An Undying Light

For this ACT, Ari shall be played by Dawnrider31, ShahrazadKM shall play as the bartender, tigersblood33 shall play as Tygar, Trillean will be playing as Trillean, Nelo Angelo will be played by Nelo Angelo2611, Demetri will be played by Nelo Angelo2611, Arshes will be played by NeloAngelo2611, and Kaede83 shall play as Kaede. Other Characters will be play by whomever.

ACT IV, SCENE 1 - The Last Chance Tavern - The Return of Ari - 1 a.m.

*A pair of green eyes after a long sleep finally open to the brown tiles on the ceiling. Letting out a huge yawn, the feline groans in slight discomfort as he arises out of his bed. He would then dress in his usual steel armor and head downstairs towards the main lounge of the tavern*

~Enter Tygar & the Bartender.~

Tygar: *arises out of his bed feeling a slight pulse of pain serge inside his skull, he gets up, dresses in his usual armor and walks downstairs*

Bartender: *spots the tiger coming down the stairs* And a good mornin' to you, Kittin, you look troubled, something on your mind, love? You slept for two days!

Tygar: *stops to look at her and gives his usual calm, but cool smile* I have no right to be around here...after what happened the other night, I am returning to Tigera Castle, to apologize to my people...last night well...I did something really evil, and I need to redeem myself with my country.

Bartender: *frowns* Is that so...well, I won't ask what happened last night, seeing two people nearly on the brink of death is enough for me...Godspeed to ya Kitten, I hope we see you around here again, remember, you are always welcome here... *she tosses him a red blood wine for the road*

Tygar: *bows* I thank you Miss...perhaps...someday, I shall return... *he waves and then exits the tavern*

~Exit Tygar.~

**Some time passes before another soul sets foot in the tavern, this half-elf has returned from a long journey, a journey of trouble, anxiousness and vigor, upon setting her boots back into the establishment does she speak for the first time in what seems to be a lifetime**

~Enter Ari.~

Ari: I hath returned...*looks at the barkeep, seeing her eyes of surprise* *wonders to herself where the feline who just left the tavern was going*

Bartender: Aye, you're back! How went the journey to your homeland? I hope it was a pleasant one...

Ari: *stares down at the tavern floor for a brief moment, then looks up at the awaiting bartender* My...homeland...was attacked...by dark forces...

Bartender: *gasps* I...see...

Ari: I had to kill a few of the barbarians, in order to get here...otherwise I would have been here sooner...my kingdom is safe for the time-being...

Bartender: Well...after seeing Kaede and the others return late last night, I am beginning to fear the future for this world...

Ari: *eyes perk up* There was trouble? Here too? Please tell me about it...

Bartender: I wasn't informed of the entire tale, Miss, I'd suggest ya wait for the others to awaken from their sleeps...they returned late last night from the Elven City up north in the hills...they are dog-tired...

Ari: *she moans* Fine...but I won't like it...sitting around....waiting......it's so boring...

Bartender: *chuckles* My lady, something waiting is the best decision, you can prepare more for the oncoming battle, then to rush into it blind...

Ari: *chuckles back* True, still, it's like waiting for time to move again...

**The half-elf may talk the talk, but clearly she is worn out too as she falls asleep quickly on the bar stool, the Bartender merely looks on and smiles before retiring for the night herself**

~Exit All.~

***

ACT IV, SCENE 2 - The Last Chance Tavern - Preparations - 8 a.m.

**A new day begins, for the first time the skies show peace as the sun burns brightly like that of an undisturbed halo. The tavern is slowly waking up too as a familiar young man stirs in his sleep**

~Enter Kaede, Ari, Trillean, & the Bartender.~

**Kaede rises from his bed, recalling the memories of the past few night, the dark forces, the rage of Tygar, Ryanna's condition, Trillean's plead towards his uncle, and his uncle in particular, the blue flames being the main memory**

Kaede: *speaking to himself* What happened to Tygar that night...Why was Ryanna nearly on the brink of death in the cold, cold snow?...Trillean...what actions did she partake against my uncle to get him to talk to me again?......Ari....where is she, was she slain? Will we ever see her again...*sighs* I need a drink...hopefully everyone else is up...we have much to discuss *he would then clothe himself and head downstairs to the tavern*

**The rays of the morning sun shine though the windowsill and the tired changeling tosses and turns demanding to herself more sleep, but finally after not being able to go back to the dreamland, she arises, dresses, and heads to the bathing room to refresh herself**

Kaede: *walks downstairs and catches the eye of someone familiar* ....Ari?

Ari: *shrugs* You haven't forgotten me already, have you Kaede?

Kaede: *smiles, holding back his excitement* Indeed, it is you, I recognize that sarcastic voice from days past...how have you been?

Ari: *smirks* You...don't wanna know...

Kaede: *frowns as she walks closer to her* Seeing death is like second nature to me, but knowing the pain of others, gives me more valor and strength...go on...we must use this precious time that we have...

Trillean: *she comes down in a whole new set of clothes, she looks as the other looks on her new robes, she smirks* What?!

Kaede: *chuckles* Have I not the freedom to look upon thee, my lady? *smiles*

Ari: *gives a light touch on Kaede's back* Oh you! Hush up or I'll make you regret ever being born...

Bartender: *she begins to make a little more noise than usual* And there's something you all should know...

Trillean: What do you mean? Come on! Spit it out!

Bartender: *sighs* Alright...the Kitten has returned to his liege at Tigera, he regrets his actions on that night, but he didn't speak of anything more...I didn't trouble him with the burden.

Trillean: *she speaks up* I know what happened...Tygar got influenced with that dark mage's powers...he did things that were against his will, yet he couldn't fight it alone...I had to break him out of it...I nearly lost my life to that feline...

Kaede: *nods* So that explains why Ryanna was nearly on the edge of death, those dark powers that caused his rage must have broken free of her pendant's light...still...I wonder the true cause of that pendant...

Ari: *sighs* I would have been here sooner....but I had some....trouble...to take care off...

Kaede: I shall not trouble ye with anything further...

Ari: Who is Tygar?

Kaede: He's a proud feline from Tigera, he merely was stopping here on some unexpected trip. But that's not the matter at hand right now...

Trillean: Nelo...he's begun the beginning of the end...he spoke of ravaging waters snapping trees from their foundations...we are running out of time...

Ari: *she takes a snippet of clothing out of her pocket* Did...that...mage-whatever-ya-call-it contain a insignia like this? *she shows the dried blood covering the snippet of clothing*

Trillean: ...Yes....but how did you...where did you get that?

Ari: A legion of dark forces...about fifteen miles from here...were preparing for attack...

Ari: They spotted me, I ran as fast as I could on my steed, let me just say it wasn't a pretty battle...

Kaede: You took on the whole dark army? Quite impressive milady...

Bartender: *makes swift motions with her hands* Aye, if I had bin there...I'd a showed them!!

Ari: I was lucky...they weren't particularly great in numbers, so it wasn't exactly the whole army, just a few scouts...

Kaede: *takes the cloth from Ari's fingertips and takes a scent of it* Curses...they were part of HIS forces...

Trillean: I can sense it as well...Nelo's forces...

**Again, a faint memory of his beloved appears sanctioned in his mind, he closes his eyes for a moment seeing a vision of her terrified by the hands of dark forces, one of them being Nelo Angelo himself, speaking of 'the beginning of the end' to her, he quickly snaps out of it*

Kaede: *with a gasp of air* Arshes...

Ari: *she furrows an eyebrow* What did you say?

Kaede: Arshes...the key to the void, Nelo's still trying to reclaim her...it's only a matter of time, before the apocalypse truly begins...

Trillean: *her eyes look at Kaede as she places a comforting hand on his shoulder*

Kaede: He let her go the first time, but he won't do it again...

Trillean: *She sits at the table warming her bones as she recalls the twisted tale that ran through her mind from the night before, she sharpens her sword with a whet stone, her eyes looking for any sign of trouble*

Ari: *grimacing at the nearly silent screeching the sword is making.* Could you not do that in here please?

Trillean: Hmm, I could be quieter if I take out a river stone. *She returns the whet stone to her bag and takes out a smooth polished river stone, it runs silently along the sword*

Kaede: *moans as he holds his hand* I need that drink... *he goes to the bar table, ordering his usual empty glass, and returns to the group*

Bartender: *speaks up* If all what ya say is true...then I should be retreatin' back to my relatives...I cannot offer you all any words to describe the ordeal that awaits ye all, but...the best of luck in your journeys. When this is all over...please come back to this tavern, so we can talk just like old times...I feel fortunate to have met ye all. Fare thee well...*she gathers up her things and leaves the tavern, tossing the key to Kaede* Lock up for me eh?

~Exit the Bartender.~

***

**From nearby his fortress, Nelo Angelo would be riding through the forest, making sure his troops were in order. He lets out a cunning smile**

~Enter Nelo Angelo.~

Nelo Angelo: Look at my army....It would be impossible for us to lose.

Nelo Angelo: *He would watch his army from a hill in the forest......In his view...over thirty thousand troops heading outside of his Fortress. Waiting to attack at his command.*

Nelo Angelo: *Shouting to the soldiers* Fellow Soldiers! We shall attack tomorrow at dusk, and then victory shall be ours!! *The troops would praise and shout in honor*

Nelo Angelo: *Riding through his fortress grounds overlooking everything* My plans have changed ever since Arshes returned. She will be trouble....I should have killed her when I had the chance. Doesn't matter, I'll deal with her later.

Nelo Angelo: I have more important business to attend to....like finding the girl with the pendant. I must find her than destroy her...Only then will I have total power.

Nelo Angelo: *Stepping off the horse he would begin to get bored* I really need some entertainment.....and I know just the thing that can cheer me up. *Laughs and takes out his book.*

***

Trillean: *She takes the drink and guzzles it, she wipes her mouth with the back of her sleeve.* Yes that is me always the little howling wolf...

Kaede: *grimacing he nods* What forces have been arrayed to combat Nelo?

Trillean: His army is growing stronger. We cannot stay here for long.

Kaede: *the warrior shakes his head, turning to Ari* It is a shame you should come here to such times...

Trillean: The Elves will fall that is for certain. We must plan quickly and leave this place immediately.

Kaede: All I can ask is that I may join you two?

Ari: *Her eyes darting from person to person, seemingly wary of the light* May we retire to a deeper corner?

Kaede: *nods his agreement to both of them* Yes...

Trillean: *She nods and takes Kaede's hand leading them into a corner* Ari here, is quite good at blending in with the shadows.

Kaede: *smiles* So I see...even I barely noticed her...when I first walked down from the second floor...

Ari: *smiles softly*

Kaede: *he speaks to her in the Ancient Elven tongue* A trait of a High Elf.

Ari: *shocked at his words, in Elvish* Yes.

Kaede: *smiles, taking off his long brimmed hat, brushing back his long raven black hair*

Kaede: *indicating his pointed ears, he speaks to her in the tongue again* I thought so...you carry the grace of the Fair Folk.

Trillean: My friends, be weary of speaking Elvish, should the enemy hear you, you two will be the first to go.

Kaede: *he replaces his hat, turning to Trillean* When do we ride?

Ari: She is right.

Ari: They smelt me earlier upon returning to the tavern...I don't need to remind you two again of the troubles do I?

Kaede: *shakes head* No milady.

Trillean: *chuckles* I understand...

Kaede: Only in the heat of battle shall I utter it then, or should we have need for stealth in our words?

Kaede: Unless either of you can speak with hand gestures?

Ari: I can.

Kaede: *nods, signing with his hands* 'That is good'

Trillean: *frowns* I can not, we shall ride whenever it is best to.

Trillean: Which at this point I know not.

Trillean: We should check up on Ryanna before we leave though, and seek out her assistance ...

Ari: Where is she?

Kaede: *shrugs* Very well, by now my Uncle should have tended to her wounds...*he switches his glance over to Ari* She rests in the City of the Elves.

Trillean: *Her eyes narrow* I see...but, what if she does not wish to leave?

Kaede: *shakes his head* We must convince her...it is not wise, Nelo will see it...he is no fool...

Kaede: It is too obvious to hide her there...and he did seem to covet her powers the night of...the attack...

Trillean: Surely it is so...*she gets up from her seat and begins to walk away, she looks back* I shall return, I need to gather my things...

~Exit Trillean.~

Ari: *returns to look at Kaede* You are a half-elf. I have to say, you are the first I have met.

Kaede: *he staggers back, rubbing at his temples*

Kaede: *he shakes his head, looking at Ari again* Oh?

Kaede: Well, it is true, there are not many like me...and even when there are...we aren't readily...accepted...

Ari: *concerned* Are you alright?

Kaede: *he nods* Just a momentary lapse my friend, it passed already.

Kaede: *he shakes his head again, clearing the whispers from his mind*

Kaede: *he looks up, blinking*

Ari: *nods* I was not accepted readily in my own family.

Kaede: *cocking his head to the side, he furrows his brows* Why? That is unlike the High Elves...

Ari: My family is entirely silver haired. I am the only one with black. My father thought I was not... his own.

Kaede: *nodding deeply* Ah...I see...

Ari: It tore my family apart.

Kaede: *he looks to the side* I can imagine...my condolences...

Ari: *shrugs* I don't care so much anymore. I have not seen them in many years and I've heard things have returned to some normalcy.

Kaede: *smiles* Normal? I do not know this word...I have never been acquainted with 'normal' life.

Ari: I'm sorry for that. However, I suppose, neither have I.

Ari: There you and I are alike. Rejects if you will, except from the ones who's hearts' lies true in friendships.

Kaede: *nods* A fellow pariah...

Ari: *smiles* Yes, I suppose...

Kaede: I was a pariah even before my birth, elves don't take kindly to human half breeds... And neither do humans trust them.

Ari: *gathers the hair that has fallen from her twisted style and tucks it behind her ear* I know.

Ari: I'm sorry that it is not different.

Kaede: *shrugs* Such is life...

**At that moment, the changeling, Trillean, returns carrying a large bag filled with various supplies for the long road ahead...*

~Re-enter Trillean.~

Trillean: *she grins mockingly* What is this talk of pariahs I am hearing?

Kaede: *he smiles at Trillean as she drops her belongings* You should know it already Trillean, all too well...

Kaede: We are pariahs...outsiders... all of us, to some measure.

Trillean: *She smiles back* Here we are all, rejected exiles. We find each other and than we are exiles no more.

Ari: A brotherhood if you will...

**The young planes-walker nods sadly before a flash would again appeared before his eyes, the hue sends him on the floor reeling**

Kaede: No...what...the...

Trillean: *She leans onto her knees, her breathes are heavy, sweat rolling off her brow*

Kaede: *he grabs his forehead, staggering to his knees*

Trillean: He is summoning another.

Trillean: Curse the devil!

Kaede: *he shakes his head repeatedly* Yes...

Ari: *shrinks to the shadows* What is going on?

Ari: Are you both possessed?

Kaede: *he looks to Ari with blazing eyes* I can feel Nelo...he is...sending another enemy...

Ari: *recoils further to the shadows, sensing the dread filling the room*

***

**Kaede's instincts prove true as we change over to the presence of the sorcerer, Nelo Angelo who once again is about ready to call forth another of his evil subjects, his words tremble like bass drums across an empty field**

Nelo Angelo: I call upon the most feared hunter of the dead...I free you from your chamber...awaken once more to your deadly deeds. *At that moment a light would shine...and...*

~Enter Demetri.~

**A blazing light would shine from the ground and a dark figure would burst from the ground and stand in front of him. The figure is a reptilian monster whose skin appears a scaly army green, saliva drools from his mouth as the beast hungers for it's next kill....**

Nelo Angelo: *he smiles* Demetri, it's been too long my friend...*he chuckles with amusement*

Demetri: *the reptile speaks, his voice a hissing low growl* ...Nelo how are you feeling....*he greets in a hand shake* I thank you once again dear friend for awaking me. I know.....there's a reason you freed me. *Laughs*

~Exit All.~

***

ACT IV, SCENE 3 - The Forest of Fortune - Oncoming Battle - 5 p.m.

**The Three gather their belongings and say their final goodbyes to the barkeep of the Last Chance Tavern. One by one they prepare to exit the establishment and venture towards Nelo's hideout.**

~Enter Kaede, Ari, and Trillean.~

Trillean: We leave now. *she quickly takes up her pack, cloak, harp, and sword*

Trillean: We will head back for the girl later.

Kaede: *acknowledging the changelings' decision, he rushes out the door coming to a temporarily halt while he awaits the arrival of the others*

Ari: *she cautiously exits the shadows, gathers her things and follows after the two*

Trillean: *She lifts her head up to sky as the clouds were gathering* The temperatures have once again risen. It shall rain soon, thus covering our tracks.

Kaede: *he walks to the stables, petting Raine (Ryanna's horse) before mounting* Easy girl...I won't fail your master...

Ari: *she pulls her hood over her face and mounts her horse whom she has already called from the woods*

Trillean: *She whistles sharply as a white stallion comes running, she pets its muzzle and mounts* Where do we head?

Kaede: *ponders for a moment, then looks at Ari* Do you remember where the soldiers, whom you slain, originated at?

Ari: *She nods* Near the Elven City, about ten miles to the southwest....

Trillean: *nods* Curse them...and we left them!

Kaede: *nods* Is the trail fresh? We could use our skill to track them...

Ari: Or we could just follow that sound. *referring to the sound of thousands of horses in the distance*

Trillean: Yes, that would be better.

Kaede: *he perks his ears, barely hearing the thunder* You have good ears...better than mine...

Ari: *smiles quietly*

Kaede: *nods* Lead the way Ari.

Ari: *takes off in the direction of the sound with a burst of haste*

Kaede: *reigns up, following her*

**With that being said, the elf takes off in the direction of the sound with a burst of haste, Kaede and Trillean reign behind her galloping at rapid speeds, the woods spurring by them in a blur of colors**

***

**Quite a-ways from the three combatants, evil is plotting it's own course upon the Elven City, which it destines to attack within just a few hours. Nelo Angelo and Demetri stand atop the Dark Fortress gazing at the Elven City from the long distance**

~Enter Nelo Angelo and Demetri.~

Nelo Angelo: *he focuses back to responding to Demetri's question* A reason that I freed you...of course...but this is a more important assignment my friend...

Demetri: It does involve killing doesn't it? *he grins*

Nelo Angelo: You know that...but I want you to hunt down and kill the little pests that are trying to stop my plans...*Points to the tavern* They should be coming from there soon.

Demetri: You know I shall not fail you master...I give you my word...

Nelo Angelo: *smiles evilly* I know you won't...

Demetri: What about the girl? Should I kill her too?

Nelo Angelo: No, Leave that problem to me. But you can do something else for me....*he grins with evil intentions lurking underneath this lips*

Nelo Angelo: When you are done with your first assignment I want you to hunt and kill.....Arshes, I've decided that you should have the pleasure of killing her, so I don't make the same mistake again...like before...

Demetri: *Laughs a cackling laugh* That will be no problem....She won't be no struggle.

Nelo Angelo: Good....Well than let's get started...

**With a light swift of the dark legion's hand, a dark dragon would sprout from the earth, Demetri would then mount on it and fly off with blazing speeds into the distance, thus beginning his search for the three as well as Nelo's sister, Arshes**

***

Ari: *through the woods, her hair falls from it's togetherness and flows behind her, knowing the danger they face, but reveling in the ride*

Trillean: *She put her heals to her horse and they flew together across the field. She began to hum softly to herself, awaiting the battle*

Kaede: *smiles towards the melody of Trillean* Always a tune eh Trillean? I like that...

Trillean: Yes of course, singing is my life. It keeps my blood flowing.

Ari: *smiles and softly picks up the tune*

Kaede: *the man rides on, enjoying the feel of the breeze against his face, despite the cloudy skies and the soft patch of drizzle that falls upon his cheeks*

Trillean: *She smiles* I love the rain.

Ari: *she glances skyward as a single drop plunges into her left eye* I don't...

Kaede: *pacing his horse in time to the beats, nodding* I can't decide...too many memories, but very calming... *he laughs*

Ari: *she slows her horse after a few minutes, listening intently, she changes course slightly*

Kaede: *glancing around* I sensed Arshes, late last night, watch for her...

Trillean: *She shrugs* Forget her, you can not save her.

Ari: *To Kaede mentally* Do you still love her?

Kaede: *he smirks sadly* Yes...I suppose some part of me does love her, while the other part of me wants to strangle her...for killing Ryanna's family...

Kaede: *shakes his head* It is just that she may pose a threat, but she may also serve a purpose...

Kaede: *he mentally signals Ari* Trillean told you?

Ari: *she replies with her head up* Yes. She did.

Ari: *she looks at Kaede with her eyes focused* Don't be angry with her, it was part of the story.

Kaede: *shaking his head* Not at all...it saves me the trouble.

Ari: I understand. *ends mental conversation.*

Kaede: *looks around the forest as they ride on, feeling something amiss*

Kaede: I don't...like this...

Ari: *stops her horse* I feel the same way. Let us halt for now...

Kaede: *reigns up, stopping after passing her by a few yards*

Kaede: *he turns the horse in circles, trying to search the surroundings*

**A clash of thunder roars across the skies as it lights up the shadow of evil approaching from above, sure enough, the figure speaks with that of a reptile**

Demetrii: Fe Fi Fo Fum! I smell the blood of an elven one! *he laughs and flies lower to ground*

Trillean: *catching the reptiles approach, she whispers loudly to the others* Hurry! Disguise yourselves! I smell the body of a dead reptile...

Kaede: *he almost feels, rather than hears, and looks to the skies* Shit...

Ari: Watch it! *she drops to the ground, tucks and rolls into some brushed surroundings*

Kaede: *he dismounts, slapping the horses' flank, and rushes to the safety of the trees*

Kaede: *leaping into the shadow of a large oak, he draws his crossbow...*

Ari: *using the natural shadows of the forest, the elf hides herself and draws her bow*

Demetri: *He lands on the ground and gets off the dragon. He begins to sniff the air* Come out, come out wherever you are...

Kaede: *he curls his lips gazing at the reptile for the first time*

Ari: *signals to Kaede as she glares at the beast* 'Should I shoot him?'

Kaede: *he glances at the trees above them, formulating a plan*

Kaede: *he shakes his head in a negative, telling her to wait for his signal*

Trillean: *She cautiously puts a hand on Ari's shoulder* Wait...

Trillean: I want to go out there...

Kaede: *loading a special arrow in his cross bow, he nods to Trillean seeing her determination to set the stage for act number one*

Kaede: Hurry! *he mentally signals*

Ari: *retreats to the shadows listening and watching everything to what starts playing out in front of her*

Demetri: Fine, then you choose to not come out willingly, then maybe this will do...

**He takes out some kind of horn and begins to play it...the screeching noise is too much for any creature to take...Ari covers her ears biting back a scream, while Kaede's eyes roll into the back of his head with his attempt to drown out the sound failing slowly...Trillean sings a tune to herself trying the best she can to focus her next attack rather than giving in to the madness. Suddenly, the sound ends, and is replaced with that of a single bolt of lightning**

Demetri: *Snarls as he ooks around one more time, then mounts back on the dragon and begins his search again.* I will find them soon enough...

Kaede: *he relaxes, lowering his crossbow, ears still alert for any sign of attack*

Trillean: *She puts on her most confident look and walks out of the shadows* I think he's gone...

Kaede: *wipes his forehead* We were lucky...this time...

Trillean: *nods* We need to go on foot from now on...

Kaede: *he lowers his bow, wiping the rain from his eyes*

Ari: *still trying to retain consciousness from the sound, her ears catching more of the frequencies than her companions, she mentally cries out to Kaede and Trillean* Help!!! *falls out of her shadow hiding place*

Trillean: *She runs over to Ari, and catches her as she falls*

Kaede: *he runs up beside her, bringing out a pouch*

Kaede: *he draws leaves from his belt, and mixes it into his flask* Ari...drink this...

Ari: Thank you. Son of a... that hurts. *she sips the drink her eyes squint at the taste*

Trillean: Does any one have any food packed with them? Or are we going to starve?

Kaede: *nods while taking out some small morsels of food* All I have are special wafers of bread...they tide one through long journeys...

Ari: *points to her pack while smirking to the others* I have actual bread from the tavern!

Kaede: *he nods* That is just as well, the wafers get tiresome after a while...

Trillean: That is good, we shall save it for later. We may need to hunt. I shall take up that job if need be. *she grins as he shows her canine fangs*

Kaede: *he smiles at the sight of the fangs* Indeed.

Ari: *sits against a tree and takes deep breaths feeling her strength returning* What is that stuff?

Kaede: *smiling at Ari, he speaks* That drink comes from the mountain highlands to the East.

Kaede: The leaves I foraged from my Uncles Elvish fortress...

Ari: *nods* Thank you. It does wonders, although it's lacks a taste that I would normally disapprove of...

Trillean: *She smiles* So you stole them than?

Kaede: *shrugs* Perhaps...say what you will...

Ari: *laughs softly* It's not stealing if he never knows.

Kaede: *he smiles* It isn't like my uncle can hate me the worse for it can he?

Kaede: ...Besides, I took it from the forest, HIS forest yes, but it was not his private larder.

Trillean: *She shrugs* Yes, you have a point there.

***

**Flying across the dark forest, he flares his nostrils as he lets loose a hefty laugh all while keeping his eyes peeled for the sister of his master**

Demetri: Foolish beings, they thought I didn't see them, but I know a better way to catch them.....with bait...

Demetri: *approaching a new area of the forest, he sniff's the air and grins* She's around....*he then flies lower getting a better view of the forest*

***

Ari: That...beast...he wasn't the usual undead warrior was he...he looked somewhat...different...

Kaede: *he nods* There are more here than just the undead huntsman...

Trillean: Reptiles and Dragons...wonderful creatures when they are on the right side.

Kaede: *he grimaces* That's the trick...

Trillean: There is no use hiding from one.

Trillean: They see, smell, and hear everything. We weren't very fortunate this one lacked patience...

Kaede: *his eyes would flash again, sensing trouble far off in the forest, he picks up his gear and begins to run alerting the others* Damn...follow me...
.
Kaede: *he would run through the forest as fast as his legs will carry him, crossbow drawn*

Trillean: *She stands and follow hastily after him.*

Ari: *stands and follows in an easy sprint, drawing her bow*

***

**Seeing her in plain sight, he would swoop down and grab her by the neck, her petit figure swaying in the breeze nearly avoid countless trees. The reptilian figure would laugh as he would hold onto the girl by one hand, her figure screaming hysterically**

Demetri: ...Heh heh, remember me Arshes?

~Enter Arshes.~

Arshes: *she would be frozen in terror* De....D....Demetri...

Demetri: *Laughing* So you remember me... good....Looks like the prey is catching on to the bait. *he flies higher with Arshes in his clutches, hosting her up to his mount and begins to tie her hands together behind her back at the same time*

Arshes: *She would look down only to see him...* Kaede.....

***

**The three catch sight of the Reptile as he directs his mount around westward. Below they rush trying to keep pace with it by foot**

Kaede: *fires a shaft into the air, letting it explode in the air*

Kaede: *loads another, this time spelling it...*

Ari: *catching up with Kaede* What are you doing?! He'll know exactly where we are!!

Kaede: *the shaft flies into the air, but lets the wind carry it*

Kaede: I know what I am doing...Trust me...

Ari: *doubting his trust, she sighs* I hope so...

**The arrow floats through the air drifts further before splitting into several pieces. Upon the breakage, several dazzling arcs of light spread forth across the forest shortly thereafter. They come and go in all different directions, leaving no trace of the point of origin**

Trillean: Useful... where did you those from?

Kaede: *comes upon a clearing, and looks around, sniffing for signs of the undead...*

Kaede: *he would talk over his shoulder to Trillean* Back at the Capital City, before it burned...they don't make them anymore...I was saving them for just such a time...

Kaede: I've been learning how to make them from the ones I saved...

Ari: I don't like this at all. What made you go running in the first place?

Kaede: *curses, coming onto a scent,* She was here...and they took her, we're too late...

***

**The light forces the two to shield their eyes, yet the dragon becomes unaffected in it's flight. Arshes's face show impressiveness as she begins to smile at the thought of her fellow lover. Demetri sneers**

Demetri: Sorry girly, but don't be so happy yet.... *He would take from a pouch a bunch of little eggs...* This should keep them busy for awhile...

Demetri: *The eggs would drop right in front of them...*

Arshes: NO!...YOU didn't just throw what I think you did...did you?

Demetri: Oh yes I did....*he laughs as the dragon flies out of sight*

***

Kaede: *he leaps to the side as he sees several stones plummet before him*

Ari: *seeing the eggs drop, she dodges with ease* She's lead us into a trap!

Kaede: *roars angrily* Damn me for a fool!!

Trillean: *One hits her on the head as she shakes a fist before running off into the woods*

Trillean: Why do these things always have to hit me in the head...

Kaede: *his eyes widen, as he whistles loudly, in a shrill cry*

Ari: I think this is going to end in worse than a bump on the head Trillean...

Kaede: *he draws his sword, and loads a set of arrows into the crossbow*

Trillean: Kaede, what do those eggs do?

Kaede: *he shakes his head* You will find out...draw your weapons, back away, get ready for a fight...

**The eggs would begin to shake and then hatch....sprouting from within, ten scaly reptilian figures, all with sharp teeth and burning orange eyes. Standing at a mere four feet tall, their speeds would be great as was their appetite. They set their eyes on Kaede, Trilean and Ari and they attack at full force**

~Enter the Reptilians~

Kaede: If you can, try long distance attacks...arrows aligned with mass destruction powers...

Ari: *she draw bow and shoots directly at one of the creatures*

Kaede: *curses* The reptiles...Nelo must have his right hand man at his side now...great...

Trillean: *She draws her sword, powering it up* Bring it you scaly things!!

The Reptilians: *they spread out circling around the trio as they move in for the kill*

Kaede: *he shoots a shaft into their midst, letting the flames ignite in their center*

Ari: *hits one in the head, sending it sprawling*

Trillean: *She puts her sword into the ground waiting as one walks up, the ground splits apart and closes up with the creature trapped inside.*

Kaede: *he shoots again, this time sending a blast of hail and ice at the creatures freezing two in their tracks*

Ari: Can we not take to the trees and shoot them from there?

Kaede: *shakes his head* We could try, but I'll bet you that they climb as well...

The Reptilians: *one of the scaly beasts would have his eyes set on Kaede as he glares in for the kill*

Kaede: *brandishing his sword, Kaede attacks...*

Ari: Damn...

Trillean: Wonderful, just wonderful...

Ari: *she puts away her bow, and instead withdraws out her short sword*

Kaede: *drawing his blade, he brings it to a rest before him. He breathes heavily, as he glared at the demonic menace, just a few yards away*

Trillean: *puts her right hand in front of her* I'm taking to the trees...*she leaps up into the branches of a tree, climbing swiftly amongst the treetops*

Kaede: *The sweat beads down his brow in rivulets, mixing with the drizzle of rain pouring down from the dark, cloudy skies above*

Kaede: *The sounds of the wildlife around them escalate, as if anticipation of the fight, the sounds hidden in the trees around them*

Kaede: *Then, just as suddenly, the sounds quelled...They clashed in a wave of heat and fury...blade clashing against claw*

Ari: *Stops, turns to meet one of the creatures slashing it's throat after some time*

Ari: *she uses a mental blast to incapacitate another creature while plunging her sword into it's heart*

Trillean: *She watches from above as her companions fight intensely, she eyes a reptilian that had strayed too far from the pack. She drops to a lower branch, then at the speed of light, she launches herself from the branch bringing down the hilt of her sword crushing in the creature's skull*

Kaede: *glaring into the lifeless eyes, he brings his sword up, leaving the beast pone to a gut attack*

Kaede: *he puts his hands to the beast's belly, firing a powerful blast*

Kaede: as the beast rolls over, he screams in rage, plunging the blade from his hand, into the monsters throat, twisting the weapon menacingly*

Kaede: *bringing the sword out, he lets the beast fall dead*

Kaede: *he turns around, looking for more...to see...nothing...but emptiness...

Trillean: *calling from the shadows of the treetops* How many of them are there of these things Kaede?! Are they gone?!

Kaede: *he raises his hands* They are not gone...I'm afraid...

Trillean: Well I got one, I'm happy. *she grins holding her blade over her shoulder with pride*

Kaede: *smiling* How many did you two get? I got two...

Trillean: *She wipes the blood off the hilt of her sword in disgust* Filthy creatures...

Ari: I got three, I think.

Kaede: Trillean got one...that leaves...

Trillean: How many were hatched?

Ari: I didn't see.

Kaede: I counted at least eight...eleven at most...

Ari: That many?

Kaede: *nods* We were lucky we got them as they hatched...they grow stronger every second...

The Reptilians: *from beneath the trees...the final four reptilians jump out, two of them latch to Kaede's back, ready to sink their teeth in for the kill*

Trillean: *She puts out her palm and a shot of ice extends forth enclosing one of the two* They are cold blooded the drop in temperature will make them die or go into hibernation...

Ari: *she quickly shoots off another with an arrow*

Kaede: *enraged, he put his blade out in front of him and slams one of the reptilians straight into tree, his sword going right through its chest as it latches into the heart of a tree*

Ari: *another jumps after Kaede, but she predicted the move beforehand and with a quick chant of an Elivsh spell, she paralyzes the creature* Hold!!

Kaede: *taking both his hands, he searches his back for damage, find claws stuck within his skin, he finds them, and with one quick pull, removes them instantly, but causing several bones to come out of alignment...*

Trillean: That looked painful, Kaede...

Kaede: That was nothing...I've had it way worse than that. *he smiles as he rubs ointment on his back to prevent further damage*

***

Demetri: *he turns to Arshes and grins* Orders are to kill you Arshes....but I'll wait till you little friends come to rescue you...then the real fun begins...

Demetri: *Staring at Arshes as she struggles to free herself from her ropes* I'm going to enjoy killing you. I think I will start off by slitting your throat and then feeding your corpse to the soldiers...but that's only if your brother will allow me the pleasure... *Laughs*

Arshes: *her voice shaking with fear, tears welling up in her eyes* My brother was foolish for releasing you.....All the lives you took. You Animal!!

Demetri: *he laughs as they approach the Dark Fortress* Well then, let's go see your brother shall we? *the dragon lands and he merely pushes the girl off like some piece of property*

***

Ari: *she kneels next to Kaede, helping him to stand*

Kaede: *gives Ari his thanks, slowly getting to his feet* Damn it! Nelo has his sister in his grasp...the end of the world is nye...

Trillean: This is madness.

Trillean: We must follow the dragon, there still may be time left!

Kaede: *he curses* I have failed her again...

Trillean: Who is that undead solider...he can't be just a private or something, he's got much more power...

Kaede: The undead reptilian assassin, Nelo's right arm...Demetri...

Ari: *sighs* Great...

Kaede: *nods* But I have a few tricks for the bastard...

Trillean: Like what?

Kaede: *he winces* You shall see my friends...and so will I...

Ari: If he has your girlfriend, he's using her to get to you. He did it the first time. He will do it again.

Trillean: *She sighs* Kaede, please reconsider this...

Trillean: Is this girl really worth it?

Kaede: *pointing at Trillean* You don't understand! ...her father wanted her the first time...because of her power!

Kaede: The only alternative to saving her is...*he sighs and looks away from his comrades*

Ari: I mean before the creatures.

Ari: You knew she was here, that's why you ran, isn't it?

Kaede: *he nods* I know...and it is...

Trillean: So why would Nelo want her dead? If she is the key to the dark age?

Kaede: You see, as much as I've seen happen...she still holds answers...she holds powers...

Kaede: Powers her father entrusted to her...because her father did not love his child...simply as a father...

Trillean: *She sneers in disgust* You don't mean?

Ari: *watching Kaede* She's a threat to Nelo. Otherwise he wouldn't care if she lived or dies.

Kaede: *he shakes his head* It was his plan, which never came to fruition...

Kaede: *curses* As such, he bequeathed to Arshes some of his power...in preparation to become his...well...you know...

Kaede: However, I got in the way of that...when it wasn't a matter of world chaos, just chaos between us.

Trillean: *She wrinkles up her nose at the thought* Sickening, do you think Nelo would do the same thing?

Kaede: I know not Trillean, Nelo hates his sister, with a passion...

Ari: He wouldn't want her dead if he did.

Kaede: He'd sooner use her as a pawn than wed her...

Kaede: But I think, if he killed her, he may try to gain her powers...

Trillean: Yes by possessing her soul...

Kaede: *he whistles out for his Raine as she comes prancing into view* Our only option left is to head towards the Dark Fortress, and save Arshes...

Kaede: *looks towards the others* So...do we go? Or not?

Ari: *calls her horse* I suppose we have no choice.

Trillean: *She bows and mounts her own horse, put her heels to him she reigns him towards the direction of the fortress* Not that I can see anyways.

***

**Meanwhile, back at the Dark Fortress. Demetri brings in his 'luggage', mainly the screaming Arshes, he nods a smile of success to his master as he drops the girl in front of him**

Demetri: What do want to do with her Nelo?

Nelo Angelo: Poor Arshes.....Are you ready to see the death of the one you love*Laughs*

Arshes: *spits at Nelo* Go to Hell! You will never complete your foolish plan!

Nelo Angelo: *Wipes spit off* You know... I was going to let your death be less painful, but I think you don't deserve any pity. *he could look towards Demetri* Take her inside Demetri, and do what you do best...but don't kill her. We still need her...

Demetri: *Laughs* With pleasure Sire... *he picks up Arshes and drags her further into the fortress walls*

~Exit All.~

***

ACT IV, SCENE 4 - The Dark Fortress - Rescuing Arshes - 10 p.m.

**Riding across the forest northwestward, the smell of darkness begins increasing noticeable as the three comrades prepare to depart for Nelo's hideout**

~Enter Kaede, Ari, and Trillean.~

Kaede: *he nods solemnly* When we reach the fortress, I go in alone...

Trillean: No, you do not! That is what he wants!

Ari: There's no way. We're in this together now!

Kaede: *he shakes his head* Very well, but stay hidden if you can...

Kaede: *smiles* What have I done to deserve such friends?

Ari: *smiles* What do I do best?

Kaede: *he nods, letting the horse have it's way, slowly letting it canter to a start*

Trillean: *she looks over and smiles at Kaede* Well I really don't know, don't question, it just take it.

Trillean: Come, let's ride! *She puts her heels to the horse and runs off into the woods ahead of the others*

Kaede: *he grins* Let us ride...*he follows behind Trillean*

Ari: *follows, her hair flowing behind her as she rides* Why do I have to be last?

Kaede: *feels something amiss* Why do I sense my uncle's presence all of a sudden, he couldn't be here, he's suppose to be with Ryanna and the Elven City...

**Sure enough, the warrior's prediction becomes a reality. A faint figure in spotted approaching the fortress from below the plateau. A few soldiers are on guard but they appear to be lost in thought as they pace back and forth across the foundation of the fortress**

~Enter Elder Tassidus.~

Tassidus: *he would draw up to the outskirts overlooking the dark fortress, as he draws his knives*

Tassidus: *he grins* They are trying to use her again eh? Very well, if it comes to that...I shall kill her...

***

Trillean: *She reigns in quickly* What do you see?

Trillean: *she sniffs the air* I smell a healer.

Ari: *glances at Kaede uncertainly*

Kaede: *he shakes his head* Damn his cursed hide! He's here...

Ari: Who? What's going on?

Kaede: *continuing on* My uncle, the Elder Healer, we stayed at his fortress last night...

Trillean: *She puts a hand on Kaede's arm* If it comes to it, you must not hinder in the killing of her.

Kaede: He will kill Arshes if he can...deny Nelo her powers...but it may play into their hands...

Trillean: But I do not think they would suspect him.

Kaede: *nods* If she dies, it will be with honor, it will not be to Nelo's benefit...and it will be her sacrifice to make...but if she lives...

***

Tassidus: *he draws up to several outriders, counting them, grunting* ...This will be all too easy...

Tassidus: *he slowly draws up to one of the outermost scouts, using the trees as shelter, and looses a length of rope*

Tassidus: *he throws his knife, skewering the outrider, using the rope around his neck to pull him in...*

Tassidus: *chuckles to himself* No one even noticed, my my, the eyesight of the undead these days...

Tassidus: *he pulls him into the trees, adorning the outrider's armor, and leaves the man in the trees*

Tassidus: *he takes position in the outskirts, waiting for his time...*

***

Trillean: Kaede, watch your Uncle carefully, I do not trust the old elf, not this time anyway...

Kaede: *nods* I never have...

Trillean: *She slowly rides to the outskirts of the woods, watching him warily*

Ari: *dismounts and sends her horse into hiding* We are quieter on foot.

Kaede: *nods, dismounting his horse, he would start looking it in the eyes, an unspoken dialogue occurs between them and the horse canters off silently*

Trillean: *She dismounts and watches her horse canter off into the trees* Should we approach the fortress now...or wait...?

Kaede: *nods* You're up first Trillean... *he grins* Do your stuff...

Ari: *using the shadows cast by the moon through the treetops, she darts from shadow to shadow*

Trillean: *With a bright smile on her face, she shoulders her harp and walks directly out into the field*

Ari: *mentally* Should we stop him?

Tassidus: *he disposes of the fourth scout, still unnoticed, and draws closer to the fortress*

Tassidus: *stops, as he senses others nearby, and grins*

Tassidus: So Kaede... *he thinks* You have come...

Tassidus: *he nods* You are learning half-breed...I will fix your mistake...

***

Demetri: Sire...it appears the fools have arrived...I can smell their presence...

Nelo Angelo: *he grins giving a slight nod* Right on schedule. Now this is where things get interesting....

***

Trillean: *she chimes in one the conversation* No, let the old man work his magic...it shall ease our assault a bit...

Kaede: *with his eyes aflame, he bites down on his pride* I'm curious...as to how he will pull this off...we shall wait...

Ari: *overhearing conversation* You can hear his thoughts?

Kaede: *curses* Not really, it's more like we can...feel each other when we are near...

Ari: But so spitefully?

Kaede: To do that requires trust...I still sense he trusts me a little...deep within his heart...

***

**Lying on the floor struggling against his bonds, her eyes become that of a helpless damsel, she glares at Demetri**

Arshes: If you have any heart, would you please let me go...please...

Demetri: *he laughs*....I have been waiting to kill you for so long. Now I have the chance. No more of your father to interfere this time.

Nelo Angelo: *Looking at Arshes* Looks like your little friend's are here, but don't get happy, because do we have a surprise for them... *he and Demetri grin evilly*

***

**Trillean begins to whistle a merry little tune hiding her sword in her cloak as she walks up to a small group of undead soldiers while holding out her harp**

Trillean: Anyone care for some music?

Tassidus: *he creeps up the back of the dark fortress, still hidden in the shadows, thank the Ancients for this setting sun...*

Kaede: *he stares at her while she stands there in front of a group of dark forces smiling* You can't be serious...they will sense us...Get out of there!

Trillean: Don't worry, *she thinks to Kaede and Ari* Let me distract them, remember, it's what I do best...

Kaede: *stares silently awaiting the result of this tactic*

**The plagues of evil glare at her as grins appeal on their faces. One who looks slightly more intelligent than the others speaks loudly with a single command**

~Enter an Undead Commander.~

Undead Commander: Intruder! Soldiers, capture her! *the group picks up their weapons of death and begin to approach her with their burning yellow eyes*

Trillean: You fools, I am just a bard with only a love for music! But fine, have it your way *She begins to run off in the opposite direction of Kaede and Ari with the soldiers right on her tail*

Kaede: *he turns to Ari* Take as many as you can...

Kaede: *he ponders, deciding whether or not to begin his rush...*

Ari: *fits her bow and picks of 5 in a matter of moments*

Tassidus: *he hears the ruckus* It is starting...

Kaede: *nods as he begins his dash*

Tassidus: *he draws up to the window outside Arshes' room, preparing his attack, drawing a pouch...*

Trillean: Be careful, I may return in a little while... *she thinks to Kaede and Ari.*

Ari: *runs quickly, while picking off 3 more*

Tassidus: *he breaks the glass, letting the pouch in, releasing a blinding light...*

Tassidus: *he fires a shot at Demetri, sending it straight through his heart*

Demetri: *the reptile roars loudly as he falls*

Tassidus: *the shaft explodes...*

Tassidus: *he draws up to Arshes, bringing his blade to her exposed throat*

Tassidus: Now my dear, we wait...

***

Kaede: *curses, running faster, as he sees the flash...* Not yet!

Ari: *follows Kaede* They're too far now.

Kaede: *he draws his sword as dark minions are sent flying everywhere from the explosion*

Kaede: *he leaps onto the side of the fortress, climbing up to the battered rooftop*

Ari: *pulls her short sword jumping lithely next to Kaede* Now what?

**Suddenly at the explosion, a massive group of five thousand elves leap out of the forest, armed with the deadly bow and more arrows that one could even begin to count, a horde of arrows flies from the forest, a large group of undead forces falls, with more readying their weapons as they charge towards the elves. The two forces collide outside the fortress as the song of sword and shield are heard, with cries of pain and rage on both sides**

Kaede: *he draws his bow, firing an explosive shot into the roof, blowing a hold in it...he turns seeing the elves fighting off the dark forces and can't help but grin*

Kaede: My uncle may prove useful after all, now, we move in for the kill...*he leaps through the hole quickly*

***

Nelo Angelo: *Looking from afar* Do they really think they can take on thirty thousand soldiers by themselves? *Laugh* They have a better chance waiting till the war begins.

Nelo Angelo: *he vanishes from the fortress and reappears outside of it merely hovering above the battlefield* Hahaha... perfect... everything's going perfectly, just as you said it would...*looking to the side a figure would touch his shoulder*

~Enter Dark Figure.~

Dark Figure: Told you they would be foolish...my son...even with the elves on their side, they cannot win...they shall begin to taste the sweet surrender of blood...

Dark Figure: *to Nelo* All we need them to do now is finish the job....by killing her, the Elven City shall then be ours for the taking...how sad...they fight our army only to be wiped out and their city taken without a fight...hahahaha!

Nelo Angelo: But of course...

Dark Figure: The time is now Nelo....Do it.*he then pats Nelo's shoulder and disappears.*

Nelo Angelo: *Looking toward the fortress, he smiles* Right...the times now...the world shall feel my wraith...

***

**Off in the forest, the chasing bard suddenly stops in the middle of the woods having lost the soldiers*

Trillean: Oh Gods no! They are playing right into their hands. I was such a fool! *She turns on her heel and weaves in and out of the shadows of the trees heading back towards the fortress*

***

Kaede: *he rolls to his feet, blade and crossbow drawn at ready...coming face to face with...*

Kaede: Uncle Tassidus?!!

Tassidus: Kaede...we meet again...*tightens his grip on Arshes' throat*

Ari: *follows through, alighting next to a chair*

Kaede: What are you doing Uncle...?!

Tassidus: *he sneers* What do you think fool?! I am righting YOUR failure!

Kaede: *grimaced at his former love while raising his crossbow* Hello Arshes...it's been a while...

Arshes: Kaede...*she wheezes short breaths*

Tassidus: *he draws his blade even closer to her throat, drawing a tiny sliver of blood* You can't shoot around her Kaede...you know that...

Kaede: *his face is a mask of agony...torn between what he should do...*

Ari: *Looks Kaede's uncle up and down* Let him do it Kaede, it's the only way...

Kaede: Where have...you been Arshes?

Arshes: You all must get out of here now! It's a trap! Don't worry about me...Go!!!

Kaede: *steps back, flustered...* What....

Tassidus: *he narrows his eyes* What did you say you witch?!

Trillean: *She enters the field and makes her way across it, she climbs onto the roof slipping in through the hole*

Tassidus: ...And why should I not kill you

Ari: *grabbing Kaede by the shoulder* You must not let your heart blind your mind!

Tassidus: Killing her, shall deny Nelo her powers boy...don't you see that?

Kaede: *shakes his head* I don't...know...will it Tassidus? ...Where did Nelo go? *curses*

Arshes: Please! Just get out of here! He's not after just me...it's the girl!

Kaede: *curses again* We have ever been one step behind...

Ari: If she's right, which I have the feeling that she is, we need to leave NOW!

Tassidus: You will address me with respect boy!!!

Trillean: *She steps in between the Uncle and Kaede* Save both your pride and start thinking about your lives!

Kaede: *glares into his uncles' eyes* I offer you a truce...Elder Tassidus...

Tassidus: *he sneers* A truce?

Kaede: *nods* Take her with you, but don't kill her, we know not everything...

Ari: *talking to Kaede's uncle* Get off your high horse stuff shirt, this is bigger than your old spat.

Kaede: I will not interfere...

Tassidus: *he blinks at her* ...And who are you elf?

Trillean: *she raises her tone and speaks up over all of them* Listen to Ari, and Kaede they speak wisdom!!

Tassidus: *to Ari* I sense an aura of the Fair Folk about you, but who are you to address me thus?

Ari: *standing to her full height* I am Ari, Daughter of Ergoth of the High elf in the Hills. This is not important now. We need to get out of here.

Trillean: *She looks down and begins to bite her nails* We could really use some help right about now...

Kaede: *he kneels, placing his sword on the floor* Uncle...I yield to you...please...take her and go, but protect her...

Arshes: Run now.....Leave me...Nelo he will....*Faints*

Ari: *rolls her eyes* Why do they always faint? It makes things so much more difficult.

Tassidus: *his eyebrows raise, both at the woman, and Kaede*

Tassidus: *he garbs Arshes placing her around his shoulders*

Trillean: *If you can Lord Elf, take her magic as well, that is what Nelo wants.*

Tassidus: Very well, I accept your terms, we leave...

Tassidus: I shall see if I can exorcise her powers...as well as Ryanna's...

Trillean: Banish them if you can...

Tassidus: I will take her to Ryanna...

Kaede: *looks up at Tassidus* I thank you...Uncle...

Nelo Angelo: *Still standing on the cliff* Don't leave yet the parties just beginning... *Takes out book* ....

Tassidus: *he sneers down* Don't thank me boy, I may yet give you her pretty head as a present...severed form the rest of her...

Kaede: *remains silent, biting his tongue* But for now...

Tassidus: *he snorts* Yes yes, I protect her, as the High Elf asks.

Tassidus: *he nods to Ari*

Ari: *nods in response*

Tassidus: *he turns, making his way to his mount* My dragon will poorly miss her blood tonight...but all the same...I leave, join me if you can Lady Ari...

Ari: *shakes her head* Nay, I have obligations here.

Kaede: *he slowly rises to his feet, sheathing his blade* Thank you Ari...

Ari: *flashes him a look* Don't thank me.

Kaede: *looks down to the floor, feeling empty inside* ...Good bye Arshes...

Trillean: One more thing Lord Elf...Evacuate your city, Nelo's minion will reach there soon...I pray they aren't there as we are speaking...

Tassidus: *he grins* I knew he was coming, so I brought with me our forces to meet up with the army before the new day began...seeing as it would stall some time...I just never knew it would come to this...come, let us gather our brethren to the North...in the mountain passes...

Kaede: *nods* Thank you....honorable Uncle...

Tassidus: *he turns, frowning, then leaving...*

***

**A reddish aura surrounds the dark legion Nelo Angelo, as he once again reads from his volume of spells. Mumbling some ancient words, he cries out the world's death**

Nelo Angelo: I call upon the the powers of the netherworld...come now release your fury into this world...I beg of you!!! *the skies turn crimson red, as fire begins to burn from the skies, Instantly meteors would begin to plummet to the earth.*

***

Ari: *her ears perk up at the sound of falling earth* What is that whistling?

Trillean: *She falls to her knees with the shaking of the earth* What can this mad wizard not do?!

Ari: We need to get out of here, this fortress is one huge fireball waiting to explode.

Kaede: *he glares at the hole in the roof at the blood sky* Oh god...

Trillean: Get all the ale and mead you can! Those undead minions left behind a whole stash of the stuff!

Trillean: They may prove useful...

Kaede: *he turns to look at the surrounding, leaping to the front of the fortress, and rushes through the front doors, raiding the meat larders...*

Trillean: *She runs to the fortress bar and begins to stuff her bag with bottles and bottles of ale, she ties it up at the end and rushes towards the door*

Ari: *Take what food she can, stowing it in her pack.* We may need this later too.

Kaede: Kaede whistles to his horse, as he spots his uncle on his dragon mount...

Trillean: *She follows Kaede and the Elder out the door stepping cautiously*

Ari: *follows Trillean*

Tassidus: *he begins to pack his dragon with provisions, turning to Kaede* I can't believe I am saying this to scum like you Kaede, but, have you need, of another mount? I may have a spare dragon to send to you soon...

Trillean: Fine, since someone is riding fancy, I might as well. *She calls softly in a sing song voice, whereas a white unicorn appears with a shimmering horn. She mounts and begins to make for the hills*

Kaede: *nods* ...I beg of you for this boon...
.
Tassidus: Granted...

***

Nelo Angelo: Now it's time for the second step... *laugh's and turns the pages in the book.*

Nelo Angelo: *Reads again* I call upon the creature from Hell!! With your strength and power guide this world into destruction!

**Thus a gigantic Cyclops-like creature would be released wrecking havoc throughout the land, trees being destroyed one after another, the cries of the world echoing across the planet**

***

Ari: *calls her own horse, mounts and waits for Kaede* We can not linger here!

Kaede: *stares in amazement for a moment at the unicorn, before mounting his horse*

Trillean: *She signals for them to come, waiting impatiently*

Kaede: *kicks the horse's flanks, beginning to ride*

Ari: *she rides after Trillean, her pace exhilarating to maximum speeds*

Tassidus: *mounts his dragon* Come...let us follow them for a while...I must see to my treacherous nephew...*the dragon roars, and spreads its wings, soaring low above their heads*

**With literally all hell breaking loose across the world. The shimmer of hope rapidly begins to fade as the large meteors continue to fall destroying all that lie in their paths. The red moon lingers in the air as the scent of death begins to swelter across the land. It's the planet's darkest hour...and with the darkness coming ever so close to realizing it's full dream...hope becomes shattered like broken glass, that could possibly never be put back together...*

~Exit All.~

***

End of ACT IV

*****

Continue to ACT V