Hidden 5 yrs ago Post by Rai
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Rai ..::Ascension::.. / All Maker

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The mountains of Gaia



The new day brought about new events. Events that unfolded the dark past, present and the possible future. The sky was brightly lit with the sun but the clouds circling the mountain spelled a sort of ominous gloom. As if a spell was indeed upon it. On the far mountains near Pearl was a meeting of two dark beings. A meeting not planned yet written long ago between the divine and the chaotic. Both seeped in dark yet entirely mutual in respect. Though the cold blood of one may run more hot with the desire for revenge. The other was warm and cool, merely observing the mending of the colossal beast. Though his size reduced by the severing of its tail which slowly regenerated behind it. Snakes, no large Basilisks. They crawled around the mass of Zethelos as he laid on the flattened wide surface of an old abandoned temple. Snow and wind blew violently to no avail to deter these on goings. The Basilisks shared their essence with Zethelos to heal him, at least a dozen of them crawled around him.

The black wings and flowing silk eternal dark waves of hair behind the being before Zethelos was almost ethereal. Though as the snow cleared around them it was now clear. Unlike the one who stood in the shadowy realm and opened a gateway to bring Zethelos here. This one seemed real. Unmistakably this Nuxta wore the black armor, though with no helmet, that was forged from Vrondi's guardian. He stood at around twenty feet tall. With arms crossed he watched the process take place. "Do we have an agreement... You will serve under me and rule your old kingdom once again. Under my guidance." His piercing eyes aimed to Zethelos's. He had a cold uncaring expression.

Rising to his feet with ease from the pit of Basilisks, his body regenerating from his wounds, "If you are truly the same Nuxta I remember," he began, staring into the lord of death's eyes, unfazed at the might that stood before him, "You would know that I do NOT serve anyone; save for my father, and he is very clearly dead...... However, as thanks for your assistance in saving me from the cowardly tricks of the little ant-king. I am more than willing to help you."

Nuxta's presence permeated the air around him and, in the blink of an eye, engulfed the entire top of the mountain. The snow stopped as if time had frozen it, an inverted lightning cackling from the dome's walls. The sky was red and the clouds turned a striking black. It was as if they were in another realm parallel to their own. Yet outside the dome could be seen the natural flow of time. The snow still fell as well but slowly as if swimming through something thick. Which all could feel within. The thick divine coating of essence emerging from Nuxta. The Dome receded just as quickly as it appeared. It was brought down to the size of a ball in Nuxta's left hand. "Are you saying you would prefer death than to follow me?" His eyes were unchanging from their focus. The Basilisks that fed Zethelos began to slither down the mountain cliffs.

"Are you saying you'll kill me if I don't? Is my willingness to cooperate with you and fight by your side not enough?" The dragon asked angrily, a chaotic aura shimmering around his scales as he prepared himself for any attack Nuxta might make. "We're quite the same, you and I, Nuxta. Needless to say, if this situation was reversed, you would no doubt respond similarly would you not?"

Nuxta finally let a simple pleased smile settle onto his face. "You will fight in my interest. If mine so happens to align with yours then its all the better for you." He let the sphere loose and it floated rather gently a few dozen meters into the air and away from him. "The difference here is that I have the power to put every kingdom beneath my heel already. I seek more from this world than power. Power alone is already in my grasp. The orb turned into a black gate where a dark mist slowly escaped from it.

Both Sophia and the elders on the Mindah Tarvitaan temple already knew how grave was the situation, but nobody, not even Sophia herself was prepared to the events that would happen on that day. She had made many wards and protective spells around the mountain, but the sensation and the dark power she felt... An incredibly powerful pulse of dark energy echoed through the mountains, powerful enough to affect the flow of magic itself... But maybe what was even more frightening than that power was that the one emanating it was... alarmingly close to the Great Library.

Sophia, who was inside the Great Library when that happened, immediately stood up, alarmed as she felt the dark energy.

"What is this...?" Sophia muttered, still trying to understand exactly the amount of dark power she was feeling.

"It can't be... Is he already this powerful...?" Sophia said. Much to her dismay, she had a very good idea of the one who was responsible for such a dreadful mana. Not only that, but it was basically the only one who would be capable of that.

Immediately getting out of the library, Sophia flew to the temple, further strengthening the magic wards shields and seals she had put around the mountain and ordering the monks to be alert and keep reinforcing the wards. She knew that if Nuxta decided to attack directly the temple, the monks' actions would matter very little, and in fact she would have to step in herself to at least try to stop him.
There was no time to waste, that terrifying amount of magic could only mean he was casting some type of spell. There was no time to try and contact the Gaian Queen by herself so before she departed, she hastily made a rift portal, ending up in front of the Gaian royal castle, sending one of the Elder Monks of Mindah Tarvitaan to ask for her aid. She could only hope the Gaian Royals would lend her their aid... After all, that matter concerned not only the Great Library and the dangerous knowledge stored in there, but the entire Gaia and even the entire world. Nuxta was already terrifyingly powerful. It was only a matter of time until he started playing his trump cards. And if the descended weren't prepared to deal with them, then it would be the end.

Flying faster and higher than any other dragon, Sophia was a little more than a blur in the sky as she flew towards where that dark magic was coming from. Being careful to suppress and conceal her own magic aura, Sophia would first try to see what was happening and analyze what type of spell was being cast before doing anything. After all, there was no such thing as being too careful regarding Nuxta...

Within the Gaia royal capital city the monk would be met with surprise. But the respect for the temple of knowledge and the Mindah Tarvitaan monks was great in Gaia. So the elder was then met with welcome. His words echoed a similar sentiment. It seemed that Nuxta was making moves nearby and it was not lost on Gaia's mountain Seers. Entering the meeting hall where the Queen and many other royals stood in discussion. Nuxta was already being scouted by a Seeing orb which was cast before everyone in a giant orb sitting on the table. "It seems it has come for us to truly show our mettle." Said a royal elder. Another younger one armored and ready for battle replied while shouting. "The last attack was so weak it didn't even reach half way up the mountain! It only affected our poor towns folk below!" The royal meeting between Gaians was getting a bit rowdy and loud. Giant cups of ale and a endless ceiling to accommodate the largest of their kind, who stood in the room like giants among giants. "Let me go my Queen! I will bring only the strongest warriors to my side!" A giant descendant clashed his fist against his chest.

Queen Allo Niscent sat on a high chair above everyone else with her dragon safely wrapped around it from behind. Its and her clear and diamond glimmering scales were reflecting the various beautiful colors the other royals had. She was quiet however. Listening and planning.


"Is that so?" The dragon snarled at Nuxta, quite perturbed with the self-proclaimed lord of death's lack of respect. His chaotic aura surged around him like a thick, supernatural mist. The earth beneath them shook violently as dark clouds began to gather, teeming with lightning. "ALLOW ME TO TEST THAT." Zethelos roars, as iridescent flames poured from his eyes

Nuxta merely watched as Zethelos flew into a rage. "I'm sorry to disappoint you. But you've fallen very far from what you once were. Your void is larger than ever." His voice echoed a sentiment from long ago about Zethelos's power. It was not lost to him how akin he was to himself. However the coin was flipped to the other side. Nuxta merely turned away from Zethelos. Feeling a presence head their way from nearby. Emerging from the portal was a dragon surrounded by blue electricity and lightning clouds. Its body was long and took a while to emerge from the portal. But it made its way between Nuxta and Zethelos and stared down its rival in size. "Zethelos." The dragons low voice rumbled. "So you have returned. It is a honor to have a true blooded son of the dragon god before me. I have only Nuxta to thank for this opportunity." His eyes began to glow and cackled with charge. "I am indebted to Nuxta as so are you. Please do not misunderstand. But I will defend him with all that I have."



"Then you will be my opponent." Zethelos growled, "This is about far more than just a life debt, this is a battle over my pride and honor as a god."

He held his hand over his head as a disc of chaotic soul energy began to take form, the chaotic aura wreathing the dragon lord's form growing volatile. "I do not seek to fight a mere lackey. Even knowing this is a matter of the pride of gods, you would still stand in my way?"

The smoke escaping from the newcomers nostrils spoke for its mounting frustration. "Times have changed since days of dragon rule. There is only one god now and I will not let you test his patience." Lightning surged around the whirling body of this floating dragon. Nuxta turned his attention away from what he sensed coming their way and looked to the two dragons sizing each other up in preparation for battle. "It would seem our presence has caught someone's attention." His hair continued to wave in the winds, as the auras spiking with chaotic fury began to make the mountain top unstable, avalanches of snow rolling down below them.

As Sophia made her way towards the mountain, she could clearly feel two auras coming from the mountain. One, frighteningly powerful, was clearly Nuxta and the other, while not as powerful as Nuxta, wasn't something to be ignored either. But there was something strange in the flow of magic.. Whatever it was the spell that Nuxta was conjuring, it was affecting it in a strange way...

When she finally got close enough to see them from a distance, she was met with a concerning situation. Nuxta was himself, standing nearby a strange descendant that had a heavy dark aura within him while a strange portal appeared nearby them with a dark mist escaping from it. From said portal, a big dragon emerged from it, with a long body, clearly looking down towards the strange man.

As she analyzed the situation from the distance though, she realized that the strange descendant and the other were about to start fighting against each other. She could feel a heavy dark aura coming from the strange man, not only that but also the fact that Nuxta was standing right next to them without doing anything was enough for her to consider both of them as possible enemies, and with Nuxta nearby, she wouldn't drop her guard.

Sophia's plan was to wait a bit more to grasp the situation before appearing, but when Nuxta turned himself to her direction, she knew her presence had already been noticed despite her suppressing her aura.
The second she saw Nuxta turning his head towards her, Sophia used her breath as a warning shot. A beam of pure heat pierced the clouds coming from the sky and hitting the mountain, carving a deep line, melting the mountain and stone underneath as if it was nothing.

As she stopped to suppress her aura, the raw, primal magic irradiated from her with full force. There was no use hiding her own presence anymore since the most dangerous between those present was already aware of her. Despite that, when flying, she was still much faster than any dragon due to her unique physiology, but that also meant that she was easy to take down in a head on fight against other dragons.

"Your presence is not welcome here, Nuxta." Sophia's voice echoed with a mighty roar through the skies, hovering above the mountain.

"The previous one was but a warning shot. What are your intentions coming here?" Her voice echoed again, talking to both Nuxta, the dragon and the strange man.

"Here's one I've desired to meet since long ago. Alas we were different sides then. And are even to this day." Nuxta spoke unwavering to Sophia's call. His summoned Dragon huffed in response and let out a earth rattling roar. The mountain was nearly decimated without a single battle even beginning. "Master Nuxta. This is a very precarious situation. However planting another foe to the great kingdoms of this world is enough is it not?" The deep and powerful voice of the dragon spoke slowly and with calm. Despite its monstrous presence. "There was someone who will meet me here. Someone far more infatuated with this old god." Nuxta looked toward Sophia now focused on her with his humor fading. "I will do her a favor." Black feathered wings sprouted from Nuxta's back. Their length were double his height and without even a flap a gust of wind shifted to spring his body upward. He spiraled and then began soaring towards Sophia. Stopping half a mile away and seeming to be standing on air effortlessly.

"You desire knowledge." Nuxta watched her reaction with a gentle gaze. "Then know this. The descended have been waiting for these times since the end of the war. It is futile to resist me, for I am only the beginning." He stretched out a hand. "But the ability this world has to change will slip away if I fail. So please.. won't you join me."

Seemingly uninterested in the other goings on at the moment, the Dragon Lord flew into a full on rage, infuriated that a lesser being would turn its back on him, "YOU WOULD DARE TURN YOUR BACK ON ME WHEN I AM ADDRESSING YOU WORM?!?!?!?" he roared mightily as a pillar of spectral flame shot forth around him, concealing his form. As the massive pillar dissipated, scales like blackened steel were revealed, covering a dragon the size of a castle. From deep within the heart of this fallen god, the spectral fire still burned, adorning his armored form.

Sophia kept in silence as Nuxta talked to her about wanting to meet her. His summoned dragon also seemed to have something to talk, but Sophia deemed as unimportant as she was focusing her attention on Nuxta and any possible attack to her.

It was then that black feathered wings appeared from Nuxta's back as he start flying towards her.

"That's close enough. Get closer than this and we won't have anything to talk about anymore." Sophia said as her aura spiked aggressively, clearly showing to Nuxta that she was serious.

The words she heard coming from his mouth though were simply unbelievable. Not only he claimed that all descended were 'waiting for these times', but he also wanted her to join him, claiming that the ability the world has to change would 'slip away'.

"Your actions and your words greatly contradict one another, Nuxta." Sophia asked, hissing to him. Despite her hissing and clearly hostile attitude towards Nuxta, she was still hearing his words.

"You did nothing but to spread death and suffering. I doubt that the descended are eagerly waiting for their own demise by your hands and ultimately, the end you want to bring to this world." She finished, waiting for his explanation.
Despite her being in front of an extremely dangerous being like Nuxta, she was still the Dragon of the Knowledge. She was incredibly different from the other proud, warmongering dragons. Attacking without hearing what others had to say wasn't something a scholar would do... Especially the scholar amongst scholars.

Before Nuxta could reply her though, the strange descended with the heavy dark aura revealed his true form. With an infuriated scream, roaring to the summoned dragon, a pillar of spectral flame erupted around him. When the flames finally disappeared, Sophia knew exactly who he was.

Scales as dark as the depths of the abyss, covered in spectral fire, there was no doubt about his identity. It was Zethelos, the devourer. A dragon of the same blood of the dragon god himself.

She knew exactly who he was and she knew the dark that his soul was seeped into, but for some reason, he apparently wasn't on Nuxta's side as it was evident.


With little time wasted the dragon before Zethelos roared and summoned lightning from the clouds around it to concentrate a giant bolt to Zethelos from head on. Though the dragon suspected its opponent could withstand three bolts of simultaneous lightning. Its mouth charged with a concentrated blast of blue lightning. Splashing like plasma on the surface of the mountain melting its end within seconds as it hurtled to the Dragon God. This is a new world Zethelos! How many times must you learn this lesson? His voice echoed throughout the electric cackles of the lightning surging around him.

"I don't expect you or any descendant today to know what is to come. If I were you I'd keep my head down. Do not mistake the descended as your new kin. Continue to survive as many of your kind do. Then you may find a place during the struggle." Nuxta turned his head to see the clouds parting to show the spiraling form of a cyclone. But he could sense the aura of a hundred person force heading their way. The Queen of Gaia was armored and riding her diamond dragon with other elite warriors of Gaia by her side. Most rode dragons but others were large enough to fly on their own and shift the winds as they did so.

As the barrage of lightning came down on Zethelos, the Dragon Lord immediately compressed his massive aura into a distortion of energy; the same ability he had used in his fight against the king of Nero. Though it did not stop the onslaught of lightning, it was able to redirect and disperse a good deal of the attack. "This is far from a new world...." the angered god growled as the smoke cleared, scorch marks and arcs of electricity now marring his terrifying form. With a mighty swing of his his bladed tail, he hurled a chunk of the broken mountain at his adversary; the boulder crackling with chaos magics as it flew.... And suddenly exploded! A plume of soulfire, spewed from Zethelos' maw simultaneously followed, "It is but a shell of the one my father once ruled!"

Sophia carefully watched everything going on around her, from Nuxta's every movement and even his magic to the fight going on between Zethelos and Nuxta's summoned dragon on the distance. Despite the ferocity of said fight and both dragons' auras, Nuxta seemed unfazed, paying attention solely on Sophia herself.
But Nuxta's words to her were nothing like those she was expecting. If something, they were insulting, telling her to simply keep her head down and focus on surviving.

"Keep my head down? Are you insulting me, Nuxta?" Sophia asked, hissing towards him after hearing his words.

"You see the descended as nothing but expendable sacrifices, don't you? This is not our just world anymore, Nuxta. You should have learned this with the result of the war... You say I'm mistaking them as my kin? I never had a kin. I am far from being a descended and yet, I'm no dragon either." Sophia continued.

"What you are doing isn't "protecting the world's ability to change"... You are preventing it. You are fighting against the natural flow. Your actions bring nothing but unbalance to the flow of magic, can't you see?" Sophia continued, clearly irritated with Nuxta's words.

"Tell me, Nuxta. What are your real goals? What is the events to come, so dire that justify you killing thousands, breaking the balance of magic and bringing forth such chaos into the world? The descended might look weak compared to us, but you shouldn't underestimate them... Even if they face an unsurmountable wall, they will eventually find a way to overcome it and learn with it. They are capable to change the future, to shape their own destinies with their own hands through their ability to adapt and their will." Sophia continued.
"Why don't you give them a chance, Nuxta? Instead of trying to destroy them, why don't you try teaching them and guiding them? Help them to overcome the challenges that are to come. Help them to prepare themselves to protect not only of their own race, but of the world that they live in." Sophia said, unexpectedly, answering Nuxta's offer to join him with a offer of her own.

It was then that Sophia felt the aura of the Gaian royals, bringing forth an army to fight against Nuxta.

"I'm sure you already felt their auras... Don't fight against the tide, lest you want to be swept away by it. Sophia finished, her aura getting stronger by the second in an alarming rate as a multitude of ethereal, arcane chains appeared from the ground, materializing themselves upwards, piercing the clouds and clearing them from the sky with an almost deafening sound of the chains clattering against each other, weighting down as they connected to something way above the clouds. As the clouds disappeared, those below would be able to see where those chains were going to, a gigantic grimoire, hovering above what remained of the mountain. Shackled by thousands of chains of all sizes and sealed with countless spells. Despite all those seals, the power from the grimoire was palpable as it started absorbing soul essence from Nuxta and the summoned dragon. Interestingly enough, Sophia had left Zethelos out of the Grimorium Verum's detrimental effects, since he was actually fighting against one of Nuxta's subordinates.
"It's never too late to change sides, to learn and to teach, Nuxta. Your actions, even if you succeed will result in nothing but the complete destruction of the balance of magic in this world. An uncountable amount of knowledge will be lost together with the descended. Their history, their culture, everything they are and could possibly be. Without them, who have the infinite ability to shape the future, fate and the world with their own actions, the world will come to a halt. Become stale and rot away." she finished, extending her hand towards Nuxta as the Grimorium Verum floated above them, fighting against it's own restraints and seals.

Despite Sophia's oppressive aura and her conjuration of the Grimorium Verum, she still wasn't attacking Nuxta directly. It wasn't just an attempt to buy time either as it was clear, even for Nuxta himself, that she was indeed trying to hear his motives and his goals.

The foe of Zethelos roared in pain as the exploding rocks pelted its body. However when Zethelos unleashed a stream of soulfire he whirled around to avoid it, though part of its middle was damaged by it causing the Dragon to roar in pain. Its body was surrounded by lightning again but this time its very form turned into lightning. A roaring blast of its entire form went flying for Zethelos. Its destruction would engulf the entire mountain top. Even those below the mountain would feel the ground shaking. When the destruction cloud went up into the atmosphere standing high above and watching the Grimorium Verum was a masked man. He stood wearing attire that was similar to the scales of the Dragon that caused such destruction below. [color=08088A]"My name.. is Knives.[/i][/color] He watched the essence drain from him from the the Grimorium patiently. No longer seeming interested in the fight with Zethelos. He was enamored by the sphere and chains of power before him.

Nuxta looked up briefly at the Grimorium Verum. Its power challenged his own and attempted to drain, much like his comrades, essence. He looked to Sophia and smiled with confidence and a bit of humor. His head held high. "Futile." His essence was restricted from the Grimorium. "This world is to undergo an even greater culling. A renewal. A whole vision made real, one that was not chosen by us. But destined to become so." He raised a hand. A chain appeared within his grasp, a chain directed far below to the earth itself. He pulled gently and the planet itself pulsed with an aura like a heartbeat. Though only those who could sense it could tell. A massive power that was accumulated from the entire world itself rattled the chains of the Grimorium. "I wield something greater than you could possibly imagine. Despite how vast your knowledge is. There are some secrets you can never know." He released the chain and it vanished just as quickly as it appeared.
"There is only one hope for those who exist now. To follow me or perish."

Sophia was still uncertain about Zethelos and whose side he was on. While he was indeed fighting against the dragon summoned by Nuxta, she didn't know what exactly were his objectives and goals. But at least for now, she wouldn't interfere in their fight. The enemy of her enemy is her friend, even if temporarily.

Other than Nuxta and the two dragons, she was able to sense a... strange new presence. It's owner was a man that, surprisingly enough, wasn't interested neither in the two dragons fighting nor on her and Nuxta. Instead, he seemed to be simply floating, standing still and admiring the Grimorium Verum as it drained his own essence.

As Sophia heard Nuxta's words, it became clear to her that it was indeed futile to try and change his mind or even talk to him at all. He refused to acknowledge the power the Descended had to change fate itself with their own hands and seemed to be certain that the 'culling' he mentioned was the only path forward. But what really surprised Sophia was when Nuxta made a chain appear within his grasp and pulled it. The second he did so, Sophia could feel the planet itself pulsing, responding to that power, making even the Grimorium Verum's chains rattle.
Instead of fear though, what was clear on Sophia's expression after Nuxta did that was pure curiosity. It wasn't thirst for power nor greed, but a pure curiosity and desire to uncover the secrets Nuxta had hidden within him.

But when that moment of curiosity passed though, Sophia's expression became dark as she closed her eyes for a brief second, disappointed.

"Despite all your knowledge, despite all your power, you're nothing but an arrogant fool who believes that he knows everything and holds the ultimate power, blind to the ever changing world that surrounds you." she said.

"You speak about protecting the world's ability to change, yet you actions did nothing but to simply destroy and erase everything until now, going as far as to disturb the natural flow of magic in this world..." Sophia said, her aura spiking aggressively.
"You say you are only the beginning, an agent of something bigger. Someone who is bringing change to the world. But all you brought till now is complete and utterly destruction. If this 'destiny' you speak of is really unavoidable, then your very existence is unnecessary. Yet you are still here, trying your hardest to control everything, to force your view and your ideals on others. You are nothing but a tyrant, Nuxta. And as such, you will be crushed by the weight of your own greed and ignorance." Sophia finished.

Shortly after she said that, a deafening noise echoed through the remains of the mountain as the chains binding the Grimorium Verum shattered, only the magical seals remaining. The Grimorium stopped absorbing essence, but in exchange it started absorbing every single spell and magic casted by those other than Sophia or her allies, effectively rendering them useless.

"The descended are coming, Nuxta. The Gaians are only the beginning. All those whom you claimed that are 'looking forward to this moment' reject you and your ideals. They all see you by what you really are. A blind, arrogant fool and a tyrant." Sophia said, looking directly towards Nuxta.

"Your words, fool. What do you have to say? Can you still say this 'vision' you talked about isn't only your personal ideal? Take a look at what your actions caused, Nuxta. The flow of magic and the world itself was in perfect balance until you came. What good do you think you can bring to the world by completely destroying it?" Sophia asked, with a hostile tone in her voice.

"I have been asking you since I arrived what is your true goal. The reason behind your actions, yet you couldn't answer that. Instead you only contradicted yourself. I ask you once more, do you still think you're in the right even after all that happened? I am struggling to understand your reasons... So far, to me you are nothing but a fool who wants simply to create a world where you have complete control over everything." She completed. It was clear by her aura and her hostile tone that her patience was running out.


Meanwhile

As the dust of the lightning dragon's explosive attack cleared, the massive form of Zethelos was on the ground; his metallic scales crackling with sparks and glowing with heat. Long, weak breaths, that sounded like grinding gears made it apparent that the ancient dragonlord was once again on the verge The eerie light and flames that once billowed from Zethelos' massive form began to flicker, and fade, until finally they died.

Zethelos; the devourer, had fallen for what seemed to be the last time. The void inside him pulled once more, as his rising chest became still. Yet, as his mind began to fade, giving way to the abyss, he suddenly felt something..... Something...... Familiar.....

A memory; one that hearkened back to the first moments of the dragonlord's life, suddenly surfaced. The frail, weak hand of a newborn whelp reached toward the heavens, seeking to grasp the enormous white beard of the towering presence before it; the only presence that seemed to bring it joy; even within the darkness that it had been trapped in before.

The flames of Zethelos suddenly sputtered back to life, as unholy light once more filled the dragon's eyes. The earth itself quaked as he forced himself to stand, weakly raising his head to stare at Nuxta. A mixture of fear, outrage, excitement and so many other emotions at once surged through him as he stared, his mouth agape. For once, the dragon god had forgotten everything about pride, and honor, and everything else... Even the fact that the Grimoirum Ventum itself; partially unsealed, floated above the battlefield was lost to the sudden sensations that riddled his body and mind. But for that power to be in the hands of Nuxta? He was truly at a loss for words.

"Your words and actions fit the lowly intellect of a Dragon. A shame so many considered you gods. Now in the face of true knowledge you defiantly act out. For it was your power that ruled. I will rule by knowledge. The flow of magic as you say is merely the ignorant deduction from one who does not have true knowledge." Nuxta looked up and black stones began to encase the one who stood before the Grimorium Verum. His essence was no longer being absorbed. It then molded into a black armor around the man. Whom did not flinch at what was happening. He merely let it shape around him and remained suspended in air. His wings however remained untouched. Visibly currents of white and cyan would spark between his wings.

Nuxta looked back to Sophia. Her words made him seem a bit remorseful as he looked to the ground. But he returned to face her with confidence. "I will be victorious whether or not you submit to me. I will be the victor of this world. I will rid this world of its filth. I will return the beauty of the entire vessel and keep its contents within indefinitely. In that way we will have an eternity of prosperity. One free of loathing and death. For I alone will bare that weight." He looked at his two hands. The black gauntlets he wore shimmering with an ebony glitter. "For I already bare the weight of death in my hands." He seemed a bit remorseful once again. But when Sophia mentioned how the others were coming he closed his eyes and seemed to sigh.

"I am aware the entirety of the kingdoms forces are against me. I do not fear them. I welcome them." He flapped his wings once and a loud boom could be heard. He was moving at an incredible speed instantly. He roared through the sky and reached the incoming flying soldiers the Queen had gathered. "I will show. I alone am capable of baring this weight!"
Gaia's Struggle against the Dark


"Dust storm now!" Cried the Queen. She lifted her spear into the air and a giant whirlwind nearly large enough to cover half the mountain whirled before them with the combined manipulations of the soldiers. It blocked Nuxta's vision of the large group. But he continued through. Tearing through the storm as a black helmet covered his head. A spear then appeared in his hand. Clearly he was capable of activating spells. But to what extent was unknown. He arrived at the other end of the storm expecting to be tearing through some Gaians. However he was alone, the storm held and kept whirling at his back. He turned to sense that the group was indeed inside the storm. "Amusing." He held a hand up to the whirlwind. It entered the storms edge and he watched, like a hand in the water, it dash across his gauntlet. As he did so he felt the presence of something massive come from the storm. A giant Gaian rushed out and grasped Nuxta. "I have'em!" He held on tight and with a few flaps of his own massive wings turned and went back into the storm. Nuxta watched barely concerned as this happened. They entered the storm and inside the soldiers were waiting. They all together covered Nuxta in sand as soon as the giant let him go.

"Take the armor off!" The Queen commanded. The soldiers all manipulated the wind and earth to try and seep the sand into Nuxta's armor and remove it. This was not immediate. It was clearly taking time, but with Nuxta stuck inside the sand it seemed like it would work. Giant bowl like stones were lifted and suspended around the area in preparation to encase Nuxta in hundreds of layers of various metals and stone. Queen Allo Niscent even helped in the attempt. The Gaian group watched as they tried to remove the armor. Hoping in due time it would come off. Or at the very least Nuxta could be held at bay. The sand storm itself was formed into the encasing of sand that whirled around only Nuxta.

"Fool!" Sophia said with a mighty roar after she heard Nuxta's words as he got ready to fight.

"Change is beauty! Your vision of beauty is of something that does not move nor change, something stale, rotten... dead." She said, her voice thundering through the skies as she spoke, seething with rage.

"You could be so much more, you could do so much more... But you chose your fate. You say you will bear this 'weight' alone? So be it." Sophia continued as she saw Nuxta putting on his armor.

The figure that was previously admiring the Grimorium Verum didn't escape Sophia's attention. She saw when he was encased by dark stones, forming a black armor around the man. Even though it was almost certain that he was somehow linked to Nuxta in some way, there was nothing he could possibly do regarding the Grimorium Verum, at least not without capturing Sophia herself, whose soul was literally fused with the Grimorium.

"They are here. You will regret underestimating the Descended's will and tenacity." Sophia said, with a smirk as a huge whirlwind covered half of the mountain in a dust storm.

The Queen had arrived together with her warriors. Despite the Grimorium Verum being on the second seal already, it was clear that whatever was the power that Nuxta had, was somehow able to ignore the authority that the Grimorium Verum had over magic, at least to some extent as it was clear that he was still able to use spells. Sophia watched concerned as Gaian warriors started their daring plan to go against Nuxta, encasing him in the middle of the storm and trying to remove his armor.

"NOW... SUFFER THE WEIGHT OF YOUR OWN IGNORANCE!" Sophia shouted, with a mighty roar that seemed to make even the skies tremble.
With Sophia's shout, the magic seals keeping the Grimorium closed were shattered. Finally unsealed, both the pressure and the sheer way how magic seemed to bend and twist at the Grimorium's mere presence were astounding. Clear even to those who weren't sensitive to magic. With the Grimorie fully unsealed, Sophia's power was at it's peak. Not only that, but the Queen and her warriors would also receive it's power.

The second the Grimoire was fully unsealed, the Queen herself and her warriors would feel their very souls flickering as their beings was replete with bottomless energy coming from the Grimorium Verum. That feeling, that power that many sought to obtain in the course of history and the same power that was deemed too dangerous to be controlled was now aiding them. The sheer amount of power seemed to almost make their very bodies, their very souls burn like a wildfire as Sophia stood above them with her wings open. They were not alone.

That said, a frightening power began to gather next to Sophia as she readied her breath. The pressure coming from her mouth was easily perceiveable even to the warriors that were far away from her. Surprisingly enough, she didn't fire. Instead she waited. It was clear that she wouldn't fire unless she was absolutely sure the brave Gaian warriors wouldn't be harmed by her breath. Not only that, but that also made it incredibly clear that Sophia, the Dragon of Knowledge trusted them.

Even with Grimorium Verum fully unsealed, Zethelos knew the Gaians stood little chance against the terrifying power that Nuxta now wielded. Furthermore, the dragonlord knew that in his current state, that regardless of the side he took, he would perish if he stayed. In a desperate act of self-preservation, the massive dragon threw himself off the side of the mountain, and into the woods below. Upon impact, Zethelos' massive form shattered into countless shards of ashen obsidian, as his aura suddenly vanished.

Within the Gaian forest, a man slowly, and painfully hobbled through the wilderness, staying within the shadows as they made their way to the city they once called home.

With increased essence their hold of the sand was greatly enhanced. Some could even feel the sand they were controlling as if a mental link. "Raaah! We got this!" Grunted soldiers putting all of their effort into this precise attempt the Queen had planned. She had to come up with something ever since the attack on all of the Kingdoms. The capital was unharmed but the towns where their food sources were farmed were greatly damaged. So with great conviction did she enact this plan. But she remained observant of what was happening within the sand. Her eyes widened and her mouth opened with shock. Then it turned into a determined glare. "Harden now! The soldiers were taken by surprise a bit. The plan seemed to change. Instead of taking the armor off it was now being solidified around Nuxta. Enchantments were being written on the side of the diamond shaped structure Nuxta was being encased in.

Now the sand storm was no more but the winds remained. Forming a giant visible whirlwind with the snow and dust of the mountain. Mages of Gaia cried out spells to infuse into the stone, these were royals of Gaia who studied under the Magoi. Their power encased the diamond in a barrier. However. As their essence was pouring into the stone to amplify it a silent stifled cry was let out. Then another. The Mages were dropping from something striking them. Something black with a blue streak behind it that moved with blurring speed. By the time they noticed it was too late, three of the mages were slain. Their section of amplification was weakened. This black armored knight with electric blue wings spiraled into the diamond's weak point. An explosion erupted with a visible electric charge behind it. "Enemy in sight!" Stones were thrown in mass towards the diamond structure.

The man standing on the structure was within a crater. He looked at the ground below him. "Undo these bindings." He smashed a fist into the crater's center. It began to crack and give. He was then sent flying as the structure broke apart entirely. Nuxta was now free. The Queen of Gaia looked to Sophia who was prepared to fire on him. "No it can't be..."

Supported by Sophia and the Grimorium Verum, Queen Allo, her brave Gaian warriors and mages put all their effort into the plan. Despite facing an unimaginably powerful enemy, not even a single one of them faltered, truly giving everything they had. But unfortunately, not everything was going as planned...

Sophia observed with apprehension as she saw the plan suddenly changing with the sands hardening around Nuxta instead of trying to take his armor off. Fortifying enchantments, seals she watched with a mix of anger and apprehension as the mages tried everything in their power to keep Nuxta trapped inside the diamond structure. It seemed to work at first, then something started taking out the mages, one by one. A blue streak moving with frightening speed almost instantly took out tree mages before it got inside the diamond.

Much to everyone's despair, a moment later, the structure gave in and the bindings were broken. Nuxta was free once more. When Queen Allo looked at Sophia, she couldn't see the kind, motherly dragon that Sophia was known to be, instead, Sophia's eyes were burning with rage as she bared her fangs. Once more, those who were looking at Sophia were reminded of her true power and how fearsome she could be when enraged.

The time for words had ended. There would be no more attempts to understand Nuxta's goals or try to change his mind. Despite Sophia's patience, despite her kindness, everything had a limit. And she had reached hers. Baring her fangs, ready to fire, Sophia flew up to the skies with a single powerful beat of her wings. In a second, above the clouds she hovered, looking down to where Nuxta was. Then, she fired.
The first second after Sophia fired on Nuxta, it made silence. All the sounds of battle, the screams, everything became silent for a brief moment as the beam made of pure heat and energy flew down towards Nuxta, piercing the clouds and immediately dispersing them, making Sophia's silhouette visible, her wings open as she fired. It was just after she fired that it came. A terrifying screeching sound, almost as if the air itself was crying being cut by Sophia's breath. When it got a few meters away from Nuxta, a rift, a tear in the fabric of reality appeared right in front of him, making Sophia's breath attack disappear inside it.

At the same time, two rifts just like the previous one appeared, on opposite sides around Nuxta and a third one appeared right behind him, where he couldn't see it. Happening in less than a fraction of a second, the beam appeared once again, coming out from the rift which was behind Nuxta, on his blind spot.

Nuxta didn't seem to even look at the multiple rifts opening around him. They seemed to to be of no concern of his. He was clearly seeming confident in his armors ability to defend against any attack. However the nature of the spell concerned the one who had helped free Nuxta. Who was defending from a strike from a large Gaian knight with one arm. "Master!" He yelled. Feeling the inevitable attack of Sophia's incoming to his leader. But as her portal opened to hit Nuxta in the back there was nothing he could do. Being hit with absolute zero Nuxta's armored body began to coat with ice. Ice that formed as result of the spell rather than the accumulated moisture. Covering Nuxta in a solid thick layer of ice. His body then began to plummet.

Soon crash landing into the cratered tip of the mountain. Covered now in rubble as well. The ice seeming mostly unharmed. The Queen of Gaia sighed with relief. Pointing to the remaining follower of Nuxta, the winged knight. They charged to fight him, the smaller Gaian forces reaching him first only to be deflected back by chaotic bolts of lightning until shields of stone were floated before them and hurtled at him. He broke them with his fists but it forced him to deal with the soldiers more and more. [color=08088A]"You FOOLS!"[color] He shouted beneath his helmet. Dragonic raging eyes beneath the casted shadow gleamed bright cyan as he darted with unnatural speed to combat the knights.

Despite having succesfully struck Nuxta with her breath attack, Sophia doubted that it would be enough to even incapacitate him, given both his powers and the armor he was using. Despite the Queen of Gaia's relieved expression, Sophia's eyes were fixed on the crater where Nuxta fell. She could only hope that it would be enough to make him retreat or maybe incapacitate him, but given what she felt earlier, that strange power he held, it was unlikely.

"Don't lower your guards! It's not done yet..." Sophia said, both to Queen Allo and the gaian warriors as she looked to the crater where Nuxta was.

Looking at the center of the crater, Sophia saw the mountain of rubble where Nuxta was trapped. His follower was undeniably a threat, the most sensate thing was to fight them one at a time. That said, in order to try and buy some more time for the Gaian warriors and the Queen, Sophia fired her absolute zero breath once more, aiming at the center of the crater, creating a frozen tomb encasing Nuxta. Hopefully that would give them some time.

"Master!" The black armored minion shouted. His blue electric coated wings unleashed a furious amount of lightning from his body. He surprisingly strong. Crushing Gaian Soldiers armor with his bare hands as he tore through them to get to the ice. But the sheer number and size of the Gaian forces kept him at bay. It was enough to hold back even a massive dragon. He kept fighting furiously. Keeping them at bay precisely to keep himself form being engulfed by their numbers. It however seemed hopeless. His deep care for his so called master shown through his furious rage at Sophia and the Gaians.
While he struggled on the mountain seemed to have reshaped its peak with ice from Sophia's attacks. The pillar containing Nuxta holding strong. Things were quiet save for the battle above.

It seemed to grow quiet around the pillar of ice that was Nuxta's prison.

Hidden 5 yrs ago 5 yrs ago Post by Rai
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Rai ..::Ascension::.. / All Maker

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Gaia's Mountains



Sophia was worried about the black armored minion at first, but when she took a glance towards it and the Gaian warriors, it was clear that despite how strong he was, the Gaian armors were holding him back despite his furious struggle. Even though she wanted to help them, she couldn't let that chance pass. Nuxta was trapped inside the ice pillar made by her breath, even if momentarily. She knew it wouldn't hold him forever so she had to try everything she could while he was immobilized.

Hovering right above the ice pillar, Sophia joined her hands, as her aura started to spike up dangerously, pulsating raw, primal mana in dangerous amounts, almost as if it was trying to engulf the ice pillar. A second later an extremely complex magic circle started to slowly appear around the ice pillar, being engraved and burned in the mountain itself by Sophia's mana. Runes and magic symbols started to appear as Sophia continued to cast the seal, which was made by not one but multiple magic circles fused with one another.

It would take a good time for her to complete it, she could only hope it would succeed. Not only it would depend on how long Nuxta would be trapped inside the ice pillar but if the Gaian warriors would be able to keep Nuxta's minion away from her.

All seemed to be going within their favor. The follower of Nuxta though having immense power had his stamina whittled away by the Gaian forces. Whom had defensive measures envied across the lands. Sacrifices were still made yet victory seemed to be certain. For Sophia's seal remained uninterrupted for a few minutes. It was quiet. The Queen of Gaia observed from afar on her white diamond scaled dragon. "Scouts!" She shouted. Soon a few flying Oros nearly breaking the sound barrier flew to her from different directions with trails of cloud at their backs. Stopping with expert grace they came before the Queen and even bowed while flying midair. Their wings seeming to only flap a few times, it was their expert control of air that allowed them to do so. "My Queen. There seems to be a disturbance from the feral dragons. They're moving in mass to this location!" The Queen looked a bit shocked. "To think I would have needed to bring Sirens. No matter. How many would you say?"

The Scouts looked to each other then back to the Queen. "Hundreds. The worst are moving from the sky above the clouds. Others are moving from the waters. Some crawl from the grounds." The Queen looked away for a moment. Staring down at the mountain top where Nuxta was being sealed away by Sophia. "It sounds like the Queens and Kings of the feral world are making a move. Perhaps this was a long time coming... Go inform Sophia. The soldiers and those back at the Kingdom. Then tell them to inform the other Kingdoms. I hope they aid my struggle..." After she spoke each of the three scouts bowed and zoomed off.

Sophia was concentrated on the powerful seals she was casting. It didn't take much for those who understood about magic to realize that those were ancient spells, lost through the ages and even for someone as Sophia, they required concentration, as she was weaving many seals into a single powerful spell as she casted.

She wasn't certain if that would be enough to seal Nuxta, but if she completed that seal, as long as nobody tampered with it, they would have at least a few days to prepare themselves...

Unfortunately, it became clear that things wouldn't go exactly as she was planning when scouts sent by the Queen told her of the feral dragons, who apparently were swarming to that location.

"What..?!" Sophia asked, almost breaking the concentration necessary to continue to carve the seals. The probability that they were going to aid the Gaians against Nuxta was... slim, almost inexistent... The only alternative left was worrying...

Things were getting worse by the minute, it was almost as if they were swimming against the current. But they still had chance... If she could complete the seal, if the Gaians were able to hold the feral dragons...

"How is the situation? Is it possible for the Gaian forces to hold themselves against the feral dragons? I can't interrupt the casting right now... It might be our only chance to do something against Nuxta... Or to buy us some time at least..." Sophia said.

"We will need as much time as we can..." she said, more to herself than to the scouts.
Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by Honesty Crow
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Honesty Crow Tlaloc

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Location: Town Blaze - Fotia Kingdom

With the view of the steaming waters below and the setting sun the sight was beautiful and warm. Even the black reflective metals that towered above their vantage exhaled warm mist. Courtesy of Tearian engineering and Fotian metal work. Fumes caked the town but it was dwarfed by the kingdom of Fotia’s ring. Which was visible and looked quite fascinating from this distance. The cooling waters on one end and the lava of the volcanoes gave yet another beautiful contrast.

Reflecting on this sight was a red robed man, scarcely covered. His firm toned body marked with red and black symbolic tattoos. It was his left arm covered in such. He watched the sunset, a red cup in a reflective glass. Warm to drink, nothing cold could survive here. Such was the custom and blood was best served hot. He lifted his lips to the glass, his body glistened with moisture. It was unavoidable in Fotia even outside of its capital. The roots of the lava flows ran long and deep even to the oceans. Mist covering the waves as they meet the black sands.

Pan was standing in a living facility with no windows and no walls. A bed and other necessities laid out but only the bare minimum provided. A staircase leading up and down and a large support beam in the middle were the only other structures that connect the current floor and the one above. Far below were the homes where the people of this town lived. The breeze from being so high was a welcomed feeling. He watched the sunset intently as if a new day would bring much more than a rested body. His mind was wandering and the sounds of the giant machines connected to the very structure he stood in were not loud enough to break it.

Pan's musings were interrupted by faint shuffling behind him. He felt a familiar presence make its way to his side. The familiar sounds of the machines below was interrupted by an equally familiar voice.
"Enjoying the view?" Asked Freyr in his usual soft-spoken tone.

"I am." He said. Not taking his eyes off of the sunset. He licked the crimson from his lips and gestured to the sunset. "I know it's not your taste to remain in such a humid place. But I have lots of work here to be done. We can leave tomorrow, if you wish." He turned to see his lover's face. The sunlight illuminating both of their visages.

Freyr took in his surroundings. The smells, sounds, and feelings around him. He'd already grown used to the hot and humid environment of Pan's homeland, the awful sounds of the machines and the even worse smells. It would be a lie if he wasn't enjoying himself. Pan was nice enough, he had a great voice, a great body and an attractive personality. But all good things needed to come to an end.

"I've grown used to it." Said Freyr with a reassuring smile, turning in the direction of his voice. "Besides-" The Nayu moved a bit closer to Pan. "-I have you. So, it's easy to forget what's around me."

Pan chuckled with a bit of disbelief. Though he was only trying to hide how much his Frey's words flattered him. He held a hand to cup Freyrs petite chin. "And I you. I hope to leave this place one day. Enjoy the air of the abyss Nero is so famous for." He chuckled at the last part. The appeal of the darkness within Neros endless caverns was lost to him. But he felt within his heart he would live anywhere with Freyr.

Releasing his chin he planted a kiss right on it. Delicately his lips graced his flesh but only briefly. He remained close enough however to possibly perform another. "I don't know how you entered into my life... but I'm thankful you did...."

Regardless of Freyr's intentions he always felt a strange tingling sensation whenever he was touched like this. It made his body tremble and his face feel warm. To this day he still couldn't tell what the feeling was, but he knew that whenever it came, it was a sign that his spell was working. However, even as he planned ahead he couldn't help but imagine himself with Pan. It made him hesitate for a moment. His mind was racing now, casting a shadow of self-doubt briefly making him forget his true purpose. Regaining his composure, Freyr focused on the task at hand.

"I like the present more, wouldn't you agree? Makes me enjoy moments like this even more." Said Freyr, raising his left hand to gently caress Pan's cheek.

"Yes I don't mind the present either." He held Freyr's hand on his cheek. Soon the sun went down and the moon's glow was brimming. Pan no longer stood on the dangerous edge of his abode. He instead now rested in a overly refined seat. A trail of smoke emitting from the end of a long pipe he had between his lips. A paper with the current news in his hands he read silently. A few flames lit around the place to give light in the shadowy places. He was only a few feet from the large bed.

Freyr sat across the room. He was sitting on the ground with his back straight and his legs crossed. The Nayu appeared concentrated and deep in thought. This was a daily occurrence for Freyr. He'd pick a nice spot somewhere and sit down for a few hours in complete silence. Freyr never explained why he did this and perhaps it was best not to ask.

"What are you reading?" Inquired Freyr, turning his head to where he thought Pan was sitting down.

Pan assumed Freyr could hear the night's winds rustling the paper. "The recent happenings. It seems as though an alliance was formed to help defeat the 'God of Death' Nuxta. One who threatens all Kingdoms." He sighed taking an exhale into the air. A plume of smoke similar to the machines earlier which now sit in silence. Only sounds of night revelers far below.

Rising to his feet, Freyr made his way to Pan following the sound of his voice. "Sounds rather unpleasant. Not exactly something to be thinking about this late into the evening." Said Freyr, stopping only a few steps away from Pan.
Even at night, the temperatures were high enough to force Freyr to wear something less fancy. While he preferred heavy clothing such as coats and jackets, the temperature here simply didn't allow it. Instead he settled for something far more revealing. He wore a shirt and pants made of expensive purple dyed silk. Both were slightly transparent, leaving very little to the imagination even when he wore darker colored undergarments.

"You're right." He said gazing into Freyr's lovely eyes. If only he could see his own reflection he thought. His empty cup reflected in the fire he sat up to finally rise and get another serving. As he did so he noticed Freyr approaching. His attire was different from the usual. A perfect addition to his private and unconventional abode. He watched with a predator's gaze, even as he effortlessly poured his own cup of freshly sealed blood elixir. "I needn't worry about such trivial matters. I'm in a position to sit afar from the Kingdom's worries..."

"Of course. I am here aren't I?" Said Freyr who had made his way to the bed, sitting down on the side. "Not everyone can say the same." He continued with a smile, laying back.

Pan was intrigued by Freyr sitting on the bed. Enough to catch him staring at the Nayu while he relaxed on said bed. It was a large bed laid on the floor. Crimson silk sheets laid misconstrued across it. He set his drink down. "You can be too... Maybe. We could escape our duties and alliances and live as free as the nomads." He felt strange. As if a compulsion was taking over him to live a... simple life? Or was that the elixir talking. He wiped his forehead from the beads of sweat left over from the early days heat. Fotia was a bit dizzying at times. He couldn't really think so he innocently plopped onto the bed next to Freyr.

"That's a very good question." Pan said after being straddled. He remained cool but intrigued. Not immediately placing hands on his lover but instead laying back a little and sighing with a relieved exhale. "I can think of a way to pass the night. Not that I only see you as a piece of tender meat." He sat up now. Facing Freyr's eyes with his own. Though he knew he was blind Pan couldn't help but look into them. With a raised hand he snapped his fingers. Tattoos on his arm gently glowed a bright red. A breeze conveniently swept across the room. The candles were now out and Pans hands found themselves on Freyrs bottom. Pan smiled madly. "You'll be mine till the end, I swear it."

Freyr gasped softly at Pan's touch. This was what he was waiting for. All of his efforts and this is where it would all end. He was hesitant though. Feelings that he couldn't describe began to flood his mind, threatening to break the spell he had so carefully worked to build. Now that it was working, losing his goal could prove fatal to his mission. Yet, something in him wanted to stop and speak up. Tell Pan everything.

"Pan..." Freyr called out in a mere whisper.

Pan expected this. The soft calling to him. Freyr was hiding something and despite how charmed he was his chosen career made him suspicious of any and everyone. "Yes...?" He asked pausing any caressing that was taking place.

There was a short pause. Pan stared into Freyr's cloudy eyes, noting that he appeared to be lost in thought. The Nayu snapped out of it, turning his attention back to Pan. He leaned in, whispering in Pan's ear.

"Kiss me. For real this time."

Pan grinned with a delighted chuckle. Kiss him? He thought. He would do far more than that. So he brought his face to his and attempted to merge their lips. Their tender flesh meeting In a hug and a bit of a tussle. Pans arms wrapped around his back and brought his petite frame onto the bed with a twist. He removed his lips from his with a bit of their saliva forming a string. "I love you." He said whilst observing his beautiful form.

If only things could have gone differently, Freyr thought. Maybe, if they had met some other way things could have turned out better. Those words, it made Freyr feel warm. He had become addicted to this for that reason, but never had anyone's mere words made him feel that way.

Throughout the night, Freyr couldn't help but think back to those words. It made him feel better than anything Pan could do to his body. As time passed, those thoughts briefly melted away. Even if he couldn't see, Freyr could feel everything. It was an overwhelming feeling of warmth that made Freyr's head feel light and made him beg for more.

By the end of it all, Pan felt oddly tired. Even after all that, it was odd that his body felt unresponsive. Freyr was laying by his side, with his arms tightly wrapped around his torso. Only moments after noticing this, Pan realized that he could no longer move.

"I'm sorry." Pan heard Freyr whisper in his ear, his voice breaking a little. The Nayu climbed on top of him, settling down atop his midsection. "I wish things could have turned out differently."

Pan couldn't explain what was happening. It was the small reason he felt so enamoured by Freyr. Though he was blind in the general sense he was gifted with a sight only beheld by those with his affliction. It was fairly well rumored that the lack of sight gave more spiritual awareness. An awareness Pan enjoyed about Freyr.

Once he realized however that he was immobilized he smiled. But after Freyr whispered a genuine apology his smiled was slowly flipped into an unamused frown. The lack of knowing. That was the eyes of the beast that gripped him. He had an inkling that Freyr could be a threat. But for some reason he trusted the little Nayu with all he had. Curses.

Pan could not speak. Even as he gasped for air to strengthen his body to remove this curse. This spell was stronger than he knew. Blood trickled from Pans tattoos. A counter spell was in the works. But only time could give him an opportunity to save himself. He was a Therosi after all. Blood should have the only thing he trusted....

Pans eyes could not hide the hurt though. He wanted to be furious. But instead he only felt saddened.

Freyr hesitated for a moment, but pushed beyond it. He wasn't about to leave everything behind. This was just another target. There was no room for hesitation now. Slowly, he got off the bed and walked to the side, putting on his clothes. Freyr then sat down on the ground, taking a deep breath while focusing on his surroundings. A few moments later, two figures resembling Freyr emerged from within him. However, these two clones were made of a thick black goo-ish material. Their facial features and extremities were either deformed or crudely recreated giving them a terrifying appearance.

The two beings then approached Pan, each wielding a shadowy dagger. Pan then heard them speak. It was Freyr, talking to hin through the entities. His voice was distorted and seemed to echo across the room.

"I wish we would have met under different circumstances. Perhaps things would have turned out better that way." They said, creeping closer to Pan as they spoke.

Unable to move Pan could only focus on his aura. His very essence was screaming to make him move. However whatever binded him was particuarly strong. A spell not easily broken even by the blood magic he wielded. There was only one thing he could do. With a severe fear for the shadows that walked past the illuminating candle light. Only to reveal a vast empty dark he could hardly see from his shuddering pupils. Blood. It dripped onto the floor and made a rune while he awaited death. His last gamble. I'm going to blow us both up. When the clones got closer he felt at ease. They both would go and in the end he would win. For it was Freyr who was using him. In the end his goal was to teach him a lesson, even after death. However. The rune was formed for some unconscious reason to cast a divine rune of sacrifice. Unknown to him Freyr's spell weaved his mind to aid him even in death. And so. The clones descended upon him. Taking his life.

A cackle could be heard. Then a large figure emerged from behind the pillar at the center of the room. The air seemed to move as the nights breeze gave some comfort to the earlier humidity. A snout grinning and filled with sharp fangs. Eyes glowing with amusement and scales as dark and orchid as the sky. He chuckled with a strangeness that echoed in the winds. "Kukukukuh... Very well indeed." He was a half blooded Dragon. A Descendant kind rarely seen and even more scarcely crossed. He had nothing but pants on, roughed but sturdy. Enough to keep him confident in its continued use and the rope that held it against his top heavy form. His tail stretched into the dark. "You killed him just as they say you could." As he spoke Freyr would feel a seal emerging on his back. Writings that matched what was on the arm of Pan. It was not painful it was instead just a strange feeling. Once it was complete it shed blood down its wearers back before solidifying like a thick yet permanent painting.

The abrupt appearance of the being caught Freyr off guard. Worse of all, he was in a vulnerable state, where he could easily be either wounded or even killed. Seeing no other way out, he simply turned toward whoever was speaking. Then, he felt an odd sensation on his back. Instinctively he felt for it with his hand. Touching it, Freyr noticed that it was some kind of inscription though he couldn't decipher the meaning.

"Who are you?" He asked, his voice trembling slighty even as he tried to control it.

"Just doing my job. Making sure ya did yours." He rubbed his scaly chin on his elongated snout. "I suppose you're not fully aware of who ya just took out..." He approached the body of Pan. The floor next to his slow dripping bed of blood was a symbol for a spell. One that was similar to what was on Freyr's backside. The half blood grabbed the arm covered in crimson markings and severed it with a swift swipe of his claws. "Perhaps ya couldn't see it. I wouldn't be surprised." He held the arm up though Freyr was blind he could smell the blood and hear the severing of bone and flesh. "This is a prize. The arm of a Therosi rune master. Indeed this will do as proof of your success." He began to walk away. "Your reward money will be sent to your next chosen location of rest shortly. You will be briefed on where to go next. Best clear of here before anyone notices... that mess. Kukukukuh.." He walked off without a sound despite his size. Laughing in the breeze as he did.

Freyr chuckled as the Dragon left. He could still feel the faint smell of blood in the air and the odd sensation in his back. It seems like all of this had paid off. He didn't feel as bad as he thought he would after what he did. After all, Pan was just another target. Or, at leadt, that's what Freyr kept telling himself.

Finally, Freyr was able to get back to his feet. He'd wasted enough time self-doubting himself he now needed to get out of here and return to Nero.

Where ever he was. Whether at an inn or on the streets. He was found by the Dolofon and given his bag of worthy jewels and stones. Then a message written in a scroll and sealed with coagulated blood. Once opened it read. "You are here by invited to become one of the seeing. This rare opportunity was given to you by your note worthy efforts in the eyes of the royals. Be at this location to be picked up and sent to Nero. You will be given further instructions from there."

After escaping Pan's home, Freyr had made his way to a local inn to change into a more appropriate attire before heading home. Before he could, a Dolofon agent arrived and handed over his payment as usual. However, he also brought a scroll with something he didn't expect. The letter was addressed to him. After reading the contents, Freyr sat down in a nearby chair in his rented room. He sighed, passing a hand along his hair before putting the letter away.

Perhaps, all this was worth it after all he thought. Either way, there was no turning back from here. All those years of hard work had paid off. He was finally making a name for himself. Freyr packed up his belongings before heading out. He needed to get back to Nero as quickly as possible.

After a day and a half Freyr arrived at Nero. Passing Twilight town was the final glimpse of light he would see. Nero was cloudy and dark and life was scarce, even the grass was hardly alive. Not a drop of green. He would not too long after arrive to a dark familiar cave. One of the many entrances to the Nero Kingdom's capital city and castles. It was there on the dark road within did the poor souls of Nero who lived in these dark tunnels began to emerge. Most wore hooded cloaks with tattered patches. "Please.." Some begged. "Do you have any blood to spare." With a annoyed shout the guide to Nero kept them at bay with a long stick. Poking them away. Who would stumble in their weakness. Feeling around the ground before getting back up. These nomadic outcasts were all blind. The lowest of the low blooded Nayu. Left to survive in the dark and feed on lizards or cannibalize one another. Soon they exited the narrow tunnels and were in a large cavern where the walls of the kingdom was before them. There Nero soldiers guarded the entrance. The guide's horse stopped before them. He got off it and handed the guards a paper. Shortly after seeing the seal on it they allowed them through. Freyr, now nearly two days later was now home. "This is as far as I'll be taking you." The guide said, turning his horse and carriage around to return to the world outside of Nero. A much more welcoming world.

Those two days of travelling were worth it. Freyr had enough of Fotia's unbearable heat. He prefered the cold and damp environment of Nero. Taking his first steps through the entrance and into the lower levels proper was a breath of fresh air, at least for him. Until now he didn't realize just how much he missed his home.

Making his way to the upper levels, he started to think about the beggars in the entrance tunnels. All he could feel for them was pity. Someone should go and put them out of their misery, he thought. Going past them was the least of Freyr's concerns though. The heat, the long journey, and traversing the tunnels had all been worth it…

It was by far the darkest district of any kingdom. Wounded soldiers. Fed by the kingdom for giving it their lives, watched as Freyr went by. His elegant clothing and untarnished complexion. Their bleak presence was only the beginning. There was debris and rubble scattered about still being wheeled away in heeps by some poor soul. It was clear through the wailing and moaning that a battle was fought here. One that affected all of Nero's kingdom. Or so it seemed as he would continue. The faint sound of a slow violin could be heard in the upper districts where he was headed.

Approaching the upper levels put a grin on his face. He felt an indescribable joy as he neared his destination. Perhaps it was his reward. Not every Nayu could claim they had the favor of the nobility. As the violing music drew nearer, he started to walk a bit faster. There was a spring to his step, a rare sight for the mostly formal and well-dressed Nayu assassin.

Many citizens outside their shops had brooms sweeping up left over debris piles. Thankfully the upper districts were the best looking district not only visibly financially but having been saved from the wreckage of the Dragon battle it remained entirely intact. There was little in the way of a passerby blind or not. The sounds varied as children were more strictly regulated to the inside of these regal buildings all lined next to one another. The moans and cries were behind Freyr however as he neared the middle of the upper districts and to the castle gates. Where two guards stood in wait.

The Guards stood perfectly still. Their armor was black along with the cloth beneath it. Within the shadows they would be invisible. All save for their piercing red eyes. One of the guards gestured to those standing up high. They stood among the gargoyles. Watching and waiting. They raised the gates open. This allowed Freyr and one guard accompanying him to apprach the castle via a decent stretch of a path. Decorated with flowers both crimson and black all scattered within poisonous dark ivy green and glowing purple veined bushes. The visual beauty was tailored to astound but the smell was even more elegant and regal. Indeed the royals loved the beaty of a deadly thing. The castle front doors now opened. Massive as they were, as if a giant had lived within, it moved rather quickly. Allowing Freyr into the main reception room, where many guards and a few idle royals could be seen. Freyr would be taken to another guard within the large dimly lit room. One could feel the winds of a dark cavern similar to the ones outside of Nero's capital within this place. As many halls leading else where were all connected to this room. A room that seemed made of a black crystal and lit with purple flame torches within the mouths of stone basilisks. Whether these statues were once real or not was a mystery. But the head of a few basilisk were hung on the high walls all over. Basilisk skulls you would not want to run into outside of Nero's walls.

"This way." A guard spoke. Bringing Freyr down a specific hallway. Onward they would walk, for what would feel like a maze for at least twenty minutes. Before reaching a large metal door. A knock on the door would echo through the hallways before silence. "We wait." The guard said.

The door began to open. A cold mist escaped the room it led into. It seemed like yet another narrow hallway. Yet it had light at the end of it. Freyr would be motioned to walk inside. The only thing missing for Freyr's senses however would be the warmth of the fires that illuminated the cold stone walls and floors. His footsteps would echo making it easy for any true Nayu to navigate. But once he was at the end of this hallway and into the light he would find himself in the middle of a circle. Surrounding him above several meter high walls were the royals of Nero and high class citizens. Many were in assembly observing this ceremony with interest. As above them all sat the King. "Come here." Spoke a voice centered in the middle. Freyr would be wise to enter the middle. "You stand before the royals of Nero and the King himself. You have been recognized by the infinite powers of Nero as a worthy recipient of the gift to see the light. By seeing the light you will step into a deeper understanding of the dark. But before we continue... State your name and what family you hail from." The voice that spoke seemed to be nowhere in particular. But in the eyes of those that could see it was an eldery Nayu with a missing eye and pale wrinkling skin. He stood in the circle infront of Freyr. Holding a cane in both hands. His words would move about place to place. Giving the illussion he was in one ear, then the other, behind him, far away and so on as he went on. "Go on."

"My name is Freyr. And I stand here under no one's name but my own."

For years, Freyr had worked to squash his family's name. This was his chance to finally end it all with just a few words. He had stood on his own all these years, his parents had nothing to do with it. It was his way to get revenge for everything they had done to him.

The air was silent. Nothing could be heard. Yet something stirred. Something above the perceptions of the five senses. It enveloped Freyr. His face was caressed and his chin was brought up. His hazy eyes would be peered into like never before. He, who has never held a gaze against another, now felt its deep piercing touch. His eyes would feel no pain. But blood dripped from them like tears. The blank haze now full of color. Before Freyr was the young prince of Nero. Known as Anui. His golden gaze peered into the eyes of Freyr who could now see.

To Freyr, time slowed down and everything went silent. His sight went from complete darkness to light. An array of colors and shapes that he never imagined were now before him. When he finally made sense of what was in front him, he lost his ability to speak. All he could do was stare. The first thing he ever saw in his life was, to him, at least now, the very definition of beauty. Not only that, but the power emanating from him as well. Everything he was experiencing now was similar to what he felt under the effects of Seraphim blood. But it was five times as powerful.

Freyr wanted to say something. Anything. But he couldn't get the words out. Nothing could describe what he was experiencing. And it was likely he would never feel it again. He didn't realize it, but to anyone laying eyes on him, all they saw was Freyr's unbliking eyes staring into the Prince.

Anui brought his hands away from Freyr's face. He stood tall before the assassin and stepped back. Letting the man have his moment. He turned to the old royal who stood there. It was he who spoke to Freyr after he stepped inside. Around Freyr he could see nearly a hundred royals. All sitting at the top of a large circular wall in columns of seats. They all watched Freyr intently. Despite this being a joyous ceremony there was dead silence. A few masked royals gesturing laughter or applause. But all without sound. "You now have become a branded soul for the Kingdom of Nero. May your step into the light grant us all a deeper understanding of the dark."

The ceremony ended up being nothing like Lila was expecting it to be and fortunately, it didn't have anything to do with her or Anui... Well... Just Anui, as it was a ceremony to accept another one as a Nayu Royal. Lila simply kept in silence, waiting for the ceremony to be completed. She didn't know who the man whom Anui was giving sight was, nor his circumstances, but it wasn't something that Lila had much interest about. She was there merely to accompany Anui and that was all. Since it was her first time seeing such ceremony though, she was sure to pay attention on what was happening and how the other Royals were behaving though.

Lila would see the other royals in their various sleek black or otherwise almost entirely dark attire. They really all looked dressed to vanish into the shadows. Even if their dress sparkled a bit in the dim light. Their faces were all directed towards Freyr. He would be new blood in lower ranks of their kind. In the piercing array of bloodlust in the eyes that watched him. Freyr would be judged for his abilities and saught after by some royal that fancies him. He would then live his life working for royalty until he was prestiged enough to have others work under him. Until the day he died he would be a part of many dark deeds for the King of Nero. His entire life was laid out before him. As many others arround him now were a part of this. They once stood where he was. Anui, as a child even, gave others their sight and began this prophecy long ago.

The King of Nero who started it all sat before Freyr. His mask was on as so were many other royals. Though they were blind they had the ability to see in the darkness. The King raised his hand. The air stood still. Anui and the elder both went to their knees. All having the same humbled expression. Even the elders who once sat with the previous kings were under him entirely. They had full faith. Even as their kings arm was visibly missing. He was indeed bearing the weight of his kingdom. "You may go." The King spoke with a cold easily annoyed tone. This was echoed in Freyr's ears. He was free now to leave.

When Anui removed his hands away from Freyr's face he stepped back a little. The first thing he did was look at his hands, and then at himself. He took a moment to see the room around him, feeling the eyes of every person sitting in the circular chamber staring at him. But that paled in comparison to the surge of power he felt in front of him. Heistantly he looked forward at Anui and then past him to the King himself. What he was feeling right now, he felt the same high as when he smoked Seraphim blood. The sensations were probably even stronger. When he was told he was allowed to leave, he stood there, frozen in that thought. Why did he feel that way? And why was it the King causing it? He found himself staring past Anui at the King.

The air was still. Freyr was obviously taken hold by the grandeur of this moment. For the first time ever many descendants stricken with blindness were cured here. Thus reborn under Nero's shadow. The beauty of the surrounding ornaments dangling from above. The soft sand on the stone floor. The stains of blood from those punished here for the royals enjoyment. The King now stood up high. Anui turned to see Freyr's freightened expression. Fear was a common smell, some may enjoy it, but not he. "I wi-" A knock could be heard on the entrance down the hall. Followed by the sound of footsteps. Now everyone anticipated who approached.
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The slanted ground going inward was the valley that would lead to the arc going around the mountain. A not too often traversed path yet one still riddled with signs of battles having been settled here. Shields and helmets laid rusted. Merging in hue with the uneven ground and stones. They were scattered randomly through this valley.


Time Stamp: 1:15 PM

It's noon now? Aste thought, rubbing her tears off the edge of her eyes. The surroundings hills does not look so familiar to her.

Squinting her eyes against the bright sun, the long sleep in the carriage had made her shoulders ache. The carriage has made a decent sleeping place for the magician Aste, but the uneven hilly roads made it less pleasant to be awake. Stretching her elbows, Aste look a good glance towards the back of the wagon. “Good afternoon---”

Aeden continued his constant vigilance as they resumed their trip. They had been lucky so far, but you could never be too careful. He glanced occasionally at Shye. He considered approaching her to start a conversation, but he really didn't know what to say. Another question was beginning to surface in his mind as well: why was Nailah coming along if she was not a member of the Alliance?

This was a mission of utmost importance. Was it really appropriate for her to be with the Alliance and know as much as she did?

Nyph soared above everyone once again keeping up an overarching view of the area. He felt a bit jealous of the attention that Gaston had received from the others. He felt a bit of an urge to compete with the griffon wyvern, but he did not want to put the group at risk. He would wait until everyone was resting at camp on their first night before starting the attention game.

Once underway, Tali resumed her usual walking and songmaking. No one had complained yet, so she figured it was at least keeping them occupied. Besides, such a large convoy would never be stealthy, so music would hardly give them away any more. She switched to her ocarina to give her vocal cords a rest, playing a lively jig for everyone. She did occasionally glance over at Lynn's carriage and towards Nailah. She was curious what they had spoken about, especially given the circumstances of the past day. Suffice to say, Tali was, unusually for her, wary of what may happen next stop.

Itzel tried to resume her scouting as normal, but her attention whoring mount proved impossible to motivate. So, she flew herself, often leaving rainbows dancing along the group or within the terrain nearby. She did some light hunting along the way, getting some easy to carry small game for next time they made camp.

Gaston, meanwhile, spent his time hopping between anyone that would pet him, focusing especially on Shye as she was willing to pet him and within easy reach. He would even occasionally knock at Lynn's carriage to try and get more attention from her. He even tried to get attention from Nailah. It seemed like he didn't have a worry in the world with nearly half the group scouting for them. He also occasionally pounced into brush or off a ledge to grab some small game. He carefully tied it to the side of the wagon, showing off his sapience and desire to keep things relatively clean.

With nothing much changing in their rather empty surroundings the group would simply end up seeing the fighting of horned goats. They would also see eagles soaring through the air. But most concerning were the vultures who fed on the scraps of something that died not too long ago nearby.

Time Stamp: 2:05 PM
The waters of the river that shared a connection with the ocean was visible to the far upper left side. Almost spilling with its fresh water reflection into the mountain side. But these rushing waters were still a bit of a ways away.

Dremmick kept up his patrol ahead of the group. Thankful that there hadn't been anything else in the way. He noticed the change in scenery though. The place was riddled with signs of battles past. He had the inkling of an idea to use his new staff to see the effects it has on his necromancy, but he figured there was a time and place for everything. When a large group of people were counting on you to scout ahead, it was probably best not to get sidetracked.
Lynn decided to nap on what she had been told. All that time in the carriage had her body craving the direct sunlight, so she moved from her horse back to on top of the carriage to sleep and sunbathe, only every once in a while happily interrupted by Gaston looking for attention.

Allard looked over to Aste as he heard her stir. "G'mornin' lass. Or should I say, good afternoon?" he laughed as he turned back to face forward as he walked alongside the cart, Nailah riding in the front. "It was....her words I can only say left me....uncertain. In short, I was told that I will come across great trials. Many being my past catching up with me. That I should learn ta rely on others as they rely on me, but....I always fear that in doing so, I may risk tha very ones I try ta protect."

He was silent for a while as he walked. He looked down to the egg the servitor was holding. Something about it warmed his heart. As if the world was trying to give him a second chance at the life that was taken from him. He nodded to himself, "When I joined this Allience, honestly, i was to see if I could find the ones responsible for what happened to my family, and tear them to pieces, or to find the end of my life trying....But now.... after meeting you," he nodded towards Nailah, "seeing my town an' old friends once more, becomin' a sign of hope for my people, and given new responsibility....I think... I have found my purpose once again, a reason to continue. And I will not let it be squandered once more, come what may."

Try as Shye might, she couldn't help but start to feel tired. The previous day of travel and fighting, the the rough, uncomfortable night, and then today, despite the bath, had finally caught up to her. Her pace was starting to slow, just enough to start lagging to the rear of the group, just in front of Tali. She tried to concentrate on the music to help her keep her pace up.

When Nix was tossed off of Gaston, she chirped a little irritated at him before flying up to see Shye starting to merge more with the rear of the group. Nix flew down to Aeden and went to land on his shoulder, struggling to find purchase against the armor with her tiny claws. Once she got his attention, she flew back to Shye's shoulder. Shye gently pet Nix as she chirped a worried tone to her. The river wasn't too much farther. She partially hoped they would maybe set camp there, but that may just be wishful thinking. She could kill for a decent night's sleep about now.

Despite the questions that swirled in Nailah's head, she continued the trip without thinking about them too much. Even though one could know a few aspects of it's future, it was still largely unknown and undecided. After all, exactly as the old woman said, now that she knew about her future, it could change. Other than that, she always lived her life one day at a time, it wouldn't change now.

After finally having crossed the forest, they encountered themselves in a huge valley, an old battlefield, as it was evident due to the obvious signs of battle. Rusted helmets, armor and shields dotted the valley. Some might think that was a bit morbid or sad, but unexpectedly, Nailah thought it only gave that particular valley a particular beauty. The signs of battle and death, side by side with the abundant life of the valley, eagles soaring in the sky, the lush, green grass and even the horned goats, that seemed to pay respect to the fallen warriors by battling against each other themselves.

Interrupting Nailah's peaceful contemplation, a voice sounded from behind the ox cart. It was Aste, who had finally woken up and was currently stretching herself.

"Oh, hey there, sleepy head. Slept well?" Nailah asked, with a chuckle as she replied to Aste in the back of the ox cart.

As Allard turned to her and started speaking, Nailah silently listening to his words as he spoke about himself. Even though she always thought she didn't do that much when she first met him, she couldn't help but to smile when she heard him talking about it, how much he valued meeting her.
"Sometimes, people need a bit of help in healing the old wounds in their heart. That's why we from the Temple of the Fallen Goddess are here." Nailah said, with a gentle smile.

"When I first met you, you were suffering, stuck on the past instead of enjoying the here and now. A prisioner. But now I can see that the fire in your eyes are burning once more." She said, turning to Allard with a satisfied smile.

"It's good, it's how life was intended to be lived. Live your life, chase what you desire and stay true to your feelings, what else matters?" she finished with a laugh.

"Now... Changing subjects... Do you think it's a good idea giving Lynn a few lessons about self defense?" Nailah asked, with a thoughtful expression. It didn't take much to realize that she was asking that because of the words she heard from the old woman.

Aeden was a bit surprised when Nix attempted to climb onto his shoulder. Once she tried again he raised his eyebrow and chuckled. Nyph used to try the same thing when he was younger to just as much success. "You aren't going to fit there." His tone was very bemused.

After she gave up, Nix flew over to Shye. He smiled and chuckled again. He then noticed she was falling back slowly and steadily. She looked exhausted. He pulled back to her. "How are you holding together? A few more hours until we're done for the day."

Shye looked up from the ground to see Aeden there, checking up on her. She had just realized that she had been slowing down and had fallen back a bit in the group. "Oh, I'm fine, I was just enjoying the music and got a little sidetracked was all," she lied with a warm little smile to reassure him. She didn't want him to worry for her more, not after all he already went through to help her. The least she could do is be able to walk to a river without some assistance like some cripple. She straightened up a bit and tried to seem more energized than she really was, as if she really was just lost in thought a moment ago. "But a decent night's rest does sound wonderful."

On one of her trips back to the group to check on them, Itzel saw Shye starting to lag behind and Aeden check on her. She only caught a little bit of the conversation, but it gave her a good idea that would both make her mount useful and perhaps give Shye some help without hurting her pride. She flew down to Gaston and got his attention. "You know, you might get more petting and attention as well as be better liked if you go let her ride you to give her a rest." As she referenced a person, she showed Gaston Shye.

As expected, once the idea of being known better and given more attention hit Gaston, he practically flew into action. He sauntered over to Shye and grabbed her in a claw, lifting her onto his back. He seemed overly proud of himself the whole time, acting as if it was his idea all along.

Shye was taken by surprise as Gaston waltzed up behind her and picked her up. Her eyes went wide in surprise, not prepared for what Gaston was doing. "H-hey! Wait a min- woah!!" she exclaimed as she was picked up and placed on Gaston's back, sidesaddle. She was still for a moment as she took in what just happened, still wide eyed, her heart racing a bit. Her eyes softened a bit as she relaxed, and she slowly started to giggle, which then turned into a laugh, her hand covering her mouth. She scratched the back of Gaston's head and neck. "I guess I can't fool everyone...Thanks." She then turned to Aeden and smiled again. "Seems I've made a new friend." Nix hopped off and tried her luck again. kneading with her claws on Gaston's back before settling down and curling up.

THe sound of Allard had greeted her for the afternoon. Aste contained her own gasp on how she slept through the whole morning.Squinting her eyes at the site of the outside. She thought that place was a marketplace for a mere moment, but its too quiet to be a town centre. The scattered and rusty remannet of the weapons and Armour had told her afterwards of the whole scenery. A remnant of a battlefield. She was taught never to take anything from such places, as they could be haunted with unpleasant evil spirits.but putting that aside, she wasn't sure on what battle had occurred here, but pray that that doesn’t serve as a bad sign.

She also felt out of place upon overhearing the conversation. She was sure that Allard was talking about Shye.

Another greeting from Nalilah, the lady of the Temple of the Fallen goddess.

On whether the young girl needed training, that was a good question. “The way of of the sword takes a lifetime to master, but I don't see why not for her to start at an older age.” Aste called Lynn old without shifting an eye. For a squire or even Apprentice, 20 is considered very old to start.

Allard chuckled, "Bah, nonsense, I think it's a great thing for her ta learn. Though, while I think she would still be plenty young enough ta start, gods willing she still has a long life ahead of her, but I think that teaching her the art of the sword might be a bit to....eh....intimate for tha lass. Should focus on what she has."[/color] He pointed over to the staff that was resting on the carriage roof next to the laid out sunbathing Lynn. "Take the staff of hers for example. That's essentially a thick bar o' solid steel with a rounded handle big enough for her hands to grasp in tha center. She controls it through her water manipulation to water inside those hardened glass decorations on the ends. The weapon would be insanely heavy even for most fit men, almost as if it was inspired by Oro weaponry. Aside from learning more offensive uses of her water manipulation, that would be quite a devastating weapon to run up against. She can control its movement, use it for maneuvering a battlefield, gain height advantages, deliver strong blows from behind a target while distractin' 'em. Oh! Just think if she could spin it it at high speeds before swingin' it around even. It would be a challenge just to get near her, let alone attack." Allard then stopped and looked around for a moment, chuckling and rubbing the back of his head. "Ah, sorry there, I was startin' ta ramble a bit. Can't say I don't love a good fight, or analyzing' them. Call it a hobby.





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Victory



Algimar was already nearly ready to move along on the boat. He watched as they finished it off with a brief glance. The others were on their way and with Lynn's help they could make the waters calm enough to passthrough. Or so he hoped. He then had no choice but to look at the battle as the Hydra let out its final cry. No doubt they planned to harvest the creature's essence. The sky above began to grow dark and cloudy. Even as the sun was soon fading. A wind began to grow. He sat on the raft with his legs now crossed. Closing his eyes he waited in preparation for what may come next.

"Alright, do what you need to... Mason whispered to the presence inside him as he landed next to Allard. Cautiously, he stepped forward, reaching his arm deep into the hydra's wound. In an instant, Mason felt himself almost instinctually grasp something tightly, as pale white energy began to travel up his arm, and into the core of his being. Any wounds he had sustained during the battle rapidly began to close, as an unsettlingly pleasant sensation took hold within the boy. Once he'd taken as much as he could, Mason withdrew himself to help preparations to cross the river.

Garrett's spear never left the beast until it reached its core. The second the spear touched its objective, Garrett hesitated for a moment, thinking over his choices as to what to do with his goal. A mental battle with himself occurred, but eventually a decision was made.

Garrett jammed his spear a little further into the recently deceased beast, lodging his spear into the heart cluster enough to yank it out of its corpse in one fell pull. Something was off to anyone that wasn't him, it seemed like the cluster itself was being visibly digested by the blood-forged spear itself, not touching Garrett at all beside the contact of his grip of the spear. The size of the cluster dwindled until entirely disappearing aside from a constant, pulsing core of its own at the base of the bladed outcrop of the spear. Something was different to the spear. He realized he was surrounded by people.

"If I, a living creature can't handle a drastic jump in power without going mad, then an inanimate object won't react so poorly to it."

That was enough explanation. Garrett joined Algimar on the raft.

"Do what you must with the corpse now, but do it quick, we must be moving."

The group now having defeated the Hydra that plagued their progress across the river now gathered their things to move on. However a few remained behind. Deciding that the journey ahead was too perilous to continue on. Their allegiance to the new budding alliance ending here. Now onwards beyond Gaia's boarders and to Fotia. Where the Wyvern territory awaited to test them even further. Algimar remained seated despite the rocking of the raft. He wished the water user could help calm the river. Though that was impossible. They had no choice but to hope to reach the other edge without falling too far down stream. Even more dangerous than the Hydra was the drop from the rivers edge. The very edge of the continent.

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After speaking with Ni'ra, Freyr ran all the way from the dungeons to home. On his way there, he felt at times like he was going to faint. The craving for Seraphim blood was becoming too much to bear and he felt that his body was about to give in. Luckily he managed to arrive home just in time. Freyr's home was fairly unique compared to those around it. It had been built by his great-grandparents a long time ago and had served as the family manor for some time. When Freyr's parents died, he inherited the cave home. The entrance had a stone archway carved out of the cave wall and a wooden door. Once inside, Freyr collapsed on the floor on top of the carpet. He crawled all the way through the entry hall and into his lab, where he prepared poisons and antidotes for missions. Freyr also used the place to create different mixes of Seraphim blood, which he then smoked.

Freyr managed to pick himself up from the floor by using one of the tables in the room as support. The headache was unbearable now and he felt he could barely breathe. He was starting to panic. He thought that if he didn't do something now, he just might die right then and there. Freyr stumbled around the room, gathering everything he needed. The Nayu took a few vials of Seraphim blood, one vial of Ni'ra's venom and a few mushrooms and mixed them together in a wooden bowl. He transferred the ingredients over to a metal plate which he placed over an oven on the other side of the room. As the contents of the plate heated up, Freyr inhaled the fumes coming from it.

He instantly felt a strong sense of relief, followed by a strong rush of euphoria. Freyr fell to the floor, laughing uncontrollably. He remembered what Ni'ra told him earlier, but all he could think of was the silly way she spoke. He found the way she pronounced her 's' hilarious. Every time he thought about it, he would cackle and wheeze. Freyr stumbled to his feet, taking his top off and dropping it on the floor before heading deeper into the cave home. The center of the house was a small courtyard, with a garden in the middle. Here, Freyr cultivated several plants he used as poisons, medicines or antidotes. The plants grew on the stony ground on special pots his great-grandparents had built. They stay watered by a small artificial river created by a fountain spring that came from the rock on the other side of the room. The stone floor had been carved with canals in order to lead the water from the spring and into different parts of the home. The main reservoir served as a pool which Freyr used to bathe.

Walking to his bedroom, Freyr started to feel hot. His skin felt boiling hot to the touch and he was starting to sweat profusely. When he walked in the bedroom, he removed the rest of his clothes and sat on the floor. The laughter subsided and all he could hear now was a dead silence. Though, as time passed he began to hear faint whispers. Then, he heard Ni'ra's voice and chuckled.

"You know what?" He said, staring at the stone wall in front of him. "You're right. Is that what you wanted me to say? You Basilisk bitch. Do you think you know me? No!" Freyr shouted, pointing at the stone wall with his finger.
"I should have drawn a knife through your neck the moment the King gave the command. Maybe then, you could have kept your mouth shut."

The whispering was getting louder now. Freyr then felt a strong presence standing by his side. He looked up, but saw nothing.
"Who's there?" He asked, crawling to the foot of the bed, settling right in front of the dresser. Freyr sat there, staring at the drawers in front of him.
"What do you want from me!?"
The Nayu shouted, frantically looking around the bedroom.
"Is it you, Pan?" He paused for a moment. Even though he had no visual recollection of what had happened, he still remembered how it all felt.
"I'm sorry." He said, his voice breaking. "Do you think I had a choice!?" Freyr continued shouting, looking about the room as if he were arguing with somebody. "It was all part of the job. I never loved you! I…"
Tears were now streaming down his face. As he went to wipe his eyes, he felt something hot streaming down his nose. When he lifted his hands away from his face, they were covered in blood. Freyr then felt lightheaded and his limbs were getting heavier. The last thing that crossed his mind were Nira's questions. Why had he decided to stay in the cage rather than leave? He had picked voluntarily. Yet he didn't know why. Freyr felt dizzy and slumped to the floor as everything turned black.
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Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by Honesty Crow
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Honesty Crow Tlaloc

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For years, Freyr had used the effects of Seraphim blood to help him sleep. Otherwise, he couldn't bear the noise inside his head. Even when he closed his eyes and drifted into sleep, he could hear whispers and voices that kept him from any comfortable sleep. If he couldn't hear anything, then he was plagued by nightmares. Usually, it were events from his childhood or last kills coming to haunt him. Seraphim blood usually helped. It kept him relaxed and the whispers seemed to fade away under its effects. Unfortunately, he didn't have that luxury now but he was too exausted to even remember. He slept for three or four hours before being awakened by a series of familiar screams that faded as soon as he opened his eyes. Freyr was covered in sweat and out of breath, he looked around first trying to figure out where he was. That's when he remembered the day's previous events and how he had ended up in a hospital bed after taking a mix that nearly killed him. He sighed, wiping his face of sweat and tears. Lifting the covers, he saw that he wasn't wearing any clothes. He rolled his eyes. Great, not only did Anui found him in that state but he was also naked. All Freyr could do now was hope that Anui wouldn't spread around what had happened. Most likely, he would call in a favor in exchange for keeping his mouth shut.

Freyr looked around, spotting a black robe by the door to his room. That would have to do, he thought. Freyr got out of bed, nearly falling to the ground as he was suddenly overcome by dizziness. Once he composed himself, he took the robes and put them on. Quietly, he opened the door and slipped out of the clinic using his Shadow Step ability. He then returned home, closing the door behind him before breathing a sigh of relief. To Freyr, this was the only place where he felt that he was in control. Outside however- Freyr's train of thought was abruptly stopped by a noise coming deep from within his home. Slowly, he made his way to the garden area where he saw a man dressed in fine silks standing there looking at the plants. When he got closer, Freyr realized who it was.

"Ignatiy? What are you doing here?" Freyr clenched his fists. He hoped there would be no more trouble today.

"Freyr!" The man, a Nayu noble in his mid-40's turned around smiling. He stopped for a moment, staring at Freyr. He practically undressed the Nayu assassin with his eyes. There was a hunger about him that made even Freyr uncomfortable. Without being able to see, Freyr was never able to really see into someone's eyes. Now that he had the chance, he was starting to regret it. Regardless he stood his ground.
"Well, you weren't home but I presumed you had passed by here after the ceremony. So, I thought I would come in here and make myself at home while you returned."

"What?" Replied Freyr stepping forwars. Ignatiy was at least a foot taller than Freyr, stronger too. However, Freyr wasn't intimidated by him at all. "Whatever we did before we business. A one time thing only. I did my part and you did yours. We went our separate ways, that's how it goes."

"So rude." Ignatiy chuckled, coming in closer and invading Freyr's personal space. "When we met the first time, you were so charming and pleasant. Is this how you usually are or did I catch you at a bad moment?"

"Does it matter? Get out." Freyr stood his ground defiantly. All he wanted to do was get something for the back pain that was starting to come up again. He just needed rest…

"I thought we clicked you know? When we did it the first time, you seemed to be really into it. You were so loud too."
Ignatiy gently caressed Freyr's right cheek, grinning as he did. "I want to see that side of you again."

Freyr smacked Ignatiy's hand away, getting angrier by the minute. "Don't touch me. I don't know what's gotten into you but we were never anything. I killed your wife and we had sex as payment. That's it."

"No. You killed her because I wanted you. That's why we did it. Not just once, but three times. And I want it again. I want you again." Ignatiy seemed to be growing more frustrated as he spoke. Before Freyr could answer, Ignatiy wrapped his arms around Freyr's waist, pulling him closer. "Come on now. You'll enjoy it. Just like you did before."

"Let go of me." Freyr turned his face away from him, making Ignatiy sigh. Losing his patience, the royal picked up Freyr over his shoulders. Even as Freyr tried to set himself lose, he was too physically weak to go anywhere. Ignatiy carried Freyr to his bedroom and forced him on top of the bed. He then went on to kiss Freyr on the lips before being punched in the jaw by the assassin. The strike caught Ignatiy off guard, making him release Freyr and stumble backwards.

"Argh! After all I did for you. All the favors I pulled just so you could get to where you are now and this is how you repay me!?" Shouted Ignatiy, holding on to the side of his face as a few drips of blood fell from the side of his lip. "You filthy lowlife. You should be getting on your knees and be grateful for everything I did for you!" Ignatiy rushed Freyr, grabbing his legs and pulling him away from the bed. Before being dragged to the floor, Freyr grabbed a dagger that he kept underneath his pillow. Wrestling Freyr to the floor, Ignatiy started tearing away at the medical cloak he was wearing.

"You're going to take me and you're going to fucking like it!" In his blind rage, Ignatiy completely missed the hidden weapon. Freyr then slashed at the noble's throat with the dagger, spraying blood all over the floor and his face. The Nayu noble instinctively grabbed his throat, gurgling and choking as he attempted to run off. Somehow, Ignatiy stood up and made it to the garden before collapsing next to the plants. In the process, he spilled blood everywhere. Freyr, wearing what was left of the cloak slowly made his way to Ignatiy, who stared at him with pleading eyes. But he didn't receive any mercy. Freyr crouched next to him and started stabbing Ignatiy on the chest and his face. With every strike, Freyr started screaming and cursing letting out a ton of pent up emotions.

By the time he was done, the noble's corpse was barely unrecognizable. All that was left of his chest and face was a mess of flesh and broken bones. As for Freyr, he was practically drenched in the noble's blood. Panting, he sat down next to the corpse. He looked at the dagger briefly before setting it aside.
"Fuck." He said out loud, looking at his hands. He then turned to the corpse and sighed.

Freyr was quick to dispose of the scene. He took Ignatiy's corpse and cut it up into several pieces before placing them all in a large fireplace he had in his laboratory. Every piece was disposed of, leaving practically no trace of what was once Ignatiy. He then went on to clean the stone floors of his blood, which was much easier to do. Once he was done, Freyr took off the medical cloak and tossed it in the fireplace as well. He then made his way to his bath, and got in the water. The warm fresh water coming from the cave washed away the blood and the usual pain Freyr had to deal with. Freyr sunk into the water, leaving on his head poking out. As Freyr sat there silently in the water, he remembered what the Basilisk girl told him again. For some reason, he words had resonated with him. Despite his state of mind.

"You're right…" He said softly, closing his eyes.
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Hidden 4 yrs ago Post by Rai
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Rai ..::Ascension::.. / All Maker

Member Seen 2 yrs ago


Current Location - Destination


Allard grumbled irritatedly at the mess he now was, though at least the best seemed to be down for good this time. He tried to rinse off what he could in the water, but he still felt he needed a proper bath and clean clothes, it would go a long way. He made his way to the raft and sat down with his legs crossed in one of the corners. Everything needed seemed to be loaded up and ready, they just needed to cross.

Dremmick let go of his paralysis ritual, taking a deep breath as he recovered. The three skeletal creatures, that seemed to not be chomping at the middle hydra head's neck, which had cut off it's final cries, seemed to instantaneously fall apart. He looked at the hydra for a while before making his way to it, multiple long slender blades of blood seemed to reach out from his body like crimson arms. He casually started descaling the hydra, collecting a large number of the scales into a pile rather quickly. When able, He would use a large rough sack from the supply cart to store the scales. Once that was finished, Dremmick took a place next to his horse on the raft.

Lynn was already at the center of the raft, waving to Nailah to come sit next to her, however, something stopped Nailah before she left. It was Shye, holding on to one arm in a bit of an akward stance as she wasn't sure what to say. She was blushing a bit, but whatever was on her mind seemed to be imporant. "Nailah, wait... before you go....Aeden got a message sent to him during the fight. He is wanted back wherever his base is, with me in tow it would seem," she started with a bit of uncertainty. "I just.... I wanted to thank you and the others, for everything you all have done for me, however small or grand, it... it really means a lot. We seem to be going back to Sunfire in Vrondi, which means that I will get to be reunited with my son once more! I hope that I may ctually be able to be the mother I should have been for him this whole time..." She paused as she thought for a moment and looked back up to Nailah, "Promise me, if I am still around, that you come looking for me at the orphanage there?"

"No more surprises... I hope..." Nailah said, rolling her eyes as she heard Allard confirming that this time, the Hydra was really dead. It had really taken them by surprise but fortunately, no one was wounded. Allard and a few others started to gather materials from the dead Hydra as it gave it's final, dying cry.

"A bath doesn't sound that bad now, does it?" Nailah said, teasing Allard as she giggled, looking the mess he was.

Nailah saw Lynn waving to her, asking her to sit next to her on the raft. The moment she was about to go though, Shye interrupted her. She was blushing a bit, but she definitely had something to tell to her. Nailah was... partially aware of Shye's circumstances. She knew just what Shye herself had told them but she knew enough to know that her situation wasn't exactly happy or pleasant. It was a good surprise when she heard from Shye's own mouth that she was going back to Sunfire to get reunited with her son once more. Shye's words came out as incredibly honest and sincere as she thanked for everything the group did for her. Even though it was undoubtedly a farewell, it was a happy one.

Nailah gave Shye a tight hug, after she finished, looking to her with a kind smile.

"He is your son, Shye. Your love for him isn't something that can be measured or even understood by anyone but you both." Nailah said.

"You two will be a family once again... And with a new member too, right?" Nailah continued.

"Oh, and I promise I will visit you both. After all, I haven't been introduced to your son yet, right? I'm sure he will love all the stories I have to tell him!" Nailah finished as she gave Shye one more hug.

Shye held the hug for a long while, some tears forming. "I just can't help but think that this was supposed to last longer, I really looked forward to traveling with all of you for just a little bit more," she finally released and moved to holding Nailah's hands in her own. "This is for the best anyway... Fotia is a place I should never return to. I should get going. I pray you will all be careful." Shye let go and gave a polite bow before wiping her tears and then turning to leave, often looking back to the group as she did.

Across the River...




Time Stamp: 9:15 PM

Thankfully for this groups remaining members the river was not capsized by the rushing waves due to the Lassa. There were also no stones to pierce and break the raft. This was due to how deceptively deep the river was. However the raft was not stable enough to keep every item safe from water and packed on the raft. A few items were missing when the group arrived to the edge of the river. Before them was a continuation of the beautiful flat lands seen in Gaia however there was the daunting mountain ahead surrounded in forest.

Night had fallen on the group. Algimar leaped from the raft to land eagerly wanting to get off of its unstable footing. Being on solid land felt so much better and he did not envy the Tearians life style. He had his things which were carried on his person. His eyes had a feint glow as it pierced the dark. He searched the land around them, sniffing the air. "It seems clear..." He began walking forward. To gain a good distance from the river. Now would be a good time to begin camping. Though he did not plan to sleep.

Once they made it across and found a suitable place to camp, Allard let out a sigh as he plopped onto the ground next to a tree. What a day this turned out to be, he never expected to be fighting a hydra of that scale so soon, but at least they made it out alright. He looked down to the dragon egg that was in his lap, having held onto it as they crossed the river. He wondered if taking such a thing with him was actually best for the budding creature. especially if heading to Fotia.

Lynn seemed a little bummed out. A number of the group had left for various reasons of importance, and while she understood, it still didn't sit well with her, especially Tali. It seemed the magoi had wanted her to come back for something urgent. Dremmick had proposed it may have had something to do with what was going on at the mountain, but it still didn't make things feel any better. With Shye leaving, it felt a bit bittersweet, but only a little. While there was another person less to talk to, it seemed that things were going to turn out well for her, she remembered her smiling as she waved goodbye.

Dremmick had helped offload the raft of various horses and the carriage for Lynn, everything seemed in order. The truth of the matter was, he was exhausted. He put out a lot of soul energy into what he did, but it seemed to have paid off. Nobody was really hurt, and everyone made it across alright. Allard seemed to have the right idea as he plopped down, slumped against a tree. Dremmick soon carefully sat down as well, taking a breather before getting camp set up. He didn't want to sleep around the rest of the group if he did. He wasn't sure what would happen. the last time he slept himself, he didn't wake up so well. The other time he was waking from unconsciousness. What if he had that dream again? He should find a place away from the others when he goes to rest for the night. It would probably be safer that way, and make for less to explain later.

Finally making across the river and dealing with the Hydra, the group had found a nice place to camp after a busy day filled with unexpected situations. Truth be told, it was indeed quite exhausting and Nailah was happy that she had some time to relax before they had to move on again tomorrow.

It was indeed a shame that Shye and Aeden, coupled with a few others from the group had to leave, for various reasons and Nailah did notice how Lynn was a bit sad due to that, especially when Tali left. Other than Nailah herself, Tali was incredibly close to Lynn and her departure indeed left Lynn in low spirits. Nailah had spent most of the trip across the river and most of the time while the others were putting up camp trying to cheer up Lynn. Even though some had left, there were still a lot of interesting things that could happen and new people for Lynn to meet in the future, but she didn't know if it had worked at all...

When Nailah spotted Allard, near a tree, taking care of his dragon egg almost like a mother, she had an idea that maybe could help Lynn to feel a bit better.

"Lynn, I know you're still feeling a bit down because a few people left, but would you like to try and help Allard to take care of his dragon egg?" Nailah asked, smiling kindly as she looked to Lynn.

"I'm quite good at warming things up and I'm sure that your voice would help to calm down the small dragon. What do you say?" she asked, waiting for Lynn's answer.

Lynn slowly looked up to Nailah and and had to clear her throat before speaking up, "Y-yes, I would like that...," she said replied, giving her a slight smile in return. Quietly, she floated her way over to Allard, who seemed to had started to fall asleep already, the egg in his lap with one arm cradling it, making it look tiny in his arm where it would take both hands for lynn to carry it alone.

Lynn approached Allard and rest a hand on his legs, which caused him to stir and look down to Lynn, even though he was sitting. "Oi, lass. Holdin' up alright? That took quite fine control bringin' tha raft cross tha river."

"Oh! It was the least I could do after everyone fought the hydra. But what about you, how is the egg?" Lynn asked, causing Allard to stare down at it, closing his eyes as if concentrating on what he could feel.

"The dragon inside is a bit restless it seems. All the commotion getting ta it, been squirmin' since we got on the raft. Thought maybe finding somewhere comfortable may help it settle down, looks like I settled down before it did, eh?" she said, chuckling to himself.

Lynn took a step forward and placed a hand on the egg, feeling the same thing. "If you would like, Nailah and I can watch over it while you rest. We thought maybe she could keep it warm while I sing to it. Maybe I can at least calm it down," she said referring to her past failed songs today.

[color=9ACD32]"Well now, that sounds like a good idea, little lullaby may be just what it needs," Allard agreed. He stood up and took the egg to where the two girls were earlier. He did sit somewhere close, however, so that he could listen as well.

Lynn would wait for Nailah to be ready with the egg before she would start her song. It was an old lullaby tale for children about their father going off to set sail to explore some unknown territory…..

Night Passes...


Time Stamp: 6:00 AM

The break of sunlight. The chirping of birds replacing the sound of crickets. The air from over the mountains breathed a chill over those sleeping anywhere near the river. The waters rush never silencing. Algimar was already awake by the group's fire. Holding something he caught in the field while scouting on a stick. He calmly waited for the others to awaken. He would tell the first person he could about the camp of bandits he saw northeast of here. In fact, for those perceptive enough to notice, the trail of fire from afar would be visible from the bandit's own fire. He knew that this flame of theirs was risky. It was possible even that the battle with the Hydra might have alerted their scouts already.

Algimar contemplated the objective and how the group struggled to stay together even under the stress of the obstacles before them. It was becoming clear to him, as he watched the sunrise over the mountains of Gaia and Fotia's border. That he would have to assure the legendary item the King of Vrondi saught would be claimed by the Nero kingdom. No doubt the others who were loyal to their kingdom would be doing the same. In the end. If Nuxta is able to be defeated. The victory would go to either one kingdom or them all. Ensuring a new order of either peace or dominance. The spoils of this war would be the entire world...

Earlier in Nero...














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