Gornath laughed loudly at Shyara when she asked if they were late and said, You are never too late! laugehd the white dragon when Shyara dissappeared, then re-appeared again with Herensuge and Ramoth with her. He bowed to Ramoth and said, Welcome to my home! Herensuge will be sure to show you about, being that other than himself, you and Aeraldi are the oldest and largest of the dragons here. Welcome!

Rema smiled at her friends as they all caught their fish. She ate hers quickly, she enjoyed the meat a lot, it tasted like freshly killed cow, or pig. It was a different taste from the deer and island antelope she usually ate.

Herensuge laughed at Ramoth's humor, saying, Well, I expected that, but I was wondering about the giants and ogres, have they been any trouble? asked the aged silvery white dragon to his sister-in-law.

OOC: Its in the fish, lol. I am not sure how to infect Ecrives, or Ramoth, any ideas Kit? Or do you want any of your charries infected?

OOC: I'm just asking if the infection is just for one character or if it can spread, or move from host to host. If you want, I'll let my twins get infected as they share more of their minds with each other than most.

Hey this is good fish! Polaris said, taking a bite of the fish that they caught.
Yeah, it's quite juicy! Saiph agreed, taking a bit of his own. Better catch one while they're still jumping around. He said as Na'ir moved towards the same cliff.

Ramoth! Long time no see. Aeraldi said as Shyara teleported in with Ramoth holding onto her. I'd also like to see this 'Star stone'. In fact, you'll have to tell me a little more about your adventures. Sounds like my mate has gotten into a lot of trouble without me. He smiled at Phalynx then.

OOC: Well, it can't spread to them all, but yes it is contageous. I am planning on it infecting all the children of the family, and maybe Ecrives? Also the majority of the green and white dragons on the island, and Gornath, Aeraldi, Shyara, Phalynx, Herensuge, and Ramoth having to figure otu how to stop the infection from spreading to them also, then once that is figured out, how to get it out of their kids, if they can. I am also toying with the idea of Herensuge getting infected also. But, it is up to you whether or not your characters get infected, but it won't be much fun unless it really affects each of the "main" characters, which are, Phalynx, Aeraldi, Shyara, and Gornath. So, that is the plan unless anyone has any objections.

OOC: Actually, Na'ir won't be infected till later if she is. lol you'll see why.

IC: Phal grinned and nudged her mate. Without you? We weren't even mates back then, my love. I came here and met up with Gornath and Shyara, and we decided to explore underneath the island. Gornath had decided to make it his home. But then we found hordes of tiny, crablike shadow beasts. And a kraken-like beast, she said with a bright smile. And yes, you will have to see the Star Stone. It is quite beautiful, she added.

Sirius hastened to the edge of the water before Na'ir could get a chance to fish. He had seen her attempts before, and knew it was wise to catch a fish early on. He stayed on the edge of the rock, keeping most of his body out of sight and only his head over the water. He saw a sudden glimmer of silver as a fish was about to leap up near him, and he dove at it, lifting his wings, just before it jumped. As it flung itself into the air, he was directly above it, and caught it in his claws. He flapped his wings and pulled around, heading back to shore.

Na'ir watched as Sirius dove off the rocks to snag a fish before flying away again. They all made it look so easy. If they could catch a fish, she could, right? She waited patiently for a flash of shinging scale, and then a shimmer caught her eye. The blue flung herself off the rock and hit the water with a tremendous splash. She lashed out with her claws, churning up the water and causing the remaining fish to flee away. She emerged to the surface empty-clawed and sputtering indignantly. Hmph. Stupid fish, she grumbled, eyeing the water with an annoyed glare.

OOC: What do you have against Ecivres? Maybe if I had alittle more info on what the infection is going to do, I can decide which of my three would be best for infection, since Shyara and Ecivres don't really have and kids that actually alive.

Star Stone, that reminds me, Kit would like a small piece, Elika's birthday is in a few months, and he wanted to make a necklace for her from Shyra and him. If you could just remind me before I leave Gornath, and I'll get a piece.

So where's the food? Ecivres asked as him stomach asked the same think.

Uh, no they haven't especially since we ran the giants down toward you guys. The ones that stick around actually seem pretty tranquil for the time being. Alexa is actually meeting with one of their military leaders, though they aren't really organized enough to be called a military. I'm hoping everything goes well, I made sure she brought along plenty of guard, she still new to the ruling business, though she's been around it since her hatching.

OOC: The infection is caused by darkness, the darkness will take hold of the young, and someone of yours, Kit. The darkness will take time, but eventually, take control of the mind of the victim, and cause them to do things that do not make sense, like Rema attacking Herensuge, or Polaris and Saiph attacking Phalynx, or Alna'ir, attacking Aeraldi, and so-on and so forth. The reason I said Ecrives was because he was the youngest in the 'Shyara' family, and they have no living children.

IC:
Gornath laughed at Ecrives when he said something about food. He growled happily and said, We will not be eating just yet. We will eat later this evenine, well, the real meal, if you want, there are some deer and antelope on some of the small surrounding islands. We actually raise them so that we are never short on food. We even have some dragons who take care of them all the time, but it is mainly Voenth and Anthor who do it the most, them being able to use magic to draw more fresh water that is. said Gornath as he lead his friends to the caverns below the large hill in the center of the island. He took them inside the great cave and said to Shyara and Phalynx, You may recognize this room, it is where we enteres, Phalynx, and where all three of us exited. We have widened it out and created a large cave system for the dragons to have comfortable sleeping quarters. The smaller caves for the children are in the center, the largest ones are in the back, and for those dragons who are couples, their caves are in the front, however we have a few caves large enough for you, Aeraldi, and Ramoth. Herensuge is staying in one of those himself. said the dragon proudly.

Herensuge said, Good, that means that they are not causing a problem, mainly because I have my generals in charge and they will take no nonsense from them. said teh large silver dragon who simply smiled and walked after Gornath as he gave the others a tour of the island.

Rema looked at Alna'ir sadly and said, It is ok, everyone misses sometimes. Just give them a few minutes and they will come back, in the mean time, what have you guys been doing. I have been busy here, learning how to rule. said the adventerous dragoness somewhat disgustedly.

I'd call that 'without me'. Aeraldi said grinning.

I suppose we have to better than you at something. Polaris said, smiling.
Yeah, I think it's about time we had something we could hold above you. Saiph said, holding his fish up. It tasted funny, but maybe that was just the fish in this lake. A good roast with fire would probably get rid of the taste, which Saiph promptly did, putting the fish on the ground and letting his fire out.
Polaris followed suit, answering Rema, Dad has been showing us the land, telling us which areas to avoid and which have good food and people who might be interesting. When she was finished cooking her fish she took a bite from it, also noticing the strange taste of the fish, so similar to Saiph. She shrugged it off, the fish was still good.

OOC: Ah! Sorry it took me forever (for this and other topics)! I've been so busy lately!

IC: Phal smiled and gave Aeraldi a playful nudge. Okay, fine. I meant to say at that point I was not obligated to see if you wanted to come, she replied with a laugh. She followed after Gornath into the large cave, and stared around. She was impressed with the level of construction and modification that had taken place. It actually looked like pleasant living quarters now, and not a big creepy cave. It looks quite nice, Gornath. The dragons here have down a very good job of setting up their settlement. We already have the seed of a new population center for our race, she remarked, her eyes shining with happiness at the thought.

Sirius hid a laugh as Na'ir flung herself unsuccessfully after the fish. They all knew she was not good at fishing, as evidenced by their time in the valley. He dug into his own catch, enjoying the fresh taste. He thought there was something odd about it, something that made the back of his mind tingle, but he thought it might just be the fact that he hadn't tried it before. He didn't eat as much as he wanted, though. Only enough to take the edge from his hunger. He looked at Rema when she asked about what they were doing, and nodded as the twins spoke. I learved some as well, but I've been spending a lot of time helping the residents of Alagaesia where I can, he said.

Na'ir frowned. Everyone misses sometimes, but I miss all the time. I guess fishing isn't one of my strong points, she replied with a laugh, thinking how it had never been one of her strong points. Can I have some of yours, Sirius? Just to try it? I'll never catch my own, she asked her brother. The white dragon gave a nod, and she took a tentative bite. Hm. This might not be my thing, she thought, not really liking the taste of fish. She smiled as her siblings and friend talked of what they had been up to, and added her own information. I've been exploring on my own. Mom showed me and told me a lot of stuff, but I wanted to see more than that, and discover things on my own, she added enthusiastically. Na'ir had always loved exploration and travel.

OOC: Ecivres will work than.

IC: Shyara followed into the massive cavern and was surprised at the transformation. It looks very nice Gornath, not quite as nice as my little clearing back in the Spine, she threw him a teasing glance, But nice enough.

Is my little lake cavern still available? Shyara asked tentatively.

So where are the kids, this is a Reunion isn't? Ecivres asked with a twinkling smile that suggested some hidden secret, at which Shyara disapproved.

I'm sure they are doing fine, what could happen with your brother to the west and Alexa to the north?

OOC: Just to note; Aeraldi changed his size to Phalynx's when they became mates. It left Aeraldi without a lot of his strength, but he still doesn't regret it.

Aeraldi looked around in amazement as he saw the framework for a flourishing race. Dragons, after all the pain they had suffered, wouldn't just survive. They would thrive.
It's extremely impressive, he admitted, but nothing compares to having your mate right beside you when you fall asleep. No matter where you are.

Grown-ups are boring, all they do is talk. Saiph rolled his eyes.
Yeah, what else is there to do around here besides eat fish? Surely you have some cliffs we can race around! Polaris offered.
Come on, there has to be something!

Phal nodded her head and smiled as Shyara added her own compliments. Yes. It is amazing. With all the centers of dragon civilization springing up, we shall be back to our previous strength with no problems, she asserted happily. Her eyes sparkled and she gave Aeraldi an affectionate nuzzle when he spoke. I couldn't agree more, she replied quietly.

The silver looked around, suddenly thinking that Ecivres had a point. Na'ir would no doubt love to explore these caves; she had a knack for exploration. Polaris, Saiph, and Sirius would probably love to see them too. When we see them we can show them these caves. I'm sure Rema would love to show them that as well, she added to Gornath's statement.

Sirius nodded as the twins spoke up enthusiastically of finding something else to do. Yeah, it might be more fun to explore on our own for a little while. We'll have plenty of time to be with our parents later, he agreed, glancing back the way they had come to examine what parts of the island were visible.

Na'ir shrugged at Rema. Eh. I just don't really have the knack for it. But yeah, we should explore on our own, first! Maybe we'll find something that the grown-ups missed! Maybe there are secret entrances to the caves or a secret thermal along some cliffs! she spoke cheerfully, her excitement at being in a new place clearly evident. If she had chosen what to do, it would have been exploring or flying, but she enjoyed spending time with her siblings and friend even if it was for fishing.

That sounds perfect! Polaris and Saiph said together.
What are we waiting for? Saiph said, hopping into the air quickly,Polaris joining him. She couldn't be rid of the niggling sensation in the back of her mind though. She dismissed it as excitement of exploring the cave.

I do hope they're having fun. Aeraldi said, looking off into the distance. He tried not to intrude upon their children's privacy when he could.

Phal smiled at her mate. I'm sure they're having a lot of fun, and probably don't want to join us quite yet, she said with a laugh. She looked up as Gornath offered to take them to the star-stone caves now. A chain of them? That's good news. I would love to see how deep they stretch, and Aeraldi still needs to see them. The star stones are amazing, she replied, saying the last part to Aeraldi. Her eyes sparkled cheerfully, as she was happy to be on a peaceful visit and exploration rather than a dangerous one, as was the usual.

Na'ir ruffled her wings and lashed her tail excitedly. Oh! Our mom told us that story! With the giant squid and the shadow beasts and the star-stone cavern! That was a great story! I'd love to see that cave! she exclaimed energetically, eager to see the cave. She would love to see any place in her parents' stories, especially such an interesting place as this. She wondered what sorts of remnants there'd be of the battle, if any.

Rema's offer and his siblings' excitement managed to draw a grin out of Sirius, and he nodded with them. Yeah, let's go. Maybe we could see some other parts of the big cave system while we're down there, he agreed. He started moving forward, but stopped when he sensed something odd. Why do I feel darkness now? This is a peaceful place; it was cleared of evil... he wondered, glancing around. Something was causing a warning to go off in his mind, the part of his mind that could sense magic. He shook his head, thinking maybe it was the remnants of the Shadow Realm portal.

Gornath smiled at everyone and walked into the cave. He gave the white dragon a look which said, 'Stay here until we get back.' then walked into the tunnel. It was reasonably small, just large enough for the dragons to walk in single file, and barely large enough for Ramoth, the only large dragon going in because Herensuge had decieded not to go.

Rema looked at Ecrives and said, Yea, we are having a lot of fun. We were just on our way to explore the caves beneath the island, wana come? It will be really fun.

OOC: Ok, once we are down there, I have an idea as to how Ecrives will get infected, and there, all of those infected will have the first symptoms, and will first lose their control, however this will be small and none of them will remember it.

Well stop talking about it and show us! Polaris said impatiently.
Yeah, maybe if we're lucky we'll be able to fight a giant squid and have enough food to last us a couple of moons! Saiph added.

From what you've told me about them, I can't wait. Aeraldi said, eager to see some of the wonderful places that Phalynx had told him about.

Polaris and Saiph dove off the rocks after Rema and into the water. Neither had had much experience swimming but they managed fine anyway.

Aeraldi agreed with Shyara. The cave was one place that Galbatorix shouldn't get his hands on. He laughed at the prospect, I doubt he'd get anywhere near here, not the the amount of dragons here anyway.

Polaris and Saiph popped out the water quickly and breathed a much needed breath of air. As soon as both got their sensed back, the nagging feeling at the back of their minds exploded. They were in danger, serious danger, but from what neither could tell.
Something's strange here, I... This isn't as fun as I imaged it would be. Saiph said to his twin.
I feel it too. She said, looking at Rema, who in turn was looking at the rotting carcass of some creature. As soon as she saw the black things around it though, her blood chilled. Something is definitely wrong here. She said aloud.

Rema thought she saw some of the crab-like things smiling at her, but she dismised it, how can something like that smile, she must be nervous because of the darkness. She followed Ecrives up to the cavern and felt something inside of her. It was small at fisrt, barely noticeable, then it grew, it got larger and largre until she felt like it would consume her. Then it stopped.

Or so she thought.

Rema looked around, she looked at the world through new eyes. She flexed her muscles, and looked at the others, it seemed to be happening to them too. The green dragoness blew a short flame, but instead of metallic green, it was black, jet black, not with any of the light properties as before, all of those properties were lost, now it was not white fire, but dark fire. She hissed with glee. After all these years, they had fulfilled their purpose, the shades had left, but they had the sense to leave a trap for the dragons that drove them away. They could re-open the portal through the bodies of the dragones themselves. The shade looked through Rema's eyes. It was good to be in this realm again. It was time to invite the others...

OOC: If your charry is gonna get evil (and atleast one of everyone's will, and all of em who are infected will lose their memory, do it now =) )

Let's go, now! Saiph said, edging away from the edge and back towards the water. He felt a shift in his mind then, as if a piece of it was being ripped away. Then he couldn't feel his twin sister anymore. Polaris?
Polaris looked at the white dragon that looked like her, yet male. She tilted her head and smiled. Come on, its quite fun. Really. she moved slowly towards Saiph, who was still looking in awe at her. I promise I won't hurt you.
Saiph kept watching his sister as she moved closer to him. He could just as much abandon her as he could abandon his own wings, but this wasn't his sister. Something had definitely changed her, he knew that as soon as she touched him with her wing, but by then he was helpless.
I can't believe how helpless he was to that. She said, her white eye turning black.

IC: Ecivres started prancing in place. His stomach was rolling. The kids were... were... weren't themselves.

Ecivres reached out for Shyara's mind, finding it a good distance away. He grabbed onto it for support, he did not want to end up like these kids, he would not. Slowly, he began feeling better, the black pressure ceased and his sick feeling disappeared.

Shyara, the children are acting weird. I think the shadow magic is trying to make a comeback here!

Exactly!

Ecivres's mind slinked back alittle from her's. What do you mean?

This is what we've been waiting for!

Images of a black world flooded his mind and Ecivres cut the link with his mate immediately. He found Phalynx and the others nearby. Get back! THAT is not Shyara!! but his message couldn't leave his own mind. He shouted and shouted, but his words just repelled back against some sort of mental barrier.

Oddly, this dragon's body didn't change much right away, only her eyes turned a haunting black, but she felt the rest slowly beginning to turn. It would give her a short-lived advantage. She watched the others dragons for a second, then said I need some air. She spoke with words that sounded so close to normal that none of them could detect a change in her. The one called Phalynx shouldn't've been able to view any change in her either. Shyara turned 'round and moved towards the surface.

OOC: Not so fast Kit. The adults arent supposed to know yet. It would kill the plot, speed things up way too quickly. It is supposed to be betrayal, as in kids against parents, family against family.

OOC: So who's turn is it then?

OOC: Well, it is Voenth's turn now since I edited it to where it worked

Polaris looked at her bigger sister, how weak she was. We're simply waking up. Look, Saiph is waking now. He'll be fine in just a moment. She looked at the White dragon, the so-called twin.
Saiph clutched the ground in pain, the shadow pulsating through his mind and through his link. It wanted to consume him, to be him. This thing had already taken his sister and now it wanted him, he couldn't let that happen.
But it's already done. He thought, the pain leaving him. Suddenly, everything was in focus and he knew exactly who he was. He looked over to his elder brother and sister, twisting his head slightly.
Our brother is almost there, but he fights it like I did. Just give in, it's really not so bad.

Aeraldi wondered at the stories being told, the amount of trouble gotten into and out of. He hoped that the hatchlings would never have to go through anything like it. Should we get some food ready for the children? I'm sure they would be getting hungry by now. He added with a smile, And so am I.

We will take Aeraldi, Polaris said, gesturing to Saiph. These two know how to fight together extremely well, not to mention that Aeraldi wouldn't dare him his own children.
Besides, the link these two have not only allows them to share each others thoughts. I believe we can find a way to have them share power. Saiph said, walking over to his brother who had finally stop struggling. I seem to remember this one has a stronger sense for Shadow Magic. Probably from his mother... I wonder if that will give him greater or lesser power.

Aeraldi followed the others back out to the surface, his stomach complaining only once on the journey.

Sirius lay on the ground for a while, his body recovering from the massive shock of the dark magic within him. That had been the only problem, of course. Eventually he stood, back to full strength. Not to worry. I have taken care of this one. He's harder to control than I thought, though; it seems his body is naturally repellant of dark magic. But that won't be a problem, he said, his blue eyes having lost all traces of warmth. Soon the rest of the family would be theirs, and then this whole island of dragons. With so many under their control, it would be easy to spread their power. He stepped over to his siblings and Rema.

Na'ir, torn by concern for her siblings and fear for her life, hesitated. But when Ecivres pushed her backwards towards the lake, she finally wrenched herself around and dove into it. There was nothing she could do to help her siblings at this point; she had to keep telling herself that. But it was hard. She was the oldest one; she felt it was her job to take care of them. And now she felt like she had failed. The blue swam after Ecivres, seeking an escape.

Phal trailed along with the others. She saw the outside world up ahead, and smiled, glad that she was about to eat. She hadn't in a while. So where are the kids? Ecivres should be back with them soon; they wouldn't want to miss out, she asked, looking around. She could not see them anywhere nearby. No doubt they had gone to explore some remote part of the island.

OOC: I suppose we wait for Voenth to continue this one since he started it. Just a reminder, it is your turn.

Rema smiled again and said, Those two will try to reveal us to the others. We cannot let the others know what has happened. We must make them believe that Alna'ir and Ecrives' eyes decieved them. Come, let us make our way to the surface. We will allow these their control back. Make sure to conceal yourself from your hosts, also take their memory of this situation. No need in them telling everyone of our existance, especially with Gornath and Phalanx's powers, not to mention Shyara's knowledge of that cursed cave. said the shade who inhabited Rema's body. He smiled evily once more and relinquilished control back to Rema for the time being that is.

When she woke up, Rema felt very woozy but still had enough sense to make her way to the water and get a long drink. When she had quinched her thirst she was feeling much better. The others with her were all sleeping too. She woke them quietly and led them back out of the cave and toward the feast.

Gornath led his friends out of the caverns and toward the feast. Literally hundreds of island anteope and deer had been killed and brought to the festival. Dragons were walking about growling and talking, everyone seemed so happy. Gornath then officially began the feast. The white dragon took a deer for himself and quickly demolished it.

OOC: BTW, Rema and everyone get back to the feast shortly after Ecrives and Alna'ir.