OOC: For Phalynx. Though others can join as well.

Nilarek sat in his throne, staring down at the large space that was now his throne room. He had taken this fortress and it's inhabitants and turned them to shadow. He quite liked having a fortress in which he could accumulate his power. The Fortress was located in the nook of a hill and forever covered in shadow, much to Nilarek's liking. It was almost as dark as the Shadow realm but still a few rays of sunlight or moonlight managed to come in through the windows.
He looked down at his newly acquired servants, now turned to Shades at his whim. They all had their allegiances to Nilarek but Nilarek made sure of their unending loyalty by having them swear in the language of magic and the language of shadows. He held in his hand a crystal which he had been filling with power since he had settled in.
"Have you sensed any more of your kind being summoned?" Nilarek asked the shade nearest him.
"No lord Nilarek, I haven't." Came an uncertain reply. "We would tell you immediately if we did."
"Be sure that you do." Nilarek said, still concentrating on the crystal.
Honestly, I would have thought that more people would try summoning spirits. It's hard to find help now-days. He thought to himself. Nilarek had been on the lookout for more people to capture and, while he could have turned anybody to his cause, make them an eternal servant. Someone who summoned a shade was always easier to change than one that never tried. He put down the crystal on the table next to him and closed his eyes, concentrating on the portal within him. He accessed the normal magic within the world and the energy within the crystal he just filled. Slowly, he tried to force the portal wider using as much energy from the crystal and his own body at the same time. It was difficult for Nilarek as he had very little experience using the magic of mortals.
"My lord!" Yelled his servant from across the room. "Another is trying!"
The interruption cause Nilarek's power to waver and sent a ripple across the fabric of the world.
"You idiot!" Nilarek yelled at the shade. He sent out tendrils of shadow to the shade which forced their way into the shade's body and tortured the shade to the brink of death again and again.
"Because of your incompetence I sent a ripple of Shadow energy across the land! Those who would seek me destroyed will be able to trace it back to me!" He stopped his torture of the shade who dropped to the ground in agony. "Prepare the defenses, they come now."

Aeraldi's head perked up as he felt something strange in the world, a ripple. That's shadow energy. Aeraldi noticed. Coming from Surda.
I'll bet anything that that came from Nilarek. We've felt something like it before remember? Aeraldi said in the back of their mind.
Aye, I do remember. Aeraldi said. Time to go then?
Absolutely! Aeraldi said, wishing again that he had a mouth to grin with.
Aeraldi took off from his temporary home in a cave in the Beors and headed to where the ripple had come from, near the border of Surda on the edge of the Beors. I've found you... Now I'll destroy you. Aeraldi thought to himself.

OOC: I would like to join ,this seems like a great time to get some work in with Arnon and Tamar.

IC:
Arnon had just finished razing an entire Surdan village, when he felt something. It felt oddly familure. It felt like ... shadow magic. He walked over to Tamar, his dragon who was in a nearby field, eating the cattle that had been previously owned by the dead inhabitance of the village. He said, "Did you feel that?"

Talar looked up from her food and said, Yes I did, it seems that there is a powerful shade nearby, come we will greet him. Said Tamar with a slight smile as Arnon climbed upon her back.

They set off at a decent speed to the border between the Beor Mountains and Surda. They landed with a small thud at the edge of a small fortress. Arnon and Tamar both could feel and see the shades, but one stuck out. It seemed that the shade itself was a portal ot the shadows. Arnon used magic to teleport both himself and Tamar into the most central room in the fortress, the energy it took was great, but Arnon didn't show it. He said to the shade in the center of the room that was holding a crystal, "Were you the one who sent out that wave of shadow energy across all fo Alagesia? That was a novice mistake, were I you I would go somewhere and learn the basics again." Said Arnon with a smile.

Tamar shuddered, she knew that when Arnon smiled, then trouble was sure to come, but the other shade didn't look like he was a push-over either. She walked over to stand beside her rider and let out a snarl as a warning to the lesser shades that were standing in the room. She kne wthat with her powers, she could rip the spirits from each and everyon one of them.

Nilarek stared at the newcomer and the dragon that suddenly appeared within his chamber. He stood in fury and gathered his power intending to destroy them, but that was when he noticed something strange about them. He was about to find out why they were here until the newcomer began to address him like a child.
"You will regret that peasant! Now tell me what you are doing within my chambers before I decide to tear your spirits out from your body!" His voice was raised in complete anger and was almost shouting.
The other shades within the room circled the two intruders, wondering if these were the ones that Nilarek had said were to come. They all prepared to use their own magic against, but waited for the sign from Nilarek.

Aeraldi flew over the land, using his far sight to find out exactly where the ripple came from. He had not much success until he pretty much stumbled across Nilarek's lair. He was about to dive for it when Aeraldi said,
Phalynx flies behind us.
Aeraldi turned his head to look at the dragoness, relief across his face as he knew he wouldn't fight this battle alone. Phalynx, it is good to see you. he said, Did you sense the disturbance as well?

"Kill me? I would love to see you try, but unless you plan on doing that now then get out of my way!" Nilarek had no time to deal with this bothersome shade and his pet dragon, he had other visitors.
"What are the lot of you doing?" Nilarek addressed the lesser shades, "I said prepare the defenses, we have company!"
The shades looked at each other and their fallen brother on the ground, then moved off silently. The shade on the ground released his spirits, the orbs silently floating within the air except they weren't pulsing colors. They were black, solid black and didn't change. Nilarek held out his hand to them and the spirits rushed into his body.
"It's hard enough to find help around these days, and I don't need you killing them off." His tone was calmer as he grabbed his sword lying against the throne. "I will enjoy killing you but that will have to wait. Two dragons who seek my destruction are coming now and I did not build this fortress to be destroyed in the next few days. So either help me or stay out of my way, or I'll let my dragon deal with you."
Nilarek didn't have a bonded dragon as such but he did have the dragon who was unfortunate enough to wander into the shadow realm and get stuck there. He was now Nilarek's eternal slave.

Aeraldi looked at Phalynx and said, I'll give you one guess and here's the hint, he's a shade. He used his eye to peer inside the fortress walls and it was there he saw the shade Nilarek and another shade he did not know. But most frightening was the dragon that stood in the presence of Nilarek and by it's movements Aeraldi deduced that it was bound to the shade standing apart from Nilarek.
How is that possible? A dragon never births for a shade, no matter what magic is used... Aeraldi said.
Well, my guess was right, Aeraldi said to Phalynx, Nilarek is in there but I'm sensing several other shades as well. As well as a... DOWN! Aeraldi grabbed Phalynx and forced her down, only just managing to avoid the harpoon that sailed past them.

OOC: Guys, I am goign to be goen for like a week, so one of you god-mod or skip me, if you god-mod, just don't kill them.

IC:
"I am not overly worried abotu any other dragon, Tamar can handel herself very well, as to the dragons outside, are they large dragons? I hate large dragons, as does Tamar." Arnon walked over to a nearby windwo and looked and what eh saw suprised him, a silver draogn with huge wings, that looked to be around three years old and another smallish dragon who seened to be looking at them. He said, "They aren't push overs are they?"

It would be no fun if they weren't. Said Tamar as she allowed Arnon to climb upon her back. She dove out of a nearby window and flew over to the top of a nearby tower. There, she watched the approaching dragons with great interest.

OOC: Do you want to play him or should I make his characters leave?

OOC

Umm, do anything, but I would still like to be part of the story, maby one of you god mod. I am on my phone... thats how I am able to respond. But, see ya.

OOC: K... I'll try to do it for this one, if it doesn't work then I'll temporarily make them leave.

Aeraldi watched as the dragon and rider came out from the castle, then looked at them properly with his far-sight. I don't know, but from their looks I don't think they're going to be friendly with us... He commented.

Nilarek looked at the dragon and rider, the first of their kind. Unless you count Zantya and that filthy black dragon. They'll serve their usefulness to me for the moment, after that I am going to make sure they serve me forever.
"The white one won't pose too much trouble but don't underestimate him. If he changes then you better fight for your life. The other one is dangerous, more so than the other until he changes, but at all costs keep away from her fire." Nilarek warned Tamar and her rider, he remembered he didn't know the rider's name.
If nothing else, they can distract one while I attack the other. He thought.
He looked at the other shades rushing outside now, he could have sworn they were looking at him and the rider until a moment ago.
"Shoot! Kill the intruders!" He commanded.

I have no idea, but if Nilarek has managed to get them on his side then we're in for the fight of our lives. Aeraldi said.
I'm going to need you for this.
Approval came from Aeraldi and he waited for the change.
Be careful, I'm going away. My other side will fight today. He warned Phalynx. Then, with a quiver the pain of old returned and Aeraldi's wings locked up. As he fell from the sky he thrashed about as he felt limb being torn and his flesh aflame. His scales turned to black and finally Aeraldi snapped his wings open in time to stop his fall, although by now he was so close to the castle he could have breathed flame on it.

"The black one is mine!" Nilarek yelled at his servants, as he walked towards Aeraldi. "You're all mine now."

Arnon stifled a laugh at Nilarek's claims, although he did take them seriously. He watched as the small white dragon suddenly fell from the sky, then watched in amazement as it changed into a black dragon. "A black dragon?" He was about to attack when Nilarek yelled his challenge at the dragon. "All the better for us." He said softly, only to Tamar. He hated fighting black dragons, so he let Nilarek fight him. He patted Tamar's scales as an indication to begin.
Tamar took off immediately at the signal and flew at Phalynx in a straight line to begin. She knew she would have to move soon and prepared for it.

OOC: I'll godmod Tamar a bit while we fight so that she can react to Phal's attacks, if that's okay.

IC: Phalynx watched as Aeraldi changed into his fierce black half and dove for Nilarek, who was racing to challenge him in battle as well. She glanced ahead and saw that the shadowy dragoness was going for her. Her wing muscles looked tense, and Phal could tell she was ready to turn or shift position quickly.

Phal plunged forward and flipped upside down, diving underneath the dragoness and reaching up with her claws. She got a few glancing blows before the dragoness had collected herself and was grappling back. Both of them were scratching up the other's limbs. But Phal couldn't hold the upside-down position for more than a few seconds, and she dove down again, kicking off from the shadow dragoness.

She flew back up, but not directly the way she had come. Her opponent was ready to meet her. Light in the air as she was, the smallish dragoness would be a close match to Phal's agility. However, Phal constantly flew and practiced her flight, and possessed greater endurance in the air. This dragoness also seemed older, with more fighting experience, and much thicker of scale. They were not disproportionate in this fight.

The other dragon lunged at Phal's head as she rose in the air, but she twisted to the side, flinging her body sideways and attacking her enemy's shoulder as she raced up. They both caught each other on sharp claws, but the damage was not bad to either. Phal flapped above her opponant and blasted down a powerful stream of starfire. The dragoness seemed ready, though, and managed to avoid most of it. However, she was singed, as her affiliation with the shadows made her much more vulnerable to Phal's light magic flame than a normal dragon would be. She flew away a few dragonlengths to get a better position, and Phalynx waited to begin the attack again.

OOC: Not a problem, we both have our battles now

Aeraldi charged at the harpoon launchers and destroyed them quickly, both with fire and with claw. Phalynx wouldn't have any unexpected company now. Then Aeraldi turned to Nilarek, the other shades running away from Aeraldi to follow their master's orders.
What were you trying to do? Aeraldi asked, knowing that Nilarek preferred to talk before fighting. He liked to too, but he only did what he needed to warm himself up.
Don't take it too far this time. His other side warned.
"I have no patience for our little chat this time!" Nilarek yelled, "I will not allow you to take what is now mine!" And Nilarek's sword was at his side in no time and coming right for Aeraldi.
Aeraldi dodged the sword only to have it nick him on the back swing, the shadow energy searing his flesh.
He's not playing this time, he's trying his hardest to kill me!
Gain some space, otherwise you'll be chopped to shreds.
Aeraldi danced backwards, using his wings to help him gain space but Nilarek kept closing the distance between them quickly not allowing Aeraldi to gain the space he needed. Aeraldi swung at Nilarek with his claws, hitting the inside of the shade's leg. Nilarek barely felt it and continued striking at the dragon.
A little help here? Aeraldi asked frantically.
Aeraldi kept watch on the body for when Aeraldi was going to breathe fire. He didn't have to wait long.
Aeraldi finally managed to get some space between them and breathed, his other side mirroring his actions even though Aeraldi had no body to speak of at the moment. Greyish flames danced through the rooms as Aeraldi breathed the flames that were hotter than any known source. The other shades were caught in the torrential flames and burnt to a crisp, their spirits destroyed utterly.
Nilarek had managed to put his his shadowy barrier against the flames, but shrieked in fury as his servants were destroyed. He drew more power out of the portal within himself and drew even more. He was going to destroy this dragon no matter what it took.

When the flames died down Nilarek began on the attack immediately, swinging his sword around his head to cleave the small dragon.
Aeraldi jumped to the side, but his hind leg was clipped again by Nilarek's sword, the shadows coursing through his body like a poison. Aeraldi kept on the leg, using the pain to remind him that it was going to stay attached to his body.
We need to get out of here! Nilarek has the advantage in this cramped area!
Aeraldi pushed himself backwards again, Nilarek following his every move, then charged forward. The move caught Nilarek by surprise and he didn't have time to swing his sword but Nilarek reached out with his spare hand and grabbed Aeraldi by the leg he had cut. Aeraldi turned around and bit Nilarek as hard as he could on his arm, cutting his arm right off.
Nilarek screeched in pain and swung his sword again, missing Aeraldi and hitting the ground. The sword shattered on the stone ground, sever fragments hitting Nilarek and a few others hitting Aeraldi.
I'm too hurt to fly, I need some healing. Aeraldi pleaded his other side.
You can do it remember? Our trip to the shadow realm showed that.
Aeraldi nodded and reached for the magic again, all the while scrambling for the door which would mean his freedom.
Nilarek's fury reached new heights, the small dragon had broke yet another one of his swords and had caused him a considerable amount of pain. Nilarek had never truly lost his temper before in any encounter, he had always had a measure of control, but messing up the spell because of incompetence, mixed with the taunting rider as well as the assault on his castle had brought him to new levels. The breaking point for his control broke with his sword.
Nilarek screamed out in raw fury, losing all control over his mortal form, allowing his shadows to control every action. The portal within him was now at maximum capacity, flowing as much of the energy as it would allow. Nilarek's arm regenerated instantly and he fell to his knees, arms spread open. The amount of energy being channeled caused an explosion of power within the castle, causing debris to fly into the sky and surrounding areas.
Aeraldi ran for the door, the magic slowly healing his wounds with help from his other side. He ran as fast as he could, using his wings to help him gain extra speed. He jumped into the air and flew out of the castle and upwards towards Phalynx. The castle exploded then, behind him, consumed within a raging torrent of shadow energy.
Aeraldi watched behind the body using his far sight, and relayed the positions of flying stones to Aeraldi, who used the information to dodge.
The resulting ripples through the fabric of the world were massive, causing several rips to the shadow realm. Aeraldi dodged the portals, making sure he would not fall into the shadow realm. He then looked at Phalynx, making sure that she was still safe within the roiling chaos that was the skies above Nilarek's fortress.

OOC: Phew... That was actually quite epic, even for my writing.

OOC: lol that certainly was.

IC: Phalynx and the shadow dragoness had circled around for another attack. Phal twisted to the side and hit her wing with her own, and because of the larger size the dragoness was tripped up in the air and stumbled away. Phal raced in and clawed at the dragoness's back, when she suddenly heard a loud rumbling below. Her magic vision revealed huge ripples of shadow magic coursing through the air, drumming past her in terrible waves. Phal flung herself away from the dragoness, pushing her away, and looked towards the fortress.

Nilarek had gathered the dark energy into himself, and was releasing it in massive amounts, enough to rip the castle apart. Aeraldi was flying out. He looked battered from the fight, and Phal flapped over, glancing over her shoulder to make sure her opponent was not following. Aeraldi, are you okay? she asked with concern. She glanced nervously at Nilarek below. What will happen when Nilarek releases his shadow magic upon us? I've never seen him so angry, she said in a low tone. The ripples of darkness were already jolting her as she flew.

OOC: Do you want the order as Me > draco > voenth or do you want it as it was before?

OOC: Whatever is easiest, I guess Aeraldi, Draco, then myself.

OOC: Okey dokey, I shall post now then. Sorry for not posting earlier; I had exams this week.

IC: Phal was watching the darkness swirling and twisting around Nilarek, building into something frightening. She forgot to watch for the evil dragoness and her rider. The sudden impact on top of her knocked the wind out of her body. She pinned her wings to her sides to keep them safe. She cried out as her body crashed into the ground. She tried dizzily to get up, but was pinned beneath the dragoness and being attacked with her fire. The flame was starting to singe her scales, and she couldn't get up. She was still dizzy from the hard fall.

Suddenly, Aeraldi crashed into the dragoness and Phal was able to stumble away, shaking her head as her vision cleared. With an angry hiss she turned back around, holding her left hind leg off the ground.

Aeraldi shrieked in pain as the sword plunged into his side, but the pain was soon forgot as he brought his teeth around the sword and threw it into the shadows. His side bled profusely and no matter what he tried, he couldn't heal it.
I need you to take over, I can't continue to fight with this wound.
I'll do what I can. Aeraldi said, pulling at the body.
Whether it was fate, or it was luck, Aeraldi wouldn't know. But Aeraldi's scales changed to white quickly, almost without pain, far faster than any time before. His scales looked dimmer than usual, but he had no time to wonder about that as he was confronted by the pain made from the sword. He began healing himself until he saw Phalynx still in pain. He stopped healing himself and ran over to her, Here, let me take away your pain. Aeraldi said, using his own magic to heal Phalynx quickly.

As Nilarek felt the shadow magic being used he remembered, everything. As Arnon and Tamar entered the mist that was now Nilarek, he forced the shadows to grab them and throw them against the rubble of the castle. Foolish mortal, you are not welcome in my presence! The words were sent into their mind via their connection to the shadow realm.
He then turned his attentions to the two dragons, You two have caused me enough trouble, now die! Nilarek sent tendrils of shadow energy at them, each one strong enough to cut them in half.

OOC: Ok, here goes Arnon and Tamar switching sides because of Nilarek.

IC:
Arnon was extremely angry when the other shade threw both himself and Tamar against the castle walls. In his rage, he summoned hos own shadows and deflected the tendrils sent against the silver and the black dragon. He mounted Tamar and flew high above the mist. He began to send down magic into the mist, magic that would not reall yharm anythign other than a shadow. He sent down some magic, that would lighten th entire mist to harm the turn-coat shade. He and Tamar flew higher and higher into the air, untill they were a mere speck above the dragons below. There, Arnon attacked the shade while Tamar defended them with her ability to control shadows.

With a monsterous roar, Tamar fle wfree of the shadow mist and began to manipulate shadows around both herself and Arnon to deflect any shadow magic that might be sent their way. She flew high above the clouds to give them time to get away should the silver draogn and the white dragon attack them.

OOC: Wasn't expecting anything different, Nilarek is still annoyed at Arnon and Tamar for appearing in his chamber and insulting him.

As much as Aeraldi wanted to heal her, he knew he wouldn't be able to. Not after she had blocked his magic. The tendril of Shadow that Phalynx split had reminded Aeraldi of the danger that still surrounded them. Aeraldi healed himself of the pain in his side and brightened his scales to combat the closing shadows.

Using shadow against shadow, you're signing your own death warrant. Nilarek said, his 'voice' somehow showing anger. You only increase my power. He grasped the shadows that were sent at him and forced them to his will. He then threw twice as many bolts back at Arnon and Tamar, making sure they had to move and dodge the shadows around them. He grew happier at the fact that they had to be afraid of the shadows around him while he thrived in them. That was when he noticed the dragons fighting against the shadows around them. He knew it was time to strike fear into them. He split himself into two, one to kill Arnon and Tamar and the other to kill the two dragons.
Nilarek's 'body' walked out of the shadows, his body wavering in the light. It looked out of proportion, his arms and legs longer than normal with his body smaller. His head on top narrow and slightly elongated. There was no distinguishing features about him except that he was shadow, and nothing else.

Aeraldi shifted in front of Phalynx slightly as the shadowy figure came out of the shadows at them, his scales still shining brightly. Is this truly the depth of your power? Aeraldi asked, trying to delay what would come.
No, this is simply a manifestation of it.
Aeraldi would have sworn that the shadow was smiling at them then, he was afraid.
Just breathe. Aeraldi said.
Aeraldi took the hint and breathed in, igniting the fire within his chest. Aeraldi breathing with him. Then they released the fire of their true form once again, destroying anything in front of them. Including the shadow.

Nilarek saw the dragon breathing in and knew it could only be one thing. He moved away through the shadows taking what he could with him.
Meanwhile the other form of Nilarek rose out of the shadows to present itself to Arnor and Tamar. Miss me? He said before his arm swung at them.

OOC: voenth, you're starting to godmod just a little too much, okay? When you attack, you have to give the other person's charry a chance to dodge. Just try to watch for that, please.

OOC: Lolz, Arnon and Tamar weren't given much of a chance to dodge when Nilarek attacked them when he was a mist. I am not angry at Aeraldi or anything, but if you will tell me, you should tell him also.

OOC: Alrighty, let's have everyone just watch out for that then.

OOC: I don't mind, I meant to give you a character to fight your own way. Besides, having the characters not hit each other and do damage is kinda boring. Besides, I want you to hit Nilarek around a little bit so he loses some power. I plan on him losing quite a bit of power here.

Nilarek felt the blow from Tamar and Arnon coming through his shadows, he had forgotten that those who have held the shadows can affect others from the shadow. I have underestimated these two... Nilarek felt the thoughts returning to his mind, his rage subsiding with the multiple foes. Maybe I have underestimated all of them, especially when they are attacking me at once... NO! I will kill them all! They do not deserve to live in this world, my world! Nilarek's shadow raised from the ground easily and disappeared into the shadows again, using them to his advantage. He eyed the pockets of shadow realm still in the air and smiled. He disappeared into the pocket nearest him still in the shadows and used the shadow realm to transport himself near instantaneously to the pocket nearest Arnon and Tamar.
Surprise! He said before swinging once again.

Back on the ground, Nilarek felt part of himself incinerated by Aeraldi's fire. The shadow was around before your precious light, and will be here long after your light has dimmed and faded away. Nilarek said, his thoughts being projected into the writhing shadows around the two dragons. The shadows wavered and came back strong, all the while twisting and converging back into itself.

Aeraldi looked at the shining dragoness, admiring her courage in the face of this demon. He looked back at the shadows that cringed back from his flame, happy that Nilarek would be afraid now. We will live through this after all.
You doubted we would?
Only for a moment, I'm good now. Aeraldi increased the light from his scales to match Phalynx's, making sure they would be able to see where the next attack would come from. He didn't wait long, several more tendrils of energy came flying at them twisting the light.

Nilarek was going to kill them, it was all he could think about. But the light they were emitting was hampering his efforts, he couldn't get close. Now that the rider and his dragon were distracted, the tendrils wouldn't be deflected by them.

OOC: Well if we're all okay with it then. lol and voenth you skipped me, you bugger. lol I don't mind though.

IC: Phal bared her teeth at the shadows before them. Nilarek, shadow cannot exist without the blocking of light, and darkness is merely the absence of light. If there is unblocked light, then darkness cannot exist. Our light will quench your shadows until they are nonexistant, she growled, emitting as much light from her scales as she could. Anyone looking at her now would be blinded by the silvery glow.

Phal felt as if her light grew even more when Aeraldi joined her. His presence gave her more courage in the face of evil than she expected, and she welcomed it. She breathed out a thin jet of starfire to destroy the dark tendrils of shadow magic lunging at them, and took a few steps closer to Nilarek. You can't win, Nilarek. We will not let you, she stated with determination.

OOC: Oh! I am so sorry, I really didn't mean to skip you!!!!!!!!

OOC: If there is something you don't know how to spell there is one site to look at. www.dictionary.com I use it all the time. Actually I think I might just put that in the WWW section.

The shadows faded slightly, several portals to the shadow realm closed and Nilarek began to conserve his power. He attacked the barrier around Arnon and Tamar, unable to get through. Pathetic weaklings. Next time, don't anger someone you don't know the depths of.
With that he left them, leaving the shadows there to say when they left. The two different incarnations of Nilarek joined together and they both attacked Phalynx and Aeraldi.

Aeraldi kept the light going, although it was hard to keep the light up with Phalynx. When she made her scales give out even more light, Aeraldi couldn't keep up. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up.
Not for much longer, remember you're using up the time you have emitting light.
Aeraldi cursed himself for forgetting that fact, then joined Phalynx in destroying the shadow with flame.

Nilarek couldn't keep up the shadows for much longer, everywhere they were being destroyed and with them, Nilarek's power.
I have to go back, if this keeps up I won't be able to escape. Nilarek's anger gave way to fear and, as quickly as the shadows and emerged from the castle, they shrank back into Nilarek and Nilarek began to change again. Back into his mortal form. Color began to mark Nilarek and his form reverted back to shade. He took a shuddering breath and stared at the two dragons, standing amongst the rubble of his castle. "I will kill you, both of you. You have caused me an endless deal of pain and I will repay you in kind, but not today. Enjoy your victory," Nilarek gathered the shadows around him for one final attack, pushing every bit of power he could into one final assault. "for it will not last for long!" Nilarek threw every bit of shadow energy he could scrape together at the two dragons, sending out all types of magic he could muster.

OOC: Should I go?

OOC: Might as well, draco is leaving now and we're going to have to wait for her to get back.

Arnon continued to recover.

Tamar prepaired for the fight ahead of them. She launched shadows at the shade in an attempt to distract him long enough for one of the dragons to harm him. All the while, she still shielded both herself and Arnon from the shade's shadow attacks.

OOC: Sorry, pass.

OOC: Yay! I'm back! I'll just go now.

IC: Phal let her starry light dim as Nilarek withdrew back into his mortal form. The visible shadows around him dissipated and were reabsorbed into his flesh. The dark magic was still heavy, however. It remained, swirling and twisting above and around him in dark wisps. Our victory against you is eternal. Begone, shade, she growled.

She saw the dark magic suddenly build up and pull itself together threateningly, and she realized what Nilarek was about to do. Phal immediately intensified the light from her scales and drew herself up, filling her lungs with air and preparing to counter the darkness with her fire of light. Aeraldi! she shouted as a massive explosion of shadow was blasted towards them. She let out as huge a burst of starfire as she could, but she didn't know if it would be enough to stop it.

OOC: Hooray! My awesomeness spree couldn't continue, I had nothing else to give.

Aeraldi watched intently as the Shade slowly pulled himself back together into a mortal form. Nilarek was crafty but even he knew when he was beaten, he made that clear when they took Navarre's Eldunari from Galbatorix. He barely had time to react when Nilarek launched his final attack.
Aeraldi! Phalynx's scream burned through Aeraldi's veins, setting his limbs aflame. NO! He rushed in front of Phalynx to protect her, avoiding her starfire. His next thoughts came in an instant.
Why am I here? What do I owe her that I put my life in danger for her?
She has always meant a lot to me, more than any other.
More than any other... Do... Do I love her? I... I love her.
I can't love her, not after her. Oh Fierella, can you forgive me?
Yes.

Aeraldi's colors darkened, and became grey. His size grew, his claws and teeth becoming larger. He breathed out, fire exploding from his mouth consuming everything in front of him.

Nilarek stared in horror as Aeraldi jumped out in front of Phalynx and began to grow. Change! He screamed at himself, Become the shadow quickly before he destroys you! Nilarek began the changing process, hoping to get away before he was destroyed. As the flames raced towards him he wasn't completely shadow yet, almost half of him still in his mortal form. He screamed in agony as he severed his shadow part from his mortal part and raced away within the shadow of the mountain, but he still felt the pain as the flames consumed him. It seared his flesh and ran through his body entirely, even through two spirits that had been left behind. Nilarek had escaped, but at what cost to himself?

Aeraldi kept the flame going as long as he could, which wasn't too long as his only breath was the one he had taken when he was smaller. He breathed in, looking at the destruction he had wrought. He saw a husk of a body fall to the ground and explode in a mist of ashes, something was wrong about it but he didn't have time to see what was. Then it hit him.
He was whole.

OOC: I hope you don't mind if I send your charries on a small vacation, voenth. You can hop right back in when you return.

IC: Tamar smirked in satisfaction as the shade was destroyed, though she was annoyed by the fact that it was a large dragon who had done it. She felt a small longing to go down and fight the other two dragons some more, but was too wise to engage them in a weakened state.

Let us find a place to recover, Tamar. We can find this sorry excuse for a shade, Nilarek, later. Or those annoying dragons, he spoke quietly into her mind, and the pair flew off to heal their injuries and concoct a new plan of attack.


Phalynx stepped back as Aeraldi leapt in front of her. She watched in awe as the magic around him, which had always been of two distinct forms, melded together. The dragon himself changed, until he had assumed his true form. As he stood protectively before her, attacking Nilarek, she felt a strange sensation in her chest. It felt as if her heart were being flooded, but with fire. Her own starry flame, for it felt like light and heat, and it felt better than any normal fire could ever be. Aeraldi, she whispered uncertainly, stepping around him and stopping at his side.

Aeraldi breathed in an enormous breath, taking in the new air as he had not done in thousands of years. He had beaten Nilarek, for now at least, and he felt something he had felt only once before.
Aeraldi? came an uncertain voice beside him. Her voice churned the blood in his veins and he turned slowly to face her, looking into her eyes. One eye black, the other white. There was no denying what he now felt for her, but he knew that he would never so sure of anything ever again.
Phalynx, I... Aeraldi said weakly, I'm not... I'm not broken anymore. I felt always like there was something missing in my life, something that I couldn't be whole without. He lowered his head to meet Phalynx's, his breathing irregular. I... I can't... I love you. I love you and I don't ever want to leave you. I... I... Aeraldi shifted his eyes away from Phalynx, his face struggling to hold back pain. I need to know, do... Do you feel the same about me?

Phal closed her eyes, letting the warmth of Aeraldi's connection wash over her in waves. She opened her own mind and let her emotions spill over to him in return. It seemed as if a wildfire had suddenly been ignited in her mind, and in only moments it had engulfed her, engulfed them both. She moved closer to him, leaning on him and simply letting it all sink in. Phalynx didn't know it was possible to feel like this before, but was more than overjoyed that she had discovered what it meant.

OOC: Just curious, do you have any pictures of Aeraldi?

OOC: One of him with both colors


And another of him in Black form. It's all I got.

OOC: Neat. I have a cool picture of a gray dragon if you're interested. Could be gray Aeraldi.

OOCL Post it up and I'll take a look.

Aeraldi enjoyed the sensation, he was unable to show how much he didn't want to be anywhere else. But another thought entered his mind then, something he didn't think about before since he was smaller. Aeraldi was larger than Faefnir, though only just, and Phalynx was much smaller. It was enough to make him laugh slightly.
Figures that I would find love only to have it thwarted by my size now.

OOC: Okey dokey. I shall attach it. Btw the right wing looks weird because there was originally something in front of it and I had to edit with Paint.

IC: Phalynx laughed. She found the small predicament rather amusing, not something that thwarted at all. Your size? My love is unconditional; I do not care. Besides, I'm sure we could find some sort of magic or something that would allow you to shrink. Magic has done things even stranger, she said with a smile, her green eyes glittering.

Aeraldi wrapped his neck around Phalynx, enjoying the sensations that ran through his body at that moment. He may have been changed but there was no other way he would have wanted it. The feel of her scales beneath his, the scent that floated off her. For the first time in ages, he was at peace with everything around him. He hoped that this moment would never end, that he could feel like this forever.
I don't think so either. He said softly, letting his emotions flow across their link. They were jumbled but the main being joy.

OOC: Heh, just realised that you're going to have to update the Royal Bloodline now.

OOC: lol I already have, I just have yet to post the edited version.

IC: Phalynx sighed in happiness. She could sit like this forever. It was a little disappointing to know that they couldn't, but that didn't matter. They had all the time in the world. Finally, she broke the contact and stepped back a little.

Aeraldi, as nice as it would be to just fly off and find a place to live in peace, I know we can't do that. I know you realize that too, obviously. But there's more to it than just our responsibility to help everyone... There are things you have to know about me, too. Most important is, well, my path in life has already been chosen. I am supposed to watch over this world, and do my best to help its inhabitants. That is the reason why I have my powers. It is no coincidence that I have powers like the stars; like the stars, I must keep my eyes on everything that goes on and help where I can. I know that's a lot for someone so young, but that's why I was in my egg for almost fifty thousand years, Phal stated, her expression now serious. Aeraldi had to know. She wasn't like other dragons; even when the war with Galbatorix was over, she couldn't just find a cave and live peacably. She had to keep protecting, and watching, even during times of peace. She hoped that Aeraldi would understand.

Aeraldi smiled and replied, I wonder... Did you ever hear the story of 'Aeraldi', my namesake?

OOC: Short, I know.

Aeraldi grinned at Phalynx, It was a story back in my childhood, it's a shame that the story was lost to the ages. Aeraldi was a dragon, it wasn't sure what color he was as the story was altered for each clan. Anyway, Aeraldi hatched and before he was one moon -month- old he was flying. He flew faster than the oldest and higher than the most agile, it was said that he brought change to the world with his coming as he made a sport of wandering into other clan's territories and out-flying whoever came after him, laughing as he did so. One day though, he wandered into the territory of the non-dragons who didn- Aeraldi was cut off by a sudden pop in the air and an explosion that followed afterward. The air around them expanded, throwing them around until it suddenly stopped. In the center of the explosion was a hole to the Shadow realm, except this time there was nobody holding it open.
What now?! Aeraldi watched in fear as the portal took form. A grotesque hand reached out of the portal, grasping the ground beneath it.

OOC: I'll let you decide what kind of creature it should be.

OOC: Okay. Hee hee hee.

IC: Phal listened as Aeraldi began a story about a dragon talented at flight, and was planning on asking if he was named for this dragon for any specific reason. However, the magic suddenly lashing out at them wiped such thoughts from her mind. She saw tendrils of shadow magic rip upwards, flashing around them, all stemming from the same source.

Her gaze trailed to the ground, where it looked like something was tearing into the world. She knew what it was, by the shadows racing out of it and around it. In a flash, the tear opened up into a visible portal. The hand that reached out, though, was like no other shadow beast she had previously seen. It possessed long, skeletal fingers with extremely long, sharp claws. The fingers looked thin and fragile, but she could tell they were anything but. Slowly, the rest of the creature followed its limb. Phal's expression became a startled one when she saw what the beast looked like.

Its body was long and shaped like a scorpion, with a scorpion-like barb at the end of its tail. Instead of foreclaws, though, it possessed two humanoid-looking arms with those grotesque claws. It also had a pair of rows of dagger-like legs, though each leg was tiny and looked useless on the ground. Its head was long and ended in a razor-sharp point that reminded Phal of a mosquito's proboscis, only more sturdy and sharp-looking. Its eyes were large, and like other shadow beasts, its body was dark and looked like a shadow while its eyes were moonlike orbs.

The thing that made it most threatening, though, was the fact that it possessed a long, finlike projection on both sides of its body. The projection began near its "shoulders" and was extremely long, and tapered down gradually until it reached about halfway down its tail. The projection was held up by several long spines. The fins, apparently, acted as wings, for the creature was flapping them and heading quickly out of the portal. It is a flying shadow beast... I've not seen one like this before... Phal whispered.

Within the portal, several creatures noticed the light coming from the portal and moved towards it, including a certain portion of a being that would leave the world if he could. This portal wasn't what he was looking for, but he could at least cause some havoc with it. "It's not time yet, but this is a good test." He muttered to himself. He pushed the flying beast out first, testing to see if was possible for others to cross the border then took control of the beast and saw through it's eyes. Upwards he saw two dragons, those who hurt him.

Neither have I... Aeraldi said, watching as the shadow breast spread it's 'wings' and looked at them. What was worse though, was when it spoke;
"I may not be able to harm you directly, but my pets can do that just fine for me."
Though the voice was crackled and sounded as if it was being spoken through something tearing it self apart. Aeraldi still recognized the voice, Nilarek?
"I am not Nilarek! That pawn is simply a vessel for something greater. I am what that pathetic shade should be, what will be released when united with Keralin. I am He Who Has No Name, The Spawn of the Shadow, Death. I am Nilarek, I am this pathetic creature here, I am Shadow."

OOC: I suppose it's time to reveal what Nilarek actually is.

OOC: Oo, creepy! But cool.

IC: Phal glared at the creature, her eyes narrowing. If you are the shadows, then you will be destroyed eventually. I will start with any of your creatures that come out of their world, she hissed threateningly, in a voice that was unnaturally calm. She didn't mention that if this was the manifested intelligence of the shadows, it was perhaps her greatest enemy yet.

Phal dove through the air, bringing herself closer to the shadow beast. A single one would be easily dealt with, even a flying one, but she still placed herself a good distance away in case more swarmed out. Shadow beasts tended to do that.

OOC: Hmm... I just thought of a really cool thing to do with Aeraldi now.

Aeraldi dived for the other Shadow creatures, trying hard not to let any touch him in case they use the spells that Nilarek had used. Time to see how much I remember... Aeraldi said as he accessed the memories of his former lives.

Aeraldi running down a dark corridor with unknown beasts behind him. He needed a way to make them stop for a moment while he gathered his wits. Magic started running through his scales and before Aeraldi knew it, his scales were shining with a brightness of their own.

Aeraldi did exactly the same, pushing magic into his scales and forcing them to shine. His scales did shine, just with a different light than before, but it had the same effect on the creatures. The shadow creatures shirked away from him, pained by the light he was emitting.

"It will take more than your pathetic light to harm me." All the beast seemed to be talking at the same time now, each in their own separate way making the voices sound eerie. "The time of Shadow is coming, you just cannot see it yet."

Aeraldi breathed his fire upon the creatures, not only destroying the bodies but the shadow within them as well. He might be smaller now, but he still had the power his larger body had. The Shadow portal was gaining in strength and more beasts were violating the barrier between their worlds. The thought was maddening, not to mention that the Shadow creature on the other side was taunting them.
And the more you send the weaker you get.

"Shadow corrupts. The Shadow Realm corrupted me and you will be corrupted as well, already it is beginning."

OOC: Ahhh, I'm getting involved in this. Faefnir undoubtedly knew about their eventual bonding, and it's time for him to act. I'll even bring the Twins along, they're pretty big by now.

Faefnir and the Twins flew with as much speed as they could in order to reach the new mates in their struggle. Faefnir, although bulky and strong and old beyond almost any reckoning, could keep up easily with his young daughter, Navarre, easily, while Teranor was struggling to keep even with his father's long tail.

Faefnir of course knew that eventually, his sister-of-blood and long-time friend would be bonded as mates. Hence was the reason he remained so stalwartly drawn to the formerly-bipolar dragon. His strikingly deep blue eyes fixated on their position through far-sight, and he increased his pace. Navarre managed to maintain the pace, but Teranor just barely managed to latch onto Faefnir's back and ride him, much like he did when he was a hatchling. Faefnir smiled a little bit. Tired, son? Teranor merely nodded, and the two stronger flyer's laughed despite the fight that was coming.

Faefnir and his children roared loudly, Teranor leaping off his back, as they flew over the battlefield where many shadow figures were assaulting Phalynx and Aeraldi. Faefnir sent Teranor and Navarre down to them and they began to fight together as a team, efficiently and quickly killing anything that got close to them or the new mates. Faefnir, in the mean time, landed just in front of them, crushing several shadow creature under his weight. He smiled at them and winked a large eye playfully at them, before beginning to defend their flanks, all the while keeping an eye out for Nilarek.

Faefnir smirked as they asked their respective questions, one corner of his long mouth turning upward at the corner. Teranor and Navarre hovered over the group a little bit, than went off hunting to give them some privacy. The both of you know me too well. Of course I knew that this would happen. I've forseen your eventual bonding for many years, dear sister. That you would be mated to a grey dragon of ancient origins, one of extreme power, and that he would be saved from himself by you. This is only the beginning of something great, a bond that will transcend time. This is your destiny, my sister and brother. Faefnir looked to the west, towards the setting sun. The time is nigh, if my vision was right. The minions of the Shadow Realm will not trouble us for some time. Phalynx, Aeraldi... time to make your bond whole.

OOC: I'm touched. I never knew Faefnir could be capable of such romantic words lol. He's almost like a priest, delivering the vows of marriage rofl.

OOC: lol nice.

IC: Phal laughed warmly at her brother. Well, that does put hope in my heart for a good future, she remarked at Faefnir's words. A bond that will transcend time? she thought, hoping that his words were true and theirs would be a love to last the ages. Her heart knew it was, but she thought her mind might need more convincing.

OOC: Time for the mating flight, yet, Aeraldi?

OOC: If you want, Aeraldi won't mind

Whole. The word rang in Aeraldi's mind, having so many meanings for him. Thank you Faefnir. He looked at Phalynx then, truly taking in the sight of her and rubbed his neck along her's.
Phalynx, Aeraldi laughed slightly, Phal. I love you, and I want to share myself with you. I can't promise that I won't let any harm come to you, that is not in our future. I can't promise that I'll be by your side for all eternity because we are different beings. What I can promise though, is that I will forever love you and none other. I can promise that when the choice is ours, I will be there for you. Finally, I can promise you that when the day is through and our adventures completed, I will be there to comfort you and tend to you.

OOC: Edited by post, added a bit more at the end. Sounds much better I think

OOC: Pass post. This is for Phal and Aeraldi.

Faefnir smiled and stepped back, giving the two space for them to share their words and take flight into the privacy of the clouds.

OOC: Okey dokey then.

IC: Phalynx pressed herself closer to Aeraldi, hearing his words with her heart as well as her ears. I feel the same way, Aeraldi. My heart belongs to you. Forever, she said softly, and her pulse raced as she thought about what that meant. There would never again be a time when she felt lonely, even if she and Aeraldi were miles apart. She would always feel the connection to him, no matter where she was.

Her wings raised almost automatically away from her back and stretched to catch the winds. Phal knew she was ready to make the final, unbreakable connection of mind and body that would seal their hearts as one forever.

OOC: Heheheh. Rather poetic, actually. Hmm, any thoughts on kids for them yet, Aeraldi? We should discuss the matter in the pms.