you to the group." He then gave a low bow of his head before the pool rippled and his image was gone, leaving them alone again.

Noctis did not like the way Reise and Alavara spoke of him like he wasn't there and continued to glare at the female drow after she had finished speaking with the prince.

"Well then do as he says and lead the way." Alavara said once she was sure she was ready and turned to look at Noctis, a look of distaste on her face.

Noctis growled and turned and wandered from the cave, grumbling angrily under his breath as Alavara followed close behind, her eyes scanning the surrounding trees for signs of any other creatures. "They shouldn't be far." Noctis told her then led her away in search of Samiya and the others.

---

Samiya stepped cautiously through the trees, feeling the connection between her and Dyllin strengthening. We must be going the right way. she thought as she gripped her bow and arrow tightly, glancing around her quickly expecting to be ambushed by a dark creature at any moment. "I hope we do not have to stop here to camp." She whispered to her companions which received a very noticeable nod of agreement from Sein.

Ihara wondered almost soundlessly along behind her, his twin blades gripped tightly in his hands ready to strike if needed. This is no place for an elf to be.. he thought as he looked around at the dark and dying trees.

Eon stuck close to the group, his ears and eyes open and focused on the woods around them, his body tensed and lower to the ground as he walked. Even in his human form, he had a dog-like air, a wolf-like, wild cautiousness. He looked around slowly, staying near Samiya. "These woods are filled with traps, demon plants and animals... Bandits, criminals, monsters..." he explained. "It's best to stay quiet." They didn't need to draw more unnecessary attention to themselves.

Iswe walked along beside Seen. She could feel a dampness in the air around them. There was water near by. Licking her lips nervously she linked her arm with Sein's. "We're going to be okay." Glancing around at the others she made sure they were close, anything could happen if they got seperated some how.

From high above the trees Noctis and Alavara sat looking down upon the forest. Finally Samiya and her group passed below and Alavara climbed down through the branches silently. Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of Ihara but she knew that she had to wait. Time to create some diversions. she thought then closed her eyes and began chanting in a low voice.

Samiya nodded back at Eon then moved on. A thick mist rolled in around their legs and and she couldn't help but tighten her grip on her bow nervously. She finally stopped frozen by the feeling of something suddenly sliding over her boot, once then again and again. She glanced back at Eon and the others and gulped as she picked up on the low noise of something hissing. She pointed down at the mist with her bow, eyes wide with fear.

Ihara looked down at the mist as Samiya pointed and suddenly looked up at each of them. "Nobody move!" He whispered. "Snakes everywhere." As he said this the mist began to clear revealing a carpet of different coloured snakes slithering over the ground, hissing and snapping at each other as they did.

Eon looked down, his eyes wide and he let out a small yipping sound as he jumped when he saw the snakes. One snapped at his boots, but missed, and he whined, struggling to hold absolutely still, at least in his feet. "Great..." he whimpered. "This forest is a place of fears and nightmares; who here is afraid of snakes?" he asked, looking around quickly at the rest of the group. He figured the one who was absolutely afraid of snakes would be very obvious about it.

Iswe smiled down at the ground and shook her head. A water snake was curling itself around her leg and began sliding up it. Carefully, she took the snake from her leg and wrapped it around her arm. The snake hissed at her slightly but not in a threatening way. "Not me." Glancing around the group, she frowned slightly. She'd never seen so many different snakes in one place before. It was unbelievable. Someone here must be terrified of them.

Sein stood frozen, her eyes focused on a point much further ahead refusing to look at the snakes below. She made no movement and only gave occasional squeaks of panic when she felt the weight of a snake slide over her boot or try to slither up her leg. "I think it's safe to say our fire sprite is the answer." whispered Ihara, unable to stop a small smile crossing his lips at the thought of such a stubborn and fiery creature being afraid of snakes.

Eon noted Sein's reaction, and Ihara's words, his ears twitching with every sound and movement. "Alright... Everyone stay calm. I'm going to move." he said firmly. They had to get out of here. "Sein, I'm coming for you, don't panic." He looked down at the bed of snakes around their feet, and grit his teeth before taking a steadying breath. He then lifted a foot, very slowly, hearing the snakes hiss angrily at the movement, but they did nothing to stop him just yet. He tried to find a spot that was between the snakes, so as not to step on them and risk being bitten, but there was none, and the place from wence he'd taken his step was now gone, swallowed by the slithering bodies. He gulped and then gave a determined frown. Here goes nothing. He moved, running quickly through the snakes, stepping on them, through them, not caring if they snapped at him, until he was at Sein's side. He removed his cloak and wrapped it around her in a fluid movement, pinning her arms to her sides so she couldn't flail and get hurt, and then lifted her bridal-style, holding her above the snakes safely. He then held still, waiting for the snakes to calm again before he looked back at the others. "Get to a tree as quickly as possible and climb!" he instructed firmly.

Iswe set the water snake back down before she began shuffling her feet through the snakes. It was much easier then stepping, she didn't have to worry about stepping on one. Seeing a huge tree near by that branch out a great deal, she reach out and clasp her hands around a low branch and swung herself up onto it. Looking down she noticed several snakes dangling from her feet. Carefully and slowly she removed each one and let them fall to the ground.

Samiya nodded then turned looking around her for the best tree to climb. "This way princess.." Ihara said to her, offering her his hand. "Step where I step." Samiya did as she was told after gripping his hand and followed after him slowly as he led the way to a nearby tree. The elven prince quickly scooped Samiya up and helped her into the lower branches before climbing up himself. "How long do you think we have to stay here?" He called to Eon as Sein remained frozen in the other mans arms.

Eon gripped tightly to Sein, frowning down at the snakes below and shaking his head. "Until we find and defeat the source of the magic..." he called. "Someone or something is doing this to us to deter us from our goal. We have to fight back." He looked up and around, trying to find the source of the black magic from his perch in the tree, still not releasing or even loosening his grip on Sein. He wondered if Noctis was behind this... if he was, he was somewhat worried.. Noctis would see him, and know he was no longer in contact with Jollel... Especially if he saw him in this form. He sighed in frustration and looked more closely at the snakes, then noticed something.... threads. Very thin and they shimmered only slightly in the light... they were magic, and perhaps no one else in the group could see them... but they were there. Magic puppet strings. Hundreds of them. He followed them until he saw where they ended amongst some bushes and trees, and he grit his teeth. "There!" he called to the group.

"Wait!" Ihara suddenly commanded as he spotted the strings for himself. "I've seen this before..I know whats behind it!" He dropped to a lower branch but didn't risk joining the snakes on the ground just yet. "Show yourself drow!" He bellowed, drawing his sword as he did.

"Clever little elf you are." Came Alavara's voice hidden behind the trees. "Didn't take you long to work it out at all..now all you have to do is catch me, before one of my little friends catches you." She cackled loudly before thundering footsteps could be heard approaching and it was obvious it could belong to nothing but trolls. "Run away!" Alavara called in a overly happy voice.

Iswe sat on her branch, listening, watching, it's what she did best most of the time. It allowed her to come up with a solution, but...trolls. That was new even for her. "Ihara...trolls. We need to move." Glancing around she frowned deeply. Far off she could see trees moving and swaying, they were coming.

Eon's eyes went wide at the sound of incoming trolls. He gulped and tightened his grip on Sein, then growled at Ihara and Iswe. "MOVE! GET OUT OF THE TREES!" He bellowed, leaping from branch to branch until he was clear of the snakes and carried Sein as he broke into a sprint through the trees and rocks on the forest floor. If they separated, it would make it harder for the trolls to catch them all... he just hoped that Ihara and Iswe would make it.

"Go!" Ihara yelled to Samiya and Iswe, motioning for them to run as he leapt from the tree and took off running himself. Samiya quickly jumped from the trees after Eon then turned and ran in another direction, her heart racing with fear. She stumbled frequently over rocks and tree roots but knew she couldn't give up. Suddenly something grabbed her ankles and she was wrenched up into the air with a scream, hanging upside down. A thick vine was wrapped around her legs and was pulling her up into the trees away from the forest floor. "Hello princess.." Noctis said with a grin as he sat in one of the highest tree branches looking down at her whilst the trolls ran past beneath them, causing the ground to shake.

Iswe jumped from the trees and looked around. "Are you out of your mind?" She called as she hurried after the elf. Chasing after Ihara she caught up to him and grabbed his arm. "You can't just go after the drow and kill it. What if it's being controlled by something?"

Eon skidded to a stop when he realized Samiya was no longer behind him, and he cursed below his breath. The trolls were getting closer. He turned and sprinted through the trees in a sort of arch-like trail to circle back around towards where Samiya and Noctis were, still carrying Sein. Finally, he paused only long enough to tuck her into a thicket, safe from view of the trolls. "Stay here. Don't move." he hissed lowly before turning and running--faster now, without the added weight--towards where Noctis had Samiya captive. He let out a growl and jumped, leaping clear up into the tree and tackling Noctis out of it, tumbling with him to the ground after hitting almost every branch on the way down.

Noctis's eyes widened when he saw Eon hurtling towards him but before he could react he was knocked from the tree, hitting the ground below with a painful thud.

"Get off him.." Alavara growled from behind the pair, pointing her sword dangerously at Eon's back. "Or I will crush her." She held her free hand aloft as the vine holding Samiya began to wrap itself around her, until only her head was free.

Eon's motions instantly stopped from where he had Noctis pinned to the ground, growling lowly in his throat as he stood up and turned to face Alavara. "Release her..." he demanded, his hands in tight fists. "Release her now." He hoped the others were safe... He hoped they'd gotten away from the trolls... He hoped Sein was still hidden and recovering from her phobia. He hoped Samiya would get away alive... His mind was racing, trying to figure out ways to make it all true.

"Move back.." Alavara ordered her sword now pointed at Eon's chest as Noctis clambered to his feet, grinning now at Eon as Samiya gasped for breath above them.

Eon glared hard at Alavara, feeling a lump in his throat as he felt the point of her sword touch his chest. He looked up at Samiya and his eyes were apologetic. "I'm sorry." he called, then looked back at Alavara and Noctis, his eyes hard. Time to see what Jollel had gifted him with. He took in a deep breath, then suddenly let it out in an earth-shuddering noise--a type of shout, or bark. It was another language altogether, but it was enough to hopefully knock Alavara and Noctis off their feet, as it had knocked several trees behind them from their roots.

Eon's bark had the intended effect as both Noctis and Alavara were knocked backwards, hitting the ground with a thud. The drows magic from the vine vanished and Samiya suddenly found herself tumbling towards the ground and she gave a small yelp of panic.

Eon had trouble regaining his breath after that massive shout, but he managed to retain enough to run after Samiya, catching her just before she would have hit the ground. He grunted with the impact of catching Samiya in his arms, just barely keeping himself from falling under her weight, then looked to make sure very briefly that Alavara and Noctis were still trying to right themselves before breaking off into a run through the trees. He had to find Sein again, and Ihara and Iswe.

---

"If this is the drow I think it is..nothing is controlling her. She's evil." Ihara replied then suddenly grabbed Iswe's hand as he suddenly caught sight of the trolls thundering towards them and took off running again. "She's the worst creature we could have encountered."

"We can never have an easy day can we." Iswe clung to Ihara's hand, he moved easier and a bit faster than her, but be agile helped her to at least keep pace, even if she stumbled a bit. "So what, we have to kill her to get this to stop? Im not a fan of murder, water's a healing element." Frowning deeply, she cringed at the thought of murdering.

"I'm not a killer either..elves prefer to help things grow." Ihara replied quickly as he led the way onwards then suddenly grabbed Iswe and leapt up into a tree. "Hold on." He warned then gripped the tree trunk as the trolls moved past making the tree sway and shake.

Iswe let out a soft cry as she threw her arms around the tree and Ihara. Clutching tightly to them both she watched as the ugly creatures moved by them. "We're sitting ducks up here." She felt a shiver run up her spine from the breeze the trolls caused. "Oh...and they stink..."

Ihara let out a light laugh and nodded in agreement as he wrapped an arm round Iswe to make sure she was safe. "They are disgusting creatures." He smiled at the sprite then when he was sure the trolls were gone, carefully helped her back to ground. "Lets find the others. Maybe we can think of a plan to help them that involves healing and growing things." He joked then turned and began wandering in the direction he hoped the others were.

Hearing a noise behind them, Iswe scurried forward and grabbed Ihara's hand. "I dont like it here." His joke had eased her mind a bit until she'd heard the noise. "It's creepy." Sighing heavily she kept close to him. He seemed her safest bet, wielding a sword for protection.

"Don't worry, you're safe with me." Ihara replied then gripped her hand tightly as he moved onwards. He stopped when he heard running footsteps and raised his sword in defence but lowered it when Eon and Samiya suddenly appeared through the trees. "Are we running?" He asked looking over their shoulder to see if they were being followed.

Eon nodded briefly at Ihara and Iswe, both in passing greeting and also to let them know that yes, they were indeed running. He had a firm hold on Samiya's hand, and he glanced back over his shoulder to make sure Alavara and Noctis weren't following them. Unfortunately, he also realized they were running in the wrong direction, heading back the way they'd come... and he still had to find Sein. He finally slowed to a stop once he was sure they weren't being followed, and he panted, looking at everyone. "Sein is still out there..."

Ihara opened his mouth to speak but paused when he caught the faint smell of burning. "I think Sein might be busy.." He said then watched as a large fireball suddenly flew overhead crashing into a large tree which erupted in flames. "And it looks like shes planning to burn the whole place down. I think this might be a job for you Iswe." He smiled at her then turned to Eon. "Get the princess to safety, i'll stay with the sprites. We'll catch up with you later."

Sein, what are you doing! Iswe thought to herself, shaking her head. Glancing at Ihara she nodded her head. Iswe relaxed her mind and body. Imagining a large sphere of water in her mind. Holding her hands out, palms forward she threw what she imagined onto the fire, dousing it. If she hadn't been under so much stress lately it would have been much easier. Glancing around she noticed another fire burning. Throwing another ball of water, she doused those flames as well.

Eon nodded at Ihara's orders. He had to protect the princess, even if his mind was plagued by Sein's whereabouts and the fires she was starting... This entire forest was alive, but would easily burn and spare nothing. He kept his hold on Samiya's hand and pulled her through the flaming trees back towards the edge of the woods where they'd first come in. "Princess, you have to try to connect with Dyllin again.. Find that thread!"

Samiya nodded then closed her eyes letting Eon pull her along behind him. Finally she found the thread and suddenly turned slightly, changing their course and taking the lead as she picked up her pace. "Its growing stronger!" She told Eon, letting the connection with Dyllin lead the way.

Sein suddenly appeared through the trees hurling large fireballs behind her. She looked at Iswe and Ihara then ran quickly to join their side. "That drow..shes not backing down!" She panted as she prepared to throw another fireball and Ihara quickly pulled his twin swords out ready to fight.

Alavara suddenly appeared through the trees, an evil smirk slowly spreading across her face. "Two little sprites and an elf..no match at all." She said confidently then looked back at Noctis who was running up behind her. "You handle the sprites..the elf is mine." She turned her attention to Ihara and her smile widened. "Its been a while elf prince."

Noctis rolled his eyes as he skid to a halt beside Alavara. Of course I have to tackle two of them. he thought then quickly shifted into the large and menacing form of the werewolf. He suddenly took off charging straight towards Sein and Iswe.

There was a loud, CLANG! as a steel shield suddenly blocked Noctis' quick approach at Sein and Iswe. The sheild had not only appeared out of nowhere, but erupted upwards under his chin to knock him back and away with a surprising amount of force. The lithe, feline body beneath the sheild straightened up as she pushed Noctis back, then she glanced back at Sein and Iswe. "Glad I didn't miss the fun." Her silvery eyes flashed at them both and her ears twitched as she turned back towards Noctis, drawing out a longsword from her belt. "Let's go, puppy." she hissed, her nose wrinkling like a cat in mid-hiss.

Iswe stared at the cat in front of her, eyes wide as it blocked Noctis from them. Smiling slightly she shook her head and turned her attention to the werewolf. Narrowing her eyes, she watched him closely. Glancing over at her sister to make sure she was okay, she turned her attention once again back to Noctis.

Noctis growled as he bounced backwards, blood seeping from his nose from the blow it had had against the shield. "You'll regret that cat." He said with narrowed eyes before lunging at her, teeth bared. His full attention was on her now allowing Sein to start throwing fireballs at both him and Alavara who was now locked in a fierce swordfight with Ihara.

The cat's eyes were practically grinning at him excitedly, her nub tail twitching with eagerness at a real fight. She ran at him too, swinging her longsword expertly and raising her shield until they nearly collided a second time, but instead of hitting him, this time she leapt over him, tumbling in a mid-air somersault and slicing her sword into his arm lightly, almost tauntingly before landing on her feet behind him and turning back to him again with a scoff. "Clumsy mutt."

Noctis howled in pain as the sword sliced into his arm. "Pathetic!" Alavara called to him in a disgusted tone before clicking her fingers above her head. Vines started shooting out from the surrounding trees, aiming directly for the cat, Iswe and Sein. "Try to beat that!" She called then returned to her fight with Ihara.

The cat woman's ears twitched towards the source of the slithering vines, her nose wrinkling in a hiss as she brought up her sword and struck down several large vines that grabbed at her. One wrapped around her ankle, but she cut it before it yanked her down, and she turned her silvery eyes on Noctis. "Cowards!" she spat, running after him again. But before she reached him, two vines suddenly snapped out and peeled her sword and shield from her. She growled in frustration, just barely managing to dodge another as it grabbed for her, and kept herself low to the ground as she sprinted for Noctis anyways, pulling a few concealed daggers from her belt and holding them ready. "C'mere, shifter!"

Seeing the vines coming towards her, Iswe frowned. Throwing her hand out she encased several of them in ice. Looking at Sein she knew her sister would be okay, her fire would work wonders against the vines. While she was distracted several vines wrapped around her, one on her ankle, one around her wrist and another around her waist. Growling angrily, she positioned her free hand to ice the vines trapping her. Shattering them she fell to the ground, landing on her knees. "Ah..." Crying out in pain she took a few deeps breaths to ease her panic.

"You'll have to catch me!" Noctis growled then turned and took off into the trees hoping to lead her away from the others so he could stage a proper attack against her.

"Iswe!" Ihara shouted when he heard her cry of pain and turned to look at her in concern allowing Alavara to strike out and cut him painfully across the chest, a look of triumph on her face. He fell to the ground in pain and Alavara raised her sword ready to deliver the finishing blow.

The cat woman snarled at Noctis, instantly chasing after him, but out of the corner of her eyes, she'd noticed Ihara being struck, and Alavara's preparation to bring the final blow down on his head. She growled and released a dagger flying at Alavara, aimed for her hands where she held the sword above her head. Either Alavara would know it was coming and move to block it instead, or it would hit its mark and knock her sword from her hands altogether. Either outcome was favorable. "Sein, Iswe! Take care of the drow! The shifter's mine!" she hissed, chasing after Noctis into the trees.

At the sound of her name Iswe twirled around, ready to attack. At the sight of Alavara getting ready to kill Ihara, she narrowed her eyes, throwing a huge block of ice at the womans head, causing her to fall over. Hurrying over to the pair, she grabbed up Alavara's sword and held it to the womans throat. Looking over at Ihara she frowned deeply. "Don't worry, we'll fix you up, right as rain."

Alavara growled up at Iswe as she held her sword. "Go ahead then..finish me." She hissed as she narrowed her eyes at the water sprite.

"No.." Ihara said in a breathless voice as he struggled to his feet, a hand placed over the bleeding wound on his chest. "You said it yourself you don't kill, so don't start it now. Just let her go.." He turned his attention on Alavara and couldn't help but frown. "You, go..we want nothing more to do with you."

At Ihara's words, Iswe frowned. Sighing heavily, she looked down at the drow, eyebrows knitted together. "Get out of my sight." Twirling the sword in her hand she arched her hand back and chucked the blade as far as she could. "If you ever, EVER hurt my friends again, I wont stop myself." Without another word, Iswe knelt beside Ihara. Drawing water to her, she allowed it to trickle from her finger tips. Moving his hand aside she washed the cut clean before placing her hand over the wound and murmuring softly. Pulling her hand away she smiled. There was a mark still but the bleeding had ceased which was all she'd wanted really.

The soft amber light coming from the locket in Scabbar's hand was the first thing to be seen. It pointed him straight towards Iswe and the man she was kneeling over, Ihara. He stood there, black holes in his executioner hood staring blankly at the small group of people, the slowly spinning amulet dangling from his hand pointing to his prey. The blade of his axe shone gently in the half light of the forest. He stood there, like a dream made flesh, before placing the amulet in the pocket of his blood covered smock and gripping his axe handle tight, making his way towards Iswe and Ihara without a word.

Alavara slowly got to her feel, eyes narrowed at Ihara and Iswe. They're dismissing me? she thought angrily then turned and moved to her sword, stooping to pick it up when she reached it. She looked round in search of Ihara but paused when her eyes fell on the strange hooded man who was slowly advancing towards the sprite and elf. A small smirk spread across her face and she leaned against a tree to watch what would happen.

"Thank you." Ihara said softly after Iswe had dealt with his wound. "You really are a great healer." He moved to stand up slowly then turned back to Iswe to tell her they should leave but froze when he caught sight of Scabbar. He grabbed her hand and pulled her behind him then grabbed his sword, preparing to defend the both of them. "Who are you?" He asked loudly unable to see the face beneath the hood.

The blade whistled as it was swung low, aiming to take Ihara's legs out from under him with a single bloody chop. It was a powerful blow, the kind someone wants to land in order to cleave through muscle and bone. This man had killing intent, nothing more. Scabbar wasn't even going to give them the luxury of knowing his name, or why he was doing this. Many people didn't know the reason for their deaths after all.

---

Noctis continued running but when he saw Alavara being struck he suddenly shifted into a bird and flew up into the low branch of a tree. If the drow couldn't succeed then he knew he surely wouldn't. He stared down at the ground watching to see if the cat would run by.

Ziane had seen him change into his bird form, but she hadn't quite seen where he'd flown to. She skidded to a slow walk, her nub tail twitching behind her as she strolled almost casually through the trees, her ears and nose twitching this way and that to try to pick up his sound or scent. She twirled her remaining two daggers between her fingers loosely, her fur fluffed with the adrenaline in her system. "Come out, come out wherever you are..." she chimed. "C'mon, shifter... I know you can do better than this." She looked around with sharp silvery eyes. "Unless you're scared... Which I can understand. There is a mighty force fighting for Dyllin, and not enough of you bad guys to win." She was trying to draw him out. "If you surrender, I'm sure we can benefit from each other... Greatly."

"How can we possibly benefit from each other?" Noctis replied with an eyeroll after he had flown up higher then shifted back to his normal form once he knew he was hidden amongst the leaves. He knew she was right about him and Alavara being outnumbered and a large part of him was starting to regret ever becoming mixed in this business with Reise.

"My name is Ziane. I'm the princess of the deserts to the south of Cuole. If you surrender to me, I can offer you a rather generous level of... amnesty, in exchange for information on who you're working for and why." she called, her ears still twitching, even though she'd stopped walking and had pinpointed where Noctis' voice was coming from. Just to show her point, she sheathed her daggers again and held up her hands, open and towards the skies. "What do you say? Truce?"

Noctis looked down at her as she sheathed her daggers. "And how do I know I can trust you exactly..that you won't try to kill me as soon as I come back down onto the ground?" He asked suspiciously.

Ziane smirked a little. "You have my word of honor as a fellow thief." Ziane called, giving a slow turn, her eyes scanning slowly with her ears. "Now come... are you really so scared of a little kitty like me?" she teased, her nub tail twitching a little. "I'll even let you... tie me up."

"You are truely an odd creature.." Noctis replied with a smirk then finally began to descend the branches slowly until he sat on the lowest one looking down at Ziane. "I do grow tired of the one giving me orders..he is very, whats the word? Oh yes..demanding." He rolled his eyes as he lounged back against the tree trunk.

Ziane chuckled lowly at his words as she turned to face him, now finally able to pinpoint the exact location of his voice. She looked up at him with ehr silvery eyes, her nub tail twitching behind her and her ears perked towards him. "Odd is fun." she said with a shrug, then nodded at his words about Reise. "He is a very demanding man, isn't he? He's always been that way. I grew up visiting them every so often... He's not the one you want to follow, shifter, trust me on that." she grinned.

"Why must I follow anyone? Why can't I be in charge of what I do?" Noctis replied with a frown. "All I wanted was a pardon for my kind. Give us the freedom to show what we really are without feeling threatened." He was beginning to wonder if Reise would really give him this, the prince wasn't really one to be trusted.

"Then Dyllin and King Xander are the ones you want to ask. Reise thinks only of himself, Noctis. You will get nowhere with him." Ziane said with a firm shake of her head as she looked up at him. "Your kind are looked down upon because you can take any form you wish with very little tells as to who you really are. Shifters have a history of thieves and murderers because you can hide under any persona you choose for as long as you wish. The last time a shifter murdered someone, it took five years, and the persecution of hundreds of people to find him. Naturally, everyone would be on edge about granting shifters a pardon..." she shrugged. "It's not an insult, it's just the truth."

Noctis shrugged then finally leapt from the tree, landing on the ground with a thud. "Your words do not bother me. I know of the shapeshifters in the past and it is due to them that we can only live any kind of life if we do it through deception and deceit.." He frowned lightly then turned to Ziane. "Well this is the moment to prove if you were speaking the truth..are you going to attack me?"

"Do I look like I'm going to attack you?" Ziane asked with a quirked eyebrow and a small smirk, her hands now lax at her sides. She made no move for her daggers, nor did she seem tense and ready to attack him physically. "I wasn't toying with you, shifter, I sincerely think we can strike a deal." she nodded, folding her arms smoothly. "If you'll consider it, that is." She looked him up and down, seeming to appreciate him with her eyes, then slowly started to walk around him to examine him further. "This is your true form?"

Noctis shrugged lightly. "This is the form I choose to appear as the most. Not many have had the pleasure of saying they have seen a shapeshifters true form. Why do you ask?" He replied curiously as he folded his arms lightly over his chest, his eyes fixed on Ziane.

---

Eon let out a small yelp when he suddenly felt Samiya change direction, following her lead as best he could and glancing behind himself just in time to see Iswe, Sein and Ihara battling their two attackers, and then in the blink of an eye, the scene was gone. The trees had swallowed them whole and they were alone... separated. He gulped and looked forward at Samiya. "We have to find him. Hurry." he pleaded. If they found Dyllin, they could put a stop to all of this.

"I feel like we're close! The bond feels so strong." Samiya called to Eon over her shoulder. Her heart was beating fast and she couldn't help but feel excited at the thought that she was so close to Dyllin. Suddenly she collided with something hard and was sent flying backwards, hitting the ground with a thud. "What.." She said looking around in bewilderment at the seemingly clear path ahead.

Eon had run into the invisible barrier as well, letting out a yip of pain and rubbing his head after stumbling back a little. He sniffed back some blood from his nose at the impact, and looked around, his eyes straining to see what they'd hit. He then blinked and reached up, lightly touching the wall again, seeing the purplish cloak as he touched it. "It's cloaked!" he growled. "Not just invisible, but impossible to get in unless we can break the cloak."

"Well how do we do that?!" Samiya cried as she got to her feet then moved to the barrier. "Is this the place? Is Dyllin here?" She asked quickly before hammering her fists against the invisible wall. "How do we get in?"

Eon shook his head and growled lowly in his throat. "I don't know.. Mistress Jollel never spoke of this..." he whispered angrily. He touched the wall firmly, feeling it push back against him, and he sighed heavily through his nose. "There has to be a way..." He looked at her and grit his teeth. "Just keep a hold on that connection with Dyllin. We'll need it." he nodded and then turned. "Stay here!" He broke off into a run, keeping a hand against the invisible wall so as to measure just how big this tower was... and to see if he could find a break in the spell.

Samiya nodded then closed her eyes, working on keeping the link strong between herself and Dyllin. Don't worry ewe'll be with you soon. she thought as if he could hear her.

Eon panted as he ran, and soon he had made a full rotation around the invisible tower. It was large, but not as large as he'd thought it'd be. He returned to Samiya's side with a pant and shook his head. "There's no way in.. No cracks in the spell..." he breathed, keeping a hand on the tower still, just so he would know it was there. He then paused. "Wait... Your enchanted arrows! Princess, try shooting one at the tower! Aim up high, like for a window!" If she could shoot an arrow into one of the tower windows, it would break the cloak, surely.

Samiya nodded then grabbed her bow and an arrow from her back. Her first few shots bounced back and she had to scurry around picking them up but on her fifth try the arrow suddenly disappeared. She held her breath in anticipation as she glanced at Eon expectantly.

Eon had watched her shoot arrows at the invisible tower until finally... one disappeared. The moment the enchanted arrow disappeared into the window, the cloak rippled and sparked with the magic that had broken it, then the tower quickly melted into view, as if someone had simply poured it into existence from the sky. Eon gaped at the sight, then grinned widely at Samiya. "You did it!" he said excitedly. "Let's go!" He ran to the door that was just beneath the window her arrow had disappeared into, and grabbed at it. When he realized it was locked, he grit his teeth and lowered his shoulder into it, banging into it again and again.

Following after him quickly, Samiya couldn't help but smile hopefully, feeling that she was close to being reunited with Dyllin. "It has to open!" She said when Eon couldn't get the door open and she joined him, kicking and hitting it with all her strength in the hopes it would budge. "We've come this far! We have to get in!" She gritted her teeth then carried on trying to kick the door down.

Eon growled lowly when the door still wouldn't budge, even with all their banging and kicking. He finally grabbed Samiya to stop her and pulled her back a little. "Stand back." he said and breathed deeply. It was worth a shot. He let out the same powerful, jarring bark that he'd used on Noctis and Alavara before, aimed directly at the door, and it cracked, splintered, and bent inwards off the hinges, banging against the stairs that were just behind it. He panted a little and leaned onto his knees a moment, but he grinned triumphantly. "Let's go!" he said to Samiya and grabbed her hand, leading her inside. He didn't even mind the sight of all the stairs that spiraled upwards. They were so close...

"This is it! I can feel him!" Samiya exclaimed excitedly as she hurried up the stairs clutching Eon's hand. We're coming Dyllin! She thought, feeling their connection grow stronger and stronger with each step.

Eon climbed the steps impatiently, moving as quickly as he could, pulling Samiya at a reasonable pace so she wouldn't stumble. When they reached the top, there was another thick door, but this time when Eon cautiously tried the door, it was unlocked. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief and smiled at Samiya before pushing the door inwards towards the room. The inner room was large, round, and had very few things in it... the largest items in the room was a bed and a single chair. On the bed was Dyllin, nude, but modestly covered with sheets as he slept innocently, nuzzled into comfortable-looking pillows. "There..." Eon whispered to Samiya, pulling her into the room and then ahead of himself so she could get to Dyllin.

But before Samiya or Eon could take another step, a sudden gust of wind blew through the room through the window that Samiya had fired her arrow through only moments before. The tornado roared with black clouds and smoke before suddenly shrinking into a man's shape. Reise appeared, with a heavy black cloak, standing over his brother's body on the bed, and he looked at Eon and Samiya with a deep grin and eyes glinting with mischief. "Congratulations on making it this far, princess... but this was only the first round. The game continues!" he laughed and with a flourishing wave of his cloak, the tornado raged again, causing Eon to grab Samiya back and sheild her with his body. When the winds subsided and the black smoke and dust was gone, so was Dyllin's body and the tight connection Samiya had felt to him.

Samiya had grinned at the sight of Dyllin and she had been about to release Eon's hand to run to the prince's side when then sudden wind had blew in through the window and Reise had appeared before him. She narrowed her eyes at him and would have happily attacked him if it hadn't been for Eon's grip on her hand. When the tornado picked up again, She quickly clamped her eyes shut and didn't open them again until it died down. Her eyes widened and her heart sank when she saw Dyllin was gone and she moved forward to the bed. "I-I can't feel him anymore Eon.." She said quietly then began to weep silently at the loss of Dyllin again.

Eon growled as he glared at the now empty bed as Samiya sat there and cried. He clentched his fists and then let out a loud shout, but not one of his powerful barks. He turned and ripped through the room, throwing the chair and ripping at the walls before he started to pace. "He's toying with us!" he growled loudly. "We were SO close!" He threw a fist into the stone wall, the stone cracking and crumbling a little. He growled and turned back to Samiya. "We have to go back to the others and tell them what happened... He have to try to reestablish your connection with him."

Sniffing lightly, Samiya turned to Eon and nodded though she didn't look very hopeful. She moved towards the stairs and slowly began to descend them. "What if he never lets us find Dyllin..what if he's always one step ahead ready to move Dyllin everytime we're close to him. I can't take much more of this heartache Eon." She said quietly to Eon as she moved down the stairs.

Eon moved to her and pulled her into a tight hug. "We'll find him. Reise has to run out of hiding places or magic soon... Or Jollel will take him out once she has her strength back." he said determinately. "We can't give up. You heard what he said... this was only the first round." He glared at the wall as he hugged Samiya soothingly, rubbing her back. "Let's just hurry. When we make camp, you need to try to reestablish your connection with Dyllin."

Samiya clung to Eon, burying her head in his shoulder as she listened to him speak. Finally she released him and wiped her eyes of the last few remaining tears. "You're right. Maybe i'll meet him again when I sleep and he can try and tell me where he is." She smiled weakly then turned and led the way back down the stairs, straightening her clothes and fixing her hair as she did. She was a princess after all and didn't want the others seeing her as anything other than composed.

Eon nodded at her firmly with a reassuring smile, even though inside he was seething. He was furious. He wanted to murder Reise with his own hands for everything he'd done so far. He was putting an entire nation in jeopardy! He followed her back outside, his ears twitching as he tried to listen out for everyone else, and sniffing the air lightly to track them. "This way." he said, once he caught a familiar scent. He grabbed her hand and lead her back through the trees the way they'd come, stopping just short when he saw the hooded man swinging his axe at Ihara and Iswe, Alavara watching noncholantly, and Noctis and Ziane were nowhere to be found. "LOOK OUT!" he shouted at Ihara, gritting his teeth as he released the princess and sprinted for the group.

Iswe had intended to thank Ihara when he grabbed her and tugged her behind him. "What?" Glancing over his shoulder at the stranger, she frowned deeply. She knew this man was a threat. Especially when he attempted to cut off Ihara's legs. "Look out." Grabbing ahold of his shoulders, she managed to pull him back away from the blade just in time.

Ihara's eyes had widened at the sight of the mighty axe swinging towards his legs but before he could react he was being pulled backwards just out of Scabbars reach. "Thanks.." He said over his shoulder then raised his sword towards the hooded man. "Who are you?" He demanded, glancing at Eon as he ran towards him and not noticing as Alavara quickly stepped behind the tree out of the groups sight.

Samiya gasped when she saw the man trying to attack Ihara then watched as Eon suddenly took off towaeds them. She quickly pulled her bow free then let go an arrow towards the stranger, narrowly missing his face in a warning to step back.

Despite the arrow whirring past his head, the man brought the axe around ina circle from the swing, using momentum to bring it down hard in a over head arch towards Ihara and Iswe. This blow wasn't aimed at Ihara though, but at Iswe herself. He expected the flight footed man to move, but Iswe didn't look as if she would step out of the way in time.

Eon didn't think. He just ran. He was sprinting, and with a sudden thud of colliding bodies, Eon tackled Scabbar to the side, away from Ihara and Iswe before his axe managed to come down on them. He was struck dizzy from the blow, but managed to scramble to his feet, shaking his head and turning his glare on Scabbar angrily, ready for a fight. "I'm assuming he's not the talkative type, prince!" he barked at Ihara. "Take the sprites and the princess and GO! NOW!"

Iswe stared at Eon, who had come out of nowhere. Swallowing, her entire body trembled. She wasn't used to these kinds of attacks. Verbal she could handle. She had been made fun of quite a bit for her looks and the color of her hair. She'd learned to ignore it. Clutching Ihara, she looked around. She couldn't see the others and she didnt want to just LEAVE Eon. "What do you want to do, Prince?"

Scabbar was a surprisingly tough person to get down, it had taken a lot of force to tackle him, and it didn't take long for him to react after that. He'd been thrown off balance, but even on the floor, he swung low, rotating his arms like a windmill to aim the axe blade towards the nearest pair of ankles he could see, which happened to be Ihara's.

Ihara had nodded in response to Eon then had turned and grabbed Iswe's hand, quickly pulling her forward as Scabbar swung his axe again, just narrowly missing them. He paused when Iswe spoke then looked back at Eon, knowing they shouldn't leave him alone.

Suddenly Sein reappeared panting lightly. She frowned when she saw what was going on. "Go!" She yelled at Iswe and Ihara. "You must protect the princess. I'll help Eon. Keep her safe!" She then turned back to look at Scabbar as flames erupted in her hands. "How many more of you people are we going to have to deal with?" She said not wanting to throw fire until she knew Eon was safe.

Ihara nodded at Sein then turned and hurried on, still clutching Iswe's hand. As he ran past Samiya her grabbed her hand in his free one then ran on in search of the mystery cat woman who had came to their aid earlier.

Scabbar grunted as he missed the swing at the ankles, pushing himself up slowly and looking at Sein. His eyes flickered over her, then he darted suddenly forward when she hesitated with the fireball, taking a large swing at her around neck height. He pretty much guessed that this was another one of those things he was meant to kill.

Eon growled as he managed to step out of the way of Scabbar's swinging axe. "GO!" he shouted at Ihara, Samiya and Iswe again. He looked at Sein as she reappeared, glad and relieved to see she was alive... until Scabbar went at her with his axe. "SEIN!" he barked, running after Scabbar as quickly as he could.

Sein! At the sound of her sister's name being shouted, Iswe looked over her shoulder just as Scabbar's axe went for her. "Sein..." Ihara still had ahold of her wrist and was tugging her along as she watched. At least she knew her sister was still alive, for now. Frowning deeply she glanced around nervously. She still thought it was a bad idea for them all to split up. Eon could most likely handle himself but, with their help... Sighing she shook her head, its what he wanted so she'd listen and follow the prince.

Sein's eyes widened then quickly she ducked out of the way of the axe then quickly threw a large fireball at Scabbar's chest when she knew Eon was safely out of the way. "Would you just give up already!" She snapped angrily at him as she straightened. "We're kind of in the middle of something important."

"Don't worry, Eon will take care of Sein. They'll both be alright." Ihara said reassuringly to Iswe and Samiya as they ran, noticing that they were both glancing backwards, looking worried. "Okay, we'll go and find that cat woman. If Eon and Sein haven't joined us by the time we find her we'll all go back and help. Does that sound good?"

The magical fireball seemed to fizzle as it struck the blade of Scabbar's axe, parting, twisting, then vanishing. The strange edge gave a soft gleam as Scabbar took a step forward and slammed the handle of the axe towards Sein's stomach, trying to make her stumble so he could get a blow in. There had been a reason why he'd asked for his axe.

It's enchanted... Eon realized as he witnessed the fire dissipate easily off the blade of the axe. He grit his teeth and ran faster, but Scabbar was still so far ahead and drawing nearer to Sein. "SEIN! BLIND HIM!" he shouted.

Sein turned to look at Eon as he shouted making her miss Scabbar sending the handle of his axe into her stomach. Her eyes widened and she doubled over gasping for breath hoping that Eon was close by to stop this unknown axeman bringing her end.

Scabbar twirled the axe as Sein doubled over, raising the axe up high and aiming another blow quickly down towards Sein's neck. He hoped this would be a clean execution, he didn't fancy having to hack several times at the woman's neck.

Iswe had yanked her hand free from Ihara and dashed back towards Sein and Eon. Seeing her sister about to be decapitated she threw both hands out towards Scabbar, freezing him in place. His arm stopped just inches from Sein's neck. Staring in horror at her sister, Iswe hurried forward and pulled the other sprite out from under the horrifying blade. "Are you okay?" Her voice trembled as she searched for any missing body parts.

Eon saw Iswe as she turned back towards Scabbar and Sein. He was about to yell at her to keep going, but her freezing Scabbar's body and his blade in mid strike was actually rather beneficial. Once he got close enough to Scabbar's frozen body, he let out another bellowing, earth-rumbling bark, with the intention of knocking Scabbar over onto the ground. He just hoped the ice held up, and would keep Scabbar prisoner long enough for them to get away. "GO!" he barked at the girls next.

Sein had closed her eyes when she heard the axe flying through the air, expecting to feel its pain. When it suddenly stopped she opened her eyes and looked up, relieved to see Iswe above her. "Am I glad to see you." She said her voice still breathless. "I'm fine..he just took me by surprise thats all." She hurried away from Scabbar pulling the other sprite with her then turned and looked at Eon. "What are you going to do?"

There was a deep groan from the ice, it began to splinter. Eon had knocked him over, but it had just strained the ice covering him, and as the blade of the axe cut through the magic ice, it began to weaken. Scabbar was getting free, his limbs shifting and snapping the ice around his joints.

---

Ziane shrugged back and tilted her head at Noctis, giving a sort of sly smile. "Because you'll never make it past that group alive in this form. If you want me to help you, you'll need a new form. Try to make yourself a Cha'najiit, like me." she said with a motion to herself. "That should throw them off. It's hard to compare a shifter's true identity when they're covered in fur."

Noctis knew she was right. Maybe it will be a enough of a disguise to throw Reise off as well. Make him think i've gone or something. he thought then straightened up and began to circle around Ziane as if studying her form to make sure he got it right. "Okay..so do you all look exactly as you do now?" He asked taking note of her catlike features and short tail.

"Everything about me is fairly accurate, except my tail length... The length of my tail is.. unnatural." Ziane explained briefly, then quickly moved past that comment with, "And you may choose some different colorings also. Cha'najiit come in all colors and patterns. You being male.. should be a little taller than I am. Roughly 7'2" should suffice."

"Alright. Now how long is is a Cha'najiit's tail normally?" Noctis asked as he began to plan out how his new form would look, all he needed was the last few details to make it complete.

"About the length of their legs." Ziane nodded matter-of-factly. She then moved aside to watch him, folding her arms over her chest and waiting patiently to see just how accurate his shifting was. His life depended on it.

Noctis gave another nod then concentrated on shifting into his new form. After a few moments he stood now at the height Ziane had specified with pointed cat ears though his left had a small chunk from the tip, something he thought would make him look more interesting. His fur was black with a few white spots and stripes here and there and his white hair was quiffed between his ears. He turned his green cat eyes on Ziane and grinned. "Well?"

Ziane tilted her head and studied him from the front, then moved around him. She reached out and grabbed his tail, feeling it and studying its length before giving it a playful tug and dropping it. "Very nice. Authentic." she nodded, moving back around to his front. "Very well. I'll tell them you are an accomplice of mine. A sort of assistant. You wouldn't be a slave... but a close commrade. Understand?"

Noctis flicked his tail at Ziane still grinning after she had tugged it then grabbed it himself and studied it, fascinated that he actually had a tail. When she spoke he frowned and looked back at her. "Assistant?" He said then when she explained further he relaxed and nodded. "Fine that sounds good to me. Lets hope they buy it."

"You have to play the part." Ziane purred as she suddenly got up close to him, her body just barely grazing the fur on his stomach. Her nub tail flicked and her ears twitched at him as her silvery eyes glittered up at him. "Act like a Cha'najiit. We are graceful, fast... stealthy. And we have... stamina. Think you can handle it?" she asked lowly.

"Of course I can." Noctis replied with a smiled then raised a hand and brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Well shall we go then, your highness? That drow is not to be taken lightly. She's capable of so much dark magic, i'm sure she's having fun with your friends."

Ziane flicked her ears forward at the touch to her cheek, and her eyes grew almost playful, the pupils shrinking to excited toothpick-shaped slits. She nodded at his words and turned, instantly breaking into a sprint through the trees to head back to the others. She had to find the princess and Prince Ihara. She had to find Dyllin... That was the task she was assigned. Noctis was just a hobby right now.

Noctis had been a little taken aback by her sudden movement of turning and sprinting off through the trees but it only took a moment for him to regain his composure and take off after her. "So what name should I use?" He called to her unable to remember if the princess and the others knew his real name but decided it was probably best to use a fake one just incase. "How about Tulus? Does that sound cat enough?"

"Sounds good to me, I had a grandfather Tulus." Ziane nodded as she ran, her body low to the ground for less wind resistence. She skidded to a stop when she heard shouting and feet running, and upon sniffing the air, she could smell the princess and several others.

---

"RUN!" Eon shouted at them all. He ran around Scabbar once he realized the crazy axeman was breaking free of the ice. He grabbed Sein's hand and pushed Iswe to run for Ihara and Samiya, gritting his teeth angrily. This man just didn't know when to stay down... They had to run as fast and as far away as they could. They had to hide. Jollel, help us... he begged.

Ihara swiftly grabbed Iswe's hand once he knew Sein was secure with Eon then turned and took off running, pulling the princess and the sprite with him. "Which way should we go?" He called to Eon as he ran on through the trees, not sure which direction he was going in.

Eon shook his head. "Anywhere!!" he said quickly, glancing back at Scabbar to make sure he wasn't quite on his feet yet. Perhaps they should split up again? Break into groups to disorient the axeman and the drow. He didn't even want to think about where the shifter was. "We have to get back to the castle as soon as possible!"

There was a crunching noise. Scabbar wasn't on his feet, but he was getting there, his body breaking the hard ice with difficulty. He couldn't quite swing his axe yet, but if they hung around any longer there was going to be trouble.

"Need some help?" Alavara asked stepping out from behind the tree and moving to Scabbar, her arms folded over her chest as she smirked down at him. "I'll help you out of this little predicament if you tell me who you're working for and why you're attacking my targets.."

Scabbar looked at her, then gave a little shrug. "Why should I trust you?" he said softly, showing he actually spoke, rather than being constantly mute. "Kill one of them, prove you're not just trying to find out if someone employed me."

"I have every intention of ending those creatures but i'm in no hurry. Its more fun to make them run." Alavara replied with a smirk then held her sword out to him to show the blade covered in blood. "I have injured one of them. That will have to be good enough for now." She knelt down beside him and placed a hand against the ice encasing him. "Now are you going to tell me what I want or not?" She asked raising a curious eyebrow as the ice began to thicken around Scabbar from her touch until it was nearly as hard as diamonds.

A soft growl escaped his lips. "The other prince is employing me." he said gruffly, trying to angle the axe while he still could, but not quite managing to place the blade anywhere useful. "He wants them dead. I was not aware how strong their magic was however."

"Yes unfortunately they have several magic users with them that are proving to be a bit of a nuisance." Alavara replied as she stopped hardening the ice and suddenly caused it to crack and crumble, letting Scabbar free. She stood up and began wiping the blood from her sword. "It seems you and I are working for the same person. There is a shapeshifter also but he seems to have gone missing..not that its any big loss. He was just getting in the way." Once she was satisfied the blade was clean she stored it back in her belt then turned to Scabbar. "What exactly did the prince ask you to do?"

"Kill people, except for... the princess I believe." Scabbar said with a frown, rubbing his neck through the hood "He said the shape shifter might betray him... We should watch for him."

"Well then I guess we should be thankful he's gone and disappeared." Alavara replied with a small shrug. "But why do we have to spare the princess? Shouldn't we be getting rid of her as well?" She asked with a frown. She didn't do to well at being nice and letting people go.

"Apparently, if his brother dies and she doesn't, our employer gets to marry her or something." Scabbar grunted under his hood "Though I'd much prefer to kill them all honestly."

"Yes and I also." Alavara said with a frown. "I agreed to stop them reaching their goal, not to delivering the prince's bride." She began pacing back and forth as she thought. But he did agree to destroy the elves forest for you Alavara..the least you could do is do what he wants. With a sigh she turned to Scabbar. "Alright because it seems that you really only have a one tracked mind.." She said then paused to look at his axe with a raised eyebrow. "You can handle taking out our targets, except for the elf prince. He's mine, okay? I'll handle anything that needs to be done with magic and grabbing the princess and getting her out of the picture. Does that sound acceptable to you?"

"If he's vulnerable, I'm not going to stop." Scabbar said honestly with a little shrug "What's the point in harbouring grudges and being picky? Kill them all with me. I don't mind. I just need some protection from magic. Now..." He raised up the amber amulet, seeing if it would point them towards the nearest victim.

Alavara snapped her head in Scabbar's direction, her eyes narrowed when he said he wouldn't leave Ihara to her and in the blink of an eye she was in front of him, her hand wrapped around his throat hidden in his hood. "I said the elf is mine." She growled threatingly as she tightened her grip. "You can kill all the others for all I care but he is mine." She finally released her grip and stepped back from him turning in the direction the group had fled. "Lets go. We have work to do." She said then started walking after Eon and the others.

Scabbar hadn't resisted the grab at his throat, but his hands on his axe had certainly tightened. He let out a soft growl at her, then moved after her. Maybe he should just hit her with the axe... Did she reside on his list of people not to kill? "Who are you?" he asked.

"The name's Alavara." She replied over her shoulder. "And yourself? What can I call you?" She asked pausing to turn and look at Scabbar as he approached her. She figured she should know his name if they were going to work together.

"Scabbar." he replied, though this did sound like a fake name, so whether she chose to believe him or not, it was up to her. He was following the light of the amulet, trusting it would take him to his target.

"Scabbar.." Alavara repeated with a raised eyebrow. "Alright then." She turned and started walking again, listening out for any sounds of the fleeing group. "They must be running with some speed for I am beginning to lose their tracks." She muttered with a frown but she wasn't prepared to give up. She would keep walking all night if thats what it took to find them.

"Apparently this amulet with guide them to me." Scabbar said, twisting it between his fingers as he followed the glow "So you don't have to keep searching for their tracks. We'll just use this."

Well then I shall let you lead the way, Scabbar." Alavara commented as she paused to let him take the lead. "but when we do find them, lets not rush in and attack. We need to come up with a plan that cannot fail. Do you agree?" she asked him.

"Alright." Scabbar tutted, sounding as if he didn't like planning very much "What kind of magical protection can you offer me? I've got my axe, but that's about it." He needed something, or someone, to stop the spells, to make the magic users vulnerable.

"Well I can try and make you resistant to whatever magic the sprites use. If I am correct they are water and fire users. It won't be hard to create a shield against those." Alavara replied confidently as she moved beside Scabbar. "But that will be all i'll be doing for you. Don't want to make you completely resistant to all magic..I need to be able to make sure I can still get you if needed." She smirked lightly as if joking but she was far from doing that.

"It would be much more effective to simply make me invulnerable to all magic." Scabbar pointed with with a little shrug. He didn't address her comment about killing him. As far as he knew, wanting to kill people was a normal occurrence.

"I told you i'm not prepared to make you resistant to all magic." Alavara replied with a roll of her eyes before looking down at the amulet in Scabbars hand and frowning lightly. "Your tracking device's glow is beginning to fade..are you sure its working?"

"It was given to me by our employer. If it isn't working, he needs to invest in some better equipment." Scabbar said softly, following the ever fainter glowing amulet.

"It might not be that the amulet is broken..it might just be that our little magic users are somehow masking themselves from its power." Alavara replied still frowning. "And if that is the case we might need to wait until they decide to show themselves again."

"Well, one of them doesn't know that I'm coming. I guess I'm going to the castle them." Scabbar said with a weak shrug, still walking on. He was going to just walk straight into the castle and attempt to kill a magical creature. How hard could that be.

"Are you crazy?" Alavara asked turning to look at Scabbar. "You'll get one foot inside that castle with that axe and the guards will have you chained up before you can say hello." She rolled her eyes then pointed on through the forest. "We'll carry on searching for the group. Though we might be best stopping for he night and restarting our search in the morning."

"And how would they stop me?" Scabbar said softly, shaking his head as he kept walking. He had one thing going for him, he was very goal orientated. If single minded because of it. He would have no issues killing everyone that got in his way to get to this Sprite he was after.

"So you think you could take on an army of Layfette's guards?" Alavara asked with a raised eyebrow before laughing. "As I said you wouldn't make it past the front door. Just concentrate on the group thats hiding around here for now, okay?" She stopped walking and turned to look at Scabbar. "It's obvious that little amulet isn't working so we need some help..luckily I know just the creatures." She smirked lightly then clapped her hands. Several dark shadows suddenly erupted from the ground and took the form of wolves waiting to be ordered. "We're in search of a group that has a fire and a water sprite with them. Go, find them and then alert us when you've done this." The drow commanded then watched as the shadows took off through the trees. "We'll find them in no time now."

Scabbar had been silent while she'd summoned her little... things. Whatever they were. They certainly didn't look like wolves. "I used to work at the castle..." he pointed out flatly, once the shadows were gone "You think I'd really walk in the front door? There are so many better ways to get in. But it seems you're dead set after the ones around here."

Alavara rolled her eyes again. "And it seems you're dead set on getting us caught before we've completed our mission. You need to learn a little patience." She said. "The one in the castle is out of reach at the moment..but don't worry you'll get your chance to kill her soon. Now shall we check in with the prince? Let him now his stupid amulet doesn't work.."

"Fine..." Scabbar said with a grimace "But I don't know how to contact him. So it's up to you for that." Maybe he would kill Alavara just to keep her quiet. She was being so annoying.

---

Iswe held tightly to Ihara's hand as they ran through the trees. Glancing over her shoulder at Sein, she frowned deeply. I'm glad your safe. She spoke softly into her sisters mind. She had clearly been worried about the other sprite.

Noctis nearly collided with Ziane as she skid to a stop. He looked around when he picked up on the sounds of people but before he could tell her their direction they suddenly came crashing through the trees towards them.

It was Ihara's turn to skid to a halt when he saw the two cat like people before him. He pulled Samiya and Iswe behind himself protectively. He had seen the female come to their aid but he had to make 100% certain they meant them no harm. "Friend or foe?" He asked quickly, knowing they had to keep moving to stop the axeman and the drow away from them.

Ziane looked at Ihara and the others, her smile and all evidence of her earlier encounter and negotiation with Noctis gone. "Friends. Both of us." she nodded. She reached for the princess, pulling her to her. "Princess Samiya... long time, no see." she said lightly. "Shall we continue running?"

"Yes, enough pleasantries!" Eon panted, looking back over his shoulder at the woods to make sure Scabbar wasn't following them yet. He then turned back to the others, not realizing he was still holding Sein's hand, and ushered them all into movement.

Samiya really wasn't enjoying the constant need for someone to feel like they had to pull her along and she was about to exclaim this when the cat woman reached for her but she suddenly recognised her and her eyes widened. "Ziane, is that you?" She gasped then nodded in agreement when they suggested running on. "What are you doing here?" She asked the other woman as she ran now taking the lead of the group.

Noctis had stayed silent as everyone spoke, his heart hammering madly in his chest at the thought of being recognised. But for now everyone seemed to overlook him and as the group took off running, he followed making sure to stick close to Ziane. I really don't think they recognise me. he thought and gave a small sigh of relief.

"I think thats everyone, isn't it?" Ihara said glancing down at Iswe as he counted their numbers. "No one's missing. Now lets really put some distance between ourselves and our enemies." He smiled at her then followed after the princess, his hand still gripping the sprites to make sure she didn't fall behind.

"Lets not get left behind.." Sein said quickly as the others started running then followed after them, pulling Eon along with her. She held her free hand against her stomach where Scabbar had struck her, pain still throbbing from where the axe handle had hit. "Where are we going now? We need to find somewhere safe to hide until those creatures disappear. Is there anywhere we can go?" She asked Eon looking at him as they ran.

"These woods are filled with caves," Eon panted, glancing around wildly. "If we find one, we can hide out there and I can hide our scents." He looked ahead at the two cats that were running beside the princess, and something struck him. He hadn't noticed the second one... the black and white one with Ziane before. Perhaps he had been hiding in the trees.

Ziane gave Samiya a small smile as she ran beside her. "Your father is very concerned for you, princess. He sent out a plea to my father, who sent me and my good companion Tulus here to help the search for you and prince Dyllin." she explained.

Iswe looked over at Sein and frowned deeply. "You're injured. Come here..." Knowing it wasn't safe to heal her while running she waited until the others stopped to talk to Ziane and Tulus. When they'd stopped, Iswe shoved her hand up Sein's shirt and placed it over the wound. Closing her eyes she waited a moment and then felt around. Smiling softly, she nodded her head. "I'm getting better at that." Seeing that they were moving again she released Sein and kept along with Ihara.

Samiya frowned lightly at the mention of her father's worry. "I should have informed him I was leaving. I didn't want to make him worry." she said then glanced back at Eon when he spoke of the caves. With a nod of understanding she turned her attention to scanning the area until she suddenly spotted what she thought could be a potential hideout for them. "what about that?" she asked as she slowed down.

"Looks alright from the outside. what do you think eon?" Sein asked after thanking her sprite sister for healing her pain. "I think we should take our chances and get out of the forest before we're joined by the axeman again. We're all too tired to fight anymore."

"Everyone just wait here a moment... I'll check the inside." Eon said gently, giving Sein's hand a squeeze before turning and moving into the cavern cautiously. It was small... and would be a little cramped with everyone inside, but it was safe, and deep. They would be hard to see from the outside, and even harder to detect when he noticed what was inside along the walls: magnet stone. He grinned and ran a hand over the magnet stone, then turned and headed back outside. "It's perfect! The walls are lined with magnet stone! So even if they're tracking us with magic, we'll be harder to find, and it goes in and down relatively deep, so they won't be able to see us." he nodded. "There's just enough room for everyone inside. Hurry..." He motioned to the princess first, and Ihara, then the sprites and the cats last.

Samiya watched with apprehension as Eon disappeared into the cave, expecting him to find something else inhabiting it. When he returned she gave a small sigh of relief then quickly hurrried inside when he motioned for her to go first. She moved as far as she possibly could into the cave then carefully sat down and waited for the others to join her.

It wasn't long before Ihara was by her side, finally having released Iswe's hand so he could go into the cave. He moved to Samiya and sat down next to her. "This is turning into some kind of grand adventure isn't it?" He said lightly to her in the hopes of relaxing her. "But it'll be over soon..we'll find Dyllin and everything will go back to normal. The way it was before all this happened. Won't that be boring?"

Samiya nodded with a weak smile. I always thought things were so boring before this happened. But I would give anything now to have it back. Be back with Dyllin in Layfette planning our wedding. she thought then blushed slightly. Yes I would give anything to be with him.. She couldn't understand these sudden feelings. She and Dyllin were still just friends but everytime she thought about him a small flutter rose in her stomach. I just miss him thats all.. She thought trying to dismiss any further meaning behind her emotions.

Once Ihara had disappeared inside, Sein moved forward grabbing Iswe's hand. "Inside we go sister." She whispered then quickly moved into the cave. "I do not think it will be safe to build a fire tonight so make sure you are well wrapped up for warmth." She said once they had reached Ihara and Samiya. "We do not want the fires glow to attract anyone unwanted." She explained further then motioned for Iswe to sit beside Ihara. "Sit, you need to rest after all the healing you have done today."

"After you." Noctis said quietly to Ziane, giving a small wink as he pointed towards the cave's entrance. It seemed the others were fooled by his disguise, so he felt he could relax. Maybe i'll actually get away with this. He thought unable to stop himself smiling slightly.

Ziane gave Noctis--or rather, Tulus--a small smirk and she playfully flicked her nub tail at him. She then sauntered into the cave and crawled in nimbly to sit beside Sein, leaving a space open for Tulus beside her.

Eon followed in lastly, after checking the surroundings. He made sure everyone was there, then nodded. "I'm going back out to cover our tracks. Everyone stay here and stay quiet." he whispered before disappearing back outside.

Iswe came in and sat down by Ihara, leaning against the wall. Sighing softly she closed her eyes, she was weak. She didn't normally use that much of her magic. Healing, fighting, it was taking a tole on her. But in the end it would be worth it. She knew it would.

When Iswe sat down beside him, Ihara carefully unclasped his cloak and draped it round her shoulders for warmth. "Sein says we can't build a fire." He told her then pulled a blanket from his pack and offered it to Samiya who took it gratefully.

"We are very glad to have your help princess." Sein commented as she turned to look at Ziane. "And your friend.. though I can't say i recognise him. He's not from your usual guardians. Not that we're not glad to have your help also sir." She continued inclining her head towards Noctis who nodded in return, not trusting himself to talk just yet.

Ziane nodded at Sein shortly, then motioned to Tulus. "Tulus is usually too busy and important to come on adventures with me like this. But I managed to convince him." she nodded, looking at Noctis with a sly smirk. "It was an easy victory."

Eon returned then, panting a little as he shuffled into the cave. He had swept their tracks as best he could and hid their scents, while also planting fake trails. Hopefully, Alavara and Scabbar would go on a few wild goose chases and give the group plenty of room to escape. He looked around at everyone, then at the ground. "Anyone hungry? We have extra boar meat from before the lake..." he said gently.

Samiya shook her head lightly. "No thank you..I just want to get some rest so we can start looking for Dyllin again." She said softly after wrapping the blanket Ihara had given her round her shoulders.

"Well this adventure wasn't one to be passed up." Noctis replied with a smile at Sein who raised an eyebrow at him. "Not that i'm saying the disappearance of the prince is an adventure or anything." He continued quickly when he noticed Samiya glaring at him across the cave.

Ziane gave a low chuckle and took some proffered jerky from Eon, offering a large piece of it to Tulus as well. "He doesn't mean it that way, princess." she said gently, glancing at Samiya with a little playful smirk. "So where do we stand with finding Dyllin?"

Eon made sure everyone who wanted a piece of the leftover meat got some, and he chewed on a piece himself, having made himself rather hungry with all the fighting and running around. At Ziane's question, he looked at her and shrugged. "I had him.. In that tower, Samiya and I found him... Then Reise took him again. We don't know where." he frowned. "Samiya can connect to Dyllin mentally... but only when she sleeps." He sighed and looked at Samiya. "If you can... I think that is our best option right now."

Iswe yawned gently and laid down next to Ihara, curling up into a ball, she laid her head on her arm and sighed softly. "I agree with Samiya, sleep sounds great." Yawning again, she rubbed her eyes like a little girl before slowly drifting off to sleep.

Ihara made sure his cloak was covering Iswe to keep her warm before he turned and rummaged through his pack then looked at Samiya. "Here drink this." He said offering her a small vial. "It will aid you in getting to sleep and keep any darkness from entering your dreams." He turned and looked at the rest of the group and smiled. "You may all rest. I have no need for sleep so can keep watch."

Samiya took the small vial then carefully pulled the stopper from it and after glancing at Eon she quickly drank the contents down. She felt the effects immediately and had to quickly lie down, her blanket still wrapped around herself. Her eyes fluttered shut and within seconds she was falling asleep.

Eon nodded at Samiya once as he watched her drink down the contents of the vial. He watched her lay down and made sure she was comfortable before laying down beside her, just making sure she was safe and warm. He may not have had any fur anymore, but he was still much warmer than any normal being. He wrapped an arm around her and just watched her sleep, not about to fall asleep and leave Ihara the only one keeping watch.

The moment Samiya fell asleep, her mind was whisked away out of the cave... over the dark forest and into the clouds. Surrounded by stars, the bright moon, and sparkling clouds, Dyllin was waiting. He was still shirtless, wearing only a pair of loose pajama pants, and his hair touseled. He turned to see her as she appeared in her ethereal form, and he gave a relieved sigh. "You're back..."

"And you're still here." Samiya replied with a weak smile. She had to fight hard to stop herself rushing forward and hugging him tightly, knowing he would find this very odd behaviour indeed. "We almost had you today..I saw you and everything. But then you were taken again." She said and her tone was sad. "Are you still alright?"

"I'm still here, aren't I?" Dyllin asked rhetorically, giving a weak, and sad chuckle. He turned to face her a little more, then smiled and opened his arms towards her, watching her with pleading blue eyes. He wanted a hug... he wanted to hold her.

Samiya paused for a few moments just watching Dyllin before she suddenly launched herself forwards into his open arms. She wrapped her arms round his waist and rested her head against his chest, biting her lip to stop the tears that were threatening to flow from falling. "Everythings gone so wrong." She whispered.

Dyllin hugged her back tightly, nuzzling his face into her hair and closing his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Samiya.. I'm sorry you've gotten all wrapped up in this." he whispered and gulped. "I... I didn't want this for you... an adventure, sure, but not this." He tightened his grip on her and sighed. "I heard him. Reise. I heard what he said to you... I heard everything. It was like I was awake... but not. Paralyzed is more like it." he gulped. "I was wrong... It was Reise. You were right... I'm so sorry I didn't believe you." he sniffed, shaking a little, then gritting his teeth angrily. "When I wake up, I'll--" He trailed off and sighed deeply. "If I ever wake up..."

"Don't say that. I'm going to find you and will make you wake up." Samiya replied quickly shifting slightly so she could look up at him. "There are so many people here to help in the search to find you now. Eon and the sprites and you remember Prince Ihara and Princess Ziane who has brought along a companion named Tulus. The group grows larger by the day and we greatly outnumber Reise's force. A shapeshifter, a drow and an axeman. He'll not succeed." She smiled lightly then rested her head back against his chest. "Everything will be alright."

Dyllin gave her a soft smile as she spoke, and he hugged her back tightly, closing his eyes a moment. "I am glad you have so much hope for me... for us." he whispered. He then blushed and opened his eyes again, looking down at her. "I've been thinking about you a lot since I last saw you... And dreaming about you, too." He gulped and pulled back to look her in the eyes, bringing up a hand to stroke her cheek. "I know that... the last time I was awake, we had spoken about me giving up the throne, our betrothal and just... traveling the world, having adventures. But... I think those plans have changed now, Samiya. I think... What with Reise being evil and all, I may not have a choice about giving up the throne anymore. Which means I'll have to get married... And I want to marry you." He blushed deeply and watched her hopefully. "I mean... you're my best friend. My closest friend. You know everything about me, and I think I know a great deal about you too." he chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well.. I guess what I'm trying to say is... would that be okay with you?"

Samiya listened to him carefully then leaned her forehead against his chest to hide the heavy blush that had come across her cheeks and the happy smile that had captured her lips. Finally after a few minutes she looked back at him and nodded, her smile brightening considerably. "Yes...I need to be there to make sure you don't get into anymore trouble." She joked then reached up and gently caressed a hand against his cheek. "Having you taken from me made me realise how much I need you with me. I can't be without you."

Dyllin smiled widely, then lifted her up and spun her around in circles among the clouds, laughing happily as he hugged her. When he set her down again, he looked at her with a deep blush, and without thinking, leaned in and kissed her firmly. It wasn't as fulfilling as a physical kiss... but the emotion was there, and she would be able to feel the lightest feather touch on her lips.

Samiya's eyes widened at the kiss and her cheeks reddened again before she smiled again and hugged him tightly. "Well at least one good thing will come from this whole disaster. We've realised the betrothal was a good idea." She chuckled lightly unable to imagine what it would have been like if none of this had happened and she and Dyllin had parted ways.

Dyllin gulped, blushing deeply at the fact that he'd just boldly kissed Samiya, and he smiled down at her, hugging her back tightly with his head on hers. "A great idea." he agreed and blushed, rubbing her back. "I miss you, Samiya... I hope you find me soon... I want to kiss you for real." He smiled and ran a hand through her hair, tilting his head back so he could kiss her again lightly.

Samiya leant up to meet his lips, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the sensation of their dream kiss. After a moment she pulled back with a smile, lacing her fingers through his. "We need to get to business before I wake up. Do you know where you you've been moved to? Anything familiar about it?"

Dyllin frowned down at her, pouting a little disappointedly at the fact that they had to stop kissing and focus on something more important. He sighed and shook his head. "No..." he whispered, then seemed to concentrate. "Though sometimes I smell stuff... Lots of really good food. It makes me hungry." he pouted again, rubbing his stomach. He'd been asleep for a few days now, and was a little worried about his body wasting away. "The smell is familiar... it smells like mom's favorite foods. And sometimes I smell her perfume... But I think that's just my brain making me remember what she smells like.." he sighed, this time his face looking thoroughly depressed. He missed his mom and dad. He missed the castle. He even sometimes missed Reise. He was his brother after all. "But that's about it... just the smells. And sometimes sounds. Wherever I am... it's loud and busy."

"I'll figure it out and find out where you are. I did it the first time so I can do it again." Samiya replied trying to reassure him then suddenly stepped back a playful smile on her face now. "You still owe me a dance little prince.." She said then smoothed down the front of her tunic and trousers. "I won't wait much longer."

Dyllin blinked at her, then smiled widely and nodded. "Well then... I won't ask you to. We'll just have to waltz until your feet fall off at the ankles." he joked and moved to her, wrapping an arm around her waist to rest his hand on her lower back, and his other hand took up her opposite hand gently, cradling it as he smiled at her. He then pulled her into a smooth dance to music that wasn't there, twirling her around the clouds they were in and dancing under the brightly sparkling stars and glowing moon. "You're so beautiful, Samiya..."

"Are you on a mission to make me as blush as much as you can before I wake?" Samiya asked as her cheeks were tinged red again but she was smiling up at him. "Thank you anyway. I have to say you look rather handsome as well..even in your night clothes." She smiled up at him as they danced. "I suppose a congratulations is in order for you. It seems you have managed to capture my heart. Something I never imagined to be possible for anyone. I still refuse to be a damsel in distress though.."

"Considering I'm the sleeping beauty in this fairytale, I think I'm the damsel in distress." Dyllin laughed, shaking his head. "You are the brave knight coming to rescue me." He winked and pulled her body a little closer to his, just wanting to feel her against his bare chest, at least as best he could in this dream state, and swayed a little slower. He smiled down at her fondly and tilted his head, his blue eyes just watching her. "I do have to say... I'm the luckiest damsel there is to have a man like you fighting for me." he chuckled.

Samiya laughed at she listened to him talk. "And I am lucky to have you as my finishing prize, fair prince." She grinned up at him then leaned up to kiss him again but froze when she suddenly saw a dark shadow flash past behind Dyllin. "What was that?" She gasped grabbing Dyllin and pulling him behind her, gripping his hand tightly.

"W-what?" Dyllin asked, looking around. But he knew something was out of place... their haven in the sky no longer felt... safe. It didn't feel like they were alone anymore. He frowned deeply, then gasped. "It must be Reise!" He turned Samiya to make her look at him. "You have to go! Wake up, Samiya!" he urged, holding her shoulders tightly. "Wake up, and run!"

"He must be looking for us! Why can't he just leave us alone." Samiya said quickly as her eyes darted round quickly, widening when they saw flashes of several shadows darting round the clouds. She leaned up quickly and kissed Dyllin, squeezing his hand tightly as she did. "I'll find you soon." She finished then closed her eyes to wake up just as one of the shadows lunged at her suddenly. Her eyes snapped open and she sat up quickly grabbing Eon's arm and shaking him. "We have to go!" She said quickly in a panicked tone before noticing a black mark on her hand. She rubbed at it but it wouldn't budge. "We need to go now!"

Eon had jumped from his half-sleep state at Samiya's sudden shout, and he blinked, looking around quickly. Something didn't smell right.. He looked down at her hand and growled. "Shit!" he snapped. "She's been marked! We have to run! They'll find us." He stood up and grit his teeth, heading for the cave entrance to make sure the shadow beasts weren't waiting outside for them yet. "Everyone, get up! We have to move!"

Ziane sat up at once and her ears perked forwards. She glanced knowingly at Tulus and then at Samiya and the sprites and Ihara. "Once of us needs to take the princess and run with her... the others can stay here and fight off the drow and axeman." she said firmly. "Who here is the fastest?"

Iswe awoke when the shouting began. Glancing around the cave at everyone she frowned deeply. Looking over at Ziane, she nodded her head. "I am. I'll take the princess." Standing up, she brushed the dirt and such from her pants and smiled slightly, her tiredness not having worn off yet.

"Are you sure? You still seem weak from earlier?" Ihara whispered in a concerned voice as the others around him began scrambling to leave. He took her hand and grasped it tightly then nodded and stood up, pulling her to her feet. "Run as fast as you can..protect the princess. We will find you as soon as is possible." He said then urged her towards the cave entrance, Samiya close on his heels.
(posted below)

---

"Don't worry I know how to reach the prince." Alavara replied then began walking until she reached a shallow murky pool. She knelt down beside it and closed her eyes, quietly whispering the same words from earlier that she had used to contact Reise.

Reise's face appeared in the pool gradually through the ripples, until a clear picture stared back up at Alavara and Scabbar. "What?!" he snapped, glaring at them both. He hadn't expected to be contacted by either of them again until everyone he had wanted dead was actually dead. "What is it now?!"

"They froze me. I started after them, but the amulet you gave me doesn't work." Scabbar said flatly "And any protection against magic would be useful. Can't kill them if they keep freezing me solid after all." He'd been an inch from killing one of them, but he'd just been caught out.

"I told you i'd make you resistant to their magic." Alavara snapped at Scabbar before looking down at Reise with a frown. "As the axeman has said that little amulet you gave him is useless. If you are going to try and aid us in anyway I suggest you make sure the things work first. I have sent out some of my shadow beasts to track them down so we should have their location by morning at the latest. It also appears that the shifter has been finished..or has deserted you. He vanished into the woods after the cat woman and I haven't seen him since."

Reise rolled his eyes and growled a sigh. "He is of no consequence then." he grumbled. "And the amulet DOES work, you insulent fools! The only reason it wouldn't is if they were surrounded by magnetic rock." he growled. "And if they are, then you know they must be in the caves of the dark woods. SEARCH FOR THEM!" he snapped. "Is that all you needed?!"

"Pretty much. Don't yell at the people who work for you if they don't understand the fancy tools you give them. We're still out here hunting for them after all." Scabbar said listlessly, giving a half shrug. He really should have brought more gear with him for this, but he wasn't expecting this much resistance.

"No that is not all." Alavara snapped at Reise as she narrowed her eyes at him. "Scabbar says you wish the princess to be spared? I thought they were all to be dealt with accordingly to get them out of your way. Why is she suddenly to be kept safe and unscathed. I don't usually do that.."

Reise frowned up at her. "It's none of your business. You want that forest destroyed, Drow? Then you spare the princess and bring her to me, alive! Once you have her, contact me, and I will open a portal for you that will bring you straight here." he explained. "Understand?! No more questions! Get out there and find them!" With that, his image disappeared in a mess of splashing ripples.

Alavara rolled her eyes then turned to Scabbar. "We may as well just set up camp and wait for my beasts to arrive. They will track the group down." She said to him then moved to a clearing and clicked her fingers, a small fire erupting in the centre.

"Ugh..." Scabbar grunted, giving a little shrug "I suppose. I'm not used to waiting around while the people I'm after are still alive." He really just wanted to search for his prey and put an axe in their head.

"Well then lets hope my beasts return soon." Alavara replied as she moved to sit by the fire. "Get some rest..I'll wake you when they're back. I'm going to try and do a scan for any magical signals and see if I can track them as well." She closed her eyes and tried to see if she could pick up anything unusal.

Scabbar groaned, thudding softly to the ground and resting his axe across his knees. Whether he had his eyes open or closed wasn't entirely clear, he never took off the hood after all. He just sat there and waited.

The sudden howl of a creature echoed through the trees and after a few moments the shadow creatures re-emerged in the clearing. Alavara grinned as she opened her eyes. "They've found them!" She said excitedly. "Or at least the princess..they've marked her and all they need to do is lead the way. She's now a walking tracking device."

"Should we wait until they're asleep?" Scabbar asked from his place on the floor "It would make it much cleaner." He didn't like people struggling, he just wanted to kill others, not be a sadist about it.

"Its too late..the princess will know she is marked and will be warning the others. If we wish to catch them we need to move now before they scatter and run for it. So I suggest if you wish to get a little use out of that axe tonight, we get moving now." Alavara replied replied then turned back to the shadow creatures. "Lead the way!" She commanded then followed after the as they quickly took off into the trees.

Scabbar sighed, standing up again and moving after Alavara. He was quite quick on his feet when he wasn't swinging the axe around, so it didn't take much for him to keep up with her. He needed to figure out which one was the princess though, so he didn't kill her.

"Once we reach the group, i'll get the princess. My beasts will lead me right to her. You work of keeping the others distracted and out of my way. Kill them if you wish." Alavara called over her shoulder to Scabbar. "Once I have her i'll send her immediately to the prince and then come back and help you finish the rest off.." One of the beasts suddenly howled indicating that they were close.

Samiya's eyes widened at the sound of the howl and she looked at Iswe as they stepped outside the cave. "Go!" Ihara urged them as he pulled his twin blades from his belt and prepared himself to fight. "Eon, I and the others will hold them off..just get to safety. Go!" He said then turned to join Sein and Noctis as they waited for the approaching attack.

"Be safe!" Iswe grabbed Samiya's hand and tugged gently. "Come on, princess." Picking up a quick run she darted into the trees, dodging stumps, leaping over fallen trees. She kept ahold of the princess, not wanting to get separated. "Stay with me..."

Eon watched them run off into the trees with a helpless whimper, but he nodded at Ziane and Tulus, then Sein and Ihara. They had a good-sized group now... surely they could hold off the drow and axeman easily? And give Samiya and Iswe a fighting chance? But for how long? All he knew was that it was worth a shot. He grit his teeth and prepared himself, standing ready in front of the cave they'd been hidden in.

Ziane pulled out her three throwing daggers and her longsword, her nub tail giving an annoyed flick before looking at Tulus. "Please tell me you have a weapon?" she asked lowly, watching him.

"I'm usually the weapon." Tulus whispered back with a helpless shrug. "Just give me one of yours..i'm sure you can spare something." He added quickly glancing over at her weapons she held before suddenly looking up at the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Well well..I bet you really thought you could get away from us." Alavara sneered as she skid to a halt in front of the group, her shadow beasts circling round them now. "Sadly you were wrong." She turned to Scabbar and grinned wickedly. "You've been waiting for this all night so go ahead..have some fun." She motioned to the group before calling to one of her beasts. "Go fetch the princess for me..you know how to do it. Bring her back here immediately." The beast howled before taking off through the trees.

Samiya gripped Iswe's hand but she was not as talented as the sprite when it came to dodging hidden tree roots and boulders on the ground and found herself stumbling on several occasions. She glanced over her shoulder and gasped when she saw a dark shape racing towards them. "Hurry!" She cried, afraid of what might happen if it caught up.

Scabbar had quite the sprint on him it seemed, because he was after them in a moment. He knew to go after Iswe this time, the woman who had frozen him on the spot. The others he could deal with. He was a dark figure, racing towards them, axe held tight as he chased Iswe in particular. He would fell the rest afterwards, but he had his eyes on her alone for now.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Alavara bellowed after Scabbar. "I told you to leave the princess to me! Kill them!" She shouted pointing at Eon and the others as she watched Iswe pull the princess into the forest, being closely followed by one of her beasts. This is why you work alone.. She thought angrily then turned to look at the small group before her. "Get them." She growled then watched as her remaining shadow beasts suddenly lunged forwards towards Ziane, Eon and the others.

Ziane quickly passed Tulus her longsword. "Fine with me. I prefer to get my hands dirty." she growled playfully before turning towards the shadow beasts. She bared her fangs in a cute wrinkle of her nose in a snarl, and she leapt at them as they came at the group, letting out a battle-cry. She was fearless.

Eon braced himself after seeing Scabbar run after Iswe and Samiya, following one of the shadow beasts. He wanted to run after them... and help them. But he knew he had to focus on the bigger problem right now, which was the multiple shadow beasts and Alavara, right in front of him. He stuck close to Ihara and Sein, letting out a war cry as well as he followed Ziane's lead and ran at a shadowbeast head-on.

Iswe looked over her shoulder and saw the same dark shape. Frowning deeply, she tugged the princess closer. Still running she glanced around the forest and frowned. "We need to find a way out of here..." She wasn't sure what was chasing them but she worried she hadn't rested enough to protect them.

Alavara watched with a smirk as the group started fighting her shadow beasts. Their weapons just passed straight through but when one of her creatures lashed out with their claws or teeth it would surely make a mark. The only way they could be stopped was to break the connection between them and her. She turned and watched as Scabbar moved towards Iswe and Samiya. "Fine! Do it your way and get the sprite first. Just make sure not to harm the princess..shes the one with the bow!" She yelled after him, knowing Samiya was carrying the enchanted bow that had been given to her by Jollel. To give him a little help she began whispering a few words then suddenly stamped her foot on the ground making the earth shake and would surely cause Iswe to stumble.

Samiya nodded quickly to Iswe then glanced over her shoulder again, gasping when she saw the hooded axeman from earlier chasing them now as well. We're not going to make it. She thought then as if to confirm her worries the ground beneath her suddenly shook causing her to stumble and lose her footing, sending her crashing to the ground.

Tulus took the sword from Ziane then moved to fight one of the other shadow beasts. "Its not working!" He yelled as the weapon just slashed straight through the creature. "What are we meant to do if we can't kill these things?" He asked quickly as he glanced round, seeing Sein trying to attack them unsuccessfully with fire and Ihara failing with his swords as well.

The leap carried Scabbar bodily forward, the axe swinging around already as he aimed it high, so there wouldn't be a chance of hitting the Princess. Iswe, if things went well, would have a neck full of axe for a few brief seconds, then have a neck full of nothing much at all for the entire rest of her death afterwards. It was a vicious, and animal attack on a person.

"Iswe look out!" Samiya screamed when she saw the shadow of the axe fly over her and towards the sprite, she scrambled to get to her feet and grab for her bow but was knocked to the ground again when the large shadow beast suddenly tackled her from behind, pinning her down.

Iswe ducked down instantly, not knowing what was coming. When she felt something collide into her back, she threw it over her shoulders and onto the ground. Without a second thought she began kicking them in the ribs, over and over again. Turning she barreled towards the shadow beast, knocking it off of the princess. Grabbing ahold of her wrists she pulled the Princess to her feet and continued running. "Samiya... I don't have the strength to use my powers..."

"Good." Scabbar said as he stood up, the first word they'd heard him speak, his blade shining with blood. He'd scratched Iswe, whether she'd known it or not, the blade had knicked her, and there was a deep cut in her right arm. He was pretty bruised from the kicks, but he'd certainly had worse. He stepped forward towards the two of them, axe raising again.

"Don't try to use them, just keep running!" Samiya panted then turned to look at Iswe. She gasped when she saw the blood on her arm. "You're hurt!" She said knowing it would need to be bandaged soon before it got any worse. "Try and heal yourself i'll keep them back." she said then pulled her arm free from Iswe and spun round grabbing her bow and arrow pointing it straight at Scabbar. "Stop!" She ordered. "Or I will fire."

Iswe rolled her eyes. "Princess, they're trying to kill us. I don't think he's going to listen." Looking down at her arm she frowned deeply. The cut was deep and it was beginning to ache. Moving her fingers she cringed. It hurt. Sighing she inhaled deeply, concentrating on healing herself. Groaning she shook her head. "Im too tired. It's not working. Come on. We have to keep moving."

Scabbar was stepping forward, but slower, because of the crossbow. Believe it or not, he was human. There was a tension in his movements, getting ready to dodge. Samiya had one shot, then he'd be on her. If she missed that shot, then Iswe was going to die. Heck, even if she hit the shot, unless it was a good one, Iswe was going to die.

"Hes trying to kill you.." Samiya corrected Iswe as she kept her eyes trained on Scabbar. "You heard the drow shouting, i'm not allowed to be harmed. Now you run on, find somewhere to hide so you can heal. I am not prepared to let anyone sacrifice themselves for me, understood? Now go." She said stepping across so she was fully in between the sprite and Scabbar, an arrow still pointed at his chest.

Iswe stared at Samiya. "I can't just leave you... I promised." Iswe mumbled softly as she stretched her fingers. Her arm had gone numb due to loosing so much blood. "Please don't make me choose." Sighing heavily, Iswe practically begged the princess with her eyes.

The ground suddenly rumbled beneath their feet, groaning lowly and quaking around them. After a few moments of this, large vines suddenly erupted from the ground beneath their feet, shooting up around them and twisting into the skies, growing taller than the trees around them. They were massive, but were not the typical dark, thorny and poisonous plants of the cursed woods--these were Idre's plants, healthy and green and even flowering. They turned and twisted and reached for Scabbar, one growing swiftly right between Samiya and Scabbar and reaching for him. Idre had found a way to project her skills through Jollel so she could help her sisters and her friends.

Samiya had gasped when the large vines had suddenly erupted from the ground but a quick grin spread across her face when she realised they were on her side. "Idre!" She exclaimed then lowered her bow. "We have to get you back to the others..I am no healer and if you carry on any longer I fear what will happen. Ihara is an elf, they're expert healers." She gently took the sprites hand then turned on her heel and headed back towards the group, hoping they were receiving the same aid against Alavara.(Have posted below)

Scabbar drove the axe forward at one. It was just a plant, he had an axe, and the blade sizzled agains the magic making the plants grow. He groaned, tensing his arms and trying to part the vines as they came for him. Every time he was going to catch one of these damn sprites, another came out of the woodwork. This was why he'd wanted to go for the one in the castle. She would be alone, and much easier to kill.

---

Eon let out a shout of pain as he was tackled to the ground by a shadow beast, but managed to claw both hands through its head to get it to dissipate. He grit his teeth and stood up, putting a hand over his ribs and wincing. "There's too many! They're too strong... We need magic!" he growled. But Jollel was in trouble... and was no longer connected to him. She was the only tie to magic they had.

Ziane grit her teeth, letting out mighty growls and war cries as she ripped through one shadow beast after another with her claws and flying daggers, not caring that they just rebuilt themselves after the attacks. She was having fun with this. She glanced at Alavara and growled. "KILL THE DROW!" she called to Eon and the others. "Focus all of your attacks on her!"

Alavara let out a loud cackle as she heard Ziane's words. "You think you can kill me?" She laughed as more shadow beasts erupted from the ground and raced towards the group. "Good luck with that!"

"We need to work together, its the only way we'll get close to her." Ihara said quickly as he swung his blades at another creature than lunged at him then quickly rolled out of its way before it could tackle him to the ground.

Eon growled and grit his teeth. They were losing this battle, he could tell... The shadow beasts were too many and too strong, especially because they kept reanimating, even after they were struck down. And he could no longer see or hear the princess and Iswe... a stone was sinking in his gut. They could all die today...

But suddenly, the ground rumbled and began to shake beneath their feet. Ziane's motions stopped and she blinked, frowning down at the ground around her. "What's happening?! More tricks?!" she hissed, her ears back as she moved closer to Tulus, holding her daggers ready. The ground gave another loud groan and suddenly, huge vines broke free from the earth, shooting up into the sky and coiling around like giant snakes. Unlike the thorn-covered, poisonous vines and plants of the cursed woods, these were bright green, thick and strong. These were Idre's plants.

Eon's eyes went wide at the sudden appearance of all the vines. There were dozens in front of him, and more sprouting, all the sizes of giant anacondas and some bigger than that! They were massive! And they were going after the shadow beasts and Alavara! "SHE DID IT!" he cheered, grinning, his hope renewed. Somehow, Idre had found a way to channel her magic through Jollel to help them.

Alavara growled as the vines burst from the ground and her concentration was suddenly lost, causing the shadow beasts to disappear. "I thought there was only fire and water magic here..Are you hiding someone?" She snapped before suddenly making her own dark poisonous vines erupt from the ground and began twisting around the ground ones, trying to break the magic.

Samiya hurried back to the group still gripping Iswe's hand, hoping that Scabbar had been lost behind them. "Ihara, Iswe's hurt." She said in a hurried voice as she worked to dodge around the many vines that were moving around them.

"You shouldn't have come back." Sein said quickly to the princess and Iswe. "Its too dangerous here." She turned her attention back to the fires and began throwing fireballs in the attempt to burn through the bad ones. "I'm not running away anymore. We work together on this.." Samiya replied as Ihara moved towards she and Iswe and looked at the sprite with concern. "What happened?"

Noctis had almost instinctively moved in front of Ziane protectively when the vines had burst through the earth but quickly he realised that these things meant them no harm. "Are we safe now?" He called as he watched the vines move to attack Alavara and her quick repsponse to defend herself.

Ziane shook her head. "We're never safe, Tulus, remember that. Not until our enemies are dead." she grinned, though she sheathed her daggers for now. She turned to Samiya and ran to her and Iswe, watching them both. "Why are you both still here?!"

"Yes, I agree, why did you come back?" Eon asked sharply, looking between them both. "You have to go! Find somewhere safe to hide! Get back to the castle, if you have to!" he said firmly. He gave Iswe a gentle nudge towards Sein and away from Ihara. "There's no time to heal her, just give her energy. It would be quicker if Sein just cauterized the wound!" He looked behind himself and could see that the large vines of Idre's were still battling the thorn-covered ones that came from Alavara. But Alavara was nowhere to be seen. "Shit!" he barked. "MOVE!"

Scabbar was coming along, swinging his axe, cutting at vines as they grew in front of him, trying to take down anything that attempted to stop him. He was coming back for blood. The woman should have made him immune to all magic. It would have been so much easier.

"I told you i'm not prepared to leave you anymore! We're in this fight together!" Samiya snapped at Eon as Sein moved quickly to Iswe and placed a hand over her wound, hoping the heat from her fire would stem the flow of blood. Her eyes widened as she worked seeing Scabbar running towards them through the vines. "The drow's not our only problem! He's coming back!" She shouted causing both Ihara and Noctis to spin round preparing to fight again.

"Leave it to me.." Samiya replied as she reached for another arrow but before her hand could reach one her feet was suddenly pulled from beneath her and she was quickly being dragging backwards, dropping her bow as she did. She yelped in fright then tried to kick herself free from the vine before she was suddenly lifted up into the air until she was dangling beside Alavara who was standing on the branch of a tree looking smug. "I know someone whose really looking forward to seeing you princess." She said as she looked down at the ground watching as a large portal opened up beneath Samiya. "Everyone say goodbye princess.." She called to the group from above. A slow smirk spread across her fave before she slowly raised her hand up and clicked her fingers causing the vine that was holding Samiya to vanish and allow her to fall to the ground.

Samiya's eyes widened as she tumbled downwards and before she disappeared she looked at the group and screamed. "Find Dyllin!" The portal quickly swallowed her up sending her directly to the castle where Reise awaited. Ihara gasped then stepped forward and for the first time ever he looked furious." Where did you take her?" He bellowed but this just caused Alavara to laugh. "I really don't like her.." Noctis muttered before returning his attention to Scabbar.

Before the portal was able to close, Iswe ripped herself away from her sister and ran after Samiya. Grabbing ahold of the princess she wrapped herself around the girl and closed her eyes as they tumbled into the blackness of the portal.

Scabbar approached quickly, letting out a growl as he saw Iswe vanish. Fine. He wouldn't have her blood. Yet. His head snapped up to Noctis, who seemed to be the one staring at him. He weighed his axe as he approached Noctis quickly, making his way through the battling shrubbery. It would only take one swing.

Alavara growled as Iswe suddenly jumped through the portal and she quickly closed it before anyone else decided to dive after the princess. "Finish them!" She called to Scabbar as she grew bored of the fight. If it wasn't over soon she was going to leave and return when the group had relaxed, whether the axeman wanted to follow or not.

Noctis grinned at Scabbar, flicking his long cat tail as he did. He spun Ziane's sword in his hand then motioned with his free hand for Scabbar to advance. "Come on then, lets get this over with." He said confidently. "The rest of you..get the drow, find out where shes sent the princess."

Eon nodded at Tulus' words, turning to face Alavara. The vines were still wrestling her vines, and it made the ground shake and knocked trees from their roots. He turned and sprinted, running up the side of one of Idre's vines and headed to tackle Alavara from the branch she was perched on, growling loudly before letting out one of his thunderous barks, aimed right at her.

Scabbar came at Noctis with a dirty move. He rushed forward, swinging the axe close to him, moving underneath with a lot of power. It wasn't really designed to get past his defences though, just enough for Scabbar to draw the blade down to parry the blow. If the blow was blocked, Scabbar was going in for a headbutt. If the blow wasn't blocked... well, Noctis was getting a crotch full of axe blade.

Alvara quickly backflipped from the tree, landing with a thud on her feet on the ground. "You'll have to do better than that mutt." She sneered up at Eon then spun round just as Ihara rushed forward, blades raised to strike but with a quick sweep of her hand he was sent flying backwards against a tree. "Silly elf thinking he could take me on." Alavara said as she stepped towards Ihara. "I'm going to take great enjoyment out of killing you. I've been waiting a long time to do it.."

Noctis continued to grin as he quickly sweeped his blade down to block Scabbar's axe not realising his mistake. "Not very quick are you?" He said with a chuckle as he tried to push the other man back.

The sickening thud would probably stay with Noctis for as long as he stayed alive, which wouldn't be very long if he kept up fighting like this. The man's confidence in his 'fancy fighting' would be his downfall. Specially now, what with a nose streaming blood from a heavy headbutt.

"Like hell you will!" Eon barked at Alavara, moving after her again with swift jumps and sprints from the tree she'd flipped down from. He growled, wrinkling his nose in a snarl like the dog he was. He reached for her, looking to tackle her hard to the ground and wrestle her weapons from her.

"TULUS!" Ziane shouted when she saw Scabbar's head connect with his face. She grit her teeth and moved in on the pair, her daggers drawn and aimed right at that damned hood around Scabbar's head and neck. "Die, you pest!" she snapped, slicing through the air as she ran at him.

Noctis yelped lightly when Scabbar headbutted him but quickly regained himself and looked at the hooded man, his eyes narrowed angrily as blood poured from his nose. "You really shouldn't have done that. I'm guessing you're a human..well i'm not." He growled then before he could think of the repercussions shifted into the form of large minotaur and charged at Scabbar, his two dangerous horns aimed right for the mans chest.

Alavara had been leaning over Ihara ready to fill him with her dark magic when she heard Eon approaching and turned to sneer at him. But her attention was suddenly caught by Noctis as he shifted into a Minotaur and her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Shifter.." She muttered forgetting that Eon was running at her.

Eon was suddenly on Alavara, but just before his body collided with hers from behind, his body changed. A surge of magic raced through his blood, muscles and bones, and he was suddenly the large wolf-dog that had battled Noctis before, as large as a tall rhinocerous. His entire body weight hit Alavara with full force, and his paws moved to pin her arms, his jaws moving to bite out her throat with a snarl.

Two either side, both almost throwing themselves at Scabbar. He waited until last second, using the axe side to help deflect the first blow from Ziane, then throwing himself to once side. He rolled, letting Noctis and Ziane figure themselves out as he rolled into safety and turned around on the spot. "Cute you think I'm human." he spoke softly to Noctis.

"Well well looks like someone has some hidden talent afterall." Alavara said with a smirk as she held her hands up against Eon to stop him biting at her throat. She suddenly sent a pulsing electric current up through her hands in the attempt to zap Eon backwards as Ihara stumbled to his feet.

"Well what are you then?" Noctis growled as he skid to a halt and quickly turned to look at Scabbar. "Who cares?" Sein snapped as she stepped forwards, her hands full of fire. She glared at Noctis but knew Scabbar was the main threat and he needed to be dealt with first.

Eon let out a pained yelp as the shock rattled through his body and he jumped off of her, stumbling backwards a little and shaking his head to rid himself of the dizziness, his ears back in pain and panting heavily. He was seeing colors. His nose was also badly burnt from the shock. He turned back on Alavara though, not giving her a chance to get up, growling and running at her again.

Ziane had nearly run into Noctis, but stopped just short when she realized Scabbar had given them the slip. She turned on him, baring her teeth in a hiss and lowering her body to the ground in preparation, her nub tail flicking irritably. "This one is becoming rather annoying! Let's stop playing around and finish him!"

Scabbar casually twirled the axe, standing still, bracing himself and gazing at the two of them. "The first to approach will die." he said gently, blank eyes of the hood watching Noctis and Ziane.

"Don't you ever give up?!" Alavara growled at Eon as she jumped to her feet and spun round to look at him. She suddenly thumped her foot against the ground and a loud rumbling echoed from underfoot until large cracks appeared and spread out threatening to swallow up anyone that was unfortunate to be in their way.

Noctis was about to tell Ziane to step back and allow him to deal with Scabbar when he heard the ground rumble and suddenly large cracks appeared racing towards him and the others. "I think we might need to run!" He said glancing at Ziane.

Eon skidded to a stop just in front of Alavara as the ground began to rumble and crack apart underfoot. He growled and snarled at her, glaring at her hard before turning, barking at Ihara and Sein to get their attention. He ran to them and knocked them away from a crumbling chasm as it opened at their feet. "Get on my back!" he barked.

Ziane gasped as her footing suddenly seemed unreliable, and she noticed it was because Alavara was breaking the earth beneath them. She went wide-eyed and looked at Noctis, reaching for him before a hole suddenly opened beneath her. She stumbled and fell, letting out a surprised yowl as she caught onto the edge of the niche in the earth. "NOCTIS!"

The shadows didn't actually move, but it's difficult not to imagine they did when Scabbar stepped forward so quickly that his dark outfit made him almost impossible to see. He raised the axe high, silently bringing it around to swing heavily at Noctis while Ziane could only watch.

Sein made to climb onto Eons back after Ihara but stopped when she saw Scabbar swing his axe towards Noctis. "Oh no you don't." She growled then launched a huge fireball at him to knock him backwards before finally jumping on Eon's back. "Lets get out of here."

Noctis quickly shifted back into his human form and ran to Ziane, dropping to the ground at the large crack and grabbing her hands. "I got you." He said through gritted teeth not realising Scabbar was behind him until he felt the heat of the fireball flying over him. "Come on." He said trying to ignore what was happening around him and pull Ziane to safety. He began pulling her up, hoping the ground wouldn't suddenly open up beneath him.

Scabbar stumbled back, hit by the fireball, unable to stop it, and letting out a hard breath as it seared across his chest. But he'd had worse injuries, and it had been a hurried attack, mostly just a shove by the feel of it. He groaned, approaching again towards Noctis.

Ziane panted a panicked whine and pulled herself up with Noctis' help once she saw that Scabbar was briefly immobilized by the fireball. She climbed out of the hole in the ground and leaned against Noctis a moment, then gasped when she saw Scabbar coming at him again. "MOVE!" she growled, shoving him out of the way away from the hole and then leaping at Scabbar boldly, throwing her entire body weight into her shoulder, which connected with his gut.

Noctis stumbled to the side then turned and watched with wide eyes as Ziane charged at Scabbar. As quick as a flash he shifted into the form of an enormous bear and bounded after her making sure to avoid the large cracks that were continuing to open up due to Alavara. "Get on my back!" He growled to Ziane. "We need to get out of here!"

Scabbar grunted, but when Ziane's shoulder hit his stomach, she found it was like hitting a metal plate. He skidded back under the force, but suddenly she was very close to an axe wielding psychopath. The axe hooked around her neck as Noctis skidded forward, and Ziane was practically collared by the reverse curve of the executioner's axe. "Run away little shifter." Scabbar growled to Noctis, yanking hard at the 'collar' he had around Ziane's neck to try and pull her over.

Ziane let out a strangled noise as she was choked in an attempt to be brought down, but she resisted as best she could, her hands behind the handle of the axe in an attempt to lessen the pressure on her throat. The claws on her toes dug into the dirt, clinging to the ground to keep herself upright, knowing that if she went down, it would most likely mean her end. "GO!" she growled at Noctis. "I'll--UNGH!--Keep him busy! GO!" she hissed again, ears flat against her head as she struggled with Scabbar.

Noctis quickly shifted back into his human form and growled dangerously at Scabbar as he grabbed Ziane. "I'm not going to lea..." He began to say but never finished as Alavara stepped up behind him and hit him painfully on the head, knocking him out and watching as he slumped to the ground. "Just kill her or bring her with us. "We can use them as bait to lure out the others." She said with a frown, unhappy that Eon and the others had run off.

Scabbar yanked hard at the handle of the axe, trying to overbalance Ziane again. He had decided, she was going to die. Unless a miracle happened, Scabbar was going to cut her head off in one quick movement. "It'll be clean." he told Ziane, as if comforting her about what he was going to do.

Ziane grit her teeth against the pain, feeling her neck beginning to bruise under her fur, shutting her eyes tightly. She was starting to feel dizzy, but she had noticed Noctis as he collapsed to the ground. At least Eon and the others had gotten away... At Scabbar's words, she growled, glaring at Alavara since she couldn't do so to Scabbar at the moment. "No..." she grunted. "I-It'll... hurt like hell." She suddenly slid one hand down, her movements lightning fast as she peeled a poison-tipped dart from a pouch on her belt and then stabbed it hard backwards and up underneath Scabbar's ribs. It had been a huge risk to take, but he would die slowly and painfully--unless he wouldn't die, in which case he would be incapacitated for a few days. She then slid out from behind his axe handle, tumbling forward to Noctis' body and crouching over it protectively, a dagger raised against her forearm and her tail flicking as she glared at them as hard as she could through her blurry vision. That maneuver had wrenched her throat something aweful. With a hiss of a few enchanted words, sand began to fly up in thick plumes from the ground until there was a good-sized sand tornado flurrying around Ziane and Noctis, the sand flying fast and hard enough to peel skin off bones.

Alavara hissed and stumbled backwards as the sand began to whip up around them and she looked towards Scabbar with a frown. "Why did you let her go?!" She snapped not realising that he had been stabbed. Looking back towards the sand tornado she took another step back and folded her arms. "You can't keep that up forever and once you let your guard down, you're mine!" She called to Ziane angrily.

Scabbar grunted, collapsing down onto one knee and coughing. He was clutching his stomach, wincing as he carefully pulled out the dart. There was blood on the tip... but just the very tip. He was breathing hard as he leant on his axe handle, before letting out a loud angry curse. He slashed forward wildly at the wall of sand with his axe handle, throwing himself bodily forward and bringing it down heavy towards the figures inside. The magic in the sand negated as it struck the blade of the axe, swinging hard towards the figures inside as he tried in a desperate attack to at least injure one of them.

Ziane let out a yelp as she saw the axe blade swinging through the sand, gritting her teeth and whispering prayers and enchantments to keep the sand swirling around them strong and thick to cloud their vision. She lowered her body over Noctis', shutting her eyes tightly as she tried to help him avoid the axe blade, protecting his head and neck with her body. She growled angrily. How could the Gods be so unforgiveable? She looked up at the eye of the sand storm she'd created and how it opened up to clear sky at the top. She grit her teeth and started to pull Noctis onto her shoulders, struggling with his dead weight before she braced herself to jump. But before she could take off, Scabbar's blade struck her, slashing her side just over her ribs, making her scream out in pain and stumble a little. The sands seemed to shift, pause, then continued as she regained herself, crying out again and growling in pain. She then started to walk, taking slow steps, and the sand storm traveled with her. It was only a matter of time before the poison in Scabbar's system took over and he was paralyzed--if not dead. She just hoped Alavara got bored with them... or perhaps busy with Scabbar's health. She had been right about one thing: Ziane couldn't keep this up forever. Especially not wounded. "C'mon, Noctis... you lazy b-bastard... wake up." she pleaded through her pain, feeling warm blood running down her side.

After one swing, Scabbar couldn't bring his arms up for a second. He groaned, curling up on the spot and clutching his stomach as the poison seeped into him. He had only been partially poisoned however, because of what little protection he had under his clothes. The dart had just gotten through, but what little poison was on the tip was certainly enough to shut him down. He wasn't moving anywhere.

Noctis finally let out a small groan then opened his eyes and looked round in confusion. "What happened?" He muttered. As he looked at her he suddenly realised she was bleeding and his eyes widened in shock. "You're hurt!" He gasped then struggled to his feet, wincing from the bad headache that was pulsing through his head. "Where are we?" He queried confused by the sand tornado.

"Th-the same place you collapsed." Ziane grunted as he climbed down, wincing and putting a careful hand to her side where Scabbar's blade had struck her. "I'm using the sand tornado to help defend us... Alavara and the axeman are still on the other side... Though I've poisoned the axeman... He should be paralyzed by now." she whimpered, gritting her teeth. "You have to get us out of here.. I can't keep this up for long."

Noctis looked around, rubbing his head as he tried to rid himself of the headache. "Alright..i'll shift and you get on my back. Once you're ready, drop the sand and i'll run." And hopefully they'll not follow. He thought, worrying that he wouldn't have the strength to carry her for to long. Taking a deep breath he shifted into a black stallion, the quickest creature he could think of that would comfortably carry Ziane.

Ziane grunted with pain as she reached up around Noctis' neck and struggled to pull herself onto his back. She made herself comfortable, and held on as tightly as she could with her thighs and arms before she let out a slow breath. As she did, the sand stopped spinning and blew away with her breath, clearing them a path. "Go.." she grunted at Noctis, holding onto him. "W-we have to find the others..."

"One thing at a time.." Noctis replied as he took off galloping through the trees. Their main priority was to escape. Once they were safe then they could worry about finding the others.

Alavara growled angrily as the horse took off then turned to look at Scabbar who was lying on the ground. "Well what are you waiting for?! After them!" She shouted before growling and screaming into the air. "Whats wrong with you anyway?" She asked as she moved to him and nudged him with the toe of her boot.

Scabbar was face down in the dirt, unable to answer. The dart was on the floor beside him as he lay there. He was breathing softly, but it sounded as if it hurt him to do so. He wasn't exactly going to answer back.

Alavara gave an irritated sigh then knelt down beside Scabbar and rolled him over so he could look up at her. "Oh perfect. Now we'll have to wait for whatever poison is in you to wear off." She said in an irritated tone before slumping down to sit next to him. "This did not go to plan at all.." She muttered angrily.

Not word from Scabbar. He was too busy fighting the infection to really say anything anyway. His breathing was shallow, careful. He could probably do without the bag on his head, but he seemed unable of taking it off.

"Just try not to get yourself killed." Alavara said in an annoyed voice as she lit a fire then curled up beside it. It looked like she would have to wait until the effects of his poison wore off before they could move on any further.

Scabbar could only groan, shuddering and twitching down on the floor. He wasn't going to be good company. In fact, leaving someone injured, and bleeding on the floor wasn't the best treatment for someone who had been rather badly poisoned.

"Would you keep the noise down.." Alavara said with a frown as she glanced at Scabbar. She wasn't prepared to heal him, it just wasn't her style. "I'm going to get some sleep..wake me when your able to." She finished then lay down beside the fire.

---

Ziane groaned as her head started to spin. She hated feeling so weak. Her wound wasn't bad, she didn't think, but she was still bleeding a lot. Her side was soaked in blood, her fur matted with it, and dripping from her toes onto the dirt as she weakly rode Noctis' back. They were far from Alavara and Scabbar now, and she was trying to keep her eyes on wherever the other three might have gotten to. But her vision was blurring. She grit her teeth and whimpered, then lost her grip, sliding off of Noctis' back and hitting the dirt with her shoulder with a thud.

"Ziane!" Noctis gasped then skid to a halt and quickly shifted back into his human form. He ran to her then knelt down beside her, looking at her with a face with of concern. "You're injured. We need to get you sorted first before we can go any further.. Where is your injury?" He asked not wanting to examine her without her permission.

"F-follow... the blood... stupid..." Ziane panted, though despite the pain and dizziness she was suffering, it was playful. She shifted and pulled up her leather shirt, and as skin-tight as it was, it was difficult and painful to do so. She winced and let out a pained sound, turning her head away. Her wound wasn't deep, it didn't seem, just irritated by her tight clothing and all the exertion from hanging onto Noctis' back. Now that she was laying on the ground, the bleeding was slowed. The wound was directly over her ribs, and her strained breathing mostly stemmed from the fact that it hurt to do so, probably because the blow had managed to fracture one or two of her ribs.

"I don't really have anything to use to treat the wound." Noctis replied as he pressed a hand against it to stem the flow of blood. "What should I do?" He asked not really sure how to treat wounds on other people.

Ziane winced when he applied pressure to her wound, gritting her teeth and hearing his words. She looked around blearily, then nodded slightly at a nearby bush. "T-take a few of those leaves... And... Some sap from that tree..." she breathed. "Crush them together with water... And p-put it in my wound." It would harden into a sort of temporary bandage until her body healed itself. She just had to hope that neither plants were poisonous.

"O-okay.." Noctis stammered then stumbled to his feet and ran to grab the things she had told him about and after he had crushed them together he knelt back down beside Ziane and began to carefully place the paste in the wound. "I hope this works.."

"Y-yeah, me too..." Ziane hissed, tensing as he spread the paste on her wound. She grimaced and grit her teeth, growling out in pain, then relaxing when he finished and she felt the wound starting to numb. "A-ah... Much... better." she breathed deeply, starting to relax more. She opened her eyes and looked up at him, giving him a tired smile. "Thanks."

"No problem.." Noctis replied with a sigh as he collapsed onto the ground beside her. "I'm not really used to helping others like this. If this had been a few days ago, i'd most likely have just left you." He shrugged lightly as he gave an embarrassed smile. He ran his fingers through his hair then hissed lightly in pain when he touched the sore bump inflicted by Alavara when she knocked him out. "Something tells me they're not going to give up.."

Ziane panted lightly, her breathing coming easier now as her wound began to numb. "Of course they won't... They have a job to do. A life or death job. Just like we do." she whispered, looking up at the skies through the trees. It was ironic... even in a dark and demonic forest like this... the sky still looked the same. Right now, it was twinkling full of stars. "Thanks for not leaving me... it wouldn't have anything to do with the bargain we made, would it?" she asked sarcastically with a pained chuckle.

Noctis chuckled then actually shook his head. "No..I had actually forgotten about it." He admitted then looked down at her and smiled. "It seems i'm changing for the better..not something I ever imagined would happen." He watched her for a seond more before clearing his throat and looking around. "Should we light a fire or something?"

"While a fire would be nice... we can't. It would attract dangers... including the ones we just narrowly avoided." Ziane sighed heavily, feeling her eyes getting heavier. "These woods aren't like the Cuole woods... Fire wouldn't keep threats at bay, it would just draw them in." She breathed a little and looked at Noctis, then smiled crookedly. "We'll just have to keep each other warm."

Noctis grinned then lay back and propped his head up with one arm then held his other arm out to her. "Well if we must." He said jokingly. "Come on, we might as well try and get some rest and then we can go and try and find the others when you're rested."

Ziane gave him a soft smile and shuffled closer to him as best as she could, gingerly touching her wounded side to his front, laying on her back and linking one of her legs with his. Her tail twitched against his leg, and she yawned again, her nose wrinkling a little and her ears laying back. "Just don't fondle me while I'm sleeping..." she joked, nuzzling his chest a little. She hummed then, her ears back a little. "You smell good..." Her words were starting to slur with her exhaustion.

"Well thanks thats the first time i've ever been told that, you don't smell to bad yourself." Noctis replied softly then he fell silent so she could sleep. He smiled down at her then wrapped his arm round her protectively as he lay there keeping watch incase Alavara or any other creatures were suddenly to appear.

---

Eon sighed heavily from where he was sitting at the base of a tree now, back in his human form and glaring at the ground. They'd lost the princess and Iswe in that portal... and got separated from Ziane and the shifter. He didn't like how this day had turned out. He looked at Sein and Ihara and grit his teeth before sighing out, "What should we do now?"

Sein sat on the ground her arms wrapped around her legs. She had lost both of her sisters now and she couldn't help but feel a little lost. She looked over at Eon when he spoke but didn't know what to say.

"We have three choices.." Ihara spoke up from where he stood still clutching his blades. "We can make camp and rest here for a few hours and then go and find the others or go and find Ziane and the shifter or just leave them and try and find the princess. All of them pose problems." He sighed lightly.

Eon shook his head. "There's only one plausible answer here: we have to head back to the castle and find the princess and Iswe. The princess was my responsibility and I let her be taken. We have to find her. Ziane and the shifter can handle themselves." he grumbled. He looked at Sein and reached out, lightly touching her arm in a comforting motion.

Ihara nodded at Eon's conclusion. "Back to the castle then..and hopefully we'll get some answers back there." He said then offered a hand to Sein and helped her to her feet. "It may even allow us to try and figure out what Reise has planned next."

Eon nodded in agreement, standing up and dusting himself off, then moving towards Ihara and Sein. "Then let's go." He changed into his giant wolf form, shaking out his fur and then watching Sein and Ihara, waiting for them to get on his back.

Sein and Ihara both nodded then moved to Eon and carefully climbed up onto his back. "Alright, ready." Ihara called to him then wrapped an arm protectively around Sein to stop her falling and used his other hand to grasp lightly onto Eons fur.

Eon waited until they were comfortable and secure on his back, then broke into a fast sprint through the trees. He took the quickest, safest route he could find through the Cursed Woods... heading straight for the Kingdom of Layfette.



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