OOC: Anyone can join.

IC: Erza flew just above the low clouds, which gave her a good enough cover as she soared over the Empire, the area under her speeding by as she flew at nearly top speed. Her Rider's expression was fierce and determined. The years of mourning were finally not going to remain dormant. He would no longer ignore his past; he was now going to find his parent's murderer.

There wasn't much he could seek to accomplish by going to Ellesmera, but he figured that he might as well return to his parent's home and try to find any evidence. Besides, surely someone must have seen at least something suspicious. He had decided to find their killers recently after he left the Beors, which was after he encountered three people with a past just as depressive, if not more so than his. His promises would no longer be empty words. He was now going to seek vengeance.

They had been traveling for a while now, and were expected to arrive in Du Weldenvarden shortly. Even if the Elves of Ellesmera could only give Natsu an acute amount of descriptive traits about the killer, Natsu wouldn't quit until he found the perpetrator.

Occ: Enter the killer I guess xP oh and his counterpart, I do hope this is an acceptable entry

IC: Rien held Esther in his arms as she slept as they walked through the Du Weldenvarden getting close to Ellesmera. She had worn herself out over the past week on insisting that they hurry to an Elven city. Rien could not help but laugh quietly at the thought. Esther had just began to show interest in cities and Rien thought that she meant the empire so they began their long journey to the empire only to have Esther begin to question him on his many ventures though this lang. With all the times he had traveled here there was one city that he had never laid eyes on. And this city was Ellesmera. He remembers the last time he tried to enter. It was not a moment he was proud of but nor did he feel any regret for what he had done. To him it seemed just yesterday that it happened.
He had tried to come here around eight years ago, before Esther had tampered with his mind and changed him. He had been stopped from entering Ellesmera even though he had no evil intentions. This infuriated him beyond reason so he traveled into the forest to find a place to let his anger out. He came across a home of a elf couple. The sight of them enraged him even further. He remember the fight, it was short because the elves had not been expecting a Shade with his strength.
Esther stirred in his arm drawing his attention to his daughter.
Esther stirred in her sleep at the thoughts Rien was having. She knew all of his past and did not like it when his thought traveled to the crimes he had committed. She opened her eyes and smiled up at Rien, who seemed more than happy to return the smile. I'm sorry you have to carry me like this. I wish I could walk with you everywhere. She thought to him wanting to bring him back to the present.
Rien laughed slightly at Esther. He could tell she worried about him but he played along knowing that him playing along is what she wanted. "No I enjoy carrying you. You sleeping face would melt the heart of the oldest most stubborn shade in the world." Rien laughed as did Esther at his little joke, though it was in a way very true.
Esther smiled faded slightly as she felt the presence of a mind approaching far off in the distance, still many leagues away. It was like nothing she had ever felt before herself, but she knew it from Rien's memories. Dragon.... She questioned herself examining the mind of the being in wonder.

OOC:
Mind if I join in? Don't know with who yet, though. Any preferences or ideas?

OOC: That's fine. Well, I really don't mind who you bring in, but maybe someone Natsu knows? Either way, I don't mind.

IC: Erza's eyes drifted open, and she pulled herself up. Natsu lay a few feet away. She nudge his arm with her nose and contacted him mentally, Natsu, wake up. No response. Natsu, it's morning, she said more sternly in an attempt to get his attention, but he was still asleep. Finally, she growled and roared, Natsu! This caused him to jump up, his sword out of it's sheath quickly.

"Erza, what are you doing?" Natsu asked, confused of her intentions.

Trying to wake you up! she snarled. It's morning.

Natsu rubbed the back of his head in unease and tentatively climbed on to her saddle. "We should be in Ellesmera today," Natsu said quietly.

Indeed. We should hurry with all do haste as well, Erza said. She could still feel the odd feeling in her stomach, but she couldn't discern what it was. She shrugged it off and took to the air, but she couldn't go too high in the forest.

Eventually, the hidden city was within sight. When they landed, Gilderien(sp?) was at the entrance to Ellesmera. He wordlessly let Natsu and Erza through.

OOC:
Sweet. I think I shall join with Sephora.

IC:
Where was Javen? Where could he have gone? Oh, ya t'ak, why couldn't she sense him? Sephora held her head in her hands. She hoped he was safe, wherever he was. Her head shot up when she heard wingbeats. She hadn't thought there was any dragons currently in the Du Weldenvarden Capitol. She stood, rubbing her arms, and slowly walked to where she heard the sound. Her mind drifted back to Javen; she knew he was safe. If he'd been hurt or killed, she would know it instantly. She rubbed her arms again, feeling cold. She turned around a tree and stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening. Erza? And Natsu? She tilted her head, curious. Why were they here? Her eyes brightened. Maybe they had heard from or seen Javen recently. She jogged toward the dragoness.
"Erza, Natsu!" she called to them, already panting. She slowed to a walk, a hand on her chest. She was puzzled for a moment, and then remembered that it had been sometime since the Weakness had hit her. Perhaps that was why she couldn't sense Javen, because her connection to him was choked off by this Weakness that plagued all full-blooded Allatiks. She stopped and leaned against a tree for support, feeling a bit light headed.
"Oh, ya ta'ak." she muttered to herself. Now was so not the best timing for her to be Weakened. Damn! She needed Javen. A tear escaped her closed eye, but she didn't remember closing them. She blinked the tear away and looked up. She forced a smile across her face, though it wasn't a convincing one, and she knew it.
"What are you two doing in Du Weldenvarden?" she called again, walking toward them once more. She hoped he couldn't see the limp in her walk.

Esther watched in wonder as a few Elves came to greet them. She removed herself from Rien's back and reached for their minds. They threw up mental walls but she brushed them aside as if they weren't there to begin with.
Thank you friends for the kindness you have shown us by permitting us to enter. She said in the ancient language. The elves looked at her in a perplexed manner but they didn't seem to eager to persue the issue of how she spoke. In fact they seemed far more concerned with Rien. Even though she knew that he didn't feel or look like a shade.

"We are here to simply say that proper accommodations have been made for you." The elves seemed to glare at Rien as they turned and strode away.
"Even when I am weak they still fear and hate me." He said to himself as she began to follow the elves.

Esther had also began to follow but her mind was pulled back to the mind of the dragon. She could not help but gasp as she realized that the dragon was only a good hundred yards away. I shall catch up with you father! Esther shouted with her mind as she began to make her way towards where the dragon was. It took her a few good minutes until she came to a small clearing where the dragon should be. She dared not enter the clearing because of fear but watched from the cover of the trees. She somehow could tell that it was a female dragon. She was amazed by the beauty of the dragoness. It was like nothing she had ever seen before.

Rien watched Esther run off deeper into the city with a smile. He was glad she was interested in something. He smiled and then continue following the elves.

OOC: That's fine.

IC: Natsu gazed upon the large city. It had been a year or so since he had left, but nothing had changed. Everything still looked so beautiful. He was snapped out of his reverie when he heard someone shout his and Erza's name. He turned sharply and saw Sephora jogging towards the both of them. He gave a small smile, but frowned immediately, realizing that something was wrong with her movement. She was panting by the time she reached the dragon and Rider, even though it wasn't a long distance to jog. Maybe she was tired? Natsu tilted his head in curiosity at Sephora's use of her own language, or that's what he assumed it was anyway.

Natsu grimaced at her question. How was he supposed to reply? That he was coming here to try and avenge his killed parents? That would surely be a long explanation. However, he noticed a tear in her eye, and realized that she wasn't just tired. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Erza could feel that feeling from earlier again, only now, it was stronger. She looked around, troubled, feeling a pair of eyes bearing into her. She sighed, hoping it was nothing and focused on her Rider and Sephora. She also noticed that Javen wasn't around, but didn't make note of it yet.

Sephora hesitated, lowering her eyes to the ground. She closed them and swallowed hard, then reopened them and looked at Natsu.
"Have you seen or heard from Javen? I haven't been able to contact him for two weeks." she said, her tone worried. She wrapped her arms around her torso and squeezed herself.
"I thought he would be here in Du Weldenvarden, but I haven't found him. The Elven Capitol is where we agreed to meet if we ever got separated, but..." she trailed off and bit her lip. Her chocolate brown eyes were swimming with tears. She blinked them irritably.
"I know he's safe, I'd know if he was hurt or killed, but I'm not fully here when he's apart from me." she murmured, rubbing her arms to warm herself, as if she were cold. Her skin even had gooseflesh.

OCC: I feel like Esther is stalking y'all....

IC:Esther watched the reunioun of old friends from a distance. She watched in awe of the dragon. Her attention for the most part on her. She did notice the male elf who seemed to be the rider of the dragon. She saw the woman also who seemed to be more then what she looked. She gathered information on the group by barely touching the minds of each.
She felt excitement she had not felt in a long time as she watched the group.

Rien followed the Elves to a small house toward the interior of the city. The hostility that they had shown earlier had melted away into well composed faces of gracious hosts. He couldn't help but chuckle as he watched the elf react to him.
"Only a few know of my excistance." Rien said stating it as a matter of fact and not much else.
"Yes, and we would like to keep it that way. So we would perfer if you didn't go for a repeat of last time you tried to enter here." The elf replied smoothly as he held the door open for Rien to enter.
"Worry not master elf. As long as Esther is weel cared for I will not do anything rash with in these city wall." Rien replied and entered closing th door behind him on the elf.

OOC: The feeling is mutual, lol.

@DS4: If for some reason you don't want Javen to be scryed, just say so.
'
IC: Erza felt like she was growing restless, almost insane. She couldn't push the slight brush against her mind some hours ago out of her mind, and she felt like she was being watched under a close eye. However, it was difficult, but she managed to hide this feeling from Natsu's mind. She looked around hastily, and her eyes locked onto a group of trees, not too far away. Erza could sense many consciousnesses around and in the trees, most of which likely belonged to bugs, but one consciousness stood out from the rest. It was slightly larger. That combined with the fact that the trees could provide excellent cover put Erza on edge. She was about to roar when she sensed her Rider's problems. Slowly, it made her feel more comfortable. Besides, who would do something in the presence of Elves?

Natsu felt sorry clutch him as her well-being worsened. At this rate, she may not even be able to walk a few feet. Natsu could understand Sephora's problem and sympathize with it greatly, for he had been separated from Erza for a week once. He had felt empty internally, but his physical condition was seldom affected, and never by this much. Sephora was weakening greatly both mentally and physically. She looked as if she were going to faint at any moment. Natsu glanced frantically at Erza, who even had a look of slight fear on her face. He felt a light brush against his mind, but ignored it for the most part. There were many curious Elves here.

Do you mind? he asked Erza, referring to if she would mind putting off searching for any information about his parent's murderers.

Of course not, Erza said with a small smile.

Natsu smiled, wanting to reassure her in any way somehow, "Would you like to Scry Javen, firstly? Even if you know that he is safe, sometimes, purely the picture of someone can lighten the stress on them," Natsu said before approaching a small pond. Waving his hand over it, he muttered, "Draumr Kopa," he said, and the screen of the pond shifted greatly. He beckoned for Sephora to approach as the screen turned white, and Javen's black, large form could be made out.

Natsu sighed in short relief at the Jaguar's form. "Also, if you want, we can go to my house. It isn't particularly large, but it is still quite roomy. You look like you could use rest."

OOC:
No, that's fine, FE.

IC:
Sephora blinked once at Natsu, wondering what scrying was, exactly. But she did agree with him on seeing Javen. She watched him approach the pond and speak some alien words. She walked to him and peered into the water. Her eyes lit up with relief as she saw her partner-bond. She kneeled down, wanting to reach out and touch him, but she knew she couldn't. She bit her lip and looked up at Natsu, straightening from her knelt position. She smiled weakly.
"I think I would like that." she murmured. She rubbed her arms, wishing she could get warm. BC, her sword, banged lightly on her thigh when she shifted her weight.

OCC:
Pass....i dont want to interfere with the scrying as stuff so i'll just pass.
Esther is still stalking y'all and Rien is in the hut provided by the elves.
*Stalk stalk stalk stalk stalk* lol

OOC: Lol, sorry about that Rien. Don't worry though; action will be here soon enough.

IC: Natsu returned the smile and contacted Erza with his mind, initiating a private conversation. Erza, can you ask around for any information regarding the murderer? Natsu asked in a pleading voice. No matter what, he just couldn't completely let go of his longing to avenge his parents.

Erza smiled gently, confirming that she would do as he asked. Shifting her wings, she took to the air and left, approaching the center of the city.

Natsu sighed, satisfied that things would be going well soon. Well, after the murderer and Javen were found, of course. Natsu shifted uneasily, "My house is near the outskirts of the city, though. Do you think that you would be able to make the walk?" he asked carefully. If not, he probably wouldn't be able to just supply her with energy. Lack of energy probably wasn't the main problem with her condition. Therefore, if she couldn't walk, he would probably have to carry her.
---------------------------------------------

Erza landed in the center of the city, glad that she could do so without invoking any guards of the Empire. Several Elves around her stopped what they were doing and stared at her in amazement.

The Elves approached her in unison, bowing and touching their lips with two of their fingers as they did so. "We are honored to be in your presence. What may we do for you, Skulbaka?" one of the Elves asked.

Me and my Rider are searching for any new information regarding his parent's deaths, she said, not wasting an ounce of time.

Most of their faces turned solemn and sympathetic. However, one Elf, the oldest of the bunch, scrunched his face in unease and fear. Erza pretended not to notice. Apparently, he was trying to conceal it to the best of his ability.

One of the Elves turned to the others, and they began mumbling. Finally, that Elf turned and shook his head regretfully, "I am sorry Skulbaka. We have not heard any new information regarding your Rider's unfortunate past," he said.

That's fine, Erza replied, but as they turned to leave, she signaled to the oldest Elf. You, stay here. I would like to talk to you about something.

He reluctantly withdrew from the group of Elves and approached her, the fear in his face evident. "Y-you needed me, S-Skulbaka?" he asked, imitating a jerky, hesitant bow.

I would like to know any information regarding the past incident. You are obviously hiding something, she said, watching him with a careful eye.

He looked around quickly and whispered words of the Ancient Language, likely to ward off listeners. Finally, he glanced back at her and explained, "Very recently, a powerful Shade arrived. Years ago, he had indeed went beserk in Ellesmera and killed an elven couple. This is kept to the utmost secrecy, which is why I didn't say anything back there. Whether or not that couple is your Rider's parents is unknown," he said quickly.

Where is he now? Erza demanded.

"He's in an elven hut, but it would be best not to approach him without your Rider if you seek revenge of some sorts. He is frighteningly strong," the Elf advised. "Also, I encourage you to forget his past deed; he has changed over the ye-" he was cut off with a loud snarl.

I don't care HOW much he has changed. Which hut is he in, she roared fiercely.

He backed away before pointing at a nearby hut. He ran in the other direction afterwards.

Erza glared at the hut menacingly before taking to the air and flying back towards Natsu's own hut. He would definitely want to know about this.

Sephora hesitated before nodding slightly.
"Yes." she said softly, "I can make it. But stay close to me. Just in case. I will explain when we reach your hut." she murmured. She shivered with cold, her skin covered in gooseflesh, even though it was moderately warm in the forest. She rubbed her arms and started walking, slowly at first so Natsu could get ahead, then a bit quicker once he was in front to lead the way.

OOC:
Short. >.<

Rien heard a lot of noise a little ways off but ignored it. He set himself to preparing a decent meal for Esther when she returned. He wistled as he began peel and cut a large assortment of fruits that had been left in the hut.

Esther watched the dragon leave and sighed. She wished she could have gotten to meet the dragon. She touched the mind of the dragon and realized that it was only flying to anouther part of the city. She turned then and looked back to see the rider and the woman leave. She moved out into the field where they had been standing. She looked up wishfully to the sky reaching out her mind for the dragon.

Occ:Sorry im just not in idea mode right now....

Natsu stayed close to Sephora in case she might fall in her weakened condition, and led the way back to his hut, which stood about two stories high with an opening overhead so that Erza could get inside. It was sung out of a few trees from the forest close to it and looked like the home he had shared with his mother and father. As they went inside, Natsu turned and sat down on one of the chairs in the main room. On the inside, the house looked more intricately designed than it did on the outside. The kitchen was next to the main room, the latter holding furniture such as chairs, a couch, and other small materials. A giant rug lay in the center of the main room, which was where Erza usually slept. Despite having a room of his own, Natsu usually slept around Erza, who provided more warmth than the thickest of beds.

Natsu glanced at Sephora. "So if you don't mind explaining, why are you in the condition you currently are? Also, you seemed cold earlier, so I assume that you would want something warmer to drink?" he asked calmly.


-----------------------------------------------


Erza halted herself in her tracks as she began to think things over quickly. Sephora was in a bad condition, so Natsu couldn't leave his home currently, so it might be better if she just went ahead and checked on that person's home herself. Deciding quickly, she turned around and sped towards that person's home, landing fifteen or twenty feet away from it. Erza stopped just outside the door and roared loudly, seeking to catch the man's attention now and finally figure this out.

Sephora remained quiet for the walk to the hut, brooding over wherever her animal partner could be. He had to be several dozen miles away, although if she was starting the Weakness, then Javen could have been standing directly beside her and she wouldn't have been able to feel him. She silently followed Natsu into the room. She headed for the couch and curled up at the end closest to the Rider. At his suggestion she hesitated, then slow shook her head.
"No, I'm fine, honestly." she murmured. She sat up briefly and removed her sword belt and scabbard, which she laid across the back of the couch so she could easily reach them, and also pulled her bow off her back and leaned it against her knee.
"My condition is more a curse, actually. We call it the Weakness, for that is what it does. You know I am a full-blooded Allatik. The easiest way to explain the Weakness is to say it slowly leeches at us until we are completely defenseless. For me it started just two days ago, but soon I will be unable to fight, either with my bow, CB, or any of my powers. I also can't sense or communicate with Javen at all. I might have a week until then, but it will come." she hugged herself and rubbed her upper arms.
"Is there a blanket I could borrow? That's truly all I need..." she trailed off and bit her lip, knowing she was in anothers home and had no direct right to ask for anything.

Esther had reached out her mind for the dragon and found it standing around where she felt Rien's mind. She was tempted to dive into the dragon's mind but did not. Instead she began the walk back to where Rien and the dragon would be.

Rien had been fixing up a small Elvish meal that consisted of small fruit pies and a molasses type of drink. He smiled knowing that Esther would be delighted with the meal. He never had really cooked before but when Esther had come into his company he took it up finding that she loved to eat whatever he created, even if it wasn't all that good.

As he transported one of the pies from a small counter where he had been preparing the food a dragon roar shook the house he was in. It startled him slightly causing him to drop the fresh fruit pie. He frowned as he looked at the pie laying on the ground. He cursed himself for not keeping his mind open and being prepared. He shook his head and lifted the wrecked pie with magic.

He exited the house with a scowl on his face glaring at the dragon while caring the destroyed pie with magic. "Was that really needed? Look what you have done." Rien said as if the dragon had committed a capital crime.

Occ: Ruined pie = death penalty jk jk sorry xP

OOC: Lol, nice one Rien. xD

IC: Natsu flinched at Sephora's explanation. He had thought that her ordeal had to do with being a far distance away from her bond; he didn't know that it was something that was typical for an Allatik, a full-blooded one at that.
"Of course," Natsu said before walking down a small hallway which led to a few rooms, one of which being his own. He had several spare blankets, and he picked up a blanket, returning to the main room. He handed Sephora the blanket before sitting down again. "How long does this Weakness affect you?" he queried.

Erza tilted her head in exasperation at the man's over-exaggeration. The man was dressed in a noble set of clothing which immediately set him apart from being an Elf. He also didn't have pointed ears or the such. He was a little tall and had long, tan brown hair. However, his eyes were what stood out the most, being a rare black in color. Overall, he was an odd figure, but Erza cared little for that currently. I care little for any disturbance I may have caused depending on the answer to this question, Erza replied sourly. A while back, she began slowly. Were you the murderer of an elven couple secluded in the deep forest? she interrogated quietly, but her tone betrayed hardly sustained anger. The air was tense, threatening to break under the slightest provocation.

Sephora rubbed her arms while he was gone. Her skin was ice cold to the touch; she couldn't seem to get warm. When Natsu returned with the blanket she took it gratefully and wrapped it around herself. She sighed in relief at the warmth of the simple blanket, then looked up at Natsu. She managed a small shrug.
"It depends on how long it has been since the last Weakness spell. If it has been over a month, a week, maybe two and a half. There is no pattern, for how long it lasts or for how frequently. It could last three days, five, ten, and it could be separated by three weeks, a month, a few days, or an entire year. It is completely unpredictable." she said, and shrugged lightly again. Her head snapped around when she felt a slight vibration in the air (Erza's roar). She tilted her head, listening.
"Contact Erza. I just heard her roar; something's going on." she said suddenly, still listening hard.

Rien grinned in slight amusement at the dragon. "I think it would be best to know each other’s name before you start digging into the past. Don't you?" Without so much of a pause Rien continued. "I go by the name of Rien dragon. Now tell me your names." He asked with a small smile at his use of the plural.

Esther heard the roar of the dragon and tried going faster to get to the house. Once she began getting close she made sure to keep her mental presence hidden as she hid behind a nearby tree watching the proceedings.

Occ: Sorry short :/

Why do you ask for more than one? Furthermore, I would prefer it if you answered my question first she growled. My name is Erza, and I have no other. Now answer my question! She felt her Rider's touch then, and almost recoiled from the sudden contact.

----------------------------------------------

"It's spontaneous..." Natsu murmured, analyzing what Sephora had just told him about the Weakness. At her advice, his head snapped up. He had forgotten that he had closed his mind to all around him, which, in retrospect, was a foolish mistake. Quickly, he lowered his barriers and found Erza's unconscious, but was shocked to find it with anger.

Erza! What's going on? he inquired. He quickly ran over any possibilities, and thought of a few, but one stood out. However, it couldn't be...

I believe I found the rat she said, an edge to her voice.

Natsu gaped, and glanced once at Sephora, worry flowing through his head. Is he strong?

Erza narrowed her eyes at the man in front of her and replied, I don't know. It's...odd. I don't feel anything from him. Normally, a magician would have at least a small amount of excess power that leaks, but he doesn't. And don't overwork yourself. It isn't confirmed that he is the killer of your parents, or even a killer at all.

Natsu sighed at the trouble ahead. I will be there, but first, I must do something. He sat down, unaware that he had even stood up. "Yeah, she has encountered some trouble. I'm coming to her aid shortly, but I'm here for a reason. Every year or so, I come back here to search for information regarding my parents, who were killed several years ago. Every year, the results are the same: nothing. However, it seems that Erza has encountered someone who just might be the culprit, but he is undoubtedly strong."

Sephora nodded in agreement absently, still listening hard. She looked up to Natsu when he stood, her eyes unfocused. They did focus on him when he sat once more. She stood and replaced her weapons on her person, then crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow at Natsu.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Come on, let's go. And don't even try to stop me, Natsu. I may be only sixteen but I know how to take care of myself." she said firmly, scowling playfully at him. She gestured with her hand toward the door. "Let's go."

Sephora's eyes narrowed, her pupils contracting into slits. She almost retorted that she had managed to take care of herself before when she was alone, this time was no different, but bit her tongue. They didn't have time. She wordlessly followed him out of the house. She reached out a hand and grasped his arm, stopping him. She tilted her head back for a moment, her eyes closed, and hummed quietly. After a few seconds of this she flashed her eyes open and tightened her grip on Natsu.
"Hold on as tight as you can." she told him; and then she was running. Trees blurred around her from her speed, but she didn't hit one. Occasional cuts on her face told that a twig would whip past her, but she kept herself and Natsu from hitting and tree trunks. When she finally stopped a few yards away from Erza, she fell to her knees and wretched. Her body trembled from the strain of running, and of running with a passenger. She was actually amazed that she still could run at all. She rocked back onto her heels, wiping the back of her hand over her mouth.
"Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Go to Erza." she rasped to Natsu, closing her eyes and remaining still to try and recover as much strength as possible.

Sephora leaned forward and wretched again, although since she didn't have anything in her stomach, it was mostly bile that came up. She sat back and wiped her mouth again with the back of her hand, then stood. She walked to Natsu and gently laid a hand on his shoulder. She looked up at the man before them. She shuddered away from him, feeling...not an evil aura, but definitely a dark one. It sent cold shivers down her spine.
"We would appreciate an answer, if you wouldn't mind." she murmured, her chocolate brown eyes flat and cold.

Sephora felt disbelief sweep through her. She almost stopped breathing. This man was peaceful, she could feel it, however cold he might be, or remorseless. She didn't know what to do. But Natsu's action made her decision for her. He was her friend. She would fight with him. But cautiously.
Natsu get your head back on your shoulders and think! You know better than to charge headfirst into battle! Control yourself or I will drag you away from here before you get yourself and Erza killed! she snapped to him, reacting as he did. But despite her words, she too was angry. This reminded her too much of her own past. Her entire village, destroyed in an instant. She felt a rush of energy surge through her, and drew her straight samurai sword. She sprang at Rien, her chocolate brown eyes savage. She didn't have the chance to avenge the death of her family and friends and doubted that she ever would, so she would help avenge Natsu's.

Sephora brandished CB, her chocolate brown eyes gleaming with a calm rage. She landed lightly and instantly set her feet, though her hands shook. It was the Weakening affecting her ability to fight. Ya t'ak! Her lips peeled back into a baring of teeth that was anything but a smile. She was beginning to move when the dust exploded. She was in it, and she couldn't breathe. The female Allatik went down on one knee, coughing and cupping the front of her neck. When it cleared she dragged in a gulp of fresh air, gasping. She looked up when she felt something shift. She saw Erza and Natsu in front of Rien. Natsu was visibly calmer, she noticed, but she saw his shoulders were still tensed. She got to her feet, sheathed her sword, and grabbed her bow. It was already strung and ready, all she had to do was take the arrow and set it against the string, which she did. She looked up and ran, holding the bow and arrow in one hand. She circled around Rien, Erza, and Natsu so that she came up behind the Shade. She stood in the trees behind Rien, bow up, arrow drawn back, aimed at of Rien's upper left back, where his heart ought to be. Even during the Weakness, her bow had never failed her before.
"And no funny business. My arrow will be in your heart faster than you can blink." she growled quietly.

Sephora may not had been taught how to read body language, but the way Rien moved told her that he was...Reluctant?...to fight Natsu. At least completely outright. Perhaps he had changed. She almost lowered her bow again, easing the tension on the string, but whipped it back up again when the Shade attacked Natsu. She gasped and backed away a step when he finally revealed what he truly was; Shade. The strength and...wrongness...of the aura hit her full in the chest. She was more sensitive to it than Natsu would be, because of her blood as an Allatik. Aura's were how Allatik's distinguished one from the other, less by actual names. This aura was wrong, twisted, not natural. It squeezed the muscles of her throat together, choking off a bit of her air. This kind of aura should never exist; a gruesome twist of anothers aura. It was almost cruel. She set her teeth and pulled back on the string, touching the corner of her mouth with her thumb, re-aimed, and released. The arrow took less than a second to thud into his back, on the right side not the left. A warning.
"Shades are vile abominations, cruel and twisted versions of the original person that they inhabit. All your kind can hope to deliver is pain and suffering." she hissed venomously, her chocolate brown eyes as hard as stone. Her expression softened, although only slightly. "And yet...you are different from other Shades. I can feel what you are, but still you are not like other Shades. Not completely." she murmured quietly.

Sephora bared her teeth, peeling back her lips in the human equivalent of a snarl. Her brown eyes were as hard and unforgiving as the earth at her feet.
"Turn around and tell that to my face, boy. I don't care how old or wise or experienced you are, you are but a boy in my eyes. I too am young, but my race is ancient. Don't ever threaten someone that you don't know the full strength of." she hissed venomously, and then the air turned chillingly cold. It felt like the three of them had suddenly been stuffed into a meat cooler. Her breath misted as she breathed, cold eyes focused on the left side of his back, a new arrow aimed directly at his heart.
"True revenge is bitter sweet. I never knew. I don't honestly care. You hurt Natsu, even unintentionally. If he goes down avenging his parents, then I will take his place." she snarled, frozen water droplets beginning to form on her hair. Because I never could avenge my own, she murmured to herself. A tear ran down her cheek. That monster that had killed her entire village had gotten away. This one wouldn't. Not on her watch.
"Face us equally, Lu'kin Aru, or surrender to what you know is coming no matter what happens." she spat, and by her tone, Lu'kin Aru was not meant as a compliment. It was a name in her own language that was meant to offend another.

Sephora held her ground, although inside she was panicking. How did he know what she was? That didn't truly worry her, though. What worried her was how the hell he knew she was Weakened. her face betrayed nothing of the emotions and thoughts racing through her.
"You underestimate me, Rien. Perhaps I am Weakened, but I am anything but helpless. My name is Sephora, because you asked so nicely, and I'm helping him because I didn't get the chance at revenge. My entire village was destroyed in a huge fire, and not of natural means. Mother, father, my friends, all of their companions...All dead. Burned to ashes. Murdered." a single tear ran down her cheek as the memories rushed her. Her lower lip trembled.
"I couldn't avenge them, not on my own, not then. But you...You are within easy reach." she said quietly. She looked past Rien to Natsu, nodding slightly. She dropped her bow and then pushed forward with her hands. A breeze of freezing cold wind rushed past her, swirling her hair around her face, and slammed into the Shade with enough force to knock him right over. Her intent was to push him back toward Natsu.

Sephora hissed angrily. She raised her bow once more at the same time that Natsu released the lightning. An arrow was already to the string, she pulled back to her mouth, aimed, and fired. The arrow thudded into Rien's back, on the left side this time instead of the right.
"You haven't been cautious enough if you are in the situation that you are right now." she growled. She set down her bow and drew CB, brandishing it menacingly. She sprang silently at Rien's back, intent on pushing him toward Natsu with any means necessary. Her friend deserved the killing blow, not her.

Rien turned to see where Nastu was only to see the elf had moved in close. He hadn't expected him to do so, it seemed like the elf was more of a magic user than a close combat fighter. He took two blows before he could recover, one to his ribs and the other to his chin. He let his knees buckle slightly and then sprang back putting space between him and Nastu's dangerous little staff. Pain sheared through his left shoulder as the arrow that was shot at him by Sephora moved deeper into his arm with every movement. He broke off the end of it and scowled at the Allatik.
He moved to the right away from Sephora but not further from Nastu. He smiled all to unwelcoming smile at Nastu. He said a few words in the ancient language and the chard clumps of skin began to fall from his body leaving the under layers of skin exposed to the elements. He held his head high and his eyes began to shift colors, one going light and the other deepening in black.
"Gather" He said in the ancient language for Nastu to hear. The sky began to darken as heavy storm clouds began to cluster above them. Even as everything began to darken Rien was all to visible as his left eye was as bright as the moon and a cloudless night.

Esther frowned as the fight continued Rien had tried to hard not to kill but she could see not that his mind set there was over. He was going to go all out as he had many times before. Esther then looked at the dragon who was get too fidgety making it obvious she wanted to fight.
Erza, I'm going to ask you a question. You don't have to answer but I would like if you did cause you see I once in a way got my revenge for the killing of my whole family when I was just a girl. Rien killed those who did it but it was still me who got him to do it. What will your rider do with revenge?


Occ: Sorry im having trouble thinking and am not sure if my proof reading did any good on this.....

IC: Natsu glanced at Sephora's fallen form, worry on his face. He couldn't let someone else he knew die, especially someone close to him. Natsu's eyes widened as clumps of skin seemed to fall off of Rien's body and the sky darkened. Was Rien actually controlling the weather? Heavy winds tore furiously around them, and Natsu was troubled to keep himself up without the use of weaponry or magic. Natsu relied on some energy from both his surroundings and his staff to keep himself balanced and enhance his physical abilities. Natsu began to quickly change the gravity around Rien in an attempt to disorient the Shade, and he charged with his sword drawn. He may be more skilled with magic, but if he used it, he and Rien would only be butting heads with their magic which wouldn't get them anywhere.

Erza shook her head. Natsu isn't sure what to do now, I'm sure. He may act like he's going to kill Rien, but he is lost in confusion. Natsu is merely going with the flow right now; he isn't intending to kill Rien now as far as I know Erza explained. However, that will probably change with time. Natsu will eventually come to terms with his unsure desire to kill Rien. Whether it goes in one direction or the other, even I don't know.

OOC: It's fine.

Sephora clenched her teeth and tried to keep the cyclone going but her strength was failing. She went down on one knee, her breathing ragged and shallow. The cyclone broke apart and dispersed, clearing a small space in the thick mist for a short amount of time. She coughed hoarsely. Blood spattered the ground. She fell forward onto her hands, though her arms trembled. Too much, she realized. She had used her abilities too much and too hard in her Weakened state, and now she was paying the price. She coughed up blood again and slumped onto her side. How had she let this happen? She knew better! She closed her eyes.
Erza.... she whispered to the dragoness, and then she became too exhausted to speak at all, even mentally. She had just enough strength to keep from falling unconscious, but that was the most she could do.

OOC:
Pass, Sephora is more or less unconscious at the moment. XD

Sephora felt her body being healed by someone and cracked open her eyes. She groaned softly and rolled over onto her stomach, vomiting up more blood. She coughed and spat to clear her mouth of the bitter metallic taste of blood, then looked up at Natsu as she felt his energy rush into her.
"Thank you." she whispered hoarsely. She could see a bit of worry in his eyes, probably at the sight of her being sick. "I'm fine, Natsu, don't worry. It's just...my condition. I pushed myself too hard." she murmured, and closed her eyes to gather her wits about her. She got her legs under her and pushed herself to her feet. Her body shook from physical exhaustion and she almost fell again but she caught herself on Natsu's arm, swaying. She put a hand to her temple, lips set in a firm line as she tried to control the nausea that roiled in her stomach. After she was somewhat normal she looked around. She would have raised her eyebrows but she was too tired. All she did was look at Natsu questioningly with her chocolate brown eyes.

Rien just sighed at the site of Sephora. It was his doing of course that cause her to push herself so hard but he couldn't help but feel a slight amount of annoyance knowing it all could have been avoided. He turned away from Nastu and Sephora and looked up at Erza.
"You have my thanks dragon for stopping this fight with my daughter." He bowed his head slightly and then began to move off towards Esther but passing her and saying. "I'll prepare a meal Esther, you haven't eaten all day."
Make enough for three more....well two and a dragon, that is if you don't mind eating with us. She looked at Nastu and Sephora for the answer. I'm sure you two are hungry after all and maybe some question could be answered pleasantly over a meal. She added the last part for Sephora who had a questioning look on her face.

Sephora's stomach rolled at the thought of food, and not in a good way. She grimaced and put a hand to her abdomen.
"I'll come, but I think I'll pass on the food." she murmured quietly. To be truthful she actually looked a little green. She really just wanted to sleep. Recover her strength, or what little of it was left.

OOC:
Meh, can't really do much with her at the moment. >.<

Sephora simply closed her eyes and concentrated on controlling her heaving stomach. When she heard names being said, she spoke up.
"I am Sephora." she murmured, still with her eyes closed. She did not want to lose concentration and throw up at their hosts place.
"I thank you, Esther." she said quietly, allowing herself to be supported by Esther on one side and Natsu on the other. Her legs sagged with fatigue but she forced herself upright. "I'll be fine a little bit of rest." she said, though her voice had no real volume.

OOC:
Pass, Sephora's out cold.

Rien nodded to the knife that he had set aside in answer to Nastu and spoke but to Erza and Esther. "Erza I ask pardon but I was ill prepared to feed a dragon. I don't believe the Elves thought I would be entertaining one on my visit. So if you would be so kind to accompany Esther in search of an elf you would be able to accommodate an appetite such as yours I would be greatly appreciative." He turned slightly with a small and bowed his head slightly. Even as a shade Rien over his long life come to respect dragons. "I also have something to discuss with your rider. A choice for him to make you could say." He turned back to the food and said to Nastu, "Let us see a dish from your house Nastu." As if hearing his offer for a second time to help cook.
Esther got to her feet as Rien spoke already sensing what he was going to be asking. She looked at Erza with wishful eyes hoping she would agree to accompany her.

Sephora stirred restlessly, her eyes half opening, though she was still fully asleep.
"Javen?" she muttered, more to herself than to Natsu or Rien. She curled into a tight ball, shivering despite the warmth of the blanket. Even in her sleep she longed for her Guardian. Her heart shriveled when they were apart.

Esther jumped up too her feet and excitedly left the house after Erza. She knew Rien would not do anything now that the fight was over. She was curious as to what he was going to do at the same time though. She stopped at the dragoness side and smiled up at her. Lead the way Erza. She said not sure where to go and unsure of what to say to a dragon.
Rien watched as Erza and Esther left. He then raised an eye brow and Nastu misunderstood what he was saying. "Forgive me I must not have been clear enough. I meant to ask you to show your skill in the culinary arts of your people by make a dish that you would make in your own home." He waved an arm at the area to prepare food then looked over at Sephora. "Anyway I think it is best if we do not leave your companion alone here. She would not appreciate it if she woke to no one being here I think."

Occ: sorry I haven't been on....no internet at my house now...

Natsu uttered a small "Oh," and surveyed the room, deciding what would be useful or not in the making of a certain dish. Natsu hesitated, then asked, "Meat or no meat?" He was referring to whether or not he should include meat in the meal. He knew that Sephora wasn't a vegetarian, but she said she wasn't eating. That might change, but he also didn't know what Rien or Esther liked. Natsu narrowed his eyes at Rien, "Was that the choice?" Natsu asked. Rien had said that he needed to speak to Natsu, and the elven Rider was doubtful that what Rien wanted to talk to Natsu about was whether or not the Elf could cook.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Erza walked, snaking her head and glancing in nearly any direction in sight of an Elf that could be useful. She finally found one; a woman with light silver hair that reached midway down her back and a slightly tanned complexion. Her eyes were a sparkling green. Erza made sure that Esther was following before approaching the Elf. Excuse me, is there anything that a dragon could fine to eat here Erza requested not unkindly.

The woman replied with a smile. "Yes, we have cows and deer in case we ever were required to feed a magnificent one of your kind."

She said "your kind" with a sort of praise that made Erza cringe inwardly. Nevertheless, the gray dragoness nodded. Please lead the way she requested politefully and followed the Elf to where Erza's dinner would be located.

OOC:
*sigh* Pass, still out cold.