Occ: This is one going to be open to all, morwen bring the pain with Wufle xP

IC:
Months had passed as Fenlore continued in his pursuit of Wulfe. The swift movements of his prey astounded him. From leaving Elfrida to pursue Wulfe he moved to Vroengard first. There little remained to even indicate he had been there. From there he had moved down to Eoam where he had barely missed his prey. The hunt continued from Dras~Leona to Uru'baen and even down to the capital of Surda, Aberon. All of his tracking and listening for the slightest whisper of Wulfe had brought him to the Beor Mountains.
He traveled high in the mountains leading Bree along small game trails. He knew he was close to the dwarven city of Buragh but he was not sure how close. His last stop had been in Petrovya where Fenlore had squeezed out as much information from a spy of the empire leading him to this location. Wulfe's activities were sporadic and deceiving so he didn't know why he would be here, nor did he care.
The path had led him on for hours with no visible signs of leveling out any time soon. It was become more and more of a treacherous journey. A small out cropping in the side of the mountain approached and Fenlore took advantage to rest momentarily. He took advantage of the open space to scyr Wulfe. He saw the man but all around him was white, he excepted as much and it gave him a slight hope, for these mountains were an area he rarely visited. Just as Fenlore was about to release the magic Wulfe looked up at him with a devilish look, even though he knew he couldn't be seen. Chills swept over him as he released the magic. Wulfe now knew that he was being watched. Shaking his head Fenlore rose to his feet and grabbed Bree's reins, "Let’s move friend."
Fenlore and Bree traveled for a while longer till the mountains gave away to a clearing. It was far enough into the Beor Mountains to go unnoticed, but large enough to hide a small army on. Fenlore shook his head quickly. He saw no track of an army, nor would one be able to march up that trail. He was sure of it but the area still worried him.
Fenlore dropped Bree's reins and moved ahead to scout. Following the teaching he was given by Elfrida he became invisible and scouted around the immediate area. Nothing seemed to catch his eye except a small brook running out of one of the mountain sides nearby. He returned to Bree releasing the magic, exhausted. The long days of hiking and tracking were taking its toll. He felt Bree's weariness also; he knew that he couldn't ask anymore of his horse today. He then lead Bree to the small brook and camped in a knoll of trees. He dared not light a fire incase unwelcome eyes. He drank his fill from the brook and laid back with some dried meat forcing himself to eat to regain his strength. He smiled at his companions’ antics as the horse moved back and forth till he found a pleasant place to lie.
His thoughts drifted from many subjects. He wanted to be done with this tiresome quest. Sadness filled his mind as he thought of the origins of this quest, on why he was even hunting Wulfe. Elfrida's memories had become a part of him for a long time now. The darkness that had crept into his mind he had been able to keep suppressed all this time. But even suppressed he could still feel the hunger of it. How it longed to be free of his suppression.
Fenlore's eyes flashed open as he heard footsteps. They were close extremely close. He moved quietly grabbing his spear and looking through the trees for the source of the noise.
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Alvina's wings burned. She was on her 6 day of flying with only short breaks for water. She had just reached the edge of the Du Weldenvarden.
She had been hiding from the empire, after attack several of their cities, on the Island of Illium. There she slept for three days as dreamed of a voice. Telling her to come and showing her the forests of the Du Weldenvarden. When she woke she felt compelled to travel to the forest and resisted. But the voice continued in her mind as if it were her rider speaking with her. Over the course of a week Alvina resisted the calling of the voice, partly because of pride and partly because of shame. When the eighth day arrived the voice was a constant roar in Alvina's mind driving her mad as she couldn't rest. She took flight then and continued on towards the Du Weldenvarden.
As she traveled close to the Elven forest the voice subsided, but if she tried to tarry any longer then a short break for water the voice would return as loud as before. It drove her to the brink of madness but she still continued on toward the forest with the pressure of the voice hovering inside her mind ready to strike her if she veered slightly from the path.
As she crossed the tree line of the Du Weldenvarden the voice's influence lift. Rest. It simply said completely removing itself from her mind. As the voice left her head her body began to shut down without the voice to force it to move. Her wings folded and from several thousand feet in the sky she plummeted to the ground. As she reached the level of the forest the trees stretched out and grasped her but even the powerful trees of the forest could not completely stop the dragon from crashing to the ground.
Alvina's body was not in good shape from the fall. Her left wing was almost ripped completely off and her two front legs were broken in many places. Also many tree branches pierced through her scales producing deep wounds. She felt none of it though for she was unconscious.

Wulfe smiled evilly at the army he had begun to gather secretly. He was aware that he had been hunted by Fenlore for months now, and now the half-elf had finally come to the place Wulfe had been preparing. Fenlore wouldn't expect an army - Wulfe had gone through to much trouble to keep the army from making tracks to do so. Fenlore had walked right into his trap. Wulfe smirked, he knew Fenlore was watching him. Wulfe looked over his army, looking for the mercenary dragon he had hired. "Dzroginion, I have a job for you." Wulfe said with a smile that could only be called evil. The small dragon approached. He didn't like Wulfe, but he was getting paid more than he had been by anyone else before.

Dzroginion flew out of the cavern which was hidden by magic, and landed quietly in the clearing. Dzroginion's footsteps were light, sounding more like those of a human than a dragon. Dzroginion sniffed the air, and blinked. He hadn't expected the half-elf to be so close. Dzroginion walked towards the brook, where Wulfe's prey waited. Dzroginion stopped in surprise. It was faint, but the half-elf had a slightly familiar scent to him. Dzroginion looked around, unsure which direction the half-elf was. The dragon didn't want to be taken by surprise if he was attacked.

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Daris flew over Du Weldenvarden, enjoying the scenery below him. Suddenly he heard a loud crashing noise. Daris flew in the direction it had come from, contacting a few elf healers who were nearby, telling them to come quickly. Daris landed by the large dragoness, and began using a little of his magic to heal the more serious wounds. How could anyone survive after receiving that many wounds? Daris wondered, willing the elves to hurry.

OOC: Do you want to control the elves?
Sorry it's short...

Fenlore stiffened as the elf approached him as if it was common for him to stumble upon unsuspecting travelers. Suspition grew inside of Fenlore, this is where Wulfe should be, he couldn’t trust anyone he would run into in these woods. The Elf spoke to him and Fenlore shifted in his stance turning his full attention to him and moving into a more relaxed but obviously weary stance.
When he heard the Elf comment on what he was he became mildly offended. But he couldn't dwell on it because lately it seemed every person he ran into knew from his looks that he was not human or elf. He could tell that the elf was young but other than that not much was given away by the man. "No I am not human and yes I am human." He answered narrowing his eyes as he concentrated on the Elf. "What brings you out here young Elf? This is far from the forests of the Du Weldenvarden." Fenlore had no desire to fight, least of all an Elf but he couldn't afford to not question the man. His sudden appearance seemed to much of a coincidence.

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Darkness, darkness was all Alvina saw and felt. Her life was slipping away and she knew it. The constant beating of her heart seemed to be playing a tune of sorrow as it began to beat its last beats. Her thoughts drifted shifting to her times as a hatchling. Happier times as she remember. Times she would do anything to get back. Then to time of sadness as the war began. Her thoughts raced in her head as her time among this world was drifting away.
Tick...Tock....Tick...Tock...Tick...Tock
Her life drained away as she laid there waiting for it to end. It came to a point where no coherent thought came from her mind. Only images of the one she always missed, Fen. Her heart gave away then into silence and she drifted away. I'm coming Fen.... She was able to think before her mind gave away.


Alvine woke up in the air with endless green fields bellow her. I must be dead. She thought sheepishly as she looked around seeing the most beautiful land she had ever laid eyes on. She flew for what she thought was hours, never growing tired and always desiring to see more. Something entered in her mind, she tried to block it but found no way to do such a thing.
Come... It said simply. With horror and anger she suppressed what had entered her mind locking it away.
Then something familiar touched her mind. Something she had not felt in over a century but she knew right away what it was. It was Fen calling for her. She raced towards the sound till her rider came into view. She opened her mind to his and shared everything that had happened with him. All she could say though was, I missed you...I missed you...
I missed you too friend of my heart.Fen said looking up at her, causing her heart filled with joy. She was where she belonged now. She began to descend towards her rider when the voice spoke again, Come.


Occ: Alvina is basically on the fringe of death. Almost dead but not quiet, her heart quit beating and her mind isn't active at the end of the post. I know I made it hard to post a reply to her but it is needed for now ^^

Dzroginion stepped out behind the elf. He has every reason to be suspicious of you. the small green dragon said, walking past the elf, towards Fenlore. He said I'd find you somewhere around here. Dzroginion told the half-elf. Dzroginion stared at Fenlore. Something about his scent still seemed slightly familiar. No. It wasn't the half-elf's scent. It was one of someone he had been with probably months before. Dzroginion looked at Fenlore in surprise, but said nothing. Dzroginion looked at the full elf. You are in his enemy's territory. Why shouldn't he be prepared to attack you? he asked with narrowed eyes. Dzroginion shorted slightly, Wulfe had offered him a good deal, but Elfrida was his friend, and he could smell that the half-elf was a friend of Elfrida. He was not sure who's side he should be on.

Wulfe watched Dzroginion with scrying - using an Eldunari of course. Someone else was in the clearing, whom Wulfe could not see, but his enemy was definitely there. "You will suffer by my hands very soon." Wulfe said with an evil laugh. "Nobody nearly kills me and gets away with it!"

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The elves rushed up, and began healing the wounds. When they were finished they were exhausted.
Her heart has no beat." one said tiredly. Daris growled. But somehow she still lives... the dragon said in wonder. You elves may go, I will deal with any problems from here on. the elves quickly left, and Daris found a large stone to get on so he could watch several directions at once. He knew there was nothing he could do yet, not until the dragoness returned to her body.

OOC: FE it makes it less confusing if you stick to the order. Thanks in advance =)
I'm going to be gone until May 1st, leaving around 3 AM tomorrow.

Fenlore's eyes narrowed as the dragon made its appearance. Fear gripped his heart. He had no love for dragons. To him they were far more frightening then the mighty king Galbatorix himself. He kept himself composed for the most part, though he did retreat away from the dragon. When the dragon spoke Fenlore's eyes widened. The dragon was in league with Wulfe.
His nerves were beyond fried with the entrance of the dragon. He was expecting a shade at most. But this was just to much. He reached for magic keeping it close.
He took another step back and then spoke his voice unemotional as he hid his own fear. "Wulfe never dirties his own hands does he? I did not think any dragon would sink so low to serve one who uses his own kind as a energy source." Fenlore did not answer the Elf figuring the appearance of the dragon would be enough for the Elf to understand why he was so tense.

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Alvina shoved the voice aside with happiness as she descended down landing twenty feet away from her rider Fen. She dove into Fen's mind soaking up every little detail that had happened to her rider. She felt a jab of jelously but happiness as she learned of Fen's wife and child. Tears streamed down her cheeks and too the ground as she saw how her rider died. Guilt built up within her as she lived her riders dying moments unable to stop them from happening.
Fen...I am sor... She began but stopped when she saw a sad smile on her riders face. It confused her until she heard it again louder than before. COME!! Alvina fought against the voice and took a step toward her rider. As she took the step a weight fell upon her shoulder stopping her. She shivered from strain and took another few steps bringing her directly in front of her rider.
"Forgive me Alvina...You can not join me...You must endure." Fen said to Alvina as he began to take a step away from her. Alvina was at a loss of words, the one she loved was leaving her again. She roared in agony as Fen slipped further and further away. She stretched out try to just touch Fen just once before he was gone. She felt she was going to succeed when trees sprouted all around her restraining her. She struggled, bitting and ripping, at the trees but it was useless as she slipped back into darkness and lonelyness gripped her heart once more. Come....

Alvina felt her body as before. Her heart was beating, the injuries she had recieved felt healed. She was alive. Rage began to fill her heart as she began to rise. FEN!!! She roared in anger. She lashed out with her tail ripped a tree from the ground. GONE AGAIN!! ALL ALONE!!! She a tree with her mighty jaw and flung it into the air. WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME AGAIN!!! She began to tear through the forest in a blind rage. COME BACK TO ME FEN! LET ME STAY WITH YOU!

Occ: Yes lets establish an order to keep confussion to a minimal please ^^

OOC: Gah! Noobie moment! >.< I apologize, I don't know why I posted then. I really don't.

IC: Because I'm not his enemy, Natsu said simply. However, Natsu hadn't expected the Half-Elf to react like that, especially when the dragon had stood up for him. But who was Wulfe, and why would he send a dragon to frighten this man? Natsu backed up as well, placing distance between the three of them. "I don't know who you are, but if you are going to do anything to this man, then please leave. I do not wish to fight today," Natsu said cautiously to the dragon. Who could use a dragon in the first place? The first name that popped to his mind was Demondred, but he had never heard of Wulfe.

"It's ok, just calm down. If this dragon intends to hurt you, I won't let it happen," Natsu assured, not taking his eye off of the dragon. The man had already been tense, but now he seemed to be frightened. Anyone who could do that to someone certainly could not be thought of as good.

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Erza didn't know where Natsu was at first, but she felt his mind after a while. However, he felt hers just then as well, and he hurriedly shouted, Don't come over here! I am fine, but just don't come over here, Natsu warned.

Erza growled, Why shouldn't I? What are you hiding from me?

I'll explain in a little bit, but a dragon shouldn't be over here, Natsu explained. I'm fine, he said as he still sensed her weariness, trying to soothe her in any way he could and assure her that he was indeed fine. Erza snarled, but did as Natsu said.

Dzroginion laughed, a deep dragon laugh. You know Wulfe quite well. he told Fenlore. Suddenly the dragon became serious. I am a mercenary. I fight for whoever will pay me the most, no matter who they are, or how much I despise them. Dzroginion looked at the full-elf. You have no reason to worry about me harming Fenlore. the dragon said quietly. This is the first time that Wulfe has wanted to deal with his prey single-handed. Of course I have to bring the half-elf to him, but I will do nothing to harm Fenlore. Dzroginion looked back at Fenlore. Shall I take you to Wulfe? Or do you want to buy my services? Normally Dzroginion wouldn't have given that option, but he knew that Fenlore was a friend of Elfrida... You have two minutes to make your decision, half-elf, or I will forget that you are the friend of the one Wulfe hates most. Dzroginion figured Fenlore would know what he was talking about, and left it at that.

Wulfe stopped scrying, figuring he only had about five minutes before Dzroginion returned with Fenlore. Wulfe knew that if Dzroginion found out about Fenlore's friendship with Elfrida, then the dragon may delay a little bit, or try to get out of bringing Fenlore, but Wulfe had offered the dragon too much for him to defect too quickly. Wulfe looked around the small prison room with a dark smile of satisfaction. He had prepared it especially for Fenlore. The one he hated next to most.

Daris saw the dragoness return to her body, then begin to go on a rampage. Daris jumped forward, and did his best to bind her with his magic. He wasn't that good with creatures her size, but it would have to work. Daris landed in front of the dragoness. He knew he probably looked less than a year old because of his size, but he knew he had enough authority in his voice to sound his age. Calm yourself young one! Daris commanded. You will be of no use to anyone if you kill yourself.

OOC: It's okay FE. We're always learning - and making mistakes is one of the quickest ways to learn something (so long as the mistakes aren't on purpose)

Occ: Lol FE Fenlore has a general fear of Dragons. Its not that Dzroginion scares him personally, its just he is a dragon so Fenlore fears him. haha I have made the same mistake before....many times......to many times.....

Ic:Fenlore relaxed his guard slightly. Neither of them seemed to keen at fighting for the moment, though he was sure now that the Elf was not an agent of Wulfe. The Elf was unorthodox for an Elf but seemed to know what he was doing and he was defiantly more confident around this dragon, bringing Fenlore to the conclusion that he possibly wasn't lying about his dragon being close by. Wonderful more dragons... He found himself thinking dryly as he processed what the dragon had offered.
What confused him though was how the dragon knew that he was friends with Elfrida, enemy of Wulfe. He sighed as he brought his thoughts to what he could possibly have that would be a payment to buy off a dragon. He grasped for his chest where the amulet hung that was given to him from Ameris' egg. It would hold value he was sure but he had no desire to part with it but he was also not going to allow himself to be captured by Wulfe.
"Dragon I hold nothing that could be considered valuable to you. Forgive me but I must decline both of your offers. I go to meet him on my own time. Not yours." Fenlore reached then for magic making himself completely invisible by making light capable of passing through him. Moved quickly then shuffling back away from the dragon.
Forgive me Elf. I do not want to drag you into my fight so call your dragon and leave. Wulfe will try to control the like of you also. The empire will always be after your kind. He said with his mind to the Elf, unsure of what to expect sense he just disappeared.

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Alvina tore through the forest until a weight fell upon her body. She struggled to move and did but each movement was slow and strained. It served as a good distraction from her rage though. Panic struck through her as she struggled to move. FEN HELP ME!! She attempted to jump away from the little green dragon when it landed in front of her but the magic brought her crashing to the ground. When the dragon spoke her mind calmed as it would when she was still training and a mentor called for her attention. She looked at the small male dragon. The dragon was right, she would be of no use to anyone now that she was alive if she was dead but that did not stop her from longing death. Little one... She simply said as grief began to take root in her heart. Her head dipped and tears ran down her face.
Come.... All the trees in the forest seemed to call out to Alvina. She head shot up a flash of anger ran through her body as a large amount of magic built up. She released it in the form up a concussion wave that pushed everything within fifty feet of her away. Whole trees were uprooted nothing but dirt remained. She wasn't sure what happened to the little green dragon feeling a small pang of remorse if she actually hit him.
Exhausted from all the happenings Alvina laid on the ground. I am all alone... She simply said as she mourned over the second loss of her rider.

OOC: Well, fortunately, I'll probably never forget about the order again. , and yeah, I knew about Fenlore's fear. It's just that Natsu was a little confused on it.

IC:

Natsu felt confused at the dragon's statement, but was nevertheless prepared for a fight. However, he wasn't prepared for the half-elf, who the dragon had said to be Fenlore, to disappear. Natsu could faintly sense his consciousness, but he couldn't judge where the Fenlore was. Wulfe vaguely reminded him of Demondred. I respect your opinion, Fenlore, but I wouldn't have went through with this if I wasn't prepared to suffer the potential consequences, Natsu thought. However, it was too late to stop the half-elf now. "Well, what are you going to do now, mercenary dragon? Chase him down?" Natsu asked wearily.

Erza, you can approach now. Everything has settled itself...I think, Natsu added.

There is stress in your mind. What troubles you? Erza asked concernedly.

It's nothing, Natsu whispered. He wondered if he would see Fenlore again.

Dzroginion looked at the elf. No need. he said in response. He has already entered Wulfe's territory, and there is no escape. He can only go further in. Dzroginion was about to take off into the air, but he turned his head, and looked at the elf. You have already entered the magic barrier which Wulfe has set up, using Shades, and Eldunari to keep it in place. Escape will be hard for you. Dzroginion took off, and scanned the ground below. For some reason he felt like helping Fenlore, even though the half-elf couldn't pay him anything. Dzroginion glanced towards the mountainous area. He knew the only way he could ever leave that clearing was to bring Fenlore to Wulfe. The dragon didn't like the situation he was in at all.

Wulfe stepped outside of the hidden cavern. He knew Fenlore was close, and so was Wulfe's revenge. He gave the Shades controlling the barrier a signal, and they slowly, very slowly began to tighten, and make it smaller. Just like an invisible fishing net.

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Daris sighed, realizing what was happening. He used magic to protect himself just in time, then went over to the dragoness. You are not alone. he said quietly, and comfortingly. Don't give in to the pain, and lies that tell you that there is no one who cares. There is always someone. You are never alone.

Fenlore stayed hidden for a while as the dragon began to circle above. It would only be a short matter of time before he found Bree and that would pose a problem. He had left his sword on Bree's saddle and he had no desire for Bree to get hurt. He sprinted away from his horse knowing that he needed to draw everyone’s attention away from his gear and Bree.
Coming to a stop a small distance away Fenlore began to search himself hoping he had what he needed. He was rewarded with his block of flint. He began to work a complex magic. One that wouldn't take much energy but the results would be extremely flashy.
Sixty feet away from him and in the air he began to separate oxygen from every other element. He worked on it till he had a thirty foot ball of pure oxygen. He then took out his small hunting knife and silently began to whisper the words needed to make the flint and knife enter that ball and strike sparks.
As he released the magic he felt slightly drain on his energy which was already getting low.
He stopped when he heard a large explosion as the area he had manipulated with magic exploded encasing everything there in fire only for it to all die out again quickly.
He returned then quickly to Bree and began to gather what he would need.

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Alvina growled at the small dragon. She was somewhat amazed that he was able to block her blast of magic. But that didn't calm her pang of anger with him that seemed to dissipate into anguish as quickly as it came. I have lost everyone...there is no one left in the world for me. My mentors died long ago, my family and friends are died or captured by Galbatorix, my rider has been ripped from me twice now. She curled her tail around herself and covered herself with her wings. I have no reason to go on. I cannot, I shouldn't have had him ripped from me a second time. This world it too cruel for a frigile mind like mine... She sunk deeper into her depression when she heard it again, quieter softer then before.
Come.... It drove her mad but kept her heart from falling completely into the darkness of sorrow.

Dzroginion saw the explosion, but didn't go towards it, knowing the area would be hot enough to make even him uncomfortable- which meant it would be much too hot for a half-elf. Suddenly Dzroginion smelled a horse with the half-elf's scent. The small dragon flew in it's direction, hoping to herd the horse, and possibly the half-elf, towards the center of the barrier where Wulfe waited.

Wulfe stood on a stone, watching, and waiting. He felt someone approaching at a run, but he knew it wasn't Fenlore. Wulfe was prepared though. He had gone to great lengths to ensure that victory was his, and that Fenlore would have no chance of escape. "Atlanta, there is a foe approaching that I want you to deal with. His blood is all yours." Wulfe told the assassin standing behind him. The assassin nodded once in confirmation that she had understood, and quickly got into a position where she could easily ambush the one who was approaching.

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Daris quietly watched the dragoness, and after a few minutes he responded. The world may be cruel, but you are alive right now. Because you are alive, you have a purpose. You are NOT alone. You never have been, and you never will be. Even if the entire world seems to abandon you, there will always be someone who cares. Daris' tone was kind, and one meant to be calming. It said that he really cared, and was concerned. A brighter day will come. There is hope in even the darkest times. Don't be afraid. Don't give in to grief. Daris said quietly.

Fenlore grabbed his sword and strapped it to his side. He then grabbed a small supply of food and water and walked over to Bree. He knew he needed to get the horse out of the area but he was not sure as to how he would go about this. For the moment he began to weave a spell similar to his own that would allow light to pass through Bree making the horse invisible. It was much more complicated working the magic on something beside himself while he also needed to tie the magic to the forest around him so Bree wouldn't be worn out or possibly killed by the magic.
He continued his work kneeling beside his horse.

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Alvina growled half heartedly at the little dragon. She did move for a minute till she was able to convince herself to speak. She moved her head out and looked at the small green dragon. Little one tell me the name of yourself who speaks words of wisdom and experience. Alvina was unsure of wiether or not the little dragon was young or old now. But she was sure that he was a good speaker and wise member of her race. She felt someone or something else near by she figured it was the elves coming to see what happened to their forest.

Come... The voice sounded in her head making her cringe.


Occ: Welcome back morwen ^^

OOC: Morwen is back!

IC: Arsenis quieted his pace and began moving almost silently, observing the area around him. He was at a disadvantage here if the enemy had already seen him. His arms fell to his sides, and he closed his eyes, completely focused on his task. He felt several hidden minds within the vicinity, but only one was close enough to cause suspicion. His eyes opened suddenly. "If you wish to fool a Shadow Hunter, you will have to try harder than that," Arcenis said, loud enough for the person to hear. Fortunately, he or she didn't seem to share a mental bond with someone.

Natsu gasped as he recognized the small dragon from earlier. Are you planning on following me, dragon? I told you, I can handle myself without your interference whether it be helpful or negative," Natsu growled.

Dzroginion had gone to the place where he had smelled the horse, but saw no trace of it. He then decided to go to the area of the explosion. Dzroginion landed, and looked at the elf in annoyance. I didn't want to hang around you, but my target vanished, so I decided to investigate the explosion. I didn't come here to waste my time messing with you! Dzroginion said with a huff of slight anger. By the way... Who are you, elf? Dzroginion asked, slightly interested.

Wulfe was beginning to grow impatient. Apparently he had underestimated Dzroginion's ability of capturing Fenlore. "Faster." Wulfe ordered the Shades, and they began to close the magic barrier at a much quicker rate.

Atlanta jumped from a tree, landing without a sound behind the "Shadow Hunter". Atlanta extended her blade, and jumped towards her enemy. "You would have more chance of surviving our encounter if you didn't underestimate a Kremian Assassin." She said, extending her bear claws so she could attack with both hands.

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Daris looked at the dragoness, and replied, I am Daris, young one. Who might you be? And if you do not mind me asking, what brings you to Du Weldenvarden? Daris noticed the dragoness cringe, but said nothing about it. He knew she must be going through a lot, and assumed she cringed because of painful memories.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Darkness. There was nothing but darkness. The air was cold, and damp, and the stone floor, and walls cold. A foul stench filled the air, making it hard to breath. Pain. Pain joined the darkness as the prisoner awoke. The prisoner hung, chained by the wrists, not enough strength to do anything but hang there. This dungeon was in a cave, miles below the surface, miles below the Hadarac desert. In a place where no life should have existed. A place where magic was made useless. That was where Elfrida awoke to find herself a prisoner.

OOC: Thanks Rien!
FE: Yes, I'm back! And now I have a bunch of replying to do...

Fenlore felt the dragon come and go and thanked Elfrida for her foresight to give him the ability to avoid conflicts with the likes of advisories such as him. He moved around to the other side of Bree tightening his saddle to make a hasty retreat. He needed to take down Wulfe yes but he did not plan to die in the processes and the way things had turned out so far. It all seemed to be a trap.
He had just finish with Bree's saddle when a pricking sensation touched his back. A sharp pain the struck his whole body almost causing him to lose consciousness. He tried to stumble forward but he couldn't move. He realized that it was a barrier that Wufle had put up but now that he was caught there was not much he could do.
He released the magic that had been keeping him invisible, thankful that at least Bree would go unnoticed. The pain intensified and he screamed as he began to retreat into his mind as he began to slip partly away. Somewhere in the back of his mind something stirred that had been locked away sense he left Elfrida's side. Something he had no desire to let out, but something he didn't have the strength to hold back at the moment.

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Alvina looked at the small dragon with curiousity. Daris was his name and he called her a young one, even when it was obvious that she was not a young dragon at all. My name is Alvina, my rider is Fen. I am here because I am being summoned. I need to go to Ellesmera, the voice calls me from there. Alvina looked up towards the city. She was not sure if she would be allowed to enter but she would have too no matter what if the voice insisted. What about you Daris?
Alvina relaxed slightly as the voice seemed to give her a slight amount of peace for the moment.

Dzroginon looked at Natsu. A dragon rider... How Dzroginion longed to have a rider. He had hatched for one, only to find his rider had died minutes before Dzroginion finished hatching. Pleased to meet you, Natsu. I am Dzroginion He said, beginning to get interested in the elf. I am only half-hearted at this job because I am working for Wulfe. Dzroginion said with a growl. Not only that, but he wants me to hunt down Fenlore who is a friend of my friend. Dzroginion looked up towards Fenlore. He was surprised - he hadn't even seen a shadow... Suddenly Fenlore seemed to begin to blackout, at the same time something dark, and sinister seemed to enter the air. Dzroginion shivered. Whatever the Dark presence was he didn't like it.

Wulfe laughed when he felt Fenlore get caught in his trap. "Come, let us go collect my prey." he said to the dragon rider standing behind him.

The Betrayer smiled. Wulfe had informed him that Fenlore was a friend of Elfrida, whom Cor hated more than anyone in the world. He felt that a blow at Fenlore would be a blow at Elfrida as well. "Come on Zoe, we cannot allow this one who has insulted Wulfe to escape punishment." The purple dragoness followed her rider towards the area where they could feel Fenlore's presence.

Atlanta quickly jumped away from her opponent when he summoned dual swords. Her weapons were to short ranged for her to fight hand-to-hand with two swords. Atlanta prepared to cast her two shruiken, and would have done so, but the Shadow Hunter asked a question. Atlanta was still ready to attack, and her eyes gleamed with blood-lust, but she answered in her nearly inaudible voice anyways. "I fight to kill, and I kill to live." she said with both mind, and voice, knowing any without great hearing would have a hard time hearing her words. "I am from Kreme. I am no longer human, and that is why I am named Assassin." Atlanta pulled her mask away from her face. "I am Atlanta. Be proud that you will die by my hand." Atlanta prepared to throw her weapons again. She desperately felt the need to kill someone, as she had not been able to in over a week.

______________________________________

Daris looked at the dragoness. I have heard of Fen. he told Alvina. Since he was your rider you will not have to worry about being allowed to enter. I am also staying here for the time being, and will not let the elves refuse your entrance. Daris looked at the fallen trees, knowing there would be some who would have been quite displeased if Alvina hadn't been wounded when she made her crash landing. I can take you to Ellesmera. Would you like me to lead you there now? he asked, thinking it would be better to leave the ruined area quickly.

-------

Ameris flew quickly through the air above the Urgal city hidden in the Hadarac desert. Her rider had disappeared days before, and she hadn't even finished healing from a battle against some elf magicians who had attacked the Urgal city on the behalf of the Varden. Ameris was almost afraid the elves had come back, and taken her rider away as a prisoner. Any tracks Blacknight? The yellow hatchling asked the black mare who had been hunting on the ground. Nothing. The mare replied quietly. This was the last place Ameris had thought to look. Everywhere there had been nothing. No sign of anything to lead the dragon, and horse to their rider. Elfrida had completely disappeared without leaving behind the slightest trace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elfrida almost groaned in pain as she opened her eyes, and lifted her head to look at her captors. All of them wore dark masks to hide their faces, but Elfrida knew all of them. No, she didn't know them. One of the two which dwelt inside of her did. Which she was not yet sure, but she knew it was one of them. "What do you want with us?" Elfrida asked. The room was so dark that even with her cat eyes, Elfrida still had a little trouble seeing more than shapes. She hated not being able to see the expressions of the masked servants of Light. "We are here to help you." One of them said in a voice with so much authority that even the Essence of Darkness within Elfrida seemed to shrink back a little. Elfrida didn't know what to think or do in the face of one as dangerous as this. All she could do was hang from her chains under the stare of the servants of Light.

OOC: More bad guys =D

Pain tore through Fenlore's body as he was held suspended in the barrier. The pain brought back the the many battle he had fought before. How in none of those he had to endure a pain such as this one. Emotions that he had worked to lock away over the past few months, Elfrida's emotions, hate, anger and loss. He fought against those emotions with all his might. For within them darkness seemed to flow.
Hatred began to take hold of his own heart as he realized that Wulfe would be coming for him. It drove him to fight the hate and anger harder knowing that it would not do him any good in a fight against an opposite such as Wulfe.
His mind drifted to the last time he had fought Wulfe. It wasn't much of a battle when he actually reached his enemy. He caught Wufle completely by surprise. It was by the grace and power the Elfrida had given him that he was able to complete the tasks. Sköliro kveykva He thought, remember when she taught him those words and how to use them. As he though of this as if not of his own will small sparks began to encase his body. Shielded Lightning, was its translated name. A fitting name as the pain began to dissipate and he could feel the tension that held him in place lessen.
Fenlore flex his fingers gingerly, they were able to move. He smiled to himself as a plan began to formulate in his mind. He kept his face a mask of pain the whole time though and stood in the same spot unmoving.
Darkness seemed to take a root once again in his mind as it had before. Though it did not overwhelm him as it had the first time. He was in control and fighting back against it for now, getting ready to use this internal battle for his own good.

________________________________

Alvina stood slowly. Her body still weary from the overuse of her magic. Yes I do believe I would like you to show me the way little Daris. Alvina said not meaning any insult but rather doing it unconciously, as she began to headed in the direction of Ellesmere. She moved slowly toward the wall of trees that had built up from the use of her magic. I should have controlled myself better. There will be difficulties from this.


Occ: seems like this is going to become a up hill battle from here on......

Dzroginion gave Natsu a look. One reason is because we are still in this barrier. he told Natsu. Besides I only fight for myself, I don't care about others. Up until the time Dzroginion had met Elfrida that would have been true... Now it was a lie, and Dzroginion only told it so Natsu couldn't convince him to change sides. Dzroginion glanced at Fenlore, not exactly sure what to do. Suddenly the air seemed to get heavier. Wulfe is here. Dzroginion half snarled.

Wulfe stopped about ten feet away from Fenlore, with an evil smile of satisfaction and victory. "It was good of you to come, Fenlore!" Wulfe said with a laugh. "No one ever gets away once they have tried to kill me. Not you, and not Elfrida." Wulfe spoke the last bit as if implying that he had captured Elfrida, though he had not. He did know about her capture, and place of imprisonment... After all, he was the one that betrayed her.

Cor, and Zoe stopped behind Wulfe. The pair looked towards Dzroginion, and an elf, and decided it was best not to leave the elf in a place where he could be dangerous to Wulfe. Cor drew his sword, and walked over to the elf, Zoe close behind. "I will be your opponent." The Betrayer told the elf. "Draw your sword."
Zoe got in a position where she could pin down Dzroginion if he decided to change loyalties, but somehow she didn't think he was likely to do that.

Atlanta threw her twin weapons in a way where they would circle around, and come at the Shadow Hunter from the back. At the same time she jumped forward to attack with the blade on her right hand, and the claw-blades on her left. Because nothing could cut through the skin on the backs of her hands, or arms, Atlanta had no problem attacking at close range. She just couldn't get close enough to actually touch her enemy. All Atlanta need was for the Shadow Hunter to put his blades close together, and he would be practically defeated. She would be able to use her claw-blades to trap his swords, and go in for the kill with the blade on her right hand.

_________________________

Daris smiled, almost laughing a little when Alvina subconsciously called him little the way he had called her young. Daris began moving towards Ellesmera, and saw the trees in the way. Daris used magic to move enough out of the way, and then continued on his way. The elves will take care of this later. No need to worry. Daris said, contacting some elves at the same time to take care of the downed trees.

-----

Blacknight trotted wearily into the Urgal city, Ameris on her back. Soon she made it to Elfrida's house. The building was nearly destroyed, and only one room was left whole. Who would do something like this? Ameris asked. Blacknight shook her head tiredly. I don't know... she said. Suddenly something caught her eye. Blacknight moved over to it, and realized it was a map. Her eyes burned with anger when she smelled it. It stinks of Wulfe! she said in cold anger. Ameris shivered. She had never seen Blacknight angry before, and hoped she never would have to again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everything was dark, and the air was still except for the dripping of water from the ceiling. How long she had been there, Elfrida didn't know. In this dark lonely place it was impossible to tell time. Minutes turned into hours, and hours into days. As the time slowly passed, Elfrida began to feel the need to escape. There was only one way to do so that she knew of, and she didn't want to choose that option because it was what her captors wanted. Footsteps echoed, and one of her captors stood before her. "We are here to help you. Will you let us?" the person asked. Elfrida snarled at her captor. Both she, and the Darkness within her hated this person. The other voice on the other hand... It was just doing nothing but watching, and waiting. Elfrida's captor left after receiving no answer for a few minutes - which seemed to be an eternity to Elfrida. All was silent again, except for the dripping of water from the ceiling.


OOC: @ Rien: Yep! Most definitely uphill for almost everyone.
@ FE: I don't want to god-mod or anything, but would it be okay with you if Arcenis puts his blades to close together, and Atlanta almost kills him in my next post, or the post after next? If not then I'll think of another plan...

Fenlore snarled at Wulfe as he appeared before him. Anger and hate burned through him feeding the darkness inside of him. The mention of Elfrida's name also fueled his will to keep the darkness at bay. It was an intense battle being waged in his mind, no side gave up any space but continued to push against each other with such ferocity.
A few seconds passed before Fenlore realized the true meaning behind Wufle's words. He had captured Elfrida also. Sorrow gripped at his heart as he heard this but it did not last. Anger flared inside of him as he took a step toward Wulfe, he knew that if he were to fight him as he was right now he would lose. He began to draw energy slowly from the plan life around him to strength himself for the battle to come.
"Wufle you have made a mistake this time. One that will cost you and your companions their lifes."
Fenlore did not move but starred at Wulfe with a menacing scowl on his face. It was soon replaced with horror though as Bree his trusted horse who was still invisible approached Wulfe from behind. The horse turned around and kicked a strong well aimed kick for Wulfe's head.

_________________________________________

Alvina slowed her pace to that of Daris's. Her mind drifted then as she walked beside the smaller dragon. She thought of Fen and how she missed him. With every step her thoughts deepened as did her depression.
Come... The voice boomed into her head again making Alivne cringe.
She wanted nothing more then to have this voice be gone. For now she would have to rely on Daris to keep the voice at bay.
"I do not mean to be rude but can you tell me of yourself Daris?"

_____________________

Rien's nose twitched slightly at the smell of the burnt ground. He had just moved him and Esther from across the Du Weldenvarden to Ellesmera at Esther request. The spot which they had appeared was where a giant tree stood. The tree unsettle him almost as much as Esther ability had at first.
Esther stood before the great Menoa tree. She had heard the voice that was calling out with such force. This was the source. She reached out with her mind and entered the tree's conciousness. It was extremely foreign to her but she was still able to penetrate deep within its mind. It didn't retaliate but rather welcomed her.

Occ: morwen...I must ask you to kill bree off please...
oh and Esther and Rien will only be in the RPG for a short amount of time. They are more giving some back ground to what will happen soon. I'll spread out what they will be doing over a few posts though.

OOC: Awww...Bree was cool...

Morwen: Nah, I don't mind, but can he dodge it to some extent? He would still be injured badly, but I just don't want him to be completely out of the fight, since I just brought him in.

IC: Arcenis was familiar with the Assassin's twin weapons, and she threw them. They completely missed Arcenis, but he knew better than to believe that that was what she aimed for. He sidestepped several times, moving several feet away from his previous position, and held his swords close together to block the claw, but then he realized his mistake with a look of horror. Arcenis's mind began working furiously. He could summon a different blade, but that would take too long. He only had one chance of surviving the inevitable attack Atlanta had been waiting for.

Natsu smirked, "You don't run my life," but nevertheless, his blade was drawn with the slight sound of resonating metal. He glanced once at Fenlore, afraid that Wulfe might kill or capture him, but Natsu was currently more curious in his own situation. "Shall I make the first move, or you?" Natsu mocked.

Erza's mind was frantic. Natsu had closed his mind to her nearly fifteen minutes ago, and she was helpless against the powerful barrier. She was almost ready to go on a rampage and slam the barrier with everything she had, but she stopped herself. Natsu was strong. He could pull himself out of whatever he had gotten himself unfortunately into.

OOC: @ Rien: One death coming up! =( poor Bree...
@ FE: I wasn't planning on wounding him. Just a scare =)

Dzroginion looked at Zoe. She was more than three times his size, and had a look in her eye that said she wouldn't allow him to do anything. Dzroginion glared at her. Compared to him, she was still a hatchling. That didn't seem to make a difference when she had size, and he didn't.

Wulfe looked at Fenlore in satisfaction. He had taken the bait, and was about to attack in anger. Suddenly Wulfe felt the air behind him move. Wulfe ducked, drew his sword with a single swift motion, and cut behind him. Wulfe smirked as blood dripped down from the air, and covered his blade. "Even if you too become invisible, Fenlore, I will torture you slowly, and finally cut out your heart, like this!" Wulfe said, aiming his last blow at the heart. Wulfe smiled as more blood flowed down. "You have already lost Fenlore. The victory is mine." Wulfe said in a dangerously soft voice, as he turned, and smiled evilly at the half-elf.

Cor smirked back at the elf. "You are too confident for your own good." he said, as he attacked. Cor spoke the rules as he lightly attacked - not getting serious yet. "You may not draw on strength from your dragon, or I will draw on strength from mine. You may not use magic, or again, I will. The barrier is continuing to get smaller. If it happens that it gets so small that there is little moving room then you lose, and become my prisoner. If you defeat me before then, then I will be at your mercy. So, shall we get serious at the start?" Cor swung his blade towards the elf's legs, determined to win.

Atlanta's shuriken were made to return to her wrist in case they missed. The shuriken entered her wrists, and disappeared. They had done what Atlanta had intended for them to do. The Shadow Hunter also moved according to Atlanta's plan. As soon as he brought his swords close together, Atlanta trapped them with her claws. Atlanta quickly moved her right hand in for the kill, aiming for the Shadow Hunter's heart. At the last second Atlanta's blade passed under the Shadow Hunter's arm, making a dull thud as it hit the heart of the Shade which had just appeared directly behind the Shadow Hunter. "No one takes my prey." she said as the shade dissipated. Suddenly Atlanta didn't feel like killing the Shadow Hunter anymore. The shade had ruined it for her. Atlanta wiped the shade's blood off of her blade, and then allowed her blade, and claws to recede into her hands. Atlanta lowered her mask - a sign of friendship for an assassin. "Tell me your name, Shadow Hunter. I want to know the name of the first person to not die by my blade once I have begun a fight." she said, stepping back to give the Shadow Hunter room to do whatever he chose to do.

__________________

Daris looked at Alvina guessing she needed to keep her mind off of something. About me? he repeated. Not much had happened to him in his long life. I hatched in the Spine over 1,300 years ago, but until I was close to 250 years I never saw another living being. I trained myself to use magic until then, and lived off of the plants around me - I have never eaten meat, nor do I intend to. When I was 247, I met a human girl, and her dying dragon. I helped her, and finally returned her to Vroengard, where I stayed to train young dragons, and hatchlings until the fall of the riders. When Galbatorix came, I returned to the Spine, and lived there until 113 years ago. I have lived in Ellesmera since then, though I have made many trips around Alagaesia with the goal of overthrowing Galbatorix. Not much has happened yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if that changed soon. Daris knew his life story probably sounded boring, but if it kept Alvina's mind off of whatever she was thinking about, then it was for the best. Somewhere I have a brother who's egg belonged to the riders - though he may have died in the fall. All I know of him is that his egg looked exactly like mine, and that our eggs were laid at the same time. Daris added the last bit to make his story a bit more interesting.

-----

Ameris, and Blacknight went out into the desert to begin tracking Wulfe. They had no idea where to start their search. All they knew was that he had been last seen near the Beor mountains, so that was where the pair were headed. They didn't know that with every step they took, they left Elfrida farther, and farther behind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elfrida didn't know how many times her captors came in and out, or how many times she sent them on their way with a glare, but as time wore on, she found herself getting closer, and closer to her Darkness. Something warm trickled down Elfrida's arms from her wrists. Blood. The chains were beginning to tear away at her skin. Elfrida grimaced, and began focusing on memories of the past year.

Occ: Bree shall be missed...but his death was needed....

IC: Fenlore gave a yell as he watch Wulfe kill his horse, his oldest companion, Bree. Sorrow gripped his heart as he felt the life of his friend slip away. He felt Bree brush up against his mind, the horse was content with his own death. That was the first thing Fenlore felt then before Bree died of his wounds he gave what strength he had dying by giving all to Fenlore, rather than his wounds. Fenlore caught the horses last memory. It was a memory of Elfrida, Bree had liked the stange woman.
Fenlore smiled softly as Bree's mind slipped away into an abyse. He would truely miss his friend. His mind sling around back to Wulfe, he could feel the strength the Bree had given him. It wasn't alot but it was enough to get him back up and running if needed.
"From where I stand. I still breath. Seems like a battle that still continues to me." His voice was calm as he spoke. But he hated this man before him he could feel his anger growing as he looked at him. He could feel the darkness inside him grow also with the anger.
A small grin crossed his face as the sparks that had been traveling across his body disapeared. He held fed Sköliro kveykva the raw emotions that clowded his mind. He could feel the power increase from the conflict within his mind.

______________________________

Alvina chuckled to herself as she heard the Daris' age. She didn't expect the dragon to be so old considering how small he was. She was even more surprised when she heard that he had been a teacher in Vroengard.
You taught at Vroengard? She questioned knowing that she must have at least seen him there. I do not remember such a small dragon teaching there. I was often there but I do not believe I ever saw you. She was mystified as to how she had never seen him there.

________________________________

Esther felt the mind of the Tree. It was immense and overpowering. But she could feel its will. She felt slightly used but stepped aside because she knew that the tree wanted Rien and not her.
Rien watched Esther with a curious look as she moved aside away from the tree. He moved closer to the tree and as he did he welcomed it into his mind. He felt it sift through his mind and it seemed content. He saw a picture it put in his mind and its intentions. His eyes widened involentary at it.
Make this for me Shade. The tree said to him.

Dzroginion finally had enough of Zoe staring down at him, and used his magic to bind her. I'm not your enemy or anything, he said, but when you look down on me you get punished. Zoe struggled against the bonds, but was unable to do anything. Dzroginion smirked. Zoe would never make that mistake again.

Wulfe's triumphant smile turned to a grimace as Fenlore responded calmly, and became completely invisible. Wulfe quickly began drawing on the power of the Eldunari to create wards around himself. He was determined to defeat Fenlore this time, and not turn tail, and run. Wulfe swung with his sword towards the place the lighting came from, not realizing his mistake until his blade touched it. Despite the wards, a jolt of electricity went up Wulfe's arm, numbing it. Wulfe snarled. He would have to think of another way to get at Fenlore.

Cor grinned when the elf stepped on his sword. He knew the elf would probably be a pretty even match with him, so he could actually enjoy the fight. Cor dodged the blow aimed for his head, and answered the elf's question. "You act like a rider. When you have been one for 20 or more years you begin to pick up on things like that." Cor aimed a kick at the elf's legs to get his sword free. Oh yes, he was going to enjoy this fight.

Atlanta glanced at Arcenis, but didn’t focus on him, not wanting any more shades to get close without her noticing. “I apologize for my ignorance, but I am not from this world. What is a ‘Shadow Hunter’?” Atlanta asked, remembering what Arcenis had called himself earlier. She could tell he had been trained to fight as an assassin by how he carried himself, and wanted to know if being a “Shadow Hunter” had anything to do with it. Atlanta noticed Arcenis’ nearly evaluating look. “Am I missing something?” she asked, wondering if she somehow seemed different than the assassins of Alagaesia.

___________________

Daris looked at Alvina. I was put in charge of training young hatchlings because of my size. Daris said. I was often looked down on by year old hatclings who were larger than me, and refused to learn from me. I knew who Fen was, though I never actually met him. Daris suddenly stopped. Something felt... Wrong. He didn't know what it was, but there was something unnatural going on. Daris started walking again hoping it was only his imagination.

------

Ameris used magic to transport herself, and Blacknight to the edge of the Beors. Now all that was left was to pick up their trail - which would be hard to do in such a vast mountain range.

~~~~~~~~~

Elfrida felt herself grow steadily weaker in body. As she did, she grew closer to the Darkness within herself. Footsteps echoed, and some of Elfrida's captors approached. They grinned when they saw that her left eye had turned blood red. Everything was going according as plan.

Fenlore's heart raced, he felt Wulfe's blade reach for him. As if the lighting he had summoned had it own will it leapt from his body just as the sword was about to cleave him in half. It blocked the blow and at the same time gave a shock to Wulfe. He was quiet impressed. The uses of the magic seemed to grow and grow.
He became visible again and smiled kindly at Wulfe. "So how does if feel to be bested by something Elfrida has taught me? It must leave this pleasant feeling right in the pit where your heart is supposed to be."
He chuckled and moved for the first time slamming his blade into the ground. Lighting traveled from him to the ground and through the barrier lighting up the sky, he was beginning to put his plan into action.

______________

Alvina nodded at Daris statement. Dragons were a proud race and many times they were too proud for their own good. She couldn't help but smile at the mention of Fen.
Training the hatchling was never fun for me. They seemed to never listen to me... She replied and then added, Fen was a good rider. Many looked up to him and many expected great things from him. If It wasn't for the fact that our bond was a failure he would still be alive to help in ending this war.

__________________

Rien sighed as he thought about the what he was about to have to do. Never before had he seen anything like it and he wasn't even sure it was possible.
"Fine I will craft your weapon! One condition though...I want...
Esther sensed his intention and cut off his thought. No father. Just make the blade and be done with this.
Rien sighed as Esther stated her will. He didn't want to disappoint her so he conceded. "So be it."
He held out a hand and the ground began to tremble before the tree. Tools began to materialize in a orderly fashion. Everything a experienced smith would need was assembled.
"What shall the blade be made out of?" He questioned the tree but received no answer. Shaking his head he began to think of the proper metal to use. A small smile crossed his face as he began to reach out with his mind to gather the element, Titanium. He gather what he needed and began to refine it.
As soon as he started to process he began to sow magic into the metal. He was chanting constantly in the ancient language never stopping while refining the metal.

Dzroginion held Zoe with all his strength, knowing it was the only way he could survive. He had made his choice thanks to Natsu. He would not attack Fenlore, the friend of his friend, nor would he aid in his capture. He did not know that Wulfe had not really captured Elfrida, but that another had, but thinking that Wulfe had angered the small dragon deeply. Destroy him, Fenlore! Destroy him, and rescue our friend Elfrida. he said to the half-elf.

Wulfe snarled at Fenlore. Things weren't going the way he had planned. Suddenly Wulfe smirked. Even lightning had it's weakness. Black clouds rolled overhead as Wulfe used the power of the many Eldunari he had. Water increased electricity. Even if he was invisible, it couldn't be possible for Fenlore to avoid getting a little wet. Suddenly the cloud burst, and the rain came pouring down through the barrier. Wulfe stayed completely dry, but did not provide any protection for the others. He couldn't care less about what happened to them.

Cor smirked at the elf. "I am called Corthavon the Betrayer - though most call me Cor, or Betrayer." Cor said as he jumped back, and held his sword in both hands in front of his face. "What are you called, elf?" he asked looking up from behind his blade. Cor smirked when the elf drew his staff. "Very well then if we are to be completely serious..." Without using any magic whatsoever, Cor spoke the true name of his sword - quiet enough so even the elf could not hear it. The sword seemed to change, growing larger, and becoming covered in a purple flame. A dim, purple flame seemed to surround Cor - the result of the sword warding him. "Give it you worst, elf." Cor said with a cold laugh. Cor ignored the rain when it started, not knowing about Fenlore's lightning.

Atlanta looked at Arcenis. "My former masters hold all the cruelty, and madness. I was just a dog sent out to do their bidding. A dog trained to kill is not easily broken from that habit though." she said seriously. She hated her masters, and had tried for years to escape them. She finally succeeded, but now she still had the desire, and need to kill. She had been 'created' to live off the blood of others. 'Created' to live off of death. "Assassin is merely another word for murderer - only meant to hide the shame." Atlanta said to Arcenis. "Go on, and save many lives. Don't let anyone ever call you by that name." Atlanta held up a mutated hand. The backs were harder than dragon scales, and the palms were crimson - as if stained from blood. "Don't ever let your hand become stained like mine." she said, dropping her hand to her side.

___________________

Daris smiled. Hatclings... he said slowly, remembering the many he had taught. The most horrible creatures alive. he said with a laugh. They think they know everything, until they fall flat on their tails. Many of their two-leg partners were just as bad. Daris became serious, and looked at Alvina. Don't call your bond with Fen a failure. You had it for a reason - one you may not know yet. It was not a failure. he said, stopping in front of the forest guardian, and silently reminding Alvina to stop.

------

Ameris and Blacknight had walked far, until Blacknight came up with the idea of using their minds to locate animals that had come across Wulfe's scent. In this manner the pair slowly progressed towards Wulfe, their most hated foe.

~~~~~~~~~
Elfrida looked up, and pulled against her chains. Both of her wings had come out by now - one crimson, the other white. Elfrida gritted her teeth, and pulled harder on her chains. She was completely unaware of the transformation taking place in her body. Her captors watched from a safe distance where she wouldn't be able to locate them. They smiled. IT wouldn't be long now before they could attack the Darkness, and drive it out of her mind - though in doing so Elfrida would also be killed, leaving only Light in her body.

Fenlore watched with amusement as the rain began to fall. He released his blade from the ground but the lighting countinued to travel through the ground and into the barrier from his feet. He held his arms wide letting the rain fall and touch him.
"Wulfe...You truely are a fool of a man." He said staring up at the nasty looking storm clouds that were countinueing to increase. He held his hand out and his spear lept from the ground to his hand. Lighting crashed all around him evaporating all the rain in the area around him into a mist. He infused the mist with lighting and walked through it.
"I countrol this lighting completely." Lighting camed down and struck his had traveling through his body and into the ground. "It will not harm anything I don't want it to harm."
Fenlore began moving quicker towards Wulfe and swung his blade for his neck. In the back of his mind he felt something stir once again and bring it's infuence forward. He didn't stop it from pushing forward for it brought strength with it.

_________________________


Alvina stopped completely silent and unmoving. She offered nothing to the elf and just stood as a statue would.

________________________

Rien had been poured the hot molten metal into a mold. His chant in the ancient language turned into a l slow sad sounding song. It seemed as if the metal began to cool quicker. When the metal was solid enough to handle he took the blade and began to hammer it out. The metal was already very wide but now it was widening even further. He stopped for a second releasing the hammer and held his hands in fists at his side. Darkness gathered in his right hand and light gathered in his left. He picked up the hammer once again with his right hand and began to hammer the metal out. When the metal became thin enough he folded it and switch the hammer to his left hand. Light and darkness was flooded into the blade with each stroke of his hammer. Hours flew by as this too place.
As he was finishing the last round of folding and hammering Esther had began to sing a song of the dragon’s bond with magic. He knew it was the tree’s request and commented not but continued to work. He felt surges of power then as the tree began to poor energy into Esther’s words. He could feel a bond begin to form directly to magic.
Esther song continued long after the shaping and strengthening process of the blade took place. He was polishing and sharpening the blade.
The sword was massive, a good four feet long but was razor thin. It held a gold tinge to it but the color seemed to be over powered by either shadow or light. As Rien finished the final touches to the blade Esther song died out and she sat down on the ground seeming tired.
Taking a stance Rien began to go through form with the massive claymore. They were graceful moves that seemed even more devastating as shadow leapt from the blade with every swing. He stopped switched stances and began again, the moves were faster and less refined but just as deadly as light seemed to brighten ever corner of the forest with his moves.
Satisfied he stopped and stabbed the blade into the ground. “Now let us test this new sword.” Rien held out his arms darkness began to engulf him but at the same time light shone through battling the darkness for dominance. Rien felt a huge drain of his energy as he summoned both the essence of light and darkness, he did not fear either of them though, knowing that he could retain control of his mind. A aura gathered around him and darkened with every waking second. Moving quickly knowing his energy was low from the constant use of the past few days he grasped the handle of the sword he had just forged and felt the influence of both darkness and light brushed aside. The sword drank in the energy that both had produced. The aura that had been around Rien had disappeared.
He nodded and stabbed the blade into the ground in front of the tree. Rien then walked over to Esther who was having trouble staying awake and lifted her from the ground. “Come let us be gone of this place. That sword will find a new master and test that master as it sees fit. We have done our part now let us leave this place.” In a bright flash of light him and Esther were gone.

Occ: Okay, the sword shall be explained in better detail later ^^ oh and sorry for my absence the past couple of days.

Dzroginion watched Fenlore in amazement. He had not expected him to be this powerful… Then he remembered that Wulfe had prepared for everything… It almost seemed to be too much preparation. Now Dzroginion knew why Wulfe had done so much. Be careful. Dzroginoin growled to Fenlore. He has many more tricks up his sleeves!

Wulfe smirked at Fenlore. He sent a quick glare at Dzroginion, but he knew even the dragon’s warning wouldn’t really matter in the long run. Fenlore had to run out of energy sometime, and then Wulfe would strike. Until then Wulfe merely had to continue dodging, and looking like he was about to be defeated. Wulfe dodged the sword aimed at him, but allowed it to come within an inch of him. Wulfe suddenly felt the rise of darkness within Fenlore. Wulfe almost laughed – apparently Fenlore had gained more from Elfrida than lightning. Wulfe was going to enjoy this fight.

Cor smirked. Natsu appeared to be using magic, though Cor would not accuse him of it, as he himself probably appeared to be using magic, though he wasn’t. Cor blocked the black fire with his sword, which in turn seemed to absorb the fire, causing the sword’s flame to grow. “My sword is a flame of death. Fire will not work against it. What is your weapon, Natsu?” Cor asked, jumping forward to attack. The fire around the sword seemed to dance in delight, almost as if it hungered for blood.

Atlanta shook her head. "Don’t let your hope to kill drive you, or even with your desire to save lives, you will become bloodstained.” she said seriously, glancing at his clenched fist. “I am always on the move, therefore I always speak, and act as if I am going somewhere. At the moment I cannot leave – the barrier is still here, meaning I am stuck here – though I will probably go take out a few shades to lessen the power of the barrier.” Atlanta glanced around, as if looking for shades. “Do you have an aversion to killing shades who are completely evil?” she suddenly asked, looking back at Arcenis.

___________________

Daris smiled at the forest guardian when he motioned for them to enter. He knew Alvina would probably feel relieved at not being seen as a threat, even when she had accidentally destroyed a good bit of trees. Come. He said to the dragoness, as he took off flying towards Ellesmera. We can fly from here.

------

Ameris and Blacknight halted, taking a break. Suddenly Ameris smelled magic. Wulfe is near! She told Blacknight, filled with excitement, and anger. She flew quickly in the direction of the magic, only to be knocked back. A barrier. Blacknight touched her mind. There is a dragon on the outside of the barrier nearby. Perhaps the dragon will have an idea of what’s going on. Ameris rushed back to Blacknight, and the pair went in the direction the felt the presence of the dragon. They hadn’t gone far when they spotted the red dragoness. Ameris flew forward, not thinking about the possibility that the dragoness might be an enemy. Greetings. The hatchling said, Do you know anything about this magic barrier? Blacknight sighed. Ameris was always blunt.

~~~~~~~~~
Elfrida pulled hard at her chains. Suddenly one broke, leaving her with part of it dangling down. Elfrida broke the other one, and only then noticed that her hands had changed to the almost monster-like hands of darkness. Elfrida fell to her knees, unable to stand after who knew how long of hanging there. Elfrida grimaced. She could feel the presence of her enemies nearby. She could feel their silent laughter, and satisfaction. Elfrida snarled – she had done just what they had wanted, and the very though angered her.



OOC: Sorry it took so long to respond… We’re having computer issues.

Fenlore could feel the magic begin to take its toll on his stamina even though it took so little to use. He felt his mind begin to lose out to darkness but he held on to small details of himself to keep it from take complete control.
I know....I'll take them in stride though because if he had wanted to capture or kill me he should have used every once of power at his disposal and not opted to play games with me.
Wielding both spear and sword Fenlore began his attack. He attacked Wulfe with complicated combinations wielding the large spear in one hand and the swift sword in the other. Fenlore used every bit of the advantages both weapons offered to his advantage. All the while waiting for an opening to strike Wulfe with Sköliro kveykva.

_____________________

Alvina said nothing as they took off. She could feel the pull of what ever had been calling stronger than ever. The pull brought her down in front of the Menoa Tree. She looked at it curiously. It seemed to almost be awake as it swayed back and forth. She had seen the tree before but thought nothing of it. But now she could feel that it was what had pulled her across all of Alagaesia. A small spark of anger flashed in her eyes as she stared at the tree. She then took notice of the claymore in the ground in front of the tree. It was a natural blade from what she could see. With a sigh she opened her mind to all around.

Occ: I am going to progress this one quiet quickly in a couple of posts ^^ just a warning. Oh and I shall do it with a BANG!! =P

Dzroginion felt his grip on Zoe begin to slip. He grimaced at the thought of her breaking loose – he was not strong enough to handle her without his net – which should have been impossible to catch Zoe with in the first place. Dzroginion put his full strength into holding Zoe. Suddenly Dzroginion remembered that Wulfe had allowed him to use an Eldunari in case of emergency. Dzroginion smirked. He asked very politely, and with reverence for the Eldunari to help him. It agreed, and soon the small green dragon was in complete control over Zoë.

Wulfe easily dodged every one of Fenlore’s attacks. There was no way he would lose to him! Using power from an Eldunari, Wulfe used a protection magic to protect him from lightning when his blade met Fenlore’s sword or spear. Wulfe caught both weapons on his sword for a quick moment, and used it to give Fenlore a smirk that said ‘I win.’ Wulfe had come up with two ideas, which he hadn’t thought of before. Wulfe had no darkness within him, but his heart could be described as dark, and one that caused darkness to grow. Wulfe knew that if he touched the darkness he felt in Fenlore’s mind with his own mind, and then it would grow, and feel more favorable to Wulfe than to Fenlore. His other plan was to draw out Fenlore’s energy as he did an Eldunari’s. In order to do so, he would have to get into Fenlore’s mind, and with darkness trying to take control that shouldn’t be too hard. Wulfe jumped at Fenlore with his sword, and attacked with his mind at the same time, using the strength of the Eldunari to help him.

Cor stumbled as Natsu made use of Gravity, but didn’t fall – thanks to his sword. “Yours is quite useful as well.” Cor laughed coldly. Stepping back quickly. Cor’s eyes held a satisfied light. This was going to be the first fight in a long time that he actually enjoyed.

"Don’t forget them.” Atlanta told Arcenis. "Just don’t let it control you.” Atlanta looked around again, smelling Shades in a couple of different directions. “Some of these became Shades by choice – if not all of them. Would you rather let evil beings loose, or would you rather kill them? You can choose whether you merely wound or kill. As for me, I will kill them, and in so doing protect more people than merely wounding them would do.” Atlanta said, looking Arcenis in the eye. “If you want to save people, sometimes you have to kill.” Atlanta turned, and walked in the direction of a group of Shades. “There are a good number over here.” She said, not looking back to see if Arcenis was following, not even listening, or feeling for his presence, but putting all her attention on the Shades.

___________________

Daris landed behind Alvina, and watched. He could feel her anger for the Menoa tree, and wondered at it. Daris noticed the large claymore, and shivered. Somehow it seemed so… Daris couldn’t really describe the feelings it gave him – they were too diverse. But he wondered, how could two things so opposite coexist?

------

Ameris growled at the mention of Cor, and Wulfe. It seems we succeeded in finding Wulfe she said in a voice, with a tone saying she was ready to kill. Elfrida must certainly be here if both Wulfe, and Cor are! Blacknight looked at the hatchling. Do not be so afraid, Ameris. If Fenlore is there, then I am certain Elfrida has nothing to worry about. He has inherited the skill meant for the one who protected Elfrida first after all. Blacknight looked at the dragoness. Be calm. She said. Wulfe’s barrier can only last as long as those holding it in place are alive – probably Shades. If we seek out their minds, then we can stop them from contributing to the barrier, one by one. I am Blacknight by the way, and this hatchling is Ameris. We are looking for our rider who went missing a little while ago. Blacknight hoped the dragoness wouldn’t think it strange that neither horse, nor hatchling could feel Elfrida’s presence, as that was a point of anger for Ameris.

~~~~~~~~~

Elfrida thought over what she could do to thwart the plans of her enemies. She couldn’t use any magic here – else she would already be long gone. The chains left on Elfrida’s arms were heavy, which would also be a disadvantage for her. Elfrida retreated into her mind for a moment, thinking about what she should do. Suddenly her eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. She didn’t force Darkness back, but forced the ‘Other’ in her to come to the front. Elfrida’s right hand turned pale, though the claws didn’t leave, and her right eye turned nearly white. Elfrida smiled a grim smile of satisfaction at the anger she felt coming from her enemies. This had not been part of their plan apparently.


OOC: My 1500 post! =D

Fenlore was taken by surprised when Wulfe assaulted his mind. Up until now Wulfe had shown no desire to engage in a mental battle or so it seemed. He began to retreat into his mind slightly to protect important information in his mind from Wulfe. As he did so darkness made its move and weakened by Wulfe's attack he could do nothing to stop it.
He contained himself in his mind keeping darkness from corupting him but it began to take over his body. He could see what was happening now. The lightning that had been so pure was now mixed with back, a sign of the darkness within. He could feel the whites of his eyes begin to shift as tendril of darkness began to creep in. He could feel the hate radiating from whatever this darkness was. He couldn't help but be a little cheerful at feeling who the hate was angled at, and that was Wulfe.
His cheerfulness died almost as quickly as it came though. The darkness that controlled his body raised his sword above his head and smiled. Lighting laced with darkness began to fall everywhere inside of the barrier a large amount aimed at Wulfe but it seemed to fall everywhere also.

__________________________

Alvine cringed at the Menoa tree entered her mind.
You have cause me a great deal of discomfort Alvina! The tree said not concealing her words from any. I was told by the deepest roots of magic to give you a new life and you decided to destroy parts of mine. Alvina twitch at the anger in the tree's words but remained silent and on gaurd. I will still complete what I have been tasked to do but...you shall pay in pain and a task of your own dragon![i]
Alvina's instincts took control of her before she herself understood what was going to happen. She lept into the air in hope of escape but roots crashed up through the ground wrapping around her legs. She worried about Daris for a moment as she saw branches and roots of the powerful tree move to block any interference that he may try. She struggled against the roots burning any branches that tried to get close to her. But struggle as she did it was still not enough. She was pulled down to the ground and giant tree branches began to hold her head and wings securely.
Alvina struggled against the Menoa tree but in vain. She could not break through the roots. [i]Release me! Alvina screamed with her mind but the tree seemed to take little notice.
Alvina continued to be bound by the tree till she couldn't even move a muscle.
Now dragon let us begin! The tree said as two branches pierced her temples and entered her mind. The pain was almost to much to bear as the tree began to work magic directly on her mind.

OCC: CONGRATZ!!!!

OOC: Nice!

IC: Natsu held his staff out in preparation to attack, but a dark bolt of lightning narrowly missed him, and he looked around avidly in search for the source...Fenlore? A large barrage of dark lightning was going crazy. Most of it had been successfully aimed at Wulfe, but spouts of it were flying in every direction. At this rate, Wulfe would be defeated soon. "How about we finish this?" Natsu asked Cor curiously.

Erza nodded. They couldn't directly interfere with the happenings inside without dealing with those Shades first. Alright. We should assault each Shade one at a time with our combined mental force. By the way, what are your names? My own is Erza she said, taking on the horse's advice to calm herself down.

If you want to save people, sometimes you have to kill. Atlanta's words rang through his mind. He knew this, of course; that's why he wanted to kill his father and brother, but did that standard only apply to them? There were many hopeless cases that Arcenis couldn't help, so it would only be better to kill them. He looked up to see Atlanta walking away. "Wait up," he murmured and caught up with her. He could feel each individual Shade's presence in the area. He summoned Verella, which appeared with a short flash of golden light, and readied himself to attack. He hid in a bush with the stealth of an Assassin. Whenever you're ready he said to Atlanta through his mind.

Dzroginion blinked in surprise as dark lightening began striking everywhere. He was small, and it would be easy for him to dodge, but if his concentration broke then he would lose his hold on Zoe.

Wulfe continued to attack Fenlore's mind, even when the lightening began striking everywhere. He smirked as darkness seemed to control Fenlore. Aid me. Wulfe said to the darkness, allowing it to feel his evil heart. You will merely become a tool in the hand of Elfrida if you do not grow. Wulfe had felt the True Essence of Darkness before, felt it's malice, and desire to destroy the world, and recreate it as it wished. Wulfe had also felt many lesser Essences of Darkness, such as Fenlore's seemed to be - Darkness with a mind, and will of it's own, though not so strong as the one in Elfrida. If you aid me, then I will give you the chance to become stronger. You will not have to be a mere tool. Wulfe told the Darkness again, readying his sword to defend. Wulfe only needed this Darkness on his side, and the battle would be over. You want complete control of that body. I can feel it. Well I can give it to you. Just help me out a little. Wulfe said, drawing on the Eldunari to protect himself from the lightening.

Cor dodged a bolt of lightening. "Sounds good to me!" he told Natsu. Cor knew he would have to be completely serious in order to defeat Natsu with lightening striking nearly everywhere. Winning would be a challenge - and that made Cor all the more excited.

Atlanta allowed her blades to come out without a noise. She stood waiting for the perfect moment, completely hidden by her surroundings. She glanced over to where she knew Arcenis was. her lips twitched - the most she had ever smiled. It seemed he had understood what must happen. Atlanta focused on the Shades again, a slight blood-thirst, and a spark of excitement mixing in her eyes. The shades moved into a position where their backs were to the Assassin, and Shadow Hunter. Atlanta counted them quickly. Nine - a little under a third of the shades. Four apiece, and whoever finishes first gets the last. Atlanta told Arcenis with her mind. Attack now! she said, jumping out, and stabbing her first shade in the heart.

___________________

Daris watched Alvina, and the Menoa tree, backing up so he would be out of the way. He didn't know what was happening, but the Menoa Tree seemed to know what it was doing, so he didn't worry too much about what was happening. Daris was more interested in the existence of the claymore that shouldn't be, than what was happening between Alvina, and the Menoa tree.

------

Ameris dipped her head to the red dragoness. I am Ameris. she said simply, agreeing with Erza's idea quietly. Ameris felt joined her mind with Blacknight's, and felt for Erza's to know which shades to attack. Blacknight bowed slightly to Erza. I am Blacknight, mount of Elfrida the werecat elf. She allowed Ameris to join minds with her. They shared the rider/dragon connection more than Elfrida, though the horse would not admit that to anyone.

~~~~~~~~~

Elfrida felt her strength slowly returning - though too slow for her comfort. She could feel her enemies, and knew they could defeat her in her current state. She felt one approaching, and looked in his direction. She knew they were just stalling for time until they could come up with another plan. "Do you know why you were the chosen one for Light and Darkness?" her captor asked, showing no sign that he would tell her the answer if she didn't know. The question made Elfrida wonder, Why me? Why not someone else? Elfrida would have asked the two in her, but they didn't seem to be in the right mood for that. Elfrida began looking into herself for the answer. There had to be a good reason, and she was sure that reason would give her a way to escape.

OOC: I'm graduated!! =D Right after getting 1500 posts too =) (I guess it's obvious that I'm happy) =)

Fenlore felt the confusion of the darkness as Wulfe spoke. Before Wulfe had been the darkness’s goal but now that Wulfe dangled this treat before it, it seemed to like it better.
Feeling this Fenlore began to fight back for his body. He pushed against the darkness that was still somewhat confused and began to gain ground. It was a long hard bitter fight but in the end Fenlore was able to gain dominance over his mind once again. He pushed the darkness to the back of his mind and locked it away.
When he gained control again he smiled at Wulfe and took a step toward him but mid stride his knee gave away and he felt how little energy he had left after fight the darkness in him. He shuddered slightly on his knee's he could still feel Sköliro kveykva but it was nothing more than sparks now in his state.
He coughed and pounded his chest as if that would solve the problem but it did nothing. He did feel someing swing against his chest and his armor though. It was the small necklace made from Ameris's egg. It was the first time he noticed it and it seemed to be pulsing with power. He couldn't help but grin as he began to work out certain spells in his mind for the right moment.

_________

Alvina felt the Menoa tree as it began to erase every bit of the bond she once shared with Fen. Tears streaked down her face as she felt her rider die again then that knowledge of that feeling was gone. The feeling when Fen first bonded with her disappeared also. It was tormenting her as the tree worked through her mind.
Stop this...why must you tear him from me once again.. She cried aloud as the tree ignored her and continued its work.
Alvina's blood coated the ground below her now as the tree branches retracted. A slim bit of hope that it was all over entered Alvina mind but then that hope disappeared as the tree drove it's branches in her chest and wrapped them around her heart of hearts. She gasped in pain as her bond to magic was being changed in its very core.
Daris...Daris....kill me... Alvina pleaded as the pain became worse but the tree seemed to keep her from not passing out. Free me from this pain...

Occ: AWESOME CONGRATZZZZZ!!!!! Welcome to no more high school! lol and welcome to college xP

>.< Daris is so mean completely ignoring Alvina in pain lol

Dzroginion sighed in relief when the lightening stopped. A little more, and Zoe would have been free. Dzroginion suddenly noticed Fenlore's state. The small dragon grimaced, knowing there was nothing he could do to help.

Wulfe approached Fenlore, a smirk on his face. “That is a good position for you, though it would be better if you got on your face.” Wulfe said to Fenlore, pointing his sword at the half-elf. Suddenly Fenlore grinned. Wulfe immediately became on guard. No one grinned for just no reason. Wulfe drew more heavily on the Eldunari. He refused to allow Fenlore to win, or even come close to it. Wulfe was so absorbed in his battle that he failed to notice that a third of his Shades had been destroyed, and another was under a mind attack.

Cor defended with his sword, catching Natsu's staff with it. Cor couldn't help but laugh. “You are strong, elf.” he said sincerely. “I actually had to get serious in my fight against you.” Cor moved quickly, trying to get behind Natsu, if he could then he would gain a great advantage.

Atlanta stabbed her second, and third shades at the same time, and moved onto the fourth. This one was prepared, and lasted a little longer against Atlanta – though only by a few seconds. Atlanta turned to the last shade, and attacked, it didn't take long for that one to fall either. As soon as the shades had been defeated, Atlanta began searching for more with her mind. Atlanta's eyes smirked, tough she showed no other emotion. The remaining shades were gathered in two groups – approximately fifteen at the cave, and six or so near Wulfe. “Follow me.” Atlanta told Arcenis, moving off quickly towards the cave.

___________________

Daris growled at Alvina. So you are the type who gives up with a 'little' pain? He asked, trusting that the Menoa tree was doing the right thing. He didn't want to sound mean, but he was angry. Angry that he couldn't lessen the pain Alvina felt. Daris forced himself to ignore Alvina, though it was hard with her distressed cries filling his mind.
------

Blacknight felt Erza's readiness, and signaled for her to begin attacking. Blacknight attacked the same shade as Erza, with Ameris helping. Blacknight felt about a third of the Shades disappear, but didn't give it much notice, rather concentrating on breaking the shade. Erza, would you like the honor of destroying this Shade's mind? The mare asked the red dragoness.

~~~~~~~~~

Elfrida blinked and glared at her his question was one to buy him, and his companions time to come up with a plan, though Elfrida really wanted to know the answer. Elfrida was about to say something when sudden realization hit her. If either being in her gained complete control over Elfrida, then they would have the power to rule more than the world. Elfrida's power that belonged to her alone. The power of Nothingness. The power of the void. When combined with Light, or Darkness, it caused them to grow exceedingly in power. Elfrida felt the cold smile of her captor when he spoke. “Now you no why 'that one' must die. If 'that one' were to gain your power the whole world – no, everything would fall to Darkness. Evil would have the upper hand.” Elfrida knew her captor was right, but she still wasn't prepared to allow her enemies to rid her of the Darkness, because she had already embraced it.

Fenlore let his sword slip from his hand as he his body quivered in pain. He reached for the power in the egg shell and took energy from it. It reinforced him greatly but he did not let it show. Instead he place a ward on him that would allow objects to pass through him if they intended him any harm. His smile widened though it looked weak.
"Wulfe, we shall be seeing your sister very soon." He said it in a way that he hoped would push him over the edge.

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

Alvine snarled a weak snarled at Daris. Her pride would not let her accept it as he put it. She could feel her heart changing it was growing far larger than it should for a dragon her age. It made no sense to her why she had to endure this on the tree whim. She just wanted it to end; she reached for magic planning to crush her own body. But as she was about to release the magic the tree grasped her heart of hearts tightly and deepened her bond with magic. It was the first thing she could say she found exhilarating. She could feel every tendril of magic flowing around her and through her. It made her forget the pain for a moment but it returned as the tree dragged the dragoness back to reality. She roared in pain once again as the tree pulled the branches out of her body. The wounds healed as soon and the branches left her body, but in place of the wounds were scars where no armored scales grew.
You will go find your rider now dragoness. And you will accompany her. The tree said speaking to both Alvine and Daris. But before you leave you must accept your punishment.
Alvina growled at the tree but inside she was terrified. She watched as the tree picked up the large claymore that rested in the ground. It did not hesitate as it thrust the blade into Alvina's chest so that only part of the handle was showing and the tip rested on her Eldunari. She felt the blade begin to emanate a strange energy through her whole body. It was as if the blade was immersed in magic but not at the same time. It was in perfect balance and it balanced Alvina then. Body that had been trembling now was still, her heart that was in pain from knowing what she had loss was now content, everything about her was now balanced by equal forces. But she also did not feel right anymore, something was wrong about her.
The tree released its grip on Alvina. Go now and find your rider and then give this blade to the weaponless rider. That is all now be gone. The tree sank into its own consciousness. Alvina tried to be angry with it but could not, the blade balance the emotion making it impossible but at the same time it pleased her to know that the blade had probably just stopped her emotions from getting the better of her, it did not seem to have the desire to erase the pleasant feeling that came from this action though. She looked up at Daris with a confused but not unhappy look on her face.

As she did so she saw herself, it wasn't her reflection but an image the blade seemed to place in her mind, her scales where an even brighter silver then before matching the dazzling brightness of the sun. She began to look herself over and noticed that all the wounds that had been inflicted upon her were now covered in dark black scales. Clouds covered the sun blocking the light from the it only to reveal that her scales were now the same as the scars, blacker then night. The clouds passed and her scales shined once again.
Daris....what’s going on? She asked not really expecting him to know but just wanting to voice her own confusion.



Occ: Okay sorry about the time it took to post...i was wondering how to get from point a to point b....i have made up my mind now^^

Arcenis nodded quickly and began to follow Atlanta. There were around fifteen Shades total in their next destination, and Arcenis settled into a stalking stance, clinging to the shadows to obscure his form. As he neared the cave, he examined each individual Shades' positions. There were around six or seven of them outside of the cave pacing around boredly. That left nine or eight of them inside the actual cave. Natsu held his hand up stiffly as he counted down the time in which to attack as a signal to Atlanta. Five...four...three...two...one at one, he charged. A bright light illuminated a small radius around Arcenis and he held his dual weapons, striking viciously at the Shades as he came upon them.

Natsu ignored Cor's words, merely keeping all of his focus on the fight. Erza was stuck outside of the barrier and Natsu inside because Wulfe just had to be bright enough to trap several other people unintentionally with his intended targets. The entire thing was rather annoying. Natsu twirled, keeping his eyes on Cor and he backed up, before charging the human Rider, swinging viciously in complex manuevers in an attempt to end this soon.


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

Thank you Erza answered in content and finished the Shade's mind, finishing him quickly. She felt several minds vanishing inside of the barrier, some at once, and others consectutively. She recognized those minds as Shades' and smiled eagerly. The barrier was weakening quickly, and very soon she would be reunited with her Rider. Not deciding to waste time, she went ahead to the next Shade's mind and began attacking it ferociously.

Dzroginion sighed in relief again when Fenlore regained some strength from... The fragment of a dragon egg? Wherever the energy came from, Dzroginion had slight hope that Fenlore could now win.

Wulfe's face creased in a frown. Something was different about Fenlore compared to mere moments before. Where did his confidence spring from? Wulfe felt a chill, and a momentary thought crossed his mind that Fenlore might win. Wulfe forced a smirk, and tried to anger Fenlore. "Oh yes, we shall be seeing her soon." This time his grin was real. "And we will see if you can bleed more than she did. I wonder if she is still surviving, after the last torture session." Wulfe said with a cruel laugh. "Tell me, Fenlore. Do you miss your teacher? You will be seeing her soon, and when you do... Who should I kill first, if Elfrida is not already dead?" Wulfe asked with a laugh, stepping towards Fenlore.

Cor gave a mock sigh when Natsu defended against him. "This is taking longer than I expected." he said with a bored expression. Suddenly he narrowed his eyes. "Get serious! if you don't move quicker then you will be dead!" Cor jumped at Natsu as if he were about to attack, but at the last second jumped to the right, and swung his sword, jumping at the same time to the left to cut the opposite side of where he had been appearing to aim. Even elves had a hard time keeping up with the speed of that double feint, and Cor wondered how Natsu would react.

Atlanta left the Shades on the outside to Arcenis, and rushed into the cave. She knew it fairly well - having studied it after Wulfe 'hired' her with the promise of blood. She silently took out about half of them, but was noticed by the others, who all attacked her simultaneously. This was annoying.

___________________

Daris watched patiently as the Menoa tree finished, then bowed before it saying nothing. Daris looked at Alvina a moment before answering. You are changing. he finally said. You are being made fit for your new rider, and his own personal bonds. Daris began walking towards a clearing large enough for them to take off from. Shall we go? he asked, looking over his shoulder.
------

Blacknight and Ameris continued lending Erza strength for each Shade she attacked, knowing that was the quickest way to eliminate them all. It wouldn't be long now before the pair could confront Wulfe, and find their rider. Or so they thought...

~~~~~~~~~

Elfrida looked at her monster-like hand. The proof that she had touched both light, and darkness together. She could feel one wing, and folded it in front of her. It was a mix of crimson, white, and black. Elfrida grimaced. She had two choices set before her - neither of which she wanted.

OOC: I'm Back! Do you want Fenlore captured?