Where it all*snowballs*, After the soft song

[Heather]

Holding his hands up in a sign of surrender, "A'right I cheated ya' 'appy yet?" his voice taking an it's normal accent as he tried his best not to destroy his surrender with bouts of laughter. He raised an eyebrow at her question of his name, "Doesn't that wait until the third date? Here we are on the first and already you want my last name, eh? Going that well?" His grin was like gold his laughter tipping over his mouth holding his side for a second raising one hand as he straigtened himself. "Sor'ay that was just too good to pass up. Fox Anderthan. Though you won't get my middle name." he gave a mock frown. "Far to embarssing to share it'll have to wait until the fifth date, at the least." he shrugged as Kit stomped her feet but gave no other effot towards the other horse. Content to wander around until Fox called for her again, he wasn't worried about her vanishing.

He eased towards her getting down on one knee, lowering his head as he did so he took he hand gently in his. "Please of Goddess Tandri forgive my deciptions and for even remotly considering they could fool such a brilliant mind as your own." he raised his head solemly but his smile glittered brighter then the sun casting across his face. "Though if you need to punish me...by all means."

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

"No I don't want to listen to them!" she retorted giving a huff as she crossed her arms. "I feel trapped in there..all those halls and wals like some giant maze and you never know when you're going to have to leave. It's so damn nice in there, like...picture perfect nice. Gives me a head ache." she muttered Emiliea now moving forward again. "If you're sure..she seemed downright pissed off at me. Plus it's Melya, were you not listening at all?" she laughed softly shaking her head. "Someone was distracted mh"

She felt better, and that just annoyed her further she didn't want to feel anything at his stupid answer. However flustered he seemed to be when she'd asked him... She watched him for a few more seconds before shaking her head. Her gaze finally removed herself from his before the crimson rush of color could battle it's way forward. Why had she said anything or told him she felt trapped? It grated her nerves, she at least could admit to herself he was extremly attractive. At least knowing that granted the stupid knot lodged in her stomach.

[Alexa]

“Oh get on your legs before I’m tempted,” Tandri replied, her emerald eyes rolled around in their sockets at his antics. “Now is hardly the time for your shenanigans,” that was the right word, shenanigans. She strolled past him, a mild irritation setting in her eyes, “And this is not a date,” she added strongly while continuing to march forward. “ A date , charming Fox, would include something a little more romantic or fun than checking out a dangerous portal, I don’t consider running around in the forest looking for a deathly trap as a date,” she was quick to point out. All the while she considered to move towards the blurry image that was casted on the wall of a long rock spiraling upwards, nearly touching the clouds. “If you’d like to impress me with a courting, you’ll have to do better than this,” she added, a smirk settling on her lips as she brushed the opening to the other side with her fingertips. The sensation was cold, it chilled to her bone and it felt like liquid washing up over her skin where the tips of her fingers dipped into the portal. “Stay here,” she suggested, and stepped completely through the portal. Just like that, she was gone.

On the other side she stepped out of, she saw it was a giant wall of stone. The only way someone would come in was if they accidently tripped into the portal. Even then, she wondered if they could come in. Looking around, her sharp eyes spotted dirty and thieving travelers just to her left. She let out a sharp whistle and waited until she made sure they saw her. She dipped her hand behind her hair and tucked it behind her tipped ear. The rewards of a captured elf were great and plenty of motivation. In fact, it didn’t take long for their eyes to gleam and their pace to quicken. They came closer and with a mad grin Tandri’s bell like voice echoed, “Follow me, if you can,” and with that she stepped through the rock and back to the other side.

“Clocks ticking, time to see how safe this portal is,” Tandri replied sharply when she came back through. “Be ready for a frontal attack,” was her second suggestion as she took out her own smooth dagger. God damn it, she hated getting blood on nice clothes.



Xan looked absolutely dumbstruck. “I thought the long haired was Melya, the shorter hair was the other…oh never mind,” he frowned, trying to place in his mind who was who. He honestly hadn’t been paying attention; did both of them have to be blonde? When it came to names, Xan wasn’t the greatest at placing that name with a face. He was better at remembering personalities and getting a true sense of who someone was. That was where his real talent was, in emotions. Xan had a bit of a secret that he hadn’t shared with another living soul since he left his family.

See, Xan was a bit of an empath. He was good at reading people, he had charisma and he often times to bring up or down a mood with calm words and an easy smile. People reacted to his charm when he was a child, and he always, always knew what someone was feeling. Right now he felt Kai go slowly into a more relaxing position, which was good. For some reason Xan cared very deeply that she was relaxed and easy to talk to around him. He would hate to find out that he made her uncomfortable. “There are grounds around the keep, plenty of space to help that headache,” he suggested kindly, a small smile working the way onto his face. “Or perhaps the hot springs located underneath the keep?” Tandri hadn’t been the only one out and exploring last night. Xan had been up and busy as well.

They traveled in silence for a while longer before Xan spotted the energy of a portal up ahead, “We’re getting close,” he grinned, giving the air a more exciting rush. The adrenalin began to pump into his system at the project that loomed ahead. “So, how do we check who can come in and who can come out?” he asked, a slight discomfort settling in. If Kala could simply walk through the portal, they were in for some serious trouble. Heck, he might as well begin writing his will up, not that he had a lot to give to others. “I suppose we’ll just have to figure out a way…” he paused, wondering if Fox and Tandri were having as difficult of a time as they were. He defiantly would not enjoy the smug faces he and Kai would receive if they were hours later than the two.

[Heather]

"So that means there's a chance for one!" he called after her as she vanished his eyes twinkled while he waited playing with the small dagger. Tossing it from finger tip to the other with swift accuracy, when she returned it landed soundly into his grip. His eyes gave away how excited he was that this could be a real battle, something to do other then wait around and hope it all worked out. "So what'd ya do to um, to make um come towards ya?" he could see the barrier ripple but for the moment it hadn't cracked or gave way. Like they couldn't tell which direction to move towards and someone just kept bumping into it.

"Come on then..." his voice was low eyes for once glued on the task at hand and not on the elf. Kit was near his side without even a command, always waiting for the next move. If it cracked then what did they do? How on earth were they going to Fix the thing?

----------

"Damn...maybe you're right..." now she couldn't remeber who's hair was longer. "Melya has blue eyes, Tandri green. Ha there, that'll work." she smiled at herself before turning to look at him. "How on earth is there a hot spring too?" though she looked more interested in where excatly then why it was there. She moved easily as she dismounted from Emiliea, fingertips running through the mare's mane. "I'd love to just..relax." she mused eyes now following the ripple of air currents as they bounced off the barrier. An idea formed into her mind as she took a look behind her before diving through it.

It took five mintues before she came back, her expression was that of bewilderment and excitment. Waiting until Xan was off his horse she quickly took his hand like an impatitent child, "You've gotten see this." as they moved through the barrier she was once more swallowed into the sight. The sky streched on for miles, they had to be on the highest peak of the mountain to the point where the clouds were lower then their view point. It was bitter cold, but without the wind it was bearable. "Amazing..." she trailed of looking towards the rings that floated and the magical traps set in the sky. "It's like a flight practice ring!" she nodded towards a slight glow of the area. 'All of it's been barriered here..the rip there is more an entrance into a whole other...section of this place." her hand felt warm and she realized she was still holding his hand. Her face flushed as she let go quickly making the action of pointing, "I bet if we jumped we wouldn't even fall through the clouds. Like some hanging areana."

It was breath-takingly beautiful, pristine and clear of any effects on the world below. The cold made her want the hot springs but there was still one more they had yet to check. She knew they should keep moving but something about being on top of the evil, the darkness had her heart pounding. Or it could have been that her hand still held a slight hint of warmth. No, it must have ben the former..of course.

[Alexa]

As she settled into a new state of mind, she was slowly wondering how they were going to act with this. The dragon keep was as good as holy grounds; she didn’t want to splash unnecessary blood and violence when it could be avoided. “Let’s not attack right away,” she spoke softly, her eyes flickered from Fox to the portal. “If they come in, I might be able to persuade them to go back out. I was able to get them coming in this direction after all, it would be my fault for their death,” never mind it was their own greed that did the trick. Still, they were born as thieves, given no education and only brought up as thieves so what other conclusion could be made that Kala created thieves and then punished them? She wouldn’t murder, not if she didn’t have to. Tandri had a little thing called morals; they caused her a bit of trouble from time to time but enabled her to sleep more soundly.

“Besides, maybe they won’t get through,” she mumbled as the barrier continued to shimmer, the pressure that was being applied was obvious. “I’m thinking a person cannot enter when they are thinking foul or harmful thoughts, these men have bad intentions, so the barrier will not let it through. That’s not to say we’re safe. A person can have evil thoughts and acts put together in his head but find a way to create a loop hole and have a good reason for doing it, making in his eyes the deed good. For instance, perhaps he wishes to follow us to learn information on how to find his wife, there’s nothing evil there that the barrier could detect, but what if his way of finding information was through murder and torture? He could hide that fact by not thinking about it until after he crossed the barrier,” it was nothing more than a possible idea. Tandri had a lot of ‘possibly, maybe, could be’s’ running around in her blonde head.


Xan gave an easy grin, “uhm, Kai. If you haven’t noticed, the place is sort of magical. I don’t think we can be too surprised that it has anything our hearts could desire. I’m pretty sure if I wanted too, I could open up a door and a lake or a cabin or anything in my wildest dream could be there. We’ll have to try it out, every time I think of something and open the door, there it is. Maybe if I throw a curve ball like a mountain of ice cream it won’t be able to do that.” The very idea made him quite hungry for mint chocolate chip ice cream. They had a task ahead of them though and Xan couldn’t let his stomach over rule his head. Now was not the time to be thinking about food.

Besides, with the site Kai just presented him with, how could he think of anything else? The sky stretched on with the hoops above, it was amazing to say the least. “Wow,” and then an idea struck him, “Hmm, I wonder if all the portals around us are places to practice areas that we would need, places to hone our magic and fighting skills – then the strange portal that Tandri and Fox are looking at would be the only way out of here,” it made very common sense to Xan, which was why he probably grasped it. He wasn’t too great when it came to logical puzzles and those clever little riddles that no one could ever understand, but common sense was something Xan had plenty of. He had been living off of street smarts for years. Nothing went by him un noticed when it meant his life.

He grinned at her suggestion, “I bet your right,” and because he missed the feeling of her hand around his, Xan grabbed her hand and tugged her along until they were at the brink of the clouds. “Ready?” he asked, a wild light flickering in his eyes. Before she had a chance to say yes or no, they were free falling.

[Heather]

A simple nod was given as the urge to just go through and slaughter any threat kept picking at his bain. Yet he waited, the shimmer of magic seemed to be taking a beating but soon enough it slowed as the men gave up. "You never answered my first question." his eyes twinkled as he looked towards her, still on spot but slightly more relaxed. "I know some rather more..romantic spots." his grin was that of a four year old once more finding presents under the tree.

He set his train of thought aside to asses her idea and had to agree, "I think you're right, it's hard to decide what is truly bad, and good. I higly doubt magic would be able to understand wicked advances when the use is so strongly willed forth with them. As if it's for the good of his life, or home..even family. A person protecting family is almost always 'good' in their motives." he sighed standing up from the attack he'd been preparng. "That would be a very tricy thing to test however Tandri." which meant they were no closer to figuring it out, then they had been moments ago.

"If we could only know a magic that detecdd the true nature of a person..but then i';ve only seen humans able to decipher things of that nature." it puzzled him, and he enjoyed the feeling of his brain ticking away at ideas, or experiments to try. It was his kind of game, and he was going to win.

------

She didn't scream this time, that had to be a plus to the sense of her gut in her throat, Yet soon enough they stood within a mist of clouds, the world hoovering below he as the view streached on for miles. "Is this going to be a reaccuring theme with us? You and me jumping off of things?" she questioned her smile matching the laughter in her voice. This time she didn't let go of his hand almost worried that if she did, she'd meet the ground far too quickly to change her mind.

"If you're right it, well, makes alot more sense then the keep just having a bunch of cracks in it. Doesn't sm like they'd make theplace in such a fashion." she frowned moving closer to him as a cloud shifted under her feet ad left nothing but a view straight down. "That's a head rush." it wasn't as cold here, more warm like the moisture wrapped around your body before seeping in. Her eyes followed the world below before finding his, "Would you trust eating a whole room filled with ice cream?" she answered finally catching up to what was said before they jumped.

Her words fell short somewhat as she spoke them his eyes were an odd mixture of purples to the point of almost lavender. Reaching out he free hand she touched the side of his face for but a second before pulling away. "I don't think i've seen eyes like yours before." she wasn't much to talk what with a crimson gaze that most associated with being evil; that got rather annoying at times.

[Alexa]

“Hmm,” she pursued her lips, her eyes still watching the door. Her body relaxed when it was obvious that the men had given up. She’d hate to spill any blood. “Maybe,” she replied, turning to look at him, her eyes slightly sparkling, “you didn’t ask the question right,” he had only said there had been a chance, never had she heard him actually ask her for a bit of one on one time. It was far too easy to relax around him, and that slightly bothered Tandri. Normally she was very much on edge and careful on how she acted and responded around people. Or maybe she just easily accepted that for once, she would have companions for a very long time and there was no point in holding who she was back. For once, she was among humans and elves, and they were geared towards the same goal.

Tandri could only shrug, “I don’t think we have to test it Fox,” she enjoyed how his name slipped through her lips so easily. “I’m usually right,” she winked and whistled over for her horse, he turned to stare at her, and then to stare at the sweet grass he had been munching. She heard him huff before his muscles began to roll and he was loping towards her, slightly agitated. “Poor baby,” she coo’d, laughing at his antics and slipping him a delightful treat that had him going like putty in her hands. She uttered a few soft elvish words and he seemed much less irritated as he had been.

“It would unfortunately still be impossible,” she replied, looking at Fox, she might as well disappoint him now. “First of all, no magic in the world can read of a person’s true nature, because of how quickly a person could change it. Even so, a bad person can have good intentions just as a good person can be foolish and end up having bad intentions. We’ll just have to cross our fingers and hope the barrier keeps most of the bad out. Whatever comes our way, I’m sure if we all stand together there will not be a lasting problem.” Or so she hoped.



Her hand was warm in his, and yes, as Xan felt the sensation of freefall that was what he was thinking of. When she cocked her head and asked about a reoccurring thing, Xan could only grin, “I wouldn’t mind it so much, would you?” he didn’t mind anything if it meant spending more time with Kai. He’d jump from far heights heights to impress her, he’d take mountains if it would bring a smile to her lovely face and for her to hold onto his hand. Yeah, Xan realized he was a dead man, he barely knew the girl and yet he was completely mystified by her. Hopefully, he wouldn’t end up crashing to the ground. Worse yet, what if they fell and he failed to catch her?

The idea of being right was an enjoyable thought to Xan. Especially if it was something he was able to think of before anyone else, usually all the critical thinking ideas escaped him so if he could take credit for this realization it would at least be helping the riders. He was completely dedicated to their cause, especially if it would ensure his mother and his baby sister safety back in Sidhe. He had made a tiny lie to the present company when he had said he had traveled everywhere except Sidhe, in reality he had been to the grand rebellion city more than once. He had a feeling more people had been there than they let on, which was why he forgave himself for lying, something he usually found horrible and inexcusable. In this day and age, all a man had was his word.

“It’s ice cream Kai, wouldn’t you? When was the last time we had ice cream!” Food around the land was scare, especially delicacies like ice cream, chocolate, butter, rich cow milk, steak and meats. Those things went to Kala in her fortress. Xan was nearly taken back when her hand paused to caress his soft skin, her eyes bore into his and she commented on the rare shade of his eyes. “I could say the same about yours,” he pointed out, and then grinned. “I guess we’re just both special individuals.”

[Heather]

A sigh trampled out of his mouth, “Still..inter’estan none the lest eh?” he liked being able to bounce around ideas with her. Someone who knew more about the subject then he did, made it an actual discussion instead of mere theories tossing in his head. He moved onto Kit like it was a practiced thing, the ease of it spoke more about rider and ridden’s relationship. “I have no doubt about your accuracy on the matter.” He shrugged slightly watching her with a smirk touching his lips as he rode head slightly the beauty of the place dimming compared to his companion. Kit was slightly irritated at just standing around, stomping her foot now and then. He thought about what she’d said before giving Kit a soft nudge with his foot, ‘Mh we better check the rest of them hm?” he turned to look at her eyes twinkling with mischief as was becoming per normal for the man.

“It’s not that I don’t know the question.” He shook his head ridding towards their next goal. “Just when I’ll be asking it, I can’t let you think I’m..” he gasped shaking his head, “Easy!” his grin touched his face before darkening in it’s own respect. He turned forward as his mind whirled wondering what the point in this game could be? Yes game, that’s what it was right, just another game in a way thinking that made him want to vomit. Games, it’d always been games he was fine with it, hell loved the thrill of the chase and catching only to stop before he won. Why stop? He didn’t feel it, what he saw in other mens eyes he didn’t feel anywhere. Yes Tandri was beautiful and held a pull no other girl had managed to steal him into. Yet it would end the same, and or some reason he didn’t want to play anymore. Just once, he’d like to win, truly win.

He stocked the thoughts back giving the elf an awarded winning smile, “You have to at least be a little surprised or there’s no fun in asking.” He tugged a fake frown before rushing Kit ahead. “2 outta three!” he shouted behind him pushing Kit on the best he could. He couldn’t be serious, couldn’t think to deeply or it’d all crush him again he knew that well enough.


She let go of his hand to push his shoulders tossing raven locks this way and that as she shook her head laughing. “If you mean close to like...special in ed kind of way. Then perhaps you’re right.” It was odd to smile like this or joke with someone while standing on top of the world. It matched how she felt at the moment, yet she was just waiting for the crash. She bit the corner of her lip wondering as Airea reminded her How intent are you on Rosalind truly hating you dear? there was no amusement in the dragons thoughts only a matter of fact tone. “I’ve never had ice cream actually so I guess it wouldn’t mean much to me.” She smirked as she looked down her hands uneasy at her sides missing where they’d been.

She sighed her smile lowering itself as she watched the world under her, “So how do we get back…up mh?” She looked up to realize how close she was to him, having taken a step forward again after pushing him. Her face rushed scarlet as she glanced down at her shoes, “We really should be getting back up and all.” He was too close and her stomach was protesting with the nerves dashing around in her body. Now of all times she chose to actually, like someone?! For crying out loud she’d been fine after leaving her life behind it’d never even come up. Now though when she needed to focus make sure she was on task… “I doubt Rosalind will want me to keep you too long.” She noticed the slight twinge of defiance in her tone, like she held a grudge back with the dragonette. Don’t burr yourself, just go Airea’s voice was clearer then most as she shook her head slightly. “I mean-the other portal and all.” She realized she was now dissolving nto a babbling idiot just because all she had to do was lean over and shed be able to touch his lips. Not to mention a guy she’d know for less then 12 hours..oh yeah that was just grand!

[Alexa]

Tandri could only nod her head in agreement, “That it would be,” she complied easily. The only shield stronger than the one around this fabled dragon keeps was the shield protecting the rebellion in Sidhe, cast long ago by seven extremely powerful witches and wizards. Nearly everyone had died in an attempt to keep the sanctuary city safe, the few who lived were nearly powerless, completely drained of their magical abilities. It was a hard compromise to make, and Tandri knew firsthand how dead she had felt inside, how empty and useless after watching several of her fellow magic casters die, and she herself feel completely empty. Several centuries later, her magic had replenished and slightly flourished, enhanced mostly when she met her dragon. He had spoken to her through her dreams, lulling her to the mountains and promising her the life and power she had once been accustomed to. There was no doubt in her mind that her fellow dragon companions knew of her hardships, not when she had lived such a long life dedicated to bringing back the wonders and joy the earth had once held. If they had caught a glimpse of the seven spell casters standing on a ledge around the city, they would not have noticed one lone woman, billowing in the wind with her golden hair spewed out around her. Surviving setting up the barrier to Sidhe was her one and only life accomplishment, the only piece of her that would stay on this earth when she left. It was, in her mind, the least she could do.

“Men,” she huffed, rolling her eyes and feeling ethereal’s body shake with what she presumed to be laughter underneath her. Even the horses were more alive and magical than a normal horse, more like the dragons in the aspect of how they connected and even communicated to their rider. She turned her head to smirk at him, her slim eye brow slightly arching as she held Ethereal to a walk. “Exactly what notion have I put in your head for you to presume I would be agreeable to these games? Hmm?” she certainly had a way with words. “You, sir, are as predictable as when the sun will rise and fall, I will not fall into your hasty traps just as I won’t be lured into a false sense of security.” She flicked her long blonde locks back and Ethereal pawed at the ground beneath her. “I am no prize,” she reminded him, not quite sure what the bright glint was in his eyes, but she was far too accustomed to it, she knew all too well the notions of a man when he glanced at a young beautiful woman. “Keep your mind on the task,” she suggested, and urged Ethereal foreword into a nice little lope.


He couldn’t help but grin, Xan was finding himself smiling an awful lot around her. “No, I meant special as in compared to the rest of the world,” he replied quite the gentleman’s voice, flourished and smooth. “Who else would dare to go on the journey that we are about to ascent upon? Who else would step up to the plate and take the challenge, grab the bulls by the horn so to speak and dare to stand before Kala, refusing to bow. We weren’t randomly selected Kai, this is no chance. We were chosen, I’d say this makes us pretty damn special,” and he did feel special, and home and welcomed and at ease around the different people when he didn’t know their middle names. Rosalind was a comfort in his mind, easing his heart and whispering kind words of the promises of tomorrow they would bring. They were special.

Suddenly, Xan was starring at her, shock scribbled across his face. “Never?” he managed to choke out, his eyes were wide with alarm. “Well, we will just have to fix that, now wouldn’t we?” he grinned suddenly, flashing his whites at her, “You look like a strawberry flavored type of girl, so we’ll have to solve this problem as quickly as possible. I’d be personally mortified with myself if I wasn’t there for your first bite,” he gave her a playful wink, “So you’ll just have to stand me for a little bit longer. I’ll never forgive myself if I’m not there and then we’ll both be deep in guilt,” he jested, giving her a playful pat on the arm and a wide smile on his face.

Kai had a very well made point. “Well, I suppose being able to leave would be…handy,” he admitted sheepishly, and instantly began looking around. “I wonder, if we just have to will it,” and suddenly he was taking his hand in hers again, “Close your eyes, and think of being back at the keep, we’re about to fall again,” it seemed to be what they did best. He tightened his hold on her hand quickly and plunged off the clouds, in his mind he began to think of back at the keep, back at home and suddenly he felt his feet hit the grass. It gave him a bit of a queasiness inside as he felt the freefalling sensation end rapidly. “Well uh, maybe we’ll…” yeah, he really didn’t feel so good, “find a better way to get…” he paused, “back, excuse me,” if there was one thing Xan found, he defiantly did not have the stomach to do that over again. In minutes he was back again, looking a bit red eared, “Well, let’s not do that anytime soon, hmm? I don’t think my stomach can quite handle another drop that ends so quickly,” even the idea was making him feel ill again.

[Heather]

He watched her move and clapped his hands slowly as she marched off, grinning onc more as he always did. "No not a prize, far too..real to be such a thing." his answer was hidden in whatever he had meant by his acions as he nodded. "I can focus, my pologiges." his tone returned to a casual tone. Kit moved freely without having to be led, or turned here or there. No the mare knew where she wanted to go;where Fox would surley want to go as well. He tsked as images half empty turned up in his mind, the color the grass was offsetting with the sky. Like he should realize it meant something that deep shade of blue. It mocked him to a point of longing and apprehension, "How much farther to the next exit?" he wasn't answering anything else sh'd questioned and he was fairly sure he didn't know how too.

No, he wanted to get his job done and ignore the naging mages that flashed and danced whenever he was near the elven woman. It'd do him no good to figure this puzzle, game..life out here and now. Goals needed to be set, number one, stop droolng over the one unatainable thing. A beautiful elven witch who was by far, over his own worth.


"Fine it's a deal then. First bite you get to be there." his expression had erased all the unease she'd felt before. Her laughter came light as she watched him, then her heart was in her head and they were falling. She'd stopped screaming now, falling was almost a routine with him. She'd take any excuse for him to reach out to her, any at all. "Oh my-"she clutched her side as her laughter had her splayed on the ground when he returned. Her face fluched with a splash of rich scarlet as she tried to breathe, "That was just-Let's do it again!" she had a slight head rush or high.

She reached her hand towards him, containing the laughter to short bursts, "help me up willya?" she could Airea's worried tone before he realized they were safe on keep grounds. "Seriously you're face was so cute" she managed to only smile hough the laughter sketched her gaze on him. "Just promise this whole ice cream deal, no one is allowedto fal over around or near anthing hm?" she took his hand and used it to finall help herself up, her thumb brushed along the back ofhis hand."Seriously though, we need to find more things we can do together then that mh?" she meant as a group,with the rider...of course that's what she meant!

[Alexa]

Tandri was not convinced. All the while they rode she felt his eyes watching her backside as they trailed deeper into the foliate to the next door way. When she heard his voice, she hesitated in order to gain composure before speaking. “Soon,” and with a brief pause added, “I hope,” for her mind worked far better with a task involved then when she was left to idle sitting on her horse, with nothing but her own deep thoughts to occupy herself with. She often times began to think too much and too deeply for what was healthy. Her brain needed a rest every once and awhile like everyone else. After a lengthy time that really only amounted to a few short minutes, she felt the magical rim around the barrier that was located very near them. “We’re approaching the next door,’ she announced. Ethereal tossed his head as they drew closer, the shimmering of the magic never failed to enchant neither horse nor rider. She sadly departed from his back; with the promise to her self she’d soon be running him back to the barn as fast as his legs could go.

“Well, time to investigate,” she announced, and ran her smooth hand through the shimmering wall that matched in with its surroundings. She pulled her lips together and pressed them in disdain, there was only one way to see what was on the other side of the door. Without giving any sign of worry or hesitation, she stepped through the door. The same sense of being washed over with clear liquid water had her smiling as she walked into new surroundings. Her hands clasped together in ecstasy and glee at the sight before her. “Oh how wonderful!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide as she glanced around. “It’s a training arena,” and set up how the elves had once upon a time ago. There were large fields and fighting points, every weapon a master could ask for and still yet room for the imagination to grow. The place was purely for the riders to develop their skill with their hand to hand combat or with a form of blade. This, Tandri could tell, was going to come in handy.


Again…she wanted to do it again? Xan didn’t think he could stomach it, he barely stomached it the first time. “I think I’ll pass,” he added dryly before glancing around for his horse. He’d rather move onto the next door. “We do have a bit of work to do first,” they didn’t have to meet up until dinner and he very much wanted to see what the next area had in store for them. Xan’s stomach prayed it wouldn’t be another free falling lesson. He didn’t think they’d suddenly be planted on the ground against gravity in such a short time. As a rider, it was obvious he was going to have to gain more nerves of steel so nothing could shake him. It would do no good if he ended up feeling queasy in battle from dropping from the sky, giving Kala and easy way to decapitate him. He could just imagine the names folk lore stories would come up with when talking about Xan the nauseous or Weak in the Stomach O’Dell.

He was happy to lend a hand and pull her up to her feet, allowing her to become settled with the ground. He nearly grimaced when she pointed out how cute his face was. “Cute? Cute?” he groaned, that sounded like something a little sister might say. Whatever he was feeling for Kai, it was not in a brotherly fashion. “Not exactly the look I was going for Kai,” he mumbled. Sure, it was fine and dandy for a girl to look cute, but a man? He should be sexy with a dangerous edge to his debonair looks. Oh, no, he got the compliment of looking cute like some fluffy white kitty cat. Damn it.

At least the last words she spoke had him grinning. “I’m sure the keep is all up to date on forms of entertainment,” he exclaimed, quite sure of himself on that fact. “I mean, what kind of riders would we be if we ended up being terminated on fault of being bored to death?” Besides, maybe there was a way to move to cities more quickly where they could all partake in activities around the village.


He rode long and hard, sweat dripping from his brow and broad back. As his stallion lurched forward with each passing stride, the beat built up an accumulated amount of sweat as his rider did. They both moved in one as one shadow in the night. His stallion as black and velvet and the dashing and debonair Cain dressed fully in onyx traveling clothes. He was lucky and grateful for the stamina and loyalty Vlad continued to prove with each league they covered in the night, crossing an impressive amount of distance to brag about. No man or horse ever redefined the meaning of haste as Cain and Vlad did. As dawn began to break to the east, Vlad continued to stretch forward, running through the dark foliage of the forest. All around them the trees closed in and the threat of an attack hung over Cain like a grey cloud waiting for the right opportunity to burst. The last thing Cain wanted to deal with at that moment was a detour from their destination that was still half a day’s ride.

Neither horse nor rider took breaks or slowed, they both stayed awake and alert as they crossed through the dangerous forests that protected the barrier of Sidhe. Vlad finally slowed to a walk, his muscular body drenched in sweat. Grateful and feeling guilt for riding him so hard, Cain dismounted and allowed Vlad a long break at the river to cool his thirst. Clouds that drifted over the sun periodically blocked the light, casting an overshadow on the part of ground they stood on. Cain glanced up at the grey sky and grimaced, there was a storm coming, again. Since Kala’s rein it seemed the days of sunshine were far and few in between. For Cain, it did not matter if his days were filled with the brightest and warmest sunshine imaginable. Since the death of his beloved wife, all his days were long and dark that kept him in a cantankerous mood. The woods were silent except for the deep heavy breathing of Vlad as he continued to slurp up as much water one horse could possible contain. It left Cain to only dwell on his thoughts while his elvish eyes glanced around the woods.

With a rare parting of clouds, a soft ray of light beamed down and caught a piece of metal that glittered brightly, momentarily blinding Cain. He raised his hand to block the sun from his eyes, but continued to stare where a precious metal continued to be dazzled by the sunlight. His muscles shook as he stepped forward gracefully and leaned down to gently pick up a tiny perfect circle of gold. The gold was set with a perfect oval sapphire in the middle surrounded by two twinkling diamonds on each side. A brief look of emptiness, loss, and pain engulfed his eyes. In the distance the cry of the hawk sounded out, singing its pitiful tune for Cain. The spider webs dropped down, no longer sparkling finely like they usually did. Even the firs on the pine trees began to drag, feeling the elves intense sadness. Vlad went so far as to let out a piercing cry, feeling how deep his rider’s emotional pain dug. Nearly trembling, Cain’s fingers rolled around the golden ring and glanced at the inscription.

“forever and for always my eternal love’

The words were carved in the elvish language, but translated into those exact seven words in the human language. It also took seven letters to carve into the elvish language; at the time Cain had felt it was good luck. With his optimistic and cheerful wife at his side, Cain had been floating on the clouds. With her brutal attack and murder, he had crashed into the final circle of hell. It seemed fate would never stop throwing the reminders of her into his face. Cain wrapped his hand around the ring, and crushed the metal close to his chest as he let out his own sound of grieving. Fresh salty tears slid silently down his cheeks and he crouched down to hold the precious ring by his heart. Vlad let go another lose howl of agony for his rider, silently kneeling to bow to his rider’s pain. It seemed the forest came alive with sadness, feeding on the emotional pain Cain carried deeply in his heart. Together, the forest and the elf grieved for the greatest lost love known between a husband and a wife.

After a few long moments of silence, Cain found the strength to pull himself together and stand up. Without looking at the ring he pocketed the hurtful reminder and mounted Vlad. His horse nuzzled him gently before looking out to Sidhe. Without a single command, Vlad urged himself into a brisk canter and carried his rider with speed towards Sidhe. They passed through an invisible barrier in the woods, and came out into the city on the other side. He glanced mournfully at the city he loved, knowing too soon he’d be leaving behind the only sense of family, love, heart and home he had left. He’d be forced by duty to ride back to strangers, ones who didn’t fully conceive what their journey of peril would be filled with. Mostly though, he would be forced to go back and stare into the eyes of a woman who could have passed as the twin of his late wife. She claimed to be a werewolf, which had diminished his hope of any possibility of her being his wife. Yet, she looked as if she was the mirror of his Melya. And then it hit him, the legend of wolves devouring flesh and taking on the appeal of their victims.

Coldness filled Cain and he felt his blood vessels freeze. How long had he been possibly staring at his wife’s murderer? Anger flooded through his body. “Take rest Vlad,” he suggested darkly, “We ride just as hard tomorrow,” tomorrow, when he would return to the strangers, when he would return to his wife’s murderer. For now he would take rest and find his family, and then….then he would do his job and announce to the Sidhe government of this new source of power. Of the six riders ready to purify and free their land.

[Heather]

His smile was lifted at the sight they'd stumbled upon, eyes taking in each blade of grass and every inch in-between. 'This'll work just fine then mh?" he patted the side of kit's neck and a sigh dragged out of him. "This means we're almost done then." almost a child like whine entranced his voice as he dismounted. "I was wondering however if you wouldn't mind sitting beside me at dinner tonight?' he asked Tandri a bit off-handly, well he couldn't very well ask her for a date without getting to know her a bit more. A flash of her entire life was nothing like learning the little things about a person.

Kit moved with an easy sense to the mare circling Fox now and then as she made her way around the area. "I know." Fox mouthed towards the horse that seemed a bit taken aback by the sight. Fox had to admit it was glorious and far beyond anything he'd ever used. The back streets and crapped slums had been his training area. "We should set a meeting time, where everyone is advised to show mh?" It made enough sense to practice together after all. "Learn each other’s styles as a group first, then anyone can come and go after that.." he shrugged watching Tandri for but a few moments before continuing on, "We can't just sit around every day waiting ya know..." no the thought of what was to come plagued him, almost as much as the odd feeling in his mind.


Kai covered her mouth before mouthing the words sorry, her smile didn't falter however. "I have to remind myself no one's eight here..." lucking her tongue against the roof of her mouth she sighed.”Mh what other words can I insert...very dashing! Ha" she moved forward with an ease that spoke years of training to be in control of every aspect of her walk, and not notice. She frowned shaking her head, "Dashing's too old..." she turned to face him her body a hair width apart from him.”No I guess cute would be far too tame huh?" cocking her head to the side she looked him up and down slowly before her grin was nothing less than dangerous. "Heart stopping, breath takingly handsome...that'll work."

With that she moved away, her walk showed years of practice and yet she didn't even have to think about it. "Come on then one more, like you said!" she called over her shoulder thinking about what the keep could hold. "I'm not even sure how to act n groups let alone..." she trailed off as she almost said date. Had she ever been on a date? Cared enough to ask or try...why was the word even affecting her like this? Her heart skipped a beat before she mounted Emiliea quickly. "Last one there owes the other ice cream." there see harmless bet...right.


She rolled to her side Tabion watching her with an odd expression, "You're crying." it was true the fur around her eyes was soaked with a sorrow she couldn't explain. 'I was dreaming was all." the words came but her mouth didn't move. She and Tabion spoke to each other within themselves; it was easier then whimpers and barks from Melya. She closed the fist sized gaze and her chest rose and fell with a shake to the ground under her. As the beast drifted back to sleep her body changed with a sickening sound that had even Tabion fidgeting. Magic covered her body and soon she was dressed in the outfit she'd dawned earlier. Sleep hadn't shaken off and she was left with a new streak of moisture to her cheeks.

[Alexa]

Suddenly, Tandri felt very calm and assured. The keep hadn’t left them defenseless, somehow they would manage to be a real threat to Kala and that idea excited her. When she heard him speak behind her, she turned around with a sweet smile, “I’d be honored by your request,” she said softly, before patting Ethereal’s neck and mounting up on him, a sly look slid across her emerald eyes. She bent down quickly enough to place a soft kiss on Fox’s cheek, before walking past him on her stead. “Although I’d be very put out if we’re beaten back to the keep, and the sun is nearly about to set,” she pointed out, look towards the west where the sun was slowly beginning to go down. It was nearly dinner time, or at least their meeting time. “Come, let us run and be triumphant in our win,” she laughed impishly before urging Ethereal into a dead out run, expecting Fox to follow behind or next to her….if he could catch up.

It was breath taking, the feeling of running all out through the country side and woods that the lay before the keeps grand entrance. Tandri bounded off Ethereal, giving him a kiss on the forehead and mumbling a few chosen words of thanks in her native tongue. With a pat, he nickered and went trotting off into the stables for some well deserved hay. “Come on Fox,” she called, looking back over her shoulder and grinning as she urged him to keep up with her fast pace. “We have much to tell the others,” she added before swinging the keeps door open and strolling inside, she made a bee-line for the dinner table where they were about to gather and meet.



“Now,” he grinned, giving her a playful wink and taking her soft hand in his, “That will do my lady,” he teased, giving himself a southern drawl and bringing her soft hand to his lips. He pressed a dainty kiss on the back of her sweet skin and then let her hand fall. Straightening up, not even a crimson blush spread across Xan’s face, something he was quite proud about. “For your information,” he added with a wink, “I’m far from eight and I’m far from being old. I’ve found twenty three to be a delightful age, I’ve experienced a lot of live and made a lot of stories in that time,” a lot of stories that were filled with danger and peril, epic in every sense and would have Kai on the edge of her seat listening. He planned to tell her all of them someday, hoping it would earn her respect that he wasn’t some poor country boy but an explorer and true man.

Xan glanced back at the slowly setting sun and frowned, “We should hurry back,” he didn’t like the idea of being late for a meeting. One thing Xan had to admit, he loathed being too late or too early for anything. He was extremely time management. He whistled for his sweet and loving horse before climbing on her back. Heavenly gave a slow whinny and huffed out a puff of air as she looked across the distance they’d have to cross. “Well, let’s at least not be terribly late,” Xan said, praying mostly to himself than Kai. He then urged Heavenly into a slow docile canter, enough for Kai to catch up to his pace before the horses could move into a dead run towards the keep. Before long they were approaching the ancient building, a smile set on Xan’s lips as he felt the familiar warmth of home.



They ran, like two shadows blending into one during the night. Vlad pulled his muscles in and stretched across the barren waste land until Cain saw the shimmering entrance into their magical fantasy world. It was a utopia away from danger and he’d be sure not to forget the real danger of life that was existing outside of their heavenly little bubble. The sun had begun to set, darkness coming on quickly by the time Cain walked into the keep and let Vlad go to have a well deserved rest. A steady rain began to fall as he walked into the keep, giving his golden locks droplets of water that sparkled on his head, the water glistened on his chest and at least he looked like he was wet more from rain than sweat. Hanging up his dark cloak, still wearing completely all black in boots, trousers and a long sleeved shirt Cain heard the familiar chatter in the dining room. He stepped inside the warmly lit room and glanced around at the others in slight disdain. “Your presence,” he announced, “Will be requested in Sidhe as soon as possible. I have been charged with showing you the way and informing you on the proper etiquettes while in the city,” in other words, he was to be their keeper while they stayed in Sidhe, a job he was none too happy about. He dragged a chair out and sat down with a thud, glancing over each and every one of them, his glance landed on the soft spoken girl last, turmoil of emotions engulfed him and Cain was forced to look away. In his pocket, his fingers gently caressed the perfect golden ring.

[Heather]

He took his spot beside Tandri with a grin that stated he was more than happy to be allowed beside her, his fingertips drumming the table at knowing they’d been first. Besides Melya who seemed lost in her own head when they’d arrived. The table was sure enough already set, hosting itself yet another feast to all the riders and their dragons. “SO, that’s interesting enough..” Sidhe, wanted them? Odd. “I don’t like the feeling we’re being baby-sat ‘owever.” He muttered the words to himself finding time to take a bite of this or that, not truly paying attention to his food. Stealing himself far too many glances of the companion beside him. “Tandri found the exit and an arena.” His words were easy except when he spoke her name. It rolled off his lips like the best aged wine a person could get their hands on. “We fund an area for practice in the air.” Kai spoke up before lowering her gaze biting her lip before eating. Fox dismissed the action though he was all too curious about what had taken them so long to find only that and still be late for dinner.

“And you then Melya?” Fox asked with a touch more kindness then the others, he almost pitied the girl all too silent for his taste in company, She looked up like she’d been trapped before clearing her throat and speaking. “The keep works by us..what we need it has, what we want it can get.” She shrugged before pushing the food around on her plate. “It’s almost stocked with elf and boars…huge too if you head towards the south of the area.” She knew such a bountiful amount was for her gain only, it’d do very little good for the rest of the riders. Fox nodded before watching Cain again so many questions, too much decency not to shout them out during dinner. “ So we go tonight then? Or would we rather tramp around in broad daylight? Mh though tomorrow night we could rest first then have no need of stopping…”

Kai couldn’t hear a word Fox was saying, as she let herself remember earlier in the day when she didn’t have to plan a way to travel with six dragons and people into a dangerously guarded place. As another plate moved towards her she suppressed the smile of a bowl of strawberry ice cream set itself before her. “I’d much rather we go tonight…or even better early morning…say 3-4 ish. Still dark and it’d be odd for anyone to figure we’d leave then.” At least she’d attempted to catch a few stray words here and there. She didn’t like how the sight of Xan could make her mind wander, that it removed all notions of the true reason she accepted to follow Airea. When she looked at Xan she felt an ease that erased every horrified scream in her ears all the blank stairs and broken promises of safety. It didn’t matter. Airea found it all too amusing as he chuckled now and then, like he knew something she didn’t and wasn’t sharing,

She felt a yawn push forward and knew her soul was drained from all the thoughts, all the daunting trails ahead. This was no time to day-dream about this or that, lifting the spoonful to her mouth a delighted chuckle fell forward. It was cold but creamy and it took everything not to shovel the substance as fast as she could into her mouth. “You were right, its amazing.” She whispered to the man plaguing her mind through-out dinner. She had the urge to ask him where the hot springs had been the need for the warmth of one weighed on her. Yet she waited, she had to focus at least a little bit more of the conversation that was unfolding.


The feeling she got a Cain watched her, caused her heart to ache as if such a look should never be received from him. Like the very notion of him being upset made her want to grovel at his feet until all sins were repented for. She only dared meeting his gaze because she didn’t want to be found as a coward but it took everything in her not to bolt outside and keep going. “Did they happen to say why?” Melya asked meakly intent on separating the peas out of her mashed potatoes one at a time as she spoke. He fork working slower then was needed, but looking at him now hurt too much to even try again. She wanted to yell at the man, ‘how dare he treat me in such a way..he never had before…before… there was no before why did she kept placing things he did in past-tense?

[Alexa]

Cain frowned at Fox’s comment, “I don’t like being the babysitter, so be on your best behavior,” there was no humor in his voice, his vocals were low and serious as he dug his fork into a plate of food, though he barely felt anything go down into his stomach. After a few measly forkfuls, he gave up. He arched an eyebrow and suddenly smirked, “You all seem surprised. Of course Sidhe wants you, they’re a rebellious town, and they’ll get their hands on anything that would defeat Kala. The people will bow down at your feet most likely. They’ll come to you for advice and blessings,” he added, glaring them down, “So be aware of your actions at all times. They will judge you, they will look for you to fall and for every person who loves you there are two who will frown and hate you,” they needed to understand that.

Softly, Tandri picked at her salad; at the mention of being forced back to Sidhe she had lost all appetite. The last time she had been there, years ago, she had suffered like no other. “I think someone should stay here,” she suddenly vocalized, picking her head up and starring out, “We still need more information gathered and researched. I’d be happy to volunteer myself, I have no desire to see the golden city,” it was said that only Sidhe was a land that sill had goodness, opportunities in gold. Cain however, only glared her down.

“All six riders and dragons were requested, which means if I have to tie you by your hair Tandri Victorine Bellevue, I will,” he stated in a matter of fact tone. Instead of intimidating her, it brought a fierce and dangerous look to Tandri’s eyes. “Just try it,” she snapped, daring him with every glare of her eyes. She cocked her had in an arrogant fashion and raised an eye brow, a slim smirk crossed her lips, “Be careful Lord Cain Marcello Wolfe, I know more than you think,” the last words stained the air in bitterness, and she saw shock rise in his eyes, and more so recognition on who she was.

Tandri continued to smirk.

She waited, and watched with glee as Cain shut his mouth. She knew far too many of his secrets, he would not say another word nor would he try idle threats again. Tandri was not a woman to try and shove around without consideration to her thoughts. She was a woman with individual thought and wouldn’t be told what to do like a mere child. Xan continued to sit, looking a bit shocked at the outburst the two had just tangled themselves with. Wisely he bit into his food and cleared his throat before speaking. “Well then,” he began, “I suppose if Sidhe wishes for our presence so badly, we should of course hasten as quickly as possible,” there had to be a reason for their presence to be requested.

Xan completely agreed with Kai and quickly rushed to voice his opinion in defense to hers, “the sooner and darker the better. Our horses have fine eye sight, we’ll just have to depend on them not to run into a tree or stumble over a rock,” besides, Xan was used to moving and traveling in darkness. “You made the trip quickly Cain, surely we can match your pace,” he added, but Cain shook his head. “No, we will take more time, I will not ask Vlad to run at such a great distance for so long without rest again,” and that was that, it was obvious there was no moving him to traveling any faster than he had. In fact, he seemed to want to take a bit of time. Xan seemed a bit put out, but he felt that he’d be full of guilt if he pushed heavenly like Cain seemed to have pushed Vlad.

Unsettled with the agreements, Tandri pushed her chair out and stood up, “I’ll be excused now,” she stated and began to walk away. A hand snaked out and bit into her skin, grasping her wrist harshly. She neither gasped nor shouted anything, but was inclined to throw a dark glare at the man who held her wrist so tightly. “You will go to Sidhe,” he demanded harshly and was nearly settled back to see the burning intensity that flew through Tandri’s eyes.

“Only to supervise you,” she snapped and Cain let out a hiss when his hand suddenly felt as if it was fire, in a flash he let go of Tandri’s hand, but the fire didn’t stop burning. “Witch,” he cursed, but Tandri only laughed as she walked away. That would teach him to treat her in such an undignified matter. She hated causing others pain, but some days it was necessary.

Xan couldn’t help but gulp, he glanced over at Kai, “Uhm, so, ice cream good?” he asked, giving an awkward chuckle and hoping to ease tension in the air. “IF I ever hold your hand you won’t…” he began, unsure how to finish. Kai certainly didn’t look like a witch.

[Heather]

The girls body shook as every bone ached to break and a snarl almost trampled out of her lips. She didn't like it, how Tandri looked at him, how she spoke to him. It made her stomach sick and her soul light with a wrath she couldn't understand. The sweet taste of metalic copper filled her mouth as she released the hold on her tongue she'd been keeping in her teeth. The edge of one of her k-9's having knicked it to deeply. She couldn't speak however but felt the magic flood down her down to her feet and skip under the table towards Cain's hand. Whatever Tandri had used Melya did best to counter act it, though her eleven magic wasn't as pure as it should have been. It'd at the very least take the edge off the pain in Cain's hand, at the best it would remove it fully. All the while Melya watched her plate as tabion's eyes matched the blaze endangering her mind. "Very wel." it was all she could mster when the thought of Sidhe struck sheer panic into her body, she shook for but a moment.

Melya raised her gaze finally to watch Cain, he wasn't normally so bitter..so mean. There she went again, wasn't normally, as if she of all things could know what he should act like. It was more so the name Tandri had spoken, that above all else rocked her core as a beautiful feeling entered her at the sound of it. Melya Wolfe it sent a rush of nerves and thoughts into her mind as she left without another word nor explanation. Tabion quick on her heels, wishing to say everything he knew yet knowing it'd do no good. Such a deluge of reality, of the truth all at once would do more damage then help. Tabion did however shot Cain a look that held far more knowledge then even tandri could account to towards the man.

Fox was left to dumb fondly sit there, confusion more so racking his thoughts then anything else battling for attention. "You'd do best not to touch her again." it was all Fox had to say as Reacta nodded darkly in agreement of the matter."We should get ready then Fox," the dragonette's voice rather sing-song like with an air of authority. Fox nodded all the while his gaze locked on Cain's before him too ushering out of the room.

Kai sat stunned, glancing at Xan sideways and taking his hand in her own. "I promise i wouldn't." she mouthed with a whisper watching the chaotic showdown that had unfolded. "What just...happened?" they were alone except for Cain and it as rather unnerving, but she had no glare to chase towards the man. She nodded in answer to Xan's other question before tugging on his arm slightly, 'Maybe we should go....?" the leftover tension dinner had created had goosebumps ething into her skin, Airea lowering himself to the floor to put his presence closer to Kai. Go, anywhere, just to get out of the room before everyone returned with shouts or something.