The Demon, the Drowess and the Gypsy in the Lair

Kathena and the Demon

Arianna Shadowdew wanders around the deep dark caverns that have become their temporary home, while gathering information before attacking this land. She makes a turn down one corridor, then another; her face like the stone the walls are made of....expressionless and cold. She makes another turn and sees light up ahead. Her eyes narrow in interest. "What do we have here?" she hisses in a whisper to herself. She quickens her pace and makes the next turn at the light source.

Arianna Shadowdew eyes widen in surprise to see Ilmryn and the GYPSY both there. She quickens her pace even more and walks up to the demon. "What is the meaning of THIS?! How DARE you bring that...that...human here!"

Ilmryn Xiltyn turned his head to stare at her, small mechanical jerks. And as his eyes met those of the drowess, he flicked at the corner of his  mouth with his tongue before running his tongue slowly across his teeth, "Not a very nice greeting, Jabress. And here," he waves a hand at the gypsy, "I brought you a present."

Kathena Mavendorf is exhausted from her ordeal and barely conscious. Her arms and shoulder ache from being shackled and stiff in the same position for hours. Her eyes are closed, as she listens hoping to keep herself from being harmed, while learning more about her captors.

Arianna Shadowdew arches an eyebrow as she narrows her eyes looking down at the Gypsy. "You call THAT a present?! Why have you brought her here? You do realize, she can never leave?"

The Demon, the Drowess and the Gypsy

Ilmryn Xiltyn hugged his arms around himself as he paced about the small lair. As he neared the Gypsy, he prodded her with the tip of his boot before turning to the drowess. "She was being no help above ground. In fact, she tried to hide from me, but well, that did not work so well. Both of us together might get the information we need. I am tired of playing with her."

Kathena Mavendorf feels the nudge and moans at the pain it causes, revealing she is in fact awake. She opens her eyes slowly letting them adjust to the light, then looks up at them. She finally sees the female. She is tall and slender and seems to be also a Drow...her skin very pale and ashen. Her features are strong and rough, as if carved in stone, but it's her red eyes that catch her glance as they seem the color of blood.

Arianna Shadowdew leans down at the Gypsy seeing that she watches her, and grabs a fist full of her hair and pulls her head back so Kathena's face is facing up at her. "Did you get a good look deary? This is the last face  you will ever see" she hisses at her, letting go of her hair and standing to face the demon.

Arianna Shadowdew closes the gap between them, putting her face close to his in a defiant manner. "So she was too much for you to handle, huh?"

Ilmryn Xiltyn reaches out for the Gypsy and as his hand moves toward her, the bones begin to break, the skin melting away into his demon's claw. He literally lifts her from the ground and dangles her there, "She will not leave here. Let her see what she will and know the fate of the Druid," he growls.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Perhaps, I like to share, Jabress," he hisses at her

Kathena Mavendorf gasps as the female pulls back her head, now getting a full view of her, and is relieved when she releases her. Sadly, it is replaced by intense pain as the demon lifts her roughly and she dangles over the ground.

Arianna Shadowdew narrows her eyes at him..."Share? Really? Very well, then you won't mind when I start carving away at her delicate little body for amusement"

Ilmryn Xiltyn laughed at that and opening his claw, let the gypsy crumple to the ground. He raised his claw up to rake it down his cheek, "Just don't kill her YET Jabress. I am not quite done with her."

Kathena Mavendorf lands with a thud on the ground, every part of her body in intense pain, she cries out softly, trying her best not to make a spectacle of herself.

Arianna Shadowdew laughs sarcastically, "Very well," she purrs to him in a low raspy voice, "You have your fun first....then let me have mine."

The Demon and the Drowess

Ilmryn Xiltyn turned a half face to the Gypsy, his eyes still intent on the drowess, "A ranger came along..... a.......something was familiar about him. He tried to stay my attempt to take the Gypsy, but failed. And.... and later I found this caught in the skirts of my coat."

Ilmryn Xiltyn slips a single arrow from inside his belt and holds it out to her.

Arianna Shadowdew grabs the arrow inspecting it closely. She exhales loudly as her frustration builds. "Is there no end to your incompetence?! Now you have caught the attention of a ranger!" Sniffs the arrow, and feels it...."there is something rather unusual about this arrow. We will have to take extra care!" She snaps the arrow up against his chest, "Keep this, we might need to seek more information about this ranger"

Kathena Mavendorf remembers the lady elves that helped her before and can't help but let a small smile creep onto her face for a moment, satisfied that he at least was hit, and someone will come for her.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: A small grunt emits from his lips as she pushes the arrow against his body. He takes it, running his tongue across his teeth as he is want to do. A razor sharp claw slides along the runes on the arrow, very familiar runes. Yet, he is unwilling to speak of it until he knows more of the ranger, "The ranger may cause some problems, Jabress. But, it is nothing I cannot handle, I assure you."

Arianna Shadowdew shakes her head...."Yes, nothing you cannot handle, like the Gypsy" she spots the smile on Kathena's face, so she bends down and grabs her face hard, "Something amusing you?! Or do you just enjoy us hurting you?" she growls at Kathena.

Kathena Mavendorf winces and for a moment looks panicked, but then her face turns to that of defiance, "I'm amused at the fact that your days are numbered!" she speaks back not letting herself show weakness.

Arianna Shadowdew releases her face only to bring her hand back and slap her hard, cutting her lip, making her bleed. "And who's going to stop us? You?" she laughs wickedly as she watches the Gypsy trying to regain her composure.

Kathena

Ilmryn Xiltyn looks at the drowess and then at the Gypsy, his usually cold features smirking a bit as he watches them.

Kathena Mavendorf her head receives a hard slap making her head hit the stone wall, and cutting her lip. She shakes her head trying to get her eyes to focus again, as blood drips from her lip. She licks the blood and sucks on her lip briefly then looks up at them both. "If not I, there are others in this realm that will surely make you pay for what you have done" She spits blood at their feet defiantly

Arianna Shadowdew narrows her eyes at the Gypsy, obviously becoming more angry at the human's insolence. She kicks the Gypsy hard across her stomach. "Perhaps you will learn to keep quiet for a while now!"

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Now, now, Gypsy.Such unkind words to such.... benevolent hosts," he smirks, leaning over to wipe the blood from her lip with his thumb.

Kathena Mavendorf crumples over in pain as she gasps for air after the kick.

Ilmryn Xiltyn growls and pushes his clawed hand toward the drowess, "ENOUGH for now, Jabress. We do not want to kill her.... yet."

Arianna Shadowdew looks at him with such hate and anger that it could melt iron. She growls back at him, "Then keep your pet under control!" She takes a deep breath trying to regain her composure. "I shall leave you to it then. Get the information....then leave her to me." She narrows her eyes at the Gypsy before turning to leave.

Kathena Mavendorf looks up at her with such defiance, you might think she was stronger than the demon himself. She  is still gasping for air, so she doesn't speak, but doesn't have to. The look on her face is enough to let the Jabress know that she would rather DIE than ever give into them.

Ilmryn Xiltyn looked up from where the Gypsy sat, his eyes following the drowess as  she left. He made a small hissing sound as she turned the corner and was out of sight.

Kathena Mavendorf: (Saved Tue Mar 31 12:46:01 2015)/me looks up at him, finally able to speak again. "I see even YOU have someone that torments you" she speaks in a raspy voice filled with strength through the pain."

Ilmryn Xiltyn growls at her, waving his claw through the air and moves toward the entrance, turning to look over his shoulder as rage fills him and he disappears.

The Demon Takes the Gypsy

Kathena Mavendorf awakens after the first night good sleep she's had in a long time. Somehow the peace and serenity in the cottage has calmed her mind and relaxed her. She doesn't dare go outside, for fear of being seen so she grabs a book and sits on the bed reading.

Ilmryn Xiltyn seems to pour out of burned walls of the ruins in the Shadow Lands. He pulled his cloak tight about his body and slipped into the shadows, became one with it as he made his way toward the Gypsy's cabin and the answers he sought.

Kathena Mavendorf grows uneasy so she paces about the room, finally sitting down at the desk.

Kathena at her Desk

Ilmryn Xiltyn moves lightly, quickly leaving the smell of sulphur in his prints on the ground. He neared her cabin and slipped close, pressed against the wall the shadow of his being seemed to penetrate the wooden planks and move inside.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: His eyes widen as his knees bend and his fist clench, pushing hard against the tender drow flesh. Rage filled his eyes as his anger flared and he let out a scream that surely could be heard for a long distance.

 Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Kathenaaaa," his voice reverberated sending his thoughts to her. Where are you my pretty?"

Kathena Mavendorf hears her name screamed as echos in her mind and she holds her head in pain.

Kathena Mavendorf begins to panic and stands up looking about the room, but sees nothing and no one.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: The skin on a slight hand begins to crack and peel, the sound of bones resetting pounding like his heart. He licked his tongue out as if to taste the air and fangs pushed through his gums as the visage of the drow began to be more the demon. He licked at the blood on his fangs and licked the air again, "The Druiiiiid," he hissed to himself.

Kathena Mavendorf runs downstairs in the cottage to check the bottom floor, but again, it was empty. "Oh gods, what do I do?!" she mutters to herself. "Surely he won't find me here" she says with little hope, the fear reflected on her face.

Ilmryn Xiltyn looks about the room, his eyes narrow slits, a look that burns and destroys and he grabbed at a pile of her clothing, things with her scent and he throws them into a pile on the floor. His head cocks almost mechanically as his eyes burn into the clothes and they are engulfed in flames leaving only a pile of black ash. He sucks in a deep breath of air and pushing it out toward the ash, pushing it to move and float on the air, *Follow her scent..... Find HER for MEEEEE, *he screams wildly into the air.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: And the demon melded into the shadows again following the trail of ash.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "I am coming, Jalil. How dare you try to hide from me.

Alastair Shadowbane hear the screams as he moved through the hills behind the Ranger Hall, his head lifting as he quickly pulls the bow from his back and notches an arrow. His movements swift and silent as he quickly heads towards the cabin.

Ilmryn Xiltyn moves like silence floating on the air, his every step effortless. He passes the ranger hall and the farms and moves ever onward, let the trail of ash guide him toward the gypsy.

Demon in the Fog

Ilmryn Xiltyn moves to the bridge and pushes toward the fog that lay over it as the last of the ash fell to the ground giving him what he wanted. He moved closer and as the soft flesh that hid the demon touched the outlaying fog, he screamed in mortal agony and was thrown backward through the air. The ward had melted the last of his disguise and the demon stood exposed, the drow flesh still burning on his demon body.

Kathena Mavendorf paces nervously inside the cottage, hoping the earlier echos do not repeat themselves. "I'm safe here. He can't find me here." she repeats to herself. Suddenly hearing a scream outside, she freezes in place from fear.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: He screamed again, this time pushing his voice over the bridge, through the fog and into her ."Come to me> I DEMAND it!"

Kathena Mavendorf screams as his voice pierces through her mind, the command pushing hard to make her comply. She stands there crying from the effort not to move. "I can't! I mustn't go! Oh gods help me."

Alastair Shadowbane moved to the cabin, his eyes moving over the place as he holds the arrow in place with one hand, his foot nudging the door to the cabin open as he listens for sounds of trouble. Pushing the door further open as he scents the air then shakes his head, releasing the draw and replacing the arrow in the quiver. Slipping inside he looks around at the cabin, finding nothing out of sorts at first, but as his trained eye moves to the floor he spots the burn spot. Crouching down he reaches out a hand then stops as he whispers low words in a tongue taught to his family long ago, calling to the spirits. Closing his eyes slowly as he waits for a spirit to come to his request, hoping one would come.

Alastair, First Ranger of tRL

Ilmryn Xiltyn: A scaled arm, thick, muscular reaches out toward where she lies in hiding and his clawed hand motions in the air, "Come to me, Jalil, Come to me. I just want to..... talk."

Kathena Mavendorf feels one foot step forward and she sobs, "no, gods, please...." then another foot moves forward to the door.  She cries desperately trying not to move as she sees her hand reaching for the doorknob.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Come, come," he whispers into her mind, his voice now calm and soothing as he tries to lure her to him.

Alastair Shadowbane feels his eyes shoot open as a spirit answers his request. The feeling of absolute evil pervading what caused the scorch mark able to be felt. His voice is low as he whispers to himself. "A demon, a creature of the shadows. It's good my family came when we did." Whispering in the same language he follows the spirit as it leads him to the remains of the ash trail.

Kathena Mavendorf 's hand turns the knob and opens the door. Tears stream down her face as she can feel herself moving towards him, like a puppet on a string.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: That's it.... come come, Jalil. Come to me, *his voice pushes toward her.

Kathena Mavendorf takes a step, then another, and she can see that she is walking strait out of safety and towards what she fears most. She knows she cannot stop herself, but continues to fight against it, the pain reflected on her face.

Alastair Shadowbane follows the remains of ash, not realizing this was what remained of the Ash trail that the demon had created. Pulling his bow from his back, he once again nocks an arrow as he heads in the direction that the trail, and the spirit lead him.

Kathena Mavendorf is at the gates and can see the creature on the other side of the bridge. She reaches the gate and pulls it open, stepping through and walking unharmed through the fog.

Kathena at the Gates

Ilmryn Xiltyn reaches his clawed hand a bit further as he stands there some eight foot tall, his knees bent, his scaley body ashen like the shadows. He licks a fang as he sees her and pushes the drow image to her mind so she will not see the creature he is.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Come, come, Jalil," he croons to her, "Take my.... hand."

Kathena Mavendorf sees the Drow hand outstretched and against her own will, her hand grabs his. There is no escaping him now, she thinks to herself as she sobs.

Kathena Sees the Demon Through the Mist

Ilmryn Xiltyn: The facade fades away as his large clawed hand wraps around her small hand. His mouth open and he roars at her, his mouth wide, his bloody fangs threatening her.

Kathena Mavendorf screams and trembles in fear, "please, just let me go.....please!" she begs the terrifying creature before her.

Alastair Shadowbane as he follows the trail to the island he slows down even more. Slipping off in the distance he stops as he sees the demon, his eyes focusing as he draws the arrow back so that the fletching is in line with his ear. As he's about to release the arrow he stops as he sees Kathena, not wanting to risk hitting her he shifts his aim, hoping that he could break the demons focus and concentration for her to get away.. Speaking a few words calling on the limited magic of the wild that he can call on without his sisters he releases the white arrow, watching the faint, weak lines of green energy trail from the arrow.

Ilmryn Xiltyn growls and hisses like the beast he is and jerks her hard to him, wrapping an arm about her waist and he prepares to leave with her.

Alastair Shadowbane pulls and nocks another arrow, releasing another one at the creature of darkness before having to shifts his aim again to keep from hitting the gypsy.

Kathena Mavendorf gasps and winces in pain as the creature grabs her close.

Ilmryn Xiltyn screams as his massive head cuts to the direction the arrow had come from His eyes are burning slits full of anger, directed toward the ranger as a clawed hand pulls an arrow from his shoulder and tosses it to the ground

Alastair Shadowbane once again pulls an arrow and nocks it firing at the demon before he quickly slings his bow onto his back, his hands going for his twin blades.

Ilmryn Xiltyn pulls her closer, holding her like a rag doll, her body dangling in his arms as he looks for the intruder. He cocks his head and flicks his tongue into the air and with a swiftly movement of his free arm a bolt of fire leaves him and barrels toward the ranger.

Kathena Mavendorf squirms, desperately trying to get free from the creature, but her feet do not even touch the ground. She pounds her fists against it's chest, but it seems like she's hitting a wall of stone.

Alastair Shadowbane moves towards the demon, his blades flashing as he tries to dive out of the way of the bolt even as the spirit that had been assisting him, his friend from back in his home, moves in the way of the bolt, taking the damage, a small streak coming and flashing across his side, burning through his clothing, losing his grip on one of the swords even as he gasps, fighting to keep from blacking out as the spirit is destroyed.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: AS the ranger closes the distance, the demon lets out a loud cry that seems to shake the ground. he pulls his cloak around him and the Demon and the Gypsy seem to vanish into the shadows.

Kathena Mavendorf gasps as if the air was suddenly gone and darkness replaced it. She finally breathes again as she feels them appear elsewhere. Darkness all around, except for a fire and some torches. She looks around, still disoriented from the travel., finally looking at the creature. "Where....am...I? she manages to say weakly."

Alastair Shadowbane slowly shakes his head as he comes to, his eyes moving around as he shakes his head at the lost of his quarry.. Sheathing his blades he moves to where the demon had been, letting out a trickle of energy to try to find the energy link that had been attached to the arrow that was taken out. Concentrating he finally finds a trace of the magic before he stops and looks around, spotting the arrow and giving a sigh. "Damn, gone."

Ilmryn Xiltyn growls as they appear in his lair and moves to the corner where he drops her body in a crumpled heap and quickly clasps a pair of manacles to her wrists, ignoring her completely.

The Demon and Kathena in the Lair

Ilmryn Xiltyn turned to face her, his anger at her overwhelming his every sense. He cut his eyes down the dark corridor of the caverns and flicked his tongue out. The drowess was no where close he was sure of that.

Kathena Mavendorf panics feeling the manacles close around her wrists, tying her arms behind her back. She fights desperately trying to free her arms, but the metal cuts into her wrists with every movement. She finally stops looking defeated.

Ilmryn Xiltyn: As the huge beast paces the small lair, his body begins to change. The massive creature becomes smaller and the drow skin seems to layer upon his body, his face once again showing the softer drow features. He cuts his eyes at her, the slits widening as his voice comes out soothing and alluring, "This is your fault, Jalil. You should not have.... hidden from me," he whispers as his tongue licks over his teeth and he vanishes into the shadows of the caves.

The Druid Wards the Island

Jaekob Faolan: In the early dawn, just as light began to creep through the windows of the elven castle, the Druid awoke from reverie. He slid his long legs off the side of the bed and sat there, dressed only in a pair of white linen breeches. His long red hair fell down his shoulders, curled onto his back and he reached up to push the hair from his face.

Jaekob Faolan rose slowly, but deliberately. He knew what he had to do and this was the moment: he was taking his lands back and taking control no matter the consequence where the demon was concerned. He rose and slipped a white linen tunic over his head, moving his neck in a circular motion as if to work the stiffness from it.

Jaekob Faolan: He pulled his ceremonial boots on and then a shoulder cape to complete his Druid outfit and walked briskly to where his staff leaned into the corner of the room. He reached for it, touched it, let his fingers stroll down the thick dark wood. He felt the power of the staff emanate through his fingers, his arm and then push through his body. He curled his fingers around the staff claiming it for his own and turned to move down the stairwell and through the elven castle.

Jaekob Faolan passed through the great hall, stopping to pick at the luscious red grapes in one of the many fruit bowls that adorned the table. He bit into one, letting the sweet fruit tantalize his senses. A bit of a smile curled onto his lips and he took another flight of steps downward and into the throne room.

Jaekob Faolan: In the throne room, the Druid stopped and turned to look at his throne. He bit his lip hard and swayed there for a moment, his tall lithe form a white fog mingling into the dark woods of the room. And then he grasped the staff tighter, pulling it to his chest and bowing before the throne of the River Lands.

Jaekob Faolan: "It is time," he whispered softly, his elven features gentle yet strong in his determination. "It is time to do what must be done for the good of my people and my lands." And he strode out into the courtyard, toward the massive gates to the elven city.

Jaekob Faolan: As he passed each guard, they startled to see the Druid in his ceremonial robes and moved as if to follow in step behind him. To each. he waved a hand gently through the air as if to dismiss them. And he left..... left the castle alone and moved  down the curling steps of the mountain and toward the lush forests of the River Lands.

Jaekob at the Castle Gate

Jaekob Faolan walked parallel to the river that traversed the River Lands. Where the bank was it lowest, he stopped for a moment kneeling beside the water. He cupped his hand and pushed it into the cool liquid of the river and then raised it, letting the water trickle from his hand slowly and back into the vastness of the river.

Jaekob Faolan: As the water, his primary element, flowed back into the river, he gradually slowed his breathing, visualizing his breath as the essence of water. He breathed in and out until his breathing seemed to stop and he was one with the element. It's strength was his strength. He spoke softly, studying the river, "I come to you this day for strength, my sister," he whispered as if the river were as alive as any. Well, for him, it was.

Jaekob Beseeching his Water Element

Jaekob Faolan: "I ask you to aid me in what I must do to protect my people and my lands. Aid me as I aid you, aid us," and as he finished his meditation the water seemed to shimmer in response and he sucked in a deep breath of air - knowing the elements were his to beseech and his power was ever mighty with the water, the air, the fire and the earth as his soldiers.

Jaekob Faolan rose to his feet, moving swiftly along the river and toward the richness of the forests, each step pushing into the soft earth, each step a connection to the earth pushing strength up and through his elven body.

Jaekob Faolan: As the Druid passed through the forest and up the mountain, he stopped at the henge and stood there, his mind focused on the empty bowls that lined the stone altar. "Hear me, Spirits of the land," he whispered as he waved a hand over the empty bowls, "I give you honour, I give you an offering. Aid me as I aid you." And as he pulled his hand back to his chest, pressing it against his heart, the empty bowls came to life. In one, the earth rose up to fill it with rich soil, in another a flame flicked and danced in rhythm with his heart, in another, a bit of smoke wafted in the gentle breeze. And in the last, water rose up from the bottom of the bowl and pushed up and poured out onto the altar.

Jaekob at the Henge

Jaekob Faolan: Again he waved his hand over the bowls and this time the energy of the earth, the fire, the air and the water pushed up and into his hand flooding him with magic and power.

Jaekob Faolan looked outward, past the henge and to the island in the distance. "My island," he whispered as he moved toward it with slow steady strides, his lean, muscular body filled with possibility and determination.

Jaekob Looking Toward the Island

Jaekob Faolan sucked in a deep breath of air, letting it curl into and fill his body with energy as he stood before the bridge to the Druid's Island. "It was early enough," he mumbled to himself quietly. "The Gypsy will be sleeping and I can do what is necessary to protect her and the island from the Demon that plagues her and the lands."

Jaekob Faolan slowly raises his face to look upward. He extends his arms out and up as if to embrace that bit of land which lies before him.

Jaekob Faolan: A snarl curls onto his lips; a soft growl escapes from deep inside and seems to fill the land in front of him. The single stone in his staff begins to shimmer a glowing red.

Jaekob Faolan: And there he stood, the Druid, all powerful pushing the power that filled him outward. It pushed through his body: his arm, his hands and from his fingers. It pushed into his staff as the  faint shimmer of the staff  pushed all of his power out toward the island, pushed and wrapped it in a gentle fog warding off all evil, all demons.

The Island is Protected from Evil!!

 Jaekob Faolan sucks at the air as his body trembles from weakness and crumples on the ground, spent and exhausted from the use of so much magic.

 Jaekob Faolan: He kneels there watching as the warding fog lays about the island, protecting it and the Gypsy.

Jaekob Faolan: "I am not done," he growls softly to himself. "This is only the BEGINNING!"

The Realm of Oldwyck

   Imagine a bustling community of humans who know nothing of fantastical creatures. Imagine visiting as an elf only to have the citizens show concern over your "deformed ears." Such are the gentle folk of Oldwyck proper, simple and unbelieving in things fantastical. Yet, out of reach of the human community, there exists all manner of fantastical creatures.
   Oldwyck, friend and play partner to the River Lands, lies due west and is navigable by the two water sims the community provides for your sailing pleasure or swimming if you are a mermaid. We invite you to visit soon and meet our wonderful friends of Oldwyck. (Please see the Oldwyck tab at the top of the page for information and more pictures.)

Oldwyck Mill

Jaekob Moves Kathena, Dina and Xella Spy

Jaekob Faolan finishes packing his rucksack, all his healing supplies and a small ration of food for the journey to the Shadow Lands. He sighs as he sees his bow and quiver in the corner of his room and walk over, picks it up and straps it to his back.

Jaekob Faolan grumbles a bit as he moves quickly down the steps of the castle, waving off the guards who fall in step behind him, "I will go alone. It will be quicker," he says hastily.

Jaekob Faolan: Fit had been detained at the last moment, a patient, but he was content to make this journey alone.... to bring the gypsy back to the safety of the castle. And he knew it would not be an easy task.

Kathena Mavendorf sits at her table staring at the flames of the candles before her. Her mind lost to worry and grief. "How can I fix this gods? Why don't you show me the way?" she whispers to herself.

Jaekob Faolan makes his way through the forest, finally arriving at Kathena's cottage. He sees the dark stains  that have seeped into the ground and kneels, placing a flat palm against the blood soaked earth. He swallows hard, he bites his lip hard. This is where his guards, his elven friends were slain.

Jaekob Faolan rises and moves toward the cabin, rapping his knuckles on the door lightly, "Kathena......Kathena......" he calls out to her.

Kathena Mavendorf hearing Jaekob's voice she hurries to the door letting him in.

Kathena Mavendorf unlocks the door, opening it quickly and letting him in.

 Kathena Mavendorf: "Jaekob, why are you here?! You shouldn't have come."

Jaekob Faolan pushes himself in hastily, chewing on his lips and stops for a moment looking at her before moving into the room further, "I have come to take you to the castle," he mumbles as he looks from her to the room thinking what she needs for the trip back to Calenhad.

􀀛

Kathena and Jaekob

Kathena Mavendorf locks the door quickly and moves towards him. "Jaekob, I'm not going anywhere! And you should not have come! Don't you understand that he means to hurt you?"

Jaekob Faolan turns to her, cutting his eyes sharply at her, *He MEANS to hurt you and I will not allow it. You are returning with me now. Pack what you need and we will go now.

Kathena Mavendorf crosses her arms in front of her body, her face looking like she's going into battle and filled with determination..."I am but a THING to that creature. A means to get to YOU! It is you who is the target here Jaekob and I will NOT be the cause of your death, and the destruction of these lands."

Jaekob Faolan: "You will do what I say and quickly," he growls and goes about the room frantically picking up first one thing and the next like he has a clue what she needs.

Kathena Mavendorf goes behind him ripping things out of his hands, "I will NOT!" she grabs his arm, "Will you PLEASE be reasonable Jaekob?!"

 Jaekob Faolan: "Reasonable? Me, be reasonable?" he shouts at her as he looks for a satchel to stuff her clothing in.. "I am being reasonable and I am taking you to a safe place."

 Kathena Mavendorf looks at him starting to lose her temper with him. "Look here! I realize that you are just trying to do what you think is right and I am grateful, but you are losing sight of the bigger picture Jaek!" she pauses pacing a bit now from agitation..."This thing wants information on you and your powers. I think it means to rip the powers from you somehow and destroy these lands. "

Kathena Mavendorf stops pacing and looks at him.

Kathena Mavendorf: "I will not bring him closer to YOU."

Jaekob Faolan stops dead in his tracks and looks at her, his eyes meeting her eyes. He runs a hand through his hand as if stopping for thought, "Then we will come to an arrangement where we both get what we want hmmm?"

Kathena Mavendorf locks her gaze on his eyes searching for understanding, "Very well, I'm listening."

 Jaekob Faolan begins to pace about the cabin room, clutching the handful of items he had gathered. Then he stops and looks at her, "Well.....how about this? Will you move to my cottage in River City?"

Kathena Mavendorf looks at him curiously pondering what he said, "Your cottage? And where will YOU be?"

Jaekob Faolan closes the distance to her, reaching out for her arm and piling the collected clothes onto it, "THAT is exactly what we will do. You will be safe from the demon at my cottage."

Jaekob Faolan: "Now PACK your things. We need to go quickly,"he says a bit hurriedly and loudly.

Kathena Mavendorf pulls him back, "You did NOT answer my question Jaekob! Where will you be that will be far from me and safe?"

Jaekob Faolan feels his body jerk backward, "I will go to Calenhad. Does that SUIT hmmm?

Kathena Mavendorf exhales loudly in a frustrated move, "Fine! I will go to the cottage, but you must promise to STAY away from me. Do we have a deal?"

Jaekob Faolan nods as he sees a satchel in the corner and moves to it, "PACK, I said," he grumbles. "And YES, we have a deal."

Kathena Mavendorf gives him a stern look, "Fine! You don't have to be so damn demanding you know! I'm trying to save your LIFE!" she grabs the satchel and throws her things in without really paying attention.

Jaekob Faolan moves to the door and open it and turns waiting for her, "We need to go now. And I will tell no one where you are living. There will be no guards as that might give it away."

Kathena Mavendorf grabs her bag and moves to follow him. "Good idea! I rather not get anyone else hurt.. Lead the way"

Jaekob Faolan moves through the door, looking back over his shoulder to be sure she is close and begins the trek to River City and his cottage.

Kathena Mavendorf makes her way inside the cottage, setting her satchel down, taking a quick look around. "Well I'm here now Jaekob. I'm sure I'll be fine."

Jaekob Faolan nods, chewing on his lip, "This should....er....well.. it is the best idea since you refuse to return to Calenhad."

Kathena Mavendorf nods softly, looking a bit worried. "Now, please, my friend go and be safe. I shall send word with a bird or Fit if necessary."

Jaekob Faolan nods and moves toward the door, "It will be hard not visiting .... checking on you, but I will keep my promise and leave you to your own devices, my dear."

Jaekob Faolan steps out the door and looks back with a deep sigh and makes his way to the gates.

Kathena Mavendorf looks terribly sad, but closes the door behind him, fresh tears forming.

Meanwhile, outside the cabin, Aldina and Xella are spying: (And I must say, their sudden emergence into the roleplay was very welcomed and we could hardly be serious as we were laughing so hard at their antics).

Xella Steward covers her mouth, listening.

Aldina Gratly: "Ohhh they coming!"

Aldina Gratly: "Hide."

Xella Steward looks for spot to hide.

Aldina Gratly: "Up here Xella."

􀀜

Aldina Up a Tree

Xella Steward: "I'm a mer! I can't climb trees!"

Aldina Gratly: "In tree."

Aldina Gratly: "Well you get caught then."

Xella Steward hides behind the tree.

Xella Behind a Tree

Xella Steward looks up at Dina, knowing she would make more noise climbing and still get caught.

Xella Steward cute faces.

Aldina Gratly: "If you make noise climbing, stay there and don't move."

Xella Steward looks at Dina, "They fighting, I don't like that."

Aldina Gratly (lawd the druid is bossy)

Xella Steward sneezes.

Aldina Gratly: "Shhhh!"

Xella Steward covers mouth.

Xella Steward: "But my nose itches."

Aldina Gratly whispers, "They will hear you and I can assure you they won't think its one of these butterflies."

Xella Steward holds her nose, trying not to sneeze.

Aldina Gratly: "Shhh here they come."

Aldina Gratly: "Get down low."

Xella Steward: "The butterfly's are tickling me."

Aldina Gratly: "Good they are gone."

Xella Steward goes red.

Xella Steward: "Think they heard me?"

Aldina Gratly: "Lets go to to the tavern ...no they gone."

Aldina Gratly: Oh oh!"

Xella Steward pokes head around.

Xella Steward: "Epp!"

Aldina Gratly: "They not gone....."

IW6 Grand Opening Birthday Bash

   IW6 went wild and kicked off their sixth anniversary with the IW6 Birthday Bash. 

There were some announcements preceding a rather spectacular water show.

IW6 Undersea Dance

 

Ame and Jaek at IW6

Kathena at IW6

Then DJ Astoria wowed us all with her incredible music.



Here are a few pics for your perusal.

DJ Astoria, the mermaid, and Fayre Scribe on Sharkback

Photos: Courtesy of Astoria Luminos and Kathena Mavendorf. Many thanks, my friends.

Wizard Arwyn Falconer and High Wizard WiccedCrow Morrigan in Eyrie

Arwyn Falconer watches from her study as one of the hawks flies by, alerting her of a visitor in the forest. She walks to the balcony and unravels her wings, flying up a bit higher to get a better look.

WiccedCrow Morrigan: stops and checks the map Jaekob had given her wondering why anyone would want to travel on land. Sailing is much less confusing.

Arwyn Falconer watches from up high, an elf woman....she seems to be a bit lost, but looks like she's following a map. She wonders if she's come as a messenger from Lord Jaekob.

Arwyn Falconer smiles as she sees the woman made it through the woods safely so she lands, tucking away her wings.

 Arwyn Falconer goes back into her study and waits for the woman to find the library

 WiccedCrow Morrigan looks around the clearing wondering how she managed to get lost again

WiccedCrow Morrigan finds the bridge shown on the map and begins looking for a way up to the Library

WiccedCrow Morrigan: The gates creak open and she finds herself in a lovely garden.

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Finally!",  knocks on the door relieved to have found the building.

Arwyn Falconer makes her way downstairs quietly, and opens the doors. Smiling at the woman..."Greetings M'Lady. What brings you to Eyrie?" she studies her carefully.

WiccedCrow Morrigan: curtsies, "Greeting Lady."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: I am WiccedCrow. Lord Jaekob has sent me to speak with you.

Arwyn Falconer smiles and curtsies, "I am the Wizard Arwyn Falconer, the protector of these lands. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: smiles nervously, " the pleasure is mine."

Arwyn Falconer smiles and nods,"Your Lord sought answers from me. I offered my arcane library to assist him, and shall extend the same offer to you, as well M'Lady Wicced."

Arwyn Falconer motions to a portal on the wall, "the portal on the left will take you to the library. The portals guard against unwelcomed guests" she smiles.

WiccedCrow Morrigan: relaxes a little and gives a genuine smile, " I am very grateful. It seems I am to take over a position I am less than prepared for."

Arwyn Falconer giggles softly, "Non of us are ever prepared for our fates M'Lady. I can assure you, no one is. However, I will do my best to guide you in your quest for knowledge."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: Looks at all the ancient books and scrolls in awe.

WiccedCrow Morrigan: laughs" I will need every bit of help I can get."

Arwyn Falconer looks like a woman in her late 20s by human standards, but is clearly far older. She carries herself as a woman of high rank, but is very informal with people, and is more accustomed to dealing with pixies, faes, birds and butterflies than actual people. She walks around running her fingers over her collection of books and scrolls smiling.

Duchess Arwyn Falconer, Wizard of Eyrie

Arwyn Falconer: "Most of these were here long before I was even created by the gods. They are quite ancient. They were kept by my late husband and his kin, for ages."

Arwyn Falconer: "I shall try my best to help you find what you seek."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: I suppose the first thing I would seek is your advice on where to begin.

Arwyn Falconer smiles softly and walks closer to her, "Fear not Lady Wicced. You will conquer your quest, and I shall help you along your path."

Arwyn Falconer moves to another portal, "Follow me to my office and we shall discuss things further."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: takes a seat and waits for further instruction.

Arwyn, Wizard, and Wicced, High Wizard

Arwyn Falconer moves and takes a seat behind her desk, piled up with scrolls and books. Her office looks like a smaller version of the library, with books staked high in bookcases on the walls and a scrying bowl in a corner, so that she may look for answers in other ways.

Arwyn Falconer motions to a chair, "Please do sit down M'Lady."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: Thank you I am quite weary after getting lost so many times.

WiccedCrow Morrigan: I do'nt often travel this far without my ship.

Arwyn Falconer grins, "I do apologize for that. Our lands are guarded to keep out hunters and any other that might seek to harm those who live here."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: Considering the danger facing our lands I can see why you keep this place is protected.

Arwyn Falconer sits back in a relaxed manner ready to listen, her face soft and attentive, "Now M'Lady, how may I help you?"

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "My training left off with me as only a journeyman mage and now I am to lead others. I need to finish my own training before I can expect to be a competent teacher. There is also the matter of the demon. The more I can learn to help protect my home the better."

Arwyn Falconer looks very serious and determined, a sense of strength on her face, mixed with sadness in her eyes. "Aye, I fully understand your situation. Many years back I was faced with a similar situation, that ....well...changed the course of my life." she pauses for a moment. "Perhaps we should start with evaluating where you are in your training and take it from there."

WiccedCrow Morrigan grins knowing she has found the assitance she will need, "that sounds like a fine idea."

Arwyn Falconer takes a deep breath, "I shall give you an amulet that will allow you to come here at a moment's notice without having to travel through the waters and the woods. This will allow you to come to me regularly for guidance and training, but also let you return to your lands so they are not left unprotected for long periods of time."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Thank you Duchess, that will be most useful under the circumstances."

Arwyn Falconer looks at her very seriously and leans in a bit, "I will, however, caution you, do not let anyone have this amulet, for in the wrong hands it could open up a door for evil to enter here. Can I trust you in this matter?"

 WiccedCrow Morrigan: smirks, "a lady with your insight knows I am good at hiding my treasures. It will not fall into the wrong hands."

Arwyn Falconer nods with a soft smile on her face. She pulls back her sleeve, to show a small delicate bracelet, made of gold with a glowing crystal upon it. She removes it gently from her arm, and looks at it with a sad smile and just the hint of tears forming in her eyes. "This was given to me by my late husband, long ago...long before we were married, when I too faced a terrible demon, so that I may come here to learn and prepare. It is enchanted with ancient arcane magic that not even I understand. She hands it over to her." Pauses..."Wear it, put your hand over it, and concentrate all of your energies on the crystal while reciting this:"

Arwyn Falconer: "athrada-Eyrie ah iaur beria."

Arwyn Falconer: (traverse to Eyrie and ancient protection)

WiccedCrow Morrigan: says the words softly to herself commiting them to memory, "athrada-Eyrie ah iaur beria."

Arwyn Falconer smiles and nods at her. "Keep it well hidden and protected M'Lady. I shall be here when ever you need me."

WiccedCrow Morrigan smiles softly at the Duchess sensing she has handed over something very dear to her. " I will keep it well protected. Thank you" Placing it firmly on her right arm she covers the bracelet with her left hand and whispers a few words of power imagining the clearest pool of water. The bracelet slowly fades from sight.

Arwyn Falconer smiles sweetly at her, seeing her use her powers in a beautiful, natural way, "I can see you will be an amazing asset to Lord Jaekob's realm. I think they will certainly be safe in your hands."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: grins widely at the Duchess "that should keep it safe from most prying eyes."

Arwyn Falconer leans in, "now to get back home....do the same incantation, but instead of saying Eyrie, say the name of your homeland."

WiccedCrow Morrigan blushes at the compliment, Thank you M'Lady."

Arwyn Falconer stands gently pushing back her chair and making her way out from behind her desk so that she may be closer to her new friend, "Safe paths my friend and may the ancient ones keep guard over you as you travel."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Safe Paths to you as well Duchess" excitedly reaches out and gives Arwyn a brief hug.

WiccedCrow Morrigan looks at her arm where she can feel the bracelet against her skin.

Arwyn Falconer: Navaer Lady Wicced

WiccedCrow Morrigan: curtsies, "Fair winds M'Lady"

WiccedCrow Morrigan places her hand over the gem on the bracelet and whispers , "athrada-riverlands ah iaur beria."

Kathena and Xella Meet

Xella Steward splashes Kat from behind, then ducks in the water.

Kathena Mavendorf feels water hit her back and she looks up expecting rain, but nothing happens.

Xella Steward splashes again.

Xella Steward giggles softly.

Kathena Mavendorf gets wet again and she stands up a bit disturbed, "What is blazes is going on?!"

Xella Steward laughs softly.

Xella Steward ducks into the water.

Xella Steward splashes Kat.

Kathena Mavendorf hears laughter and turns, looking around...."Alright, who is there?! Is that you Dina? Hope you aren't drowning just to pull a prank!"

Xella Steward splashes.

Xella Steward giggles and watches her very confused friend.

Kathena Mavendorf catches the culprit in her sight finally and her jaw drops..."a....a....gods, is that....a mermaid?"

Xella Steward pokes her head up.

Kathena Mavendorf she watches her swim about then sees her come up a bit out of the water. "hello there....ummm"

Xella Steward smiles.

Xella Steward: "Hello!"

Kathena Mavendorf she narrows her eyes trying to see her closer so she steps a bit further towards the edge of the hill, leaning down at her.

Xella Steward head tilts smiling

Xella Steward: "Hello Kat, how are you?"

Kathena Mavendorf looks at her smiling but curious, "you should come closer, you seem.....familiar to me, though I don't know any mermaids."

Xella Steward swims up near the shore.

Kathena Mavendorf looks surprised, "You know my name?"

 Xella Steward nods and giggles.

 Kathena Mavendorf just then she takes one step too far and tumbles down the hill and hits the water with a splash!

Xella Steward swims around her giggling.

Kathena Mavendorf's  head comes up above the water, she curses in unknown tongues, "Blasted skirts! Now I'm all wet!" She looks at the mer now closer and her jaw drops open.

Kathena Mavendorf: "Is that YOU, Xella?!"

Xella Steward: "Guilty!"

Xella Steward smiles at her and wraps tail around her friend, happy.

 Kathena Mavendorf gasps and looks extremely excited all of the sudden, swimming clumsily to her and gives her a hug.

Kathena and Xella

Kathena Mavendorf: "How is this possible?!"

Xella Steward: "I was always a mer, just.....shy?"

Kathena Mavendorf smiles and nods, then ponders for a moment..."You ....wouldn't have any stickybuns with you....dry ones I mean"

Kathena Mavendorf grins.

Xella Steward laughs.

Xella Steward: "Sadly no."

Xella Steward: "But I do have a very soggy ron plushie."

(A note on plushies. Xella is a delightfully charming young woman who when she joined us made a small plushie (doll) to hold when her guy was not around. She would cuddle it and nibble it's ears and in our community, Xella and the plushie became an icon of sorts. Now, she has an assortment of the small dolls and sells them at the IC Market on Thursdays for realm coin - play money. She EVEN has a Druid plushie with long red hair that is very popular.)

Kathena Mavendorf giggles, "didn't think so...you got no pockets!"

Xella Steward giggles.

Xella Steward: "Are you upset that I've kept it hidden?"

Kathena Mavendorf looks around, "Xella, please be careful in the waters near my cabin. There is something very dark about and I don't want you getting hurt."

Xella Steward head tilts.

Xella Steward body shimmers and her tail becomes legs.

Kathena and Xella

Kathena Mavendorf shakes her head..."Of course not! I understand all about keeping secrets. I'm a gypsy" winks.

Xella Steward smiles and offers a hand to help her out.

Kathena Mavendorf swims back to shore and drags herself out onto lag complete dripping wet.

Xella Steward is oddly dry,

 Xella Steward giggles at her friend.

Kathena Mavendorf watches as her friend becomes a girl again.

Kathena Mavendorf grabs her skirts and wrings then out, huge amounts of water pouring out, then sits down by the fire.

Xella Steward laughs and giggles.

Xella Steward: "I do have some sticky bun ingredients if you want."

Xella Steward: "I can make you a pan of sticky buns."

Kathena Mavendorf grins at her friend...."I rather you bring me a batch later.....right now I need to just dry off" laughs

Kathena Mavendorf takes off one of her boots, and pours out half of the river, then repeat the same with the other

Xella Steward laughs and focuses, drawing all the water in Kat's clothes and pushing it back into the water.

Kathena Mavendorf smiles in amazement, "Oh thank you for that Xella!"

Xella Steward smiles.

Kathena Mavendorf puts her boots back on, now that they are dry.

Xella Steward: "May i\I sit with you?"

Kathena Mavendorf: "Yes of course."

Xella Steward sits by the water and smiles.

Kathena Mavendorf: "I'm very happy you shared your secret with me my friend."

Xella Steward: "You are welcome."

Xella Steward: "I was swimming by and saw you."

Xella Steward: "...could not resist."

Xella Steward giggles.

Kathena Mavendorf smiles sweetly at her.

Xella Steward relaxes.

Kathena Mavendorf leans in and looks gravely at her for a moment. Speaking in hushed tones, "Xella, you must get back to River City where you are safe. There is a dark creature that comes to me and seeks to do harm. I do not wish you to be in harms way, my friend."

Xella Steward looks at her.

Xella Steward: "I'm not powerless."

Kathena Mavendorf swallows hard, "He killed two elven guards in less than 10 seconds"

Xella Steward eyes widen.

Xella Steward: "Why?"

Kathena Mavendorf eyes tear up a bit, "because they were in his way."

Xella Steward: "What is it the being wants?"

Xella Steward's  head tilts.

Xella Steward smiles at her.

Xella Steward: "Well, I can escape under the water."

Kathena Mavendorf looks at her, "He looks like a Drow, but is something else."

Xella Steward: "The drow they talked about at market yesterday maybe....."

Kathena Mavendorf nods, "Maybe."

Xella Steward: "Well, I'm wanting to stay here with you."

Xella Steward would not leave her friend.

Kathena Mavendorf shakes her head...."I cannot risk that Xella. I'm sorry but I cannot have your death on my conscience."

Xella Steward smiles at her.

Xella Steward: "Can't make me leave," cute faces.

Xella Steward smiles at her warmly.

Kathena Mavendorf smiles sweetly at her friend, stands and hugs her.

Xella Steward stands and hugs back.

Kathena Mavendorf: Thank you! Now be careful, and I suggest you swim back...it's much faster!

Xella Steward hugs her tight, "I will."

Xella Steward dives into the water looking sad.

Kathena Mavendorf: Safe paths my friend!

Mermaids in the River Lands - Meet Xella Steward

Xella Steward, Mermaid

   Mermaids are a legendary creature with the upper body of a female and the lower body of a fish and have fascinated people for centuries. Let me introduce Xella Steward, the first mermaid to join the River Lands. Most of us in tRL have known Xella for a long time and adore her; we are very happy to offer her an environment to roleplay and grow her mermaid personae. Huzzah and welcome, dear Xella.

WiccedCrow Morrigan - New High Wizard of the River Lands

Jaekob Faolan stuffs his rucksack with all of his supplies and tosses it over his shoulder, preparing for his trip to the Shadow Lands

WiccedCrow Morrigan rings the bell to see if Jaekob has returned.

WiccedCrow Morrigan, Mayor of Cheshire and High Wizard of the River Lands

Jaekob Faolan turns to look at the door, "It's open."

Jaekob Faolan: "Wicced," he says a bit quickly, "Good, good, I really needed to see you before I leave."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Thank goodness you are back.. Juste has given me some disturbing news."

Jaekob Faolan: "He told you......?"

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "You are leaving again?"

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Yes. I was hoping you had some good news."

Jaekob Faolan: "Oh, but Juste doesn't know about last night hmmm. Kathena was attacked again, two of our elven guards murdered."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "So they have actually killed this time?"

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Have the family's of the guards been notified?"

Jaekob Faolan nods biting his lip hard, "I... I... am at a loss. So much has happened and..."  he nods his head,

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "I knew something was going on when I reeturned, but no one would tell me anything."

Jaekob Faolan: "Well, she was attacked a week or so ago and two rangers happened along and fought the beast.. They said he was not drow but some kind of monster whose drow skin just melted away, exposing the beast."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Juste said he might be a demon."

Jaekob Faolan: "Then, Kat found some odd ash at the ruins in the Shadow Lands. I took it to a wizard who lives in a land called Eyrie. She confirmed the creature is a demon."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Did she say what kind?"

Jaekob Faolan shakes his head, strand of hair falling into his face, "She only could say he was very powerful, but she needs more information to determine its true nature."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: thinks hard on the matter. " I'm hesitant to send any more guards after him if he can overpower them so easily. do you have any suggestions?"

Jaekob Faolan: Wicced, "I haven't much time. I need to ask something....important."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Please go ahead."

Jaekob Faolan: "The lands are so vulnerable of late and I need for you to stay close as you are my right hand. I would.... would ask you to take charge of the mage guild in the River Lands and seek out this wizard named Arwyn and ask that she assist you with training."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: looks a little surprised.  "Are you sure this isnt too far beyond my training?"

Jaekob Faolan: "You have been groomed for this and I know you have much to learn still, but if Lady Arwyn would assist and let you use her vast arcane library, I think.... I know it would be doable."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Then of course I will. I trust your judgement. How do I find her?"

Jaekob Faolan takes out a piece of parchment, "This is the directions Kathena gave me to Eyrie."

WiccedCrow Morrigan takes the parchment and looks it over carefully.

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "I will seek her out as soon as possible."

Jaekob Faolan nods and offers a bit of a smile, "I must go now, Wicced, er High Wizard and check on Kathena. Hopefully, she will not be stubborn and I can bring her back to Calenhad and keep her safe."

WiccedCrow Morrigan: "Please be safe and let me know when you return."

WiccedCrow Morrigan hugs her friend and heads for the door

Fitheach Tells Jaekob About the Dead Guards

Fitheach Eun speaks quickly: "Jake I just came from kat's house; the guards are dead."

Fitheach Eun: "Kat is okay but she is very frightened."

 Jaekob Faolan looks up at her, the smile that had curls onto his lips when he heard her voiced was replaced with a frown as he saw her state of mind. Then he pales and jerks up moving to her, "Wha...what do you mean the guards are dead? how....well.... Is Kat alright?"

Fitheach and Jaekob

Fitheach Eun: "Yes; she seems to be fine just terrified."

Fitheach Eun: "But she says he will find her wherever she goes."

Fitheach Eun: "Jaek, she stops and takes a deep breath..Jaek, I think it is a demon."

Jaekob Faolan: "My guards are....are you sure," he asks in a trembling voice, before nodding to her confirming his suspicion that a demon is indeed on the prowl.

Fitheach Eun: "Kat said he killed them and then showed her their deaths in her mind..."

Fitheach Eun: "She says he can speak to her mind."

Fitheach Eun: "Jaek, there must be someplace safe we can take her?"

Jaekob Faolan feels his body tremble hearing of the loss and reaches out to grab the arm of the couch to steady himself, "This....is.....terrible news, my druid sister."

Fitheach Eun nods soberly;"It is indeed."

Jaekob Faolan: "Are... you... are you sure they are dead, Fit? Maybe I should go.... maybe I can help them," he asks in a lost sort of voice collapsing down onto the sofa.

Fitheach Eun follows him to the sofa and speaks more gently.

Fitheach Eun: "There is nothing there to save , Jaek. There is only blood and scorched earth."

Fitheach Eun: "I am sorry."

Fitheach Eun: "It is Kat we need to save; if she stays there surely he will find her again."

Jaekob Faolan nods, trying to swallow but he mouth is dry, "They were not just guards, they were friends. But, yes, I must go to Kathena and make sure she is safe."

Fitheach Eun: "I will go back with you."

Jaekob Faolan nods, "Yes I will send guards ahead and we shall make our way there."

Fitheach Eun: "And I am indeed sorry about your friends."

Jaekob Faolan nods, biting his lip, "Make ready for the journey and we will go immediately hmmmm? I will insist she come back to Calenhad, but she will fight it."

Kathena Tells Fitheach About the Demon Attack

Fitheach Eun crosses the bridge to Kat's house, hoping she is home

Fitheach Eun: As she turns the corner towards the porch she is alarmed to see bloodstains and scorched grass in front of the house

 Fitheach Eun: she runs forward shouting for the guards but no one appears

Fitheach Eun: there is a lot of blood on the ground and now frightened she runs to the door and pounds on it

Kathena Mavendorf stands and runs to the door. "Who is it? She asks her voice shaking a bit"

Fitheach Eun: "Kat are you there; it's Fit."

Fitheach Eun: "Are you all right?"

Kathena Mavendorf quickly unbolts the door opens it and pulls her inside quickly locking the door behind her. "Oh thank the gods it's you, Fit!"

Fitheach Eun: "What happened; where are the guards?"

 Fitheach Eun: "Are you all right?"

Kathena Mavendorf she double and triple checks the door is locked.

Fitheach Eun: "Kat..."

Kathena Mavendorf looks visibly shaken, fresh tears still on her face and like she hasn't slept in days. "That ...thing was here."

Kathena Mavendorf she looks terrified, "It killed the guards..."

Fitheach Eun grabs her arm gently...: "Who's was here?"

Fitheach Eun: "Oh no...."

Fitheach Eun: "Come sit down, Kat you look like you are about to fall over."

Fitcheach and Kathena at Kathena's cabin

Kathena Mavendorf nods and sits at the table

Fitheach Eun sits across from her and looks at her worriedly

Kathena Mavendorf swallows hard looking up at Fit with pleading eyes, "He wants something from me, that I will not give him."

Fitheach Eun: "Who's is it and what is it that he wants?"

Kathena Mavendorf: "The drow...thing...that attacked me last time, who calls himself Ilmryn."

Fitheach Eun: "Ilmryn?"

Fitheach Eun: "There are drows here?"

Kathena Mavendorf she looks pale with fear, "He wants to know about Jaekob....about his powers."

Fitheach Eun: that does not sound good..."Did you tell him anything?"

Kathena Mavendorf shakes her head, "No, but ....he does things....he ....he can get inside my mind."

Fitheach Eun: "Oh Kat, that must be horrible"

Fitheach Eun: "And the guards could not stop him?"

Kathena Mavendorf cries, "He killed them.....and then SHOWED me....their deaths, through his eyes.....like pictures in my mind."

Fitheach Eun shivers; " I cannot imagine what that must be like..."

Fitheach Eun looks even more alarmed.

Fitheach Eun: "Is he living near here?"

Kathena Mavendorf tries to calm herself and think, "I do not know....but he calls to me....he calls to me and I can hear his voice in my mind, like an echo." pauses, "Are all drows like this?"

Fitheach Eun says decisively, " You cannot stay here; he will find you again; we must get you away."

Fitheach Eun: "And I know little of drows save they like to cause mayhem."

Kathena Mavendorf looks at her, "there is no place I can go, where he will not find me."

Fitheach Eun: "But,  I do not see how one could kill two elven guards and leave nothing?"

Fitheach Eun looks back: "Nowhere?"

Kathena Mavendorf shakes her head, "there is something unnatural about him, Fit."

Fitheach Eun whisoers "Unnatural? In what way?"

Kathena Mavendorf thinks about him, trying to explain, "at one point, his hand, ....well....it was like a claw, not like a hand."

Kathena Mavendorf: "and the strength....he picked up the guards like they were made of air!"

Fitheach Eun: "A claw? Like the one that made those marks on your neck before?"

Fitheach Eun gasps

Kathena Mavendorf chews on her lip...."it was...HIM"

Fitheach Eun: "There must be some place you can hide, Kat; How about up at Calenhad?"

Kathena Mavendorf shakes her head desperately, "No....I can't bring that thing near Jaekob!"

Kathena Mavendorf her eyes grow wide and she gasps, 'Oh my gods! He's going to go to him!"

Fitheach Eun takes a deep breath..."You do have a point there"

Kathena Mavendorf: "He wants his ashes back!"

Fitheach Eun starts: "Why would he?"

Fitheach Eun: "Ashes?"

Kathena Mavendorf rubs her temples, "I don't know.....but he was willing to kill me to get them back."

Fitheach Eun mulls the news over thoughtfully

Fitheach Eun: "Ashes only come from demons...."

Fitheach Eun: "Is it possible?"

Kathena Mavendorf looks at her...."We must warn Jaekob.....immediately."

Fitheach Eun gets up quickly

Fitheach Eun: "You are right; we must."

Fitheach Eun: "Though I would feel better if you hide and I go."

Kathena Mavendorf gets up and walks to the door..."I have a messenger bird, send it ahead."

Kathena Mavendorf unbolts the door and lets her out.

Kathena Mavendorf: "Please be careful Fit!"

Fitheach Eun: "I guess you will not stay here and Hide?"

Fitheach Eun: "Or will you?"

Kathena Mavendorf shrugs, "Where could I go?"

Fitheach Eun holds up a finger for Kat's bird and whispers softly to it in elvish

Fitheach Eun: "Go little one; I will follow>"

Arianna and Ilmryn after the Visiting the Gypsy

Ilmryn Xiltyn: Having left the Gypsy's cabin, he makes his way quickly back to the dark caverns, moving to their secluded lair hoping not to have to deal with her at least for this night.

Arianna Shadowdew sits quietly by the fire in the caverns, so still you'd struggle to notice she was there at all. She stares at the fire strategies for war running through her mind. She wonders what Ilmryn could be doing all of this time. She sit in wait, hoping for news of progress.

Arianna at the Caves

Ilmryn Xiltyn sees her, his lips a straight line on his blank face. He wanted to yell after his frustration with the gypsy, but he spoke to her quietly though anger filled his voice, "Vendui Jabress,"he says all but collapsing into the chair across from her..

Arianna Shadowdew she studies his face carefully. He's almost impossible to read. His face is like stone, revealing nothing, though the tone in his voice and the glow in his eyes would suggest he's angry. "Vendui Ilmryn. What news of the outside world?" she asks coldly

Arianna and Ilmryn, the Drow and the Demon

Ilmryn Xiltyn shakes his head, inhaling an unnecessary breath, "I fear they know my true identity, jabress or soon will," he hisses at her

Arianna Shadowdew narrows her eyes at him, "And HOW exactly did they manage that?"

Ilmryn Xiltyn rolls his shoulders, his eyes burrowing into her, "The Gypsy.... she took some ash from the lair I made for myself in the Shadow Lands," he says shaking his head. "If....I do not know if they have the knowledge to determine what it is."

Arianna Shadowdew takes a slow deep breath, staring deep into his eyes and speaks in a slow, deliberate pace. "The Gypsy....AGAIN. You let your PET get the better of you? How is it possible that a HUMAN can be a step ahead of you, hmmm?"

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "She is not....." he lets out a low hiss, filling the room, "She got lucky is all and found the ash at my lair. And....and.... she gave it to the Druid."

Arianna Shadowdew slams her hands palm down on the table surface looking angry for a moment, then returning to the cold emotionless face. "Let me see if I understand this correctly. That human, not only found your lair, and removed proof of your existence, but she also gave it to the most powerful Druid we have seen these many years.

Arianna Shadowdew: "Is that all? Hmmm? Anything else I might have missed?"

Arianna Shadowdew: her voice filled with sarcasm

 Ilmryn Xiltyn covers his face with his hands for a moment and lets out a loud growl. then he tore his hands away from his face, his red eyes like fire burning into her, "Do not chastise me, Jabress. I could not have forseen the outcome of this."

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "I will get the ash tonight. Surely the Druid has had found anyone to examine it and am not sure he would recognize it for what it is and make the connection."

Arianna Shadowdew she begins to stand leaning on her hands, her face coming closer to his. "How are we going to be successful if we have to continue dealing with your incompetence?"

Arianna Shadowdew through clenched teeth she speaks to him in a low growl sounding voice, "You will NOT go after him tonight! The last thing we need is to rush our attack. We are NOT ready to take him on." she pauses

Arianna Shadowdew takes a deep breath, "Your presence was never going to stay hidden forever. It is a setback, yes, but we can recover. For now, do NOTHING. Not until we know more about him."

Ilmryn Xiltyn opened his mouth as if to speak, her insolence pushing hard at the anger that already filled him. He jerked up from the chair and began to pace, "Being at odds will get us nowhere, Jabress. Our success in this only lies in our working together."

Ilmryn Xiltyn waves a hand through the air, "Very well, I will do nothing, not tonight. But, I do need to retrieve the ash."

Arianna Shadowdew sits back down, crossing her arms. "you are right.....for now, lets just see what happens. It's possible he might not figure out what it is he has in his possession."

Ilmryn Xiltyn nods, beginning to calm, "Perhaps I give him more credit than he deserves."

Arianna Shadowdew arches an eyebrow..."Let us hope we aren't underestimating this Druid"

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "Eventually, I will get the information we need. The Gypsy is stubborn and selflessly protective of him. But, I shall get her to talk."

Arianna Shadowdew exhales loudly, "This human seems to have a fortitude that is hard to break. You might have to find better ways of getting the information from her. If you cannot, I shall be forced to kill her."

Ilmryn Xiltyn: "NO, you will not kill her, Jabress. I will sway her to our side soon enough and she will be invaluable to us."

Arianna Shadowdew narrows her eyes at him, "What is she that she intrigues you so Ilmryn? Someday I will have to meet this gypsy"

 Ilmryn Xiltyn laughs, a bit nervously, "Go meet her for yourself, Jabress. For a human, she has immense fortitude and I rather like her dedication to the Druid , however unjustified."

Arianna Shadowdew looks disgusted and bored, waving her hands in a dismissive manner, "Perhaps someday I might. For now, just handle it"

Ilmryn Xiltyn nods and moves toward the door, "I shall return to my lair now and rest. If you need me, you know where to find me," he says with a smug laugh.