Group post chapter 3

Rayne, Eyrion and Marin all sat together close to a crisp fire.1

"Eyrion what has you so happy these days?" Marin asked puffing on a pipe.2

"Just the thought of saving this world one more time" Eyrion answered with a large smile on his face. His long blue hair fell over his elvish ears and in front of his face. "But i have missed you old friend" Brushed back his hair.3

"How can you not miss me? Me and you have been together almost as long as you an Rayne have.4

"Hey now we have been together around, well I can’t figure it out right now but i will. My point is you have not been together longer than we have" Rayne fought with Marin5

"Yes we have. I will bet on it" Marin snapped back.6

Eyrion sat and listened to the two of them fight, he laughed at the comebacks and excuses they came up with. When he heard something in the dark, no one else heard it but him... 7

Rose caught his strange reaction and perked her ears, concentrating on everything around her. She picked up some kind of strange noise. It was inhumane and sounded dangerous. She stood up immediately and peered around. "...There's something nearby..." she whispered. 8

Eyrion rose and walked to her while Marin and Rayne sat and laughed. "Don't leave my side" he said placing his hand on her shoulder. "I hear.." She was interrupted by Eyrion. "Yes, I can hear it also. You forget I have my elf ears and eyes. Whatever you can see and hear I also can." He smiled unsheathing his sword. 9

Rose glanced at him and nodded vaguely. "Let's go check it out." 10

Eyrion laughed and then followed her into the dark. "That is what I like, daring people" He smiled. They walked into the dark for it seemed not long but they thought the sun was rising.11

Rose kept a close eye on both Eyrion and what was around her. She walked silently, seemingly effortless, which had required a lot of practice. She had no elf blood in her, after all.12

They came upon something that looked horrifying. It was disgusting, or at least it would have been to those who were not used to seeing such mangled bodies... 13

They looked around their feet and saw skeletons and mangled bodies, but they continued through the woods into a small cavern that was, to their surprise light enough to see. "It smells awful" Rose covered her nose. "Yes, well these are dead bodies. I hate pointing out the obvious" Eyrion joked. They continued farther into the cave until they heard what sounded like a dragon. The cautiously made it around one last corner and found them selves face to face with a large bright orange and red dragon. "Well I think we have seen enough for one day" Eyrion slowly snuck backwards. "I must agree" Rose followed him. "Halt, my friends please help me" The dragon stopped them.... 14

Rose didn't hesitate as she crept back out of the cave. Eyrion; however seemed to stare at the creature for a longer moment. What kind of trickery would such a vicious beast be up to? "Please," whimpered the dragonic voice. It whispered almost too familiarly to Eyrion's ears, "Help my, my friends..."15

Something deep inside of Eyrion fell, like a ton of bricks. He recognized the voice under the dragonic hiss. He glanced back to see that Rose had, again, turned into a dragon. Though he had not seen where she had done so, she prowled by him and stood, nostril to nostril with the dangerous beast. It was a well known fact that bright orange and red dragons, Firocs by name, were one of the rarest, but dangerous dragons in all the great lands.16

Rose stared at the dragon before her. She didn't recognize the voice as Eyrion had, nor did she care to do so. Any Firoc was a dangerous creature...a devious creature...too dangerous to let live should it interfere.17

The Firoc, however, didn't act like it should. Instead of snapping at her, or even showing the slightest of signs of violence, it cringed away from her and limped half-hearted further back into the winding tunnels. "Please..." it whimpered again. 18

"It call's us friends? And also need's our help with its friends?" Eyrion asked confused. "Yes let us follow it" Rose followed the dragon down the tunnel. 19

They followed the Dragon deep into the cave, passing more and more mangles corpses as they went. Rose wondered if this beast was trustworthy, so she kept a close eye on it. The entire time, an awful stench went through the dark cave and bats flew about. It seemed like forever before they reached their destination. What the two warriors saw was beyond belief. 20

They walked into a large open room in the cave very well lit. Many chests sit around the room and a long, giant rectangle oak table in the center surrounded by many chairs. On the table food sat and steam rolled off some of it. The dragon started to shrink and to their surprise turned into a woman. Dressed in no more than what looked like a dragon hide top and bottom with dragon hide boots. She walked and sat at the head of the table. 21

Rose blinked and transformed back into her Dragoness form. She walked over hesitantly and sat down furthest from the other Dragon. She looked over at Eyrion for a second before glancing at the food. She wondered if it was actually safe to eat.22

As always, Vannolyn lurked in the shadows of the trees, keeping alert and always ready for battle. Still the thoughts of what had happened between him and Rose left him mystified. Why had he opened up so? She was not of his kind; in fact he really knew nothing about the dragon-vampiress. So why did he feel such a closeness, and a willingness to trust so easily? The thoughts played over and over in his mind as he saw the image of the beautiful woman pass through his head. Such feelings and thoughts had never arisen before, and so left him in a state of unnatural wonder and awe.23

Curious enough, but more curious was what had become of Eyrion. The blue-haired elf had become something of a rogue, characteristics he was quite familiar with. He no longer felt closeness with the elf, something disturbing emanated from within the heart of his distant kin. It wasn't ... natural. In any case he did not trust him, and did not wish to leave him alone with Rose. He would not let any harm come to her. He would fight to protect her ... even if it meant killing Eyrion.24

Keeping in the darkness, he trailed the two keeping close watch over them. In silent movements, he leapt nimbly from tree to tree. Rose was intent; many times it seemed that she had sensed him. Her psychic abilities might have been able to track him, but she showed no signs. Surely she was keeping all attention to the suspicious blue-haired elf. All had seemed fine, they slowly they entered a cave.25

Maybe Eyrion was fine, and was going to do nothing but for now he would have to wait and see. He could follow them no further without being detected. There he left them, and disappeared into the darkness of the forest returning to the camp.26

After much time of retracing his steps, he returned back at the camp. Only to find Marin was sleeping in a drunken stupor, and Rayne staring intently into the crackling flames. Vannolyn did not care for the dwarf, he found him to be more of a nuisance than entertaining, but even he could not fail to see the humor in the dwarf's dopey habits. Swiftly jumping to the ground, he silently approached Rayne.27

"Hello Rayne, how are you old friend?" Vannolyn broke the silence with his forbidding voice, startling Rayne.28

"Vannolyn!" she spoke in gleeful awe. She turned and embraced the Dark Elf with tender compassion. "It's been so long, where have you been, how are you, what-" Vannolyn put a hand over her mouth silencing her.29

"Calm yourself, I am fine and I see now that you faired well since our last meeting." Vannolyn sweetly answered, leaving Rayne to blush.30

With a joyful smile she sat him down next to her by the fire. "Sit with me, there is much I have to talk about and share." she spoke softly. Marin snored loudly, and Vannolyn gave him a slight kick to the side to shut him up. He couldn't help but laugh again. And so Rayne began, sharing all that has happened of late and past.31

"Well," Rayne started, "After I was brought to the Trudoc Castle three days ago, I kept drifting in and out of consciousness, and there seemed to be three people in the room, one of which was," She shuddered, "Him. But when I woke up, there was no one there, and then Eyrion came in from the hall, and brought me through the maze, outside." She shrugged innocently, "I have no clue how he found me. He told me to stay there, in the rain, and he went back inside. I stood there for something like an hour, and then he came back with Liara, and we followed him here. I'm still confused. It was all too easy." She lifted her head to gaze into the night sky.32

"Speaking of Liara," he spoke gently, interrupting her wonderings, "Where is the creature?" 33

Rayne was caught dumbstruck for a moment; it seemed that the mention of Liara made her uneasy, and very uncomfortable. Vannolyn did not press the matter. It seemed that it was a matter left for another time. Yet he could not leave the matter of Eyrion alone any longer.34

Vannolyn shuffled uneasily, unsure at how to approach the subject. She spoke as if she read his thoughts, leaving him with nothing more than a deep sigh.35

"Eyrion ... its Eyrion isn't it." Rayne spoke with a heavy tone. Vannolyn struggled with his words to reply, taking nothing of a heavy breath. "He is changed, I know."36

"Something is not right, something ... unnatural wells within him. You say he had come to save you, and Liara with no trouble. The castle you were trapped within is not easily navigated. They are full of mazes, traps, illusions ... it doesn't seem right. How would he know the true path so easily? What is this ..." Vannolyn trailed off in his thoughts.37

Rayne's voice broke through his thoughts, returning him to reality. "Eyrion has changed ... but who knows if it is for the best or worse. He is my friend, and I will do the best to see the good in him."38

"I don't trust him at all." Vannolyn replied coldly and flatly, staring with a hard face into the flames. "I wouldn't trust him with my life, with your life, or even Ro ..." he trailed off again with a heavy sigh.39

"With Rose?" Rayne answered curiously. "You don't trust him with Rose? What is this, what is wrong?" She looked at him puzzled and mystified. Vannolyn turned to look away, but Rayne's soft hand brought his face about, leaving him to see her gentle eyes. "What is it about Rose?"40

"Nothing ... I don't wish to speak of this now." Vannolyn replied, and Rayne let go of him. She was kind and caring, but she did not understand. For Vannolyn did not understand it himself, he could not bring himself to comprehend these feelings. Then his thoughts returned to Eyrion, and he spoke once more. "I followed the two into the forest, trailing from a distance but keeping a keen eye. I followed them for a long distance until they reached a cave, and then went no further. I don't wish to leave her alone with him. I don't ... I fear of what might become of her..."41

Vannolyn stared intently into the flames once more, his dark face showing fear as a small tear escaped his face. Rayne looked on helplessly at her suffering friend. For a while a long silence remained between the two of them, as each waited for the other to break the painful quiet. 42

Back at the cave where Eyrion and Rose sat at the table with the dragon lady, they were still frightened. "You both know that you are the keys to the future and the ending of the evil in this land." The dragon lady spoke taking a sip from a goblet in front of her. "Yes" they both replied. "You, Eyrion have seen many things that others can’t. Rose you feel and also see what others can not. You two together are much stronger than you are apart. I can't have you two split apart." She continued. "What do you mean?" Eyrion asked. "Many people don't trust him. They find he is changing to much and for a evil purpose, but they have not seen what I have" She interrupted smiling. "What have you seen?" Eyrion turned to her curious. "Any ways back on track, there are two of my friends that have been captured in the Dead Forest; one a mage, and the other a ranger" She started. "I need you two to go and retrieve these two alone. I don't care what you’re friends say; only you two can go. If they have a problem come and get me I will take care of them." She smiled playing with a whip wrapped on the chairs arm. "If we must" Rose smirked. "I'm starting to enjoy being around this thing" Eyrion smiled gazing at Rose. "Thing?" She asked. "I mean dragoness" He laughed.43

They sat and ate with the dragon lady and then left the cave that night and continued back to their camp site. They lay down near the same fire and slept until the sun rose just above the trees in the forest, the sky still pink form the rising sun they packed for their adventure. 44

Rose was quite unsure about this entire thing. She could not understand why this Dragoness had suddenly changed to kindness. She was not sure what her intentions were, but felt that this may be a trap. Especially since she only wanted her and Eyrion to go and she didn't trust him as far as she could throw him either. She had to keep a close eye on him and now all around her as well. She wasn't sure what was to happen, but it was quite irritating being left in so much darkness.45

As she waited at a far distance for Eyrion to be ready, as she had no need to bring anything, she sensed something not too far away. She turned her head slowly to the darkness of a few trees.46

Rose wondered why Vannolyn was watching her and turned back to Eyrion while attempting to contact Vannolyn with her mind. 'Is there something wrong? There must be some reason why you're watching me,' she tried to say within his mind. 47

But she was interrupted by a new vision; it consisted of her and Eyrion in the Dark Forest and they were being attacked by something dark. She was on the ground Eyrion was above her, it looked like he was protecting her. She was very confused by this vision and did not know what to say. So she walked to where Vannolyn stood in the forest and gazed into his eyes. "It will be ok my friend. But if you follow us we will be killed or you will" She said as Eyrion approached her from the back. 48

Rose didn't look at him, but into Vannolyn's eyes, seeing something she hadn't before, yet not being able to pin point what it was. She didn't know why they were so drawn to one another. She could feel it, but it was strange. She felt even closer to him than she did with Liara...49

'Speaking of Liara...why is she not here with Rayne?' she wondered to herself and then felt a hand on her shoulder, in which she knew was Eyrion's. She turned and nodded to him. "I'll meet you by the cave in a short while. Don't worry."50

Eyrion nodded and walked on, while Rose turned back to Vannolyn. "...What we found in the cave, as I'm sure it must've been you who were tracking us, was a Dragoness of the kind that are usually violent. However, she apparently wants our 'help'. I don't trust her and I feel like it's some kind of trap...but I don't know what will happen if I don't go, so I'll have to. She said that if anyone else came along, she would deal with them herself. This is why you, and anyone else, cannot follow."51

Rose could see some worry in his eyes. It surprised her quite a bit and she wondered why he would bother to care. She turned to glance at the path a moment, and then turned back to him. "I can take care of myself, Vannolyn. There is no need to worry for me. I especially don't know why you would even bother. I'm not worth worrying about."52

After saying that, Vannolyn spoke. "Do not think that way, Rose. Everyone is worth worrying for. You, in my eyes, are worth worrying for the most...As much as I do not like the idea of this; I suppose there isn't much I can do. Be careful and look out for yourself and especially Eyrion...Should you need anything at all if it is a trap, know that my mind is open to yours."53

Rose stared at him for a moment, at a loss for words. She simply nodded. "I always look after myself. I have to...Because I promised." After saying that and seeing the confusion on Vannolyn's face, she took her leave to catch up with Eyrion. 54

She reached the cave shortly after Eyrion and found him dancing in front of it. 'What are you doing?" She laughed. "Stretching." Eyrion replied with a huge smile. "Why are you so happy?" Rose asked walking to where he put his stuff down at the mouth of the cave. "You know it's no secret you and that wolf don't like me. Just think of this as a way to get to know each other" He smiled. "What if I don't want to know you" She replied quickly. "Well than we will have to learn to work together some other way. I'm tired of all this killing and having every one scared of me." Eyrion finished his stretching and picked up his stuff. "Well maybe if you hadn't killed people for fun, no one would be scared of you" Rose answered following him. "Yes well with any matter the sun set's in four hours we should find some horses or something." Eyrion led her into the woods once more. They walked for what seemed to be hours until they came to what looked like a ranch with fences and a old run down house. "Look you horses" Rose smiled running in front of Eyrion. "Hey! wait!" He shouted to her laughing. "Look at us two full grown peoples running to get a horse first" Rose laughed as she reached the house. They knocked on the old creaky doors and a small hermit came and answered the door. 55

He was a old man grey in the hair and beard, he was dressed in rags and carried a walking stick. The man was much shorter than Rose and Eyrion. "What is your business at my house?" He asked with a deep confused voice. "We would like to by two of your horses" Eyrion smiled. "No" The man answered quickly shutting the door. "These are the people that I would usually kill" Eyrion smiled smashing on the door. "Please sir, name your price" Eyrion begged the man. "It's been along time since I seen any woman" The old man smiled looking at Rose. "Well what of a kiss from her for two horses." Eyrion bargained. "What?" Rose asked shocked. "Yes three kisses on my cheeks" The old man agreed. "You have your self an accord" Eyrion smiled. "Are you absurd, I will not kiss this man" Rose protested. The man licked his lips trying to be seductive. "Do it for the horses" Eyrion laughed and left the home. "Oh I will get you" Rose stepped into the house and kissed the man on his cheeks, and than quickly exited. "You see not so hard" Eyrion laughed as he saddled the two horses. 56

Rose rolled her eyes, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. "How about you try kissing him and see how you like it," she snapped and saddled her horse.57

After that was done, she flapped her wings and flew up above the horse and then landed on its back. She looked over at Eyrion, who was still chuckling as he climbed up on his horse. Soon after, they left the house and rode off to their destination. 58

"I would much rather just kiss you, but not after he has" Eyrion continued to laugh. "Oh would you well let me tell you, don't you try or i will kill you" Rose snapped. "So violent" Eyrion started a trot. "Why are you moving faster?" Rose questioned. "Some one is following us" Eyrion answered as rose looked back to check. "Who could be following us?" She asked concerned. 59

Rose focused her psychic energy on what could be following them, pushing what he had said out of her mind, as it puzzled her enough. She had enough to worry about as it was then. With Liara missing, Eyrion's mood swings, that vision, and how Vannolyn acted towards her...60

Rose opened her eyes and looked around for dark shadows. She though that perhaps it might be Vannolyn following them, though she had no idea why he would do so after she had told him nearly everything and explained he couldn't.61

"Do you think it may be a friend or foe?" she asked Eyrion. 62

"You tell me when they catch us, look up there" Eyrion answered hesitant. Rose looked farther up ahead of them and saw a large group of shadows. "We can fight, try to run, or ride up and take our chance" Eyrion gave her three choices. "Umm you ask me?" She staled. "Let us ride and meet them" She quickly answered. "You sure?" Eyrion asked slowing down. "Yes" she answered speeding up. They rode quickly to where the shadows where and found a dozen dark men. Dark men were from the dark forest they had no reason to be out this far. They stopped the two travelers and surrounded them. "What are you doing?" They asked Rose and Eyrion. "We are traveling" Eyrion played dumb. "You know what I’m asking boy. Don't make me cut ye head off" The man snapped angered. "We are traveling to the dark forest" Rose saved him. "Aren't you the pretty one" Another man smiled walking to her side. "Don't touch her" Eyrion rode to Rose protecting her. The sun now began to sink in the sky and the sky turned pink and yellow. "So you travel to the dark forest?" The captain asked. "Just you two? For what reason?" He asked interested. "WE seek two people that are living there" Rose answered the man. "They wouldn't happen to be a mage and a ranger?" He asked smiling. "No" Eyrion answered eying the man. The dozen men got closer to the two heroes; "Now you are lying time to die" The captain threw his helmet at Rose knocking her off the horse onto the ground. Eyrion quickly unsaddled his horse and unsheathed his sword ready for battle. Rose lay on the ground dazed by the fall she had hit her head hard. The men attacked Eyrion who fought off two at a time trying to protect Rose. Rose looked up and had recollection of this moment and than passed out. She dreamed of that moment for what seemed to her to be hours and hours, she could only pin point it to the vision she had before they left the camp. Eyrion killed three of the men and eight of them now stood in a circle around him. 63

They were smirking evilly, thinking they had him cornered. Eyrion swung his sword as they came closer, knocking two more of them down. By this time, Rose had her eyes open again and everything she saw was a blur.64

She looked on dazedly as Eyrion did his best to protect her. When she tried to get up, she moved too fast and her head hurt. She fell down again and continued to watch helplessly. 65

At the same time, as if on cue, the six remaining men rushed at Eyrion. The elf leaped high into the air, over their heads, and landed safely outside of their clutches. He grinned at them as if saying "Come and get me!", but his grin suddenly turned sour as one of the men laughed coarsely, and held a sword to a dazed Rose's throat.66

"Make one more move, and she's gouged!" The dark man taunted. Eyrion gritted his teeth in frustration, but he truly cared about Rose, so he dropped his weapons, and stood listlessly with his hands by his sides. The other dark men laughed, and closed in on Eyrion.67

A roar from above echoed over the trees, surprising everyone. An angry Liara swooped down, killing three of the dark men with one swipe. The man that held the sword to Rose's neck squealed in terror, dropping his sword and making a mad dash toward the trees. Liara landed right in front of him, crushing his two adversaries into the ground, and stuck her nose into his chest, growling ferociously. A tiny "Eep!" escaped his mouth, and he turned to run, but instead, a gigantic paw knocked him over, and trapped his legs under it's terrible weight, keeping him groveling on the ground, conveniently at Eyrion's feet.68

"Sorry I'm late. I was getting a snack." Liara grinned happily, and panted while the pitiful man screamed like a frightened baby. 69

As Rose laid there, the daze started to fade when she heard a familiar voice. She closed her eyes and waited for the dizziness to pass before she sat up slowly and gazed around. She saw two giant paws in front of her and looked up. There was a mighty beast standing above her. However, the aura was familiar and she could only say one thing, "Liara!"70

She crawled out from under the Wolvic and smiled brightly at her. Eyrion looked at her, somewhat amazed by the smile, for she had never truly smiled in front of anybody in the group in such a way before.71

Rose placed her hand gently on Liara's nose. "How are you, my friend? I was wondering why you weren't with Rayne. This is very confusing as well. I don't remember Eyrion leaving to save you. Unless...there was an imposter here." She glanced at Eyrion and shook her head. "In any case, I am glad to see you safe. The power you had brought up from within yourself was a spiritual kind of power. I could feel it. However, you need to control it with great mind power and it looks like you need more practice. I could help with that later on..."72

Rose paused and glanced at Eyrion again and then beak at Liara. "However, you should get back to the camp, that way." She pointed back through the path they had come. "Eyrion and I must take care of something on our own...If anyone was to come with us, I fear they may be killed. Trust me on that." 73

"Yes well I'm just glad i could help" Liara left quickly and left the two of them alone. "Well that was fun, let's make camp here" Eyrion fell to the ground on his butt. "Here right in the open" Rose panicked. "Yes right here, we will be safe. Unless you want to go sleep with that old man" Eyrion smiled jokingly. 74

Rose shot him a glare so cold that Eyrion's smile faded and he shrugged. "It was just a joke."75

Rose turned and led her horse to a plot of grass near a stream. "I don't take too kindly to most jokes," she said simply. She said nothing more to him. She sat by the river and thought about Vannolyn and Liara, among other things...76

Back at camp Vannolyn and Liara sat together at one fire and Rayne along with Marin sat at another. "It's dark out" Rayne shivered. "Yes it's what most people call night time" Marin joked. "No do they" Rayne said sarcastically. "Yes well you see a long time ago when our first king of the land was just a lad" Marin started.77

"So Liara where have you been?" Vannolyn asked trying to start a conversation. "Around you know" She answered with a grin. "Where is around?" He asked. "What is this? You don't need to know" She snapped. "Well I'm sorry i didn't know it was such a sore subject." Vannolyn recovered. "Well how has every one been?" Liara asked interested in what had been going on. "They are doing good" Vannolyn answered throwing a stick in the fire. "No, i mean tell me what the information is on every one.78

"And you see that is why we call it night time and day time" Marin finished his stories. "Wow, you really need to find a woman and get your head off all these damn stories of yours" Rayne smiled. "Yes well it's not like you have anything special about you" Marin argued. "Yes well maybe we both should find a lover" Rayne smiled. "No, get many lovers, but we need some brandy" Marin licked his lips. "You need help" Rayne smirked. "Hey us dwarven people like to drink it's in our blood" Marin answered playing with his beard.... 79

Vannolyn kept his silence after Liara had snapped at him. He was too preoccupied to really care about making conversation anyway. All he could think about was the beautiful Dragoness that had left with an Elf who seemed to be taking a turn for the worst. He feared for her safety, but she had warned him that if he followed that he might be killed. He also knew that she could care for herself. Rayne had told him how she had faced more than ten Slayviles all by herself. He had no doubt that she was capable of defending herself, but he still couldn't help but worry.80

Vannolyn stood up all of a sudden, raising Rayne's attention to him. He said nothing to her and just walked off into the shadows. He couldn't stop wondering what was it that he felt about Rose. It didn't seem to make sense. He had never felt the way he had for anyone before...Yet...she seemed so much like him. She desired solitude and didn't seem to like to be surrounded by people. He was the same way. They seemed to be kindred souls. He stopped walking and just looked blankly towards the ground. "What am I supposed to do?" he whispered to himself. "I can't just sit here and wait...I'm too anxious...I feel like I need to go and see if they are alright...If Rose, herself, is..."81

Not a moment later, Vannolyn felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned to see Rayne. Worry and concern was etched across her face. He said nothing to her, not knowing what he could say.82

Rayne looked deep into Vannolyn's eyes, knowing that he was thinking about the mysterious Dragoness. She could see that he felt something deep for her. She had no idea what was going on, or where Rose or Eyrion was at that moment, but she knew that her friend was troubled greatly by it. "I don't know what she and Eyrion are doing right now or why they left this morning, but I do know that this is troubling you to a great extent."83

Vannolyn stood in silence as she said these words. His only response was to look at the ground and sigh.84

Rayne continued. "Did you ever take into consideration that it could be love that you are feeling for her?"85

Vannolyn's eyes widened and he was speechless. He didn't know what to think about that or how he could respond, but he didn't have to. 86

Rayne spoke once more. “Maybe you should go and check it out. They might need your help." 87

"No i must not" Vannolyn argued. "they could be killed, I won't let that happen" He raised his voice breathing hard. Rayne stood confused about Vannolyn. "Are you sure?" She asked. "Yes, positive" Vannolyn responded quickly. "No your not" Rayne walked away.88

"What did he want?" Marin asked as Rayne sat back down. "Nothing just to talk" Rayne answered, playing with the sticks in the fire. "You know that if you play with that it makes it go out faster" Marin smiled. "You know if you keep telling me what to do, you won't be having kids" Rayne placed her claws on Marin's crotch. "Me? I didn't say anything. Nothing at all" Marin shivered in fright. "Good that's what I thought" Rayne smirked and sat back down. "You know if you sit that way you could hurt you’re back" Marin tested Rayne. "Ok that's it" Rayne stood up. Marin stood and ran into the woods, Rayne chased him. "Children" Liara laughed to her self. "It's a wonder they are still alive after all these adventures." She lie on the ground and fell fast asleep. 89

Rose sat quietly, staring into the fire, going through her own thoughts as Eyrion slept peacefully.90

She wondered about Vannolyn and Liara. She also wondered more about Eyrion as well. He seemed to act quite strange around her now and what he said about the kiss had not left her thoughts. She wondered why people seemed to be so interested in her. Did she really give them a reason to be? She reached her hand out near the fire, feeling its warmth burn her fingers pleasantly. It felt nice, as her hands seemed to be quite cold a lot lately.91

Rose closed her eyes, wishing that she had never agreed to the obscene mission. She felt that it was a trap and yet she had gone anyway. 'I'm such a fool. What if I don't come out of this alive? Some good me not giving up will do then...So much for that promise...' she thought to herself as she threw a stick into the fire.92

She looked over at Eyrion for a moment, seeing that he still seemed to be asleep. She rested her chin on her knees and closed her eyes, letting her hand fall to her side. 'I absolutely hate being confused. Men are always so damn...annoying.' she thought, remembering how Vannolyn acted towards her and Eyrion being cold-hearted and then light-hearted all in two days.93

It didn't make any sense. She felt lost in a maze, only coming back to either of the two elves. She felt much more comfortable around Vannolyn, as he was more like herself and Liara. Eyrion just confused her and made her feel like she had to watch her back.94

Rose sighed, unable to sleep. She didn't trust Eyrion enough to let herself sleep, even though he had told her that there was no need to watch for enemies. She would not risk getting killed by him. If he hadn't seemed to take a turn towards the dark side, maybe she wouldn't have minded, but now that she knew of his blood thirst, she would not be able to rest on that journey, even though that she was a very light sleeper and could hear even the quietest elf.95

Rose continued to mold over things, every now and then glancing at Eyrion just to make sure he was still sleeping. It would be a long night indeed. 96

Eyrion arose in the morning and packed quickly he sat and watched Rose sleep while he packed. He thought to him self what was to come of them if they had not completed this mission and what would happen if they were followed. He saddled the two horses and then put the fire out, or the hot coals that were left, and then woke rose. 97

Rose squinted up at Eyrion and rose quickly, almost knocking the elf down. 'Damn...I feel asleep,' she thought to herself.98

She climbed up on her horse without a word and waited for Eyrion to follow suit. They rode off without much conversing, not that Rose was in the mood to talk anyway. She had her mind on the dream she had.99

Rose didn't know if it was a vision or not, but in it, all she saw was Vannolyn sitting beside her in a pitch black place. He looked out into the darkness before saying something and then leaning towards her. Eyrion had awoken her before she saw what he was going to do, but she had one idea of what it was. She couldn't imagine it being what she thought it was though and let it slide. However, the dream haunted her so much that she was unaware of her surroundings. 100

They rode into the dead lands and came to the forest in no times. The forest was full of dead trees and bushes, it was rumored to be filled with dark goblins and trolls; dark creatures were the fiercest in the land killing what ever crossed their path and nothing was ever known for living from an encounter with one. Eyrion and Rose rode into the forest quietly and slowly trying not to make a sound. They could hardly be heard breathing their horses even quiet as night.101

Eyrion quietly giggled and then burst out in words. "You can come out stop following us, even if I hadn't heard you, by the king's of old take a shower because I could smell you" He smirked a dark smirk. "What?" Rose asked. Three goblins walked out of the forest and had their bows risen to the travelers. 102

Pattering of feet came from all about them. Within moments, the land was strewn with a hodge-podge of goblin archers, fighters, warriors and mages. A veritable army of ugly, sub-human creatures. Rose looked about with trained speculation. It would take a miracle to survive this. Even if Eyrion and she were absolute wonders at war, this would be a great miracle in itself if even one of them survived.103

Only a fair distance away from them, about perhaps twenty furlongs away, the camp was breaking up. Eliane was smiling and laughing with Marin. Whilst Liara and Rayne stood off to one side, watching them. The horses were saddled and the gear packed. They were still going off on their adventure, but where they were heading without their guide was a very good question indeed. One that neither Eliane nor Marin would care to answer.104

Eliane hurried over to Rayne as Marin made the final adjustments to the harnesses. "Marin says we'll be off in just a few moments more, Rayne."105

Rayne smiled darkly as she looked at Eliane. "There is no need for any of us to journey any farther."106

For Rayne to act coy or even seductive was odd enough, but to be acting in such a manner as she was now was something that even Eliane understood as strange. "R-Rayne?" Eliane backed away slighting in confusion.107

Smiling as she raised her hands over her head, Rayne whispered an incantation. The words were lost in the growing winds, but Elaine’s eyes remained locked with Rayne as she stood next to Liara.108

Like a curtain falling, Rayne disappeared...a mere illusion cast over what was before them now. The gargoylic character stood only four feet at the shoulder, but her leathery, grey wings were at least twice that in size. Horns jutted out of her skull and her legs bent like those of a rabbit. Claws grew out of the dainty fingers that once were Rayne’s. "Surprise!" smiled the enchantress. Beside Rayne, Liara remained unchanged. The wolfic didn't even seem surprised by the sudden change of her companion. 109

Rose backed her horse away and jumped off of her, transforming into her Dragon form, knocking Eyrion's horse back, along with some Goblins. If they wanted her, they would have to fight pretty damn hard to get her. She was a very determined fighter and killed every Goblin that came near and blowing black fire on those far away. 110

While rose slowly scorched her enemies to a crisp, a friend sought the answers that he had been denied.111

Nimbly, Vannolyn leapt from tree to tree following the path he took back to the cave. What was it that the blue-haired elf and the dragoness had seen to persuade them to leave without reason? What danger could such evil bring upon a ranger like himself? He was a Dark Elf, he knew the evils that dwelled within the hollows of darkness. If he could not follow, he would surely brake away to find the answer.112

A small underlying guilt had lain upon him. To leave the group without reason was wrong, without their guide they would have much difficulty traveling the lands. He had grown a slight bond with each: Eliane, Liara, and even the drunken dope Marin. And Rayne ... someday he would repay this debt to his old friend, but they was not now. She would lead them on proudly, for this there was no doubt.113

But what of this feeling ... this love? Was Rayne correct, was this love? He had seen so many times the affection shown between husband and wife, parent and child, brother and sister, all through the bonds of family. He could recall the joy that each felt when the other was within their presence. But what he felt for Rose, could it truly be love? Nothing had ever given him such a drive, a passionate persistence to move forward for one whom he cared for. But love, it was an emotion intangible, for he did not understand. Though it may be that he feels, to hold such affection for one without rhyme or reason of sense is to feel the nature of love. For what it was worth, he owed to himself ... and Rose to gain true understanding of what this growing bond might be, and surely is.114

Still he leapt, the towering oaks as stepping stones in a pond. Such a task was second nature for one of his kind. Though it was, his mind continued to drift. Vannolyn strayed to the dark thoughts he held of Eyrion. He did not trust the elf, or what his intentions were. What he feared more was a mystery: this elusive quest or the murderous companion. Vannolyn knew that Eyrion, was not of himself and could not be trusted with Rose. He would find them for this he swore, and would live by that oath to himself.115

Standing high within branches of a slender oak tree, he silently dropped to the ground before the illuminated cave. What could dwell within the confines of this rock that could separate all these companions? Soon the answer would be clear. Cautiously he passed the scoured corpses and ivory remains, weaving through the mounds of bones of fallen knights. A heavy scent filled the surrounding air, he knew it well. A Firoc, there was no doubt. Such dragons were ruthless creatures and had been fierce combatants. Removing a small pouch of red liquid he dipped the head of an arrow, from his quiver, until the whole was immersed. Removing the long bow across his back, he readied his weapon. If he should fight, he would fall to die alone.116

Slowly he rounded the corner, entering a chamber with an empty banquet table ... and woman sitting upon the ground far across the room, engulfed in a trans or meditation.117

He walked forward and stood silently behind the motionless dragoness. He broke the silence of the room with his deep forbidding voice. "Stand dragoness," slowly and calmly she turned still facing opposite the Dark Elf. "Turn to face me," again she complied without question. "Do not move," she stared at the arrow, "this is tipped with a deadly poison made of Firoc blood, I will not hesitate to end your life."118

"She smiled a dark, seductive smile, "Such a noble Dark Elf, tell me Vannolyn, what is it you wish of me?"119

Initially shocked he answered with a blind question, "How is it you know of me? What sorcery is this?"120

"Calm yourself ranger. Know this, I see much that the eyes cannot comprehend. A gift to see without sight."121

The Dark Elf was of no mood to solve cryptic puzzles his voice was harsh. "What is it you have done with the other dragoness and her companion, the blue-haired elf?"122

"Rose and Eyrion?" She replied with an intriguing look upon her face. Vannolyn did not like this, such dark magic of great danger, even to a ranger such as himself.123

"Such knowledge is a gift is not bestowed freely to mortals, what sort bargain hath you maid with the Demons of old?"124

"No bargain, no Demons, only a gift for which you do not understand." She replied with an unsettling calm. Silence fell between them both. Vannolyn slowly lowered the bow, and returned it to his back. "Follow me and we will talk elsewhere ... if you wish to know more." She left him be with the mysterious words and seductive lull. Though he was prepared for such, he felt nothing of lust for this dragoness, and even lesser of trust.125

She followed a side corridor to small chamber with fire, two chairs... and a bed. Her intentions were clear, and he would not fall for such impure temptations. Something dark emanated about this dragoness, and it would surely lead to a horrible end. Vannolyn removed the dagger from within his black vest and tunic, immersed it in the same poison. Concealing the blade once more, he followed the corridor to the dimly-lit room. He would find the answers he sought, and would seek Rose out. The dragoness awaited him, and he awaited the words that would set him on the next path of his quest.126

The Dragoness sat down on one of the chairs and motioned to one. Vannolyn shook his head. "I would rather stand."127

She shrugged. "Suit yourself, oh dark one..." She smiled and mused, "So much like the Dragoness that you seek."128

Vannolyn raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"129

"She is dark and mysterious, solitary with many secrets...Perhaps it is not wise to seek out hear blackened heart and bleeding soul." The Dragoness spoke in small riddles.130

It had struck Vannolyn though. He wondered what she kept hidden underneath...What that promise she has mentioned might've meant, but now was not the time to think of that. "Just tell me of what mission you sent them on."131

The Dragoness smiled. "Your worry is for nothing. They shall be away from the Goblin army soon enough and will continue on. Young Rose is such a remarkable fighter for her age...And it was not long ago since he had only found out that her Demon father had Dragon blood and was transformed into a Dragoness."132

Vannolyn was immersed in her tales of Rose, but he did not allow himself to fall under her spell. "Enough about Rose, herself. Tell of the mission you sent them on."133

She smiled dangerously. "Very well. Two men have been kidnapped in the Dark forest and they are on their way to set them free...It is a test of skill. To test if they have what it takes to be the hero and heroine of the world. They must learn to cooperate and grow on one another in order to succeed. The reason why they face so many hordes of enemies is Rose's mistrust of him."134

Vannolyn took in all of this information, but did not feel he had time to mull over it. He would do that while he was catching up. "And what is it of Rose fearing that those who follow will be killed?"135

The Dragoness laughed a rich, chiming laugh. "I told them to be sure no one followed them and if their friend did not understand, direct them to me and I will take care of them. Rose likes to take things for the worst. It is in her nature to think the worst before anything positive. So, dear Vannolyn, if you advanced on your feelings, she might start to think you may be working for her father."136

The Dragoness smiled slyly as Vannolyn's facial expression turned to pure shock. "What is the meaning of that!?" he asked, outraged. He would never believe that the dark lord was Rose's father...It just wasn't possible.137

"Ask her yourself," she said simply. "See how she reacts, what she says. She never lies about anything, so you should get an honest response. She is good at hiding things, but that is not lying. She never lies because of the influence on people in her life before ever she met any of you. She comes from the other side of the world."138

Vannolyn's head was spinning. He did not know how to respond. All he knew was that he had to find Rose and sort it all out later on. "Let me pass."139

Vannolyn could not believe what he was hearing from the dragoness. He never thought that his own enemy would be the one he loved. "She can't be" Vannolyn refused to believe what he was being told.140

"Actually she can and is. Either you can accept that she is the dark lords daughter or you can't it's your choice no one here will make it for you" The dragoness persuaded him.141

"But if I go and follow them I will be killed" Vannolyn replied confused.142

"Yes but wait, wait until she returns it should not be much longer" The dragoness comforted him.143

"Wait here with you?" Vannolyn asked now taking a seat.144

"Yes here" She replied with a soft voice. "I will treat you as if you were my best of friend" She smirked.145

"If you say so. But as soon as they return we get them both, we find out the truth behind all of this madness that is happening." Vannolyn smiled happily. 146

As Vannolyn sat quietly for the moment, the Dragoness continued to talk, but not of Rose or anyone he knew of. Soon enough, she started to move around to get the both of them drinks. That was when Vannolyn hastily pulled out his dagger and stabbed her in the back where he should have pierced her heart. If not, the poison would kill her soon enough. His act had been good enough to fool her.147

He left her on the floor bleeding after removing his dagger and wiping it off with a cloth he found at a wash sink. After that, he proceeded to continue on to catch up with Rose and Eyrion. He needed to know the truth about her and what was going on with the quest. As confused as he was, the only thing he knew was that he still felt something deep for her and could not let go so easily. Even if Rose was the daughter of the dark lord.148

Vannolyn swiftly leapt through the trees quickly, starting to mull over everything in his head... 149

Back at the campsite, everyone had stopped to stare, stunned, at the transformed Rayne, and the passive Liara. Elaine backed away slowly. "Rayne? What... Who...?"150

"Who am I?" the enchantress sneered. Her voice had changed. It was no longer the soft, pleasant tones of Rayne, but harsh and demonic, sounding like there were several voices combining to make one. "I am Sinova, the newest enchantress of Trudoc Castle. You, however," she motioned to Elaine, "May know me as Sinarra." She grinned evily.151

A gasp escaped Elaine. She felt as if her throat was closing up, and she wheezed for breath. It couldn't be. "Sinarra? Is it really you? What happen... Where have you... I never thought... Why... Why are you here?" She stared at Sinarra, or rather, Sinova blankly, trying to find something more to say.152

"Ah, sister. Half sister though you may be. I have come to serve my new master, the new ruler of the earth which shall soon be no more. Won't you join me in my quest?" Without waiting for an answer, she seemed to assume that Elaine would automatically join the foul ranks. "I'm here for our half-sister, Rayne, and her... pet. They are of some value to my master. Please, where are they?"153

Elaine was stunned, and looked at Liara. But when she looked closer, she realized it wasn't Liara at all, but a Wolvic much alike in comparison, with this one difference: It was a male. He noticed her staring at him, and stiffly replied to her unasked question. "I am Liara's last brother. Barak."154

Eliane said nothing, but her face went white, and she suddenly collapsed onto the forest floor with a "thump" in a dead faint. There was a very awkward silence, and then there was another "thump" coming from over by the horses. Marin had fainted as well, leaving the two newcomers alone with the horses. Where Rayne and Liara had gone, no one knew. 155

As Rose fought off the last of the hoard of Goblins while Eyrion laid unconscious from her knocking him back, she had a feeling that things weren't right. Something was wrong about the entire thing. Not only with the 'mission' she and Eyrion were on, but she felt that the others were in trouble as well...When she was finished with the Goblins, she transformed back into the Dragoness she was and walked over to Eyrion. The horses were fine, so she didn't give them a second thought.156

She slapped his cheek till he came to. He groaned a little and when she felt he was awake enough, she told him about what she felt. "Something isn't right. I have a feeling that the others are in trouble and there's something about this 'mission' that makes me feel uneasy. I think we should go back. This could be a trap. I wasn't exactly all of this in the first place." 157

You’re right let's make our way back" He shook his head agreeing. They saddled back onto their horses and rode back off into the night. They rode fast and with out sleep hoping to reach the camp site by sun up.158

"This is all weird" Eyrion shouted as they rushed along the field. 159

"I know nothing makes sense. We should find answers when we return to the camp site and make our way back to the cave" Rose agreed and sped up.160

As Vannolyn jumped through the trees, he heard the sound of galloping coming closer and stopped, getting his bow ready. When he saw Rose and Eyrion coming his way he was rather surprised and wondered why they were in such a rush, so he followed them back, wondering what they were doing. He would find out everything once he had the chance161

Vannolyn hurried after Rose and Eyrion as quietly as he could. They made it back to the campsite and pulled their horses to a halt. Before them was a most bizarre scene, indeed.162

The horses had scattered, leaving trails of goods and such stuff in squiggly lines away from the campsite. Eliane and Marin were out cold, lying prostrate before Liara and a strange gargoyle-like creature. The fire blazed in its place between them as the creature turned and looked at them quiet. Her jagged, toothy grin glittered in the firelight as she spied the two on horseback.163

"So," she smiled as she turned to look at them easier, "I have found, instead, the two He is searching for..." Her laughter made the horses skitter in fear.164

Rose abandoned her skittish gelding without thought and approached the gargoylic creature. She looked quite familiar to her for some odd reason. The enchantress smiled darkly, "Do you recognize me sister?" She laughed at Rose's surprised look. Eyrion remained staring at her quietly, "It is I, Succoa!"165

"Where's Rayne," Eyrion's voice turned Succoa's eyes away from Rose for just a moment.166

The enchantress kept smiling as she quickly returned her stare back to Rose. She reached out and took Rose's hand in her own. "Come, sister, let us go home."167

"Home?" Eyrion slid off of the horse and walked up to Succoa.168

Still, she didn't pay any attention to the elf. With a final glance about her, she leapt into the sky, dragging Rose with her. "Farewell, mortal!" screeched Succoa as she hurled into the darkening clouds overhead. "Come, Liara, we have much havoc to do still!"169

With that, the wolfic hurried after them, leaving Eyrion alone with a skittish gelding behind him and two of his friends, unconscious on the other side of the fire. What on earth was going on? 170

Rose was in a daze. She hadn't seen her sister since they were small children. However, she had no intention in going 'home'. She didn't have a home. She kicked at the so-called 'Liara' and he growled, irritated with her feet.171

Succoa shook her head in disapproval. "Why must you make this hard on yourself? Father has missed you, my dear half sister. He is aching to see his eldest girl. You could at least visit after so many years!"172

Rose growled deep within her throat as all with Dragon's blood could. "I have no intention of ever seeing him again!"173

Succoa laughed. "And just how are you getting away this time, my dear? Your mother may have saved you the first time before father killed her, but you will not escape a second time!"174

Rose looked around her, wondering what she could do to break free. Then, she saw Vannolyn and he saw her. They made eye contact and he was chasing after them. 175

Vannolyn saw the dragoness struggle against the dark creature. What it was he had no clue. But what was Liara doing with them? There was no time for answers. Running at top speed he struggle to catch the flying demon, but even swift speed of a Dark Elf was not match for this creature of the night. He reached the top of a ridge, removing his long bow he released a rain of arrows upon the flying beings, but it was no use. They were gone out of reach.176

Slowly realizing, he remembered seeing both Rayne and Marin unconscious back at the camp ... and Eyrion there alone. The blue-haired elf had some part in this, he must have. A darkening rage welled within him. He bolted at top speed back to the camp, only to find his two companions still unconscious and the elf turning to face him is shock and a misplaced fear.177

Vannolyn's face hardened and gave way to a calm rage. Removing his broad sword he grabbed by the vest and lifted him off the ground. His harsh voice cold as ice, "Tell me where they take Rose ... and take care for what you say, for it might be your last." Vannolyn running the edge of his sword across Eyrion's throat.178

"I do not know, I understand nothing of what has happened" Eyrion answered timidly.179

Vannolyn flushed red with anger, gritting his teeth, "Don't test me pathetic elf. I took no mercy upon that dragoness in the cave. What makes you think you will be treated any differently?" He now was pressing the blade, slowly drawing blood.180

"Please, I had nothing to do with this." There was a desperation and truth within the eyes of the blue-haired elf that even Vannolyn could not deny. The Dark Elf took in his gaze for several moments, and then slowly released him, taking a deep breath.181

"I may know where they have taken her," Vannolyn's forbidding voice broke the awkward silence. "But I cannot do this alone." He stared intently at Eyrion speaking not with his words, but the his eyes. The Dark Elf did not trust him, but what other choice did he have. Marin and Eliane we unconscious and badly injured.182

"What? What do we do now?" Eyrion asked with slight trace of despair. Vannolyn brought the broadsword to the elf's throat once more.183

His eyes were dark and his words sharp "You will help me find her, and truth of what has happened will be revealed, but know this." Eyrion now cringed again as the broadsword pressed against his already bleeding throat, Vannolyn words cold as ice, "If you should think to betray me, you will not live to see the light of day again. Is this clear?"184

"Crystal", Eyrion answered frankly.185

"Now we must take these two somewhere safe, the cave would be best, and from there we will hunt down Liara and the flying demon. I will tell you what I had learned from the slain dragoness, and the path we must take but for not we must get these two to safety." Vannolyn nodded toward the two unconscious companions. Eyrion complied without question once more.186

In silent determination, the two elves carried Eliane and Marin to the dragoness's cave. So many thoughts and questions and thoughts welled through the Dark Elf's mind. Were the words of the dragoness true? Was Rose truly daughter of a dark lord? Was Eyrion a part of this, or a rogue by stander? ... And what of Rayne, what had become of her? So many questions, but this was not the time to seed the answers. Breaking the continuous silence, Vannolyn began to speak of what the dragoness had shared with him in her final moments. All the while ... he was silently aware that the concealed dagger lay beneath his black vest and tunic. He would only resort to such as a last resort ... Should it come to be.187

Rose continued to struggle when she realized that Vannolyn would not be able to help. Then, she mentally kicked herself for ever thinking of such a thing. She had only herself to rely on and no one else.188

Succoa chuckled. "Stupid ranger elf. He should've known that he was not match for 'Liara'. And his arrows are of no use for our speed!"189

Rose rolled her eyes and growled again, annoyed with her 'sister' holding her down, making it so she was unable to escape. Succoa had tied down her legs long ago and her wings could not spread so close to someone. She was stuck and she had to wonder if they would leave her to her father so he could finally kill her. She closed her eyes and thought of the promise...190

"Rose..."191

Rose turned and looked at her friend once more, seeing the worry and maybe even possibly fear. "What is it"192

Meridia walked up to her and hugged her again. "Just promise me something, OK?"193

Rose blink and tilted her head a little. "What do you want me to promise?"194

Meridia smiled. "Promise me you won't give up. On yourself, on others, or, most importantly, on life. Promise me you'll do your best to come back. You're my best friend and like a sister to me. I would never want to lose you so far away, never knowing whether I'll ever see you again...Please...just...promise you'll do your best to come back and see my children because I'm sure they'll be born by the time you are done."195

Rose smiled and hugged her friend once more. Her eyes welled in tears, never feeling so important to someone in so long. "Love you, girl. You know I'll try my best to come back. I promise."196

Rose opened her eyes and stared out into the sky. So she remembered the one thing she had almost broken her promise about. She had to keep faith in the others...Even if they discovered who and what she truly was. She closed her eyes again. I just hope Meridia's right about the goodness in everyone's heart despite what may happen197