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[Introduction] The great war between the world above and the world beneath has festered for many years. The Pelari and the Kearon, two warring neighbours of very different worlds. The highly sophisticated way of the pretentious Pelari are the power of the light. The dark and passionate way of the devious Kearon are the power of darkness.

There are five playable races below to choose from:

Pelari race: Tall, although weak in physical strength, and otherwise much like humans, except for two long, fin-like structures that extend from the top two corners of their foreheads and slightly curl backwards. These "fins" they paint patterns on according to the Great House that they belong to. Males tend to have thicker fins than females. Technologically the Pelari are the most advanced race. They have particularly good eyesight during the day, or when there's plenty of light.
They are mostly pretentious in attitude, viewing themselves as the highest of all earthly beings, and often treat other races so. The rich class paint their skin pure white to resemble their purity, and use other make up and perfume - the more expensive the better. They wear large, white wigs that vary in fashion to cover their hair, and their clothing is very extravagant and ostentatious, showing all manner of frills, patterns, and gold trimmings, to express how rich they are to others.
It is their poorer classes that often do the fighting, and it is the poorer classes of other races (especially humans) who do their city building, which is more often than not slave labour.
There is only one other race who they value for a decent purpose, and that is the Calmar, a race of fish-men from the sea, who posses the greatest navy the world has seen. They are easily bought to be mercenaries, and it is the Pelari who have the most money.

Pelari Houses:

Most Noble House Irios - House of the Pelari Emperor Vestius Irios.
House Nimis - peace seekers (In contact with the Kearon Order of the 9th Tome guild).
House Vortus
House Ario - enemies of House Naama, and responsible for their downfall.
House Berro
House Naama - Linor's House (disgraced and out of money).
House Fennur

Kearon race: Naturally pale skin, chalk black hair, and pale eyes that light up against the moon, and fangs and claws displaying their carnivorous nature. They see very well in the dark, and are blinded by strong light, as they are used to the conditions of the deep underworld. They also naturally have quick reflexes, and thus often train in the arts of melee. The Kearon have several Guilds that fight for dominance in the underworld, each with its own values and laws.
They hate the high minded Pelari ways, and resist their imperialistic ideals. They are passionate fighters, and have long been greatly feared, and associated with horror stories of the other races of the world.
Their clothing, often consisting of hooded capes and high collared, long jackets, are usually black in colour, for it is their sacred colour of the world they were born to.
They take advantage of the dislike that the Pelari have for the northern tribes of the Rochkai, who remain individually the most powerful in combat, and thus side with them on the battlefield.

Kearon Guilds:

Sacred Relic - most dominant and wealthy guild (Allied with Shadow Lantern)
Order of the 9th Tome - peace seekers (Allied with Bereavement Syndicate. In contact with Pelari House Nimis)
Black Sun - (Endangered) deploy many secret agents (Rival of Iron Claw)
Shadow Lantern - behave much like police (Rival of Hand of the Keep and Iron Claw. Allied with Sacred Relic) Weakened and in chaos.
Hand of the Keep - behave much like mafia (Rival of Shadow Lantern, and Iron Claw)
Iron Claw - behave much like mafia (Rival of Shadow Lantern, and Hand of the Keep, and Black Sun)
Bereavement Syndicate - (Allied with Order of the 9th Tome)

Calmar race: Scales cover them from head to toe. The scales on the tops of their heads grow longer, and act much like hair. These scales vary in all kinds of colour, but are generally either shades of silver or brown (sometimes with small spots or stripes of other colours), and a family will tend to have the same scale colour. Their eyes are quite large and round, and their slender and long fingers and toes are webbed, giving them speed in the water. They have the unique ability to breath both air and water, for they have gills along their necks, and nostrils that close up air tight. Still, they prefer to live on cities made up of large ships and floating islands.
They are a tightly nit community, and value family above all else. They feel safer in large numbers, and are seldom seen alone.
They wear little clothing, and their clothing is usually natural looking, since it is made from nit seaweed, seal leather and shells. They often wear hats made from dried seaweed, which have large brim that shades them well from the sun (looks much like Asian rice hats).

Rochkai race: (Pronounced "Roch ("ch" as in "loch" with a throat sound)- keye") Great bear-folk of the northern, frozen mountainous regions. Their pelts are mostly white and thick, keeping them warm in their colder climate. They stand very tall, and have huge muscles. This makes them a very intimidating site. Strangely enough though, they are surprisingly quiet when they move about, but they fear not being discovered.
They are particularly terrifying when they become angered, and have the tendency to smash everything around them when they do, in which case they become very noisy.
These are the fewest in number, and the most primitive of all the races of the world (closer to Neolithic in technology), however their ferocity in combat and the harsh environment that they live in has kept them safe from the ever pressing Pelari, at least for now. They generally live in small clans of sometimes just a few families, but can amass together to form small armies.
Their clothing is thick animal pelts that cover them quite well when they wish it to. Still, they do not feel uncomfortable in the cold, and so they seldom cover up completely.

Human race: The most variant in appearance, with skin colour, eye colour, and hair colour in all kinds. They are viewed by the Pelari as the "Lesser ones", and many are used as slaves.
The free humans have mostly formed into groups of rebels, many of which who fight and sabotage the Pelari as much as possible, while others benefit from the Pelari, who are payed with gold and technology to be their mercenaries. Some groups of rebels have become hungry for power, and thus rebel clans also fight regularly with each other.
Whichever side they fight for, the imperialistic culture of the Pelari has influenced much of human society, such as their architecture and and way of life.

*Please keep your character's bio it simple, for it is to be used only as a reference:

Name: (Be imaginative)
Race: (Pelari/Kearon/Calmar/Rochkai/Human)
Gender: (Male/Female)
Appearance/Clothing: (Be imaginative, but no armour)
Weapons: (Choose 2) (Blunderbuss (expensive ammo)/Musket (expensive ammo)/Bayonet/Crossbow/Longbow/Shuriken(x6)/Dagger(x2)/Cutlass/Rapier/Katana/Broadsword/Scimitar/Spear/Chains/Cat o' nine tails/Metal club/Axe(x2) (one handed)/Scythe/Javelin(x3)/Sling (endless supply of ammo)/Light shield/Heavy shield.)

The setting of this story is of a party aligned to neither side, and made up of whatever selection of races is destined to arrive. The leader (my character) looks after the group, keeping supplies up and moral high - if possible - and has secret intentions of his own.
Little will be revealed early on, but you may be sure that dark times are ahead that will test the very will of all who are brave enough to continue...

*Rules before you begin: No swearing, no magic, no supernatural events/beings, not too gory (a little is fine), no sexual references/scenes (characters dating or even getting married is fine), no killing other player's characters without my and their permission, keep posts relatively short (I don't want to spend half an hour reading each post) and stay active or you will be booted from this Campfire - please check the Campfire as often as possible, because each player has four days to post once it turns their turn. Players may request for additional time to post if circumstances require this, or may send their posts to me. They will need to send me an email each time they need extra time. Thank you and enjoy!
(P.S. Booted player characters will become NPCs and possibly slain to fit with the storyline. Characters can also die if they enter a particularly dangerous situation. If they do so they will receive a warning, giving the player a chance to save their character.)

One last thing: I post when events occur, such as ambush attacks, traps, etc., so please do not post a new event (or at least inform me first).

The Beginning...

Name: Rual (Leader).
Race: Kearon.
Gender: Male.
Appearance/Clothing: Slightly tall for average Kearon hight, and well built. Pale, silvery eyes, long, black hair. Long leather jacket (black) with high collar, leather boots, shirt (brown), pants with silver buckled belt (black).
Weapons: Musket and Katana.

Name: Linor
Race: Pelari
Gender: Male
Appearance/Clothing: Not painted in white or in make up like his rich fellow Pelari. His families pattern is painted on his fins, and he has no wig. His hair is thick and brown, but kept short. His eyes are brown too. He has middle class clothing, which are mostly brown and not very extravagant, but still decent and respectable enough.
Weapons: Blunderbuss/Cutless.

Izaak

Name: Shade (real name unknown)
Race: Kearon
Gender:male
Appearance/Clothing:commoners clothes with long grey coat.slightly long black hair/blood shot eyes.
Weapons: Shuriken(x6)/Cutless

Non player characters in party (NPCs):

Name: Shray (Sister of Ergel)
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Appearance/Clothing: Rebel human, commoner clothing. Dark red hair, hazel eyes.
Weapons: Sling

Name: Ergel (Brother of Shray)
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Appearance/Clothing: Rebel human, commoner clothing. Short red hair, hazel eyes.
Weapons: Axe(x2)

Name: Dermos
Race: Rochkai
Gender: Male
Appearance/Clothing: Deer pelt clothing. White fur, scar on left upper arm, cut on nose tip.
Weapons: Javelin(x3)

* * * * *

Rual sat beneath the shade of a tree. The midday sun was unwelcoming, and few clouds blocked its blazing light. He squinted his eyes and looked up at the surrounding scenery. It was beautiful, lush green grass and patches of thick forests at the foot of great mountains, each peeked with white snow...still somehow to him it felt alien - at least from where he grown up, as a boy in a city in the underworld, where light was few.
Below him sat his party, all of them resting from half a days walk. They enjoyed some of the rations as they did so, but he didn't mind for they had plenty for the time being.
After another moment he sat up, and all of the party stopped talking amongst themselves and looked up to where he stood.

"Time to move onward. We have a lot of ground to cover."

They had just left the mountainous region to the north, where a lone Rochkai had joined them. Rual's party was gaining in numbers. Earlier he had found the two human siblings who had been the sole survivors of an enemy rebel clan's surprise attack. The others had been with him a little longer. Each one joining for their own reasons...loneliness, support, escape, someone to follow, or whatever else their reasons may be, but as a group they were much safer, and they all have a much better chance of living a bit longer in this cruel world...or at least they all hope.

Linor got up with the others and they all began to move, continuing their journey southwards for now. Being a Pelari, he had at first been surprised when he had been invited to join the group, since both sides hold a lot of prejudices towards the other. At first he had been worried about joining, since he did not trust them yet, but it had been some weeks since then, and he was already feeling like an important member of the group - in fact now that two human rebels and a rochkai had recently joined, it was hardly strange anymore that he himself was different, for the group was now a mixture of backgrounds.

Izaak

Shade observes the group from a short distance while following from behind. distrusting the others, watching their behaviour quietly through their travels. Maybe to discover there true intentions. Especially the leader Rual! What game is he playing?

Name: Vixtara
Race: Rockhai
Gender: female
Appearance/Clothing: slightly golden white fur with the longer mane upon her head to denote her femininity, three braids fall from it to the left side of her face into which eagle feathers are woven; a short skirt of gray wolf hide split at the side for maneuverability and a sleeveless shirt covering her upper torso pieced together from white rabbit hides; well worn dark boots of ox leather cross-laced to just below the knee; a belt of the same dark ox leather supports a small purse and her cat o' nine tails; a holster and quiver of the ox leather allows her crossbow and arrows to be slung across her back
Weapons: Crossbow/Cat o' Nine Tails

Fall

Name: Minya
Race: Calmar
Gender: Female
Appearance/Clothing: scales of a numinous white cover her body, extending into a slightly darker hue where her "hair" is. Typical round obsidian eyes; a compact, streamlined body that cuts through water faster than any fish but rather uncoordinated on land; a light tunic woven of blanched strips of seaweed.
Weapons: light metal shield, dagger

MidKnight~Chivalry

Name: Kayge

Race: Kearon

Gender: Male

Appearance/Clothing: Kayge is lean an very muscular he is average height for a Kearon and his hair is long. He has two large scars on his chest and one on his stomach, proof he is no stranger to combat. He wears a black unbuttoned sleeveless leather vest and black slim pants tucked into black boots.

Weapons: Scimitar/Chain (wrapped around his arm and fist)

The party were gradually leaving the highlands behind them. From where they faced while they headed south, the Pelari empire stretched across quite a distance away ahead of them, but its heart lay to their left, where their capital was built. The land they were on, Rual knew, was patches of rebel Human territory, and so they were at risk of ambush.

"Keep your eyes watchful for dangers..." Rual spoke to his party. A few of them nodded and began looking around immediately, and took a tighter grip on their weapons.

To their right were more mountains in the distance. There spotted many caves that lead to the underworld, which itself stretched far beneath the land - although he was unsure how far exactly, since few Kearon get to explore the extent of the underworld, and even them seem to think it may continue.

(No attack will happen yet. Feel free to develop characters and talk amongst yourselves.)

Linor felt a little tired, although he had gotten well used to the long walks Rual lead the party on. He felt slightly nerves at the leader's suggestion to be "watchful for dangers", but they had been this way before without much trouble, and so he relaxed again and trusted that someone in the group would be able to alert the rest if some danger was to become apparent.
Instead he decided that talking would help pass the time, and so he turned to nearby Shade (Linor is also near the rear of the group), and decided to inquire about his strange name.

"So, I have never got around to asking you this, but why are you called "Shade"...I don't believe I know your real name.

Izaak

Shade turns to Linor, "Shade is actually my nick name from my former group, err... I occasionally gave my strategic opinion in stealth missions. So Shade was the name awarded to me for a particularly devious plan. Hmmm, so what was your reason to join the group?"

"...my people have lost their way." A Pelari man speaks as the group passes the hiding place I took when I heard them coming my way. It seems to be renegades, safe enough company for one like me.

I make sure to breaks twigs and rustle leaves as I step from the cover onto the path behind them, holding my cat o' nine in a tight grip by my side. The others turn to confront me, weapons drawn.

It is a man of my own race who addresses me, in the mother tongue, "It is Dermos who speaks, will you give me your name? You are brave woman, why do you stray from the Northern mountains."

"It is Vixtara who speaks, Dermos," I tilt my hand toward my elbow in the customary greeting of the Rockhai, "I am a woman alone."

With tense muscles and frayed nerves I wait for the dismissal I have so often received. Dermos' expression is shuttered as he turns to speak to a Kearon. They converse in hushed voices that I cannot decipher.

Name: Mistfire; she doesn't remember her real name anymore.
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Apperance/ Clothing: Tall and willowy, skin so pale she could be mistaken for a Kearon if not for her flame red hair that, even when braided, hangs to her knees, with hazel eyes that pale when she's angry, enough so they look almost yellow. She wears a loose, black blouse with a high neck to hide the silver-and-black-opal collar aroud her neck, with snug-fitting black tights and an ox-hide belt and a scabbard for her katana. Over this she wears a Kearon's hooded cloak she found in the distroyed ruins of a rebel village, and over this an ox-hide quiver cappable of carrying both her longbow and the arrows.
Weapons:Katana/ Longbow

Dermos spoke to Rual. He wanted the Rochkai female to join their party. "She is an outcast like me, let her join us." Rual watched her for a moment in thought. He had nothing against the Rochkai anyway, and knew that their great strength would add to the strength of the party, and so he nodded in agreement. "She may join us, but keep your eye on her."

Dermos walked back over to Vixtara, and spoke again in their mother tongue. "You are welcome among us."

The party was moving along the road further south when Ergel stopped and called out in a loud whisper to the others. "Look ahead! The Pelari are coming!"

In the distance they could see that a large platoon of about 300 Pelari soldiers were on the march westward. Most of them carried muskets, but quite a few carried scimitars, and some in the front carried large halberds. Behind them was a few cannons and ammo carts being pulled by horses, and beside them were two groups of horsemen, who wielded scimitars and blunderbuss.

"They must be marching for the underworld, possibly reinforcements for their main attack." Rual observed.

"We better get out of view. What if they see us?" Ergel responded.

Before they could react though, the sound of multiple gun shots echoed from the far other side of the platoon. The soldiers started reforming to face away from them, and the cavalry turned to charge. Soon rebel humans could be seen from all sides of the platoon, and quite a bloody battle it was turning out to be, since both sides were having severe losses.

"Stay low everyone!" Rual ordered, but he kept his eyes on the battle ahead. He was curious to see the out come. He had not expected the humans to be brave enough to face 300 Pelari soldiers, and so he wondered how many humans were attacking. Also, he saw this as an opportunity to gather better weapons for his party, and lots of ammo, provided he was able to get to it afterwards.

Linor couldn't hide the worried look on his face as he looked on at the battle ahead. He knew very well that most of those soldiers were far from being amongst the rich class. He kept his blunderbuss ready in case they were closer to the rebels then they originally thought.

"Will we be doing anything?" He asked Rual. "We are likely to be treated poorly if the rebels catch us, but the soldiers will be grateful for our support...we have weapons, and the rebels will not expect us." He reasoned. He hoped Rual would agree. "We can attack the rebels who are attacking the soldiers from behind! The soldiers should be able to take on the rest without our help." He then looked back at the others, hoping for some support. "People, if the rebels win, we will not be getting any of the fallen soldiers weapons and ammunition, and they will probably kill us too! We should help the soldiers before it's too late!"

Izaak

looking at the battle field Shade thinks to himself <It`s a win win situation, hoping that the rebels win tho for many reasons, one being that rebels tend to there dead which would give us enough time to get what we need> But what do we need? Shade terns to Vixtara. "Cat O`nine a?! It`s a nice tool. But it confuses me to why you have it, because it`s for conflicting much pain upon your foe but wont kill any one easily. I suggest you get yourself a claymore because there infamous for destroying things, if axes are more your thing then get that too!

"Nothing will shake an enemies focus more than pain." I give my evasive answer as I rotate my left shoulder, a physical reaction to the weakness that is there. In battle it was injured and I cannot use it with force, but the cat does not require much force to wield, nor the crossbow.

I swear to myself that no one will learn of my handicap as I watch the battle scene unfold before me. Confused by the group around me, speculating on their motives, I wait for a sign as to what will be required of me to stay in this band of renegades. At the moment, I can think of nothing that would persuade me back into a solitary existence; always running, always hiding.

Side-by-side, the human siblings with auburn hair question each other in hushed voices, it is obvious they do not wish to follow the suggestion of Linor. "I don't know if I could," Shray exhales her capitulation.

"You won't have to," Ergel's voice is stern, "I will, you just watch my back like always."

Fall

The moon was at its zenith and the sky and shed a bright glow upon all beneath it. The water was calm - almost morbidly so, not a ripple or splash.

But Minya did not have time to stop and admire how beautiful the night was. The serenity of the night was a burden; declaring her presence when it was crucial that she stay hidden. She just kept on swimming, occasionally surfacing to make sure that she was headed in the right direction.

Finally, she swam up to the shore and dragged herself out of the water. The silvery orb glared down upon her, reflecting off her bright scales. Minya sighed and knelt, gathering quaggy mud in her hands and smoothing it over her scales.

As she began smearing the soggy earth onto her arms, a cacophony of gun shots rang in the distance.

She tilted her head slightly, listening. Nothing. Hmmm.......if they're shooting, there must be two sides. And surely one side will be one I can join...

Dumping the rest of the mud, she began to lope towards the sound, hoping...

*pant*
*pant*
Oh, no. he's found me again. Mistress Luca made me promise that if anything happened to her - Light One keep her soul, she & her lady mother were kind - that I was to get as far from the General, her father, as I possibly could & find a group of rebels willing to help me. "Who are and what are you doing in a Kearon's cloak?" came a lilted growl from behind me. "I guess you...you...you take offence to me wearing the cloak." I asked, afraid, but determined not to show it. "Yes, I do." came replied. "Now get up & move forward & don't look behind you." I kept the hood of the cloak up, hoped the man I now know to be Kearon wasn't somehow aligned with the General. "I'll tell you what I'm called so that I may what called & only for that reason." he growled at me again, "I am called Shade."
"I will tell you what I am called for one reason only, so you may properly address me." I growled back, trying to hide my fear, "I was given the name of Mistfire."

"We will side by the Pelari soldiers." Rual had stood up to state his decision to the group. "If you are afraid then you may stay behind. But keep us in view." Rual then charged up out from hiding, wielding his musket in front of him.

Right behind him Ergel and Dermos follow, and behind Ergel came his sister, who was not sure about the situation, however felt the need to follow her brother.
Linor too got up with the others and charged out with his weapons drawn.

Soon Rual's musket fire, and the bullet met the first of the very surprised rebels who had attacked the Pelari from behind. Within seconds after Rual's second shot, he pulled out his Katana and entered melee with a group of rebels. The others soon caught up and together they started beating the rebels back.

More rebels suddenly pore in from the nearby shrubs, mostly holding melee weapons.

Swiftly Linor races to the approaching rebels, both blunderbuss and cutless in either hand. He fires his blunderbuss into the closest rebel, and then starts fighting with his cutless, now using his blunderbuss and a club as well. He makes sure he stays close to the others, so he doesn't get surrounded and overwhelmed by the rebels.

Izaak

"Siding with the soldiers? this is pointless, I`m not getting involved in this." {The thought of siding with the Pelari soldiers pierced he`s mind}
So he just stands there watching the battle in disgust of Rual`s decision.

Vixtara doesn't run straight into battle with the rest of the group, but takes a minute to survey the battle field in relation to the landscape and starts toward a large oak tree. With a little difficulty, she climbs to the vantage point she was hoping for and draw out her crossbow. With only five arrows left, she keeps an eye on the group in battle. Poised to offer the point of her arrow to the heart of any who get to close to killing the few who have tentatively accepted her, and her first arrow flies.

Fall

Minya skulked through shadows, careful to avoid the treacherous little chinks where moonlight poured through.
As she moved closer into the battle, though, curiousity overcame caution and she moved into visibility. They're all so busy fighting, they won't notice me, will they? She reasoned, and even if they do, they'll be too busy fighting to chase me. Besides, how could I possibly choose a group to join when I can't even tell who they are?
And that was when an arrowhead buried itself in her leg.
The world went white, and she faded.

I'm in the middle of a battle I don't want to be in and I don't remember how I got there. What I do remember is that damn Kearon with what seemed to be a cutless at my back pushing me toward the road, then another Kearon saying to side with the soldiers, whom I'm now picking off with my longbow instead of the rebels, Light my dislike of Pelaries must be getting stronger, and now this. Damn, someone shot at me and it's a crossbow quarrel, not an arrow. Who in the name of Light has a crossbow? I gasped, interupting my thought line. "Damn, they hit me." I murmered, just before I blacked out.

Rual fought off another lot of rebels, with the help of Dermos, Linor and Ergel. The tide of battle had turned, as the Pelari soldiers were now winning, and the end of the battle was in view.
Soon the last of the rebels started to flee, and the group could again relax.

A Pelari General rode up on horseback, accompanied by a bodyguard. He wore a large tricorne hat with feathers hanging from one side.

"A Kearon saves the day!" He voiced his surprise when he saw what they all were - only one of them being a fellow Pelari. "I give my thanks to you...we were caught by surprise, and my losses could have been much worse. But what do I own a Kearon, when my army marches to battle with the underworld?" He questioned.

"I hold no allegiance to the Kearon people. I am not in favour of your marching, but what business is it of mine?" Rual answered.

"Then what was in it for you?" The General asked.

"I travel through rebel territory dangerously. The rebels are no friends of ours, but their weapons can be..." Rual looked around at the dead, seeing their weapons laying about.

"Take what you need from the dead, my soldiers are all well equipped without getting them to carry more. May I have your name, so I may know you?"

"Rual."

"I am General Querril. Travel well strange friend!" The General nodded and rode back to his men.

Rual turned to his companions, and also beaconed the ones still in hiding to come out. "Take your pick of what weapons you need from the dead..." (Each character may take up to 2 more weapons, provided they can carry them, and may find more ammo for their ranged weapons)

Then Rual looked around at his followers to count them all, and noticed that Ergel lay on the ground, with his sister nursing him. When Rual approached he noticed that Ergel had died. His sister wept bitterly, and rocked his body in her arms.
Rual put his hand on her shoulder.

Linor frowned when he noticed that Ergel had died. Most of all he felt sorry for his sister, who was now alone in the world. He hoped they would be her new family, at least until she found somewhere else she would be comfortable at.

Linor looked around the dead soldiers and rebels to restock his ammo, and to see if he could find another weapon he liked. He picked up a musket that still had a strap in tacked, which he could carry over his shoulder, and he found some extra ammo for that as well.

He also came across a female Calmar, strangely enough, laying not far outside the battlefield with an arrow lodged in its leg. He went over and checked for a pulse, finding it was still alive. "I've found a wounded Calmar!" He called back to the others. He decided to pick her up and carry her to the others.

While traversing the field of the dead to retrieve my arrows, I manage to come up with a full quiver. Preparing to pull a quarrel from the shoulder of a fallen human female, I notice the rise and fall of her chest as I hear Linor call out the existence of another survivor.

"This one breathes!" I call out to the group and kneel beside her as I notice no one has heard, or at least they aren't paying any attention.

Careful not to disturb the wound I pull back the hood covering her face and gasp as I meet angry yellow eyes. Her face tight with pain she attempts to move, but I restrain her.

"By the Light, pull it out!" Her words are gruff whispers as I move to comply.

Fall

Accchhh. What? Minya opened her eyes, then immediately wished she hadn't - a young male Pelari was staring down at her.

Quick! Close your eyes! Play dead! Maybe he'll drop you and leave you alone! Her mind screamed at her. Instead, she asked, "Who are you?"

Or rather, tried to. "Hwrwwwwrrrrrr," was the best her treacherous lips could manage. Pathetic.

"It's all right now," the Pelari soothed her. Soothing Pelari males? No coveting glances at her white hide? Her mind tried to process this startling information, but no - still groggy from the arrow, her mind refused to function, her thoughts simmering lazily like mud flaking in the sun.

So rather than closing her eyes and refusing to say, do or even think anything likely to get her into trouble, she found herself saying, "Iwunnnnjenya."

I want to join you.

"What's this? Why can't I move?" I can't figure it out why can't I move; wait, what did Mistress Luca tell just before the whole thing happened, 'What you do, my little Mistfire, never get hit with a crossbow quarrel, my father has found something new that will paralize you, instead of killing you.'

"This one breathes!"

I hear someone near by, a woman I bealive, shout, making me almost jump out of my skin, I try to reach the treeline again, but it hurts to much and I let out a low moan of pain. Angry at my self for be so weak, I'm about to try again when the woman I heard earlier pulls down my hood, it's a Rochkai. Giving up trying to get away, I growl as loudly as possible, "By the Light, pull it out!"

Name: Solita

Race: Kearon

Gender: Female

Appearance/Clothing: Solita is of average height (5’ 6”) of a female Kearon and is of a slim build. She recently cut her hair, for battle purposes, from its very long length and is now to the base of her neck. She wears many necklaces and an arm bracelet with her family’s insignia inscribed on it. Solita wears a cropped shirt underneath a small vest that ends just beyond her should blades. She wears a Lolita skirt with female combat boots. She often covers herself with the black hooded cloak of Kearons until the need to fight arises.

Weapons: Scimitar/short bow

Rual makes sure all the wounded are treated, and decides to set up camp not very far from the battlefield - for a couple of the wounded will be finding it difficult to walk.

The army by now has moved on, continuing for one of the entrances to the underworld. They will be doing battling with the Kearon before long, for they march relentlessly onwards, eager to leave rebel territory.

"She's trying to speak!" Linor told the others as they gathered around. He had placed the Calmar down gently near the fire to keep her warm - although he wasn't sure if that is what she needed being of a race that lives in and around water.

"Don't worry...we are here to help!" He said soothingly to her. He waited for her to try to speak again.

Izaak

Shade picks up a short sword and some throwing knives. "This will do." Returning to the party he notices the size of the group has changed. " I`m sure that the Calmar does not like fire or being dry. So... Where we going Rual? And why did you side with the Pelari? And why..." Shade hushes himself to stop drawing attention to himself, and goes further away from the fire. {Light harms he`s eyes}

I expected movement when the quarrel came away from her body; a flinch, a cringe, a jerk, something. The only response the injured human gave was a grunt before losing consciousness. Taking a square of fur and a band of leather I bind the wound as the Kearon, Shade, wanders over in our direction.

"What happened here?" He sounds totally disinterested and yet crouches down to get a closer look.

Fall

What am I doing?! She howled at herself. I could get killed, I could be captured, sold, crushed, dried out...

Speaking of which. The Pelari, in a misguided attempt to make her feel better, had put her near a fire. A fire. Already she could feel her pores starting to warm. And in another few minutes, steam would start to rise...and then...

She tried to scream, tried to beg, command, but no, her lips were adamant - they felt woozy, and they were going to take a break no matter what. She tried rolling away, but the accursed Pelari would simply push her back again, his warm hand holding her there, his deceptively gentle voice telling her to be careful...

"Lmmmmmmmug."

"We are here to help." the Pelari leaned in, his face warm and open.

"THEN LET ME GO!!!!!" Somehow her voice clawed its way through. "CAN'T YOU TELL I'M BURNING?! I'll do anything!!!!!!!!"

Where am I? I think as the hazy blackness lightens.

"THEN LET ME GO!!!!! CAN'T YOU TELL I'M BURNING?!"

What's going on? Why is someone trying to burn a Calmar? I'm confused, disoriented, and I can't remember anything. Wait! now I remember: I'm the last of Mistress Luca's pets, her favorite. And somehow that Pelari's voice is familiar, but from where. I think as I once again pass out.

Solita was keeping an eye on the Pelari army from the nearby woods until a sudden battle broke out. At first it seemed like the rebel army was going to win in favor to their guerilla way of fighting but she noticed the lack of formation and strategy. To add to that another group joined alongside the Pelari army and it seemed to become a one sided battle. The actual fight lasted for only a few minutes and ended with the rebel army retreating. She could see what seemed to be the Pelari commander speak with, what was probably, the leader of the group that joined them.
What an interesting group. After the Pelari commander and his men rode off Solita could see a platoon of many mixed races. While observing the new group she failed to hear Shade sneak up behind her and grab her.
“Friend or foe?” Solita knew it was pointless to try and struggle. Her captor held both of her wrists together with an iron grip.
“It depends.” She answered calmly.
“Then explain why you are spying.”
“I’m a Kearon. I was originally following the Pelari army to observe but that squad of many races caught my attention.” Shade let go and Solita quickly turned and was surprised to face a male Kearon. But quickly her surprised face turned suspicious. “You are with that group?” Shade merely nodded slowly. “Then you are a traitor! You side with the Pelari army.”

(MidKnight~Chivalry has been kicked from this campfire for becoming completely inactive. His Kearon character Kayge is now a NPC.)

Shray had watched as Rual, Kayge and Dermos dug a hole for Ergel. She did not say a word, and tears kept streaming down her face. Afterwards she placed a flower on the grave, and muttered a few quietly spoken words, then moved to sit on her, but still in eyesight of the group around the fire.

Rual ordered the group to set up camp, but first he had Dermos carry the unconscious Mistfire to a comfortable resting place. Dermos then moved to collect some large logs to feed the fire.

"We will stay here for the night. Tomorrow we head west from here." Rual spoke to the group. "This area's rebel clan will now be enemies of ours, and we need to head for the underworld."
He thought about the army that moved towards the underworld, but that was not why he was going back.

Linor apologised to the Calmar for putting her close to the fire. "I'm so sorry, I did not realise!" He blushed, for he thought that maybe he should have known. "Do you want some water?" He offered her his water carrier bag.

Later, when he heard that they were to stay the night, and that Rual had said that they were headed for the Underworld the next day, he wondered why. They had just helped the Pelari soldiers, and now they were going straight for where they planned to attack. He knew that there must be more to it than this, and so he thought about it for a while, but nothing clear came to mind.
He then went looking around, noticing that the group had at least one less member in it... "Where's Shade?" He said allowed without noticing himself saying it. Linor always noticed when something, or someone was missing.

Izaak

<Earlier> Shade stares at Solita with a cold look. "I am no traitor! I never sided with the Pelari! But the real question is, why are you here?! What makes you so special? And why should I trust you? If you want to talk about alignment of the group than you`l have to talk to Rual." Pointing in he`s direction.

"Why is it you care for this human and why do you leave it here? You could take it to the others with the, fire" Shade shutters as he mentions the fire.
"Why the light always? Why?! Grrrruaaaaah!" Shade takes a breath to calm himself. "Come on, lets get the human to the fire." He says offering he`s help. When he returns to where the others have camped he puts his hands over he`s eyes to shield them from the light of the camp fire hoping that no one had noticed him gone.

I watched as Shade carried the non-responsive human into the circle of the fire's warmth. The other Kearon he was speaking with in the shadows of the forest came forward.

"And you, Rockhai, what do you have to do with this odd gathering?"

I hold my cat o' nine tails in a loose but firm grip as I respond to the strange woman's questioning. "My business is my own, you are the outsider here now. I think it best you speak with Rual. To whom do you owe your allegiance?"

She glanced at my hand and stopped her forward movement, "And if I choose not to meet with this leader of yours?"

"I would suggest that you do." My voice holds the calm certainty that she would regret her actions if she decides to turn and flee. Though I don't exactly blame her, I feel she could become dangerous if left to her own devices.

Fall

Minya sat quietly, watching the doings of her new companions.
What am I doing? Why am I doing this? I could get into so much trouble....She shook her head in mild disgust. Well, now, for better or for worse, I'm stuck with them, so I might as well make the most of it...I should get to know them...it's only civil...
But I don't want to get to know them. The other part of her whined. I want to get away from them and this place and live in a world where people don't see me as and for my skin. Curse the Pelari obsession with white!
Still, these people have been decent, so far, the other part of her whispered. Far more decent than you have any right to expect.
Then she heard the word "Underworld".
Maybe I should go. Now.

I 'd been concious for a while, but had decided to keep my eyes shut and mind my own business, until one of the group I seemed to have been taken into sat real close, and grabbed my longbow! Now, that's an insult of the highest kind where I was raised, even if your a servant or a pet, such as I. Before I could say anything though, I heard them muttering; "This...impossible. A human carrying this...and usually merits execution. Espeically...." Whoever it was seemed to go quiet for a minute, then started up againand I caught the whole thing this time, "How can a human get a hold of such exquisite Pelari workmanship and yet carry it without being noticed?" they muttered to themself, hotly. By now my nerves had had enough, so I replied, so loudly that everyone in camp ended up noticing,"I know it's Pelari-made, my mistress handmade for me before she sent me away so I wouldn't be killed!" Realizing I had exsausted my body's reserves yet again, I cursed before once again blacking out.

Solita disliked the fact that she was being threatened. Vixtara’s expression was calm but the edge in her voice was unmistakable.
“My allegiance is not that of the Pelari army with whom I saw you help.”
“Everything is not as it seems.” Rual said as he approached. “The decision was made from carefully weighed options.”
“And I suspect you might be this Rual that the Rockhai spoke of.” Rual nodded and sensed the tension between the two. “Please keep this animal under control. I would hate to have to tame him myself.” Solita thought she saw Vixtara’s expression falter for a second and she smiled venomously.
"I know it's Pelari-made, my mistress handmade it for me before she sent me away so I wouldn't be killed!" The three turned quickly toward the source of the sudden outburst.
“And it seems we have a loud distasteful human too.” Rual shot Solita an icy glance that made her flinch before going to see what the problem with Mistfire was. Shade stepped up beside Solita.
“It seems like your ability to speak what you think is a negative trait that should be kept in check. Not everyone likes to be talked down to.” Shade left along with Vixtara, leaving Solita to her own thoughts. After a heavy sigh she went over to Rual who was checking on Mistfire. When she approached he didn’t even look up. The fire had died down a little so the light didn’t make it difficult to be around.
“I’m sorry. I hope you will accept my apologies for my unattractive way of talking of others. I’m not normally around people a lot so my social skills could use some work. If there is anything I can do to help do not hesitate to ask me."

Rual turned towards Solita as she apologised to him for the way she spoke. When she was finished he then spoke to her. "I appreciate honesty, but respect can go a long way. Remember this and I think you will fit in well with the group." She looked up at him questioningly, and he continued. "I am searching for more members, since my group is still small. By the look of it you travel alone, if you wish you may travel with us. We head for the underworld for now, but I will be travelling all over the country."
He had taken into account that she did apologies, and therefore was showing respect now. He still felt the need to grow the group in numbers, especially with the loss of one. He would need the help of others if he is to succeed in his plan.

Soon the group settled, and relaxed in from of the fire. Rual kept first watch, with Dermos, Keyge, and Shade taking the other watches through the night.

The morning came with a carpet of light-grey clouds covering the sky, teasing an expectation of rain. The sun only appeared for a few minutes as it travelled upwards, and then disappeared behind the clouds.

After everyone was up, and had eaten some of the rations for breakfast, Rual spoke to the group again. "We may be getting some rain, so let's get a move on quietly. It should take us at least a few days to get to the underworld. For those worried, I will be avoiding the main entrance, even though it is closer - for that is where the fighting will be."
With that he stood up and packed up his things. Others were jumping to it, eager to get a move on.

Shray walked back over to the battlefield and chose a weapon for herself - a musket with a bayonet and plenty of ammo - leaving her sling behind, and she also picks up an axe she recognised to be her brother's. She then returned to get ready to go. "I got better weapons...Weapons of use in battle!" She said with bitterness in her voice. She obviously felt bad that she was unable to save her brother the day before.

Dermos looked around too before they left, retrieving his thrown javelins, and picking up a large metal shield, which to him wasn't all that heavy.

Soon everyone was up and everything was packed up, and so the group followed Rual to the west in a hurry, trying to gain ground before it rained, and getting away from rebel territory - especially since now the rebels in the area would not be too happy with them at all!
Firstly Linor approached Shray. He felt sorry for her, and concerned as well - one never knew what someone might do when a loved one has just died! And so he gently put his hand on her shoulder for a moment, hoping that she would feel like the group was her family. After that he check on the Calmar to see if she needed assistance in moving.

Izaak

"The underworld!? Good, I do have business there." Shade says with a dark grin."This is a good day, even the sky is good." Referring to the cloud cover. He then puts he`s throwing knives with he`s shuriken. [which is in he`s coat] shade gets ready as fast as possible.

{Personal notes} Its strange that all these people are joining this group and so fast, well I at lest I can blend in.That pelari, Linor has gone on a bad start with the Calmar, well I think it does not like fire. This Rual is a strange one for sure, need to observe him more. And I`ll need to keep an eye on Solita.

I kept to the back of our odd band of outsiders as we traveled over the rugged terrain. The injured slowed us down, but only a little bit, much less than I expected. It became clear to me as I watched Pelari helping Calmar and Rockhai helping Kearon that, most likely, there had never been such a gathering of mixed races in quite this manner before. Usually a people kept to their kind, but it seemed none of us were quite normal in that aspect. Without knowing why this thought gave me hope, made me feel more a part of something. It has been a long time since I felt I could belong, truly belong.

Fall

Minya watched the Pelrai as he came toward her; coolly, collectedly. Don't let him know what you're thinking. Don't give anything away.

Why is he doing this? Why hasn't he asked me about my skin yet? What is he after? How am I going to slip away? Why have I not already run? What is wrong with me? The questions swam in her head; they bumped into one another and spewed forth more. Who are these people? What brought us together? Why are we going to the Underworld? What is everyone after?........

"What are you thinking?" The Pelrai's warm voice broke into her thoughts.

"Hmmmmmmm? What?"

"You seem...preoccupied." His brown eyes were warm, trustworthy, inviting.

DANGER. THIS KIND OF THINKING IS WHAT FORCED YOU TO FLEE IN THE FIRST PLACE.

"Nothing." Minya quickly averted her eyes. "Just.........Sun-drunk is all. And, ummmm....I'm not used to the heat. We should speed up, they're getting ahead of us."

Solita looked couldn’t help but notice the look in Shade’s eyes ever since Rual announced that everyone would be marching to the underworld. She would have to make sure she kept close to him just in case he tried anything. Solita didn’t think she would be heading back on such short notice and she didn’t even know what Rual’s intentions were. For all she knew she was walking with the group that planned on taking down the very people she sought to protect. Solita shook the thoughts from her head.

No, there are fellow Kearon’s in this group. Not to mention the fact the leader of the group is one as well. Surely he wouldn’t march against his own people. Solita looked around again and chuckled to herself. Their numbers were much too small to even be a small threat. The look on Shade’s face came to her mind again. Even if Rual did mean well, Solita couldn’t say the same for Shade.

“What’s on your mind?” Solita nearly jumped. In her midst of deep thinking she didn’t hear Linor and Minya catch up with her. It was Linor who spoke.

“Too much I’m afraid.” Solita looked at the Pelari with a wicked glare and she turned her eyes to the Calmar, who seemed like a frail creature. To be honest Solita had only read about the creatures in her studies.

“I assure you we are not enemies. We are all on the same side here.” Solita didn’t take her gaze off of the Calmar as she replied.

“I am sorry. I’m just used to seeing the Pelari with unkind eyes towards Kearon and I suppose I still hold the same look.” Solita finally took her eyes off Minya and looked back to Linor. “this will take some getting used to.”

Two days had passed with the group making good progress over the land, although their rations were starting to run thin. By now they marched through forestlands, and they had not seen another soul since the day of the battle. Rual was sure that there was only one day's march to go, however just to be on the safe side, he stopped the group for the rest of the day to go hunting.

"All we need is one deer, or several rabbits..." Rual looked over the group considering who would be the better hunters. He was not very familiar with the skills of a few of the newest members, but then again he only needed one good hunter. "Shade, Vixtara, you two come with me. Mistfire, Shray, Kayge, you three can seek out berries, mushrooms, nuts, whatever you can gather. The rest of you can stay here, gather firewood and set up camp. Dermos, make sure they're safe." Rual turned towards the forest for the hunt.

"I think I spotted some berries about a mile back where we came from." Shray remembered. Kayge nodded remembering them also.

Linor thought of Solita's words. "I have no unkind eyes towards any race." He had answered after a moment. "What about your eyes?" He then asked her. Linor was not the typical upper class Pelari, and so he didn't hold the same views. In fact he wasn't upper class at all, in stead his family were middle class, which was probably the best place to be, since the poorer class were the majority of the recruited soldiers for the front line, or slaved away at building the extravagant buildings of the cities and towns through Pelari territory. The very rich were mostly consumed by materialism and greed, and were generally self-righteous and taught to look down on other races of the world.

Later, when the group stopped, Linor decided to help gather wood. Luckily there was plenty about nearby, since they were in a forest. Still, he planned on building a decent pile to make sure they had plenty to cook with, as well as keep them warm throughout the night.

Izaak

(Rual says that we will be setting up camp, and that Vixtara and I will be hunting with him. I am honoured, I think. Solita has been watching me, maybe she suspects something)
Shade suggests "Maybe we should have a smaller fire. At lest for the Calmar, Because I don`t thing it can last much longer in these dry conditions."
Shade then glares at Minya urging her to agree.
Then gets ready for the hunt.

{Personal notes entry2} I hope that Xyro is there as he said. Because I need that package, soon!

Fall

Minya glanced over at the Pelari - he was smiling gently as he stacked the little twigs into piles, seemingly oblivious to the hostility he was getting from...well, everyone.

Too bad he's one of them, she thought, scratching absentmindedly at a dried-out scale. He would have made a fine person...in fact, he is quite decent...no no NO! I cannot believe I'm thinking this of one of THEM...elitists, thieves, murderers...!

She could feel her blood starting to boil. Flames, smoke...spears...so cold, yet searing in its frigidness...screams...no, don't swim, run! They're everywhere!...

Calm down. Calm down. He wasn't there, he didn't do it. Even if he did, you could not hope to defeat him on your own. Stay calm.

Minya closed her eyes and turned away from the Pelari, willing the heat pounding through her veins to simmer down. Think of something else...

She lifted one eyelid and peered around at the group, passing over the humans - blandly passionate creatures, jumping away after a quick pause from the rugged female Kearon - time enough to think of her later, finally skidding to a stop on the Shade.

Minya shuddered. The Underworld...why?

What am I going to do? What Linor had said left a deep impact on Solita.
"I have no unkind eyes towards any race. What about your eyes?"
”My eyes…” Solita said softly and absent mindedly picked up more wood.
“I believe that you’re gonna need to gather wood a bit faster if you expect to stay warm tonight.” Solita jump at Dermos’ voice and dropped the wood she had already gathered. She looked down and saw the three small logs of wood and some tree bark.
“I’m not very good at this. I’ve too much on my mind as well.”
“You’re the Kearon girl. I heard from a bird or two that we are animals.” Solita felt her face grow warm.
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t—”
“I know. Rual told me of you apology. It seems that you have just had a higher upbringing. It seems that you and the Pelari aren’t so different.” Solita bent down to pick up her fallen firewood and Dermos helped. “So what was on you mind so much that you were caught off guard?”
“I was asked of my view on other living creatures. I was raised thinking that Kearon and Pelari were enemies and other races were barbaric or savages or slaves. You can only imagine my surprise when I came across this lot. Everyone working together as one race. It seemed like it was too good to be true but here it is.” Solita and Dermos stood up.
“We should get back to camp. There is probably plenty of firewood gathered by now.” Solita followed behind Dermos back to the main camp.

Shade had been the first one to spot the deer, and Rual had noticed how observant he was. Vixtara had done well to remain silent as they moved about, as most people thought that the Rochkai would be noising because of their size and weight. Still, they were usually quite skilled at hunting to the surprise of most, and Vixtara was no exception. Rual thought that there may be some training involved in a Rochkai's upbringing.

Rual halted Shade and beaconed over to Vixtara for her to use her crossbow. She slowly crept forward and aimed an already equipped bolt at the unsuspecting deer. With an instant thwack sound the bolt been released and the deer called out in pain. Rual then told Shade to put it out of its misery.

***

Sure enough Shray had found several berry bushes, although the group had only found about three mushrooms on the trail that were good to eat. Kayge and Mistfire got to filling their bags with berries, and in no time at all they had plenty for the entire group to enjoy.

By the time they got back the group had made a decent pile of firewood, and had set up a fire in the middle of their camp. It was not long afterwards and the hunting party had also returned carrying a deer.

After dinner the group took rest for the night, and Rual asked Linor, Vixtara, and Mistfire to take turns on watch during the night, as he would as well.

***

The sun dawned again, awakening all of the party. They had breakfast and packed up again quickly for another day's march. Rual encouraged the group. "We should reach the cave by nightfall if we moved at a good pace."

The group had begun another day of travelling in the hope of getting to the underworld by that very night. Linor nibbled on some berries as they walked, and he shared them with whoever else wanted some.
He began to wonder what the underworld was like, especially the cities and towns, how they were lit up. He also started to imagine what creatures they might encounter when they got there, lurking deep within the unoccupied tunnels mazing out in all directions. Surely some monsters lived beneath, and so he was glad to be with a good all equip with weaponry, and two of them being Rochkai.

"What sort of creatures might there be in the underworld?" He asked the leader. One could not blame him for asking, since he had never even imagined actually going there before. Besides, not all the world was yet explored, and so no one could say that terrible monsters did not exist.

Izaak

{It seems that Solita has become part of the group, and the calmar has chilled out a little, everything is working out for everyone. But what about me? The light is everywhere at all times, my head is throbbing and my eyes are burning with the light and with the idea of a smaller camp fire, everyone ignored me}
Shade then stops for a moment looking at Rual. {Why does Rual need to go to the underworld? Heh! It`l be fun to see the Pelare in the underworld! We might need to sneak him in tho} Shade continues he`s walk laughing to himself.

Not looking forward to reaching their destination, Vixtara moves restlessly among the others. She, too, has never traveled to the underworld and the unknown had never held any pull for her; she much preferred the wide open spaces and big blue sky overhead. But if she had to go with anyone, she was glad to go with this group.

At the sudden laughter of Shade next to her she blanches, "Would you care to share the joke?" It was still difficult for her to believe that the group had accepted her without qualm, she had been an outcast for so long.

Fall

Minya schlepped her way along near the back of the group, hoping that her plodding pace would be enough to convince everyone that - when she ran away - she was simply lagging behind.

If, you mean. The irritating little voice chided. If you run away. Why would you want to run away anyway? These people seem more than competent...

Yes. More than competent. Which means completely capable of killing me...Minya shuddered.

Better be killed nicely by them than being stifled in the damp and gloom of the Underworld.

Stop it! Minya shook her head vigorously. This is my mind, and my body, and I'll say whether or not I run. In fact, you are a part of my mind - I say we run, we run. You're in my head. You listen to me.

In fact, you are me. Why are you rebelling against me?

First sign of madness, the voice tittered. Arguing with oneself.

Minya growled in frustration.

Solita was lost in her own thoughts until Shade’s laughter seized her attention. She still kept an eye on him but he was quiet and kept to himself. If Solita was going to find out what he was up to it would most likely be when he did it.
If he’s up to something. The rational thought came to her mind. Maybe I’m just paranoid. At least that’s what she hoped. Solita shook her head to come back to reality. I just have to trust that everyone has good intentions. If that changes then I’ll deal with the situation accordingly. Solita rested a hand on her blade’s handle reassuringly.
“Seek out any threats to our kingdom and either report them to us or eliminate them.” Those were her leader’s orders before she set out on the journey. A small piece of Solita wishes she had her old lifestyle back. In elegant gowns attending a school for refining young women, teaching them to be proper. A part of her wanted to go back to her high class status and enjoy attending banquets and trying to search for someone that would take her as a husband do to her personality and not her looks.
But Solita was weak then. She was the obedient and didn’t possess the freewill way of thinking that she had in the last half a dozen months. She was fragile and didn’t have the strength to go outside of the kingdom. She relied on others for her strengths. Now it was different. She was now an important asset to the Kearons. No one else in her field possessed the same skills in the sword or bow. Solita shocked everyone when she turned into a fighter and surprised them further when she cut her hair. Her long straight hair that some of the girls in her old school envied. At least her father was proud of her. Her father that had only looked away into the far distance ever since her mother’s death a year and a half ago. When Solita appeared before him with her new look he seemed to actually look at her for the first time in a while and he actually smiled.
“Just like your mother when we first met.” Was what he said. He and Solita’s mother were in the same guild that Solita was in now and that was how they met. But unfortunately Solita’s mother was killed on her way to picking up Solita from her school one winter. By whom she was killed by no one knows and the killer was never caught.
Solita felt a warm tear stream down her cheek and she hurriedly wiped at it. Solita would find who killed her mother and kill them slowly. She then tightly gripped the handle of the sword that once belonged to her mother and continued walking forward.

"What sort of creatures might there be in the underworld?" Had been Linor's question earlier on. Rual answered loud enough for all to hear. "There are many creatures that lurk beneath the surface. The creatures of unusual size that we may encounter...There are the Cave spiders - I believe the largest one recorded was about as tall as two Kearons, and almost as wide as a kai (Calmara world for a Giant shark-like creature. This would be the equivalent of two elephants put together.). Cave spiders are not venomous, however they do eat people. Secondly there are Shadow crawlers, which are lizard-like amphibians with very pale skin, and very large eyes that stick out of their heads. They are also sometimes know to eat people, but they are solitary animals that are fairly easy to fight off. (About the size of a Komodo dragon.). Then there are the Ash moths, which are about the size of a Kearon, and live in swarms - which is part of the danger. They are attracted to light. (Shaped between a praying mantis and a moth.). There are many other creatures, such as bats and small insects, but they are mostly harmless to us."

***

The group had made good distance on their journey, and now they all stopped as they came into sight of the slightly hidden entrance to the underworld. Rual spoke again of the underworld before they entered.

"We must be careful of the guards. There will be guards to check us at some point. They will be fine with their own kind, and they should not make any fuss about the Rochkai - partially out of fear - but the other races, especially you Linor, will be probed a bit, and if they are not happy, taken away. Linor, you try to dress up a bit to hide your identity. There is not much we can do to hide the Calmar - she is too obviously not one of us. The humans hopefully will not be taken seriously. Remember though, we must not fight them."

The group then entered into the darkness. For some of them this meant near blindness, but for the Kearon their eyes quickly adjusted and felt in their comfort zone. As they moved deeper in, they noticed a path that they could follow, and soon a crystal on the wall could be seen, emitting a dim light, which barely helped the non-Kearons. It was the first sign of civilization for the group, as it was the Kearon's way of lighting their paths (for even for them the darkest of places were still dark.), and was connected to hidden copper wires that spread to other crystals, lighting the path further down. The copper wire would eventually connect to a large water wheal that moved deep in a subterranean river.

Before long after the first light a group of several Kearon guards appeared suddenly from the shadows, all holding katanas. "Halt! Show as who you are!" They yelled in quick session.

(The guards will want to search all the members, especially items and bags.)

Linor felt very worried as he tried to process the 3 types of man-eating monsters, as well as the fact that he had to hide his identity or be taken away...Suddenly the underworld seemed less appealing, but nonetheless he would stay by his friends.
He did his best to cover up with whatever clothing he could, borrowing from whoever would lend him anything, without looking too conspicuous because of it. He hoped that because most of the team were Kearon they would be fine...he hoped anyway.
As they entered the darkness of the cave, he felt like a blind man being led by the others. His anxiety bubbled underneath, but remained hidden from the others.

The guards came out to question the group, and instantly he moved himself behind some of the others, and checked that he was covered up well. He then took a quiet breath and let himself stand in partial view - since if they saw he was hiding it may make things worse. He then kept his eyes low and hoped they would all be fine. If they go to search him he will not put up a fight, but show them whatever he has right away.

Izaak

"Ahhh, the darkness!" Shade says with a relaxed tone as he enters into the shadows of safety. He then looks at the guards. "you don`t need to check us, let us in." the first guard then asks him "Why" "Because were knocking, nicely!" Another guard then stops the first guard "Wow wow, I think it`s my best friend`s brother! He`s a patriot all the way!" Shade then speaks to the second guard "You Omniuce?" "yes!" "Then I am you best friend`s brother." Omniuce then says. "It`s fine! Let them through."

As I walked through the line of guards I waited for them to question me, to say something, anything at all; but they held their silence and would not even look my way. Could Rual be right? Could they fear me? I am different, that's no surprise, but I don't understand why they would fear me without provocation.

The tunnel bends and again we are immersed in darkness, focusing on putting one step in front of another becomes paramount. Only shadows within shadows distinguish the shapes of my comrades and distance is difficult to discern. Keeping my hand on the tunnel wall I plod forward.

"I shouldn't be here," a small voice whispers behind me and I pause causing Minya to walk right into me, "Oh, uh, why did you stop?"

I pick up my movement again, but address her question, "And where would you be, if you weren't here?"

Fall

Minya felt her heartbeat start to accelerate at the sharp edge of the Rockhai's question.

"Erm...somewhere." she gave a half-smile, hoping the Rockhai would be satisfied and leave her alone.

No luck. Minya was unskilled at reading the features of the land-dwellers, but even she could see the skepticism, the curiousity, (the hostility? She wondered) scrawled all over Vixtara's face.

Now you're never going to get away. They know, and they'll pay attention to you, and you're stuck with them.

"Nowhere!" Minya exclaimed, heart now wildly pounding. "I'm not going anywhere!"

Convince them! Make them think you'll stick around so they'll lose interest and allow you to slip away!!!!!

"I won't run away! I'm sticking with you people! I'll do my part! I'll keep watch!" She was nearly shrieking now, her voice cracked and frayed with panic, the ends of her words trailing off into the darkness.

Her feet, numbed by adrenaline, lurched; her back hit the wall. Not knowing if it was a real wall or one in her mind, Minya thrust her hand back wildly, panting, panicked that the first stage of madness had evolved into the second, the third, the thirteenth...

Yes. A real wall.

Then it's all right. Her breath whooshed out of her, and she straightened up slightly, smearing a smile across her lips, praying no one else had noticed.

"I'm sorry...I just...I'm afraid of the dark." So saying, she hurried off after the rest of the group, glad that she had averted disaster and managed to convince the Rockhai that she had no intention of leaving.

You are delusional.

As I could see quite well in the darkness, a secret I kept from any- and everybody including my mistress, I was unhindered by the almost complete blackness. Guards were a thing I'd grown up with, abet a differant race. I've always though that no matter what anyone person thinks, everybody, no matter thier race, thinks the exact same way as anybody else of the same stature and even then, so when I passed the guards I gave them the repect they most likely deserved. Minya's outburst did startle me a little, but that was mainly because I hadn't been paying proper attention to my surroundings, like I should have.

The guards checked each member, but were somewhat light hearted about it, partially due to the fact that one of them knew Shade, and also that most of the group were made up of Kearon anyway.
Luckily for Linor, they were not suspicious of the way he was dressed, and after checking his things moved on.

"You are free to pass." One of the guards finally said.

With that Rual thanked the guards and got the group moving again. Kayge and Dermos lit torches.

***

The tunnel was quite long - as the party was learning - since they had been travelling at least a couple of hours before they reached an opening. The opening was huge, but no crystal lights were set up deep in it's blackness, so none of them (not even the Kearon) could see were the wall of the other side was, and so to them it appeared to be an abyss.

"Watch out for dangers." Rual whispered to the group to avoid an echo.

Like clockwork a noise that sounded as if a creature was calling out emanated from deep within the abyss. The group all stood silently in paused motion, listening for further sounds. A flapping sound from another direction broke the silence, then stopped.

"I'd say Ash moths." Rual kept his voice low. "Put your torches out." He turned to Kayge and Dermos, who complied quickly. "Let's keep moving, quietly." He took another step.

(The Ash moths will likely attack, especially if much noise comes from the party. There is a swarm of the on the walls and roof far above. This can be avoided. They will have to move as silently as they can until they leave the abyss and enter another tunnel, and by no means light another torch. This means that all non-Kearon characters will be next to blind about now. There is another option. The characters can take a run for it. For this they will need at least one torch lit, and since the Ash moths are so far above them, they may be able to make it. Ash moths are less effective in small tunnels.)

((P.S. For those who find it difficult to post in time, please read the adjusted Campfire rules on requestion additional time.))

Linor felt a wave of relief once the guards had allowed them to pass without further questioning, but this relief gradually turned again into nerves as they continued through claustrophobic tunnels.
When they had made it into the abyss, he looked into with discomfort, and wondered if there was anything lurking down there...It seemed he was correct! The screech made his heart skip a beat. Visions of monsters immediately tormented him, and all he wanted to do was run.

Running didn't seem to be the plan of their leader, as he had instructed them to put out their torches and move very quietly. He tried to fight his body's shaking, and lowered another foot to the ground successfully not making a sound. His ears pounded though, and his breathing became more rapid, so he was finding it difficult to tell whether or not he was being truly all that quiet. Another quiet step towards the tunnel...He thought about how long it was taking them to get to that tunnel, and how the ash moths may be watching them even now! Worse still was the fact that he couldn't see, and was holding a hand tightly onto Kayge's shirt.

"Maybe we should take a run for it?" He whispered, "It's not far for us, and we will not be swarmed in the tunnel!" He was more than willing provided the others were also. He would not run and give the others away if no one else was going to run.

Izaak

Shade found the irony sublime, that on the surface he`s eyes were burning and now beneath the surface they can`t see anything and are scared. The fact that no one was curios about the -easy going- guards comforted him.(Maybe this group is very self absorbed) Shade has extremely light sensitive eyes {even for a Kearon} an idea came to him as he observed the torches get put out, it was that just using the embers of the torches to illuminate the path [the light emanating from the torch would not be enough to attract the moths but enough for Shade to see] then for Shade to lead as a guide, they could then at lest travel at a faster speed. He quickly suggested this to Rual for he`s patients was wearing thin.

There were whispers back and forth at the front of the group. Holding on to Dermos' weapons belt I followed along in the snail's pace of our progress. Unable to see anyway, I closed my eyes to focus on hearing what was around me. Something skittered across my foot. I kicked it away from me into the blackness of the abyss and as it shrieked, only slightly, I heard the beating of moth wings as a monster swooped down to snatch it out of the air. The others must have heard it too, for the pace of our progress picked up.

Fall

Minya flinched when the torches were blown out - we're going to need them eventually, but how are we going to be able to light them if we don't have any fire?

But those quickly stopped as they started foward again, clutching each other in a ragged line. Looping one finger tentatively through someone's - please, please, don't be the Shade - belt, she stuck her foot foward, half-hoping it would land on air and send her plunging away from it all.

As soon as her foot made contact with the first stair, she knew that she was entering a different world. The stone of the steps was old, covered in some spongy form of plant life, the natural fibres grimy and moist as they rotted. At some points it felt as though she was going to fall through the steps and into the soft dirt and mud and vapours that supported them.

The tunnel was narrow, but somehow she felt freer knowing that she was walking into a world without light where everyone was probably just as blind as she was, thus making it possible for her to escape...(As if you'd want to,).

There was no light source at all, not even the moisture in the eyes of the others. She had to rely on the earthen wall beside her as a guide. She could feel the mud smearing on her palm as she walked along, slimy but wet; wet like the rivers and seas...damp like the banks...

She felt herself cheering up slightly. Finally, something familiar.

The noise above them was now starting to become deafening. It was clear the the Ash moths were very much awake, and some of them were swooping at the group.

"Time to run!" Rual called back at the group, and he stopped to fight of the creatures while the group ran passed him for the tunnel. As soon as the last one passed he too ran for the tunnel, and in a short time they were out of sight from the Ash moths, although not for very long. "Keep moving, they can get down the tunnel one at a time."

They kept blindly running down the tunnel for at least a few minutes, and slowed down when they stopped hearing the Ash moths coming after them. No one seemed too hurt from the chase.

Rual watched the tunnel behind them for a while silently. "Looks like they have stopped following us, but we should keep alert nonetheless since they are not the most noisy of creatures." He then turned his attention to the group. "Next time we may not be so lucky."

***

The group moved deeper into the tunnels. An occasional crystal light shown a bit of their path, and gave them comfort that they were going down the right tunnel. After another few hours the crystal lights became more frequent, and soon after they walked into another opening, this one illuminating one of the cities of the Kearon. The crystals were placed all over the place, which gave off enough light for everyone to see the city in at least a dim light. Solid walls came from the sides of the cave and surrounded most of the city, and massive statues of various heroic characters stood particularly illuminated in the crystal light in different parts of the city. The buildings became more cluttered together as they got closer to the centre of the city, which showed as they also became taller. Mushrooms also emitted light with their natural ability of bioluminescence, and they were scattered everywhere. Vines and other strange looking plants grew about the place. Narrow tunnels were located on the roof of the cave, amongst stalactites. These tunnels worked their way to the surface for oxygen. Many of the stalactites and stalagmites were made into buildings themselves, often used like watchtowers, especially the stalactites. Lastly, a river flowed right through the city, which came in through another tunnel. Kearon were gathered in large numbers in the city markets and public places of the city.

Before they got close they were approached by more guards, who much like the first group just briefly searched them, and let them pass.

"Alright people, I will get us more resources and ammunition at the market place, but you can wonder about as you please. Just stay out of trouble, and meet me at the Batnest inn this evening around dinner time. We will stay in this city tonight." Rual left for the market.

(Players may post minor events during their stay in the city. All characters have a small sum of money on them, but not much.)

Linor decided to stay with the main group. Going alone anywhere for him may look suspicious due to the fact that he was still wearing clothes to cover up his fins!

The city looked amazing, and he hoped the group would go into the market so he could have a better look - even though he also felt anxious about this, he figured he would be more camouflaged in the crowd of Kearon. Also, the city was so alien to him, and he wanted to see more of it, since it fascinated him.

"Shall we go into the market place? Or maybe explore the city? I must see more of the Kearon city!" He smiled at the others in newly found excitement - hopefully not the dangerous kind! He then waited to see what everyone else wanted to do.

He realised that they mustn't have much time - even though it was hard to tell since they were underground - because they were to find an inn called the "Batnest" where they will eat and stay the night.

Izaak

Shade salutes one of the statues which has heavily decorated gauntlets and a strange symbol engraved on he`s shoulder. Shade finds it weird that one of light such as linor would have interest in the underworld, but none of that made any difference now because he was now in the subterranean city which means it was just a matter of time before the package was in he`s hands. "Batnest inn is it?! Good choice." He quickly mentions before fading into the crowd...
Then reappeared in a very dark alley way. "Are the wheels turning?" Shade says to a man as he slips him a card. The man replies. "Depends on who`s asking!"as he checks the card "Shade." The man pauses for a second. "Well then no!" Shade then glares at him. "Then you are incompetent." "hah! You`re early. Oh, one moment." the man walks to a wall and knocks on it 5 times. A secret door opens and shade walks on in. A voice calls out."hay Shady Shade! You are three days early!?" "Xyro! you are a man of your word. so, where's my package? Xyro laughs. "Don`t worry I have it. But after checking it out I was confused. You see it was not even an ash moth cloak, which was the most comfortable thing I`v ever worn second to a spider `s silk vest which was the strongest thing I`v ever worn" Shade then says. "I understand your concern but a vest can`t protect me forever. I am sorry but I`m a busy one, I`v got places to go and many things to do. but for the trouble." Shade drops some coins onto Xyro`s desk before leaving...

{At the end of the day}Rual is seated at the table, a waitress asks for he`s order Rual look`s at her and says that he needs more time to think, he look`s back and there`s a Kearon seated at the opposite seat. "Rual, my business has been fixed." Rual looked confused for a moment until realising that it was Shade in a cleverly constructed mask."You must understand that this will be my new face for now."Shade says with a seemingly expressionless face.

Fall

With a start, Minya was jolted into the waking world.

Groggy though she was at first, the scratchy fabric of the sheets below nudged her rudely back into the waking world. Reaching down to throw away the unbearable covers (which appeared to be fashioned from burlap), the angel reached within her mind for the dream that had startled her so. But as dreams do, the story had fled to hover just out of reach.

Well, at least it's not worrying me or anything, she thought cheerfully, Why isn't anything worrying me now, though? I should be very worried. And scared. Or maybe just nervous. Why is nothing attacking us here?

She pondered the questions, all the while trying to summon feelings of anxiety and failing when, without warning, the room door issued a squeal that made her muscles jump about three feet to the left. The light of a torch peering in cast over her a temporary blindness as it burst in through the opening door.

Why is there a torch hovering in midair outside my door? Minya wondered, closing it again. Why is this not worrying me?

You should be worried about not worrying. Because you'll lower your guard. And that's a great way to get killed.

Minya froze. You're right. I should go out...go blend in with the locals or something...it'll be harder find me in public than in a private room. Right?

Solita didn’t have a problem getting into the city for a couple of reasons; One being that she was Kearon and the other being that she was one of the kingdom’s protectors. Once inside she decided to go to a house which she owned a visit to. The house resided in the upper quarters.
I should be done before dinner. Upon reaching the resident the door opened and a young man stepped out.
“You have come.” The man was intimidating and reminded Solita of Shade. “Do you have anything to report?”
“The only report of Pelari activity I can report is a battle between them and human rebels. The Pelari army won with minimal casualties with the aid of another squadron.”
“Go on.” Solita swallowed to work up the courage to say what she had to say next. She had to tell this man everything. It was her job and to keep any information from her guild is practically an act of treason.
“The people that aided the Pelari are here now in the city.” If the man was surprised or shocked he didn’t show it.
“Then I will have them apprehended. I will get a squad together and you can lead us to each person—”
“Wait.” Solita knew if she didn’t play her words right she would make two enemies instantly in one day and that was something she didn’t want. Her guild would lock her away and then force her to give a description of each person she knew that aided the Pelari army and then they would gear up a search party and relentlessly pursue Rual and his group. “The group I mentioned only helped the Pelari to safely pass an area. The battle was sudden and the group had to join the fight or flee and go around which would add on days to their next destination. With their lack of supplies that was a decision that had to be made. The humans are known for their ruthlessness towards other races so the choice was made to join the Pelari army to avoid confrontation after the battle. There are also Kearons in this group as well.”
“I see. And you joined this group to get here?”
“Yes, I did.”
“What do you feel about this group personally? You are entitled to your opinion.” Solita tried her best to conceal her surprise. Opinions rarely mattered in terms of war.
“I feel that this group’s intentions are positive and don’t involve harm nor distraction to Kearon alliances. The group’s leader is also very able and strong willed.”
“Then you will take me to this leader. His name?” Solita hadn’t encountered so many surprises in one day before.
“It is Rual.”
“We will depart immediately. I must see for myself if this Rual is capable of keeping you in his company.”
“What?”
“This seems like an opportunity to follow in your mother’s footsteps. This group must be surveyed and who better to do this than the person that is already acquainted? Now let us be off. By the way, I am Geoffrey. I hope you are correct about this group. But the guild and I trust you and this is why this is being done.”

Once at the Batnest, Geoffrey discovered Rual sitting at a table in the corner of the Inn, quietly talking to a shady figure across from him. The Inn was getting crowded by now, since it was nearing dinner time.

“That’s him.” Solita nodded discretely in Rual’s direction, and Geoffrey dodged his way towards him. He stopped at Rual’s table, blocking his view of much of the activity behind him.

Rual looked up to see a young man staring quite purposefully in his direction.
“What can I do for you?” Rual asked slowly. Shade watched Geoffrey with newly found interest from the other side of the table.

“Rual, I presume.” Geoffrey faked a smile.

“You know me?” Rual quizzed.

“You know a friend of mine…” He looked back towards Solita. Her cheeks flushed red briefly, and she looked away as if distracted.

“So I see.” Rual shot a suspicious glance over at Solita.

“May I sit?” Geoffrey touched the back of a chair. Rual nodded and Geoffrey sat down. He leaned backwards for a more comfortable position. Shade had not shifted his eyes from the man, which made him feel the little bit more uncomfortable.

“We are all here for a reason, I often come here to drink, and I know many of the folk who regularly visit, yet you I have not seen before, and I cannot help but ask what is your business here?”

“Same as any other traveller. Food, water, other supplies. A place to stay too on some evenings. I have been this way before. I have not seen you here either.”

Geoffrey hesitated, then answered while looking around the room. “Then again it does get quite busy in here most evenings. It is possible that we each simply did not notice the other.” He then stopped for a moment, watching Rual’s musket, and noticed his katana also. “You carry lots of weapons for a traveller.”

“One must during times such as these.”

“Such as what…Wartime?” Geoffrey watched.

Rual waited a moment with annoyance. “And how would you travel?”

Geoffrey smiled. “At a time like this we have priorities…I assume you are a formidable warrior, yet you are here instead of fighting off the siege at our capital.”

“I trust our capital will managed without me.”

“You are not alone. You travel with other warriors, do you not? I think your efforts would prove quite useful!”

“They are not all warriors like me. Should you expect me to put them in harms way when they follow me?”

“You care for your friends.” Geoffrey nodded with approval. “I merely wondered where your loyalties lie. I have to know that my friend Solita is in good hands you see.”

Rual nodded and visibly relaxed. “I take care of my people.”

After a moment, Geoffrey noticed that he was still being watched by Shade.
“And you are?” He met his watchful stare.

“An associate.” Shade answered.

“I see.” Geoffrey couldn’t hide his amusement.

Linor had managed to get a better look at the market place, since some of the group went with him, although Rual, Shade and Solita had all left fairly quickly (He would have to find out what they had been up to later when they met at the Inn).

The market place had been bustling with Kearon, even though it was later in the afternoon. He was concerned by the amount of poor people that were about, who were most likely refugees from more dangerous parts of the regions - he thought about the war, and the Pelari army that they had encountered on their journey. They were merely reinforcements to a greater force that must have already been in battle! Surely the reinforcements were at their destination by now too...His imagination went wild on the possibility of a battle between both major powers.

Linor decided it'd be a good idea to buy a map of the known regions of the underworld, and looked around for one he could afford.

Izaak

{Geoffrey? I know him from somewhere I think. But from where? I think... Oh no no no NO!} A memory flashed before he`s eyes. ("Who`s this?" Shade points at a surveylance sketch. "Him?! Geoffrey! He`s a bad idea, just stay way way way away from him! Him and he`s brilliant team shut down one of our branches just three months ago." "He`s that good?" "And that`s not the worst of it. He`s guild is also allied with that Iron Claw guild, I believe that your familiar with the Iron Claw." Shade stood there speechless. "Some day you`l have to forget your past." "The guild of the Black Sun will rise again!" Shade responds as if still living in false hope.) As the memory fades from Shade`s eyes he discreetly puts he`s hand on the handle of he`s blade hoping that one of the members of Rual`s group would show up and draw the attention away from Shade and towards Geoffrey. [However, things don`t always go as planed] {I only wonder why Solita took Geoffrey to Rual}

Vixtara, off by herself exploring the strange city, happened into the marketplace. She received many strange glances, but no one approached her; as a cast out of her own society it was something she was used to, so it didn't bother her, much. Here the light glowed brighter, the better to see the various wares, and a jumble of Kearon bandied about bartering and haggling to negotiate a price. Her assumption had been that in the dark caverns there would be a lack of color, but here at the market she discovered the opposite. Silks, satins, and brocades of every color and pattern were available for clothing and the jewelry stalls glittered under crystal light. Yet, all of the people were covered in the same dark traveling cloaks. Vixtara realized that the cloaks must be a protection in the darkness, while the culture here was more vibrant than she realized.

A musical chord struck her hearing, drawing her farther down the marketplace row. She passed produce, weapons, and armory stalls drawn by the mysterious music. At the end of the row she found the source, a musician's shop. The man making the music played a strange instrument, both with strings and through breath. The melody haunted and uplifted at the same time. Vixtara wanted to ask questions, but couldn't bring herself to interrupt the harmony of the tune.

Dermos had stayed with Vixtara, and watched the musician play the foreign instrument. He had been trying to silently work out Vixtara since she joined the group, since she also was an outcast like him. He had decided not to ask her because the question may make her feel uncomfortable, as it would him, for he did not wish to reveal why he was an outcast. Not yet anyway. Could her reason be worse than his? He wondered. He did like not being the only Rochkai, which was something he had not expected when he was sent away from his clan. He also liked being with her, and wondered if she felt the same. Still, he had always worried about rejection, and seldom risked it. For now he would just stay with her.

***

The evening grew later, and all of the members of Rual's party were expected to meet at the Batnest inn. The ones already there had already started eating - as Rual made sure they were all fed - and rooms were paid for as well. Rual hoped they would all be well rested for tomorrows journey. He spoke to the group.

"We continue to the capital tomorrow. We will follow the river to get there, for it is it's water source. There is a concern though. The capital is under siege from the other side by the Pelari. It is the way we must go however, and it will take us at least a full day to get there." Rual spoke seriously, and hoped not to put fear into his friends, for he would do his best to keep them safe while they followed him.

Linor was grateful to Rual for paying for his meal - he was not used to such kindness, especially from the Kearon! It was a nice change, and he was all the more proud of being apart of the group. Somehow it was more interesting with a mixture of races than if it would be a group of just one race.
He made sure he sat with Minya and Shray, for he felt that they would need the most help at the moment - Shray having lost her brother, and now mostly silent (as he had noticed), and Minya being quite literally a fish out of water! The bear-folk members of the group were tough enough without help, and the Kearon were right at home in their underworld, so he was confident that all else was all well and good for now.
After listening to what Rual had to say to everyone, he told Minya and Shray, "I hope the trek to the capital is an easy one! I wouldn't like to bump into any more monsters!"

He also noticed that a new guy sat at the table with Rual, and wondered if the party was to grow in size. He wasn't sure about this one though, but then again one could never know at first what someone would be like - even if they make a bad impression!

Izaak

(So we will be going to the capital tomorrow. Well that only means that I`l have to speed up the pace) Shade quickly removes himself from the table dodging Geoffrey`s site, as he walks out the door of the inn he looks back for a moment then disappears into the street, dodging through the crowds, running through the alleyways and avoiding eye contact with people especially guards. Arriving at an old broken up house, walking through the creaky door into a small empty room wile closing the door behind him. His eyes drawn to a faded symbol, he moves slowly towards the wall removing his mask, knocking on the symbol in a rhythm, the knocks resonated behind the wall. A part of the floor under his feet starts to descend into the basement. [The basement was lit by an old dim lantern, Inside the basement was a man standing by a pulley system that worked the lift that shade had came down on. and there was a dusty desk with scrolls and letters, on the wall of the basement were pictures of members of the Black Sun guild, a line through the picture marked the death of that member and there were almost as many lines as there were pictures including a line through the picture of shade.] "Relom?" the man stares at Shade as if looking at a ghost. Shade replies "I tried to contact you sooner" the man then looked away "I`m sorry I`m not supposed to speak to dead people." Relom moves a step closer. "I`m not dead! I just hid under the canopy." "The canopy is a myth!" "Just trust me okay, when I died Shade was born." "Well I suppose it explains you having no burns! But Shade? what a suspicious name." "It`s a long story." Relom places a scroll on the desk. "Put me back on the head count then" "What`s that scroll for" Relom looks back at him. "You`ll understand when you read it. Oh, don`t bother contacting me any time soon, I`m in a group right now. see you when I get the chance but I don`t have the time." Shade then puts his mask back on and returns to the inn.

As the music softened and the melody slowed, Vixtara found herself growing tired. She turned to head back to the Batnest Inn and noticed Dermos standing several stalls back, watching her. Unsure if this was coincidence or something more she waved a greeting and approached him.

"I'll be heading back to the Inn, it's probably past the dinner hour already. I can't tell with no sun to guide my instincts. Have you eaten?" Vixtara tried to evoke an air of casual interest in her question, nervous of being branded unfit, yet again.

"No, no, I haven't eaten. There's a particularly good looking stall back toward the Batnest, would you like to join me?" Dermos turned toward the way they had come and pointed, gesturing to a stall with small tables set up nearby.

"Fine by me, but the journey here has been tiring. Maybe they'll have something we can eat on the go. I'm ready for a good night's sleep. I've been traveling from place to place for... a while now, it's been a long time since I've slept in a bed." Vixtara looked away, she wished she hadn't mentioned her exile.

Dermos kept his expression straight, though he smiled inwardly at the small concession she had made toward him. "To go is fine with me, it is good walk still until we reach the Inn again, and I am tired too."

At the stall they purchased sandwiches encased in an unleavened bread and had their canteens filled with water. In a companionable silence they walked side-by-side back to the Inn, only nodding a quiet goodnight as they received their room keys at the front desk and departed separately for their rooms.

Vixtara found she had been assigned a double room and the other occupant was already fast asleep, so she quietly laid her gear aside and climbed into bed, keeping her cat o' nine tails close within reach.

Fall

Peering into her mug of grog (or whatever it was) and patience, Minya waited for someone to announce it was time for bed. She had no desire to ever patronize this establishment ever again—the tables were sticky, the stools were uneven and rocked on the unswept floor. She had gotten her first drink, and no attempt had been made to refill it in the hours since. It amazed her that the owner could stay in business. And the air! One would have thought an establishment dealing in liquids would be nicely wet and cool, but no, the air was thick and stuffy, somehow simultaneously sandy and oppressively, thickly, humid.

On top of that, the liquor appeared to have loosened everyone's tongues, and everyone in the party seemed intent on talking, was talking, or thinking up something to say so they could start talking. She didn't want to talk; she was afraid she would give something away. And the air felt like cotton wool against her tongue. A few moments before Linor had thrown out some line about hoping they wouldn't run into any more monsters - as if that needed to be said! Who actually wanted to run into monsters?

Now he was looking at her, waiting for her to say something in return. To delay answering - what's there to say? - she took a swig of the drink. Forcing herself to swallow, she instantly became aware of the incredible punch of the beverage, the ambrosial taste, like the clearest, coolest...something.

And the air was so refreshing too! And the lights were so nice and soothing, like gazing at the sun through murky waters, like she had done when she was young, and everything and everybody looked so nice, talking merrily and openly to one another, making friends, and hadn't that especially nice Linor just asked her a question?

Smiling brightly, she turned to him and (what did he just say? Ah well, whatever.) shook her head. "I hope we do! I want...want..."

Really, this drink was wonderful; as it coursed through her veins, she could feel every nerve, afire with energy...

"Action! I want to...fight!"

Minya had become drunk, and this seemed to be a new thing for her, as her behaviour had changed. She appeared very sociable at first, but then she got up and wanted to fight, taking swings at the air in a clumsy, drunk fashion. Linor was trying to calm her down with words, but she did not seem to listen. Rual called over Solita and Kayge and they moved towards Minya.

"Minya, there are no enemies to fight...Just friends here." Linor continued. "It's the drink that is making you feel this way."

A moment later the three Kearon had grabbed hold of her and sat her back down again.

"It is time to rest." Rual spoke calmly to her as well. She struggled at first, but then relaxed.

Minya answered slowly, "You guys are so nice..." she said with a slur. Within a moment her head dropped and she began to fall asleep.

They then took her to her room and let her sleep it off.

***

The following day they group had all gotten themselves ready again and had something to eat at the inn. Rual was eager to get them moving, and so they did not stay long after that. They headed for the tunnel outside the city that would take them to the capital. The river made a fairly easy path at first, but after a time the road became more difficult, and opened and closed to cavern after cavern, which, for the most part, the Kearon members could see to the end of while the torches were lit. All the members began to notice silky webs were lining parts of the tunnel walls. A sure sign that cave spiders had been about, although none could be seen at that moment. The group kept their eyes open as they moved through the tunnel, but there were plenty of dark gaps where even the Kearon had difficulty seeing into, and many were large enough for cave spiders to hide. Whatever the case, something was surely watching them as the moved along the path.

Minya had since sobered up, and Linor wondered if she was still uncomfortable in the group. Since the beginning she had seemed nervous and distrusting of others, which had made everyone slightly uncomfortable back - although he certainly was glad to have her with them, partially because he liked it that the group was a mixture of all the races of the region, and they were all peaceful with one another even so, which was a rare sight in deed! Most people were too focused on fighting in the war (Pelari with the Calmar and Human mercenaries fighting against the Kearon who had the support of the Rochkai...At least that is how he imagined it), so the very fact that this group could coexist showed proof that they five races could live in harmony. From his upbringing he was taught that if all the races lived by Pelari laws, and left their savage ways behind, peace would come, since no one would have any need to fight each other, but as he grew older and began to see more and more of the world - in particularly this last year for him - he began to doubt that Imperialism was the key to peace, and thought that maybe if everyone just respected each other's differences...Besides, this would make a more interesting world while variety exists.

Back to Minya, he decided to talk with her to see how she was doing, and maybe see if she was now more at ease - despite their current circumstances.

"I probably should've told you about the alcohol last night...It can have a strong effect! I have been drunk before myself. Do the Calmar often drink?" He asked Minya.

Izaak

Relom observed the spider web on the walls of the cave, reminding of his training which did not bring back good memories, because he always needed to prove himself to everyone especially his teacher who was extremely bias to him. (perhaps because Ralom`s parents were not that high ranked in the guild) Relom placed his hand on the handle of his cutlass remembering the savagery of the cave spiders, however the spiders had two big weaknesses. [first being stupidity and the second thing was the abdomen] his only problem was if there is lots of them...

Well I am in a group and I`m sure that the others can defend themselves, but Vixtara`s whip wont do much. maybe we can use her as a distraction, she does stand out a bit. Shade held himself from laughing as he thought of using Vixtara as a decoy. But still, the group does seem capable.

Dermos kept close to Vixtara as she held the rear position of the group traversed through the narrow paths of the tunnels. He would walk beside her when space allowed, sometimes silently, sometimes speaking of inconsequential things, but when the sticky webs began to appear on the walls his tone became more serious.

"Have you ever fought a cave spider before?" Dermos kept his hand gripped tightly on one of the javelins he carried. Vixtara considered its use as a weapon, perhaps if she controlled it with the use of her good arm she could have a better chance in hand to hand combat. Maybe he would be willing to teach her some basics sometime.

"No, I have never even seen a cave spider before. I much prefer the open air, the altitude of the mountains with its crisp, clean air." Vixtara rushed to ask him before she lost the nerve. "Is the javelin you use difficult to maneuver? I would be interested to learn how to use one, if you would be willing to teach me."

Dermos thought he would probably never had a better opening, "All right, but I want something in return."

Vixtara paused in her tracks and stared him down, "What would you like, I don't really have much of value?" Her apprehension was palpable between them.

Wishing he had a better way with words, Dermos tried to reverse the distance she seemed to be putting between them, that hadn't been his intention at all. "I just want to know what happened to you, why you are exiled from out people. Call it curiosity if you like, but if you'll tell me that then I will teach you all you want to know about fighting with a javelin."

He hadn't successfully knocked down her wall, but the tension in her expression softened, he'd managed to crack the wall at least.

Fall

Someone was talking to her.

The Pelari - Linor. A small bubble of discomfort flared in Minya at the thought that she was now familiar enough with these people to actually put names to voices, but she pushed it away.

Think of that later. Besides, is it that bad? Maybe, maybe not.

"I'm fine," she assured him, keeping her eyes on everybody else as they spread out. "We don't drink. We din't mix with other species. At least I don't. It's too dangerous for me. I'm wanted."

The moment that came out she wanted to bite her tongue. How could I have been so careless? - yet at the same moment, the tension knotting itself beneath her breastbone seemed to half-evaporate, all voices in her mind relieved that the issue was out in the open, but still unnerved about what this meant.

"Oh. What for? Who wants you?" Sympathy? Or coaxing, hoping to catch her off guard??

Lie! Lie!!!!! DON'T LET HIM KNOW!!!!!!

Whatever the reasons, the voices were unanimous in this, so - "Eh...murder. Assult with a deadly weapon, at least. I didn't stay around long enough to see if it would become murder..."

He doesn't believe you.

"I can prove it!" Minya exclaimed, before she could see the skepticism in his eyes or worse, answer any questions and make up details she would soon forget.

She pulled out her dagger and strode towards a dark corner.

Please please please be easy to kill.....better yet, be dead....please please please....

As I walked behind her and Linor, I watched Minya pull a dagger & jog towards a cave. I ran after her & luckly, was able to grab her before she stepped into the darkness. As we went back I whispered, "You really want to be eaten, don't you, fool?"

Kayge had stayed near the rear of the group this time, and it was not immediately noticed when he disappeared, but soon enough Shray started to call out in an anxious voice to the others.

"Where's Kayge? I cannot see him..." She had stopped the group, and now everyone was looking around for him. Not even the Kearon members could see any trace of him.

"Let's go back." Rual stated and moved back to the way they had come. The group followed, this time checking out all the dark spaces in the sides of the tunnel while they walked.

They entered the cavern they had just left behind, and Rual looked up at the wall at the end of the cavern to see a fully grown cave spider entangling something.

"It has got Kayge!" Rual shouted, for the first time obviously angered. He charged forwards, lifting his musket up as he did so, and fired a shot, hitting an upper leg near the abdomen. He continued to run, firing another shot, and pulling out his katana. By now most of the others had also pulled their weapons out and were racing to get to Kayge, although most of the group could not make out that it was Kayge.

The spider had let go of Kayge, yet he still hung in a web on the wall. The spider had dropped to the floor of the cavern, twitching in pain. It got up and showed off its fangs with its fore legs lifted up in aggression.
Rual leapt across, slicing off a leg with his katana, and then stabbed at its face. It shrivelled backwards defencively, and now was trying to get away. It still had its fangs ready. Two arrows instantaneously penetrated into the spiders thorax, as Mistfire and Solita fired together. Soon after a bolt came from Vixtara's crossbow, hitting it in another leg, and the echo of Linor's musket as he made a near miss. Shade maneuvered himself to the beast's side, and stabbed it again with his short sword. Rual finished it off with a slice to the head, and it jolted around, with its remaining legs and limbs moving crazily about. Then it was still.

They all looked up to see Kayge still hanging.

"Cut him down!" Rual ordered.

At the far end of the cavern two more cave spiders moved slowly towards the group. One moved down towards the tunnel, and the other stayed out of sight.

(Kayge is still slightly alive, and will be well enough to talk for a bit once cut down, but he has been poisoned as the cave spider had bitten him in the stomach. He will not live much longer. His weapons (a scimitar and metal chain (which is long enough to rap neatly around your fist)) have been dropped and are laying on the ground near where the group is.)

"Help him!" Linor called out once he saw that the cave spider had been killed - he was yet to see the other two - and he ran over to get into reach of Kayge. He grabbed hold of his foot and pulled to get him lower, while the others came to help. He couldn't reach the web that held him up to the wall, so Dermos used a javelin blade to cut it free. Then they lowered Kayge to the ground, Linor keeping his head from touching the ground.

Linor cleared the web from Kayge's face, and spoke to him. "You'll be ok, we're here for you...Are you feeling cold?"

Kayge coughed. "Little bit..."

Linor pulled free a sleeping roll and placed it over him, and a pillow was placed under his head. "There you go." Linor smiled, trying to hide his worry. He looked back to Rual. "How far to the city?"

Rual shook his head, not wanting to answer.

Linor looked back to Kayge. "Don't worry, we'll figured something out."

Izaak

Relom surprised that this human actually did something for once, < Referring to mistfire`s random act of restraint> Normally that human would just blindly follow the group [maybe that mindless human is not as mindless as I thought] . (Minya is armed with a light shield and a dagger, good for ambush tactics. maybe she can be useful.I can perhaps see her worth with these cave spiders. good thing that there are two more to slay) "You calmar, assist me, just draw the attention of a spider to you, I strike it in the back then as it turns you just stab it many times."

<If Minya assist`s Shade then one of the spiders are dead. If not then Shade uses some shuriken to course it to flinch then starts slicing it`s legs off, and then retrieves the shuriken wile the spider lay on the ground with out legs>

Vixtara was momentarily frozen by the horror unfolding before her. She backed up a step, trying to deny what she was seeing with her own eyes and bumped up against the wall of the cavern. A single strand of the cave spider's web brought her senses back into focus with the sticky pull of its strength as she tried to move her arm, her good arm. With one good jerk of the wrist she was free, but not in time to prevent the attack of the cave spider who had sensed prey within its trap. From above her in the darkness another strand of web shot straight for her abdomen, and another, and another.

Frantically trying to loosen or cut herself free, Vixtara fixed herself more firmly within the net. When the strands began to tauten and pull her free of the ground she realized what was happening and screamed.

"Do not move Vixtara!" Dermos' voice broke through her panic and gave her something to focus on.

She stopped her incessant struggling and looked straight at him, "What do I do?"

"Just stay perfectly still." Dermos raised his javelin and used the blade to cut her free. She dropped a few feet to the ground, panting and struggling once again with the severed web.

Dermos helped her remove the last of the restraints, "Are you okay?" He kept his vision circling around them focused on the darkness.

"Yes, thank you."

Fall

Minya stood there, heart pounding. Attract the attention of a spider? Stab it multiple times?!

She who had before today never really gripped the hilt of her dagger in fight, she who had always left the gutting of the fish to others - fight the cave spiders? Whith the shade?

"Erm. No problem."

She heard a powerful crack and swayed slightly as rocks shuddered everywhere. An enormous spider prised its way from between cracks and let out a sibilant hiss.

The noise disgusted her - it made her think of the slopping noises waste made as it was dumped into the sea - but she couldn't afford to make any sign of it - I know I said I'd attract its notice but please please please don't let it see me! - The spider didn't seem to bother, as it saw her anyway. It looked around until its malicious vision found me. Venom - or was it saliva? - dripped from its mouth and lunged.

She was extremely lucky that time. She rolled over and just barely dodged the bite and the spider landed on the ground, sending up clouds of dust. Minya timidly brandished her dagger, and leapt onto its head. She stabbed wildly, eyes screwed shut, but all it did was laugh and scuttle to the side.

"Open your eyes! You were stabbing the walls! MORON!!!!" the Shade bellowed.

That word snapped her back to her senses and she instantly slashed at the arachnid. She missed, but something was different now. Something was saying it was afraid. She grinned; her confidence was growing.

"Be afraid!" she roared unexpectedly, diving for the floor and slashing the sword across the spider's underbelly. She was rewarded when the massive creature roared in pain and blood was released. Only a sprinkling, but still...The spider, now infuriated, lunged at her again.

This time, she felt powerful experience take over her. She jumped up and met the spider in mid-lunge, slashing it across the face. Blood splattered from the wound and she was covered in it, but she kept hacking.

Minya almost whooped. I could get used to this...

Then - What am I thinking?!

And her fingers, suddenly nerveless, lost their grip on her dagger.

((*100th Addition!*))

Rual jumped in front, blocking the spider with his sword as it went to bite at Minya, who had been, until that moment, fighting it quite well. Just then Shade appeared from behind it and attacked at its abdomen, causing it to call out with a frightful hiss. Rual took this moment to try to stab at an eye, but missed as it jolted suddenly in another bout of pain. Minya was back on her feet, and had found her dagger.

The two Rochkai were moving backwards as another cave spider climbed effortlessly down the wall. Dermos threw a javelin, landing it deep into the side of its thorax, making it fall to the ground as well, although still very much alive.

Linor had stayed by Kayge, keeping him as comfortable as he could, and making sure no spider snuck up on him. Kaybe tried to keep awake, but he began to feel the pull to go to sleep grow stronger, and his will grew weaker. "I..." He started, feeling the need to say his last words.

"Yes, Kayge?" Linor answered quickly.

"I'm going now..."

"No, we can get you help!" Linor protested.

"I...I can't..." Kayge stopped in mid sentence. His eyes became still and dull, and he stopped breathing.

(Kayge is now dead.)

When Kayge's last breath left him, Linor sat back silently, letting go of his hand that Kayge had been grasping earlier for comfort. He felt terrible that Kayge hadn't been able to finish his sentence, thinking about what it could have been as he stood up with an empty look upon his face - although inside he held himself back from crying. Everything moved in slower motion. His friend's voices were a blur as they raced around, calling out to each other in the chaos of battle.

"Linor?" Someone said. Who was it? He wondered. It sounded like it could've been Mistfire or Shray. He shook his head in an attempt to snap himself out of whatever he was feeling, and the world began to speed back up to its normal pace.

"What?" He turned, seeing Mistfire looking anxiously at him.

"Is he...?" Mistfire didn't want to say the word.

Linor looked back down at Kayge's body, then slowly up to Mistfire again, nodding. Mistfire frowned, obviously saddened.

"We better help the others." He said quietly, and started to walk towards where the others were. He unsheathed his musket and raised it towards one of the spiders, finding his aim surprisingly steady. He felt no anger or fear as he fired.

Izaak

More spiders? Relom thought with a smile on his face and blood sprayed across his mask. It`s not that Shade specialised with slicing spiders, it`s that he enjoyed seeing a spider without legs, the thought was sick but strangely hilarious. The only new information that will be added to his personal notes this time is that Dermos and Vixtara are definitely together, Rual is loyal to the group, Linor does not have the heart to put someone out of misery and Minya has very GOOD potential! If only someone would help her to reach that potential. SLASH, more blood sprayed across his mask. "Oh yes! that`s it!" Shade shouted as he struck a lethal hit to the spider. Your not considering that you instruct her! Relom continued his stream of thought. I could be the only person that realises her potential. Lets continue this another time. Relom reasons to himself.

Shade then looks around to see if anyone needs assisting with slaying the cave spiders.

A shot fired in the cavern echoed painfully, Vixtara watched as the spider twitched on the ground. She tried to be thankful that Linor has shot it, but all she could find was anger. Anger and embarrassment, that should have been her kill. She should have conquered the thing that had dared try to ensnare her.

The web had left her skin and clothing layered in a sticky substance, a reminder of the feeling of being dragged away to die. "We should move on, that shot could have brought our position to the attention of any thing for miles in these tunnels." Vixtara's words do not betray her inner turmoil. She cannot look at Dermos, sure her inability to fend for herself has lowered her in his eyes.

The group hesitates anxiously beside Kayge's still form, Mistfire looks toward Rual with her question, "We aren't just going to leave him here are we?" Vixtara looks away, at this point she doesn't care what happens, she just wants to have a bath. To wash away the sticky reminder of her fear.

((Please read this: It seems that the post within 2 days policy is too difficult for some of the members of this campfire, so the time has now been extended to three days to post. If you do not post within the three day period you will be skipped.))

The cave spiders were dead, and the group returned to Kayge's body.

"We need to bury him." Mistfire sadly spoke.

Rual looked around, seeing that the ground was hard and rocky, with little room for burying bodies. There were plenty of small rocks laying about though. "There's no place to bury him...Gather as many rocks as you can together."

The group went about foraging for rocks, and soon enough quite a pile had formed, and then they carefully placed them about Kayge, and soon he was covered neatly. Then the group stood around the grave silently for a short while, seeing that they had lost their second member in death. Rual looked down, feeling a little guilty - although not allowing it to show - because he was the leader, and it was his job to keep everyone safe. Kayge's blood was on him.
(If nobody takes his weapons to use, they get place on the grave.)

The group moved on again, this time in silence, and away from the tunnel walls when they can. Every dark place in the caves they visualise more cave spiders. Hours pass before they see the city walls, and the buildings towering above, or hanging from the roof of the cave. It was a beautiful, wonderful sight. Crystals lit up the city in a dim light. It looked much bigger than the previous city, appearing for the most part structured the same, although with one frightful difference...Fire!
Fire roared from a distant building on the far side, and smoke ascended, making the roof more difficult to see. None of the party could see much else of the goings on, but an echo of a cannon being fired gave away the situation.

"The capital is under siege. The battle is on the other side, and we are safe here. Be careful though, for the people here will be even more suspicious of outsiders. We will not stay here for long, but I must visit my guild before we leave. I am with the 9th Tome." Rual explained. He looked around at the worried faces of his group and reassured them. "I do not believe the city will fall. We will stay together this time - unless any of you have pressing business in another guild."

(Only Kearon members can be in the guilds. Feel free to make up names since there are many guilds. Izaak has already made up the Black Sun and Iron Claw guilds, who are rival guilds. Other notable guilds: Hand of the Keep (dominant mafia like guild, rival of Shadow Lantern), Order of the 9th Tome (Rual's guild), Sacred Relic (Politically the most powerful), Shadow Lantern (Act much like police, rival of Hand of the Keep), and there is apparently another guild that are allied with the Iron Claw, but I do not have a name yet. I will list these in the campfire information at the top.)

Whatever sized battle was occurring on the distant walls of the city, it still made everyone feel at least a bit uncomfortable. How did Rual know that the Pelari wouldn't succeed and storm the streets while they were inside? It was a comfort, however, that Rual had seemed protective of this group - which was nice to know, especially since he was the leader! Still, one thing in particular stood out in Linor's mind...

"What if they think I'm a spy?" Linor voiced his concern. "The Pelari are attacking, and I'm a Pelari...How often do Pelari normally travel into the underworld?"

He had hoped Rual had a more elaborate plan than to simply dress him up and cover his fins. He also looked around at everyone else for ideas, being sure someone would be able to come up with something...It would at least make him feel better!

"Maybe a cover story?" He suddenly thought...But what?

(Our character Enneagram personality types:)

Rual: Type 8 (Challenger/Asserter)
Linor: Type 9 (Peacemaker/Mediator)
Shade/Relom: Subtype 5 wing 6 (Observer/Investigator wing Loyalist/Skeptic or Problem solver)
Vixtara: Type 6 (Loyalist/Skeptic)
Minya: Type 4 (Individualist/Romantic)
Shray: Type 6 (Loyalist/Skeptic)
Dermos: Subtype 8 wing 9 (Challenger/Asserter wing Peacemaker/Mediator or the Bear)
Solita: Subtype 4 wing 5 (Individualist/Romantic wing Observer/Investigator or Aristocrat)

Izaak

"Order of the 9th tone?" Shade thought out loud while cleaning the blood off his mask. "I do actually have business to attend to... Very personal." Just then Shade zones into Linor`s pathetic concern. "Your problem is an easy fix, Pelari." Shade says to Linor as if speaking to an inferior person. "All we have to do is cover your face, say your suffering from backfire from your gun, take you to the medical building [hospital], take you to a doc that goes under the 9th tone, this means that Rual will have to be there with you,(him being of that guild) then you`l get a miraculous but not recorded recovery and the building gets another nurse, you do exactly what the doctors say and when your shift is over we`l be there to pick you up. Oh and don`t worry, people don`t question the loyalty of the ones healing the soldiers."

<If the group likes his plan then Shade leaves the group without detection. If not Shade leaves the group anyway with the excuse "Business">

"If will not slow the group down any, obviously I'm not a member of any guild, but I would like to attend to a personal matter." Vixtara's hand is sticky against her fur as she brushes her hand down an arm. She looks toward Rual in question, "Perhaps one of your guild houses, or buildings, or whatever you call them would have a bath I could have use of?"

Fall

Minya gulped. Guilds? As in, large gatherings of people?

Filled with the very people her mother had warned and warned her against, since birth? Beware...they hold secrets under their tongues and carry daggers sewn into their hems...

Their words will sweep you off your feet into glorious conspiracies, fill your head with righteousness, and stop your heart...

Not that Mother's wisdom has kept her alive, though. The insidious little voice whispered slyly. It couldn't hurt to go look, now would it? After all, wasn't killing fun? Didn't you enjoy knocking back the ale?

Of course not. Minya compressed her lips. Sidling over to Rual, she whispered, "Would you mind if I go somewhere else? I don't want to see the guilds..."

"But - "

"Please. I don't." The words practically tore themselves from her lips in her desperation to get away before she decided that she actually did want to join one.

",,,All right.,,But be bac - "

"Great! I will!" Minya bolted into the darkness.

Solita stood at the back of the group listening to Rual give instructions. Solita mind kept reflecting back on the events that unfolded in the tunnels. Solita secretly feared the spiders and that fear kept her from being much help. There was a heavy weight on her shoulders that was whispering that Kayge’s death was partly her fault. Then the usual questions of doubt rolled in her head.
What if I was stronger? What if I better protected Kayge? What could I have done to help him? Then the sound of cannon fire jolted Solita from her thoughts.
“The capital is under siege. The battle is on the other side, and we are safe here. Be careful though, for the people here will be even more suspicious of outsiders.” Rual said and he briefly looked around. “I do not believe the city will fall. We will stay together this time—unless any of you have pressing business in another guild.” Solita felt a hand on her shoulder and she instinctively grabbed and twisted it. When she saw that it was Geoffrey, Solita immediately let go.
“Geoffrey, I’m so sorry. I didn’t think.” Geoffrey checked his wrist and then smiled at Solita.
“It’s nice to know that your reflexes haven’t suffered.”
“How’d you get here?”
“It wasn’t too hard. I and several others followed a little while after you went in. I can tell your lot had a good battle and I also saw that you lost one of your own due to the burial rocks.” A melancholy look came over Solita’s face. “Solita, I need you to come with me and the others real quick.”
“What for?”
“Our city is being attacked. What other reason do you need?” Solita nodded. They were about to leave when Solita saw Linor and Shade having a brief discussion. Shade then left leaving Linor there. Solita overheard Linor’s concern about his position of a Pelari being in the city when his very people were at war with the Kearon’s. Without a word Solita walked to Linor. Geoffery waited as she talked with Linor and then they both walked back. “Who’s this?”
“His name is Linor and he is a Pelari that is with our group.” At the mention of Pelari Geoffrey narrowed his eyes. “Let me finish. He is…” Solita gave a reassuring smile to Linor. “different.” Geoffrey’s eased his stance.
“And you expect me to bring him with us to the Bereavement Syndicate guild?”
“You are their example. They look up to you and respect you. If you explain to them they will listen and honor your decision.” Geoffrey looked at Linor and after a pause resumed his soft smile that made everyone around him comfortable.”
“I hope that I will not be a burden to you.” Linor said.
“Actually, it’s the fact that Solita trust you that you shouldn’t have any problems with the people of Bereavement Syndicate. She’s one of our most trusted members. Now let’s hurry and find out what’s amiss here in our city.”

(Lady Foxx has been kicked from this campfire for becoming completely inactive. Her Human character Mistfire is now a NPC.)

Rual had observed the discussion about Linor. He himself had worried about this issue. He had been about to go along with Shade's elaborate plan when Solita had approached and offered Linor the help of her guild, which to Rual seemed a safer idea, provided the guild would listen to Solita (and by the sound of it they would).

"Solita, I will trust you will look after Linor. If you get into trouble then look for me at the 9th Tome guild - they all know me there, so as long as you can find the building you will find me. On that note I must hurry." He turned to the rest of the party. "The rest of you can follow me and stay in the guild while I discuss a few things there with the guild overseer. You will find food and a place to rest, and even baths." He briefly turned to Vixtara.

So the group split up into three. Linor with Solita and her guild members, and Shade had gone to do business of his own.

It did not take Rual long to find his guild. He left the others in the main room with a guide to show them where everything was, and entered a main room upstairs to speak with a higher ranked member.

"You took longer to get here than I expected." Were the greeting words as Rual entered.

"We encountered problems on the way, master Veargath." Rual answered.

"I have important information for you." Veargath continued. "The Noble House Irios has arranged the complete assassination of House Nimis."

Rual lifted his head and listened intently as his master explained an inside war occurring in the country of Pelar (Pelar is the name of the country of the Pelari).

"We cannot allow this." Rual shook his head slowly.

"Exactly. And you are the one for this mission of dire need. It is a dangerous mission, I know, but if they succeed there will be no hope for peace."

"I will have to explain this to my followers. I cannot expect them to follow me unknowingly into such danger. They must know everything if they are to come with me."

"Do you trust them that much? What if you have a spy in your midst?"

"I would know. I keep watch over all of them." Rual answered. Veargath nodded.

Rual left the main upper room and found the group already eating a meal. They all stopped and watched him as he entered.

"I have a mission of great importance. A dangerous mission. We can only stay here until the others return, so freshen up while you can, for then whoever wishes can follow me to the docks of the underworld river. From there I will be travelling to Pelar, and I must prevent Emperor Vestius Irios from assassinating House Nimis."

"Why do we have to risk our necks for a Pelari House?" Shray stood up, obviously disturbed by the idea.

"House Nimis seeks peace."

Linor had kept his fins wrapped up, and tried to look as inconspicuous as possible while he followed Solita and Geoffrey through the streets, feeling that if he wasn't spotted they wouldn't be stopped. He had also figured out that Solita must be a fairly important member of her guild, and so he should be alright.

"How much further?" He asked Solita.

"Not far, we just have to pass a few more streets and we're there."

"Good." Linor said.

They continued through a crowd of people - all of them Kearon - and Linor tried not to notice the glances of suspicious people as they saw how covered up he was. He now worried that being covered would make him look all the more odd, making him easy to pick out in a crowd (let alone the peach colour of his skin, which he was sure the Kearon could tell the difference of, even in the dim light), but he reassured himself that being covered up was better than if everyone could see his fins...Then he'd be stopped for sure! No one had yet stopped them either, so they were for now getting away with it, it seemed. Maybe the fact that he walked closely with other Kearon made the difference.

Linor waited until they had passed through the bulk of the crowd before speaking again. "Thank you for your help." He spoke softly to Solita.

Izaak

Relom walked through the streets and felt relaxed for once in a long time, he walked slowly to a carriage with a sign saying. "Not open to the public." Then knocking on it`s door and quickly taking of his mask. a small visor opens for a moment then the door of the carriage opens and a man with fancy clothes and a top hat with a symbol of an eye. "Relom?! err, come in come in" The man urged. Relom goes into the carriage and says. "Aroce, nice to see your alive." Aroce laughed. "Your the one who died! And yet your before me now." "It`s a long story which I hope to explain in the future but before then business, how are we surviving?" Relom replies. Aroce looks with disappointment "I`m sorry to report. I`v had to call in some favours so we could scrape by and yet still some of us fall, we have a new recruit but I don`t know how long he`l last." Aroce takes a breath. "We`r done for." Relom starts to laugh. "No! No we are not!" Aroce freezes for a moment in shock. "What." Relom continues. "Because I`m calling in a favour! At the south east guard tower there is one suited up just like a law enforcer except with a spider`s web pattern on his shield. you say -It`s easier to swallow broken glass then to accept a liar- this one will reply with -who sent you?- then you say -Shade sent me- then explain your situation." Aroce looks with a confused look. "Shade? And this is going to fix everything?" "Yes! I am running out of time, you have the information I`v requested?" Aroce quickly palls out a letter. Shade snatches it out of Aroce`s hand, then quickly scans it while taping his blade, then puts the letter away, his mask back on. "Till next time" Shade says before leaving the carriage then stars laughing to himself while moving to his next location.

Shade shows up at the 9th tome building cleaning his blade.

Feeling refreshed and invigorated, Vixtara found herself waiting outside the Guild's house. She paced the length of the building, waiting for the others to return. Eager to prove, to herself and others, that she was not a dead weight in a fight, she drilled herself on battle moves. Not physically, as she didn't want to draw attention to herself in a foreign land, but within her mind.

While reciting the technique for disabling a fighter's sword arm while still defending yourself she heard footsteps from around the corner of the building. Widening her stance, Vixtara stood ready for anything. Her grip on the cat o' nine tails loosened as she recognized Dermos under the faint glow of the Kearon lighting.

"Dermos, any word yet from the others?"

"No, I don't believe any of them have returned, but it is still early."

Vixtara relaxed, nearly involuntarily, and tightened slightly as she realized what had happened. It was awkward for her to feel comfortable around anyone, but Dermos reminded her of home. He reminded her of a community she had long ago given up hope of ever finding again. "Waiting has never been my strongest asset."

Dermos smiled at her, "Nor mine, I think impatience for impending action is a curse of our kind."

Silence reigned as they acknowledged their connection of background and culture with the hesitation of those who could find no way to bridge an expanse.

Fall

The music pounded in time to her heartbeat. She could feel the grind in her chest - doom, doom.

Like every other establishment she'd been in so far in the city, the bar was filled with a mass of snarling, grunting, drinking, fighting bodies and (probably to mask the fact that the room hadn't been clean since it was built) the greasy illumination smeared the air with smog, blurring vision.

Minya was grateful. It provided security, a haven from...what?

She couldn't really remember anymore. But it was prudent to keep her head down, of course, wasn't it? So that...something...couldn't get her and do...something nasty to her.

Ach, what is happening? Why do I remember nothing? Why are my thoughts starting to - dry out?

A cold crystal lump of suspicion congealed in the pit of her stomach. No, surely not. It's true, I haven't been in the water for a week or so now, but still, some have been able to go a month...it can't be. Besides, Mother always did say that possibly theoretically maybe it was just an old wife's tale...

Ah, but if she were really so sure, she'd show you, wouldn't she?

There have been plenty of wars in the past when the Calmar fought and marched. I can't be drying out. It's absurd. The whole notion is ridiculous, really...

They fought, yes. While submerged in the rivers. And the camped by the water's side. Whereas you...you haven't touched water since you were in that cave, have you? And when was the last time you actually swam?

"Bartender," Minya said a bit loudly, "A large drink, please."

"Which one?"

"I don't care. Something strong."

The man grunted, filled a tankard, and slid it down the table towards her, foam slopping out. She wanted to join the rest of the bar in oblivion. She felt like there was a dead zone in her brain keeping her disconnected from the rest of all living things. The muggy air of the bar transformed from a nest into a straitjacket. Her head swam.

She almost laughed. My mind is swimming, she thought delightedly. Drying out, indeed.

At the edges of her vision, the air seemed to darkle, brighten, darkle rhythmically, the acuity of her vision sharpening briefly with every thrust of her heart.

Minya closed her eyes and drank.

“Thank you for your help.” Linor said softly to Solita.
“No, thank you. I thought that you were the same as our enemies—the Pelari that we’ve been at constant quarrels with. I see that you are kind and that only means that there are others that are like you. At least, that’s what I hope.” The group came to an empty alley that led to a single door. Geoffrey knocked on the door and a slit in it opened. A pair of eyes quickly looked over Geoffrey, Solita, and then Linor.
“Who’s the guest?” The voice on the opposite side of the door asked.
“He is a loyal friend of mine and Solita’s.” Geoffrey answered.
“A loyal friend?” The pair of eyes lingered a moment longer before the slit closed and the door opened. Behind the door was a big burly man. “I assume that you grace us with your presence only because of what is happening right now.”
“Of course. There’s no other reason I would trouble myself the long walk otherwise.” The burly man scratched his short messy hair. “Well, you didn’t miss much. The attack started about an hour ago. Apparently some Pelari somehow made it inside the city and put fire to one of the guilds headquarters. Must have taken ‘em by surprise to overthrow a whole guild. Either that or there wasn’t that many to begin with. Heard it was Shadow Lantern that took the hit.”
“It must have been to send the city’s initial defenses into a confusion or panic.” Solita added. “Since the police will be too disordered then it’s up to the citizens and other guilds to defend the city until the royal guard can arrive and by the time that happens plenty of damage can be done.” The big man smiled.
“Spoken like a true heir! Your mother would be proud.” Solita’s face reflected regret for a brief moment but quickly faded and Geoffrey gave a hard stare at the doorsman.
“Geoffrey, gather everyone. I would wish to have a word.” Solita then turned to Linor. “You, come with me.” After everyone within the guild gathered into a large meeting room Solita started to step to the front with Linor in tow. Linor looked at the full house of Kearons and quickly turned to Solita.
“Solita, what are you doing bringing me up here? I’ll be—” Solita quickly turned to Linor.
“Do you trust me, Linor?” They both stood in silence, the crowd’s eyes on them. Linor looked to the crowd and then looked at Solita.
“Yes, I do.” Solita smiled and Linor allowed her to bring him to the front of the mass with her.
“Bereavement Syndicate, as you know I am here today with news that will be very important to you all. We all know that there has been a direct attack to our homeland. We cannot rely on no one but ourselves to defend our home. Earlier I was sent out on a solo mission to gather Pelari intelligence. What I found completely opened my eyes to a whole new ray of possibilities. I ended up traveling with a band of warriors. What I found strange was that this group was not made up of Kearons, Calmars, Rockhai, Pelari, or even humans but were of all races.” The house erupted into murmurs. Upon speaking again the house quickly quieted down. “I have here with me one of the many companions that has aided me and helped open my eyes to a new world.” Solita stepped to the side to introduce Linor to the crowd. “This is Linor. He is a Pelari.” Instantly the company was in an uproar. Most people shouted angrily, some spat on the ground, while others stood with their hands on their weapons. Solita had to shout to be heard and Geoffrey stepped up ready to defend her. “AND HE IS MY FRIEND AND ALLY!”
“How do you know he is to be trusted? He could take us all out the second we get comfortable around him!” A female in the crowd shouted.
“I assure you he is with us. And if he betrays us in any way then I renounce my title as well as privileges as a member of this guild and a Kearon.” The room suddenly grew silent and still. “And you may execute me as a criminal to treason.”
“Solita, you don’t have to—” Linor started but Solita only smiled at him.
“How do I expect you to trust me if I do not place my trust in you.” Solita turned back to her guild members. “Now as I mentioned before there are a group of people that are a collection of different races that I travelled with. They were led by a Kearon named Rual. He is a member of the Order of the 9th Tome. I suggest that we make an alliance with them. We cannot defend ourselves alone and now it is your time to place trust in someone. It is our strength that can end this war.” With that Solita stepped down with Linor right behind her. Geoffrey greeted her with his usual warm smile.
“What in blazes brought that on? It seems like you’ve done the impossible and actually got our lot on your side.”
“I call it inspiration from my friend, Linor.”
“Now all that is left is getting your alliance idea through the old man that’s in charge.”
“I trust you’ll do it quickly. There’s no way he can refuse with the whole guild behind us.” Geoffrey chuckled.
“Quite true. Oh, and that reminds me.” Geoffrey dug through his pockets. “Since our friend, Linor, here attended a guild meeting I guess that unofficially makes him a member of our guild. At least for the time being and who knows. Maybe it can be made official if Linor would have it.” Geoffrey handed Linor a pin of the guild’s insignia. “Plus, it will protect you from the other Kearons as well as let us point you out from the other Pelari.”
“Yes, I think it’s time we got going.” Geoffrey quickly pulled Solita aside.
“Make sure you keep an eye on that suspicious Kearon. If there is anyone I have a hard time trusting, it’s him.” Solita nodded her head as her and Linor exited the door and rushed to join with the others.

By now all of the party were gathered inside the main building of the Order of the 9th Tome guild, and Rual made sure everyone knew what was required for their next quest.

"On the journey we must not let anyone outside the group know what we are doing, in fact let us try not to speak of it outside of this building. This is our most dangerous journey yet, for all those who would follow me, so anyone who wishes to stay will not be looked down upon. We may not succeed, and whoever follows may never see the underworld again." Rual explained with a look of melancholy on his face as he looked around at all his party.

Shray was still not convinced. "Why must you go and save the Pelari House Nimis again? I doubt they'd do the same for you."

Rual paused for a moment and thought about it before answering the question. Right now he believed that whoever was considering following would have to know anyway for this particular quest. "I see a way to stop this war. Pelari and Kearon kill each other needlessly on account of the corrupt people in power, and these stand on both sides of the battlefield, but do not fight along side the poor. This is not the work of the brave, yet it is the brave who must pay the price. This is why I stand for the Order of the 9th Tome - the guild that seeks peace - and this is why I must save House Nimis - a House much like this guild I represent. The reason why they are being targeted is because they are trying to stop this war, and stand up to Emperor Vestius Irios to do this." Rual looked around once more. "I do not expect any of you to risk your lives for a Pelari House. You are free to choose your own paths now. I thank you all for following me this far."

Dermos took a step forward and grunted. "You do not go alone. I travel with you." He then shyly looked over towards Vixtara, worried about what she may think at that moment. He also hoped that she herself would not go. He had become to like her, and hated to think of seeing her in danger. He figured that one Rochkai would be enough for this quest.

Some of the 9th Tome members had already prepared themselves, and planned to follow. They also stood forwards and announced they were coming. They numbered seven members. Then Mistfire stepped forward and said she would come.

"Ok..." Shray looked around nervously, and then also moved forwards with the others. "Won't let you go alone...Someone has to watch your back." She smiled weakly.

(If you choose not to follow Rual on his quest to save House Nimis, you can still play your character how you wish and go your separate way. For example you may wish to stay and help defend the city, or form your own party.)

Linor was deeply moved by the events that had just happened, it had been an overwhelming day for him. He felt like he had formed a true friendship with Solita, and today marked it down clearer than ever. He made sure he told Geoffrey how honoured he felt to receive the Bereavement Syndicate insignia, and was happy to be apart of it. Being offered membership into a Kearon guild was the last thing he'd expected would happen when he first left Pelar, from what he could tell this was a historical moment for both races, especially since the two races were still at war with each other!

"I will wear this, even when I am back in Pelar!" He had declared to both Geoffrey and Solita as he proudly pinned it onto his shirt. By now he was almost dizzy with exciting emotion - a mixture of joy and anxiety, which he was sure he had never felt before, at least like this.

Soon they were at the Order of the 9th Tome guild, and they had all heard Rual's speech (Making it an even more overwhelming day!). Linor watched as some stepped forward and announced that they would undergo this dangerous journey. It was then that it occurred to him that he could be useful if he also went...He would should the Pelari that a united group of all races could live peacefully with each other, and he was sure he could help with diplomacy (he remembered there could be politics involved in such matters with the Pelari). He at least hoped he would be of good help, since his abilities with diplomacy had never been fully tested. All he knew for a certainty was that he liked the idea of being a diplomat - he had always liked this idea. On top of that he felt that it wouldn't be so dangerous for him personally, and just having a Pelari with the group may make it safer for everyone in the group - just like how he was safer walking with the Kearon members while in the underworld. He then also stepped forward.

"I, too, will follow!"

Izaak

If I go and the war ends then I would be giving my guild favour, (by me going along people will know that the Black Sun guild supports peace), this would be good! But why can`t I tell anyone about this? Relom thought for a moment. I doubt that this applies to those who I trust. Shade looks at linor noticing the Bereavement Syndicate insignia and wondered -how did that Pelari get that guild insignia?- Relom quickly shook himself back to his previous thoughts. I must explain to my guild, but how? Shade says to Rual "I'll go with you to Pelar." A time after he secretly tries to write a letter to the Black Sun guild.

[ Going to Pelar. leader of group Rual, pursues peace and a member of the 9th Tome. Group mixed race, if we succeed then favour for the Black Sun! If fail then we loose only one member on the worst case scenario.-This is a good investment- Hope all is well with the Mystic Web and that you report soon. Wishful thinking from Relom.
T7 /V ^v}{ _]

Soon after the group leaves the building to start the journey to Pelar Shade bumps into a stranger and without anyone noticing the message was past to the stranger who also past a massage to Shade. the stranger then after walking for a minute, bumped into an other person, transferring Shade`s massage quickly then the second person disappears into the crowed.

Fall

Minya raced furiously after the departing group, heart and mind furiously whaling against one another.

"Wait!" she shrieked. "I - I'm going to Pelar too!"

It isn't worth it! Life isn't worth risking for the water, especially when you don't even know if you can get it back, and besides, if you go your own way you might be able to find a pond or something and -

I don't want to become separated from these people.

"I'm going! I am! No one will change my mind!" she practically bellowed. The hilt of her dagger dug bloody welts into her palms. "I'm going. I am,"

Rual - I know his name. Is that good? - looked intently at her. "Are you sure?"

Minya shrugged, gulped, nodded a no. "I want to feel alive. And to see if I can get revenge. And... I'm bored. I won't make trouble. I don't want to, and I'm not capable of it anymore. I've lost the touch, you see."

The silver-eyed Kearon scrutinized her like one would study a mouse that had suddenly sprouted wings. "Well," he said finally as she stared right back at him, daring him to say no, ready to jump on him or run away if he refused. "All right."

*Before Rual’s group leaves after Shade announces that he will go with them as well.

Solita thought about the decision of going into Pelar. It was almost like walking directly into hostile territory.
It is walking into direct hostile territory. She thought to herself. Then again she felt a sort of bond with the group now and there was no point in staying behind. Then Linor stepped forward volunteering to join Rual’s group. Linor, has taught me in a short time than what took my tutors back at home years. Her tutors only instructed Solita that the Pelari people were savages and that they were ruthless through and through. Solita believed this, of course, because it was drilled into her mind since an early age and is taught to just about every Kearon.
Rual was another person that had helped Solita as well. He took her in as part of the group when he didn’t even know her. She would still like to get to know the Rockhai’s and Calmar and the humans as well.
“I will go as well!” A familiar voice boomed and Solita quickly turned to see Geoffrey. Solita rushed to him.
“Geoffrey, what in blazes are you doing here?”
“I talked with the old man. He of course, was swooned by my charming words and your heroic deeds. But he gave one condition.”
“And?”
“As this moment forward I will be joining you on your quest as your royal knight.” Geoffrey made a bow so low Solita couldn’t tell if it was really out of respect on if he was exaggerating.
“Well, you do know you volunteered when I myself haven’t yet?” Geoffrey quickly stood up straight again.
“You’re not going?” Solita was about to answer when Rual spoke first.
“Excuse me but I don’t remember you joining our group. I would hate for you to be burdened by our actions.” Geoffrey bowed again, this time fully respectfully, and pulled out a small scroll.
“Rual of the 9th Tome, I deliver this letter from the elder of Bereavement Syndicate to you explaining my current and future actions.” Rual walked to Geoffrey and took the scroll.

Sir of the 9th Tome, I have heard a great deal about you from a couple of my most trusted members of Bereavement Syndicate. It seems that you have a band of different races under your command. At first when I received word of this I didn’t believe it especially being that you were Kearon of such high esteem. But just recently Solita brought a person that was in the group she travelled with that you led. To mine and everyone else of my guild’s surprise it was a Pelari! What Solita done was very foolish but also very valiant. She managed to sway my guild to start thinking from a new perspective and I myself am also inspired. Thanks to Geoffrey we are now the first guild to take a Pelari into our ranks on record. I only pray that others will soon follow our example. This series of events also has me taking immediate action. From this point forward, if you were to except it, I announce an allegiance between The 9th Tome and Bereavement Syndicate and to show my appreciation and trust in you efforts I entrust my two top members to accompany you. Solita and Geoffrey. While they are under your command they are your people to lead and give orders. I trust that they will be a benefit to your ranks.

Eugene Charles
Leader of Bereavement Syndicate

Rual smiled and Solita raised her hand. “Rual, I am going as well.” Both Solita and Geoffrey placed their right fist over their chest and bowed. “I hope that we can help put an end to this so we may start rebuilding a new society that is positive in everyone’s eyes.”

Rual was very pleased to see that so far everyone was coming with him. He knew very well that the mere fact that the group was a mixture of races would help with their success - if they were to succeed.
Also the Bereavement Syndicate had offered an official alliance with his guild, and he intended on accepting this. He immediately showed the letter to Master Veargath, who was, as far as he could tell, equally pleased by the offer. He wrote a letter back accepting the agreement and offering to meet up with Eugene.

Now the group was ready to leave, and so they all left the guild together and headed for the docks just outside the south of the city. This dock was for the rather large river that continued all the way outside the underworld and met up with a Calmar dock, where he planned to get a ride to Pelar. The boat they got onto was roomy enough for everybody, and so they were off, floating down the river with the light torches on the boat, as well as large crystals on the tunnel walls, somewhere connected to the generators to give them their glow, showing the way, and allowing the boat's captain to see where he was going without crashing into rocks. They passed towers that stood on either side of the river at one point, where had archers keeping watch at the top of them. Further down the tunnel they saw openings in the tunnel that lead to other tunnels unseen. Pale troglodytes ducked for cover when the boat passed by, their skin wrinkly and as white as skin can get, and their eyes big, dark beads to help them see in such blackness.

It would be several hours before they would yet see the sun.

Linor was relieved when he saw that Solita and Geoffrey were coming along too, especially because he felt closest to Solita out of all the group. He could also feel a measure of pride in his heart, now that they were journeying. He had always viewed himself as nobody special, but doing something so important - not to mention dangerous too - made him feel a little important.

It was strange seeing troglodytes for the first time. He had to ask what they were at first, but he was sure he had heard stories about them...He had just never thought of them as real before. He found himself hoping to see one come out of hiding, wishing to get a good look at one, although it was difficult anyway in the darkness and all.

Izaak

Minya`s outburst shocked Shade for a moment. Talk about undecided. Relom thought to himself. Well, at lest he knows Minya`s state of mind.

Hearing Linor`s question about the troglodytes, Shade says "It`s said that troglodytes were once human but rejected the light. They also perceived the moon to be a symbol of light, so they moved to the caves. The underworld being the only way to escape the light. Interesting, yes?"
Shade remembers the letter that was past to him recently, although glad that none of the members of the group knew about the letter, nerves about reading it under the surveillance especially with Geoffrey in the group. (Unfortunately Relom has little patients in the subject of information)

Standing toward the bow on the starboard side of the subterranean ship, Vixtara watched the troglodytes scurry away from the light. Her earlier anticipation for the fight had waned somewhat in the wake of the awkwardness between her and Dermos.

Alone, she felt so alone. Yet, joined with this group, she'd had more contact with others in the past days than she had in the previous year before. Humming the haunting melody she had heard in the marketplace of the first Kearon city they had visited, Vixtara trailed her hand along the railing of the deck as she made her way toward the stern.

"Why do you not join the others?" Dermos asked from behind her, startling a reaction of fear that vibrated down her spine. "You do not need to fear me."

Dermos kept his distance as Vixtara relaxed her grip on her weapon. "I know." She barely whispered the words, and Dermos drew closer to her to respond in a similar tone.

"From what I remember the Rockhai have always been a proud people, not afraid to socialize, simply preferring their own kind and the mountains of their homeland. Yet, you choose to join our group and do not say more than a few words. Why do you close yourself off so completely?"

Vixtara turned away as she recalled the easy banter Dermos had exchanged with the others from time to time, nothing serious, just talking. She forced herself to form the words, no matter how painful it was to speak them. "Everyone I've ever cared for, is dead. I'm cursed."

There, she'd said it, he would walk away, probably tell Rual that she was a threat to the group, and she would be abandoned, again. Her mind went back to the battle that took her clans lives. So long ago, yet so very vivid in her mind.

All around her were the bloody bodies, and with her arm injured as it had been, cut from shoulder to elbow, she had not been able to give them the burials they deserved. A tear fell to mix with the churning water below and Dermos did the unexpected. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. A hug, a simple gesture, but one that said so much.

The opening of the cave was quite a stunning sight, as clear aqua coloured waves tumbled down into the tunnel, some of it crashing against the walls as they did so. Behind them the sea was blue, with the sun high in the sky enriching the colour. The boat felt the waves as it exited the cave, and veered left to follow the coast. Not far ahead was another dock, much larger than the one they left from outside the capital in the underworld. This dock was full of Calmar fishermen and traders - they were now entering into Calmara.

Rual turned to the group. "We will be getting on a ship here, which will take us the rest of the way to Pelar."

Their boat docked and all seventeen of the group got off and followed Rual to find a ship. A Calmar man approached Rual and stopped him to talk - his scales with mostly a silvery colour, with the hint of blue shinning through them, and darker grey spots scattered mostly on his back. He wore a large rice hat made from seaweed which covered his eyes when he tilted his head slightly forwards.

"Fellow guild member!" He declared to everyone's surprise. Sure enough, he wore the guild insignia from the 9th Tome, and the fact that he was a Calmar was no issue, since the 9th Tome had been recruiting members from other races (except Pelari) for some time now. "I know of your quest, we need not speak of it. I am here to come with you on your journey..." He looked into the party and saw that there already was a Calmar with them. "Nice to see you already have one of us with you, but if you know much about our ways you will know too that we work better in numbers...Two Calmar is better than one."

"What's your name?" Rual asked.

"Tuupin, at your serves!" He bowed forward with his hands together respectfully.

"We will need all the help we can get. You are welcome to join us, Tuupin."

Now they made their way to where their ship was docked. The ship looked like a junk ("junk" as in old-fashioned Chinese ship), with straight sails attached to several beams of wood, resembling the fins of fish. The Calmar captain awaited. "You have money? She is nice ship." The Calmar said. Rual goes to pay for their journey. The party began boarding the ship, and soon they will be sailing towards Pelar.

Tuupin was the newest member of the party, so Linor went to meet him as they were about to board the ship.

"It's nice to have another Calmar join us! I think Minya will appreciate no longer being the only one of her kind in our group...Plus the more the merrier all of us as far as I'm concerned!" Linor smiled.

"Thank you for making me feel welcome." Tuupin smiled back.

In his mind, Linor told himself "So far so good..." as they boarded the ship. It was a good start to their quest, and they had a good number in the group - sure they would not be as covert as a smaller group, but together a large group was strong. He had real hope that they would succeed, but only time would reveal whether or not they do.

Izaak

While Rual was getting the money the rest of the group boarded the ship except Relom. Relom just stood there watching Rual then walked in front of Rual interrupting by showing a stop gesture to him (reviling a tattoo of an eye on the palm of his hand) and says. "I`ll handle this."(Rual didn`t like this at all but was simply restraining himself) Then Shade says to the captain. "Do you know one by the name of Oraion Shimerin?" The captain thought for a moment then replied. "Ah, yes! He has made some fine improvements for us in the past." Shade then presents a deal. "Well, I know him very well, and he did speak highly of the Calmar. unfortunately he`s busy these days, however I am one of his agents (a representative) so business can continue. however he proposed that I work on an improvement for the price of the trip to Pelar." The captain looked with curiosity. "what kind of improvement." Shade then says. "It`s a stepping stone to ships unhindered by land." The captain looked at Shade as if looking at an insane person. "And if it doesn`t workout?" Shade quickly mentions. "We`ll give you something for your trouble. you cannot loose!" Tuupin agreed to the deal. Shade looks back at Rual, seeing him with a very serious face, Shade thought to himself.-there it is! Not so perfect after all- Shade walks onto the ship with a grin.

Rual, Shade, and Linor were talking with the Calmar that had just joined the group while Vixtara stood watching the ship heave with the tide. She'd never sailed in open water before.

Rual called out to her as Shade boarded, "Aren't you coming?"

Heaving a sigh, Vixtara hissed, trying to overcome her anxiety, "Yes."

The board that balanced between ship and shore was not at all steady, but Vixtara avoided looking down and made her way to the deck without any difficulty.

Dermos was speaking with a group of the others, and caught her eye. She blushed, though no one could see it underneath her fur, and contemplated joining the discussion.

Fall

Minya felt a sense of relief wash over her as they made their way over the water, being occasionally jostled by the choppy motion of the waves. She was going to...do something, and these people would help her. She wouldn't have to worry about drying out anymore either - at the first sign of danger, she could dive right in.

Speaking of which...she glanced down at her scales. Flaking, but not yet...no, no need to jump in yet...besides, you're so out of practice you'll probably get left behind, the boat's going so fast...

They'd pull me up or something...

Why draw attention to yourself? Why ask for trouble?

If I dry out life won't be worth living. I think that's a very good reason. Minya arched her back, preparing to spring.

But there's salt in the sea, and salt dries people out. It might work in reverse.

This is a river.

Even the weariest river winds somewhere out to sea.

That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

Go ask the other Calmar - he'll confirm it. Another ten minutes won't hurt. It might save your life. She looked up at the ceiling, imagining the skies aboue - the clouds sparse, the sun beaming down, every lazy pulse another precious moment lost. It was absurd, really - how could diving into water dry a person out? And yet - yet -

Tears would've filled her eyes had she been any other species, but her body was clinging on to all the moisture it had left.

Her heart swelled with emotion as she turned away from the beckoning waves. "I'll be back," she vowed at them. Her voice dripped with longing as she spoke out to the water. "Right back. Right away."

As the boat started moving Solita felt fine. The scenery looked marvelous, the sound of the waves, and the steady rocking of the boat.
The rocking is— I don’t feel so good. Solita suddenly thought to herself. She suddenly felt very nauseated. And quickly ran to the side of the boat. Solita hung her head over the side ready if she had to give up any of the day’s meals. Geoffrey spotted the spectacle and walked to her with a wide grin on his face.
“What’s so funny?” Solita asked in an irritated but groggy voice.
“This is your first time on a boat?”
“I prefer being on a surface that is completely solid and doesn’t sway.” Geoffrey chuckled and it caught Rual’s attention. He walked over and kneeled down next to Solita.
“Sea sickness?”
“I guess you can call it that.”
“Don’t worry. It’s quite common and only last until you get your sea legs. In the meantime try and look out towards the horizon. It helps.” Solita nodded her head.
“Thank you, Rual. May I please be left alone? I rather no one see me in such a miserable state.” Both Rual and Geoffrey agreed and walked off.
“So we have another Calmar on our squad. Our numbers are growing.” Geoffrey said.
“They more the merrier.” Geoffrey nodded his head.
“So I’ve noticed Shade and you seem to not exactly seem eye to eye. Do you mind telling me if anything happened between you two? Because if there is a potential rotten apple it must be taken care of.”

Now that everybody was on board, and the ship was on its way, Rual decided to privately approach Shade to discuss what had happened earlier. Shade had suddenly interrupted Rual, and although he probably meant well - especially with getting a deal for everyone's passage - he did not like the way he had handled it. He called Shade over into the cabin so the other's wouldn't be disturbed.

"Shade, you need to show more respect to me." Rual's voice exposed his inward anger from his outward self-possessed self. "I am the leader of this group, and I am the one responsible for everyone's lives here." His voice grew louder as he inadvertently backed Shade into a corner.

Shade manoeuvres himself so he has a path to get away from Rual if need be, but all the while staring back into Rual's eyes. "How much did it cost you to get aboard this ship? In fact nobody paid to get on this ship except me."

Rual laughed in an unhappy fashion, then continued. "And if your invention fails who pays for us then? Me, that's who!"

"Don't worry, it will work. I have much confidence in this."

"Well I'm glad one of us does!"

Rual could feel his anger continuing to build, and so he stopped himself. "That's enough of this. I have the money to pay for everyone if you fail anyway. Just remember to show respect to me in the future. You're excused!" He pointed to the door.

Izaak

Shade walks through the door strait after Rual commands him to leave. This will be no easy task, Relom thought while looking around for some assistants."You! Calmar, come here." Shade points to one of the crew of the ship. "yes? what you want?" The crew member answered. "Do you know the blue prints for this ship?" Shade inquired. "no. but I know someone that does." the Calmar replied. "Good! Then bring that one to the ship`s storage. That one should be able to help me with a problem." Shade says before walking to the storage.

"This is a nice secluded spot." Relom says in a peaceful tone while waiting for that calmar, he then pulls out that letter that was handed to him by his guild recently,. The door to the storage room opens. "You wanted to see me?" The crew member said with a shy look. "excellent, come in, we`v got work to do." Relom says while looking strait at him. "Work?" The calmar looks back with a confused look. "Oh I sorry, I`m getting ahead of myself. what`s your name?" Relom says with sincerity. "Julint." "Well Julint, my friends call me Shade. We`r going to be partners for a while... well until the ship improvement has been installed. Shade says while removing his mask. "Shade? We`r going to be partners? And what kind of improvements?" Julint says with a concerned voice. "Don`t worry, I`v explain while we work. Which reminds me, I need you to draw the ship blue prints." Shade hands Julint some paper and a pen. "Do take your time, I need this to be right!" Julint starts to draw. Relom starts to read the letter.

(letter) Relom Shimerin. We`v made contact with the mystic web guild and they will keep us alive, but that is all they`l do for now.
however there's a disturbing matter I must mention. The traitor was thought to be killed by a ghost or phantom, his face cut off, and judging by the tier marks on the face means that he was alive and struggling while in was being removed!? Next mission will be more peaceful, we cannot let this happen again, because it reflects poorly on the guild! Anyway hope to see you again. (Signed Guild Enforcer) L/]KX|

Fall

It really can happen, Minya thought in horror, straining her ears - she could hear great globules of moisture shucking themselves from her pores, leeching the never-ceasing murmuring of the Waters from her nerves, leaving behind only the mundane lapping of waves, repetetive and despairing.

WHERE IS HE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? He wasn't there; there being wherever she would choose to be if she had the choice.

Not that I don't have a choice. I can choose to be anywhere, anytime I want to. I just can't right now.

You're going crazy.

Minya whipped arond mindlessly and sprinted around the ship, panting, on feet that were slowly growing steadier; nearly tramping the rockhai, and the Pelari - Rual? Linor? Shade? Whatever his name was - and the other Rockhai, and someone else who was very significant right now but she couldn't remember why because she didn't know him......

She knew she was unrecognizable. Her eyes were red, her face flushed and her clothing shredded. Her hands were clutchiing wildly, randomly, at the air, ripping holes in it probably. She tried to focus on them, make them understand, and collapsed to her knees.

"Help me. Please."

Solita sat near the edge of the boat feeling a little better. She had no more fear of throwing up because there was no longer anything to lose. Just then she saw Minya. The spectacle the Calmar put on was a little entertaining and Solita began to think Minya was drunk again but then she collapsed. Solita was instantly by Minya’s side.
“Hey, are you alright?” When Solita tried raising Minya upright she felt how dry the Calmar’s skin felt. By this time most of the ship’s crew had gathered. “Calmars need water don’t they? Her skin is very dry and rough.” Rual quickly stepped forward.
“Does anyone know how long it has been since Minya was in water?” Everyone was silent. There were only shrugged shoulders and glances at each other.
“Why didn’t she just jump in before we left?” Solita asked. “Or right now for that matter? Why would someone hurt themselves like this?”
“We can ask her once she awakens.” Rual answered and then turned to everyone. “Linor and Geoffrey, I need you to take Minya to a cabin. Solita if you would be kind to get a tub and Vixtara get some water for it. The rest of you can go about your business. Everyone did as they were told. Geoffrey and Linor brought Minya to a cabin and laid her on a cot. Solita then brought in a large tin tub with Vixtara following soon after wards with a couple of full buckets of water. Rual stepped into the cabin followed by Tuupin.
“Fill the tub with the water and quickly place the girl inside.” Tuupin quickly said. They did as they were told. “Now we wait for her to awake and give us an explanation. You all can go back to what you were doing. I’ll call you when she is able.”

Rual worried about Minya as she was unconscious for the time being, and was eager to get her into the tub, so he found himself feeling impatient and telling the others to hurry things up while he stayed with Minya. He had not noticed how much she had been suffering, and had been ignoring her strange comments, but if she was sick it all was making sense. He placed his hand on her forehead to feel her temperature, and found it quite warm. He found he knew less about the Calmar than he had originally realised.

He turned to Tuupin who was next to him. "Will she be alright?" He asked softly so as not to worry any of the others.

"Yes, she only needs water." He answered confidently, making Rual feel better about her situation.

"The tub is full now." Came Solita's voice. She had come quickly, and looked nervous too about her. She seemed to be silently inquiring how Minya was going as she spoke.

"Good." He looked to the others in the room. "Help me to shift her..."

They all got together and moved her into the next room where the tub was set up. The water swished around as the boat rocked. They gentle lifted Minya over the rim and into the tub, letting the cool water cover all but her face. Vixtara had a wet cloth ready to wipe the dry skin on her face. They all waited for her to wake.

By now all of the group and a couple of the crew were crowding around the room.

The last few minutes had been chaos - something Linor found very stressful, and part of him wanted to just run away...His friend was sick though, and so there was no way he was going to run. He found himself squished between several others inside the room where Minya was in the tub, and even with his natural hight he couldn't see her over everyone else. He waited a moment and found the appropriate time to politely ask to push through, and got through the bulk of the crowd, although he was still behind Solita and Rual, and Vixtara and Tuupin were on the other side of the tub, each helping in some way.

He put his hand gentle on Solita's shoulder to comfort her. "She'll be alright." He whispered.

It was clear to him that everyone else was concerned for her also, and after seeing Minya was at least looking better (even though she was still unconscious) he felt the need to calm everyone.

He looked around and spoke. "I can see her from here and she's looking ok, I think she's about to wake..." Linor's voice showed a calmness that surprised even himself. He quickly turned back to see if his prediction was true.

Izaak

Relom puts the letter away and looks at the blue prints, [not finished] Julint`s drawing slows down and then stops. "I`m sorry, I can`t do this." Julint says with his hands on his head. "What do you mean, you can`t do this? I need this to be right, how do you expect us to shine in the land of the dim witted if we can`t get this right?!" Relom raised his voice. "You haven't even told me what this thing is!" Julint replied. "Well what`s the point if your not doing the blue prints. Unless you go through the ship to refresh your memory, and perhaps ask about some resources and tools, it would definitely help to know what we have to work with." Relom says hopping that it`l work out. "Yes sir. Err, I`l start with the exterior." Julint says wile running out the room. Shade sighs in relief then puts his mask on and walks out of storage. Where is everyone? Shade thought...
After looking around he saw everyone standing around Minya who was in a tub.(awkward) Shade listens to what Linor says."I can see her from here and she's looking ok, I think she's about to wake..." In a surprisingly calm voice. But she didn`t wake. "Oh, she didn`t wake. This reminds me when you put her near the fire, so you nearly burn her and now you know everything about Calmar?!" Shade said in a dire tone. "Hay I was trying to help!" Linor replied. "Oh I get it, Calmar are not real people."Shade suggests. "You don`t know me!" Linor raises his voice to a new high "I know enough, first you nearly burn her then you appear to be good and now your speaking calmly at a time like this!? Can you not see our good friend is unwell!" Shade observed Linor in an extremely stressed state, he didn`t know what would happen now. Shade enjoyed this moment because this meant that he was going to learn something about Linor, but what could that be? Shade stared at Linor in anticipation...

"Enough! Everyone out now!" Vixtara, worried about the Calmar, could not believe that the men were bickering among themselves, and in a sickroom, no less. "The last thing she needs is this..."

As a few people began backing out of the cramped room, Vixtara leaned over to wet the cloth and dampen Minya's face again. She seemed to look better, more plumpness to her skin, less dry. But her temperature was still warm and no one knew how long it had been since she had last been in water.

Tuupin spoke, "She will be fine, just keep on doing what your doing. She's lucky to have someone to care for her in her time of need."

Vixtara, still vigilant with her ministrations, whispered, "I don't event think she likes me."

And as Tuupin left the room, Vixtara was left to face Rual, wondering how he would take her rather overbearing handling of the situation.

Solita was already upset about what happened to Minya and then Shade went out of his way to put Linor in the spotlight for the sole purpose of embarrassing him. After everyone cleared out of the cabin Solita quickly sought after Shade. He soon stepped out onto the deck with a sly smirk on his face. Before anyone could stop her, Solita unsheathed a dagger and pushed Shade into the wall next to the door with the tip of her dagger pressed against his throat.
“I don’t know what you’re up to but I’m tired of it! I don’t know if anyone else can see what you’re doing but it’s blatantly obvious to me. First Rual and now Linor.” Geoffrey place a hand on her shoulder but Solita quickly shrugged it off.
“I’m sorry but you mistake any intentions you may think you know. I only voice my opinion. It is no different what anyone else does. It’s just pointed at the people whom you care about.” Solita smirked making Shade’s expression falter for just a second.
“You play mind games, Shade. You bring forth a person’s flaws. The more ‘perfect’ they seem the better the target. Am I getting warm?”
“You’d do well to unhand me, woman.” Solita’s smirk disappeared.
“A threat? You—” Solita let off of Shade and walked to Geoffrey and whispered something in his ear. He then gave Solita a series look and when she returned it with a glare he left for a moment. When he returned it was Solita’s scimitar. She quickly unsheathed the weapon and pointed it towards Shade. The people on the ship instantly backed away while murmuring. Rual emerged from the cabin to see what the noise was about and saw Solita with her sword drawn.
“Solita, throw down your weapon at once!” Rual ordered.
“No, I am done watching this beast manipulate people’s emotions. I want this settled in a dual.”
“Don’t you see that he is manipulating yours as well?” Geoffrey chuckled.
“Rual,” Geoffrey stated. “if you knew Solita well you would understand that this is how she normally acts with the people she despises.”
“With a dual?” Rual asked.
“And she has yet to lose.” Solita smirked for a moment but it quickly turned back into a determined frown.
“Shade draw your blasted weapon!” Linor broke through the crowd.
“Solita, control yourself. This is not the best choice for this current circumstance.” Linor tried reasoning and lowered Solita’s raised weapon.
“Why do you stop me?” Solita asked in a more controlled tone.
“I don’t want to see you endanger yourself or anyone here for the sake of this man.” Solita stood in silence for a moment and then offered her weapon to Linor who returned it to Geoffrey. “You did the right thing, Solita. You will find out in the future.” Geoffrey eyed Shade and chuckled while shaking his head.
“Linor makes a point.” Geoffrey says as he sheathes the scimitar. “If you kill him now then you’ll stain the floor with his blood and someone will have to clean it up. After that we’ll have to dump his body in the sea and that’s polluting these fair oceans.” As the crowd dispersed Geoffrey looked back and Shade and could see the anger and hatred in his eye and it was only all too easy to return the glare.

The situation seemed to have eased without need for Rual's intervention, at least for now. He realised that this quest may be even more difficult than he had originally realised, for he had not taken into account problems from the inside. He watched for bit longer as Geoffrey and Shade stared at each other. Even though Shade had been making trouble by irritating some of the party - including himself - he would not allow them to resort to violence, and was ready to step in if need be. He was already impressed with Linor's ability to calm a situation, and so he may very well prove useful when they get into Pelar. Although he stood for peace, diplomacy did not come naturally to himself, and so it would certainly be helpful to have someone who is talented in this. He also realised that he would need to figure out what to do with Shade, but he needed to think on it for the time being, partially since he was still half focused on Minya's current condition, but also because he would need to keep his cool, and right at that moment he still felt ready to snap.

"That is enough." He stated simply, but definitely. Geoffrey and Shade stopped staring at each other and looked over to Rual. "I will deal with this later. You two can help the crew with whatever they need." Geoffrey nodded and moved back with the others. Rual turned around and went back inside the cabin to check on Minya again, although he kept his ears sharp in case a brawl was to take place.

Linor stayed with Solita for a bit.

"Solita, don't let Shade's words get to you. I'm not worried about what he said...I'm sure he has his reasons for behaving the way he does. People always have a reason for doing what they do - it could be that he feels insecure?" Linor theorised.

"Why are you defending him? He was trying to hurt your feelings, and he's already gotten on Rual's nerves!" Solita questioned.

"Because we have to all get along for this quest to succeed. How can we make peace between two warring nations if we can't even get along ourselves...We should at least tolerate his actions and try to figure out why."

"Some people just do things to be mean.." Solita answered, taking a quick look back to where Shade was briefly.

"But we don't know if that's why he's doing it, and even it is then maybe he has a reason for that as well? Maybe he had a difficult childhood or went through something terrible?" Linor reasoned.

"...Ok, I'll try not to bruise him then!" Solita smirked.

"That's the spirit!" Linor smiled broadly. They both laughed about it for a moment.

Later Linor decided to explore parts of the ship - without getting in anyone's way of course - and the first thing he went for was the crows nest (he had had his eye on that since they boarded the ship, since he loved being up in high places, and loved the idea of flying). It didn't take him long to climb up and step inside the round, barrel-shaped lookout post, where he immediately enjoyed the surroundings...The water's blue was like sapphire, with a bright line where the sun hit, giving it the look of a massive, liquid gem that they were floating on. The ship gently rocked side to side, and the wind whispered through his hair. His spirit was lifted, and he felt a calm, content feeling inside him - it really didn't bother him what Shade has said after all. Then he looked out at the land, which was still very visible from the ship, with the green grass covering the hills as they rolled along the coast, separated by the occasional small cliff face, and the light sand of the beach. Soon a hamlet came into sight, although tiny from where he stood, but he could just see people going about their daily lives - maybe humans. Some were a little closer in small fishing boats, peacefully sitting in the sun, awaiting a catch. He watched as they gradually passed by, and simply enjoyed watching the quiet activity in the distance. To him this was a perfect moment.

Izaak

Shade walks away from the incident with Solita disappointed. He thought that he would find something about Linor, But instead he fond something about Solita...
It all makes sense! Relom thought to himself with his hands on his head. Relom finds Julint drawing more of the blue prints. "So, it working out?" Julint terns to Shade. "yeah, it`s fine. What happened up on deck anyway?" Julint reveals his progress to Shade. "Solita really does not like me, but she views me as a manipulator, so that`s a plus." Shade says as a joke. " Yes, this is good, we can make the improvements here, here and here." Shade points to the locations on the paper. "So what are the improvements?" Julint says hopping he`l be told this time. "Wheels." Relom replies. "Wheels? Are you insane?" Julint says questioning Shade`s ability. "Does my sanity really matter, as long as this works. If the wheels are in the water for too long that would generate drag and if the wheels are not deployed in time the ship will crash. However if the wheels are deployed at the right time then the ship will go on land." Julint was intregued with this idea. "Err, I could see what resources and tools we can use." Shade points to Julint and says. "Good but these one thing I need you to do..."

Julint goes to Solita and says. "Shade wishes to settle this with a dual also, err in the storage, because it`s quiet." Julint walks away from Solita and talks to one of the crew members. Solita was surprised about this invitation for most people would be intimidated by her, is Shade that skilled or is it some trick...
Solita goes to the storage curious to what she would find, she opens the door and sees Shade glaring at her and with his weapon sheathed?!
"Draw your weapon!" Solita says as she approaches, then unsuspectingly stumbles into a trap.[She falls to the floor then a net weighed by canon balls falls down on her] Shade throw`s one of his throwing knives deliberately close to her neck. " You're too cowardly to fight me!" Soltia says in disregard to Shade's weak method. "Damn you're easy to manipulate. Oh I lied about the dual, lets be honest with each other, you like spoiling my fun. But I can`t have you messing things up anymore, so consider some information collateralized. It`s simple you see, you and linor... well, are together." Shade laughed to himself. "What?"Solita replies ."Whether it is true or not, it does not matter. You understand that if you were to be with another race especially a Pelari your guild`s favour would rapidly degenerate and you would be disbanded from your guild, you may deny it but what would everyone see. Bereavement Syndicate guild’s insignia on Linor, you defending Linor and you turning down a dual not from the direct orders from Rual but from Linor... But unfortunately I like you, so just don`t mess with me and you`l be fine." Shade puts on a sickly grin and walks towards the exit of the storage room.

Vixtara continued to soak the unconscious calmar through the shouting and shuffling on deck. Rual had started to say something before he went out to check and see what the problem was, and she was thankful for the reprieve, however short.

What had the poor girl been thinking? Why hadn't she just jumped into the water? Vixtara couldn't imagine what sort of reasoning could induce Minya to let herself become so dry. Though she didn't really understand the physiology of the calmar's need for immersion, she was aware of it, and the consequences are heavy. Concern etched her face as she cared for the woman she had come to care for, and her heart twisted at the realization. Why? Why must I attach myself to anyone at all? Vixtara struggled with her need for distance and her need for connection. It was a war that she could not win.

"How is she?" Rual spoke from just inside the entrance.

"Her breathing is more even, but there is no sign of consciousness." Vixtara watched as the liquid from her cloth was absorbed into Minya's facial scales. "We may need more water."

Solita stayed in her trap thinking through what Shade had said to her. She didn’t care much for his threat of her being kicked out or the guild disbanded because of having a Pelari in the group. He didn’t know that she had her guild leader get recognition and permission to have Linor in the guild. No, that was in the back of her head. What got her attention was what he said about her and Linor being together. Solita only thought that she admired Linor because he was the first to help open her eyes to a new world. But maybe it was because of something else. Solita didn’t know what love felt like outside her family so she wouldn’t be able to tell if she felt that way about Linor or not. She felt about the same way for Rual too so unless she felt these emotions for both people she was fine. Not to mention Geoffrey whom she felt closest to.
{indent{i}}Snap out of it Solita! This is no time think about irrelevant things. You have to get out of here.{/i} Solita looked around and saw her weapon was out of her reach.
“Umm, excuse me?” Solita spun around at the sound of Julint’s voice. “Please don’t look at me that way. I didn’t mean any harm.”
“Not mean any harm? You deliberately walked me into a trap!”
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t told what he was going to do, really.”
“I swear by my mother’s grave when I get out of I’m going to kill you!” Julint jumped at the harshness of Solita’s words and her voice.
“I was told no harm would come to you. He said he was only going to give you a warning.” Solita remained silent for a while.
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to free you.”
“I don’t need your help. Geoffrey, alone will tear this ship apart to find me and once he figures out what happened both you and Shade are as good as dead. He may seem like a nice guy but get on his bad side or be the one unfortunate enough to neither be his assigned target there’s not a shadow nor house to hide you from him. Geoffrey, by himself, has destroyed many guilds before joining ours. He is well feared by many.”
“Please, miss. I didn’t know it was anything this deep. I thought it was just about the fight that took place out on deck.”
“Don’t beg her for your life.” A voice came from behind Julint and he quickly spun around to be seized by his throat and lifted off his feet. “You should be begging me.” Geoffrey said and Rual, Linor, and Tuupin quickly entered the room.
“Geoffrey, stand down. As you can see Solita is unharmed.” Rual shouted.
“Because we arrived here in time. This inferior being has a knife in his hand.”
“Geoffrey,” Solita called out. “it’s okay. He was going to free me. He’s not the one of concern.” Geoffrey looked from Solita to Julint before letting go.
“Rual, I have already warned you about that man.” Geoffrey cut the ropes that held Solita down before walking up to Rual and staring him in the eye. “This is strike two. If you don’t do something about him now then I will.” Geoffrey stormed out of the room. Solita walked up to Rual.
“I’m sorry. He’s just very upset. He’s protective of me but I would heed his words. Shade is a problem. I don’t take lightly to being made a fool of.”

Name: Teufel
Race: Kearon, Hand of the Keep
Gender: Female
Appearance/Clothing: Small for an average-sized Kearon with dark, wavy hair that's usually hidden beneath the hood of her midnight coloured cloak. Her misty gray eyes rarely ever show, unless she removes her hood or stands right next to you. The full-length cloak she wears is trimmed with strange & mystic designs & the hood hides most of her face, allowing the shadows to cover all but her mouth. Beneath her cloak she wears a long-sleeved shirt & a worn vest that looks strangely like the ones worn by those working for the Capital. Her dark skirt is frayed & stops just above her knees. Black leggings lie underneath her skirt & reach down all the way into her soft boots that help her slip soundlessly in the shadows. A silver maple leaf hangs on a chain around her neck is hidden inside her shirt & the scar that runs from above her right eye all the down to the bottom of her lip remains a mystery.
Weapons: Crossbow(x6)-hangs on her back, Dagger(x2)-one hides in her boot, the other inside her sleeve.

She'd watched the boat for what felt like hours, waiting for the Pelari to be alone so she could strike. She'd sniffed him out when the guild was traveling through the Capital, & immediantly began to track them. Shouts came from the deck & she watched the Pelari come back up the stairs, alone. She scanned the deck. The only other creature on there was a Kearon like herself who didn't seem to be paying any attention-avoiding even-the Pelari.

Perfect. She grinned. It'd be simple: jump aboard, slit his throat & bring him to the Capital, thus restoring her family's honor. She watched as he sat alone, lost in thought. She silently leapt onto the deck & slunk quickly into the shadows. Her gray eyes watching him carefully, she reached down to pull out her dagger. With the sharp blade in her hand, she steadily inched forward, never taking her eyes off of him. He shifted, & she tensed. He sat, & she jumped.

Rual was not impressed by what had just unfolded below deck. Firstly, and for-mostly, Shade was stepping over the line, and he would be dealt with. Secondly Geoffrey was making things worse. It was what Geoffrey had said to him just before he left that got to him the most however.

“Rual, I have already warned you about that man.” Geoffrey cut the ropes that held Solita down before walking up to Rual and staring him in the eye. “This is strike two. If you don’t do something about him now then I will."

He could not hear Solita's words afterwards as he chased after Geoffrey. "You stop right there." He said simply and clearly, making Geoffrey stop in his tracks and turn around. He had an aggressive look in his eyes that only made Rual all the more upset.

"It is strike two is it? YOU will fix Shade will you?" It had been the proverbial straw that broke the camels back, and the words steamed out of Rual as he spoke them. He then landed a punch square in Geoffrey's face, like a flash of lightning, landing Geoffrey on his back on the deck, with everyone silent and still. Geoffrey had not expected such a reaction.

"Dermos." He called out without looking away from Geoffrey.

Dermos came fairly quickly. "What do you need me to do?" He asked.

"Take Geoffrey to the brig and lock him up."

Dermos nodded and lifted Geoffrey up, carrying him below deck.

"Now...Where is Shade?" He looked around the crowded deck until he spotted him.

"Shade!" He called out.

Shade stepped forwards, aware of what had happened to Geoffrey. "What is it that you want?" He enquired.

"You are to explain yourself, here and now!"

Everyone turned to Shade and awaited his explanation.

"Explain what? What have I done wrong this time?"

Now everyone watched Rual.

"You torment my followers, you torment me. You set a trap for Solita...Why? Answer me or swim with the fishes."

Linor had missed most of what had happened under deck, but he did make sure he went to Solita's aid - he had followed Geoffrey and Rual down to find Solita. He was again annoyed with Shade for setting a trap for her, but watching Rual he was sure he would be dealt with - in fact he worried for Shade, since after all he didn't wish harm on him.

"Are you ok, Solita?" He looked into her eyes, and lent her his hand to help her up.

"I'm fine." She smiled awkwardly for some reason, and ever so slightly blushed. "Thank you!"

He found himself staring at her for a moment, but snapped himself out of it before anyone noticed. He decided it'd be best to go up on deck and watch whatever was to unfold, in case he should need to step in to calm everything down. Unfortunately Rual was well passed calming as he punched Geoffrey out, and he was too late to try to stop him. He went over to the other side of the deck and sat down, ready to say something if Rual did decide to throw Shade overboard - he would definitely have to stop this from happening!

It was then that he felt a blade touch his throat from behind (by now none of the crew was watching him, and the scene in the fore ground was the perfect diversion, so whoever it was behind him they had chosen the best time to get to him...for whatever reason they might want to, which at the moment baffled him).

"Why do you do this?" He heard himself say, part of him still not believing the situation. No sound came, although luckily the person hesitated, so he continued quickly, and calmly. "You must be mistaken, since I'm sure I've done nothing wrong, but whatever it is that I may have done to upset you I am happy to make amends...I will not make a scene. No one needs to know you have a knife to me." The blade eased slightly, as if the person was considering what he was saying. Linor continued again. "Right now I'm on a very important mission. We are headed for my home land to stop the war...We can do this you know, we can make peace!" He explained hopefully, still not sure what he was being held for. "If you plan to kill me, please let me do this first. I just want to see the day when my people and the Kearon stop fighting pointlessly. I have seen for myself that these people are my friends, and I care a lot for them now...Some of them I'm love." He admitted.

Izaak

After Rual told Shade to explain himself Shade looked back with a defeated look. "Why?... I am evil." Shade`s face slowly started to change to a beastly look. "I am evil." Shade raised his fist and says with a loud and deep voice. "I am evil, because Rual didn`t have to pay for the ship ride, and because I questioned Linor`s alignment, and because I refuse to be pushed aside by an ignorant fool." Shade says while pointing at Solita. Solita asks Rual. "how will we punish the Shade." Shade says before anyone could reply. "Punish me?! you have nothing on me, you don`t even have my name! If that is all then I wish to continue my work, you know, the kind that pays for the ship`s rent." Relom goes to the lower deck to continue his work. Where is Julint when you need him? Relom thought to himself...

“Why?” She repeated his question. “Because with your help, I can restore what was taken from my family years ago.” The Pelari was silent and so she continued. “Because of you Pelari we lost everything. We had high honours and wealth. We were respected. But one day it disappeared.” She paused a moment, waiting for some sort of reaction from the Pelari.

There was none.

“Do you know why it disappeared?” she inquired, pressing the blade back into his skin. “Because of your people. My parents were persecuted by a rumour that they were hiding a group of Pelari. Of course they weren't! They weren't stupid! Why would we want to house some of you?” she sneered. “But they were executed all the same. My entire family. I was lucky enough to escape and with no more respect, no more wealth, I had only one choice left. I had to become...” She brought her arm around and lifted her sleeve, revealing the tell-tale sign of the Hand of the Keep tattooed onto her wrist. “One of them.”

E. D. Gutendaug

Name: Ziflledrin
Race: Kearon
Gender: Male
Appearance/Clothing: Rather short for an adult Kearon. He wears a plain brown leather tunic, and rugged black boots. His hair is in an eccentric style consisting of black spiked hair.
Weapons: none so far.

***

A young kearon sat on the wooden splintery floor of a ship. His head was drooped into his lap. His spiky black hair was now not very spiky, and it also drooped. the rest of his head was growing a short fuzz due to a lack of shaving his head. He wore a tattered tunic, and his boots had holes in them. Around his ankle was an iron cuff attached to a chain which was bolted to the wall. The ground lifted up and swayed down as if he were on a boat. He did'nt remember anything other than a fight he had with some Calmars.
" You dirty Calmars." the kearon adolescent said groggily.
A calmar guard was sitting in front of the weak boy; a smirk spread across his face. A club leaned against the small wooden stool he was sitting on. He slowly stood up and picked up his club. His face was wildly eager.
"You insolent fiend." The calmar raised his club and smashed it on the boy's foot. The boy was so tired, he didn't even flinch.

Rual was just about to chase after Shade when something unexpected, and very inconvenient happened. Someone up in the crow's nest called out one word that changed everything.

"Pirates!" The voice repeated a couple of times straight after, and in an instant the deck was in chaos. Rual quickly changed his course and ran to see where the pirates were.

Quite some distance from the ship, and sailing directly for them, was a ship with the flag of the pirates waving violently in the upcoming wind. Only with the help of a scope could the man in the crow's nest see what crew the ship carried. They were all Calmar of course, since the Calmar controlled the seas here, and they were ready for battle, with blades held high, and others readying the cannons.

"All hands on deck!" The captain ordered, and everyone was all too eager to comply, as they attempted to get the ship moving at greater speed, and try to out-sail the pirates.

Rual continued to watch the ship as it gradually started to catch up with them, despite the best efforts of the crew. Even the captain realized this as he paced the deck anxiously and considered what to do. It was a while longer before the ship was close enough to threaten them with its cannons, and it was around that time the captain had made up his mind.

Dermos had finished locking up Geoffrey and was now back on deck. He watched as the ship got closer and closer. "Maybe I should let Geoffrey out again? It looks like we are in for some fighting." He said quite grimly.

"Yes, get Geoffrey back out again quickly, and inform him that we have bigger issues right now than dealing with Shade." Rual nodded.

"Come about!" He suddenly announced. "We attack...They are too fast for us to outrun." He said miserably, knowing how brutal combat with pirates could be.

The ship spin to the side, and the captain ordered the first volley of cannon balls at the pirates. Before they fired, the pirates got a few shots in of their own, as one cannon ball smashed into the ship's side, and send splinters every direction, a few of which jabbed into the leg of one of the Kearon guild members. He began to crawl away as quickly as he could, crying out in pain as he did so, and gripping onto his leg with one arm.
Their cannons were deafening, as the ship fired back at the pirates, only most of the shots hit the water. Another volley of enemy cannons came their way, again only some making the deck.

Dermos was back on deck after releasing Geoffrey again. He looked around for Vixtara until he found her.
"Do not fear them." He said reassuringly, although he did not think she was the time to be easily afraid. "I will keep you safe." He said, resting a paw on her shoulder.

By now Rual had been calling out orders of his own to his group.
"Take cover!" He yelled. It was hard to communicate with the sound of the cannons exploding through the air.

Another volley hit the decks, this time making a lot of damage, and killing a crew member instantly. Rual looked back over to the pirates, but they were still too far away to board them yet, and the cannons were yet to cease. He himself took cover quickly, and made sure his musket was loaded. It was be a bloody battle for a certainty!

(Open warning to all. Take cover or your character could die, or take on serious wounds. The pirates are well trained fighters too, so once they board they will be hard to kill, so it will be helpful if no one gets wounded. This will be a long fight, and we will literally be fighting for our lives. The boarding will not start until my next post, and until then it will be lots of cannon fire.)

Linor turned around quickly and got a look at who had been holding a knife to him. It was a she, and she was quite pretty - especially her eyes, that he only got a glimpse of. (Although in his eyes not quite as pretty as Solita)

"So why me?" He asked curiously.

Before she had time to respond the call that pirates were on their way, and everyone immediately ran around, doing what they could to get the ship moving faster. Linor tried to help where he could - although he was little help since he had no previous knowledge of seafaring - and when the ship's started firing at each other he found Solita as quickly as he could, and asked her to heed Rual's order to take cover, and find a safe place to hide below deck.

"We may not be of much use right now, but when the pirates came we will have to be ready to fight them off, but until then it'd be best to avoid the cannon balls!" He told Solita. "Please come with me!" He pleaded, authentically worried for both their lives...In fact he was probably more fearful now then any other scary moment they've had on the journey so far.

Izaak

Relom observed some notes below deck trying to piece his thoughts together, distracted by his lack of popularity and the fact that most (if not all) of the group hate him. This won`t do will it. Shade thought to himself. yes, I know. If I am considered the enemy of this group then complications can spark from anywhere, and the mission will fail! That`s right, and to think of all that has been done will be for nothing. So what must I do? I need time, time that I may not have. Shade writes down further notes for the improvements. "Pirates!" A crew member shouted which seemed to echo across the deck [interrupting Relom`s chain of thought]. Relom races to the top deck. "All hands on deck!" The captain ordered. Shade walks to the canons to familiarize himself. "I should have looked at these earlier." Shade looked with a worried face. "This is an older design, we`l have to outrun them or board. Relom checks with the captain to see the pirate ship`s progress [only to hear grim news]. Shade runs to Rual. "So you want minimal loses? because I have a plan." Rual terns to Shade. "Spit it out then." Shade grind. "Pirates just want the gold and valued possessions, so they will fire at us then board the ship then go. we can`t out gun them because our canons are antique. So we bunker down and keep our selves and the crew away from getting blown up. They will disable the ship, then board... then we kill them and take there ship!" Rual replies. "obviously." Shade walks away."Well your not too bad leader then."

Vixtara huddled underneath the stairs to the upper deck behind a stack of barrels with Dermos. He crouched in front of her, blocking any possibility for her to be attacked. This both amazed and angered her. She didn't want this... did she?

The canon fire blasted, not allowing Vixtara to think very heavily on the state of her relationship with Dermos. She readied her weapons, holding a bow in one hand and her cat o' nine tails in the other. There was no opportunity to retreat and fight from a distance here. She would be forced to test her strength, test her ability, as the rush of pirates boarded their vessel. But not yet, not until Rual gave the call to battle.

A ball of iron burst through the barrel above her, raining splintered shards down upon them. The stuck in their fur, but aside from a few scrapes and scratches, both her and Dermos remained unharmed.

"This is taking too long," Dermos grumbled, and Vixtara smiled. A Rockhai through and through, she thought to herself, always impatient for battle, always ready.

He looked astonished, mouth gaping, "Here, in the midst of hell, you see fit to grace me with your smile?" And then he laughed, trying to smother the sound against his arm, "I should have known."

Solita was confused by the events that unfolded. First were the shade’s actions and then Rual’s actions as well. She became very upset when she saw her friend take a cheap punch and was taken away to be imprisoned. As far as Solita know Shade was not even held accountable for what he had done. This put doubt to see Rual as a leader in Solita’s eyes. Then there was some call about pirates and minutes later cannon fire erupted. Everyone was running to do their part in helping fend off the marauders but all Solita could do was stand frozen in fear. She was a person that had always been able to see the possibilities and put calculations to them. She would then find the best solution and act accordingly but the situation she was in now didn’t apply. She was on a boat which meant limited mobility and with cannon fire coming and hitting areas of the boat that were all in random places and since both boats were moving Solita couldn’t even calculate that! So frozen in place Solita stood until Linor appeared in front of her. At first his voice was distant but then it quickly woke Solita from her trance.
"We may not be of much use right now, but when the pirates came we will have to be ready to fight them off, but until then it'd be best to avoid the cannon balls!" He told Solita. "Please come with me!" He pleaded.
“B-but I can’t move. I’m still getting used to walking on a boat.”
“Dig down and will yourself to move. You can do it.” The determination from Linor’s voice brought the old Solita back.
“You’re right. But what about Geoffrey?”
“I heard Rual is letting out for some extra help.”
“oh, that’s going to be difficult. Geoffrey has possibly already considered Rual a threat to himself and me.”
Linor and Solita ran for the side of the ship opposite to the side being hit. They sat against the wall and braced themselves for the incoming fire.

Geoffrey walked out on deck with mixed emotions. Anger and concern. Anger for Rual throwing a punch and sending Geoffrey to the holding cells and concern for Solita.
“Solita is safe for now. She’s with Linor.” Rual came up quickly. Geoffrey nodded his head. Now was not the time for personal issues.
“What of our cannons?” The ship’s captain ran up.
“We’re easily out classed in terms of cannon fire. This isn’t a war ship nor was it designed to sink other ships.”
“Don’t you think you would have to defend yourselves?” Geoffrey asked.
“We did but they are firing objects that are quick different than standard cannon balls. They are firing different objects that look like giant shards of metal as well as two cannon balls attached by a chain. That’s what’s doing the most damage. But they will soon board so they do not intend to sink the ship. They are trying to take out as many people on deck as possible.”
“And that means hiding men so that we may surprise them.” Rual cut in. “If we are lucky then they did not get a good look at our numbers when we first spotted the pirates. So when they board then they will be completely surprised when we launch our counter attack.” Geoffrey nodded his head in agreement. “We must have two waves.” A nearby projectile struck the side of the ship not far from where the group was and they quickly took cover to avoid the blast. “The first wave will fight off the pirates when they first board. Now our first group which will some of the ship’s crew will either put up such a fight that the pirates will send reinforcements or they will be over whelmed and the pirates, thinking that the cost is clear, will send in all their men to quickly scavenge the ship before it sinks. Either way we will use our fighters to wipe the pirates out and then take the pirates ship.”
“Alright.” Geoffrey agreed. “I’m going to find Solita. She is my responsibility after all.” Geoffrey stood to find Solita when Rual grabbed his shoulder.
“If you see Shade stay clear from him. I will take care of him soon.” Geoffrey shrugged Rual’s hand from his shoulder and went on to take cover with Solita.”

“Pirates!”

She cursed. The Pelari twisted out of her grip & stared at her a moment. The second warning sent him out of her reach, & with all the people & confusion she lost sight of him. “Great,” she huffed. She looked around her. She saw the pirates' ship not too far off in the distance, continuously firing cannon after cannon.

“Get down!” someone shouted. Crew members scattered, trying to find places to hide & save themselves from the attackers. She looked about her. No place to jump off board or escape. Her stomach knotted. This isn't good, she thought. I'm trapped her-

One of the crew members fell into & knocked them both onto the deck. There was a sharp pain in her leg as she shoved him off her. As she stood up & took a step she fell, her leg giving out. She swore under her breath. Using a nearby railing she hoisted herself up & gripped the wood tightly. She glanced around. Everybody aboard was frantically trying to find a place to hide.

There was another fire. The cannon shard hit the ship just below her, throwing her back & causing her to fall on her leg again. “That's it,” she growled as she struggled to stand back up. “I'm going to rip every last one of those dam-”

She was cut off as another cannon ball struck, this one bigger than the last. She tried her best to regain what little footing she had, but ended up tumbling backwards down the stairs into the cellar. Luckily she didn't land on her injured leg. Instead she fell hard on her head.

She groaned in pain. She couldn't move & to be honest, she didn't want to. She'd dealt with pirates before & could most likely go back up to fight if neccesary, but didn't want to risk further injury. She rolled over into the shadows & did her best to hide. Rolling up one of her leggings she examined her leg. She was no expert but could tell it was most likely broken. It was swollen in several places & covered in blood. A doctor'll need to look at this before I do anything else, she thought grimly.

E. D. Gutendaug

Zifledrin looked around the hull in which he was being held captive. Large booms rang through the air loudly. Quickly, the guard who was carefully watching him ran off. As soon as the bloated guard was out of sight, Zifledrin began to pry a board out of the floor. The rusty nails quickly gave way to the boy's superior strength. Bending more and more, he pulled with all of his might. SNAP. It broke loose. In the space which he had newly discovered, an assortment of tools were stashed. The entrance which the crew used was about five meters away from his outstretched toes. More shots rang in his ears. After a long while of searching in the pile of tools, he found what he was looking for: a file.

(Fall missed out on posting, so she sent the post to me via email)

When Minya awoke - the thrum of the water informing her it was the ninth hour of the day - the events of the previous minutes, hours, days or years, she couldn't tell - came crashing down upon her. The drying-out, the frantic running, then...seeing a familiar face, screaming for help...
That was the last thing she remembered. What else happened? How did I get in here? When is it? I feel wonderful... She looked down at herself and was astonished to see slick, quivering white scales, submerged in cool water. Someone knew what to do, she thought with surprise. Though hopefully not...
Closing her eyes, she plunged beneath the surface of the water. She was still quivering slightly, like the dryness was creeping through her veins, but it wasn't the physical making her feel so awful. It was terror.
It was the Shade. It must have been the shade. He knows. He must've been projecting his thoughts in my mind these days, making me think...or was it the Pelari? They can't be trusted...or...The thoughts tore through her, almost made her sick again. I think I need to get out of here.
Her feet tingled uncomfortably against the rough planking as she sped across them, not bothering to look back.

"Where are you going?"

The cry came from behind her, and Minya felt cold sweat break on her forehead. No! The Shadei! (In her terror not realizing the voice was female) )She knew that she'd never be able to outrun a land dweller, but nevertheless she urged herself onward, her heart pounding more with guilt than fear.

"You should be resting...!"

She kept running, but her pace slowly became uncertain. He did save her life, after all. I owe him some respect. I think. She collapsed onto her knees, winded, stopping. She felt slight relief, but wondered if she would live to regret what she had just done.

She jolted slightly. "You...?" Everything was getting blurry...it wasn't the Shade after all...it was that Rockhai...or was it?

She swayed uncertainly on the spot, then noticed something. She was bleeding...was there fighting going on somewhere?...I ought to join in...it's only fair...she rose unsteadily to her feet, feeling around for her dagger...and blacked out.

The last thing she remembered was thinking, I'm never running away again. I'll go fight as soon as I wake up.

"I promise." she smiled blearily.

***

The cannon fire had been relentless, and sheer luck saved many of the crew, as well as the party questing. Rual had stayed out until all his followers were accounted for, and then, too, took cover below deck. He waited for the silence before the pirates would board, since they would have to stop firing first. A moment past and the cannons finally stopped, and a lull of silence followed briefly, as soon groaning from the injured replaced the deafening cannons.

Rual hurried down the rest of the way below deck and looked at everyone who watched in anticipation. "Ready your weapons and follow my lead." He then turned and crept back up the steps until he was just off the top of the staircase, and waited. This would be the ambush for the pirates as they boarded.

Most of the crew were already up on deck, firing at the pirate ship with muskets, blunderbuss' and bows. Rual poked his head up for a second to see where the captain was. His heart sank when he saw the captains body on the far side, bleeding from a cannon hole in his chest. The captain would have to have been one of the better fighters among the crew, and now they had one less fighter to defend against the attack. It was then that he heard them call as the first few swung by rope over to their ship. He ducked back down quickly and looked back.

"It has begun..." He said.

The first few managed to kill quite a few of the crew that were on deck, but were finally overcome just before the planks fell, bridging the two ships, and the pirates started to pour in. Rual waited until a group of pirates past by before charging.

"Attack!" He bellowed out as he raced up towards the closest unsuspecting pirate, and slew him with one good strike - this was a lucky shot, and now the pirates knew of the ambush - the others from below started to charge up with him and join the fight, and were already making a good stand against the first wave of pirates...But this is just the beginning, and many more were boarding.

(Remember, these pirates are well versed in fighting, and will be hard to kill. Anyone who goes against the brunt of the assault by themselves will be risking their lives. The pirates outnumber the crew and the party, so this will not go quickly.)

The firing had stopped.

Linor noticed his chest move to the rhythm of his heart as it raced with pulsating anxiety, and his eyes grew wider with fear. He quickly shook his head in an effort to keep himself from losing control of his emotions - especially since Solita sat right next to him, and he had to be brave for her.
They then could both hear the battle start, as guns fired and, soon after, swords clashed. He really had hoped it wouldn't come to this, since he was a lover of peace and loathed the very thought of killing someone, but now he would have to fight. His blunderbuss was loaded, but he doubled checked to be sure, then he turned to Solita, not speaking a word for at least ten long seconds. All was in slow motion for him...

"Sounds like it's time to go." He said grimly. She nodded slowly, and they both stood up with their weapons drawn.

A pirate came into view, and stabbed a crewman in the belly with a quick movement that shocked Linor - he was still unused to seeing people die, even after Kayge and Ergel's passing, which both he had witnessed. Linor hadn't even noticed himself raise his blunderbuss, let alone fire it...It was as if his hand had done it for him, and the sound of it as it went off surprised him. He felt sick immediately as the pirate reacted to being shot, jolting backwards and falling to the floor, although still alive...This would be a long day!

Izaak

[Before the pirates board]

The deck was being flayed by the superior guns. Shade ran down the stairs to the cellar to avoid the bombardment of the canons. Shade then wiped the sweet from he`s brow. "That was too close." Relom said to himself. Shade started to walk towards the door leading to the next room, then stops, he takes another step foreword then slowly turns, he looks intently into the darkness, Shade walks toward the darkness with a confused look. "who are you?" The person didn`t reply, however did try to go into a defensive posture and pulls a dagger out from nowhere?! Shade draws his blade halfway. "You want to live? I have no interest in executing you now so at least for your sake put your dagger away." "How can I trust you?" The voice emanated from the shadows. "How would having your dagger out change the equation? now the real question is why are you laying down on the ground?" Shade responded. "I c-can`t." The voice hesitated. "I see, well this is simple. The pirates will be boarding soon so do you want my help or the pirates?" Shade says hopping she makes the right choice.

(If Teufel chooses to be helped by Shade then Shade takes her to sickbay. If not Shade leaves her in the darkness)

[After the pirates board]

Shade returns to the group and finds a pirate just shot by Linor from his blunderbuss, Linor was shocked about what he`d done, (the pirate was still alive) Shade had a little enjoyment from finishing of the pirate. another pirate came out, Shade throws a throwing knife into the pirate`s ribcage then finishing his pray with a SLASHH! Blood sprayed across the deck, Shade turns to Linor and says. "That is how it`s done!" Linor stood there in horror. More pirates came, Relom started laughing with his blade pointed at the pirates, the pirates looked back at him confused as he slowly walked towards them.

Dermos held Vixtara back in their hiding place as the battle began on deck. "They are fighting out there, we should help them."

"Yes, I know, and we will. We don't want the pirates to know the strength of our numbers until all of them have already boarded though. Do you still want me to teach you how to fight with a javelin?" Dermos tried to distract her from the sounds of battle as shots fired and blades met.

"I don't think this is the time for a lesson." Vixtara was getting rather anxious with not knowing exactly what was happening and more than ready to fight.

Someone screamed and Vixtara wasn't willing to wait any longer, "I'm going, now."

Dermos nodded and moved out ahead of her. His javelin hit the mark of a pirate's chest, but not before a blade sliced across his left arm. It was difficult to determine how deep the injury was, the fur was turning crimson. More pirate's were boarding the ship, and Vixtara had an idea. "If we can get up onto the captain's deck then I can take down a few before they board and stem the flood."

Dermos nodded, not many had made it to this part of the ship yet, and they only had to kill one more to get to their destination. Vixtara pulled out her cat o' nine tails and let it fly. On the bare flesh of the scarcely clad pirate the damage was gruesome, the pain obviously debilitating. In a practiced maneuver, she pulled free her crossbow and sent an arrow into his heart to end his misery.

As she pulled the arrow free, Dermos dispatched another pirate who'd wandered away from the main battle. But when he turned back around Vixtara was gone.

Fall

Minya watched with blurry vision as the the pirates and her companions fought each other for the upper hand. Every time weapons collided, her heart skipped a beat. Every time one of her family was grounded, (Companion? Family? Are we using words like these now?) she strained to gasp. She couldn't sit by uselessly like this.

Move! She shrieked at her body. MOVE!

Maybe it was because she had nearly dried out and rendered so weak. Maybe the returning voice in her mind had called it forth. But what happened she could explain, and it terrified her above all else.

Suddenly the effects of the drying-out vanished. Her feet were moving on their own, if not quite gracefully, at least like those of a land-dweller's. From somewhere within her, unexpected power was drawn forth and pinpointed to a pirate's body. Running forward, she aimed a violent punch at the man. He rolled from the attack and Minya hit the ground, creating a small tremor. Minya punched at him and he grabbed her hand with his, smothering her fingers in a crushing grip. With one arm rendered useless, she aimed a kick at him and hit him harshly in the stomach. He doubled over, wheezing, and Minya allowed herself half a grin as her fingers were released.

From behind her eyes, she was horrified. But she couldn't help but recognize the sense of enjoyment that was spreading throughout her body. She knew that this wasn't part of her. She wouldn't enjoy it. Only Shades -and Pelari - would find pleasure in things like these. Shock ran through the mental being that was her, but it did nothing to equal the enjoyment I felt as well. Her physical body turned and, sneering at her victory, sauntered toward another pirate.

She threw a false punch towards the pirate and he ducked, during which Minya whipped around quickly and smacked him in the stomach with her forearm. The man doubled over, straining to recover quickly from the ache she had unleashed upon him. The brief moment in which he took to recover was more than enough for me, and brandishing her dagger, Minya brought it down violently, though she hesitated slightly at the last moment and used the hilt instead. The pirate whimpered slightly in pain, but his eyes did not show fear. They brimmed with tears of pain, but mostly with loathsome hatred. The only feeling that countered that hate and challenged its magnitude was her own, but the hate resonating from her was, in a grim way, happy.

Solita watched as Linor fired at the pirate and then shade coming to finish off the pirate that Linor shot. Solita was disgusted. Not at what shade was doing but at the fact that it seemed he always wanted to have some sort of attention. But now wasn’t the time for getting sidetracked.
“Linor! Snap out of it.” Solita was pulling on Linor’s arm. “We have to make it to higher ground. Where the wheel that steers the boat is.”
“What about shade?”
“Like I care what happens to him. If he wants to get himself killed because he has a large ego then that’s on his own conscious and the gods will see to his fate.”
“As long as you don’t shoot him yourself.”
“I made a promise to you and I intend to keep it.” As the two made their way to the top they saw that they weren’t the only ones with the same idea. Several allies as well as enemies made their way for the same destination. “Do you have your weapon reloaded?” Linor nodded.
“Did that on the way.” A single pirate jumped in Solita’s and Linor’s way. Linor raised his weapon but Solita had him lower it.
“Don’t waste it.” She called.
“So you would face me in a bout? All fair like?” The pirate said.
“We all know that pirates don’t play fair.” Solita said and the pirate smirked.
“I guess you do ‘ave a brain in that pret’y lit’le ‘ead of yours.” The pirate took out his own sidearm and aimed it at Linor. “I’ll shoot ‘im and ‘ave you all to myself, poppet.” Then a hand reached from around the pirate and quickly seized his gun. The pirate was forced to raise his weapon in the air and fire.
“Now I remember why I hate pirates.” Geoffrey said and slit the man’s throat. Geoffrey let the man fall and turned to Solita and Linor. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t here sooner. Let us move quickly, now.” The three started after Geoffrey but Linor stopped. The pirate was still alive. Linor raised his blunderbuss and shot the man. Solita looked at Linor in shock.
“Linor…”
“I’m sorry. It had to be done. Now l-let us move on.” Geoffrey gave a sort of proud look at Linor and turned to lead them to make a final stand with the others.

“There,” he said, standing up. He'd bandaged her leg & used some old nearby ropes & boards as a splint. She muttered her thanks & watched him head quickly back up to join the battle. She could hear the shouting, curses, & shrieks from above. Grunting, she slowly stood back up & headed for the railing.

“Stupid leg,” she growled. The sounds grew louder as she limped up the stairs. After lowering her hood she grabbed her dagger, saving her bow 'til she had two free hands. She stepped onto the deck & it was as if she'd stepped into the middle of a terrible nightmare; blood was splattered all over everything & dead bodies were everywhere. Battle cries & screams of agony filled her ears.

She tested her leg, gingerly taking a step. Sore, but almost good as new. Good, she thought. Now to get off this boat...

“ 'ello there,” a voice behind her smirked. “ 'nd 'ow might you b-”

He was cut off as she whipped around & sent her dagger through his chest, the warm blood spilling onto her hand. The feel of the red liquid sent a charge through her, a charge she hadn't felt in a long while-it felt wonderful. She leaned in close to his ear. “I'm doing fine, thank you,” she answered, grinning. She pulled her sharp blade out & the pirate doubled over, clutching his chest. She leaned down. “How are you?” The pirate gave one last moan before falling silent. She nodded, satisfied with her kill.

As more pirates stormed the ship, she charged into battle. Why? she asked herself while she helped beat & break pirate after pirate along side the crew. Why am I helping them? I'd attempted to murder one of them & almost left them to deal with the pirates alone. But as she felt the spray of the thick blood on her skin, her questions were soon forgotten & her battle-hungry instincts took over...

Mistfire had found herself alone on deck, and was soon cornered by several of the pirates. She held her katana in front of her, and kept a tight grip on its handle. The first pirate sung viciously at her, which she was able to deflect, as she was able with the second attack that came from her left, but a quick slash from her unguarded right left her with a deep cut in her arm. She winced in pain, and struck back immediately, knocking the pirate back a few steps, but she had to move just as quickly to stop the next few attacks. She knew she was overwhelmed, and her worried look on her face gave this away. She briefly scanned around for others, but the closest were crew who were not as used to fighting as the Calmar pirates who were making short work of most of them. She called for help nonetheless, but only got the smirks of the pirates in return.
She then found herself feeling distant from the pain in her arm, and a calmness came over her. She smiled back for a moment, making the nearest pirates look confused, and then she charged into them, sword slashing heavy against theirs. She killed at least one of them before their blades found her. She fell to the ground, lifeless.

The defenders on deck with Rual were being forced back, as more pirates boarded the the odds grew worse for them. Rual called for a retreat back below deck, and waited for everyone with him before he too went below.

"We need to bottle-neck them." He spoke quickly. The second wave would have to help down below deck, since things weren't going exactly to plan (the pirates were currently winning), and they would all fair better as a group. He had spotted some of the party making it to the helm, but they were now separated, and he would have to try to get to them once they've evened out the odds a bit.

The stairs were now supporting the weight of the pirates as they climbed down after them, and this time they were the ones surrounded, with the crew and party members all around them, and only a maximum of three pirates to deal with at a time - at least until they found the other stairway to below deck.

"Get some defenders on the other side!" Rual called back, remembering the other entrance. Some of the crew got to the other stairs and were there before any pirates made it there, and were able to keep them back.

Shray was among the front line fighters. She stabbed at them violently, impatient for blood, as she held it personal that the pirates attacked her people. Minutes passed, and this time the majority of those slain were the pirates, and only a couple below deck had died since the retreat. This would be a good holdup for them, although Rual kept thinking of the others at the helm and elsewhere on deck. Once the amount of pirates pouring down stairs thinned he would charge up again, and find the others. After which he hoped to board the pirates back...Provided they were winning by then.
It was around this time that a crewman from a lower deck came up and found Rual.

"The ship leaks, sir. If we do not repair her, soon she will sink." He frowned as he explained, since he knew the situation above.

Rual stopped for a second and took in an anxious breath. "Then she will have to sink." He could not afford to send anyone down for repairs, and they would need all the help they could to keep hold of the decks below, since the pirates dominated above. Rual then looked at the Calmar crewman who had reported to him. "You too, grab a sword." The crewman nodded and found a sword, readying himself to fight.

Solita, Linor and Geoffrey had made it to the helm, along with some of the others - he could see Shade and Dermos fighting off some nearby pirates, although he didn't see Vixtara, and this worried him a bit, since he had noticed Dermos had been shadowing Vixtara. In fact, it seemed Dermos was preoccupied, so perhaps he would go and look for her soon.

"Where are the others? Where's Rual?" Linor asked anxiously. He couldn't see most of the people, and wondered if they were the last stand already. "This is moving faster than I imagined..." He looked over to Solita, eyes asking how much longer he would get to see her for, but the words refused to come out, as if he still hung on to hope...and so far, even in the most awful situations he has managed to keep his hope. "Is he dead?" He asked.

"No!" Solita reacted instantly to the thought of it. "I think they must be below deck - see, that's where most of the pirates are trying to get to!" She pointed over to where the stairs would be, and sure enough pirates were everywhere, and seemingly desperate to get to the stairs, and quite aggressively too.

"Look out!" He shouted as a pirate slipped past and dodged one of Dermos's swings. Now he stood facing Solita, and went for her with a cutlass. Solita immediately turned around, but it was Linor who shot him before he has a chance to fire. He frowned to himself, lips quivering, and turned to Solita once more. "I shot him." He said without any tone. He then stuck his head over the side and vomited, but got up again quickly.

"Are you ok?" Solita could see how much this was effecting him. He nodded, trying to look authentic, for he didn't want her to worry about him...He was too busy worrying about her.

Izaak

“Like I care what happens to him. If he wants to get himself killed because he has a large ego then that’s on his own conscious and the gods will see to his fate.” Solita says before heading to the helm. These words dug into shade`s mind (especially the phrase a large ego). Thank you for your assistants?! Shade thought to himself while observed the pirates who were uneasy before but now confident when more pirates joined in. Shade retreated to the helm such as it seemed like the smartest thing to do at the time...

As Relom got to the helm he sore Linor and Solita together which surprised him. [he didn`t actually believe they were that close] "I think they must be below deck - see, that's where most of the pirates are trying to get to!" Shade overheard Solita. Shade silently replied. "Good spotting! all we need is..." Shade looked around and seeing the crew having nothing better to do [except dying]. Shade calls some surviving crew. "I want I hole right here!" Shade struck the location with his blade. "What?" one of the crew replied. "Work now!!" Relom shouts impatiently. Relom tries to fend of the pirates to buy time for project -third entry-. The crew struck the hard wood with there weapons groaning as they worked with slow progress. Shade sees Teufel help deal with the pirates. "You shouldn`t be fighting with your leg damaged!" Relom says with concern. "I want to fight!" Teufel says as she impales a pirate in the chest with her blade. Relom demonstrates why by performing a leg breaker move. (He throws a knife into a pirate`s knee cap and kicks the knife`s handle causing the knife to go through the leg)<The sound affects are censored> The pirate falls on the ground shrieking in pain. The thought made some pirates and Teufel to take a step back from the fight. "I have no interest in seeing you on the ground in absolute agony" Shade says to her hopping that she listens.

The groaning of the crew has started to get to him, Shade returns to the crew to check on there progress only to see that it was going too slow. "Hurry up!" Shade says as his patients starts to wear thin. "Ay, dis is hard wood and our weapons ante make for wood choppen!" One of the crew says. Shade`s eyes scanned the deck until catching site of Dermos. "Dermos, your assistants is required." "where is Vixtara?!"Dermos says in fear for her. "You lost her? I`m sorry, with you shadowing her at all times I didn`t think to care."Relom sympathises. "I must find her!"Dremos says with his eyes darting around. "Don`t worry I`l find her, you just do me a favour. I need you to assist the crew over there with project third entry, you could look for her after that." Shade suggests while pointing in the direction of the crew he ordered before. Dermos couldn`t object to this plan. Dermos rushes to crashed through the hard wood floor, after a few hits the floor give way. Shade goes back to fighting the pirates while looking out for Vixtara.<For the sake of he`s end of the deal>

[There is now a way to retreat to the lower deck]

Fall

"NO!" Minya screamed, power flowing through her. "STOP IT! GET BACK INSIDE ME - NOW!" To her great surprise, whatever-it-was obeyed. The beast withdrew, and she was herself. She stared at the destruction before her in disbelief, then at the blade she clutched. She was horrified at the sight of the blood. "Gods," she whispered. "Did I really just do that?"

So many dead...revenge is mine...I suppose...I can stop obsessing now! Oh gods, if this were an old story, I suppose the sun would break upon me and I would experience an epiphany...as it is, all I feel is...is...She closed her eyes, searching for the right words, but none came.

The moment of drama was completely shattered as another pirate lunged at her. Minya heard the blood - the water - pulsing through his veins warning her and quickly ducked. I don't think I want to hurt anyone anymore...I think I've killed enough Pelari to atone for their deaths by now. I wonder if that's appropriate.

Thee pirate spat, and lunged again. As she swayed to and fro to avoid certain injury, it hit her that what she was feeling was...nothing at all. I must do what I have to do to survive. This is very tiring. So thinking, she knocked the pirate on the knee with the hilt of her blade hard enough to break bone, and bent over him. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "But I don't want to die, and I'm sure that if I didn't do that you would kill me."

There, I think that went pretty well. I suppose now that I have finished what I have set out to do, I've stopped obsessing...and I'm now normal....maybe I can even make some friends or something...

The pirate lying at her feet opened one bleary eye. "IDIOT," he snarled, and pulled her over.

...Maybe I don't want to be normal. Do normal people all have to kill people?

“There is a way out now, Linor. We can escape now. You go through first.” Linor shook his head. No I want to make sure you escape to safety. Geoffrey and I will back you up while helping the others.” Linor went to help but Solita seized his wrist and looked into his eyes.
“You will not leave me.” Geoffrey ran up to the two.
“Both of you go. I’ll stay here and help to make sure everyone else gets to safety. Plus I have to make sure Shade doesn’t get killed.” Geoffrey smiled his usual jokingly smile. “That’s my job.” Solita jumped into the hole that led to the cabins below. Immediately she saw Minya defending herself from a few pirates. Solita instantly pulled out her short bow. She took out an arrow from her quiver strapped to her lower back. She quickly aimed and let an arrow loose at one of the pirates. Just as Minya dodged the pirate’s attack the arrow grazed his arm. He cursed and looked at Solita but quickly turned his attention back to Minya when she lunged at him with her dagger. The man dodges to the side and was prepared to counter attack until her noticed that Solita was on top of him already with her scimitar drawn. The pirate quickly kicked Minya in the side throwing her off balance and then he quickly turned towards Solita as she swung at his head. He ducked and landed a blow on Solita’s stomach with his knee. She stood her ground and the pirate quickly raised his cutlass to strike when a gunshot rang out followed by a ricochet sound. The cutlass jolted from the pirates hands. Then Minya stabbed him in the back with her dagger. He let out a scream before being silenced by Solita doing a spinning jump kick and landing a blow to the side of his neck. The pirate hit the ground hard and didn’t move afterwards.
Solita smiled back at Linor who had fired the shot.
“That was a very nice shot.” Solita complimented. Linor just merely shook his head.
“I was aiming at him technically. These weapons are inaccurate. I guess we have the gods to thank for that shot, not me.” Linor then turned to their other companion. “Minya,” He said. “it is good that you are safe. We are heading for the lower deck. That is where Rual and the others are.” Just then Dermos dropped through the hole that led into the cabin.
“Looks like one more floor to go.” Dermos muttered and went quickly to hitting away at the floor.

She & the few pirates watched in horror as the pirate writhed around on the deck, clutching his bloody & broken knee. He was screaming & shouting curses at the Kearon who'd caused him the agony & she glanced up at said Kearon, waiting for some sort of response.

He looked back at her, his eyes searching through the shadows of her hood. “I have no interest in seeing you on the ground in absolute agony,” he said finally.

“Shade!”

At the sound of what she assumed was his name, Shade whipped back around & quickly re-joined his crewmates.

She watched him hurry back & then looked around her. Nearby pirates stared at her oddly, unsure of what to do.

“What are you looking at?” she growled at them. That sick, evil grin made its way back onto their faces & they raised their swords again. They advanced on her.

“Stupid pirates,” she muttered under her breath. With a vicious shriek she slashed at them, spraying thick, hot blood on all of them. The needle-sharp edge of her blade caught the nearest pirate's face & tore it to pieces, cutting deep into the Calmar's flesh. The blade entered through his cheek, lodging itself into the pirate's face, & blood poured. He screamed in pain & she quickly tried to remove it but had no time as the other pirates began swinging their swords closer at her.

Weaponless, she kicked the pirate next to her in the stomach & quickly turned around & limped as fast as she could in the direction Shade had been going. Not before the pirate returned the kick with a fast swipe of his sword at her, though, & it broke through her hood & left a deep scratch along her neck. She cursed the gods & shoved the pirates out of her way, pushing towards the direction Shade had gone.

Rual was revealed when Dermos smashed his way through from above, and allowed the few up top to get to the safety of the lower decks - although now they had a third entrance to guard. Luckily for them though, the pirate numbers were dwindling. His strategy to bottle-neck the pirates as they went down after them was paying off, and now they had a chance to win.

"When I give the order, everyone able must charge." Rual spoke to the survivors. "We need to get to the pirate ship and take over it. As you have noticed, there are less pirates coming down to fight us. We will soon outnumber them."

Although tired, the survivors had a look of relief as they soon hope for the first time since the pirates attacked.

A moment later, Rual stepped to the stairs and slew one more pirate as he climbed down to get to them, then he bolted upwards. "Charge!" His voice echoed throughout the lower decks. Everyone who could still fight were soon up on deck again, and fighting a path to the pirate ship. Rual was right, there were considerably less pirates to fight.
The pirates left on board their own ship were even fewer, and were quickly overrun with a vengeance.

The pirate captain had had a good view of the battle from his place on his ship's helm, and saw when his side started to loose, and so he had ordered the ship to separate, but it was too late. He ran and took a leap into the water, followed by a hand-full of other pirates.

"It's over!" One of the crew cried. The rest cheered when they realized they had actually won.

Rual noticed that their ship was tilting on an angle, and started giving new orders. "Get the wounded on this ship, quickly! And someone take down the pirate flag. It looks like we will be travelling to Pelar on a new ship."

He had not expected to feel like this, not this much anyway (It was how distant the feeling made him feel that made him stop himself and consider it)...The feeling was detachment. He did not feel sad, anxious, or angry, but he sat himself down on the floor, like a shell on the the shore of a beach. He was still holding the blunderbuss, but felt neither good or bad about it...it was just a thing...everything and everyone were just things.

Solita found him and spoke to him. "Are you alright?"

He didn't answer - he didn't feel the need to - sure he was alright, so why should she ask?

"Linor?" She shook his shoulder.

He looked at her, annoyed by the disturbance, he gave her an irritant look.

Geoffrey turned up and saw how Linor was. "Is he hurt?" He asked.

Solita looked around for any wounds but he seemed fine. "I don't see any..."

"Maybe he just needs some rest." Geoffrey suggested.

"Let's find you a bed." Solita tried to help him up.

"Wait..." Linor protested. "I need to reload my gun."

Izaak

[before the pirate ship gets boarded]

Shade intervenes when seeing the pirates attacking Teufel and attempting to bring the pirates down. You left her there to fend for herself?! Relom`s mind tormented him. SlAashh. "Arrg! Damn you!" Relom shouted at an experienced pirates as his eyes caught site of his blood on the deck. Shade scythe kicks the pirate`s legs [this can be achieved because this pirate has a wooden leg] then finishing the job with a chop while throwing shuriken at the nearest pirate, and while that one flinched with the shuriken a stab with the cutless, and with the momentum to pull out the blade Shade spins 360 degrees and strikes down that pirate, the last one demoralised from this runs back to the nearest group of pirates. Shade assists Teufel to the third entry [which was made recently]. "I am sorry for leaving you there, I just wanted a way out." Relom says with concern. Teufel just looks back at him in silence. Shade lowers her into the hole in the deck then jumps down before the pirates caught up. "Looks like the group has warmed up to my idea quickly." Shade says as he notices the second hole in the floor. "Oh, I haven`t properly introduced myself, they call me Shade, and you are?" Teufel hesitated. "It`s okay, no one`s interrogating you." Shade says as he lowers her through the floor [the final hole]. Rual approaches when Shade drops from the ceiling of the lower deck. "who are you?" Shade steps foreword and says. "She`s a friend, and a new recruit." "A new recruit?! what has she done to prove herself?" Solita says while observing this stranger. "Risking her life while fighting off the pirates." Shade replies with a grin. "Err, welcome to our group. Shade, are you ready?" Rual says impatiently. "Always vigilant sir." Shade says with a relaxed tone. "Good, when I give the order, everyone able must charge. We need to get to the pirate ship and take over it. As you have noticed, there are less pirates coming down to fight us. We will soon outnumber them." Rual says with his Musket and Katana ready.

[after the pirate ship gets boarded]

After Shade recovers his shuriken and throwing knifes [before the ship sinks] he then checks on Teufel [who`s now in sickbay] after that he goes to the lower deck of there new ship and continues his previous work [the ship improvements].

Vixtara let her bolts fly from the crossbow, taking down one pirate after another from her position in the crow's nest. She watched as the others made their way back up from below decks and over onto the pirate's ship. Bodies laid in pools of blood below her, reminding her of another battle long ago and her shoulder twitched in memory.

Only one bolt left and she was saving it for an opportune moment. That moment came while the last of the pirate crew jumped over board with their captain, but what the others couldn't see from their vantage point was where they clung to the sides of the ship, most likely waiting until everyone's guard was down to sneak back aboard and slit their throats. She trained her sights carefully, waiting until the men stopped moving and she could tell which of them was the captain. Finally he pulled himself far enough out of the water that she could identify his dress, and fired. The bolt hit him square in the side, just below his shoulder blade, and he fell away from the ship, his body limp with red coloring the water around him.

The tilt of the ship became obvious now that she wasn't focused on the task at hand. Her bolts spent, Vixtara slung her bow across her back and held on to the rigging for balance. She scanned the deck of the other ship, searching for Dermos, but couldn't find him.

"Vixtara!" A hoarse voice called from below. Dermos was turning the bodies on the deck searching for her even as they began to slide from the dangerous tilt of the ship as it took on more water.

"Dermos!" She called back to him, "Get onto the other ship!"

At the sound of her voice he looked up, shocked. Relief softened the determination in his eyes before the ship shifted again and he had to scramble toward the railing to keep from being tossed overboard. "Get down from there! It's going down fast!"

Vixtara wasted no time in her compliance with his command, she didn't want to go down with the ship. But more than that, she didn't want to risk him sinking with her. The climb down was precarious and more difficult than getting up since everything sagged to the side. Already, fins were circling in the water below.

As soon as her feet touched the deck, Dermos was there beside her, practically dragging her toward the other ship. Shray spots them from the widening gap between them. "Wait!" She called to Rual, who at first gave her an exasperated look before realizing the reason for her remark.

"Hold steady!" Rual called out. The planks no longer stretched the length between the ships, but grappling hooks were quickly sent over the distance to form a link between them.

Dermos looked at her. "We'll have to hold on and cut them free. The others will pull us up."

Vixtara nodded her agreement as she swung over the railing, hoping that her shoulder would have enough strength to allow her to hold on, and that she wasn't consigning herself to dinner for the sharks below.

Solita blinked and stood frozen.
Is this the same Linor that I know or did someone else get on board in his place? Linor was already in the process of reloading his weapon. Solita looked at Geoffrey and he shrugged. Solita reached out to take Linor’s arm but he quickly shrugged her hand off and she flinched and immediately turned red. She has been in numerous battles and never even blinked an eye at the enemy nor their attacks but Linor does a simple gesture and she actually winced.
“Fine!” Solita yelled, turning a couple of heads her way. “Come get me when you’re done reloading your stupid gun and you’re ready to act normal again.” Solita turned and stormed of. Geoffrey started to follow but Solita quickly raised her hand signaling that she wanted to be alone. She walked into the cabin doors to find something to cover herself up with. The cold breeze from the sea made her top clothing did nothing to keep her warm and she lost her cloak on the last boat. She nearly ran into Shade and mentally cursed herself for rotten luck.
“What brings you to this part of the ship?” Solita stayed silent hoping, for whatever reason, that he would go away. “Look, I’m sorry about what happened earlier. I think we both got off on the wrong foot.” Solita looked at Shade and didn’t see a mocking smile. He was truly being sincere. “I hope we can start over.” Shade held out his hand and Solita looked between it and Shade’s face before shaking it.
“And I’m sorry as well. I have a short temper as you could see. And I want to thank you for your escape plan on the other ship.” A smile finally appeared on Shade’s face but it wasn’t mocking. After shaking Shade’s hand Solita quickly went to rubbing her arms.
“A little chilly? I guess the short sleeveless shirt and vest wouldn’t do a whole lot of good in cold weather.” Solita only quickly nodded her head.
“So what are you doing here anyway?”
“I came to see the new addition for our team.”
“You mean that Kearon girl from earlier?”
“Teufel.” Solita repeated the name silently on her lips as if it were a process in order to remember people. They stepped into the multi-bunk bed room and Teufel was lying asleep in one of them. “Maybe you should get some sleep too. There are blankets on the bed and new ones are being washed right now.” Solita looked at Shade suspiciously again. “I promise I am only looking out for your best interest and have no other intentions besides looking out for a comrade. Solita reluctantly lay down and Shade covered her with a blanket. Her shivering was slowly becoming less rapid. Before she knew it Solita had fallen asleep but only nightmares of a blood thirsty Linor filled her mind during her rest.

Shade helped her down the hall, holding onto her arms to keep her steady. The short walk was filled with an awkward silence & it wasn't broken 'til he opened the door to the multi-bunked cabin. “You never did tell me your name,” he pointed out as they walked in.

She looked up at him. It hurt her neck to move even the slightest, the deep scratch from the pirate still stung terribly. But it just felt odd not to look at him when they talked.
“Teufel,” she answered after a moment, her accent thick. She was sure he could barely understand her, but he didn't seem fazed. Shade gave a small smile & nodded.

“Teufel,” he repeated. He made a mental note to let the rest of the crew know as he led her over to an empty bunk. Shade made a move to help her get in when she slapped his hand away.

“I can do this myself,” Teufel told him, a bit irritated. “I'm not helpless.” Though he couldn't see it, he could feel her glaring at him & he laughed.

“I know. I could tell when you stupidly took on those pirates with your leg like that.”

“Well I didn't exactly have an help,” she retorted, crossing her arms.

He looked in the dark shadows of her hood apologetically. “Again, I'm sorry about that.”

She gave a small laugh. “Es ist in Ordnung,” she replied as she climbed into the bed & wrapped the thick blanket around her.

“Hm?”

Teufel glanced up at him. “Oh, ah, it's ok.” It'd take her a bit to become re-adjusted with using the commonly used Kearon tongue daily, having not used it in a long while.

Shade watched her strangely for a moment & then nodded. “I'd better go back to working on the ship.”

She nodded in return & laid down, curling into a ball with her back to him. Teufel heard him get up after a moment & close the door as quietly as he could behind him. As she laid there silently, she listened to the sea & soon her eyes drooped tiredly. The gentle rocking of the ship sent her into a deep & calming sleep, & her mind drifted into black nothingness.

(E. D. Gutendaug has been kicked from this campfire, and his character died during the battle against the pirates.)

Rual thought it wise to count the survivors, and make sure all of his group were accounted for. He called for everyone to gather together on the top deck and counted everyone.

Linor, Vixtara, Dermos, Shade, Solita, Geoffrey, Shray, Minya, Tuupin, and the new girl Teufel were all on board and alive, but he couldn't find Mistfire (she had died), and only four of the Kearon 9th Tome members were accounted for - their names are Korell, Nox, Sarash, and Branner, with Sarash being the only female among them. The other three must also have died. He then counted the crew, who had the most losses. There would have been close to 30 crew before they left at the very least (Calmar particularly like to travel in larger numbers), and that wasn't including the captain, who Rual had seen dead, but now there was only 8 left (including Julint), and they had nowhere else to be. Now their party numbered 23, which was sure to impress once they reached the capital of Pelar.

"Surviving crew, you are more than welcome to join us." Rual offered, seeing that now they had no one to follow, and the only alternative would be for them to return home. After a moment's discussion among the crew they decided they would follow them.

"Now we need to make sure this ship is not sinking as well. Crew, you can check for damage and organize others to repair where needed. The rest of you, if you are well enough for work then start repairing and readying the sails. Anyone with medical knowledge can stay with the wounded. This ship can go faster than our last ship, so we should get their sooner than we thought, which will give us more time to prepare for whatever must be done there." Rual then went to inspect all the wounded.

Linor felt tired, and after laying his gun down he went below deck to find a peaceful place to rest. He hadn't heard Rual's speech, in fact all the goings on around him was blurred out to him. He knew he would feel better once he had rested up, although he couldn't say he minded feeling this way all that much. He found a small storage room that was mostly empty, save for a barrel, a box, and a few large bags. The bags felt soft enough to rest on, and so he arranged them into a bed and made himself comfortable. This room escaped most of the noise, and the rocking of the ship only put him to sleep faster.

Izaak

The lower deck was silent except the sound of foot steps from Shade passing the floor. "No, that wont work..." Solita`s eyes opened from the sound of Shade talking to himself. "I believe Linor to be acting a little strange." Solita sat up in the bunk now with interest. "I believe that Linor can not kill people without getting greatly affected. You see when you or I kill people we see them as 'enemies' but when he kills his mind registers that he`s killing people, and he can`t take it." Solita finally spoke. "How would you know?" Shade looked away from his notes. "Because I saw it on him, and I had some interesting friends." Solita then curiously replied. "You had?" Shade says in return. "Don`t ask." Solita was not satisfied with Shade`s reply and continued. "Why?" Shade responded with aggression in his voice. "I am begging you not to go there!" Shade began to tense up further when he heard the sound of foot steps going in his direction...
Geoffrey walks into the room a little confused. "I can`t believe it, Shade and Solita in the same room, but not killing each other." Shade just continued with his notes and replied. "Your ability to process information is none of my concern." Geoffrey looks back to Shade with a sharp gaze. "Do you even know who I am?!" Shade nodded and says. "No, no I don`t know you... by the way, nice fighting stance."<This is a particularly effective stance that few people get the privilege of learning> Geoffrey takes a step foreword. "Who are you really?" Shade then says. "I`m a cold hearted soulless monster who occasionally eats small children." Geoffrey looked at Shade thinking 'That freak is hiding something, and I`m going to find out what it is'. Julint walks in the room holding some notes. "Oh yes, I was expecting you Julint." Shade says as Julint walks in. "Oh one more thing Geoffrey, what is your business down here?" Shade mentions as Julint hands him the notes. "None of your`s." Geoffrey says as he leaves the room. After watching Shade and Geoffrey talk Solita comments. "Geoffrey is here to help, you know that." Shade quickly scans the notes for any error then replies. "I`m sorry, I was intimidated by his presence." (although what Shade was thinking was. 'Knowledge is power, hide it well.' Geoffrey was thinking something similar and Julint was thinking. 'did I come in at the wrong time?') "Julint, I need you to hold on to the notes for now. I just want some uninterrupted shut eye."

Standing up in the now dark ship had Shade perplexed for a moment, for everything seemed different.
The bunks were gone and spider webs now hung from the ceiling, even the rocking of the ship seemed different.
The ship shook violently for a second, like it hit something big. Bodies fell from the ceiling [hung up by the neck with wires]. Shade stood there in shock because he recognized many of these people. A figure that he didn`t notice stood on the other side of the ship. This one watched Shade from a distance like a stalker. [This one stood with a hunch, has grey skin, rusted shards for teeth and finger nails a head taller then Shade and has dry blood on it`s face] Shade`s hands began to shack and mind started to shutter as the form crept closer. Shade took a step foreword. "I am not afraid of you!" But it just leaned foreword, it`s mouth opened up wide and a voice emanated from inside. "You reek of fear..."

Shade`s eyes suddenly opened. It was another disturbing dream and this time he was on the ship. Shade gets out of the bunk, his heart rate slowly returning to normal. He walks to the top deck for fresh air. It was silent above deck except the foot steps of two crew members keeping watch. Shade goes to the rails and watches the ocean and carves on the rails. The tide raises every ship. At lest watching the sea has a way of keeping your mind off the past. Shade thought while enjoying the serenity of the moment.

Fall

Minya paced near someone - anyone and stopped. She hadn't had any panic attacks for a while and everyone seemed to be grateful for it. Maybe she could try making friends now.

Then she shook her head. "What am I thinking?" she asked herself.

"Inner demons?" asked the Shade as she actually focused on the features of the person she had stopped beside.

"Um...no. It's just that...I don't have any friends."

"Why am I not surprised?"

Minya frowned. "What is your story? I had - have lots of friends, actually. I just don't know where they are...now. You don't seem to have any at all."

"All too similar to yours," Shade said. "By choice, though. Still...sentiment intervenes and I find myself possibly wanting to get to know you better,"

Minya felt her heart quicken. "What do you mean?"

Solita couldn’t sleep due to the sea sickness that had returned. She got up and ran out the room and to the side of the boat. The only sources of light were the countless stars and the half full moon in the sky. She put her head over the banister but only dry heaves followed. She hadn’t eaten anything the whole time since boarding the boat. The food she did have in her system was lost when she was on the first boat.
“Still haven’t gotten used to the ship life?” Rual asked as he walked up.
“I hate this boat contraption. I hate pirates. And I hate sea water.” Rual chuckled at Solita’s list.
“It’s not so bad. You just have the bad luck of not being used to it. Some people don’t have a problem or adjust quickly. Others just take a little bit longer.”
“If that’s supposed to make me feel better it doesn’t. It’s at moments like this I slightly miss my old life.”
“Your old life?” Solita nodded her head.
“I was in a noble family. I got whatever I wanted most of the time. I had some of the best scholars and warriors in the capitol to educate and train me. Everything was perfect until my mother died. Then I wanted to take up the same job she did and hopefully find out what happened. I just know she was murdered. The guild says she was in an accident but my mother was too cautious, observant, and skilled to be killed by an accident.”
“So your ultimate goal is revenge? Say you do find out it was a plot to kill your mother. What if it really was an accident? Do you try to find the killer and either end up like her or feel without purpose once you achieve your goal. Or do you constantly look for clues of something that never happened?” Solita looked at Rual through hateful eyes.
“What are you getting at? That finding the cause of my mother’s death is a waste of time?”
“I’m saying don’t let it cloud your judgment. Don’t let this thirst for answers distort who you really are.”
“You don’t—”
“I know. I don’t know who you are. But you are in my crew. I observe who’s in my crew. You started off hating Pelari and now you are allies with one. There is some good in your heart. Your way of being raised has not prepared you for this world fully.”
“How do you know?”
“What if I killed your mother?” Solita’s mind completely went blank. She was speechless as Rual drew his katana and pointed it at her. Rual held his sword steady for a moment and then smiled. He then sheathed his sword. “See, you are not quite ready to confront you enemy no matter who they are. At least not mentally. You have friends here as well as allies. Don’t think you are ever alone. Your problems are mine as well as the rest of the crew’s as my troubles are yours. Remember that, Solita.” Rual then walked off to continue his check on the crew and the boat. Solita stood silent and with a mix of emotions. She then quickly turned her head.
“Come out!” Teuful came out from around the corner of the cabin.
“I did not mean to eavesdrop. You and that man woke me.” Teuful walked next to Solita and looked out over the sea that reflected the stars and moon.
“I’m sorry.”
“So you were a noble in the capitol?” Teuful asked.
“I still am. I still have my land and inheritance of my still living father there.”
“I also hear that you befriended the Pelari?”
“Why would I answer a question like that?”
“You are stupid if you did.” Solita twitched at the insult.
“You are stupid if you judge a whole entire race without knowing them.” Teuful scoffed.
“That race ruined my life!” Teuful quickly calmed herself. “I was like you. Didn’t have a care in the world. I and my family both had high honour and wealth but the Pelari destroyed that in an instant.”
“What, did the Pelari kill your family?”
“My family was executed for being accused of housing Pelari towards the beginning of the cold war between us and the Pelari.”
“Who executed your family?”
“The Royal Guard did on holding my family guilty of high treason.”
“Then it looks like you are feeling hatred towards the wrong people. The Royal Guard killed your family. Who knows who the person is that accused your family and planted whatever evidence against them? From what I hear, Pelari had nothing to do with the actual murder of your family. Yes, the war was used as fuel but maybe it wasn’t a Pelari at all? I was like you when I first started out. I hated Pelari but then I met them. Along with other races I had only read of. I was ignorant. It seems we have a lot in common.” Solita faced Teuful. “I am Solita.” Solita held out her hand and Teuful looked at it and then at Solita. “I promise I only intend to help you.” Teuful grasped Solita’s wrist and Solita did the same.
“I am Teuful.” Solita smirked.
“Now, let us find truth to our families’ deaths.”

Quite a few holes were found on one side of the ship in particular, as they had defended themselves against the pirates, however enough material and workers were available to do the necessary repairs. The ship had stood well against the cannon fire, and would have lasted another day or so without any attention to it, so Rual found himself liking this new ship - not only that, it was faster, and had more cannons on board. Intimidating to any other pirates who might wish to cross them.

It would still take at least a few more days to reach a dock in Pelar, despite the speed of the ship, and he knew everyone would need more rest than usual to recuperate from the pirate battle, so he would not be hard on them to get the ship to their destination any faster. At any rate by now the sun had set and it was night time, and Rual remembered that he wished to talk to Shade about something, so he went to seek him out. He found he leaning over the edge of the ship's side, staring at the water calmly and contently. He tried to approach quietly, but Shade spoke without turning, showing that he had heard his footsteps.

"Do you want something?" Shade asked, eyes fixed forwards, and no change of movement. Rual wondered if he secretly readied himself a defence, although he did not show it.

"Your name. I still do not know it." Rual spoke evenly, masking any emotional intent.

Shade hesitated for a brief moment. "Since you hired me I did not think that you required my true name."

"I did not...But now I am interested."

"I wear this name - Shade - as protection. You cannot take that away from me. Not now at least." Shade turned to meet Rual's gaze.

Rual thought about it, then asked a question. "You do not feel safe with me?"

"I do not feel safe with anyone."

Rual stopped to think a second time. "You have traveled with me for some time now. What do you think my intentions are?"

"It does not matter what your intentions are. I am here for the job. You promised me money, but that is not the reason why I embarked on this journey, remember?" Shade answered. Rual looked at him intently, because he himself had not worked Shade out. Shade elaborated. "...Honour." With that Rual nodded. He had decided, after all, that he liked Shade.

Before Rual left him there, he turned to say one last comment. "There is more to you than I originally thought. Much more...Shade." He smiled and went his way.

Linor awoke during the early hours of the morning, when only a couple of crew kept awake, and all others slept.

His legs moved drunk for the first meter or so as he went for the stairs to get above deck, but soon he found his balance. His eyes were already adjusted and everything shaped clearly around him, thus he made out the stairs easily from where he stood in the hall, and steadily walked towards them, careful not to make a sound as to wake the others who slept nearby. He ascended the staircase and creaked open the door, peering outside. Instantly a gust of gentle breeze flushed against his face. He blinked at the incident, yet enjoyed the cool feeling. As he stepped outside he looked upwards to the heavens, seeing clusters of stars and colours - orange, red and a little purple, patterned like loose clouds that formed into a length across the sky, and dressing the bulk of the stars in a fitting surrounding. It was awe inspiring, even though he had seen the sky at night many times before, he was always engulfed by its beauty, and felt he could never get used to it.

It was at this moment that Linor realized that he's gained his emotions back, as his heart beat with joy at the impressive sight above. He would be ok after all...He would just have to try not to remember that day with the pirates.

Linor then found his way back to the softness of the bags he had found so comfortable before, and fell back to sleep.

After helping an empty-stomach Solita back to their cabin Teufel returned to the deck, staring out at the calm sea. Sensing she was alone, the empty darkness surrounding her made her feel more at home and she felt a rare inner peace inside her. The breeze felt wonderful and just for a moment, she wished she was back home again, laughing and having a good time with her family. Memories of running through the Capitol's dark, dimly lit streets with the wind blowing through her hair and laughing flooded her mind and for the first time in a long while, she lowered her hood. The breeze blew freely through her dark auburn and and she smiled, her long scar re-forming around the unusual displacement. Why was she doing this? By the gods she had no idea. But why had she done half the things she'd done within the past few hours or so? Her grey eyes blinked in the breath-taking light of the stars and vibrant colours of the sky. She sighed. It'd been years since she felt like this. She fingered her silver maple leaf charm and once again she was back at home. I lost so much, she thought, thanks to the Pelari. She furiously bit back tears as she remembered the last time she saw her family, telling her to run as they heard the Kearon from the Capitol coming to arrest them. She hadn't wanted to leave, but her mother's urgent orders and tear-stained face had pushed her over the edge and she'd run. Run right into the life of thieving, assassinations, street-fights. The sensing of another presence behind her snapped her out of her thoughts. She immediantly through her hood back on, hiding her tears and her hair once again. Pulling out and loading her cross bow within a few seconds she whipped around, aiming it into the shadows. “Who's there?” she growled.

(Only two other members posted last round - credit goes to SeesWithHeart and Musei.Tamasho - and so I will speed the progress towards Pelar.)

The days slowly passed as the crew worked hard to sail the ship to their destination. For a time the land had vanished from the horizon as they passed by a gulf in the land, and all aboard looked forward to when they would spot land once more. Then it appeared, blurred in the distance, and gradually grew to form a land alien to most on board. It was the coast of Pelar, and its shores looked a welcoming bright green, despite the general feeling of anxiety as they got nearer. Soon a dock could be seen, with other ships and many small boats about it. Rual thought it would be a good moment to gather everyone together before they landed.

After everyone had got themselves above deck and gathered in front of Rual, he waited a moment longer. All eyes watched him quietly waiting for him to speak. He then cleared his throat and addressed his audience. "Kearon. Calmara. Rochkai. Human. Pelari. My fellow people, we are all about to enter a country that will not welcome all of us easily, and alone we may not fair well. But together we are strong - very strong - and a force to be reckoned with, only we are not here for violence, as many of our peoples before us have been, fighting for the sake of meaningless hatred. Now, finally we come for peace, and we will take our message of peace right to the top, to the Emperor himself, and all the great Pelari Houses as well. And together, we will change history."

Less than an hour had gone by before the ship docked, and the boards lowered for all to get off. A rather large fishing town was built around the docks (it its own right it could almost be called a city), and aside from some strange looks, no one said anything about the Kearon in the group. It seemed that most of the Pelari who lived and worked there were already accustom to seeing other races - maybe even a few Kearon before today - and their normal cautiousness was all that the party had to face. Not many in the party knew where to go from there, so Tuupin explained that the capital was only a couple of days journey north, directly up the main road - and the signs agreed with his statements.

Rual spoke to the party. "We will first gather supplies, and we should stay the night at an inn before we leave for the Pelari capital. Tuupin, do you know where we can find an inn?" It was only around mid afternoon, but with two days of travel ahead of them, Rual would not risk it.

"Just down that street...It's called the Sober Salmon - although they are not very sober. They have good meals there." Tuupin pointed to a nearby street, which seemed to contain a good deal of the towns important buildings in it. Tuupin was quickly becoming the group's guide since they entered Pelar. Luckily he had been there before, and knew where a thing or two was.

"Thank you, Tuupin." Rual said. "Tomorrow, before the sun rises, we will leave for the capital. Make sure you all get enough to eat, and enough rest before then. I'll just go to the market first, since we are getting low on rations, and we need more ammunition as well after spending most of our bullets and bolts on those pirates...And some of our blades will need repairing, so I best visit a blacksmith as well. I will take broken and damaged weapons now. Feel free to wonder, just make sure you are all in the Sober Salmon for an early dinner."

All in all Rual was very pleased with their progress. Not only did they arrive early in Pelar, but they had done it after defeating pirates, and had actually grown in numbers since the remaining crew joined the cause.

Izaak

[Before docking at Pelar]

"It`s a shame, I really wanted to see if that invention of mine would work." Shade says as he passes the notes to Julint. "No one could have predicted pirates." Julint reasons. "It doesn`t matter, I don`t have enough time, but be sure to test it on your on time." Shade continues to explain to Julint. "What about on the way back?" Rual adds. "No. I`m thinking canons!" Shade replies to Rual. "Nice!" Rual says in a satisfied voice. Solita seemed impatient about leaving the ship. luckily land was in sight and the ship would be docking soon.

Docking was easy especially because the ship yard was built for a large range of ships. The group began to exit the pirate ship, although relieved that they had arrived at last, worried about the problems they must now face [and who knew what challengers awaited them now]. The civilians of this place only occasionally watched the group suspiciously [did they not know that there was a war?]. Shade finally stepped to the next phase of his plan [Which revolved around the fact that if he wasn`t acknowledged to be part of a guild then his guild wouldn`t get any favour. not a very prestigious phase but required for it all to work] he takes his coat, terns it inside out and puts it back on, revealing the symbol of the black sun guild [It now was a white rob with a black sun on the back and the sun's raise twisted throughout the robe]. "looks like the Iron claw guild missed one." Geoffrey mentions in a mocking way. "Missed allot more then one, doesn`t matter though, when the war ends the black sun will be honoured for supporting peace. so I`ve already won." Shade replies with pride. "I could end this right here if you`d like Shade." Geoffrey says ready to draw his weapon. "Relom... My name is Relom, and no you can`t end this now. I may not be the best fighter but I know the law, by law you can`t kill me unless you have a good reason, which you don`t." Shade/Relom announced. [Shade`s real name is Relom]

[Before landing]

The salt spray of the ocean left a dampness in Vixtara's clothing that still clung to her. Dermos had left her to sleep off the exhaustion of the fight in a small room below the decks of the pirate's ship. She didn't know how long she had slept, but she faintly remembered Dermos coming to check on her at some point, murmuring for her to return to sleep. She woke now to find that he had stayed, sleeping with his body across the threshold of the door, ensuring that no one disturb her slumber.

The tightness that had gripped her chest for so long eased a little more, and Vixtara smiled, content for the first time that she could remember. That is... until she remembered that the Calmar she had nursed aboard the other vessel had not made the transfer to the new ship. The curse haunted her still, snatching away every soul that she ever showed a care for, even if that soul did not know of her affection.

Dermos shifted. A mumble rose from his lips before he settled back into sleep, unaware of Vixtara's troubled thoughts.

Despite her withered emotions, Vixtara noticed the sly glances of the crew when she and Dermos emerged from the tiny room. They hadn't spoken but a few simple words after they rose, and Vixtara was thankful for it, but she knew her silence bothered him. She also knew that he deserved more than her wordless glances and distant affection. Sooner or later, the time would come when the silence could no longer hold. And she feared that it was fast approaching.

A glance at the sky told her the day was half gone already and it amazed her how easily the crew spoke with her today. It seemed they saw her now, that she was given a focused recognition where only peripheral acceptance had existed. Linor stopped her for a few brief words as she crossed the deck, nodding to Dermos, but attention focused on her. "I'm glad to see you are well, we feared for you since Dermos kept you closeted away for so long."

Was that jesting she detected? "Umm... er... yes, I'm perfectly well. The rest has refreshed me."

Linor smiled as he caught sight of Solita, "If you'll excuse me."

Vixtara looked over to see Dermos smiling brightly at her indulgent expression. "What?" She asked.

"You were embarrassed."

"He spoke to me... for no immediate reason. I believe he was teasing me, Dermos." Vixtara whispered her confession.

"Only because he cares, because he has accepted you."

"I know." Vixtara was still wrapping her mind around that when Rual called to Dermos from the captain's chambers. She watched him disappear into the dark interior of the room and sighed.

"You look troubled." Shade's voice sounded from behind her and Vixtara wheeled around to face him. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"You shouldn't have been able to." Vixtara, angry at her lack of awareness, hissed to herself.

"You are among friends. You do not always have to be on guard."

"You know, just as I do, that vigilence is the only way to survive."

"What do you know of me?"

"Nothing. But I recognize another lost soul when I see one."

"And I thought you had been found." Shade jested.

"It cannot matter. I will not let it." Vixtara's voice wavered with a conviction that opposed Shade's light manner.

"Then you are farther gone than even I. Sometimes, we have no choice in the matter."

"No, sometimes we do not."

Vixtara stood rigid at the railing, staring at the rise and fall of the whitecaps against the oblivion of the deep, listening to Shade's footsteps as he left her to the demons that she could not forget.

[after landing]

The ground felt heavenly underneath Vixtara's feet. She hoped she would never have to set sail on the ocean again, it just didn't feel right.

Dermos pointed to a small clearing at the edge of the village, "Why don't we get in some practice before dinner? You still want to learn how to fight with the javelin don't you?"

"Yes, I still want to learn." Vixtara followed him away from the group, and they counted out ten paces between each other before turning to spar.

"Keep your attack low. I'll show you how to counter from above."

Fall

(This post is a collab between Izaak and I =_= Sorry, I've been so long in posting. )

Minya leaned against the wall, thoughts spinning hazily.

"I don`t know anything about you. So what is your story? How did you manage to be alone? You see, I remember Linor finding you by yourself, so maybe we should start around there." Shade says in a relaxed posture. Minya hesitated, her eyes looking around while she tried to think. "How did you manage to join this group?" She finally said. Shade became curious from Minya`s response. " I was hired by Rual, I still had business to attend to so I needed to catch up later." Minya continued with another question. " Why did he hire you?" Shade replies. "I don`t know, all I knew was that this would be important and I would be remembered for it. I hope I`v satisfied your curiosity, although I still know nothing about you."

Minya couldn`t complain to that although she wanted to because she still found it hard to trust him. Muttering a quick "There's not much to say...I'm nobody really," she slipped away.

*

Her thoughts wandered without a body, drifting among the waves. Was she supposed to feel elated? Relieved that her torturous flight had ceased? She didn't - only a sense of no direction that swept over her like a vicious wave from time to time.

What am I supposed to do now. I've made friends. And Revenged myself. Sort of. And I've stopped these voices. But what now. And we're approaching land. And actually I don't think I want to go to Pelar.

"There you are." Minya felt her heart quicken at the Shade's voice - from excitement or fear, she honestly couldn't tell.. "You ought to answer some of my questions as well. For example, why do you seem to have mul - "

"We've arrived!" Rual's stentorian tones rang out and prevented Minya from diving overboard. Inhaling sharply through her nose, she struggled against the urge to scream in frustration at herself.

WHY AM I SO PANICKED ALL THE TIME???????

Go to your happy place.

"No..." she whimpered. The voice was back...

"I think I need help," she whispered to Shade, who appeared genuinely concerned. With that, she let her eyelids block out the light and the world fell away for her as her senses dulled to unconsciousness.

(before landing)
Solita was trying her best to sleep when she hear the call of land. The thought of her legs on land instantly got her up and on deck. She had a mix of feelings all the sudden. One was surely because of what awaiting her on land, the other was Linor’s strange behavior as of late, and last was Teufel. Solita could never trust someone so easily and the fact that Linor’s life was in danger made Solita even more wary. As she walked out on deck Solita was surprised when Linor walked up straight to her. At first Solita was kind of relieved to see the old kind look that Linor had again but then she remembered how he last treated her and Solita’s temper got the best of her again. She immediately turned her head and walked past Linor and to the banister, looking out to the land of Pelar.
“Solita.” Linor called and followed her to the guardrail.
“You dare speak to me?” Solita asked in a sharp voice but her eyes still looking ahead.
“Please, Solita, don’t be like that. You know that each person has their own way of dealing with battles as well as war.”
“And you think that gives you a viable excuse to treat me the way you did?” Solita looked at Linor with a stern look and Linor gave a smile in exchange. Linor thought he say Solita blush and she quickly returned her gaze to the land that they were upon. “I guess I’ll forgive you then. Just don’t let it happen again.”
“Yes, madam.” Linor replied in a playful voice.

Solita had to do everything in her power to keep herself from jumping off the boat to shore like a madwoman. She didn’t care if she never saw a boat again for the rest of her life. Linor helped her off the boat just in time to hear Shade and Geoffrey arguing again. "Relom... My name is Relom, and no you can`t end this now. I may not be the best fighter but I know the law, by law you can`t kill me unless you have a good reason, which you don`t." Relom walked away as Linor and Solita approached.
“I have plenty of reason.” Geoffrey muttered under his breath and at the sight of seeing Solita and Linor suddenly brightened up. “Well, if it isn’t the princess and her groom.” Solita cheeks instantly flushed a rosy color and could actually feel her body temperature rise instantly. But she remained quiet. This only made Geoffrey put on a grin so wide he would shame a shark. “Linor, my comrade. Don’t lose her. There’s only one in a million like ‘er!”
“Geoffrey, I’m right here!” Geoffrey burst out laughing.
“So she is.” The three then gathered with the rest of the group to hear Rual's next instructions in the new land of Pelar.

The sun gradually set, and all the party found their way safely to the Sober Salmon inn. They each had an early dinner and then assigned rooms. Unfortunately twenty three people is a lot to cater for, and despite the fact that only one of the rooms was already taken, and that the inn was quite extensive, after cramming everyone else in, they were still short a room, and so Rual and Dermos found other accommodations in a lesser savory building down a few streets from the Sober Salmon. The room they ended up with looked more like the inside of a stable (without the horses) than a bedroom, as it was very dim, and straw was laid out to sleep on. Rual shook his head, contemplating how much sleep he would get tonight. He was sure that at least Dermos would find it reasonable, as he had a thick coat of fur for extra cushioning.

The following day Rual and Dermos got back to the Sober Salmon - early, since they had found it difficult to sleep on the straw where they were - and once everyone was ready (and after breakfast) they left the town and followed the north road towards the capital, as pointed out to them by Tuupin. They all hoped that they would not run into trouble on the road, as the surrounding lands were patrolled by Pelari soldiers, as a group such as their's could easily be spotted by these patrols - and even worse, they may be viewed as spies. It was hard enough getting past their own guards into the underworld...Their biggest hope was the fact that Pelar was slowly becoming more multicultural, with all the Rochkai, Humans, and Calmar about, even though a good portion of the Humans, and probably all of the Rochkai, were slaves in this country.

Rual walked at the back of the group for once, on the far left, and watched his party quietly as they traveled and talked among each other, noticing how they all reacted with one another. The Calmar were grouped together, and formed what looked like a clique for the most part, except for Tuupin and Minya, since Tuupin was out from leading the way, and Minya seemed to feel more comfortable with the others, probably because she knew them better.
Shade (or Relom, as he had declared the other day) was also observing the group, except from the far right. He, too, had a good view of everyone. Geoffrey stayed clear on the other side, and was walking near Solita and Linor. Vixtara and Dermos also walked close together, and were nearer to the front at the time. Lastly he noticed the new girl, Teufel. She was not far from him, near the back, and she had not joined in with the conversation yet. He figured she still needed time to warm up to the rest, but he was confident that she would. They were a good batch of people, and he was proud of them all.

(It will take about two days to reach the capital.)

Solita wasn't over how he had acted after the pirate battle. Linor had figured this out, although he had at first thought of it as not such a big deal, and he still didn't really understand to the full, he had to admit to himself...Whatever the case was, he hadn't meant to upset her. He looked over to her and noticed her melancholy expression as she walked along. She had spaced herself apart from him so there was enough room for someone to walk between them, he had also noticed, and decided he should probably say something.

Linor cleared his throat and spoke. "...I'm sorry about before." Solita stared back at Linor, listening, and he continued. "I must've looked like a fool...I guess I'm not very strong." He frowned.

Solita moved closer and put her hand on his shoulder. "You have never killed someone before then. No one can blame you for that...Besides, that's not why I was upset with you."

"It's not?" Linor asked.

"No...I was upset because of the way you treated me afterwards. You acted like I wasn't even there...Like I wasn't important to you!" Solita felt emotional about what she was saying, and he could hear it in her voice, although she suppressed any tear that attempted to swell up and show how strongly she had begun to feel about this. She wondered why she still felt the need to hide her feelings from Linor, as they had become closer during the time of their journeying together. Maybe she needed to be sure that Linor would always be there for her, and the way he had acted made her think otherwise.

"Solita." Linor said, in a tone of importance. She looked up and took herself out of her thoughts yet again, intently interested in what he had to say. "I am sorry for all of that...For being weak, and for treating you the way I did...I should be stronger for you! I wish I was.." He was obviously disappointed in himself, and Solita could see this.

Solita leaned over and gave him a hug. "I forgive you! And you're not weak...Look how far you've gone on this dangerous journey! This is proof of your strength." She smiled. He smiled back, grateful that she had it in her heart to forgive him. Otherwise he didn't believe he could forgive himself.

Later that day he decided to go to the back and check how the Rochkai in the group were going. For one thing, the weather was much warmer than they were used to, and also he wanted to make sure they truly felt part of the group - something that everyone always needs the occasional reminder for.

"Hey Vixtara and Dermos!" He greeted. "You know, I'm so glad we have you two with us."

"Is that so?" Dermos probed, although just as a tease. He had observed Linor for long enough to know he was a good guy underneath.

"It is! You are both part of the proof that all races of this earth can coexist peaceful, no matter how different we may look from each other. You see, as I grew up in the capital, I know how my people think, and what we are taught to believe...Most of us Pelari think that only the Pelari can rule properly, and thus should rule all other races. I never believed this myself, of course, but this is something that most do."

"That is such a shame!" Vixtara protested the very idea. "But the same goes for the other side as well. Many Rochkai can't stand the sight of the Pelari, and see them as the monsters...And yet if only they met you they would change their minds!"

Linor blushed. "Well, that is why we are all here for...We will change the way things are and make a better world for our children to live in!"

Vixtara looked at Dermos and grinned. Linor mentioning children made Vixtara think about her future, and maybe Dermos's future as well. Who knew what their future truly held, but if they could change everything for the better, how nice it would be.

Izaak

Relom found it interesting that no one [except Geoffrey] reacted after he announced his real name, but even more interesting was that Minya wanted his help. What could he possibly do to help. This had him perplexed because not many people trusted him let alone ask for help. [however it wouldn't be a bad idea to help though] "If ever you need assistants you know where to go, for I am as helpful as I am harmful!" Relom says to Minya ready for whatever was on mind before on the ship. Minya found it hard to speak about it, maybe she didn`t really expect help from Relom or that she didn`t know how to explain her circumstances. "Seriously though, if you have a problem or some one is making you uncomfortable then tell me!" Relom says in a serious tone with his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "No, don`t kill anyone for my sake, no one`s made me feel unwelcome. It`s not about that anyway." Minya says worried for whoever Relom suspects to be treating her unfairly. "I understand, however you have to deicide who will suffer. If you don`t speak of what`s wrong then you will suffer from it." Relom replies now suspecting that her past has something to do with this. "I`m not sure you`d understand." Minya says not sure how Relom would react to the truth. "Do try to explain." Relom says concerned for her... [Waiting for Fall to continue]

After Linor went to speak with Vixtara and Dermos Solita looked to Geoffrey. He seemed deep in thought and possibly troubled.
“Geoffrey.” Solita’s voice jolted him from his thoughts as if he was rudely woken from a peaceful sleep. “What’s on your mind?” Geoffrey tried to smile.
“Nothing much.” Solita cut her eyes at him.
“I’m sorry but I don’t settle for dismissive answers.” Geoffrey shrugged.
“There’s getting nothing past you. I was thinking about the shade—Relom. I feel as if I’ve heard the name before but I can’t exactly place it.”
“Do you think he had anything to do with my mother’s death?” Geoffrey paused to think for a moment then shook his head.
“I doubt it. Relom is more of an observer than an actor. He most likely has nothing to do with your mother’s death. I think Relom has more of a history on my part. I will remember if there is anything to look back on.” They walked in silence before Geoffrey changed the subject. “So what do you think your father will think of your relationship with a Pelari? Or any of our race for that matter.”
Solita blushed for a quick second and then realized the seriousness of the question. How would both races act if they found out one of their kind have feelings for one another?
“It could only be a very good or very bad thing for us. We could mark the beginning of change. Show that our races don’t have to be apart from each other. We could live in harmony. Or we could be frowned upon and cast out and forsaken by both our people. Maybe even killed to be made an example—” Teuful instantly came to Solita’s mind. Solita turned her head searching for the girl and then say her set apart from the crowd. “Geoffrey, I have to see someone quickly. I’ll be right back.” Geoffrey gave a dismissive shrug with his usual smirk and Solita made her way to Teuful. Solita knew what it meant to be alone to an extent but Teuful knew it to a full degree. Solita thought no one should have to be alone despite being a part of a large crowd of allies.

The party of 23 had been walking almost non-stop for the whole day - save for stopping for lunch for an hour, and one short brake at a particularly nice place to rest along the way - and the sun was setting, so they busied themselves in setting up camp on the side of the road, and getting a decent sized campfire going. It was all done in no time at all, as all hands made light work. The Calmar found the fire uncomfortable, but did not make a fuss, and found a place to camp a few extra meters from the rest. Everyone was tired from the walking, and soon everyone was just about ready to fall asleep, so Rual organised a night watch, himself included.

The night was peaceful, but morning finally came, and once again all stirred awake and made themselves meals before packing up for the last length of the journey to the capital.

They marched with new energy, and an air of excitement were amongst the group as they contemplated their destination - the famous capital of the Pelari was a glorious landscape full of incredible structures, most of which were decorated elegantly and beautifully, along with great arches, towers and carved gargoyle guardians. This contrasted greatly with the poorer parts of the city, of course, but little room was left for attention on these parts once one had glimpsed the greatness and raw wealth of the upper class buildings.

Unfortunately their excitement changed to anxiety as the first patrol they encountered came into view from down the road ahead of them, heading straight for them directly from the capital. They could already see that the patrol outnumbered them, and at this point there was little cover to hide their group of 23 from the eyes of the patrol - and even so, that was seen as a probable bad idea, because much more suspicion would be drawn from finding them all in hiding from the patrol. Rual looked back at the faces of the group (this time he marched in front), and thought it best to take the chance and continue forward unchanged. This would lessen any suspicion, for why would they go straight towards the patrol if they were meaning to misbehave? Besides that, the patrol saw them almost as they saw the patrol, so there was too little time to get everyone hidden before hand.

"Keep calm, everyone." Rual spoke so all would hear, but faced again forwards as he walked, head held high to show he was confident.

"What will we do?" Shray was obviously one of the most distress individuals in the group, and she looked around constantly in rapid thought. She was seeking a safer option for everyone.

"It will be ok, Shray. They will see that I am with you and they will leave us alone." Rual could hear Linor say. "And the Calmar are all here as well. The Pelari are very used to seeing Calmar, I can tell you."

"What about the Kearon, and what about me? I am human. Pelari do not like humans." Shray expressed her biggest fear.

"There are humans all around Pelar, so they will not be surprised to see you with us." Linor tried to confirm her safety. He knew that humans were mostly slaves in Pelar, so they would likely give her no attention at all, but he decided against telling her that they would think she is a slave.

"And us Kearon?" Asked Branner, one of the surviving Kearon guild members.

"Well they will see that you are with us, so they should leave us alone." Linor hoped.

"I'm not so sure about that." Korell, another surviving Kearon spoke. "I think this means trouble, but there is no getting out of it this time."

"Yes, I do not think they will just let us by." Shray said, not feeling all that confident in Linor. She trusted he meant well, but he had never been in this situation before either, so how could he know what would happen for sure?

"Just keep walking." Rual looked back. "If we brake off and run now there will be trouble for a certainty. At least if we keep ourselves composed we have a good chance. Linor..."

"Yes, Rual?" He answered quickly.

"I think it would be best if you walked with me up front. The sooner they see a fellow Pelari amongst us the better." Rual said.

(The patrol numbers at least 40, which is nearly twice the size of the party. Most of them have muskets with bayonets, the ones marching in the front have halberds, and there are some cavalry at their rear.)

Linor tried to keep a straight face as he felt the anxiety building up inside him. His back hunched slightly more than usual, and he noticed, so he quickly straightened up and tried his best to look calm for the others, and he knew that this was more important now because he was at the front with Rual, and everyone could see him, and the soldiers would see him first...He now worried about looking anxious to the soldiers, and this made him even more anxious. He frowned as he thought about the possibility of losing his calm when the soldiers came close - he had always managed to stay looking calm before, but every time he wondered if he could, and this never helped. Luckily for him it didn't seem like anyone else had noticed how he was feeling, which was probably because most of them were feeling about the same, and the look of dread of what might happen solemnly captivated the majority of faces. At least Rual seemed very confident, or was it that he was just particularly good at hiding his emotions? He couldn't tell, and usually he was good with reading people - he thought so anyway.

"What if they don't let us pass?" Linor found a moment to whisper to Rual without anyone else hearing. Rual looked back at him looking serious.

"Have confidence, Linor. We have already survived worse!" Rual answered, thinking of the pirates they had defeated against the odds.

In the meantime the soldiers got closer into view.

"I think we should walk at the side of the road...This would show respect to the soldiers and they will have less reason to stop us!" Linor suggested, then looked around for approval of his idea.

Izaak

"I think we should walk at the side of the road...This would show respect to the soldiers and they will have less reason to stop us!" Linor said sincerely trying to help the group. Relom after hearing this had to restrain himself from insulting Linor, first of all in that point in time he couldn`t think of an insult that best truly described how stupid that idea was and secondly everyone would get angry at Relom. [although Relom didn`t know what he hated more, the fact that this is the best thing Linor can come up with or how shallow and peachy he is] However there really wasn`t that much they could do. "Should we split the group, the calmar the Rochkai and Linor the more excepted in the group head to the patrol and the Kearon and the human avoid the patrol... It shouldn`t be hard, or do you have a grand plan?" Relom mentions to Rual expecting a response soon. "I need to consider all my options before making the decision." Rual says still unsure of the path to take. "Decide quickly then, we don`t have all the time in the world." Relom finally mentions before returning to the back of the group.

(This is Musei.Tamasho/Sweet~Mochi's post.)

Teufel watched the larger group grow closer. She estimated about 50 or so, and reached instinctively for her bow.

“I think we're splitting up,” Solita told her, nodding towards Linor and Rual just a few feet away, discussing what sounded like strategies. Teufel's attention turned to the two and nodded, though not releasing the grip on the bow.

“You can stand by me and Geoffery if you're worried,” Solita offered.

Teufel shook her head. “I'm fine.” She knew that some of the guild still didn't trust her; how she appeared right before the pirates and survived to join Rual. This was her chance to prove her loyalty.

Solita stared at her. “Are you sur-”

“I'm fine.”

Solita nodded again. “Okay.” She noticed Geoffery motioning for her. “Just remember,” she said as she turned to join him. “You aren't alone.”

Teufel watched her leave, her mind flashing briefly to their conversation from earlier, right before Rual noticed the blockage. Gripping her bow tighter, she walked up to join Rual's group (being Kearon), waiting to see if she'd be needed.

***

(My post.)

The group rushed to split into two after Rual agreed to the suggestion, seeing they just on had enough time to do so. Linor - the group's only Pelari - stayed on the road (just to the side of it to allow the patrol to pass without disturbing them). With Linor all the Calmar members stayed with him, along with both Rochkai (much harder to hide), and the one human, Shray. The other nine members, all of which were Kearon, fell back and followed Rual to some natural cover along the road, such as thickets of shrubs, taller grass, large boulders and hills. There was sufficient cover for all of them.

(A reminder of the party members.
Kearon: Rual, Shade/Relom, Solita, Geoffrey, Teufel, Korell, Nox, Sarash, Branner. (9)
Pelari: Linor. (1)
Calmar: Minya, Tuupin, Julint, and seven others from the crew yet to be named. (10)
Rochkai: Vixtara, Dermos. (2)
Human: Shray. (1)
Total: 23.)

It took some time before the patrol got close enough for any words to be traded - although the party all kept silent and at best nodded or smiled - and the patrol let them pass without stopping them. They watched the Rochkai pass with slight annoyance in their glares, as few Pelari liked the Rochkai all that much, but they had seen them enough before to not find it suspicious.

Rual signaled for the other Kearon to stay low as the patrol went past the others. He did not want anyone to make a sound as they moved about, which might give away their position - such as standing on a twig - and decided it was best to wait for them to pass before continuing. Not that he thought the others would be noisy. In fact he knew quite well now that at least some of them were especially stealthy when they chose to be, most of all Relom - or "Shade" appropriately. Still, he took the precaution just to be sure they were safe. They continued off road for a while, even after the patrol had gone out of sight.

"That was a good idea, Relom." Rual stopped to make sure he praised Relom for saving them, for despite his confident appearance he had believed there was a fair chance the patrol would have stopped them with the Kearon members in sight.

"I do what I can." Answered Relom modestly.

"You may have just saved us." He confided in a lowered voice.

Relom took note of this, as he was used to Rual keeping information to himself until he felt it was necessary. Either that or Relom had finally gained his trust, however unlikely that may seem.

"Back to the others." Rual called out to the rest, as if changing the subject, not wanting to delve too deeply into his emotions. He wanted to stay on the course, even though they were going at good timing. Now all the needed to do was to get inside the city and find the building where House Nimis was. Might be harder than they think.

(They will reach the city by the evening. There may be some trouble from the city guards, but unless a scene is made they should be allowed through, and anyone may write about this. That was a good save from Izaak, as I had it set up that most likely the patrol would have arrested them.)

He had found himself in a very odd position to what he was used to...Being the acting leader of his half of the group, and keeping himself - and hopefully everyone else - calm while the soldiers marched by. He swallowed hard as they looked at him for the first time, but just with quick glances, and continuing without a word. He couldn't believe their luck, as Shade's plan seemed to be working! The soldiers didn't stop them even once, and walked right past and into the distance behind them.

Linor looked over to where the Kearon were probably hiding, and tried to see if he could spot Solita. He couldn't of course, not yet anyway. He was feeling quite good now in comparison to before, but he would not feel completely fine until he could see Solita. He couldn't hold back a smile when he did finally see her as they emerged from out from hiding.

They would be at the capital soon, and he started to worry about something he had barely thought of since he left Pelar...He remembered how his House had been mistreated, which is why he had ended up leaving Pelar in the first place. House Ario were the culprits! They and some of the minor Houses had gathered together and plotted against House Naama (which was his House, as his family name is Naama. He also realized that he hadn't told anyone yet his family name, although it probably for the better, as his House had been disgraced), and destroyed his family's reputation, which was so important in Pelari society!

Solita was walking beside him again, and he smiled at her, hiding his worries of meeting House Ario again - and probably being pointed out as some kind of traitor to everyone...He did always think of the worst thing that could happen though. He then decided that she should know who he was, so he cleared his throat, and out of the blue told her.

"My full name is Linor Naama. I'm from House Naama, a House disgraced."

"Disgraced?" Solita looked surprised, although she might've worked it out given a while longer, as it was an odd thing to see a Pelari travelling outside Pelar!

"Yes, but it wasn't our fault...House Ario is responsible!" He looked down, now showing that he was upset by this, but he continued. "Dracus Ario is the eldest prince of House Ario, and when his father dies, he will take over as patriarch of the entire House. Dracus was interested in marrying my cousin Elifta - who is my late uncle's daughter - and my father and mother could see that he was truly a bad person, so they went to prevent it." Linor paused momentarily. "Dracus had my father accused of stealing from House Ario - and Dracus had set it up so it really looked like this was true, although my father would never steal! They took him to prison, and being the eldest living male of House Naama - as my grandfather is also late - my House was publicly disgraced, and soon Dracus had set it up that even our wealth - which was far less than his - was diminished. Since my father had been imprisoned for theft, no one would hire me. My mother grew sick, and...She past away in sadness. Then my cousin, who is orphaned, was forced to marry Dracus, as no one else would have her, and her income had ceased."

Linor sighed almost with relief, as he had vented something that would bother him the rest of the journey, and now at least Solita would know what he was going through.

Izaak

Relom was in relief, not that his plan worked for he knew it would but that Rual took his suggestion [meaning that Rual has respect for Relom] Now he could concentrate on other things for a while. Relom now wondered whether the Infiltrator`s outpost was still operational. There`s been no news from there for a long time now. although that was not his biggest concern. Relom`s biggest concern involves he`s not so recent bast. he made a deal with an unknown guild so he could be registered as dead [for reasons of safety], his death was written in the newspaper (involving a fire burning down an abandoned building). This means that although if a guild member would slay a member of an other guild without reason the attacking guild would be dishonoured and loose favour of the other guilds there is NO rule that states 'you can not kill someone who is registered as dead.' Relom now had a reason to fear Geoffrey, because Geoffrey is the only one in this group who would pursue Shade. Relom`s thoughts rang through his mind. I must not show fear, must not show... weakness. At least I`m close to finishing this journey. Relom thought as he wiped the sweat of his brow. His only defence now was his wit and how useful he was to the group.

[Relom`s personal notes] Don`t need to worry about Solita thanks to her spending so much time with Linor [I knew I could rely on him for something]
New problem Geoffrey, if he reads the papers. I am accepted by the whole group except Geoffrey I believe. Maybe I can use Teuful for something. ^/}-{]'

(This is the 200th post. The rules on taking turns have been changed for all the members of this campfire. Instead of three days, everyone is allowed four days to post. On top of this if a member cannot post within the time limit they can simply send me their post for me to post in their stead, and under their name. You can read the changes on the introduction to this campfire. We are also getting nearer to the end of the story. The characters will have a chance to relax in Pelar before the planned stuff starts, but once it starts it will be non-stop until the final scene. I hope you all enjoy this, and try to participate as much as possible as this is a team effort, and I could not have gotten this far without the efforts of each one of you. Lately most of the members have slowed down in posting, and I understand you all have good excuses (Some of you have kept up the pace however, and you are to be commended). That is why I am extending the time, but I hope you can all contribute more now especially, as this is going to be the important bit.)

After a long march into the evening, and after the sun set, the party made it to the gates of Pelar's capital city. They quietly approached, hoping the guards would let them through without any problems. The guards watched them suspiciously as they came into better view, and two of them took a step closer. Rual nudged Linor to step closer with him to talk, and Dermos and Vixtara, and Tuupin as well, moved an extra few steps without being asked to, but most of the others stopped a few steps behind.

"What business do the Kearon have in Pelar other than war?" One of the guards spoke out. All the guards kept firm grips on their weapons.

"Peace." Rual answered sounding confident enough. "We are here as diplomats, and we are staying at House Nimis."

This seemed to actually make sense to the guards, as they hesitated and looked at each other for a moment before continuing.

"We have not seen any Kearon diplomats pass this way before...And what are you doing in a group so large? There only needs to be one diplomat and maybe one assistant." Reasoned the guard.

"We need as many as will follow to bring peace between are two peoples."

"And to unite all the races as one." Linor put in, showing his support.

"All the races?!" The other guard spat, and they all gave disgusted looks. "We are above the other races!"

There was a murmuring in the party, as no one amongst them agreed with this.

Linor quickly added, not wanting to start a fight. "We can all work together as one - we have many of other races working in the city even now."

Rual would not stand for what the guards said, and ignoring what Linor said, he looked at the guard who was speaking and said. "Your superiors disagree with you."

"What? House Nimis you mean? They are not our superiors!" He scoffed.

"Then you will have no problem with us staying with them." Relom said. Rual looked to where Relom stood with confusion. He did not remember Relom moving to that location..."So quiet." Rual thought.

The guards looked to each other and they could not argue the point, as disagreeing with make them look bad, so they had to agree.

"Go straight there, and do not annoy anyone else with your stupid words!" The guard pointed down to the direct route from where they stood. "You will have no luck with them!"

Rual just shook his head. They all started moving again and headed down the main street, following Rual. It was late before they stumbled across the building, but the doors opened up and let them all in with a welcome. Even the servants of House Nimis were pleased to see them, and found them all comfortable rooms to stay in, and cooked them all a delicious and filling meal.

Izaak

As the doors opened for the group, light burst from inside the building, the servants welcomed them in and were very hospitable, they also showed the group to there rooms. Relom was even more uncomfortable than the time Rual asked the group to fight for the Pelari. "This here will be your room." stated one of the servants. Relom stood in shock, there was a very large window that let in the street light and definitely the sun light, there also were candles and a mirror that amplified the light in the room. "Is there something wrong with the room?" the servant enquired. "This wont do!... You have a room with less light?" Relom says in disappointment. "I`m sorry, the sleeping quarters have exactly the same amount of light. To symbolise purity, perfection and balance." The servant mentions. "You have a sub-basement then?" Relom says hopping for a yes. The servant nods a no. "A basement?" Relom says, now worried."Err, no." The servant replies. "Well, do you have a room that does not have a window?!" Relom says in desperation. "Hmm, err, we do have the old study, we don`t use it that often these days. But that room isn`t suitable for lending to guests." The servant confirmed. "You couldn`t possibly leave me here, I`d die! Please, make an exception just this once." Relom attempted to persuade. "I suppose, if you insist, sure." The servant said, unsure why Shade didn`t like this room. When they arrived at the old study the servant wondered if he wouldn`t like this room ether. "Are you sure about this?" The servant questioned. Relom decided not to answer until he`s seen the room. The room had spider-web on the walls and ceiling, there was a thin layer of dust on the furniture, there was a book case, littered with books and had a few candles. Relom turns to the servant. "This will do fine, thank you." Relom mentions. The servant stood for a moment in confusion, for this room was dark, gloomy, dusty, it wasn`t very luxurious and the sky-light hasn`t been installed yet. "Is the anything else I can do for you?" The servant asked. "Peace." Relom replies while lighting some candles. "Very well then." The servant says while walking out the room. Relom picks up one of the old books and attempts to read, then realizing that he`s not very good at reading Pelari. his eyes turn to an easier book, seeing that it is a children`s book, he rolls his eyes and tries to brush-up on his reading skills.

(Fall has been kicked from this campfire. Her character Minya is now an NPC and may be controlled by anyone. Due to the level of activity in this campfire for the past weeks, I will speed up the progress and skip some time ahead. For this post I am skipping the planned rest period.)

Rual sat in the inner study with Oridal Nimis, the House patriach, who was also the main target of the assassins.

"You need to give me all the details." Rual spoke once he was sure they were alone.

"Of course." Answered Oridal. "You probably already know that it is my entire House that is at risk...Even my wife and children." He went silent momentarily, then continued. "There are quite a few others, cousins, uncles and aunts, etc., who will also be targeted for obvious reasons...They want to wipe us out once and for all."

"All because you wish to end the war, and try to gain public support?"

"Yes, indeed. The Emperor desires to rule over everyone, and all lands - as did his father before him. Anyway, back to what I was saying...Most of my family have armed themselves as well, and we have hired some trusted men to help defend us. The assassins will not know that we are preparing...They might know you are here, but they will be told that you should be killed as well, since they know you are here to help bring peace. This will mean more assassins will be involved, but at least we have a better chance now to defeat them."

"This is a concern. We should have been more careful about how we got here."

"Nonsense. The Emperor has spies himself everywhere. Getting you here without anyone noticing would have been next to impossible...Otherwise I would have specified for you to come in stealth."

"How do you know about this?" Rual voiced his thought.

"Ah...To our surprise House Berro came to our rescue. We were always on neutral terms with them, but they have always found it difficult to trust our Emperor, and had some of his servants replaced with spies. They learnt of this and decided to inform us in silence. This has brought our two Houses together. We are sure they will remain our allies from now on, especially since some of the hired men we are getting will be from House Berro." Explained Oridal.

"I see...This is good news. This will also help with getting votes for peace." Rual was grateful for this news. "So what is your plan?"

"We must carry on as normal outwardly, so they do not change their plans."

Rual nodded.

***

(Skipped to the night of the assassination attempt.)

All were awake, and held what weapons they had ready, but stayed away from the windows so as not to reveal that they were aware.

Dark figures picked locks and filed inside, unaware that their plan was not a secret. They traveled directly to the main hall of the bed champers, and they broke up into sets of twos or more, and each stood in front of a different door. Six stood before the main door to where Oridal and his wife were meant to be sleeping. In an instant each door was opened silently in one movement of synchronization, and few made the slightest sound of doors creaking. In they went and towards the beds. In each room, hidden behind cupboard doors, desks, thick drapes, and anywhere else people could fit, were armed party members, trusted body guards, servants, and House Nimis's own, all alert and ready with their weapons. In but a moment they revealed themselves, and the assassins were the ones who were surprised.

(There will be a second wave of assassins that was unplanned, and who will smash through windows in various parts of the building as well. This will happen moments from this point of the story, and anyone may write about it.)

"I can't do this!" Linor could hear himself saying to himself inside his head.

"Yes I can!" He answered back silently, almost miming the words, trying to give himself a boost of confidence. It wasn't long before the door opened, but without a sound. He thought about how he wouldn't have noticed this at all if no one had warned them, and if they hadn't sat up awake and ready for it to happen. He swallowed hard and lifted up his blunderbuss and cutless in anticipation, and while watching the shadowy figure move into the room, unaware that it was the target.
He then took a silent step forward, and move very slowly (as did the assassin), and he positioned himself behind the figure, but hesitated, and instead of attacking he waited for the noise of others attacking - which came soon after, soon enough for him to attack before the assassin worked it all out. He launched himself forwards, like an instinct was taking over at the sound of gunfire and calls of violence in other rooms around him, and he stabbed into the shadow's back, almost gently, as if not really wanting to hurt the person in front of him, but he knew better, and he put enough muscle power in to get the job done. The assassin was completely taken by surprise...And so was Linor in a way, and he felt that same shock as on the day of the pirates, only it wasn't near as bad for some reason. Maybe the fact that he couldn't see the person's face helped him feel better about killing him, or that he knew that they would kill the children too...Yes, that last part was a big incentive to Linor for doing what he had to do. He felt sick again, but it was worth it.

Then came a smashing of glass from around the building, as more assassins entered, these more ready. Linor hadn't anticipated this at all, and froze for a moment in fear, but he shook himself out of it, knowing he'd probably pay for it later emotionally, but he would have to put it to the back of his mind for the moment.
Suddenly he felt void of emotions, and stepped into the hall to confront the rest.

Izaak

Relom could hear the occasional foot step, the creaking of the doors and he thought to himself 'why should I play this stupid game?' Relom lights some candles and picks up a book and sits down. a moment past and the door of the old study opened. two assassins crept into the room without sound, they slowly advanced toward a dark figure [laying over a desk in a seated position with three lit candle around him]. The first one stabs the figure in the back of the neck [which made the sound of a Crack and Snap] the three candles went out and the room went dark... from outside the study there were screams of fear and pain. another assassin came in another door after a moment past to investigate. The assassin trips over some rope, a damp net and a lit lantern falls onto the intruder, the net ignites lighting up the room [and the assassin], there were two assassins hung from the sealing, Shade whispers to the assassin "Say good night." just before cutting the assassin`s throat. Relom then thought, he should hang this one up as well...

(The second wave)
Shade hears the faint sound of footsteps. 'Clearly a novice.' Relom thought. the door slowly opens letting in the light, but then the door closes quicker then it was opened. a voice appeared from the other side. "I`m not going in there, I`m not going in there, I`m not going in there!" A second voice whispers to the novice. "What has gotten into you?" The door opens up again and the two assassins creep inside. The room now had three people hung up [one of which was seared], there was also a hung up lamp that was swinging, distorting the shadows. They slowly crept to the dark figure that was seated by the desk, then the lamp stopped swinging, they turned around, Relom was holding the lamp, glaring at them then puts out the light...
screams of pain and agony emanated from the old study. Relom lights one final candle, picks up a book and sits down on the dusty coach, feeling now that he wont be disturbed any time soon.