The Phoenix Blade

[Catrux]

Sehkem peered at Rafia, he was very skeptical. Why would a complete stranger be willing to risk his life in exchange for Sehkem assisting him in finding a mere sword with sentimental value. It seemed quite odd.

A call sounded, it was unlike any he had heard before. It was evident that it was quite far away, but also seemed very important, and to beckon to him. He broke his gaze at Rafia to determine where the call was comming from, once determined his eyes turned back on Rafia.

It was quite a quandary Sehkem now found himself in, go after Aridawn's killer, or answer the call that seemed to pull at him. He thought for a moment then decided he should heed the call, maybe it was Moridanu or the others he met. Maybe they would know more of this or of what to do.

"It appears there are more pressing matters to which must be attended. This seems much more important than a mere sword, or vengance. If you choose to join me in answering the call, you are welcome, otherwise good luck." Sehkem's voice held no feeling, it was empty. Without waiting for Rafia's reply he took flight towards the call.

(continued in The Call)

[Elyza]

*Elyza glared cooly at the Faun as he produced a small blade from a pouch around his neck. Rolling her eyes as she thought that he intended to attack her with it, she saw instead that he was using it to slice his palm.

~If you want to bleed that badly, all you have to do is ask, ya know? I would be only too happy to make you bleed you stupid little Faun..~ she trailed off as he smeared dirt in the wound and held his hand out to her. Blinking slightly, she stared down at the hand before looking back at the Fauns face.

~Are you serious? You honestly expect me to touch your hand? I don’t know where you’ve been… you could have diseases…~ She knew that it was a pact of the earth, and back when she was still remotely human, she would of respected the ancient pact and be bound by it. Now, she held no belief in anything that came of the earth apart from raw power. It was this raw power that she believed was imbued within this weapon that she had to find, and given the fact that this Faun obviously knew his way around, she decided to play along with his little game.

~Alright little one.. we shall make a pact. You help me find what I’m looking for, and not only will I tell you where Elethaire is, Ill take you straight to him!~ she reluctantly took his offered hand in hers and shook it. ~Deal?~ *

[Talisen Phoenix]

It has been approximately 30 minutes Talisen had estimated, when he looked up he was surprised to see ODk already waiting and Aeric quickly approaching, Talisen nodded and stood up,

"It shouldn't take us too long to travel to the black Moss Forest"

Talisen made his way up the weaving staircase, it wasn't long before Talisen was walking along an old dirt road, it wouldn't lead them directly to the Black Moss Forest but close enough, it was still daylight but it was quickly becoming night, perhaps they should have waited until morning, moving through the woods was hard enough during the day time… but there simple wasn't enough time, time always time it was a bane sometimes, things were moving along to fast and if they waited till day break things could already be over.

"Perhaps I should tell you a little but about the Black Moss Forest?"

Talisen said over the sounds of chirping birds calling to the sun to finally vanish

"It's a fabled land, ancient and mystic, nobody has ever managed to chart the area, or make any kind of map, rumour has it, the entire Forest was inhabited by an evil witch who changed the woods into something pure and holy into something dark and twisted, the animals of the wood, mystic in there own rights were being murdered and twisted, they came together as did all the trees and from a willow tree a baby girl was born…"

Talisen cleared his throat

"An elf to be precise"

He said turning his hidden gaze to Aeric

"But alas she was no normal elf, blood did not run through her veins but Iron, she was a creature both of the Elven world and the animal world, incredibly powerful, the animals and trees raised the girl and taught her everything she knows, they taught her the arcane as seen through their eyes. When she came of age she killed the witch and the forest was returned to its former state… but not completely. The few people who have made it in and out of the forest say that the entire forest is surrounded a valley deep and dark, magically protected from view where our elf lives, a Miss Oona Ondessa"

As Talisen finished his tale, they had come to a wood; it was dark and large, spaning out east west like natures barrier, looking from the outside one could already see mist hovering at the base of wide trees and rocks covered in rich dark moss. Talisen already got the feeling of evil and foreboding; there was something in the forest that much he could tell, something that shouldn't have been there. He sighed deeply, looking at ODK before proceeding

"Shall we?"

He asked before stepping into the forest and moving through the thick forest.

[Rafia Ragazzo]

"It appears there are more pressing matters to which must be attended. This seems much more important than a mere sword, or vengeance. If you choose to join me in answering the call, you are welcome, otherwise good luck."

Rafia hissed dangerously at Sehkmen,

"Run to your call fool…"

He hissed between his teeth, he placed a strand of his dark hair behind one of his long pointed ears and looked down at the corpse that was buzzing with flies, he kicked the corpse angrily, he was alone… again it seemed, He shrugged his shoulders and began to walk deeper into the forest, he could still feel the bump on his head from falling down the cliff, Rafia stopped as he gazed into the distance, a Manor? There was a Manor at the centre of the Forest; someone was leaving it, running on something a deer or a horse? To fast to follow comfortably. Rafia hissed again, this forest was to big and too stupid, Griffins and Gnomes, flying men. He shook his head angrily and stomped one of his barefoot feet on the ground, things were not moving as fast as he liked and apparently there was someone else looking for something in the forest. What if this woman who had killed the elf was also looking for the blade, Rafia couldn't let her find it, it was his only change to return to Godship and seek vengeance against his brothers and sisters.

A thought struck Rafia; he could use his magic… of course. He hissed quietly to himself talking under his breath in a mix of common had cat hisses and meow's it wasn't long before something began to appear through a purple cloud smelling strongly of sulphur. It looked like a large cat or a wolf, though its limbs were long and double jointed, it resembled a werewolf but its face was like a birds, it was not a creature from Morthika, the creature sniffed the air. Rafia stroked the creatures face gently

"Shhh my darling… Your masters here now, Turget Nueks Em'ajs aowujf" (Find me the element I seek… Metal)

The Creature began to drool and slobber from its beak, Rafia lifted one clawed hand to the creature and grabbed its fur, lifting himself up, he whispered in the creature ear and it leapt away through the darkness.

_____________________

Camus shook hands with the vile creature that was Elyza he felt their chemistry and energy mix on a very small scale, not enough to do any damage or change them physically, Camus let go and thought

"What did the prophesy say?"

He thought to himself as he picked up the pot plant, he moved towards one of the willow trees, he knew in the Black Moss Willows were ancient and magical, he gently lifted the tiny creature out of the plant began digging a spot by the tree, he potted the creature into the earth, it cooed quietly, Camus leaned down and kissed his pet on the head, it blinked it's tiny black eyes
"I'll come back for you soon…"

He turned around with fresh tears in his eyes and made his way towards Elyza, he placed the tiny knife sacred to Fauns and anyone inclined with earth magic back at his waist.

"Deep within the earth, in molten, in stone and water. The Phoenix blade shall remain in the shadowed Moss forest darkness surrounded by the god's protectors, Earth, Fire, Wind and Water and their Wielders."

Camus repeated part of the prophecy to himself as to remember each part

"Now I may not be correct as there are several big lakes in these woods, but we'll travel to the first, going buy the prophecy it sounds like this blade is in water…"

He said quietly trying to interpret the prophecy

"It usually takes days to interrupt prophecies likes this…"

He added timidly

"This way"

He stammered as he headed deeper into the forest, his large hooves were surprisingly agile and nimble over the jagged rocks.

[Catrux]

Sehkem was flying above the forest, night was falling too quickly, he had to try and find Rafia soon. "RAFIA!" He yelled, and he continued to call out a few more times. He can't have gotten too far, but where the hell is he?

The forest was not the easiest place to track someone for several obvious reasons. Pretty much all Sehkem could rely on was sound, and still in a forest it was quite misleading. He thought he heard movement, it was quick and hurried. Unsure if it was Rafia or not, Sehkem followed the sound. He kept trying to see what it was that he was following through the gaps in the tree line, but to no avail. He couldn't dive into the trees since then he wouldn't be able to fly, thus be unable to keep up.

He decided to fly faster, so he could dive through ahead of the sound. He needed to find out what he was following incase it was merely an animal, but the likelyhood of that was slim, it was too hurried.

His wings beat faster, he was surpassing the sound. Once at a comfortable distance infront of the sound, he dove through the tree line, branches and leaves assaulting him as he dove. Quickly he turned so that he was facing the direction of the sound, with his feet firmly planted.

[magic]

(Aeric)

*Continued from The Call*

The tall black haired elf said nothing as they left, merely listened, trying to catch all of the details he could. Walking yet again was not exactly what he had wanted to do. He had done so for a day already, and he had to continue walking to get to thier next destination.

As they came up to the forest, he couldn't help but remember walking up to the Academy with his brother Rayne. They had gone there together after meeting with thier father and mother about an artifact of magic that was apparently pivotal role in the balance between light and dark. Every two hundred years or so, apparently, the thing did something to come into play in the world. As he and his younger brother, who was like him in many ways, walked up to the huge campus, Aeric couldn't help feeling like he was walking into a dark mysterious wood, from which there could be little chance of escape.

That was what he faced now... litterally.

Aeric adjusted the sword on his back, and resituated the bow across his chest in a diagonal point, lining up with the quiver also on his back. He reached up and shook his sword in the scabard. Memory, the name of his blade, was a two handed longsword which he usually was able to properly control with one. Due to his father's tremedous training, he was a genuis with it. Many had said as much and he knew it.

He looked at the wood one last time, and pushed a strand of black hair behind one ear before looking to the other two men with him. He had put his cloak on in such a way where he could still keep his sword over his back, yet be able to pull it free without hinderance, so long as he didn't pull up his hood. Reaching behind his belt he pulled out the pair of black gloves and slipped them on. "How 'bout it. Let's do this."

[Elyza]

*Elyza stood silently as she watched the Faun pot the strange plant at the base of a willow tree. She saw the obvious tenderness with how he handled the plant, and the fresh tears in his eyes as he turned back to look at her. Rolling her own dark eyes, she placed her hands on her slender hips as she listened to the Faun recite the prophecy again.

~Yeah yeah.. blah blah.. molten, stone and water.. blah blah blah.. I heard you the first time ya know?~ Her brow furrowed slightly as he said they should check in the lakes first, as it sounded like the blade was hidden in water.

~You realy think its in water? Why would you think a thing like that? It said it was buried deep within the earth, surrounded by molten, stone and water.. not buried under water..~ she shook her head in frustration, her long dark hair whipping around her head in like angry serpents as the Faun turned and started walking into the forest.

As she followed him, she muttered ~You better not be wasting my time you little shit..~ before she too was soon part of the dense foliage of the Black Moss Forest. Darkness was quickly approaching and Elyza welcomed the coming night like a long lost friend. Her one real friend Discord was nearby, she could sense her now and Elyza let out a long, low whistle for Discord, should she happen to hear it. Listening carefully for any response, Elyza frowned slightly as she once again heard the sound of beating wings. Something large was flying overhead, but she was confident that the dense canopy of the trees above her would shield her and the Faun from view as they quickly made their way through the Black Moss Forest. *

[Discord Lasarythe]

<>Discord gave a characteristic reply to Elyza’s whistle by springing suddenly from her cover within the dense bushes with a triumphant screech. She landed heavily before Camus and bared her fangs, looking for all the world like a deranged vampire with fresh blood staining her lips and dribbling down her chin. A sharp contrast to her deathly pale features, the crimson liquid soaking her face and hands had been that of her dinner. The unfortunate soul never had a chance and without Elyza to help calm her, Discord had gone out of her way to make the meal vicious and gory. Grinning wickedly at the faun in her path, she darts around him to grab her sole friend in a bone-crushing embrace. If she were to get ahold of her, and she probably would, she lift her off the ground and spin her around.<>

“Dinner was a screamer. Screamed till halfway up his second leg. Nothing Dissy likes better than loud food. Too bad you missed it.”

[The Demon Auditor]

(Sorry for the delay, guys)


ODK traveled quietly with the two men, listening to Talisen's tale of the elf born from a willow. It seemed vaguely familiar to him. He dismissed the notion, though; he'd heard thousands of tales in the past, this one was no different from the rest. A magical creature brought forth to protect a sacred land...typical mumbo-jumbo. ODK had rarely ever met such a creature, and many of those that claimed to be so were actually false. The elf walking with them was a better example, but even that was contrived by a mage.

ODK wasn't sure why, but he felt he could trust this Aeric. There was a no-nonsense attitude to him; Aeric was a better soldier than he let on. ODK knew a thing or two about soldiers. He was never one himself, but he knew a thing or two. Aeric seemed more reliable than the mage, anyway.

As they stood at the edge of the forest, ODK felt a slight tremor. He wasn't sure if it was the ground, magical, or just imagined. The answer lay in the woods, of that he was sure. It was game time. He slipped a pair of dark glasses from his coat onto his face and nodded to Aeric.

"If we're going to go through hell... I suggest we come back having learned something."

A soft red glow wrapped around his hands and wrists for a brief moment, outlining large talons if one looked long enough. They were gone, though, the moment he stepped into the woods, following Talisen and Aeric.

[Talisen Phoenix]

Talisen nodded at the pair by his side, his lips twitched, if someone had told him 12 moons ago he would be walking through the Black Moss Forest with an Elf and a.... whatever the Other Demon Keeper was he would have called them a liar.

The Undergrowth was thick, Talisen pushed branches away as he stepped, he knew spells to strip away the bark and make it a little easier for them, but if the tails were true (and he suspected they were) they would not last long, Talisen's power didn't stem from nature it was a manipulation of nature true but separate from any earth magic, a Druid worked with nature, a Battle Mage pushed through it and commanded it. And a Druid he was not.

Talisen had a plan, not a good one but a plan, he could sense the evil in the forest, see the eyes peering out at him through the darkness, scurrying off to report strangers, if all went according to plan Oona Ondessa would find them first. The Trio had been walking for several hours, the air was hot and muggy under the canopy, Talisen waved his hand to the others, stopping their movement, he turned to ODK feeling a strong presence in the area

"Can you feel that, is it a demon?"

Talisen asked, but the presence answered, a tree that was nothing more than a tree a second ago, shifted, it spun around towering over the trio, A Tree Spirit Talisen thought, a mixture between a man and tree, an entity of pure ancient power, The creature looked like a tall man with skin for bark, long pointed ears and vines and leaved for hair, the creature leaned down, his wide mouth was closed together hard and the creatures brilliant large round yellow eyes peered at them knowingly through the darkness.

"Who are you?"

The Creature spoke in a booming deep voice, Talisen shifted feet

"Talisen of Avalon, these are my friends and we sensed a dangerous presence in the forest, we work for Queen Moridanu, we cant to investigate the source"

The Tree looked around, almost as if he was waiting for someone to tell him something

"Oona Ondessa out guardian can deal with any presence you feel, you're about to step into Black Wolves Den, they will kill you without a second though…"

The Tree Spirit said softly

"Where is Queen Ondessa?"
Talisen said softly, Oona wasn't a queen exactly but these forest dwellers saw her as such. A tiny stocky creature moved through the spirits hair, he pushed his way through a Hill Gnome, about the size of a common Faerie, his smooth hair was combed to the side and he spoke in soft quick voice

"ShewentoKendelahthedemondaysarecomingandnobodywillbesafe, she'swarningmoridanutheanimalsaregoingcrazybecauseofthedarkpowerrising, theresnothingwecandoyouhavetohelpus"

Talisen nodded and sighed, he was relying on Oona's presence in the forest, but it looked like they were on there own

"youhavetohelpustheevilwomanhascamusshe'skillhimthereheadingtothecrystallake"

Talisen nodded again, he knew where to crystal lake was, he used to travel there when he was very young, before the Forest had any resemblance to what it was now, it was once a quiet normal forest, but it was taken over by an evil witch, Oona was slowly restoring it to what it once was, but some things would never be the same again

"We'll watch you closely, but theirs little we can do against the dark one, she is like nothing we've ever seen, she's worse than the witch that imprisoned us"

Talisen felt a chill run down his spine, Elyza; it had to be there was nobody else that would give these creatures so much to worry about

"Thankyou"

Talisen said and with surprisingly haste the tree spirit moved into the Shadows moving though the trees. Talisen turned to the others, about to speak when the sound of Wings beating could easily be heard over the sounds of the forest

"Sehkem, is that you?"

Talisen asked if anyone could see his eyes they would see that they were squinting under his hood trying to peer through the shadows, Talisen stopped suddenly, yellow eyes were staring at them from all corners, surrounding them, a huge black wolf stepped out of the shadows growling savagely, and it lunged.

((Guys you can do what you will with the Wolves, They're yours to control Ooh and Sehkem, can you meet up with Talisen and the others not Rafia please, thanks))

[Rafia Ragazzo]

The Bird/Cat/Wolf Creature continued his strong pace through the forest, moving nimbly between trees and rocks, the creature stopped arching it's back, it's long frontal claws began to suck into it's body until it was nothing more than two wiggling talons, it now looked more than ever like an oversized bird of prey, like a vicious ostrich. Rafia held onto clumps and fur and nestled backwards until he was more comfortable

"Where close are we not Ume?"

He asked with the new name he had recently given his large pet. Ume replied by clicked it's savagely beak and slobbering, it began to run again, it stopped turning it's head, the manor was in the distance, Rafia hissed

"You fool, find me Metal on its own, something far away, mystical energy, bot a bloody house!"

Rafia hissed dangerously to his pet, digging the claws on his feet into the Ume sides, the Creature made the same clicking sound before once again beginning to run away, it wasn't long before the Bird stopped. Rafia lifted himself off Ume and rubbed his hands against the creatures face

"I'm sorry I got angry"

He purred softly to the creature and spun around, unclipping the sword at his back and keeping it close by his side, he put one hand on the dangerous bullwhip around wrapped around his belt, he moved through the forest and stopped at a small lake, he got on his hands and knees and looked into the crystal waters, it didn't look like it was too deep, there was rock covered in thick moss and algae, but Rafia could see tiny bubbles bubbling through the water in a small hole in the stone leading somewhere, the hole glowed softly illuminating the Lake prettily.

"Deep within the earth, in molten, in stone and water"

He repeated the prophecy to himself, a huge smiled planted on his handsome features

"Soon I'll be holding one of the most dangerous and powerful weapons ever forged…"

He said with a small snicker. Rafia stood up, dusting the knees of his black pants, He began to chant again, the EMU Ume had uncomfortable noises and began bobbing it's head and kicking it's powerful Talons against the dirt and stone underfoot

"Quiet!"

Rafia hissed through the spell, but he managed to finish, a small snake-like creature appeared in a puff of purple and red smoke, the same began to winds it's way up Rafia's arm, it's crackled with electricity, the Snake was hauntingly beautiful it had bright sky blue scales and long thick whiskers next to it's mouth, tiny coiled wings were wrapped around the snakes body

Rafia whispered to the Snake

"Fine me the weapon, look deep, it will be hidden, bring it to me and I'll find you anything you want to eat"

The Small Snake began to beat its delicate feathers, it lifted into the air, its body coiled behind it, like it was swimming through the air, it plunged through the Lake and disappeared through the glowing fissure in the Lake. Ume however was not so content, the creature hissed, rearing up to it's full height, it lifted it's feet as if he was beginning to attack, all this was directed near some shadows. Rafia hissed dangerously, Ume could sense something he could not. Rafia unclipped his bullwhip.

___________

Camus, almost died of shock as the hideous Demoness leaped at him through the shadows Discord, she was worse than Elyza by far, she made Camus want to throw up, he turned around fearfully, staring at the wicked pair, he shook on the spot and quickly turned around, not wanting to face the terrible pair, yet he couldn't shake the feeling of them gazing at him hungrily. Camus could transport himself out of harms way, he could do it quick enough, they would barley have time to know and surely Oona would come home soon and make easy work of them, she was strong enough to take the pair on… But Elethaire… he could be dying, he needed help. Camus swallowed hard and began walking towards the first lake he could think of, the beautiful Crystal Lake.

Camus could see his friends around him, remaining hidden, watching carefully, they would help when the time was ready, but Camus wasn't sure if it was enough, they were powerful together, but they were used to taking orders from Oona, the Squirrels chatted to each other, the Foxes gazed angrily from the undergrowth. Camus stopped the Crystal lake would be through the woods in front of him, but he could hear a foreign noise through the trees, maybe it was help. Camus turned back around to the others

"It's through here!"

He said loudly, hoping it was enough warning for whomever was in the clearing to flee before it was too late.

[The Demon Auditor]

ODK shifted his eyes about as they broke through the forest underbrush. He felt many presences, but few were evil enough to pique his interest until Talisen asked him to search. He began branching out with his mind, but the tree creature caught him off-guard, startling him. Damn and that one was right under his nose! His lips twitched into a small snarl quietly while Talisen spoke to the tree. He began searching with his mind again, hoping to ignore the conversation for a moment.

Like a shallow breeze, he felt a prickle along his spine as he barely touched the hint of a demon in the area. He retreated his thoughts quickly, satisfied with that information alone not to bother with searching for a location. Suddenly, the little gnome appeared and filled them in on everything. He had a fair understanding of gnomish, and smiled when he heard of reference to Elyza. Perhaps she was the one he sensed. However, this talk of Demon Days was disturbing to him. Perhaps that's why he felt such a shift in balance. The cosmic scales would tip a little in favor of evil for a short time. Maybe what was to come would be inevitable.

Like that, the tree and gnome vanished, leaving the three of them alone with a pack of wolves to fend off. "Fine friends, indeed," he muttered as the first wolf lunged. With his sunglasses, he could see more than just the shapes and lines of everything around him; with a flick of his wrist, he now saw the life forces running through everything: the trees, the wolves, Talisen and Aeric. It was confusing at first with so much life around him, but with the attack of the wolf bearing down upon him, it made sense quickly.

In his vision, he wielded great talons instead of hands, and swung both forward to grapple the wolf head-on. The wolf stopped mid-air, frozen in agonizing pain, unable to move or cry out. To all other eyes, only the glimmer of those talons could be seen, but his fingers were still inches from the wolf's skull, and there were no injuries visible to the naked eye. The wolf appeared simply frozen in place. ODK grinned sickly, working his fingers now and playing with the wolf's brains as a child plays with jelly dessert. He dropped it, the wolf collapsing in a heap, blood seeping from its mouth and its eyes. It breathed its last, a sharp whine of pain and defeat.

"Let them come, we can deal with the mistress of this wood later," he chuckled, flexing his fingers at his sides. He could hear the growls of wolves all around them now, and see their life forces flickering behind the trees.

[Elyza]

*The arrival of her friend caused a sick sinister grin to slither its way across her lips and Elyza let out a slow, low whoooooooop as she turned to grin at Discord.

~Bout time you showed up. I trust you enjoyed your meal?~ Rolling her eyes to the sky above her, Elyza laughed. ~Realy luv, are you sure you ate the poor fool? It looks like you are wearing him more than anything..~

She glared at Camus as he turned around to look at them both before falling into step behind him. They were making their way through a dense group of trees, and Elyza could smell water not far away. Her heightened senses also detected the presence of others within the forest. She could hear and smell several other beings and Elyza froze on the spot as she reached out to grab Camus by the back of his head.

~You better not be leading us into a trap you little shit, or I will snap your neck like a twig!~ Glancing back at Discord, Elyza arched a brow and nodded her head towards the trees up ahead.

~Maybe you should go ahead Luv? See if you cant find yourself some desert, or a tasty beverage to wash all that gore down?~*

[Discord Lasarythe]

Saving some for later, pet. Waste not, want still… Something!

<>The demoness’ black lips curled up in a feral snarl as she looked on Camus, giggling wickedly when Elyza grabbed for his head. She was ready to join in the feast before her friend spoke again and the pout found often on her face curved her lips downward once more. They weren’t going to kill him…yet….but she was being sent to investigate new and different food.<>

Dissy can’t eat this furball? Nothing follows dinner better than fuzzy dessert…

<>Sniffing the air for a better idea of what lurked beyond the trees, Discord peered ahead skeptically. There was no guarantee that the unseen prey would be as tasty or as furry as the faun she had right here. Still, the thrill of the hunt was too much for her curiosity to bear. She could always come back to this one later. Pressing her mouth to Elyza’s cheek in a loud, smacking kiss, she rushed headlong into the clearing ahead (most likely knocking Camus out of her way) with a bloodcurdling screech. Whatever and whoever it was would soon meet their quick, though painful, end.<>

[Catrux]

The rushing stopped for a moment and voices could be heard. Sehkem relaxed for a moment, and was about to try and sneak up on the people when a woman came bursting through toward him.

The first thought to cross Sehkem's mind was that she was Psychotic. He quickly moved out of the way of the woman and started radiating a holy aura to stave off his attacker. Even though she attacked him, he didn't feel right attacking a woman, no matter how psychotic.