Story line: What is normal? An elf hanging out with a human? Or gnomes doing the work for dwarves? None of this is normal and it's about to get a whole lot worse. Something is brewing from the sea, and everyone is feeling she shift in balance. What will happen? Who will come out? Who will the heroes be?

---

It is another night at the Shifty Mule, the kids are heading home and the ale is being passed out. The bartender is busy making sure the usual's have their drinks and his wife is making her rounds with the food. The sun is setting and slowly people are coming into the tavern. Already an elf is sitting in a corner to the left of the fire with the hood of her cloak down low over her eyes.

Xavier stood with one foot up on the raised ledge of a building across from the Shifty Mule."You ever get the feeling that we shouldn't be doing this?" He asked, spinning a tiny dagger in his palm by the tip of the blade."I mean.. thievings wrong right?"He asked, his black and gray mottled cloak flapping slowly around him."at least that's what i hear..."

Gaal smiled, brushing her hand down his cloak, muttering a spell of illusion as she did it. Now anyone who happened to bump him would see a black and gray matted old dog. She slipped her tiny hand into her side pouch taking out a fistful of pebbles. Pulling the hood of her faded old cloak over her head, she grinned, casting a shadow spell over herself to stop the Guards from any recognition. With a beautiful face like this, it was easy to remember her in a crowd. Not to mention that her an her compadre were... well known among the Law. She threw the pebbles down the street, causing small explosions wherever they hit. Turning her head to her companion she grinned, her smile the only thing visible in the shadows of her hood, "Not at all."

With a grin Xavier dropped down to street, a couple of yards to the left of the explosions, and no one took notice of a mangy mutt walking around the crowd. In truth he was all ghost fingers and phantom fists. Picking a coin or two here, some times an entire purse was cut loose from its strings. After a few moments he vanished into an alley, and made his way back up onto the roof."Made meal money."He said with a dry grin, holding up more than a couple of jingling purses. "Oh and before i forget,"He said, pulling a short sword, or a long knife(about two inches in width and eighteen in length) from the folds of his cloak."For you m'lady."He said, presenting the blade to her.

[DM note see comments below!]Gaal smiled, taking the sword from Xavier. She grasped it firmly at the hilt, feeling it's balance off. "Hmmm... it's center of balance is a bit off..." She inspected the blade a bit more. ".. and it has a slight bend to the right as you go further down the blade." She held it close to her face. "... and there's a bit of rusting along the blade. Not to mention that the grip on the hilt is a bit loose, and .." She looked up, seeing Xavier frowning at her with a raised brow. She smiled, putting the sword on her belt. "But I absolutely love it shnoogie woogie!" She grinned, poking the sacks of gold. "Now that we have coinage, let's eat!"

Xavier smiled."Yes victuals sound lovely."He led the way back to ground level, hopping from roof top to roof top, slowly making his way down to ground level. "So.. roast duck, wine, cheese...maybe a little iced strawberries." He was saying over his shoulder, after all they had enough gold for it. The inside of the tavern was darker than he expected. It didn't take long for him to secure a table in the back."A crowd to our front, walls to our back and sides..i rather like this spot."He said, pulling her chair out for her.

Gaal followed Xavier into the tavern. The tavern was only a slightly bit brighter than outside. She listened to the going-ons of the crowded room, listening for any drunkards that may be easy pickings later on. She felt herself tense up in the crowded room. She didn't like being around so many people without a goal. Crowds almost always lead to someone finding them and them running. Trailing behind Xavier to a table in the very back she smiled at the secluded spot, taking the offered chair with a grin. "Thank you love."

Isehonohr was sitting near the back but not close to the two new people who came in. He was snoozing away. There were a two things on his table one being a pitcher of beer almost gone and one glass. He was snoring but almost no one cared to tell him. For they knew the repercussion of it.

Jabbress watched the two theives walk in and take a table in the back. She still couldn't belive her mission this night, but she had no other choice. She raised the glass of elvish wine to her lips as her eyes flickered over to Isehonohr where she let a small laugh escape her lips before she could stop herself; the towns usual. Things were unusaly slow this night. Were the gods trying to make this night harder for her or were they having their own laugh at the princess in disguise?

Xavier took the seat across from her."Of course my dear."He said with a smile. He spent a few moments scanning the room. The usual drunkards totttered about, mumbling or babbling, spilling their drinks and what not."Im going to order a round of rum..and some food."He said getting up from the table and headed to the bar. With un-natural grace and fluidity he movied through the crowed. taking care not to be bumped or noticed by the other patrons."Oi, barkeep! I need two glasses and a bottle of rum..and some food." The bartender looked at him sourly. Three minutes later he was walking back to the table, a bottle under his arm, two cups clamped between his teeth, and two plates in his hands."Taadaaa!"He said after he set the meal infront of her."I think its quail"He remarked, pointing to the baked birds on their plates. He set the glasses out and poured them each a glass of some strange sweet, and spiced rum.

Xavier's attempt at trying not to be noticed as he moved through the room failed for he was being watched, rather closely by Jabbress. Nothing didn't happen in the room that she didn't have some idea of what was taking place, but he and the women that was with him was of great importance of her. She slightly, and only slightly raised a finger and seconds later a bar wench was at her side. Jabbress didn't need to speak a command for the wench to know what was needed to do, details had already been told that morning. Certain individuals would be coming that were to received extra attention and care and everything would be already paid for. She nodded to the pair only slightly to identify the first individuals of the night and the wench turned and disappeared.

The bartender's wife, who was also the innkeeper stopped her work and walked over to Xavier's and Gaal's table. "Will you two be needing a room tonight and anything else to eat or drink?"

Xavier looked up at the woman, while stroking his goatee."Well ma'am..I don't see why not. What do you think dear?" He said, turning to Gaal.
He reached to his belt, where many cloth and leather purses hung. He untethered one, and set it on the table."How much?"He asked, tonight money was of very little value.

The woman shook her head. "It will cost you nothing my dear. It has already been taken care of."

Jabbress took mental notice of the leather purse that was set on the table; the identity was finalized. Rolling her eyes she finished her glass of wine and sat back watching.

Gaal's heart stopped. She reached under the table, placing her hand on top of Xavier's and squeezing it. Charity was never charity. There was always some sort of catch to it. Call her paranoid, but her gut had gotten them out of many sticky situations, and she wasn't about to ignore it this time. Someone knew who they were. Her eyes scanned the room, looking for someone suspicious, someone who stood out. Something to give away the person who knew who they were.

As Gaal looked around the tavern it looked like every tavern she'd be in before, there were quite a few people who looked shady and caught her eye, one on the left side of the fire, right side of the fire, by the left side of the door, infront of the bartender, and a cloaked figure standing in the corner near the stairs leading to the next level.

Xavier Smiled and nodded."Thank you, yes we would love a room for the night, If you could, one with a window."He squeezed Gaals hand in return, He was having the same gut feeling."Well m'love looks like we have a room for the night." He tied the purse back to his belt and scanned the bar. He spotted the same people she had.

The woman nodded. "I will bring you the key shortly. Would you like anything else to drink or eat?"

Xavier shook his head."No Ma'am, we are fine." He smiled his best smile, and pulled his hood back, running a hand through his short spikey hair."Well love.. eat up."He said, and then added under his breath."I fear something is afoot."

The tavern door opened and an elf walked in dressed in silk royal clothes. Looking around he walked over to where Jabress sat and took a seat next to her reaching infront of her and pulling down the hood of her cloak revealing red locks of hair and bright blue icy eyes. These set of eyes catches Gaal's attention.

Gaal's eyes caught the icy blue of the new comer, sending chills down her spine. "Vee," she whispered under her breath pulling a feather and a bundle of twigs from her pouch, "I don't feel right." She muttered under her breath, hovering her hand over the trinkets, murmuring words of magic under her breath.

He nodded."No fear love."He said, resting his arms on the table. In the dim light the shiny dagger handles didn't reflect much up his sleeve."i say we lay low, wait for our key and then retire to our room."He smiled and winked in a slightly seductive manner."then out the window into the night."He added quietly.

As Jabbress had Gaal's attention she smiled before looking away to the man sitting next to her and her calm collective posture changed as she immediately stood and he grabbed her wrist. 

The hairs on Gaal's neck stood straight up there was more magic in the air.

Gaal shivered, the magic prickling across her like millions of tiny insects crawling and biting her skin, making the hair of her arms stand. Her eyes stayed caught in the woman's gaze. The air was thick and electrified with the over abundance of magic that filled the room. Her heart pounded in her chest like a caged bird, thrilled and terrified at the swell of the magic around her. "Vee, there are other magic users here. They know who we are. WHAT we are..."

The person that was standing by the stairs is looking between Jabbress's table and Gaal's and Xavier's, Gaal sences this is the source of the abundance of magic; evil magic; directed toward the other woman.

Xavier stood suddenly."Then we leave."He said ,taking her hand, and making his way towards the door.

Isehonohr wakes up and yawns while stretching. Some people look at him but quickly look away. "Why is it no one messes with me, while i'm sleeping?" he asks himself.

As Isehonohr becomes slowly aware of his surroundings he notices Jabbress, he also notices the death spell that is being casted her way as well.

"Hmmm...." Isehonohr thinks for a moment. He gets up and heads over to Jabbress.

"I don't care! You can tell her she can-" Jabbress turned and looked at Isehonohr with a pisted off expression. "Hi Isehonohr. How are you this fine evening?" She asked snatching her wrist back from the elf, Isehonohr recgonized as one of Jabbress personal assistants/bodyguards, in a sweet court like tone with a smile.

"Doing fine. So what's the problem?" Isehonohr asks.

"My mother wants me to return home and I dont want to." Jabbress replied simply.

Isehonohr and Gaal could since the spell getting stronger.

"I say it's a good idea." Isehonohr then whispers "I don't think it's safe for you now, at the moment."

"Have you not been to court lately my friend? It's not safe there. Not in her clutches." She replies.

"Look there is a death spell in here. I can sense it. It is aiming for you. So get out while you can." Isehonohr cautions her.

The elf next to her stiffins grabbing her wrist again quickly muttering a spell, making all those who are sensitive to magic begin to have a overwheliming headache. "Apparently I have no choice. I will see you very soon then Isehonohr. Very soon." Jabbress replies as she suddenly vanishes.

As soon as she vanishes so does the figure who was casting the death spell. Leaving those with the headache, grouche.

"I will gladly see you." Isehonohr murmers to himself.

The bartender's wife walked over with a few keys in her hand and she looked around. "Where on earth did they all go?" She asked Isehonohr.

Isehonohr looks at her "Well there was a death spell in here but it's gone now. Someone else leave?"

"Yes the couple she paid the room and food for." She replied looking at Isehonohr.

Isehonohr just looks at her. "She paid a room for a couple?"

"Well she paid for a whole floor of rooms, as well as meals and what every these certain individuals would require." She replied.

"Hmm..." Isehonohr thinks for a second. "Need me to find these individuals?"

"If you would please. It seemed very important to her. She also had a room set up for you as well." She replied handing him two keys. With that Lilly walked away to attend her other patrons.

---

Catriona walked down the road, on her way to the next town and the next inn or tarven she'd see about lending her talents as a bard to.

A heavily cloacked figure, hunched and leaning on a weathered walking stick, slowly hoble down the middle of the street. Casting a long and eerie shadow far ahead of his feet as they shuffled under him. His breathing a sharp rasp, his nose poke out occasionaly to sniff at the air around him.

Catriona looked over at the figure, and shivered.

The cloaked figure stopped in the middle of the street and sniffed the air suddenly, leaning heavily on his staff he turned and looked at the shivering young lady watching him. Breathing heavily in rasping breathes, his hood hiding all of his face save for his breath in the chill air.

"Are.... you okay sir?" Catriona asked softly.

The bundle of wrags and shadows hunched slightly more, the head leaning sharply to the side as a sleeve pointed in her direction. A shrill and scratchy voice suddenly peircing her ears. " By which thee come by Hospitality." It rang out to her, like an unpleasant sound that caused fear and dread to those that heard it.

"What....?" Catriona said, backing up.

The figure repeated the question, a quite calm feeling moved swiftly through the air, " By which come thee by Hospitality." It croaked once more .

"I...I'm just a traveling bard....sir...." she said softly.

The figure let out a sharp peircing screech, exhaling long and hard into the air with uch violence. "R-e-f-uge." it hissed raggidly to her.

"Refuge....?"

"R-est." It screeched one more .

"I'm heading towards the inn in the next town... I....I give them my services for a room for the night... I could ask for two..." she said softly, not liking the screech in the voice.

"Sle-ep,... by fi-re. o0ne,... ro-om."

"I..." Catriona nodded slowly. "One room...."

Catriona's hightened senses was alerted to a horse and rider a small distance behinde them.

Catriona looked away from the figure to look at the horse and its rider.

The hooded figure turned in the direction of the coming rider and hissed softly, but not without potency .

Catriona looked at him. "Why are you hissing?"

The figure hiised once more in the direction of the rider.

"Do you think there's something wrong with him?"

 The figure shuffled around for a moment as if not wanting to be seen by the rider.

Catriona looked at him. "Sir?" she asked softly. "Are you okay?"

The figure extended what appeared to be a bony appendage in the young girls direction. "Ro-oom,....hur-rry." it hissed quietly.

"Alright...." Catriona said softly and calmly. "There's the inn over there... let's head in, and I'll get us the room...."

The figure followed slowly after her.

Catriona looked back at him, then headed into the inn, holding the door for him.

The figured shuffled through the door as quickly as possible.

Catriona closed the door behind him, and then looked for the innkeeper.

The cloacked figure shuffled over to the stairs to wait.

"Hello?" Catriona called out.

A few people turned and looked at Cationa rolling her eyes before a bar wench came over. "Yes ma'am? What can we do for you?"

Catriona blushed at having distrubed the people. "I..." she started looking at the woman softly. "I was wondering if I could barter for a room and dinner... I am a bard..."

"Have a seat where you may and we will get you some food, and I will talk to Lilly when she is finished with some buissness. Anything in paticular you would like to eat or drink?" She replied kind of sweetly.

The collection of Rags sniffed the air suddenly at the word 'drink', "Blood,..of,...drago-on,...be thy Damnation." it spoke.

The woman turned and looked at the figured. "Exuse me?"

Rags started mumbling something quite incoherent,"Blood,...of,..Dra-gon,....A-ale."He hissed.

Catriona sighed watching the figure that was going to be in her room. She moved over to a table sitting down. "May I have water?"

"One ale and one water. WOuld you like anything to eat?" She asked turning back to Catriona.

Rags began to mumble some more looking around the place as he leaned on his staff heavily.

Rags saw the backdrop of a normal tavern. People were drinking and eating, playing games of dice, and being stupid.

"Some soup and bread, please if you have any..." Catriona said. Looking at the figure, she said, "Do...you want to sit down?"

Rags looked around the room some more and shuffled off into a back table in the corner that was seperate from all the other tables and out of sight.

The wench nodded and disapeared comming back within moments dealivering the ale to the strange man first then made her way back to Catriona. "Here you go. Let me know if you need anything else, my names is Karina and I am here at your call." She said before disaperaring off to do more work.

Rags snifed over the table and liffted his Goblet feebl like before sipping at the contents.

Catriona sipped her water, and waited to speak with Lily.

Lilly finnaly made her way over to Catriona taking the seat across from her. "I appologize my dear for not greating you when you first arived. I am told you wish for a room?"

"Yes... one room...I was hoping to exchange my skills as a bard for one..." Catriona replied.

"Conceder everything paid for my dear. Through music this night would be great." Lilly replied placing a key on the table for her. She had her orders and knew this as well as her companion that came in with her were also on the Princess's list.

Catriona nodded. "Thank you, miss...where would you like me, and when would you like me to start?"

"Eat and drink. Whenever you are ready you can play and as to where its up to you. There is a small stage like area overe there, but it doesn't matter. Whatever you usualy do." Lilly said standing up and patting her hand. "Let us know if you need anything else. [DM NOTE: When you start playing post below where your other character is. Everyone else that is in the tavern needs to post bellow where Kaelia are too.]

---

Araglas led his white mare down the cobbled streets looking for an inn. He had been traveling for most of the day on rumors, nothing but rumors. He sighed as he scratched Snow's nose. She gave a soft snort and he gave an equally small smile, he opened his mouth but instead of his voice a winne came out making him sound like a horse as well,"Sometimes your the only thing that keeps me going..you know that?" Snow snorted again and Araglas laughed. He turned his keen eyes back on the road and saw two figures ahead of him, he quickly turned back to Snow, making claming noises so she wouldn't get spooked.

As Araglas made his calming noises he also got the sense that Snow was also trying to tell him something was approaching them.

Araglas realized that Snow was trying to tell him something, "Snow..what is it?" He listened intently as Snow winnied and stomped her feet on the cobblestones. Araglas looked around, his eyes finding only the two figures ahead of them. His hand slowly went to check and make sure his bow was in reach on his saddle, though he made it appear he was petting Snow's mane. "It's ok girl...I won't let anything happen to you..or myself." He let out a small chuckle at her snort. Though he appeared calm he was tense, he considered using his elven site to see who was ahead of him, but thought better of it. They could be or not be a threat, it wasn't for him to decide.

A white dove flew into sight and a second later landed on Snow's saddle. Araglas recgonized it as one of Jabbress's, his cousin's messanger birds.

Araglas sighed as the dove landed. He had been ready to attack thinking a creature of some type had snuck up on him. He slid his dagger back into it's hiding place, and turned to the dove. He smiled as he recognized it as one of his cousin's messenger birds. He slowly reached and petted it on the head, taking his time in retreving the message attached to it's leg. He gently pulled the small scroll from the case and opened it, he unfurled the letter and started to read it.

Cousin: Early this night I booked rooms at the Shifty Mule. Another assination attempt but I am fine. I will return to the tavern at midnight. Lilly has your key. Send the bird back so I know ou recived the letter with your usual sign.

Araglas sighed, too many attempts had been made on his cousin as of late. If he weren't looking for his sister, he would put a stop to it himself. He folded the parchment and slipped it into his cloak, he took out another small piece of parchment and gently tugged a strand of hair from his head. He deftly wove it between his fingers till it resembled a bird in flight. With a crafty grin he folded the parchment around it and slipped it into the small carrying case. "Thank you my friend, now return to my cousin." He gently lifted the white dove and tossed her into the air. "Well it seems we are off to the inn to find a woman named lilly and get the key to our room." Snow snorted and he petted her mane, "No worries they shall treat you with great care friend, I will see to it personally." Snow snickered and he smiled. He looked ahead of them and realized they were catching up to the two figures he had seen earlier.

The dove took flight eager to return to her mistress. As the two figures become more visable Arglas notices it is a young farming couple slowly making their way into town.

Araglas kept an even pace and managed to make out what appeared to be a young couple ahead of him. He scratched Snow's ear and soon they cam pace to pace with the couple. He gave them a smile and nodded in greeting, "Good evening, fair travels to you both. May I inquire to the whereabouts of the inn called the Shifty Mule?" Snow tossed her white mane and snorted, stamping her feet in annoyance. Araglas hushed her gently and petted her nose.

The couple looked up and it was the young man who spoke. "Yes, follow this rode into town, turn right on the third street and you will see it."

Araglas nodded, "Thank you, may the stars always shine on your paths." He gave both a short bow before stopping Snow and gently lifting himself into her saddle. He took her reins and gently petted her neck, "Lets go Snow, seems we are almost there." Snow whinnied and took off in a trot and continued down the road. It didn't take long for him to get to the town, but it didn't have a sign stating what it was called, but he trusted in the words of the young couple on the road earlier and followed their directions to the letter, and after turning right on the third street, he saw a sign and a picture showing a mule with shifty eyes. He slipped off Snow and patted her nose, "See girl, we're here and no worse for wear. Now lets see about getting that room for me and a stable for you." He looked around and spotted a path that led to the side, he followed it leading Snow behind him and saw a stable, "Hello?" He called out none-to-loudly as he neared it, he hoped that someone was there, he didn't like the idea of leaving Snow by herself.

A boy covered in dirt appeared. "Yes?"

Araglas smiled and nodded to the boy, "Good evening young sir, I wish s stable for my mare. We have traveled long distances this day and she needs her rest, is there a stall open?" Snow whinnied and shook her mane, Araglas smirked and petted her nose, calming her.

The boy looked the horse over and nodded turning and opening a clean stall.

Araglas smiled and led Snow to the open stall. He took her saddle off and put it on the door to the stall. He reached into his cloak and pulled out a brush, in a matter of minutes he had brushed her down, and cleaned her hooves. He smiled at her and took the harness off her neck and slid the blanket off her back. "I'll be back in the morning girl...take care till then." Before he left the stall he smiled at Snow and spoke to her in her language, "Sleep well Snow." He turned to the young boy, "Thank you young sir, may the stars watch you and protect you on your journey through life." He deposited twenty silver and five gold pieces in the boys hand as a bonus to make sure Snow was taking good care of. Leaving the stable Araglas walked into the Inn and found himself in a noisy atmosphere, with a look around the room he found himself a table in a corner with a little bit of light and a little bit of shadow. He moved and sat at it, and tried to get the attention of a serving girl.

The boy stood their wide eyed for a moment before turning and taking off.

---

Xavier led Gaal out of the tavern."What was going on back there?"he asked. The look of confusion and concern on her face was rather unsettleing.They passed through a crowd, and then into an alley way, where Xavier finally stopped walking, and sat down against a wall.

Gaal grumbled, resting her head against the cool rocks of the wall. Her head throbbed angrily at her, as if chastising her for indulging in the magic like a mother would her child for playing in the mud. "Ugh, my head. Stupid migraine." She sighed, trying to ease her headache away, and tried to remember the feel of the magic. She hasn't ever felt so much magic in that room, not even from her teacher. It had felt thick and sweet, almost like one could drink it down and be full. But there was a bitterness to it, underneath all the sweet, as if it were a worm in a candy apple. A little pink nose poked out from under her cape. Attached to it was a brown and black ferret. Gaal smiled as the fuzzy monstrosity climbed up her arm and cuddled against her face. "Mischief, you twit, I'm alright. I promise." She smiled to show she was fine. The ferret eyed her questioningly, then nipped her ear playfully. She laughed before turning back to her companion to explain. "There was a heavy magic in the room. Someone very powerful there wanted to hurt someone. I just hope to their Gods it wasn't us."

Xavier nodded, his six inch long lancets spinning syuddenly end over end, in his hands."For their sake i do too."He stood, and scratched Mischeif under his tiny little chin."Im going to see if we were being followed." He said,And dashed off down the alley. pulling his hood over his head,and affecting a very exagggerated limp, he suddenly become just another gimpy begger. His eyes scanned the lane for some one exiting the Shifty Mule, who might pose a threat.

Jabbress waited untill Xavier wa well out of ear shot before she turned into the alley, hood up. She quietly approached Gaal not making a sound. "Exuse me." She said softly in common. The only thing visible were her eyes.

Gaal looked up from scratching underneath Mischief's chin, to watch the cloaked figure approaching her. He bobbed his head, irritated that she had stopped and scrambled back into her cloak. She heard the hooded woman speak, so softly that Gaal had to lean in a bit to hear. She quickly looked over the woman's shoulder, checking to see if Xavier was near. "Aye?" She asked watching for any sudden movements.

Jabbress revealed her hands palms out in a sign of no harm intended. "You were in the tavern a short while ago. You are a sorcoress and travel in the company of a theif." She replied reaching up slowly and pushing back the hood of her cloak slightly so her face could bee seen.

Gaal nodded as the woman reviled her face. "That I was and that I am." She murmured trying to decide whether the woman's knowledge of her was bad or not. Her hand instinctively hovered over her blade inside of her cloak. One could never be too careful.

Jabbress "Look, I don't know how to really explain all this to where you will understand it, but I have rooms at the tavern. I would like you and your companion to stay the night. There will be others there. Something is happening and you have been chosen to help." She said softly looking around staying on alert.

Gaal tried to look around the women for Xavier. He'd been gone for a while and she wondered where he was. She glanced back at the woman, letting her twitchy hand relax a bit. She didn't seem to be of any threat at the moment.Besides, they weren't going anywhere for a while. "I don't know who you are, or what's going on, but it smells like trouble." Her lips pursed. "A free room? All expenses paid for? With that kind of generosity, there's always a catch. More often than not it's trouble. We find enough of that as is." She straightened up, watching the woman carefully. "If you want our help. that''s fine, but our services come at a price."

Xavier hobbled back towards the alley, there was no one coming out of the inn. No one paid him much attention as he hobbled down the street. to them he was just another dirty gimp, begging for money. He rounded the corner, and stopped. Who was this woman Speaking with Gaal. "A high price.."He said, stepping up behind the taller woman.

Jabbress jumped drawing a blade turning around. "You really shouldn't sneak up behind someone thief." She replied harshly immediately recognizing Xavier and throwing her blade back in its' sheath. "What ever your price is, will be paid, assuming we all survive." She continued moving to the side so her back was against the wall and she was looking at Gaal once more.

Gaal glanced over at Xavier, wondering what he thought of the deal. She let her hand fall away from her blade and crossed her arms. "How much are we talking about?"

Jabbress sighed she didn't want to go into too much information out in the open. "More than enough."

"Just what exactly are we doing?" Xavier asked, pulling his hood back, but making sure his cloak stayed closed.

"All will be explained in due time. If you would like to take part Lilly has your key." Jabbress responded turning to leave.

Xavier sighed. This was Their first real job in months and there was no way he was turning it down."What do you think?"He said, turning to Gaal. She knew their situation was bad as well, but he wasn't going to go into this with out her.

Gaal turned her gaze from the cloaked woman to Xavier. Her eyes softened as their eyes met. They'd been through the ringer as of late. No one seemed to need their services lately and though they had a pouch of gold coins, when they didn't know where their next meal was coming from, one had to be frugal. She looked back at the woman, her usual disbelieving smirk on her face. "...and everything's already paid for?"

The woman nodded. "Everything." With that she walked off disappearing around the corner to the left.

Xavier nodded to Gaal."Then , onwards and outwards m'lady?"He asked, holding his hand out for hers.

Gaal smiled, taking Xavier's outstretched hand, and giving it a tight squeeze, followed the woman as she walked away.

By the time Gaal turned the corrner Jabbress was gone.

Xavier followed behind his companion, mind abuzz with thought."I dont know if I like her..But she pays well enough I assume..."

---

<b>Kaelia headed down the forest path that she had traveled on so many times before, however this time it had been after telling each one of the Druids that had raised her 'goodbye for now'. She was heading off to explore the world, and help nature where she saw had need of help. Just under that reason, Kaelia had a more personal reason for striking out on her own. Her memories, her past. Her past was a mystery that for years seemed to alway escape her grasp. Kaelia continued down the path, knowing that a dirt road laid ahead, but choosing to stay within the forest, just following the road.

By sticking to the forest Kaelia finds the night quite and peaceful.

Kaelia walked up to a path of the forest path that crosses the dirt road heading into the next part of the path. She headed out onto the road, she looked the road up and down, and seeing that it was clear, started to walk down the road.

Kaelia found she was taking a back road into the town and it wasn't used very offten, but mostly by animals.

Kaelia walked towards the town.

As Kaelia made her way into town she felt the air around her change, such a small place shouldn't hold so much magic; clashing magic. This place felt familiar but only slightly, more of from a dream.

Kaelia froze, stopping in the middle of the street, soaking in the feeling. She then headed to more into the town.

As Kaelia headed further into town she saw the sighn to the Shifty Mule.

A good place to rest for now.... she thought as she headed that way. When Kaelia got to the Shifty Mule, she headed inside.

Kaelia could smell the fresh ale and cooking food as she walked in. It wasn't crowded but was still pretty full.

Kaelia moved over to a lone table, leaning her staff against the wall.

Catriona nodded to Lilly. "I must tell you, miss...that my instrument is my voice..."

"May it be what it dear, it will bring some good tune to this tavern, which is much needed." Lilly replied noticing the elf who walked in take a seat.

Catriona nodded. "I have had many that enjoy my singing..." she said softly.

Lilly nodded. "I better get back to work. THank you my dear."

Catriona sat, ate a little bit and drank her water.

Kaelia looked around the room.

Rags sgoffed and finished his drink.

Lilly walked over to Kaelia. "Good evening my child. What may I get you?" She asked softly in elven.

Meanwhile a bar wench came up to Araglas. "What can I get you sir?" While Karen appeared infront of Rags. "Do you want another one?"

Rags looked at his mug and then back at the maiden expectantly.

Karen nodded and disapeared, reapearing seconds later with another pint of ale placeing it down and picking up the empty one. "Would you like anything to eat?"

Kaelia looked at Lilly. "I would like some water if you don't have herb tea..."

Rags lifted his nug and drank heavily.

SHe took it as a no and left.

Lilly nodded. "Would you like something to eat too child?"

"Yes please... no meat please..." Kaelia said to Lilly.

Lilly nodded and disapeared.

Araglas nodded to the bar wench, "Yes..may I please see a woman named Lilly please? It is importent that I speak with her." When coming into the inn, Araglas had lifted his hood and now he pulled it down slightly, showing off his elven ears, the corner was also the reason he had worn his cloak and hood, added a bit of mystery to his persona.

The wench nodded and disapeared. Lilly returned to Kaelia with a hot bowel of soup, bread, cheace, and hot tea. "Please let me know if you need anything else child." She said before turning and walking to Araglas. "You requested to speak to me sir."

Kaelia nodded, thanking for the meal. She began to eat slowly.

Araglas nodded, he chose to speak in elven so that none could hopefully understand them, "My cousin told me to come here, she said she had several rooms already paid for, I was wondering if she has been here at all tonight?"

Kaelia tilted her head, curious but not too curious as she ate. She looked over went she saw a young woman stand up.

Catriona stood up for her table after finishing her meal. She walked over to the stage, sitting down on the simple wooden stool, and looking out at the cutomers of the inn. Catriona closed her eyes and slowly began to sing a soft, slow ballad. Her voice had a soft and calmly feeling to it.

The tavern's attention seemed to turn to Catriona the moment she started to sing.

"Yes she did. She was here only a hour or so ago." Lilly responded in elven.

Araglas sighed and nodded, "Was she ok when she left? Nothing happened to her at all?" He was nervous for his cousin, things had always been hard for her, assassination attempts since she was a young age were common place. Now that she was nearing the age of taking the throne, she was being targeted more and more.

Lilly gave him a look that made a chill run down his spine. "She would have been fine if her stupid body guard hadn showed up." She replied rather harshly.

Araglas shivered, "Her body guards tend to be on the non-intelligent side. Would you mind telling me what happened? Was she attacked or did something happen?" He moved back into the shadows pulling his cloak tighter around him.

"Her guard came in the started arguing. A spell was being cast. Isehonohr stepped in and warned her. Her guard then cast a transport spell and she was gone before the assassin could finish his spell." Lilly said.

Araglas growled softly, he knew his cousin's guards were not the brightest but to deliberately show themselves and argue with her out in the open was another thing entirely. "May I get a room for the night please? I am to meet her here."

Lilly nodded and handed him a key to one of the empty rooms on the reserved floor.

Kaelia ate her meal slowly as she listened to bard.

Catriona skillfully transitioned into a more upbeat song.

Araglas took the key and moved it too a pocket. "May I ask for something to eat as well? No meat if..that's alright." Like most elves Araglas did not eat meat, only if it was the only thing available, would he eat it. But for the most part he loved fruits, and vegetables. "And some wine please as well. This I will pay for."

Lilly nodded and disapeared, reapearing a moment later with food and drink.

Rags sat, hunched over the table as the music picked up. He stared into his mug for a long moment before picking it up once more, sipping heavily at its contents.

After a few more songs, Catriona stopped singing with a soft song, and then headed over to the table she had been at.

Araglas thanked Lilly and handed ten gold coins. "This is for the food, your troubles, and the damages that I am sure will be caused in the future..thank you Lilly.." He clapped politely at Catriona's singing and was slightly saddened she did not continue singing. But instead of thinking on it he went and started to eat his food.

Lilly nodded pocketing the coins and leaving Araglas to eat in peace. "That was lovely music my dear." She said as she passed Catriona's table.

Rags looked up as the young lady that had brought him here, sat back down at the table.

Catriona smiled slightly at the figure, then she asked softly, "What...did you think?"

Rags made a light croakling sound, a pleasant gesture to the young woman.

Catriona smiled more. "Thank you...."

A tall cloaked figure walked into the inn and found an empty table, sitting down. Next to him he put a bunch of weapons and took off his hood to reveal a very handsome elf with long silver hair and bright green eyes.

Xavier slipped into the tavern, his golden eyes scanning the room. There appeared to be more people this time. Something in the back of his mind
told him that they were all here for a reason, well most of them were. A few stood out in his mind as if they were outlined in a light white light. He could tell who he would be seeing more of, he didnt know how..but he just knew."Table in the back love?"

Kaelia looked towards the door when it had opened, seeing the newcomer. She then looked back at her food, hoping to hear more music for the bard. Her thoughts had calmed more when she had been singing.

Catriona smiled slightly at Rags, and then looked towards the door. She wished to earn her keep, so keeping newcomers in the tavern would be good. She headed back up to the stage, sitting on the wooden stool. She started out her next set of tunes and ballads with a low humm that set the mood for a long beautiful ballad of love and friendship.

<h>

As the evening turned late, the usual group started to fill out here and there to return to their wives or beds. Soon all that was left were the few staff, inkeeper, and bartender, as well as the unusual small crowd. As Lilly cleaned the last few tables, she went to lock the main door when it oppened to reveal three cloaked figures. The figure in the middle Gaal and Xavier knoticed was the woman from the alley, while the other two seemed to be guards, by how their hands were placed on the hilt of a sword slightly emerging from their cloaks. "Thank you Lilly." Jabress said as she entered with her body guards and Lilly locked the door nodding as she turned and left the room with the staff behinde her. "Good evening ladies and gentalmen." Jabbres said to the group as she searched the room for Araglas.

Catriona, who was sitting at her table, looked at the strangers confused. She tried to not draw any attention to herself.

Kaelia placed a hand, that had been under her table, of the strong wood of her staff, watching the woman and two men, guardedly.

One of the men leaned forward as the grip on his hilt got tighter and whispered something into the womans ear. "Please, I come in peace. I mean not to bring harm to you, nor any ill wishes. I am here to ask for your help. Lilly has gone around and offered you all a room here, not by chance." Jabress said as she turned and looked at each person in turn, ending with Kaelia.

Catriona looked at her, and said softly, "I asked for a room as I always do for my services...."

Kaelia kept her hand on her staff, just staring at the woman, thinking that maybe she should have stayed with the other druids.

Jabbress turned and looked at Catriona. "Yet you were told not to worry about it, correct? If you all just hear me out and decide you want to take part, then true accomidations will be given, however if you decide not to take part, then your room and food have been paid for through the night and breakfast tomorow."

Catriona just fell silent, confused but willing to listen, and attempted to disappear in a way again.

Kaelia nodded from her spot.

Having made their way to the back, Xavier crosed his ankles over the table."The point m'lady.. if there is one, would be much appreciated." He called from the back, spinning a dagger on the tip of his finger.

Araglas had nodded off in his corner and was still asleep. His plate of food empty but his winde hardly touched. As a rule to himself he hardly ever drank much at all if he could help it. His ears twitched at raised voices and he cracked open an eye. The site that greeted him surprised him and he jumped up, "JABBRESS!" He vaulted himself over his table and cleared it by a good few feet and had his cousin in a tight hug.

Jabbress laughed as she huged her cousin. "Merry met cousin. The point-" She managed to choke out.

Araglas blushed and backed away realizing she was addressing the other people in the room. "Sorry..." he sat in a chair very close to her so he could speak with her after she was done speaking.

Jabbress laughed and kissed him on the cheek before he sat down and she turned to everyone else. "The point is, a great force is comming against everything we all belive in. A phophecy was given a fortnight ago telling of a group of people who would band together and forge a bond that would bring down the very force that is rising to take us back into the dark ages." She said stoping there for any reactions or questions.

Araglas listened intently, this would confirm rumors he had been hearing about of a collecting darkness. Its origins were unknown but it was said to be powerful, and that nothing could stand against it. "I can second this...lately in my travels I have heard rumors and whispers of a nameless evil that has been amassing, where it is, I do not know, but I can feel it even in the air...and felt it strongest as I passed the mountains of the north...what would you have me do cousin? I am yours to command." He would not put off the search for his sister, he could use this to help him find her.

Catriona just sat there not sure what to say or do. She was a bard and...a vampire...they would trust her with this.

Kaelia looked at the woman. "So we are suppose to be the group?" she asked softly.

Jabbress nodded at Kaelia. "Yes, a band of people who no other normal group would come together, and yes my cousin it is the strongest in the northern mountains but that is not all. Look if you all don't belive what I am telling you I can show you, safely. I am not going to stand here and persuade you, it must be a decsion you make of your own acord. But, I can give you all the tools your require."

Araglas needed no convincing or persuasding. "I will do as needed cousin, I will do as you ask." He got out of his chair and gave his cousin a bow before returning to his seat, his mind churning at the thought of finding his sister somewhere in the myster of this darkness.

"If what you say is true, then this darkness, this evil is and has and will distrupt all of nature...and I can't allow that...." Kaelia said, standing up holding her staff close.

"And What of reperations?" Xavier asked, Saving the realm was all good and fun but that didnt put food in the belly or a roof over the head.

"Everything will be provided for you, and if we get through this the rewads will be beyond anything you have ever known." She replied

"There is only one reward I seak, and you know it my cousin..." Araglas said quietly to his cousin as he stared off into the embers of the fire raging in its pit.

Jabbress smiled and nodded at her cousin "I can't say anymore here. I need you to now decide do you wish to become the group and leave this very second, or do you wish to stay behinde where food and lodging is paid for, for one night?"

Kaelia nodded. "I will go....this affects the natural balance of this world...." she said in a soft yet strong voice.

Catriona looked at the cloaked man that had come in with her, then over at Jabbress. "I...I will go...."

Silently sitting next to her companion for the most part, Gaal pushed her food around her plate with her bread, listening to the tall woman's proposition. "What do you think about all of this?" She whispered to Xavier.

---

He sighed and leaned back in his chair. xavier Looked to his partner with a smile."I think we should hear her out."

Gaal frowned, pushing her half finished plate away and folded her arms across her chest, her tail twitching in agitation. Mischief poked his nose out from the depths of her pocket, sniffing the air tenatively. Gaal looked down and grinned. She tore off a piece of her loaf and dipped it into the meat gravy and lowered the piece of bread pocket level. Out popped Mischief's nose again, followed by the rest of his head. Quick as a flash, Mischief and the bread disappeared back into her pocket, where pleased ferret noises could be heard. Gaal giggled softly and went back to listening.

"So if we are all in aggrement all those wanting and willing to go please stand up in form a circle so that we may get going." She spoke softly to everyone.

Kaelia stood up and headed towards the woman, holding her staff beside her as she walked. She didn't need it to walk, but it was her weapon when needed and it connected her to the earth around them.

Catriona gathered up her pack, and stood up. She quietly walked over towards Kaelia and the woman.

As Mischief gobbled up the gravy bread from inside her pocket, Gaal turned to look over at Xavier. She placed her hands, palms down on the table and slowly scooted her chair backwards, grinning at her partner all the while. "So my love, are we doing this... or not?" Her tail twitched from under her cloak, anxious to start a new adventure.

Xavier Smiled and nodded."ofcourse dear, lets have some fun." He said leading the way to the group infront of the tavern.

Jabbress walked out of the tavern onto the dewy grass to the left of it waiting for all those who would join her.

Kaelia and Catriona followed Jabbress out of the tavern.

Gaal folloed behind Xavier, standing close enough for her hand to lightly brush against his as they walked. Mischief poked his head out of her pocket, sniffing the air as he smelled someone familiar close by. Seeing Xavier, the ferret dooked happily, pushing his head into his hand.

Xavier Stroked the ferrets head for a moment, and then took gaals hand in his."Are you ready?" He asked as they followed the group. They had pulled off heists before but never something like this. Danger was second nature in their lives but this seemed some how more dangerous than anything they had done before.

Araglas walked outside after his cousin. He had stayed inside a moment to make sure all his gear and items were still in his pack and ready to go at a moment's notice. He stood beside his cousin with a smile on his face, glad to have finally seen after so many years. He might be able to actually find some trace of his sister!

Jabbress leaned her on her cousin suddenly feeling very tired. They both knew what returning to court meant. She was scared but would never show it.


Earoluim stood from where he had been sitting and left the tavern, walking through the patrons slowly as he headed out the door.

Jabbress straightned seeing everyone around. "Are we all ready to go?"

Kealia nodded, fixing her grip on her staff, looking around at all that would be traveling.

Catriona spoke softly, "Yes...."

"That we be as it may." Ear said softly through the minds of his companions.

Jabbress nodded and her gurads sourned them all as she began to chant a transportation spell. For those who weren't used to such transortation they felt sick and dizzy as the world came into view around them. The smell of alcohol and unclean areas gave way to the natrual smell of the enviornemnt; trees, flowers, and fruits. They were transported right outside of the capital the guards taking a very protective stance around the group their hands on bows and swords looking about. "Welcome my friends to the Elven capital."

Earoluim smiled and breathed in a large breath of fresh air, taking in the scents of the forest and the people around him as the came to be in the elven capital.

Catriona looked around in amazement. "Oh wow...it is so beautiful...."

Kealia observed the area, a small smile on her face. "Truly a peaceful looking place...." She leaned on her staff, breathing in the air of the city.

She nodded slightly before walking the path up to the city. "It's not much, but it is what many elves call home."

Xavier Looked around in awe. "Its beautiful.."He said quietly under his breath. This was nothing like the slums and ghettos at home.

As the group moved up the path and came to the outer limits of the capital they began to see bulidings come out of trees, and those on the ground made from nature. It sparkled like dimonds and the sea could be heard as well as the natural forest sounds amoung the chatter of city. She knew their arival was knoticed and wondered how long it would take for the royal guard to come demand her attention to be taken and rushed off to her mothers will. She looked around nodding to one of her guards before slinking off toward the back of the group to her cousin. "I warn you; she has gotten out of hand." She whispered softly to Araglas in elven.

Kealia looked back towards the two, before turning her attention up to the balconies of the buildings and palace.

Still aways off the palace could bearly be seen emerging from the forest as they entered a less dense area where the forest started to thin as give way to the small costal area next to the sea. The balconies of all the bulidings were similar in the grand beauty that mimiked the forest and natural suroundings in different ways, however the largest balcony belonging to the palace was the grandest of them all. A sculpute of the elven gods were sculped from branches and silve and gold.


Araglas nodded his mind already whirring at the thought of seeing his mother. "I don't doubt it, with my sister's kidnapping, and I leaving to find her, the rest of the family suffers as she strikes fear into their hearts for all the right reasons but the wrong ways." he spoke back to her in elven, but a dash of movement caught his eye but he kept walking. "We are being followed and have been since we entered the city..be careful, if I have to I will reveal myself and take you into my cutsody so mother cannot confine you." Instead of tellingh is cousin this in Elven he switched to dwarvish, from the mountains, a language he himself taught his cousin when they were younger.

Catriona looked around in amazement, she had never been in such a beautiful city, let alone an elven city. She was excited alittle with the possibility to be able to hear some of the elven songs.

Kealia tightened her grip on her staff, her mind was just not on the surrounding anymore.

She nodded to Araglas as they approached the "gates". It was nothing more than two twisted trees that made an arch. "From here on out you are my guests. If anyone gives you trouble please let me know." Jabbress said to the group. "I will depart from the group when we get closer and try to make myself presentable that way no trouble starts on my account." She said in dwarvish to Araglas.

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