An Undying Light

For this ACT, SorceressRIN0A shall play as Ari, ShahrazadKM shall play as the bartender, lilmisswonders01 shall play as Ryanna, tigersblood33 shall play as Griever the Werewolf and Nelo Angelo, and Kaede83 shall play as Kaede and Trillean. Other Characters will be play by whomever.

ACT I, SCENE 1 - The Last Chance Tavern - It Starts - 7 p.m.

**It is a late, rainy evening across the vast Forest of Fortune. Located in the heart of this dense wilderness is a small tavern which has stood around for generations. Inside, the bartender is cleaning various wineglasses while serving an empty tavern. It doesn't last long, however. The door creaks open and a tall elf woman walks in, the hood of her forest green cloak hiding most of her face.**

~Enter Ari & the Bartender~

Ari: *she makes her way quickly to the bar, taking a seat*

Ari: *she glances up at the bartender* Red wine please...

Bartender: *she nods* Right away, Miss.

**Soon after, another stranger enters the tavern. She is dressed in leathers and furs, covering fare skin and vivid eyes...she walks in through the double doors, brushing off rain water from her clothes...**

~Enter Trillean~

Trillean: *she brushes her hair back, shrugs, and gestures for a large cup of rum*

Trillean: *grinning* A bit cold out...

Bartender: Strange weather we're having, no? *she hands the elf her drink.*

Ari: *lifting her hands to her face, she pulls back her hood, her dark black hair shining even in the dim light*

Ari: *nods, taking the drink* I agree.....strange indeed...

Bartender: *she turns her attention to the newcomer* And one rum for you, right?

Trillean: *she nods to the barkeep* Yes, if you please.

Bartender: *The barkeep hands her the rum*

Trillean: *smiling* Thanks!

**Again the entrance creeks once more, as this time, in steps a figure with a long black cloak appears on the small, wet road, hood covering all of the face, however, it is plain as the sun to see she cannot hide her heritage as her ears stick out, the tip being pointed.**

~Enter Ryanna~

Bartender: It kicks like a mule, don't gulp it.

Trillean: *she moves, nodding to the barkeep* ...I like it that way!

Ari: *her face is set in stone as she slowly sips her wine, allowing the liquid to soothe her throat*

Ryanna: *she stops for a second and looks at the bar scene*

Trillean: *she nods to the others in the room* Good day! *then takes a seat*

Bartender: *greeting the newcomer* What can I do you for?

Ryanna: *she takes a seat and sighs*

Trillean: *she looks across at Ari* Hello.

Ari: *she turns her gaze to meet the greeting* Greetings. *her lips turn up in a smile*

**Not all seems as cheerful or friendly on this night, the wind burst into a gale as the doors fly open to reveal a humanoid werewolf, he howls slightly as he sits down at the bar counter. A short while later, a mysterious figure dressed all in black enters, his eyes are that of an eclipsed moon, a hue yellow, he speaks nothing as he goes off into a corner of the establishment**

~Enter A Mysterious Figure~

~Enter Griever~

Trillean: *she turns back to Ari after the great chaos at the entrance is over and done with* So, what brings you here?

Ari: *she takes a small sip of her wine* I'm just visiting the area, just to see what's been going on around here...

Griever: *looks towards Trillean* What are ya lookin' at missy?

Trillean: *she turns slightly, watching the wolf man with furrowed eyebrows* Hmm...I wonder what's wrong with him?

Bartender: What can I get you, sir? *speaking to the wolf figure*

Griever: *in a slight snarl* Scotch...make it quick...

Bartender: *she smiles and flips her hair back* Okay.

Trillean: *she turns to him* What's your hurry? It's a bit cold out to rush back into that dismal rain...

Bartender: *She pours the drink and hands it to the wolf*

Ari: *she stares straight ahead, focusing on her drink and staying warm*

Griever: It's...none of your business...I've got...things on my mind...

Trillean: *she raises her eyebrows* Oh...kay...no need to get all stuffy about it...

Trillean: *she wrinkles her nose and sticks her tongue out playfully, smiling before returning to her drink*

Griever: *he looks away as he sips his drink, suddenly having the look of dissatisfaction*

Trillean: *she brings out her harp, and begins to strum a few quiet notes, just below perception*

Griever: Bartender, you call THIS a scotch?! *the werewolf is enraged as he stands up and throws his chair towards the fireplace, where it burns in an instant*

Ari: *she jumps slightly in her chair at the sudden noise, but doesn't say a word, attempting to ignore the situation*

Trillean: *she jumps up in bewilderment* Whoa....cool down there...

Bartender: Simmer down, friend, it's the best we have.

Griever: *sips his drink again* It's...not bad...but...I've had better...

Bartender: *she motions for him to be calm* What's wrong with it, Friend?

Griever: *The wolf growls lightly* I'm used to it being stronger...that's all...this is too weak...

Trillean: *turning to Ari* Hey? Elf girl? Can't you...I don't know...use your elfish magic and make him all calm and stuff?

Ari: *she raises a brow* Excuse me?

Trillean: *she shakes her head, returning to her harp*

Ari: *she chuckles softly* You are a strange one...

Ryanna: *sighs and sets drink on the counter*

Ryanna: *pulls off cloak and sets it on a chair*

Trillean: *she smiles* Well, I like being different...

Ari: Mmm. *she replies* It is a welcome change.

**Meanwhile, the bartender explains to the fuming wolf figure about a variety of drinks, trying to get his heart settled on something so it can get back to work cleaning the bottles**

Bartender: Round these parts, grape and rice wine are the best produced, anything else has to be shipped in.

Bartender: Can get you some Orivon rice wine, THAT will knock you out for a day or two.

Griever: *snorts* If you say so....

Bartender: I mean, if you're looking for a real kicker.

Griever: *he waves his hand hastily trying to get her to be quiet* Well...make it snappy...

M. FIgure: *The robed figure in the corner looks up and suddenly speaks* He's...coming.

Trillean: *she nods towards Ari* So, what do you think is wrong with him? *she gestures over towards the wolf*

Ari: *shrugs* Probably upset about something, wants to ease his problems away with a little alcohol.

Trillean: *nods*

Bartender: *speaks* In all my years as a Barkeep, I've never seen alcohol SOLVE a problem,

Bartender: Only make more.

Ari: Plus it is quite cold and dreary outside, a good drink is the quickest way to get warm.

**A man comes through the double doors, brushing himself off, drawing his long black hat over his pale face, his black overcoat covering his features, his cape is drenched with rainwater as he hangs up his coat**

~Enter Kaede~

Ari: *glances over at the bartender* I am not saying it solves anything...

Ari: But people are known to do it anyways, is my point.

Griever: *sits motionless as he waits for his drink*

Kaede: *he steps up to the counter and taps on the bar once* Empty glass, Please.

Bartender: Empty? Okay, Love, whatever you say.

Ari: *she takes the last sip of her wine, placing the empty glass on the bar*

Bartender: *She hands him a tall, empty glass.*

Kaede: *the man takes the glass, moving it into a corner by himself*

Bartender: *she hands the wolf figure his new drink, it's concoction bubbling with fizz at the top*

Griever: *sips the new drink, this time he smiles* Now this HERE'S a drink!

Kaede: *he proceeds to take a flask from his hip pouch, and pours a drink*

Griever: *he falls backwards on his chair hitting the floor, speaking intoxicated* Oh yeeeshhhh...

Ari: *she chuckles softly* See what I mean?

Trillean: *she smiles down at the wolf* Enjoying ourselves?

Griever: *mumbles incoherently* 1....2.....4.....

**We hear the joyous laughter of the group of travelers as well as that of the bartenders. Outside however, a strange occurrence has begin to take shape...**

~Exit All.~

***

ACT I, SCENE 2 - The Last Chance Tavern - Nightfall - 9 p.m.

**The sun sets as another day is close to ending. The moon begins its ascent into the late evening sky. Ari is finishing up her red blood wine as she begins to look slightly intoxicated. Trillean is plucking the strings of her harp, merrily playing its notes. The others merely sit in their respected positions becoming more questionable than ever. The lady bartender is awaiting further refills from her customers. Griever, however, is still passed out on the floor.**

~Enter Trillean, Ari, Kaede, Griever, Ryanna, the Mysterious Figure, and the Bartender.~

Ari: *glances at the bartender* Can I have another glass please?

Bartender: Sure thing, Miss. *She takes a bottle and refills the glass again.*

Trillean: *she brings out her harp again* So...anyone want to hear anything? *...her ears droop a little when nobody replies, and she sniffs* Fine then...

Ari: *she nods taking the drink, then focuses her attention on the pitiful musician* You can play if you want dear, I don't mind.

Bartender: There is an ancient song...It echoes from the highlands to the coast...

Bartender: A bitter sweet song....one filled with memories...

Kaede: *reaching into his cloak, he pulls out a small pouch which he hastily throws onto a table. The sound of coins jingles within the encasement* I'd like to hear something...

Ryanna: *she looks around slightly and turns to the far table in the corner*

Trillean: *she nods to the man* Thank you sir! What would you like to hear?

Kaede: *he shakes his head* Something elvish please.

Ryanna: *she walks toward it and sits down in the chair silently*

Griever: *slowly gets up from his drunken stance after nearly an hour* I think it's time I be heading off...the thought of music sickens me..

Griever: *the wolf-ling heads towards what appears to represent an exit...but it reveals to be a closet, as a large pile of clothing falls on him, pushing him back down on the floor* Arr...r.....r.... *his voice becomes muffled underneath the weight*

Bartender: Oh, boy, the drunks are really active tonight!

Ari: *she glares over at the wolf in confusion*

**The bartender leaves her stall and races over towards the mumbling pile of clothes. Ari merely laughs at the whole predicament, Ryanna heaves a deep sigh and shakes her head. Trrillean chuckles lightly. Kaede and the Mysterious Figure remain expressionless.**

Trillean: *she grins* Hmm...reminds me of a few nights I've had...

Ari: *nods* I like to keep those to a minimum.

Bartender: *she helps the wolf to his feet and sits him down at a table* Now you just rest there, okay?

Kaede: *he furrows his eyebrows, catching sight of some blades on the back of the wolf* Excuse me....have I seen those somewhere before?

Ari: *glances at Trillean* By the way, my name is Ari.....and you are?

Trillean: *she nods back* Trillean...

Ari: *nods* Well met, Trillean....

Griever: *he snarls at everyone and proceeds to leave the tavern* Humph...

Bartender: *The bartender shakes her head and begins to put the clothes back in the closet*

Kaede: *with furrowed eyebrows, the cloaked man feels something strange catching into his mind. He mulls over his drink some more*

Trillean: *she nods* Indeed, so...what brings you here?

Ari: *sips her drink* It is my duty to see what goes on in these parts, I am visiting to do just that...and you?

Ryanna: *turns and glances at the young man, finally giving way to words* You seem distressed traveler....

Kaede: *shakes his head* No...just...

Bartender: *from the closet* Tired, right?

Trillean: *she turns to look at the stranger* Hmm...I wonder what's going on here...

Ari: *follows her gaze* Hmm?

Trillean: *coughs, trying to clear the thoughts from her mind* Umm...I'm just passing through, I've been traveling for a while...

Ari: *nods* That is what a lot of people say around here...

Ryanna: *she walks to the front counter, and speaks to the bartender* Give me anything that keeps you up, I need it...

Griever: *the wolf takes one last look at the tavern and flips a few coins on the counter...*

~Exit Griever.~

Kaede: *he shakes his head, taking off his hat, revealing his jet black hair underneath*

Bartender: Sleep's not such a bad thing, Love.

Bartender: But if your wish to chase it off, okay.

Ryanna: *sighs and nods* That I would normally agree with friend...but right now...sleep is my last answer....

Kaede: *he begins to head outside, but stops as he catches site of the elf at the bar...*

Ryanna: *reaches into pouch and places some coins on the counter* If that's not enough, please tell me.

Kaede: *he furrows his eyebrows* A High Elf? Here?

Trillean: *she nudges Ari* He seems to be looking at you... *gestures towards Kaede*

Ari: *her piercing emerald gaze meets the man* It does appear that way...

Ari: I wonder why...

Bartender: That's more than enough. *she separates the pile in half and takes the smaller pile*

Bartender: *she hands the elf her drink*

Ryanna: *smiles and puts the excess coins back in pouch* An honest bartender, that's rare in these parts...

Kaede: *he furrows his eyebrows, breaking into the ancient speak* How fare you milady?

Kaede: What brings you so far from your lands?

Trillean: Ooh....old speak....it sounds nice...

Ari: *raises a brow, then replies in a similar fashion* My duty is to keep an eye on what goes on in these parts. I am just visiting.

Kaede: *the man nods, smiling slightly*

**The black-haired man reveals his pointed ears in full-view for all to see. The trait of the elf.**

Kaede: I just haven't seen many of your kind around here much...

Kaede: *he furrows his eyebrows, looking at the other woman in the corner, and nods* And we seem to have plenty today...

Ari: *she smiles* I have noticed that as well, I find it quite intriguing.

Ryanna: *nods, joining in the conversation* It is nice to see other elves in these parts...

Ari: But I assure you that it is complete coincidence...

Kaede: *shrugs* It's a welcome change, most elves are...less than thrilled when they see me...

Trillean: *She furrows her eyebrows* Whatever for?

Ari: *she shrugs* I wouldn't know...I don't believe I've ever met you before either.

Ryanna: I do not judge by ancestors....I judge by character and personality.

Kaede: *he smiles* Ah...I don't think either of you would have seen much of my particular kind...I'm a half breed.

Ari: *nods* To not be of whole blood is not your fault, sir, and I shall not judge you for what is out of your control.

Trillean: *she winces* That's a plebian term....

Ryanna: Believe me my friend...*grins and closes eyes* I have seen more breeds than you could possibly imagine...

**We shift back outside in the pouring rain as we see the wolf figure once again, merely standing outside and looking upward at the clouds, it pouring in buckets full. He begins muttering to himself a tale of uncertainty. From time to time, we see the inside of the tavern as well, but at the same time, we still feel a invisible burden atop the wolf's shoulders**

~Re-Enter Griever.~

Griever: (outside) *speaks to self* The sky grieves an unknown sorrow, what does fate have for this world...tomorrow...

Kaede: *shrugs* I've learned to deal with it, glad to see others can as well...

Ari: *nods again, sipping her wine*

Kaede: They call me Kaede.

Ari: I am Ari.

Trillean: *presents herself* I'm Trillean, I...come from around...oh...well....around...

Trillean: *she sighs and laughs*

Kaede: *he nods* A pleasure...

Ryanna: *nods* Nice to meet you Trillean...

Ryanna: *she leans against the counter*

Trillean: *she nods* So, how about you? *directing her attention to the younger female of the group*

Ryanna: *she smiles and closes her eyes* I am known by many names...but my real name is Ryanna....

Ryanna: So, tell me friend, *now speaking to Kaede*...what land do you hail from?

Kaede: *shrugs* Nowhere...and everywhere....I was raised in the mountains to the East.

Ryanna: Hmm...the mountains you say?

Ryanna: I too was raised in the East...

Trillean: *Her ears perk up* Ooh! The mountains?! I've always wanted to see the ones from the east....I hear they're quite a sight.

Ryanna: *she leans forward and nods* Believe me...they are.

Kaede: *shaking his head* Well, it wasn't exactly my choice...

Griever: (from outside) *he begins to whistle a haunting tune* Fiery flames, and rocks of hell, shall the world be saved? Only time will tell...

Ryanna: *she gets up, places her glass on the counter and sighs*

Kaede: *he shakes his head, hearing the stirrings of the wolf outside, he rises from his chair, leaving a bag on it*

Kaede: Excuse me for a moment...*he walks towards the exits*

Ari: *nods*

Griever: (outside) *the rain soaked his fur as he continues his words*

Trillean: *she shakes her head* Ick, out into the rain again...

Ari: *laughs* I don't dare go back out there again...not in this weather.

Trillean: *she nods, taking a great sip of her rum* I hear you there...

**The half-breed male slowly walks through the doors, catching sight of several men in robes as he walks outside. He comes slowly upon the wolf, yet still keeping his distance**

Kaede: *speaking up* Hello...

Griever: *he suddenly stops his verses knowing someone has approached, he doesn't turn around as he replies* Yes?

Kaede: *nods* Those blades of yours seemed familiar...where do you come from?

Griever: *sighs* A place far west, a place secluded from all eyes, a place where the chaos of this world shall come....

Kaede: *arching an eyebrow* Aha...well, I take it you know about our friends in the robes then?

Griever: *he looks back up at the rain, resuming his puzzling lines* The heaven's weep...for they know what is coming...

Kaede: *grimaces* Aye...I can feel it too...though the ignorant cannot...

Griever: The one with the book, he shall release a curse, it shall bring darkness to this planet...that is only the beginning...

Kaede: *he furrows his eyebrows as his gaze turns around* Don't look now....but we have company....

Griever: *turns around* Eh?

**The wolf-ling gazes up on towards the rooftop of the tavern, his eyes pierced on a group of cloaked figures who return the gaze right back at him, hidden from site are a pair of daggers in each cloak, in each figure**

Ryanna: *as she places the coins on the counter, her ears perk at a sudden noise*

Ari: *she finishes the glass and places the empty container on the bar, along with several coins*

Trillean: *she turns to Ryanna* Shall we talk some more?

Ryanna: *nods and proceeds to sit at her table*

Bartender: Will that be all for you lovely ladies tonight?

Ari: *replying to the bartender* For now yes, I may change my mind later...

Bartender: *She takes the coins and places them in a bin behind the counter*

Trillean: *nods, moving over to sit by Ryanna, nodding for Ari to join them*

Ari: *she stands and walks over with graceful steps to take a seat near them*

Ryanna: *stands up and walks to the chair with her cloak on it*

Ryanna: *she sits in the chair and rubs her temples*

Ryanna: *groans* So many sleepless nights...

Bartender: We've got rooms for rent if you ladies wish to sleep here tonight.

Ari: *the silence is like a heavy burden on her shoulders and the cool air leaves her shuddering slightly*

Bartender: The price is cheap, and the beds are nice and warm.

Ryanna: *she smiles and nods* Yes, I think I shall rent one tonight, but I won't retire just yet...

Ryanna: How much is it a night?

***

**Outside, meanwhile, Kaede and Griever study the situation with the robed figures unsure whether they are friends or foes...but their growth continues to enlarge with more men coming from the rooftops, others coming out from the alleyways, some from back in the forest**

~Enter Mysterious Robed Man #1. (outside)~

Mysterious Robed Man #1: (outside) *appears behind the wolf* We are the chosen ones...

**Kaede begins to gesture with his hands and suddenly from within the tavern, the bag that he had left in his spot begins to billow out a massive cloud of smoke, the smoke begins to compress into the form and shape of a man, that man...taking on the striking resemblance of Kaede himself...**

Kaede: (outside) *he gestures with his hands, and suddenly the bag he left in the bar billows out smoke...which eventually forms into the shape of a man...Kaede...*

Trillean: *her eyes widen as the site of the clouded figure* ...What the hell?!!

Ari: *a small sound of shock escapes her lips* What...the...

Ryanna: *she attempts to takes out pouch awaiting for the amount to be spoken, but suddenly jolts out the door upon smelling the scent of smoke, and hearing the screams of the dead from within her mind*

Ryanna: *she curses from underneath her breath* Not again...

Kaede: *the ghostly apparition of Kaede stands up, proceeding through a back door...into the seemingly endless rain...*

Bartender: Good heavens! Now THAT is an amazing trick! *she begins to clean up some smoke debris across the countertop* Ugh, still, I just cleaned this place!

Mysterious Robed Man #1: (outside) Nelo....shall come....Nelo....brings darkness....Nelo brings death... *the cloak being summons forth fire from his hands*

Ryanna: *she spots a group of cloaked figures approaching the tavern entrance*

Kaede: (outside) *the ghost Kaede steps out into the rain, the droplets seeming to give him even more consistency, as the dust apparition begins to scale up the wall of the tavern*

Ari: *she takes a deep breath, keeping composure, sliding a hidden dagger into her hand from her sleeve* Good thing I'm always ready...*she whispers aloud to no one in particular*

Ryanna: *she glares and quickly pulls out her quiver and an arrow, she wastes no time firing one at a figure instantly*

Kaede: (outside) *the ghost travels up the side of the bar, heading up to the roof*

Mysterious Robed Man #1: (outside) *the specter sends a fireball towards the werewolf*

Kaede: *the phantom figure comes upon a band of cloaked men* My, my...what have we here?

Ryanna: *she slowly lowers her quiver and grins*

Bartender: So....it begins. *she seeks cover armed with a case of hydrogen peroxide*

Trillean: *she smiles at the bartender* Yes, alcohol does wonders on both ends... *she readies her weapon as she waits for danger inside the tavern*

Exit All.

***

ACT I, SCENE 3 - The Last Chance Tavern - Unexpected Battle - Midnight

~Re-Enter Trillean, Ari, Kaede, Griever, Ryanna, and a group of Mysterious Robed Men.~

**As the rain falls down like an endless waterfall, the color begins to change to a burning red as the scent of death nears. The group of cloaked figures begin to hurl spells of fire towards the group of travelers, it is an all-out massive battle. The cries of the forest creatures beckon the brawl further.**

Kaede: *several of the cloaked men gasp, firing at the apparition, but their arrows pass through thin air...and the dust ghost vanishes*

Kaede: *a dark shadow falls upon them from behind* You missed...

Ryanna: *the elf mutters under her breath as she exits the tavern heading outside* Well, that is certainly a spell I haven't seen in ages...

Kaede: *the real Kaede leaps into the robed figures from behind, swiping into them with his sword*

Griever: *the wolf turns around as the ball of flames heads towards him, he merely smirks and prepares a counterattack* This is how you use fire... *he lets loose a bigger fireball retaliation at the cloaked man, whom is killed instantly*

Ryanna: *looks at Kaede* I wonder.... *she fires another arrow at an approaching robed man*

Kaede: *Kaede grins, as he throws several of the thugs over the rooftops*

Ari: (from inside) *runs out the door after Ryanna*

Kaede: *the other robed figures flee, running straight into the alleyway with the werewolf...*

Griever: *grins* Going somewhere fellas?

Ryanna: *she puts her quiver away and folds her arms in front of her chest, she then looks at Ari* Do not worry, he has it all under control it seems. *she grins*

Ari: *the rain soaks her instantly, and she looks at Ryanna confused* He has what under control...?

Mysterious Robed Figure #1: *sees his comrade melt away,* Oh, my...the fates protect us!

Mysterious Robed Figure #2: *curses* Kill the wretches!!!

Kaede: *leaps down in front of the bar*

Ryanna: *motions to the fight ahead of her, as she feels another batch of rain drench her clothes*

Kaede: *he shrugs off some of the raindrops, turning to Griever* Wolf, can you handle them?

Griever: *he holds another fireball, this one forming a wave of burning flares* Would you beings like to join your shadowy friends? *he unleashes the wave sending it towards the group of robed figures*

Kaede: *the warrior raises an eyebrow as the blast ensues the group* I'll take that as a 'yes'...

Ari: *glances over to see the robed figures fighting with the other two men* Oh....

Griever: *laughs* I'm just getting 'warmed' up....

Griever: *his eyes begin to glow a bright orange as mysterious energy patterns surround him. He feet begin to lift off the group as he begins to float in midair*

Ryanna: *shakes head slightly and chuckles* I must admit...I haven't seen a wolf use that spell for a very, very long time...

Ari: That huge wave of flames?

Ryanna: *nods* And...the spell that Kaede fellow used over there.

Ari: *nods* Yes, it was quite impressive.

Kaede: *he draws a few throwing knives, and send them hurtling towards several more of the robed men, they fall one after another*

Mysterious Robed Figure #2: *curses on the ground, yet still manage to throw another spell of fire at Kaede*

Kaede: *he covers his face with his hands, as the blasts hits his chest*

**The force of the fire blast sends the stronghold thrusting back a ways as he lets out a hacking cough and places his hands on his chest, they begin to tinkle with a cool sensation **

Kaede: *he turns over, getting to his feet, and walks back through the doorway...seeking further medical treatment*

Ryanna: *she watches as Kaede falls and yells out, but suddenly becomes muffled as her mouth is covered by a shadowy robed figure*

Mysterious Figure #4: Yes child, die by the very servants of death....accck!!! *the darkness is suddenly cut off as a arrow slams into his back, he falls off Ryanna lifeless*

Ryanna: *she turns around seeking out her savior and smiles* Ah ha...

Trillean: *she twirls her bow in victory* He never saw it coming! *she chuckles* Watch yourself now!

Mysterious Figure #3: *enrages* Followers of Nelo...never perish...*the dark force calls forth a giant spell of water as the deluge heads towards Kaede, Ari, Trillean and Ryanna*

Kaede: *turns around seeing the water coming after them, his eyes flash in anger, as he let loose a handful of dust at the wave...vaporizing it...*

Ryanna: *walks back through the door of the tavern and grins, starts clapping* Well Sir Kaede, I must admit, you shocked me with your impressive fighting skills...

Kaede: *grins* I thank you...but we must check if there are others...

Ari: *nods* Of course.

Griever: *the wave patterns around him glow and rattle more intensely as his fur begins to stand tall*

Ryanna: *nods* Agreed....

Ryanna: *pulls out her bow and arrow once more, holds them in one hand* Just in case...

Ari: *still hold her dagger firmly in her hand* Shall we?

Ryanna: *nods and holds hand towards door* After you...

Ari: *steps outside again* Thank you...

Ryanna: *nods and walks out*

Trillean: What is that wolf doing? One minute he's passed out on the floor, now he's a reign of terror...

Kaede: *he nods at the women and points* Check out the alleys...watch out for trouble...I'll check inside the tavern...

Ryanna: *she nods*

Griever: *he spots a group of thugs rejuvenating in the trees and laughs as he unleashes his massive attack* Pleasant dreams!! *the massive, wide beam of flames scorches the trees in ablaze, none of the thugs within them survive*

Griever: Hot stuff... *he chuckles at the remains of the trees*

Ryanna: (alleyway) *turns and walks down the alleyway silently*

Ari: (alleyway) *heads in the opposite direction*

***

Kaede: *he searches the bar, furrowing his eyebrows* I don't...sense anything...

Bartender: *speaks up* Please don't kill me! I'll give you all the drinks you want!

Kaede: *the warrior shakes his head, turning to the barkeep crouched in the corner* Be on your toes, I'm heading back out...

Bartender: Phew...

***

**The elf observes the still alleyway that lies before her. Her eyes glowing with the faint hue of white light. Her eyes sprint around looking for anything that would make a sound, but for the moment, she finds none...**

Ryanna: *suddenly, she senses a presence*

Ryanna: *she looks around slightly and quickly draws her sword, blocking another one coming down in her path at that exact moment*

Ryanna: *the sounds of sword clattering goes through air violently, with a loud grunt following afterwards*

Ryanna: *she kicks the figure in the torso, knocking him into the prairie grass*

Ryanna: *she quickly draws a dagger and flings it at the mans chest where the fields become his resting place*

Ryanna: *she places the dagger back in her pounce and smirks* This isn't the type of night I had planned... *she races back to the tavern entrance to report her findings*

***

**In the opposite area of the alleyway, the half-elf legion Ari stalks down the pathway, her sense high on alert. A mimicking scenery display just as in the case of Ryanna. The air is silent and heavy as she walks toward the cloak of darkness between two trees**

Ari: (alleyway) *the unmistakable sound of a hissing arrow reaches her finely tuned ears and she dodges left, rolling out of the arrows path*

Ari: *she curses softly, sending her dagger flying on instinct*

Ari: *she is rewarded with a soft moan of the dead and the sound of a body hitting wet pavement*

Ari: *the air is silent again, but she remains still until she is sure that there are no others*

Ari: *she retrieves her dagger and allows the cool rain to clean it of blood*

Ari: *turning, she heads back towards the tavern*

***

Kaede: *he turns racing back towards the forest...noticing the remains of two trees, where he feels Griever's presence...*

Griever: *the wolf turns around and looks down at Kaede from above* That's just the beginning of things my friend...

Kaede: *sniffs* Well...you do your work quite nicely...

Griever: *drops down landing on the ground* That's only a taste...of his power...

Kaede: *nods* Nelo...right? I know...we will need to spread the word, tell people to keep on their toes...

Griever: The man of darkness, Nelo Angelo, is coming...no one will survive his wraith...there is no where to hide.

Kaede: *shrugs* Yes...I've been checking...HIS progress for some time now...but I had no idea it would amount to something like this...*he then brushes a hand through his soaked hair strands*

Griever: I know this...for...I am...really an angel from heaven...

Kaede: *eyes go wide* By the fates...

Griever: You...have been seeing a vision...yes...?

Kaede: *nods* I've been having...strange dreams....if that's what you mean...

Kaede: They've dealt with my past...things unseen...

Trillean: *she creeps up from the shadows of the trees, trying to get a better listen...*

Griever: Nelo Angelo...a sorcerer of great powers...his minions, those you just fought...are merely his puppets of darkness.

Kaede: *curses* Great...

Ari: (alleyway) *she senses the presence of the two men and heads towards them*

Griever: Indeed...he now has possession of the Hades Book and The Medallion of Styx.

Trillean: *she shakes her head* Definitely weird...

Ryanna: *silently listens as her eyes narrow*

Trillean: *she looks at the pile of dead men he has made*...Assassins trying to attack her friends, hidden in the trees...

Trillean: *she shakes her head asking herself what was going on...*

Ari: *she approaches them slowly and stops so as not to been seen and listens in on their conversation*

Ryanna: *thinks to self* Kaede having dreams?....Could I possibly not be...the only one.....

Kaede: *nods* My worst nightmare have now come true...

Griever: *continues* With those tools in his hands....there is nothing you can do to stop his devilish intentions....soon...the world as you know it...shall change....large meteors will fall...great floods will ravage, fires will burn like that out of the Underworld...

Kaede: *grimaces* I can't believe that...

Ari: *she shudders, remembering the burning fires that plagued her mind when she slept*

Griever: There may be hope though....you must seek out the greatest champions of the light...they are closer to you then you think...

Griever: You...Kaede are one of them...

Ryanna: *she closes her eyes slightly as a hint of pain is shown in them*

Kaede: *he nods* I shall not shirk this task...not after my failing...so long ago...

Ryanna: *she turns and walks back towards the bar*

Ryanna: *passing by it, her cloak sways as she walk swiftly*

Kaede: *he bows toward the heavenly figure* I thank you for your help, o blessed one...

Griever: Oh stop that...I am not worthy...*he chuckles*

Kaede: *he chuckles back in return and stands*

Griever: The one you search for...will cause you great pain....but...a figure of your family...will also aid you in your darkest hour...

Griever: Prepare well...the world depends on you and your comrades...

Kaede: *furrows his eyebrows* I'm not on terribly good terms with my family...are you sure?

Griever: *he nods* You shall see...in time...

Kaede: *he scratches his head* Fine then...I shall try what I can... *he turns, heading back to the tavern..*

Griever: I shall return....to my place...and watch over you...may the light guide you to victory...

Ari: *she steps back into the darkness, heading back towards the tavern*

Trillean: *comes out of the shadows, shaking her head in disbelief* Definitely an interesting day...

Trillean: *she shrugs* Ah forget it...I'm going back to the tavern for another full glass of rum...

**The angelic wolf-ling Griever begins to howl loudly sensing the approaching destruction of the planet coming at bay. He spreads his full-fledged wings for all to see in full-view, as he takes one last look at the ground, and flies swiftly towards the heavens once more**

Griever: *whispers from above* You...will not truly understand what is coming...until it is flashing right before your eyes.....

~Exit all.~

***

ACT I, SCENE 4 - The Last Chance Tavern - Sweet Dreams - 2 a.m.

~Re-Enter Trillean, Ari, Kaede, Griever, Ryanna, and the Bartender.~

**The sounds of the forest returns to normal after the incident of hours past. With the burden of sleep approaching, the band of travelers decide to call it a day, at least some of them do anyways. Ryanna enters the tavern first speaking up for the bartender, who slowly, but surely, comes up from beneath the countertop smiling. Ari arrives shortly moments later.**

Ryanna: *she begins walking towards the rooms, then returns back blushing slightly* How much for the room? You never said...before we were...interrupted...

Ari: *she stands next to Ryanna*

Ari: I need a room as well...

Bartender: Sure thing, you two.

Bartender: One room is 35 Gold....but for keeping those thugs out of here, I'll lower it to 10 Gold.

Ari: *she nods taking out ten gold pieces* I appreciate it...

Ryanna: *she takes out two five gold pieces and set them on the counter quietly, turns for her room*

Ryanna: *she stops, and looks back* Oh, and bartender, *says blankly* If the others wonder about me, tell them I've retired for the night...

Bartender: *nods, then turning back to Ari* What was with all that noise out there?

Ari: *she shrugs* Some bad men in robes.......sorry I don't know more.

Ari: Would you like the payment now or in the morning?

Bartender: *she smiles gently at the elf as she pushes the money back towards her* Whenever, Love, no hurry.

Ari: *she nods* Thank you...I guess I shall retire now as well....Good night...

Bartender: Sleep well.

**The musician Trillean re-enters the tavern irking at the quietness that is present, she merely gives a soft wave at the Bartender and goes back to her seat, delving back into her mug of run once more...Kaede enters abruptly afterwards**

Kaede: *he takes a seat across from Trillean, and nods* Thanks for covering my back...

Trillean: *she nods* Not a problem....what's going on around here?

Kaede: *shrugs*

Kaede: *he shakes his head* I am too tired to speak now, in the morning alright?

Ari: *looks back at Kaede and Trillean from the top of the stairs* Some answers in the morning would be great...

Trillean: *she smiles* Fine, thank you, but at least let me pay for your room...

Kaede: *he puts a hand on her shoulder* Wouldn't dream of it, thank you...

Ari: *she turns and walks up the stairs towards her room to get some much needed rest*

Trillean: *she turns to Ryanna, how about you?* *notices she is not in the room* Never mind...

***

Ryanna: *she walks up the stairs and disappears into the dark hallway*

Ryanna: *enters the first door on the right and walks in, shutting it behind her*

Ryanna: *leans against the door in the darkness and is silent*

Ryanna: *sighs and stands up, setting her assortment of weapons on the table...*

Ryanna: *she slowly pulls off the necklace around my neck and looks at it*

Ryanna: *setting it on the table, she shakes her head in confusion as she leans against the wall recalling events of ages past*

***

Kaede: *speaking in the old tongue once more as he heads to his room, he notices Ari in her bed thinking, he smiles at her* Good night Ari...

Ari: *looks over towards him* Good night...

Kaede: *he turns to the next room and see Ryanna standing against the wall motionless* You should really get some sleep..

Ryanna: *looks up startled, scratches her head and nods* I know...

Ari: (in her room) *it is not long before her head hits the pillow that she falls into fitful slumber*

Ryanna: *looks up at Kaede and sighs*....I wish to sleep my friend...but slumber...is not something I have been able to do quite well as of late...

Kaede: I know what you mean...

Kaede: *he blinks, breathing heavily as visions flash in his mind* Arghhh...

Kaede: *he shakes his head, thinking* 'already it begins...'

Ryanna: *she looks at Kaede with blank eyes* So...it is you who are having these visions also?

Kaede: *he leans back, looking to the ceiling* Aye...

Ryanna: *attempts to stand but suddenly has a strong vision flash*

Ryanna: *moans and leans against the table for support*

Kaede: *he looks across at Ryanna, supporting her elbow* Lay down...rest...no one shall harm you...

Kaede: Try to get some sleep...please?

Ryanna: *smiles* I shall try...to sleep...thank you Kaede...

Kaede: *the man smiles contently* Rest well...Ryanna... *he exits her room and goes into his*

Ryanna: *gets into bed and smiles as she drifts off to sleep*

~Exit All but Kaede.~

***

**A bolt of lightning lights up the forest trees as their shadows burn brightly. A single man, embroiled in the darkest of cloaks steps forward across the forest with a grin across his place, and a book in his hand, all crumble before the legion of terror**

~Enter Nelo Angelo.~

Nelo Angelo: The end is near...nothing will save this world from my wraith...

Nelo Angelo: The tavern...I must venture there....the medallion and the book will not fully work until I am there...

Nelo Angelo: The sweet scent of death...it shall reek of darkness covering this world in chaos and madness...

Nelo Angelo: Nothing...will stop me....nothing at all...

Nelo Angelo: *chants a spell* Rise, my minions....seek out those that dare defy me... *the dead walk and moan as they rise from the crust of the earth*

Nelo Angelo: Soon...soon...

~Exit Nelo Angelo.~

Kaede: *winces again* Play it like you want Nelo....I'll be waiting...

Kaede: *he sighs* We've got a long road ahead...

~Exit Kaede.~

***

End of ACT I

*****

Continue to ACT II