A young swordsman walked down the road. Judging by his appearance he seemed not much more then his early 20's. Some might even say he's to young and innocent looking to be a warrior of any skill. He had a leather sack over one shoulder his hand grasping the strap from it. His other hand rested on one of the swords dangling from his hips. His eyes obscured by his hair as he went. He had a slight smile on his face has he walked calmly down the road leading into town. Occasionally he'd look up and around admiring the scenery as well before stopping for a moment and looking towards elf staring off to the distance. He watched for a moment wondering if it was him she was staring at. Casually approaching her then looking in the direction she seemed to look off too.

Somethin' amiss miss?

"Hmm? Oh! hello! No, nothing is amiss... its just theres something..." her voice trailed off for a moment as she appeared to be concentrating. "I'm sure its nothing. Care to join our little gathering, once everyone arrives? im sure theyll bring along plenty of ale and perhaps some fresh windsus to roast!" she said to the traveller, with her usual beaming smile.

Aye. I'd love to join that I would.

Though I'd take water or milk over the ale. Meh' names Dantaz mi'lady And yours?

Dendrianna - dressed in a meadow green peasant dress tightened up the middle with black cording, black beaded satin shoes and draped in a berry satin hooded cape - paces the rough wooden floor of the hallway just outside of a room of the Turek Inn of Oren.

“Den, are you ever ready on time?” She questions the oak planked door with a brass plate reading 3L. 3L designates the third floor left room, this floor only has three rooms. The left room is occupied by Dendrobates, the middle room by Elinari and the right room by Dendrianna. Dendrianna’s room is the largest of the three as her dwarven sister, Dendria, sometimes stays with her.

“Being on time is a matter of perspective.” the male voice comes from the other side of the door.

“And who’s perspective is that exactly?” She questions.

A clink of the iron handle and a quick opening door, “Exactly!” he exclaims posing as if majesty.

Dendrianna crosses her arms, raises her left eyebrow and taps her right foot while looking the human male up and down. A chestnut colored doublet with white cording and matching drawstring pant stuffed inside calf-high drawstring boots. “A burlap cloak? Really?”

His beaming smile deflates, “It goes well with the outfit, does it not?”

“If you were to traipse through the forest in search of kindle wood, perhaps. However,” she moves past him toward his wardrobe cabinet, “this is a gathering for which Miss Zaphne has invited us.” She ruffles through his garments and then holds up a black satin cloak and a crimson red cloak adorned with grey embellishments around the hood and sleeves.

“Should the wind blow cold tonight, warmth will be desired.” He explains.

“The red one then. It is double lined and the mighty Bishop will stay warm.” She teases as she tosses the cloak to him. “Now do not tarry, change quickly.”

“I must concede, you are right.” He says taking off the burlap cloak. Dendrianna looks on with a smile of satisfaction. “I might miss the celebratory tapping of the keg!” He exclaims whipping on the crimson cloak and darting to the hallway waiting for the Dark Elf. “Well? We must be on our way!”

Dendrianna shakes her head and meets him in the hallway closing the door behind her. “Wait just a moment.” She says reaching around his waist bringing his face close to her neck eliciting the intake of her scent.

“Moonflower from the Misty Mountains.” He says as their eyes meet when she stands fully before him.

She tightens the long belt she just placed around him causing him to gasp. “Aye, you never know who will be there.” She says with a sly smile. “Oh, and if you would not mind dear.” She places a red onyx pendant in his hand, turns around lifting her long dark hair to expose the grey of her neck.

He clasps the fine silver chain with the pendant. “When did you get this one?” He asks.

She turns around letting her hair drape down her back and nestles the pendant against the green cloth of her dress. “You bought this for me a few days ago from Dwarf Proudstar. She makes the most fantastic jewelry! You agree of course.”

“Umm, of course.” He replies somewhat confused. “I bought…”

Dendrianna interrupts, “Oh and here! Tie this to your belt so as not to lose it.” She jingles adena inside a leather pouch. “Now come! We must hurry!” She grabs him by the arm and they head down the hallway.
Once outside, Dendrianna keeps the pace quick to distract Dendrobates from the purchased necklace. “These shoes are wonderful!” She exclaims. “I so tire of the high heeled boots I must wear with mage robes. I feel as if I have two steps for every one.”

Dendrobates tries to look down at her shoes, but is difficult being dragged along by the long-legged dark elf. “I suppose I bought those as well just a few days ago?” He questions.

“Please Den. Now you are being silly.” She says reassuring him as they reach Gatekeeper Isabelle.

“Greetings Miss Isabelle.” Dendrianna says with a bow.

Dendrobates also bows, “Mi’lady.”

“Are the pair traveling together this eve?” Isabelle questions.

“Yes dear. To Hunters Village please.” Dendrianna says nudging Dendrobates to pay the fee.

Dendrobates hands over the adena and before they are whisked away, Dendrianna looks at her shoes and then to her male companion. “You bought these last month.”

In a moments time they arrive in Hunters Village arm in arm with Dendrobates stammering. The Dark Elf once again distracts her companion by waving at Zaphne.

"Oh! call me Zaphne! sorry for my lack of introduction. Im sure we can find plenty of both water and milk here." She began to relax a bit after making sure her preparations were complete. It would be an excellent evening for sure... except for that..that...him.... its a him...so dark... so.......familiar...

She was startled again from her thoughts by the sight of the Den's arrival, and waved back happily at her guests. "Dantaz, this is Dendrobates and Dendrianna, Both are wonderful friends." she whispered to Dantez as the dens briskly walked toward them.

(( since dendrianna is also a empath, she will probly pick up on this dark agressor just out of town somewhere as well. Im thinking of making it a young Wizard who will become the evil wizard Dupelgenon that a young Zaphne fought in the future long ago, but if it doesnt go that way thats ok too hehe, itll be fun to watch how it unwinds :) ))

Dantaz looks at the dark elf dragging the dwarf a moment. He was still distrutful of them. His past with them always ended him pain or deaths. After he notes how friendly and happy she seems he nods and introduces himself to her and her friend as well.

He looked at Zaph a moment. "Something wrong miss.. You seem troubled? Isn't me is it?"

Dendrianna briskly walks toward Zaphne, arm in arm with Dendrobates while he struggles to keep up. His focus is on the preparations Zaphne has made, briefly notices the human male near the elf, but notices more the two empty stands for the barrels of ale. His attention is broken when his companion releases his arm to hug Zaphne.

“Joyous greetings Miss Zaphne.” She says with open arms and a brimming smile. “The decorations truly enhance the natural beauty of the village.” She steps back and curtsies to the human standing next to Zaphne. “And who is this strapping young fellow?”

He introduces himself as Dantaz to the pair.

“Greetings Dantaz. By the swords you carry a knight or warrior I assume?” the Dark Elf questions in a friendly manner.

Dendrobates also notices the swords and offers a warriors greeting. “Good meet Dantaz. I am Dendrobates, Bishop to the clan Evermore. The beautiful woman to my right with the lovely necklace and shoes is Dendrianna, a Shilien Elder.” A sarcastic tone entered his voice when identifying the necklace and shoes.

“Pardon my rudeness Miss Zaphne.” As he leans over to hug his friend. “Your preparations should bring about a wonderful gathering! Alas, the ale has not arrived yet I see.”

((ooc - Dendrianna will pick up on something as Zaphne already has, but I'll let her settle in a bit first.))

"No, its not you. I see you as a friend," she smiled and began to laugh a little, "I see everyone as friend, until they prove themselves otherwise. No, this is something else, but not our concern as of yet. Were here to enjoy an evening." With that, she pushed the thoughts aside to focus on the planned evening. Aye the ale should be here shortly. I've even been allowed to make a small roasting pit, should anyone bring Windsus." she said, pointing behind one of the buildings close by. Oh! your water!" She excused herself a moment to speak to one of the dwarven shopkeepers, who ran off straight away to fulfill her request. "Well have some for you in a moment. Lets have a seat and relax! it is wonderful to see you two as always. dendrianna, did he manage to leave the tavern with any stew remaining?"

((ooc - when I think of outdoor seating I envision a mixture of large logs laid on the ground or large logs cut into shorter pieces stood on end by themselves or possibly with a plank between them.))

The Elf, Dark Elf and the two Humans take their place on four of the eight large pieces of log placed in a circle.

“Was I supposed to leave any stew?” Dendrobates boastfully states more than asks. He chuckles and pats his belly. “My thin build can only handle so much. The endless gut of a dwarf I do not have.”

“Oh! Speaking of dwarves. Dendria and Mavic are accompanying Isabelie, you know, the beer dwarfie. She is bringing the ale and Mavic has some chickens and a couple legs of Wyrm for roasting.” Says Dendrianna.

Dendrobates looks over his shoulder, hopeful to see the three dwarves pulling through the village entrance, but he didn’t. “Well, I do hope Dendria can keep those two on straight order. I have no doubt Mavic and Isabelie have already tapped a barrel - for the sole purpose of taste testing.” He laughs “I can imagine Dendria the sole dwarf riding atop the cart while the other two are plopped in the back with mugs singing drinking songs.”

Dendrianna looks at the young man sitting next to Zaphne. “So Dantze, do tell about yourself. From where do you hail? What guild honors your presence? Is there a Misses Dantze?”

“Oh good grief! And she has not any wine yet.” the Bishop says looking at Dendrianna. He leans to his left toward Dantze, “You will have to forgive my sister. She will ask a thousand questions before the nights end.”

“My inquisitive nature is a fault I admit, however, the more I know the better I can assist folks. I am an Elder after all.” The Dark Elf eloquently says.

Dendrobates leans over again toward the human, “She will probably want to meet your mother to hear the real good stories.” No sooner did he finish speaking when his face cringes from a sharp pain coursing through his right arm. He looks at Dendrianna, “Now that one hurt and when did you get that ring?”

“Oh this one?” She holds it out for Zaphne to look at. A double banded silver ring with a vine and leaves connecting the bands, and a Tigers Eye gemstone set atop. “Magically it is weak, but I love the design. And do not worry dear, this one cost less than a simple gate fee.”

"oh, its adorable!" zaphne said as she leaned to view the ring better. "Im hoping folks arrive soon, its beginning to get darker. still, I love the early evening here, dont you? all the wonderful colors on the trees and hills.. just spectacular!"

(meanwhile, somewhere outside Hunter's Village)

He waited... there would be a suitable human to come by soon. "If this works, My power will be unstoppable..."

*Imodel entered the village where her elder broter Zekeyl had instructed her to be so they could meet and learn of the others activities. It had been a long time since she had seen any of her family members and she had always been close to Ilmrae and Zekeyl, the three of them being the youngest members of their family, thus it would be nice to catch up.*

I'm adding characters that are Imodel's family members. Here's a list in case anyone is interested in doing one of the family members parts.

Father - Brizlyn- Ghost Hunter (deceased)
Mother - Nárnel Elerelon - Eva Saint (deceased)
Uncle/Foster Father - Tsabavin - Shillien Templar
Aunt/Foster Mother - Iraeala 'Irae' - Shillien Saint
Eldest Cousin - Akorcice - Shillien Knight
2nd ELdest Cousin - Duagdril - Shillien Knight
Twins sister cousins
Oldesr Twin - Umrae - Shillien Elder
Younger Twin - Mayree - Spellhowler
2nd Youngest Cousin - Ilmrae - Phantom Summoner
Youngest Cousin - Zekeyl - Phantom Ranger.
Imodel - Bladedancer

Also the name of Imodel's firt lover was Ayne Neowald and he was a Silver Ranger.

“No worries, dear. I’m sure folks will show up as the sun goes down.” Dendrianna assures Zaphne with a wink.

“Take me for example.” Dendrobates chimes in. “On my own I would have shown up a good couple hours later than when Dendrianna drug me here.” He turns to Dendrianna raising a finger. “Ah! Don’t even think about it babe. Now, imagine folks are already here, eating and mingling when Poof! I show up. All smiles and feeling good when, Oh! Look, it’s Olorae. You’re looking lovely as ever, dear. Immodel, “he says patting his chest then taking Dendrianna’s hand and kissing it. “You’re presence takes my breath away.”

Dendrianna takes her hand back, “Enough! Okay, okay, we get it ladies man. I ruined your grand entrance.”

Dendrobates leans back chuckling with a funny grin on his face. “Come now, there is no grander entrance than when I am with you.”

Dendrianna dismisses him with a wave of her hand and looking away. Her eyes scan the beautiful tree line of the village, the wooden suspension bridges leading to the buildings on the other side of the gorge. “It is beautiful here, Zaphne.” She says somewhat somberly still looking away. “I love the woods…” dropping the sentence as if distracted. The others unaware of her furrowed brow and distant look.

“And see!” Dendrobates says while standing up, then dramatically sighing. “There’s Immodel now.” He begins to walk her way stumbling over Dendrianna’s feet. That breaks her concentration, quickly turning to Zaphne to see if the Light Elf has detected anything unusual.

*Imodel saw the male half of the two Dens heading toward her and she waved casually.
"Greetings Dendrobates, May the power of Shilen grant you peace. How have you fared since our last meeting at the Tavern? I have not heard from either of you for awhile." She moved towards him, all the while keeping prepared for her brother's arrival.*

Dantaz just observes for awhile. Constantly looking towards the direction the elf had kept staring off too. He wasn't sure of what was on her mind but, He knew not to dout the elves and their instincts

Zaphne cought dendrianna's look. Not wanting to concern the others, she gave her a quick nod in confirmation. Something is definitely brewing outside town, but it seemed to be waiting for something, something that wasnt here yet. She would tell dendrianna what she knew when they had a moment alone.

"Dendrobates! you'll hurt yourself being so excited!" she said, with a giggle, and waved at Imodel, inviting her to join them. She hoped the ale would come soon, and their get together would go uninterrupted as she absently looked off somewhere outside town once again...so familiar...

Fayrenia arrived at the gatekeeper, her first time in Hunters Village. For a moment, she stood in awe, the scene seemed almost surreal. The high mountain air felt good, like home, but this place was so rustic. The makeshift bridges crossing the crevice that lined the town were crude, yet functional and rather quaint. The village stores and craftsmen seemed to have community in mind when they constructed them, all linked together in a semi closed circle for easy access, as well as protection. The trees and mountains made the perfect backdrop for the village. It truly was all she had heard. She almost wished she had a lover to share it with.

She looked around for Zaphne, and saw her quickly standing with a few people, and waving at Imodel. The places seemed to be set for a number of friends. She wasnt as good as some at the art of making conversation, but it felt nice to be a part of something. She made her way over to them, smiling as she pulled the large leg of Windsus behind her.

The Dark Elf awoke to a sharp sound that seemed to echo through the usually quiet and empty swamp. He perked his ears and at a closer listen, identified the source as swords clashing together. He could also make out shouting from amidst the sharp clashes. Leaping from his resting place atop the branch of a swamp tree, he rushed towards the source of the noise.

When he arrived at the source, he found an Elf and a Dark Elf fighting. Swords clashing and voices so loud they did not notice the arrival of a third person.
"If I'm not mistaken both our Elders of long ago created a Treaty stating that Elves and Dark Elves must remain in their own territories!", the Dark Elf shouted at the Elf.
"And if I'm not mistaken, you traitors broke that treaty years ago when you attacked our village!" retorted the Elf, "Many families on both sides have DIED because your hearts are full of hatred and betrayal!"
"You are the one full of betrayal! You hate us because we chose to stand by our true Mother and YOU did not!" the Dark Elf retaliated.

The newcomer approached them, muttering incantations under his breath as he walked. The book he was
reading from started to glow, and in an instant everything went quiet and still. He reached into his pouch and pulled from it a bright green leaf, which he wiped across the nose of the Elf, relieving his paralyzed state first.
"You need to leave, now...", he said to the Elf.
Shocked that he was not attacked or killed by this powerful newcomer, and a little suspicious of a back attack, the Elf still did as he was told and ran away, disappearing into the fog of the swamp.
Turning now to the Dark Elf still paralyzed to the spot,
the newcomer wiped the Dark Elf's nose with the same leaf. "Why, in ALL of the world, would you let that weakling go??!" the Dark Elf exclaimed the moment he was freed.
"It was not his time to leave the world, Shilen did not need him yet. Now what is your name? I am Sableye."

"Err...Sableye? Saint of Shilen and Celebrant of Abyss?"

Sableye laughed, "Haha, something like that, yes."

"Very honored to meet you! You are one of the chosen ones to commune directly to Shilen! I...I...Zakna is my name, Sir."

"Alright, Zakna. Go back to the village and report this event to Tetrarch Thifiell. He'll be interested in wanting to know of Elves on our land."

"Yes, Sir."

Zakna left for the village, swallowed by the thickening fog.
Noticing the fog growing thicker, Sableye glanced at the darkening sky. "Gaahh! I'm late for the gathering!"
Digging through the leather pouch at his side hurriedly, he removed a tattered parchment from its contents.
Reading the incantation written on the scroll aloud, a sudden bright light burst forth and Sableye vanished from the swamp. Reappearing in the underground village of the Dark Elves, Sableye moved hastily towards the Gatekeeper.

"Miss Jasmine, how are you?" Sableye asked as he approached the gatekeeper, lowering into a formal bow.

"I am fine, thank you. Where will you be heading off to today?" she replied.

"To Hunter's Village if it's not too much trouble, please." Sableye said, digging once again through his leather pouch for the fee. "And here's some extra, just a small gift", he added with a wide grin as he placed the money in her hand.

"Thank you" she said as she performed the teleportation spell on him.

Sableye entered the village moments later and already saw a few people gathered there, Zaphne, in her dazzling bright white dress, standing out amongst the group.
((umm...i'll edit this post after, if i need to...but i assumed Zaphne was wearing her formal wear at the gathering so i mentioned her white dress...what she was wearing i dont think was mentioned yet))

Staring at her in a sort of stupor, he was snapped to by shouts from a human male wearing a red cloak. He could have been drunk already judging by his behavior. Shaking his head, he approached Zaphne and the rest of the group.

“Greetings Imodel, my dear and thank you.” Dendrobates says while bowing before the Dark Elf. “May I say you look lovely as ever this eve?” He holds both hands over his heart. There is something that draws his attention to Imodel whenever she is around. She is a dark elf through and through and she makes no qualms about that, and like most dark elf females she dresses provocatively. Her eyes will go right through you and at the same time lure you in like a fish to bait, and when you bite she could pin you beneath her high-heeled boots and you would be all the happier for it. It is her forthcoming pride that captivates him – not so much the pride of being a dark elf as it is the pride she has in herself. She is not an angel and does not pretend to be, with the exception, perhaps, of luring in prey – but no matter what has happened in her life she knows it all plays a part in whom she is today, and that is where the pride stems from. In a time when Dendrobates was mentally and emotionally lost, she was like a silent beacon drawing his attention. She, without knowing it, helped him pinpoint a safe route through the myriad of emotions that were drowning him. As he stands there with both hands over his heart, it is more a silent gesture of thanks to an unsuspecting soul than it is a flamboyant showing to elicit a glimpse of jealousy from another dark elf. He also knows and appreciates that if Imodel greets you with a blessing of Shilen, then you are held in good regard.

Esmerelda, the village’s gatekeeper places a hand on Imodel’s and Dendro’s arms interrupting their greeting, “Oh do excuse me dears, but the Oren Valley Players are about to arrive and their clumsiness during ports is well known around here.”

“Oh yes, they clocked me a good one in Oren some days ago and they were only looking for port fare in their pouches.” He says chuckling. His attention is drawn to the eastern entrance of the village. “I believe I hear three dwarves nearing.” He says to Imodel. Leaning closer to her, “No doubt two of ‘em have ensured the fine quality of the ale and wine they bring, so if you will excuse me m’lady.”

Dendrianna’s attention is drawn to the upper region of the village by a shout of accomplishment. A smile tugs at her lips as she remembers the many shouts she has made, raising her sword above her head in triumph after completing the rigorous quests on her way to becoming a Shilen Elder. She wondered who it was and which path they decided to follow. It was not long before a young female dark elf proudly strode out of the Dark Elf Guild and stood against the rough wooden railing overlooking the village below. Dendrianna watches as the newly badged dark elf silently raises her weapon in triumph and then swiftly plunges the weapon into the top wooden rail. It is a short weapon with a curved blade, the perfect weapon for a newly appointed Abyss Walker. Dendrianna has met several dagger users in her time, luckily none who went against her, and she was more than amazed at how deadly their silent and swift skills are.

While Zaphne began greeting other guests and Dendrobates was walking toward the eastern gate, Dendrianna quietly made her way to the entrance of the bridge that led to the upper section of the village. Her right foot pressed firmly on the first plank of the wooden bridge while she held onto each post and there she paused. The suspension bridge was moving as it would with someone walking on it. Her eyes followed each wooden plank until they reached the female dark elf who was about a third of the way down the bridge. The elf’s dagger was sheathed neatly and appropriately on her right hip with a hand resting on its hilt – not in an intimidating fashion, very casually in fact, but no doubt still ready to release the short blade within an eyes blink. She strode confidently, yet casually and with precision in her Salamander Skin armor - which Dendrianna thought would be quickly traded in for Tempered Mithril or Theca Leather. She also noticed that the bridge had stopped moving indicating this young warrior was perhaps showing off her silent move skills. Dendrianna took a step back keeping her left hand on the post and waited for the dark elf. The assassin’s eyes met Dendrianna’s with a steadfast gaze, unfaltering during her trek down the bridge - her smile was friendly and full of satisfaction. Dendrianna bowed traditionally to the young dark elf who followed suit.

“Congratulations.” Dendrianna said starting the conversation and hoping the stranger would comply.

“Thank you, milady…Dendrianna.” She says coyly smiling. She is unsure of Dendrianna’s profession given she is not dressed in armor nor does she carry any weapon. She is guessing Dendrianna is a mage of some sort by the way she wears her hair – it is more typical of the spell casters to braid their hair in the back as Dendrianna has.

Hearing her name spoken by this stranger caused her to pause and reflect if she had met her before, but she could not immediately recall a prior meeting. “How do you know my name?”

“I have been observing since I arrived. Call it training such as you noticed the bridge no longer moved as I walked across it. I am trained to hear without being heard, see without being seen, feel without being felt and move without detection.”

“The mantra of an Abyss Walker.”

“Aye, but may I ask a question?”

“By all means dear.”

The young female takes a few steps beyond the obstructing building and nods toward the eastern gate where Dendrobates is meeting the three dwarves with a cart full of wood and barrels. “The human male in the red cloak, Dendrobates, is he really your twin?”

Dendrianna laughs at the perplexed question that is often asked by those who do not know. This gives her a few seconds to decide how to respond – Abyss Walkers are highly trained to observe and collect information that could be used to their advantage. “No, not maternally at least. We were both adopted by our mother. Introducing each other as twins is an effective way to elicit most unusual responses.”

“I am sure it works well.” She responds with a giggle. “Cross-race twins as different as the both of you, that seems unthinkable.” She quickly realizes her words caused discord in Dendrianna and quickly tries to remedy her mistake. “Love has no boundaries between races. What I meant is twins with no discernable traits of the other seem unimaginable.”

“I understand and you are right. The odds are definitely stacked against having twins of such disparity. Besides, we are not really adopted either. The one who has taken care of us, well, we just consider her as our mother and she loves us as her own children.”

A moment of silence ensued and Dendrianna could sense the young female was perhaps a little intrigued with the gathering taking place.

“Miss Zaphne, the light elf I am sure you observed me talking with, is hosting a gathering for no particular reason other than to…gather. Would you care to join us? You would be more than welcome.”

“Oh, I could not. I do not know anyone.” The young elf responds looking around and absolutely intrigued.

Dendrianna takes a few steps beyond the dark elf and gives her an accepting nod. “Come! A few introductions and you will then know some people.”

*Imodel watche dhim go and finally saw her brother, Zekeyl approaching her, clad in his fine Majestic Leather Armor, carrying his fine bow. When he drew near her he bowed formally and said
"Greetings sister, may the Abyss shade you from the harsh light." She inclined her head.
"And you as well Zekeyl." once properly greeted the two relaxed and conversed as family members do.
"So have your travels been?" he asked.
"As well as can be expected."*

(Forgotten Realms/D&D Drow have also taken possession of my brain along with Starcraft II, Warcraft, and Warhammer Fantasy.)

“Ah ha! It is about time you got here!” He shouts over dramatically throwing his hands in the air. “We need wine! We need ale! We need firewood!”

Dendria brings the horse drawn wagon to a stop, sets the brake and ties the reigns before jumping off the wagon and giving Den a big hug. “I would have been here much sooner if not for the lack of help from the other two.” She says nodding to her left toward the wagon where laughter lofts from inside.

“I’ll pull the wagon closer to the barrel stands.” He says climbing up on the wagon. “Would you mind walking me over to spot me, you know, just to make sure I do not run anyone or anything over?”

Dendria laughs, “Would you like me to drive, brother?”

“Oh no! I have this under control.” He says releasing the brake and snapping the reigns. The two horses abruptly lunge forward in unison throwing Den back, his firm grip on the reigns the only thing keeping him from falling backwards into the wagon. “Wooooo! Barrels on the move! Coming through people! Coming through!” He shouts, once again, in over dramatic fashion. The stomping of hooves and rattling of harnesses almost drowned out the loud bellow from behind. He leans to his left as the wagon is pulled in the same direction to see a white bearded dwarf lying on his back with his right arm up in the air and his think hand clutching his mug. All he could do is laugh as Isabelle hops off the back of the wagon and runs toward Mavic, although, she seemed more concerned about the contents of the mug than the dwarf lying there.

Dendria halts the horses in perfect position to unload the barrels or ale onto the lonely stands. She attaches a feed bag to each horses muzzle to keep them occupied while they unload the wagons contents. Den sets the brake and reigns and hops into the wagon to help unload the barrels.

Dendrianna, observing the calamity Dendro is causing, quickly dashes toward the fallen dwarf.

"Kill."

The single word escaped from the lips of the soul hound as she blurred through the monster's feeble defenses with her glowing blade slicing into the creature's scales, slicing flesh, bone and arteries. She was lost in the thrill of battle, actually enjoying the feel of the blood spattering on her skin from the many creatures she had already slain today. Yet she did not realize her lust for blood had grown rather substantially of recent times.

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

Polyndria watched with concern at the Kamael's actions, the feathers of the Soulhounds wing and the locks of her hair now nearly a crimson color due to all the blood of monsters that the elder Kamael had shredded by her sword. In part to shut out the gruesome scene before her, the light elf recalled a night not long ago...

"R-Rielynn?" The light elf whispered in fear as she stared wide-eyed at the faintly glowing masked eyed face, and the poised sword overhead ready to seemingly cut Polyndria in two. "RIELYNN!"

The mono-winged one in question struggled nearby with thoughts of the past, memories that were not her own. Stopping the slaughter of mindless creatures to rest, she noticed the sun low on the horizon and decided to make for Hunter's village. Calling to the light elf that she was finished, the two gathered up the meager belongings they had and started walking.

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

An hour later, the pair reached the outskirts of the village. Rielynn paid no attention to curious looks as she walked. Ignoring the fact that her wing hung heavy with monster blood and gore dripping from the tip on occassion and her armor was nearly repainted in crimson shades. To onlookers, it seemed as if the Kamael were the scion of death as she passed. Entrails slowly jostled off her armor and skin, leaving a trail of blood not her own. A haunted eye stared out ahead, not telling of the problems the Uni-winged had been through, only telling of the enormous scale with which those internal problems had affected her psyche. Then they came upon the village square and the people within.

She hesitates while Dendrianna runs toward the fallen dwarf and quickly scans her surroundings noting the nearby west entrance, “My instinct tells me to follow her, but I could just as easily vanish to the west.” She takes two steps backward toward the west gate and pauses, she closes her eyes and clears her thoughts – her body leans forward. She opens her eyes and quickly runs in Dendrianna’s direction.

“Mavic!” Dendrianna calls out as she nears him, still lying on the ground and Isabelle hovering over him.

Isabelle, waving her tiny hand, quickly dismisses the Dark Elf running their way. “No worries me dear, the ale is safe.” She assures more for herself than for Dendrianna. She takes the mug of beer from Mavic so he can pull himself up from the dusty ground.

“Oh, well as long as the ale is safe.” Dendrianna says in a sarcastic tone that catches the attention of the female dwarf.

Isabelle glares at the Dark Elf before she looks at the wagon, then to Mavic and back to the Dark Elf. “He is a Dwarf.” She says sternly as she crosses her arms. “That was nothing more than a fall off a tavern stool. Hurt you think? Only his pride and to us dwarves, that will not even incur a bruise. Hurt!” She scoffs. “Our skin is tough as armor our bones as solid as Oak branches, not mere twigs as you seem to think - short in stature, compact, solid as a rock!” She exclaims.

Dendrianna falls to her knees and bows to Isa, the Dark Elf behind her taken aback by such a display. “Please forgive me Isa the Mighty.” Dendrianna says in a remorseful and sarcastic tone.

Isa places her left hand on her chin, tilts her head and taps her right foot – small puffs of dust surround her leather booted foot. She shrugs, smiles and belts a hearty dwarven laugh as she stomps her foot and smacks her right knee. “The Beer Dwarfy can hold no grudge to one named Dendrianna!”

Dendrianna rises, still on her knees, and opens her arms for a hug which Isabelle quickly obliges to. A clearing of the throat causes both to look at the white-bearded dwarf, who was once lying on the ground, dusting off his britches and grumbling to himself.

“Why Master Mavic, do ye require a healer’s touch after such a fall?” Dendrianna inquires knowing the rough exterior of this dwarf hides a soft interior.

“Oh that? Bah! Nothing more than a fall off a Windsus and nothing I have not done a hundred times!” He boasts in his low gravely voice. “And nary a scratch each time mind ya.”

“Come here and let me take a look at you anyway.” She says waving him over. She turns him around and brushes off remnants of the ground from the back of his leather vest before placing the tips of her right fingers to his left shoulder blade, then to the other and finally running her fingers up his spine before she releases the healing spell. His body shivers, more from the thought of her long dark fingers running up his spine than the act itself, and is then intoxicatingly warmed from the spell.

“You, my dear, have the best heals.” He says calmly and relaxed before he is scooped up in her arms for a long hug. He stumbles once released and exhales while fanning himself. Dendrianna giggles and Isabelle grabs him by the arm. “Come lover boy! Best ya get some cold ale in ya to cool yerself down!”

Dendrianna forgot about the new Dark Elf who has been standing back and observing the scene before her. The fact that Dendrianna did not utter a single word when casting her spell was not unnoticed by the Abyss Walker and that intrigued her immensely. She hid her thoughts behind a friendly smile as she steps forward and helps Dendrianna up. “Friends I take it?” She says.

“Oh!” Dendrianna says surprised. “Yes. Mavic is half brother to Dendria, but I am still not quite sure how. Isabelle I met some time ago at the Wishing Well.” She turns to the Dark Elf and shakes her head. “And where are my manners? Well, we will just have to introduce you to them a bit later. At least I can introduce you to Dendrobates.” She begins to look around. “Now where did he wander off to this time?” Her voice trails off when she sees a Light Elf and a Kamael walking into the village – the Kamael was noticeably blood soaked. Dendrianna’s heart fell thinking the female Kamael was terribly injured and was the cause or effect of the darkness she sensed earlier. Her instincts caused her to quickly cast a heal spell twice on the Kamael and once to the Elf just incase and once again, to the notice of the Abyss Walker, her spells were silent and with little movement.

“Quite interesting.” The Abyss Walker thinks to herself.

Rielynn twitched as she felt the unbidden healing magic wash over her and glared at the probable source for a moment. She had no injuries she knew of, and the only scars were mental in nature. The Soulhound paused in the motion of sheathing her sword, her eye briefly noting the blood and other entrails before mentally summoning her bird. The two head kookabura squawked and tweeted at the freedom a moment before its owner knelt beside it, holding her blade in front of the bird's beaks. The tame creature paused and gently placed its open beaks around the blade of the sword and swallowed and licked what it could of the monster innards. That done, the uniwinged rose from her half kneel and completed the motion of sheathing her sword.

She turned her attention to the healer, "Please keep your heals to yourself unless you know for a fact that the person is injured." Rielyn said as she walked by with the light elf trailing. The Kamael needed to see the elders in the village if she could learn the Soul Rage spell yet. While certainly not a pre requirement for activation of the so called final form, it was an advised spell to have as preparation.

The light elf behind the striding Kamael spared the healer little attention, following her companion up the ramp bridge. Somewhere in her mind, she noted that what Rielynn was doing seemed rude, but that was just how she operated. Polyndria know the Soulhound had a great deal on her mind, and therefore said nothing of the social oversights to her feathered companion.

The Abyss Walker’s right hand, as it rests on the bronze hilt of her dagger, twitches in response to the remarks of the Kamael – and that unnerved her. She concedes, to herself, her youth and inexperience to the twitch. Such a movement would bode dire consequences among the wrong company. What unnerved her most was the fact it happened toward this Dark Elf she just met. She felt her mind beginning to race with images of Dendrianna’s unusual spell casting, her apparent relationship with several of the folk and her own actions. “Calm, collected, calculated.” She repeats in her mind until she regains her self control. “The arrogance of the hunter.” She mutters loud enough for Dendrianna to hear yet far from earshot of the Kamael.

“Excuse me?” Dendrianna asks. She was in her own state of thought about the Kamael and her slave, that is how it appeared to her - the commanding stride of the master and the meek following of the slave in tow. She saw herself, in her younger years, in the actions of the light elf. “The Kookabura probably has more freedom.” She thought to herself.

“The arrogance of the hunter.” The dagger user says once more looking at Dendrianna and then back to the Kamael walking up the bridge. “A hunter cannot show fear as that can be perceived as a sign of weakness. Arrogance is the most common weapon to combat fear.”

Dendrianna takes in the words of her fellow Dark Elf while her eyes lock in on the pair nearing the top of the bridge. Much to the chagrin of her mother, Elanari, Dendrianna has been very reluctant to train her psionicist abilities. To influence another’s mind in such fashion seemed too devious for her liking, but she felt compelled to put her thoughts into the mind of the light elf. She felt the light elf would be less guarded and thus, easier to put her thoughts into. She pauses when her attention is brought forth to the horizon on her right. She stares with squinted eyes and then turns her head positioning her left ear to pick up any unusual sounds, but nothing out of the ordinary and she did not expect to hear anything other than the clamor of the village. She sniffs the air like a hound trying to pick up a scent, but again, nothing foul on the air. “Perhaps the hunter will not be so quick to dismiss a heal before the nights cycle is complete.” She said out loud to herself.

“What does that mean?” The Dark Elf asks Dendrianna.

“Most likely nothing. Just a feeling is all.” She responds. “So, is arrogance in your training?” She asks to change the subject.

“No,” She says shaking her head. “It is more an enemy of a rogue than the enemy itself. We are trained to be good, but to think we are not as good as our opponent.”

“Why is that?”

“It keeps us searching for the best weakness. If you know or think your opponent is more skilled, faster, stronger; then you have to think ahead to what could happen and be ready to counteract. That is why we observe and collect information before entering battle. Of course, you do not always get that opportunity to learn your opponent before, so you learn quickly during. “

“I suppose that is why rogues seem to be nothing more than a shadow in the corner of the eye or a figment of ones imagination.”

The dagger user simply smiled at that statement.

“Let us rid our minds of such thoughts.” Dendrianna says looking over to the fire in the middle of the village. “We have food, drink and plenty of people for you to meet.”

A lone mystic walked into Hunter's Village. Nothing was unusual about her except the large expression of confusion on her face. A "what do I do?" type of look. She had offered to wash dishes for one of the last bars she was at, but after her hydro blast spell took out part of the back wall, no one in Oren wanted her near their bars.

So she came to Hunter's Village in search of something to do.