OOC: I just realized I skipped you dark...sorry about that...

The order will be this:

Astralwing
Dracoaestas
Aeraldi
DragonSlayer 4
Dark Dragon

Just in case anyone gets confuzzled.

OOC: Actually I meant both. Darkness as in night and as in the critters. lol

IC: Phal kept her light dim, trusting the faint, newly twinkling dusk stars to keep her hidden. But it was hard to keep going so calmly when she knew very well what was below her. The creatures, now that she had even more time to study them, were more hideous than she had thought. Their darkness was terrible, and thinking about what they had been only made it worse. She flexed her claws in apprehension and continued her scan of the sides of the valley. The beasts were just milling around now, for the most part. On the outer edges, there were some fights. Near the cliffs where the Tribe had been, creatures were sniffing around and digging at shallow caves. Some were inside the cave system. Luckily, they were well sealed off from the tunnels that led to the other side of the mountain. Phal continued her analysis, looking for good places to attack, and trying to see if any of the beasts were different or more dangerous than the others in any way. So far, they all seemed the same.

Temias blinked in surprise when he felt the familiar consciousness. Zeke? he replied, twisting his head around to locate the amethyst dragon. He finally saw Zeke, who was approaching from an area near the edges of their camp. A few of the Tribe were watching him, and all seemed glad that he had come. He was another friend of the Tribe, and surely he would help them again. Temias strode over to meet his friend, his silver eyes bright in the fading light. I should have known you'd come too. I suppose you want to know what's going on? he greeted the dragon with a smile.

OOC: lol sorry, you'll have to highlight Temias' portion. But I like that color.

Zeke pirked his head up as his friend responded to him. Temias! he cried, padding forward eagerly to brush his muzzle against the males shoulder. His ice blue eyes flashed angrily, radiating a bright glow. His brow beetled fiercly as he looked his friend over thoroughly. Knowing the situation would indeed be helpful, but please tell me something first. he said, making an effort to keep the ferocious growl building in his chest from exploding through his teeth. The amethyst huffed a breath, attempting to calm down. Who, or what, hurt you? he fairly snarled, the tips of his fangs glistening in the half-light. I felt your pain as my own through my Heart. I nearly fell out of the sky from the intensity of it. It's what brought me here. he growled, the scales on the back of his neck bristling with hostility. He darkened his eyes to a warm glow, his expression now anxious.

OOC:
Draco, is this thread before or after "Rampage"? I'm not sure, and I don't want to say anything about him having Seluka's heart and then have to back track if I'm wrong.

OOC: Before. This rp is before Phal and Aeraldi's kids have hatched, actually.

OOC: Sorry it took so long, I didn't check this thread when I made this account for a while. This is dark dragon just as a reminder

IC: Equinox was surprised to see Zeke come in, he had only met the dragon once before, maybe twice. Glancing at the battle he said to Zeke What brings you here?

OOC: Sorry, short

OOC: Lol, yeah, I think it is...sorry for the delay...college

IC:

Elcyon glanced over at Equinox when he mentioned their love to Aeraldi, smiled quickly, amused that he was a bit more embarrassed with the question than she, and went back to thinking about the battle strategies. Equinox...the thought of him filled her head with calm thoughts, and she was able to concentrate on keeping the darkness further away from her mind. So simple, and yet extrememly effective.

Though as her mind was concetrating, she hadn't realized that another dragon had joined them, and she greeted him with a small hello. I'm Elcyon, she said.

Phal, how are things looking up there? she asked. Any way we could begin an attack or are things looking the same?

OOC: Yay you posted, Astral! Cool!

IC: Phal continued her survey, scanning all sides of the narrow river valley. The beasts were great in number, but very concentrated in the small space. A large-scale, surrounding attack of fire could decimate their ranks. It would cause a lot of damage to the jungle, but it would be far too effective to not try. The Tribe would just have to make sure to keep the fire damage to the forest to a minimum, possibly by beating it back with their wings. As she flew, Phal heard the contact from Elcyon. I'm making one last circle and then I'll fly back. I have some ideas in mind, she replied, angling her wings to move into one long, soaring arch around the airspace above the valley.

Temias returned Zeke's friendly contact and stepped back, smiling. His smile faded and his silver eyes clouded as he remembered the attack. It had been so sudden, so bloody... and his companion had not made it more than a few dragonlengths. Caiitarro had been a good dragon. His death and the deaths of the other Tribe dragons because of these monsters would be avenged. You may go see them for yourself, Zeke. Phalynx is high above the valley just to the south of this mountain, surveying our enemy. Sneak around it and take a look, and return with her, he spoke quietly, unable to give his friend a mental image of the beasts. They were simply too disturbing. He winced slightly as Zeke mentioned feeling his pain, and wished he could give the amethyst his Heart back. Temias didn't want to cause his friend pain for his choice.

OOC: Pass, not really much I can do.

Equinox glanced as Phal left, he had an idea of how to minimize the damage to the jungle, but even so it would still harm it greatly. He flew after her and said through mind Phal, what if I had lightning start a fire in the jungle? Other dragons could burn a large around it and we could flush the shadow creatures into it while doing less damage to the jungle?

OOC: Sorry pass, just waiting for Phal to come back with ideas I suppose...again sorry...

OOC: Alright then. I guess it's time to move forward with this rp. Let's get planning!

IC: Phalynx noticed the incoming dragon, heading in from the north. Almost as soon as she saw him, she recognized him. It was Zeke, who seemed to be becoming just as much a friend to the Tribe as she was. She grinned and made mental contact with him when she felt his strange method of communication. It is good to see you, my friend. The Tribe could certainly use any extra sets of claws and teeth and fire it can get. I suppose you want to see the enemy? The mass is down in the valley, below the cliff. I warn you though: steel yourself before you look closely at them, for they are some of the most disturbing creatures I have seen. I will tell you now that they were once elves, she explained to the purple dragon, her smile fading and a small shudder passing along her body. When you are done looking, fly back up to me and we will return to the Tribe, she added. Phal angled her wings into a dive, and she let herself sink in the air until she was circling just above the ridged mountain peak, in sight of both Zeke and the Tribe dragons.

As she flew, she received the contact from Equinox, and her gaze traveled out over the valley to think more on what he said. Drive them into a fire? Yes, that could work. We could control the central fire so that it would not spread far, and we could aim carefully with the fire we breathe at the beasts so that it does not hit too many trees. Perhaps fireballs would work well. You should tell this to everyone. Zeke and I will be back once he has a look at these creatures, she replied to the green, and waited for her friend to join her.

Temias smiled after Zeke, and laughed when he said to tell Kasiya that he was here. Yes, she knows. She's been keeping a close eye on all the dragons here and on our surroundings, as I would if I were in charge, he replied with a laugh. He watched the amethyst dragon flap away, and then made his way back to the group of newcomers. Two of them were her close friends, and one was her mate, so Temias reasoned that they must be his friends as well, or at least allies. So do any of you have ideas? Phalynx said that these creatures were once elves, but, I've never seen an elf before or fought anything like one, as I suppose urgals don't really count. And none of the Tribe has seen an elf in a while, either. Are there any good tactics you know that could work against a two-legged creature? he asked as he approached them, thinking over what the creatures had looked like. Fire still seemed the best option, to him.

OOC: Your turn, dark. I wanna keep this one going (there are still a few very important things that must happen, heheh).

OOC: Sorry, I didn't see this one. Thanks for telling me

IC: Equinox did as Phal suggested and flew towards the others. As he saw what the elve had become he glanced at them with pity. No creature should ever have to suffer like that. I will avenge you. he said to them when he saw what they had become. He snarled, he wanted to do something about this, but first, he had to tell them. To Zeke, Aeraldi, and the others he said, I think we should try and force them into a fire. Use our fire breathing to chase them into an even larger fire, to try and do as less damage to the forest as possible.

OOC: Astral I believe it's your turn in this one. lol I think we should get it moving again, don't you?

OOC: AAA! YES!!!!!!!! I was just waiting for you return before I posted anything. I figured then we can really get into the rp and not have to do any anticipated waiting of sorts (plotting time!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOO!!!) Haha, can you tell I'm excited? Lol Glad you're back Draco! I missed you around here! (even though I said it a bunch of times already XD) Alright enough chit-chat! Postin' time!!!!

IC:

Elcyon listened quietly while everyone discussed battles strategies. Fire seemed to be the main key for this particular event, especially when these elves were suffering so. It would seem like the right thing to do to put them out of their misery.

Fire does seem to be the best wepon we have at this point, Elcyon put in calmly, though she wasn't letting on that, as the elves drew near, their darkened energy was influencing the shadows that were planted in her soul. She concentrated on the battle before them, unwilling to give in. I take it we will be heading back to the tribe for further planning? she asked Phal, wanting to know the next step towards battle was. At least, for the time being, her demons were kept at bay.

OOC: Oh my, well aren't you excited? lol I am too, Astral.

IC: Temias watched Aeraldi as the dragon grew silent after his query. Suddenly, the gray became visibly upset and even shaken by something. The deep blue nodded at Aeraldi's words, concerned for him. He decided not to say anything, however, thinking the matter was too personal for a dragon who barely knew him to comment. Equinox furthered the discussion, stating that driving them into a fire would be best. Temias nodded in agreement as Elcyon also agreed. Yes, Elcyon, we should let everyone else know what we've come up with as soon as Phal and Zeke return, he replied to the dark-colored dragoness with a smile, and glanced away quickly to watch for his two good friends.

Phal nodded sympathetically at Zeke's words. I agree. It is a very sad fate. The creatures within them look like some kind of Shadow beasts, but I suppose we will not find out for certain until we fight them. Everyone else has already decided that it would be best to attack them from the air with our flames to try and drive them into a larger fire, in order to preserve as much of the forest as we can. I agreed, she told the amethyst-colored male, turning around to take him back to the others. They reached the main group quickly, and Phal saw that her mate seemed upset over something. She landed next to him and nuzzled him with concern. What is wrong, my love? I don't like seeing you like this, she said simply, her voice distressed.

OOC: If dark doesn't go by the end of the week then I suggest that Astral skips him. I'd like to keep this one moving.

OOC: Alright Draco I can do that, though I did pm him and he was on on August 4th so I wonder if he just forgot? Anyway I'll send him another pm and see what happens.

OOC: Well, I pmed him and I saw he was on yesterday, maybe something came up. Anyway, I'll go now since he hasn't replied.

IC:

El nodded her head to show her agreement. Though as the dark elves continued to make their ascent towards the valley, their shadows were making El uneasy. She only hoped that Phal and Zeke would hurry in order to continue on with their mission. When they arrived, El could breathe a little more easily. Aeraldi she could tell was in discomfort, though she didn't press the matter further. Phal would be able to soothe him, it was her way.

Now that we've gathered, we should probably head back to the tribe, she pointed out, and get a good plan down? They're coming by the thousands, and I imagine they'll be here within a day or less. We have the tactic of fire down perhaps we can come up with a good aerial attack and whatnot? El looked at Zeke, noting his pained expression. Is Taylia a good friend of yours? she inquired gently.

OOC: Sorry it took so long. Internet was down where I worked and I didn't get back home until eariler today.

IC: Equinox followed them as they headed back. The corruption made him shiver, he had met the Shadow creatures only once before, but nothing to this extent. He glanced at his mate for a time and asked. Are they dead? Or are the shadows controling their souls along with their body? If it's like mind control as Crimson does it could we just try freeing them?

OOC: It's okay Dark. I didn't know what was going on until you pmed me later the next day. I feel really bad. Anyway, it looks like we have a new order for this rp:

Astralwing
Dracoaestas
Dark Dragon
Aeraldi
Dragon Slayer 4

So it looks like Aeraldi whenever you see this

OOC: Sorry, then it's my turn.

Aeraldi just listened for the moment, still reeling from the intensity of the memory. That and he didn't have much to say yet. Everyone was thinking the same way about these creatures, about not engaging them directly which calmed his heart.

El went over towards Equinox, and replied, I don't think so. If they were mind controlled, I'm sure Phal would have sensed a greater evil than this. There's some kind of a dark force behind them, but I can't be sure what it is. It must have something to do with the shadow realm. She nudged her head against his playfully. You're cute when you're deep in thought, have I ever told you that? she teased him despite the seriousness of the situation.

OOC: Short/pass...

Equinox smiled at Elcyon when she spoke back. He nudged her back and replied Oh really? You're cute all the time. he said with a happy smirk. He watched her for a moment and turned his attention to the elder when he spoke. Equinox didn't interupt but he couldn't help but turn his head in the direction the creatures were in. These aboninations would have to die. Still, it didn't help but make him wonder if the souls of the elves were still trapped inside of these shadow beings.

Kasiya nodded to Aeraldi. If your fire is also effective against them then try to combine it with the main flame as well. Hopefully that will have the greatest effect on these beasts, she told him. Phal stayed silent as the Chief turned to address Elcyon's question. We will strike at dawn, which is still hours away. Everyone should get some sleep tonight; I will post some of my own soldiers as guards, the scarlet and black dragoness explained, Goodnight, everyone. Good luck tomorrow. With that, Kasiya turned away from the group. The other six Elders moved to flank her as she headed back toward the trees where most of the Tribe waited. Phal turned to Aeraldi, glancing between the others in their group. Zeke was with Taylia and her family, along with Temias. Elcyon and Equinox were also sitting near each other.

Temias smiled as Zeke and Taylia spoke. Caela and Arkior were talking together in hushed tones, and Jathnor was sitting to the side, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings. Nearby, the Chief and the Elders turned to depart. The deep blue dragon peered through the group, searching for a specific sapphire-blue dragon. Eventually, Temias caught sight of the emerald-green, gold, and grey Kallek Marks, and darted away. Dad? Did... did everything go okay while I was gone? he asked as he ran up to the side of the Elder. Riccoro turned and gave a slow nod of his head. Yes, Temias. I am glad you were able to find help for us, he said simply, twisting his head back around and walking away. Temias nodded and headed back to his friends. He had never really been close to his parents, though he thought the reaction was a little cold. Perhaps they were still angry with him for leaving the caves. He sighed. In any case, he had to get back to the others. It was time to get some rest. You all can sleep with the Tribe in that grove of trees, if you want. And... thank you, for coming to help us. I couldn't be more grateful, he said to Phalynx, Aeraldi, Zeke, Elcyon, and Equinox, smiling warmly at them.

OOC: Your turn, dark. I think Astral and I would like to keep this one going to the end lol.

OOC: Can't think of much right now. Pass.

OOC: Then it t'would be Aeraldi's turn in this one whenever he's ready.

Zeke prummed in his chest as he nuzzled Taylia, his ice blue eyes warm with affection for the young one. He looked up at Aeraldi as the grey male asked Phalynx to step aside with him. He smiled a bit, watching them go, then snorted and turned to Temias. He smiled at the dark blue Tribe warrior, his eyes warming. Of course we came, Temias. The Tribe are our friends, and protect our friends. he said, his eyes twinkling now. He dipped his head to his friend then turned to pad away toward the grove of trees.

OOC:
Gah...so short and unhelpful. >.<