An Undying Light

For this ACT, Ari shall be played by Dawnrider31, tigersblood33 shall play as Tygar, Trillean will be playing as Trillean, lilmisswonders01 shall play as Ryanna, Kaede83 shall play as Kaede, and lilmisswonders01 and tigersblood33 shall play as The Assassin. Other Characters will be play by whomever.

WARNING: This ACT contains explicit content which may be offensive to the viewer. While nudity is not fully displayed or described in detail, the characters at times are indeed naked. Viewer discretion is advised.

ACT VI, SCENE 1 - Baradun - The Dwarf Cavern - The Night Strike - 9 p.m.

**Beneath the caverns of Baradun, torches line both sides of various hallways as all can sense the night approaching despite the semi-dark atmosphere that always is displayed within the home of the Dwarves.**

~Enter Ryanna, Ari, Trillean, Tygar, Kaede and some Dwarfs.~

**In her room, Ryanna's eyes open slowly as she feels a sensation beyond her control, a feeling of not being alone...as if something bad were going to happen soon... She tries to shake off the intuition but in the end, she cannot and therefore she steps out of her bed in her nightgown. Letting out a deep sigh she proceeds over to the square-shaped window, there, she views the red moonlight above the hazy night skies**

Ryanna: *she moves toward the corner of her room as she feel a sudden shift in the wind*

Ryanna: *she stops and freezes as cautiousness and surprise overtake her figure*

Ryanna: *her eyes scan the room slowly as her hands slowly reaches for the sword on the table next to her standing position*

Ryanna: *a roar in the wind, forces her suddenly to looks at the right as a dark figure in cloaks rushes out of the shadows, bringing down a long sword*

**Ryanna quickly grabs her own sword and with great speed, she repels the incoming attack from the figure beneath the shadows. Only when the dazzling red moonlight from the window shifts it's course can she truly see the figure for the first time, her eyes develop an immediate sense of hatred towards him as she blocks another forceful blow**

~Enter The Assassin.~

The Assassin: *the figure chuckles slightly*...So....at last we meet....Princess of the Elven Empire.....

Ryanna: *she glares at him cautiously*...Who are you?!

The Assassin: *he sneers as he begins to edge closer to the girl* I see...you need a little reminder, do you? Well then...*he suddenly kicks Ryanna throwing her from her room and out into the hallways*

The Assassin: *he slowly steps towards her figure* Well now that we've gotten ourselves re-acquainted, I think it's time for your demise...*he would take a dagger from his pocket and hold it up over her head* Good-bye!

**With a swift entrance from the rear of the corridor, a man of old grabs the cloak of the figure and turns him around to meet eye to eye with him, the blade strikes open air as the elder taunts the entity**

~Enter Elder Tassidus.~

Tassidus: Na uh uh! Hold there demon...

The Assassin: *he looks around to see the elder and a smirk appears from his lips* Ah, you must be Tassidus...

Tassidus: *he returns the smirk with one of his own* For someone who is allied with the dark, you sure are smart...

The Assassin: *leaping backwards, the cloaked figure steps into the light of a torch to show his face, his eyes scorch of a flaring red color* Pitiful child... Do you not recognize these eyes...?

Ryanna: *the young maiden's eyes widen as he takes a closer look at the blood red eyes and becomes too frightened to speak*

The Assassin: *chuckling at her reaction* I know you do...these are the eyes that have haunted you for years......and will continue too until you find death, or are brought upon it....

Tassidus: *he steps back observing the appearance of the titan of evil* ...What are you...doing here? How did you get here?

Tassidus: *he itches to draw his blade, but thinks better of it, realizing what such a thing in close quarters could mean...instead he grabs the lifeless hand of the dark figure attempting to get a grip on him*

The Assassin: *he laughs at the feeble attempts of the elderly man as he sends him flying against a wall, he focuses his attentions on the girl in front of him*

Ryanna: *her necklace gives off a flash of bright white color as the figure responds abruptly to it by grabbing her around the neck, his grip extremely tight, she can only look in horror as his breathing shallows*

***

**The dining room is still full of drunk Dwarfs who are cheering on a feline prince who is drinking ale like their is no tomorrow...literally speaking. The mystical elixir starts to have it's wondrous effect on Tygar as she suddenly stops, hurling over some of the stuff...the Dwarfs laugh, but in a positive way as they give him words of encouragement and respect*

Tygar: *grinning with two eyes barely in focus, the word 'bath' echoes into his mind again, a snarl escapes his lips, but is followed by a loud 'hiccup!'*

Tygar: *his ears begin to twitch to the noises from the bathing quarters, the playful attitudes of his comrades making him consider his options*

Tygar: *he sighs getting up from his seating position* I'm going to regret this.... *he heads over to the long passage that leads to the underground bath, his movements awkward as he can't even walk in a straight line without falling at least once*

***

**Escorting herself along the hallway, Trillean walks into an open underground room filled with dozens of little bathing pools, despite the number of pools, they appear to not have been used much, she calls out to the others who are now just entering the room**

Trillean: Hello everyone!

Kaede: *the warrior half-elf rises to the surface, wiping the water from his eyes, he slowly begins to remove his garbs under the water without anyone looking. After finishing this task, he sets them against some nearby rocks*

Ari: *she slides in, sighing as her body feels the tranquility of the warm water* Ah water...

Kaede: *he turns towards Trillean* Ah...hello...

Trillean: *She goes behind a veil of dried seaweed to undress, she slips silently into the pool shuddering with discomfort* Too hot for my taste.

Kaede: *he leans back against a rock, closing his eyes and smiling, letting the hot springs soothe his aching muscles...* Ah...this is good for getting out the kinks...

Ari: *she dunks herself, rinsing her long black hair* The water, It's just right...

Trillean: *She takes out a bar of soap and starts to bathe at the far corner of the pool*

Kaede: *he dunks himself again, coming up refreshed...* Nothing like a refreshing bath to take all your troubles away, eh Trillean?

Trillean: *she smiles nodding in agreement* Oh yes, how I love to feel clean.

Ari: *she leans against the edge of the pool, allowing herself to truly relax for the first time in ages, not caring for her surroundings anymore* I guess you were right Kaede...

Kaede: *to Trillean* Oh yes...it is a wonderful feeling...*to Ari* You should learn to trust me more often...

Trillean: *She grins to herself thinking this is just too tempting*

Kaede: *he shakes his head free of the aches and pains...*

Ari: *sighs contentedly, becoming lost within the water*

Trillean: *She crawls out silently and climbs onto a large rock overhanging the pool, she jumps off shouting* CANNON BALL!

Kaede: *he begins to head for the rocks where his clothes are, but turns as he hears Trillean cry* ARGH!!!

**The stunt pulled by the Bard allows a great amount of water in the pool to splash all over the unsuspecting bathers, she chuckles at her succession at having some fun**

Kaede: *he begins to laugh shortly after the great splash*

Ari: *she shouts, forcing herself to exhort a small laugh* Trillean!

Trillean: It was too tempting! *she giggles*

Ari: Of course. I should know how your mind works by now...

Kaede: *the half-breed closes his eyes as he wipes water from his face and hair. He then proceeds wrapping a tunic about his waist, slowly getting out of the water...*

Trillean: Do you think that Tygar is drunk yet?

Kaede: *he laughs* Remind me to be on guard next time, if I am fool to let there be a next time...

Kaede: *he gifts a soft yawn and stretches* However, I bid you all adieu for now...I hear a bed calling my name, so...good night...

Trillean: Bye bye... *she waves to him*

Ari: *sje brushes wet hair from her face and relaxes again* Goodnight Kaede...

Kaede: *nods, hands clamped around his tunic, he looks for a pair of leather leggings and finds them quickly, he would slowly put them on over his black tunic, and nod, continuing barefoot to his room...*

**From the hallway, the mumbling of a drunk tiger is heard. Trillean clearly hears it as her ears perk up attentively**

Trillean: *She gets out and covers herself with a towel hiding behind a rock* I smell that drunken polecat already...

Ari: *she smiles* Maybe he's coming to take a bath...

Tygar: *speaking drunkenly, he appears from the entranceway* Good morin' ladies... *somewhat unaware of his surrounds, he takes a step forward and falls into the water head first with a great splash*

Trillean: *She comes out from behind the rock and stamps her foot* Damn it Tygar! You stole that push from me!

Tygar: *the feline comes to the surface gasping for air* What...the...! *he shakes his drenched fur rapidly, soaking everyone around him in the process*

Trillean: *she cringes as she covers her face* Eww, wet fur!

Ari: *she too covers her figure* Yuck!

Ari: *she sighs* Well... at least he's cleaning himself...there may be hope for him and hygiene yet...

Tygar: *he begins to feel the bath sooth him and he lets out a surprised smile, yet still drunk* Hey...this...a'int...so bad...

Ari: See, and you smell better already.

Trillean: *hearing his voice, she grins* You're drunk aren't you?

Tygar: What makes you...sey dat?

Tygar: *he dives underwater, but quickly resurfaces looking down at his present figure* Ahh...what are my clothes still doing on?!

Ari: Um... You fell in remember?

Trillean: And than you got drunk!

Trillean: And then you shook your fur all over us.

Tygar: *he looks towards the two ladies now realizing their true presence and their unmentionables, he begins to stutter wildly...* Ah...h-h-h-h-e-e-e-l-l-l-o-o-o- girls....*but soon thereafter he turns a deep maroon*

Ari: *covering herself a little* Hello yourself...

Trillean: *blushing a little, she waves her pointer finger at the tiger* You naughty cat! Don't tell me you've never seen the true figure of a women before...Oh well...it cannot be helped...*she pulls the towel tighter to her skin*

Tygar: Well...umm...not really...

Trillean: *she smiles* Well, aren't you the honest one...

Ari: *speaking to Tygar* Now, turn around you...I want to get out in peace...*she waits impatiently*

Trillean: *she clears her throat a little and changes her tone* Now, what was the last thing you remember?

Tygar: Well...I remember drinking this elixir and the dwarves cheering me on....

Tygar: Then the sudden gush of water racing into me...

***

**Meanwhile, Kaede is combing his medium-length hair when he suddenly furrows his eyebrows at the hint whisper of a noise, his ears attentively perk up at what sounds to be a scuffle...**

Kaede: *he stops in his tracks, sensing danger, he drops his armored clothing, running with his sword in hand towards the noise*

***

**Back in the bath, Trillean and Ari are trying to convince Tygar of his drunkard-ness. The feline trying to deny every bit of it*

Trillean: Again, I reinstate, you were d-r-u-n-k, drunk! *she lets off a small giggle*

Tygar: *he lies* No! I wasn't...I knew what was happening the whole time...I swear...

Trillean: Yeah right!

Ari: Well at least if he gets drunk, we know how to sober him up.

Trillean: *smiling* Yes that is true.

Trillean: Useful little trick...

Tygar: *he stutters again* Wh...at do you...mean...?

Trillean: Whenever you get drunk, we will merely push you in.

Trillean: It's that simple, even a child could figure it out... *she grins wickedly*

Tygar: *he cringes at the thought* No...no...anything but that...!

Trillean: *she rubs her hands together greedily* Oh yes!!

Trillean: Or, even better, we could just let you stumble in yourself!

Ari: *she smiles* Well you two, I think I'm done for the evening, and seeing as how I'm not going to walk away unnoticed... *she decides she doesn't care anymore if anyone sees her and gets out fully displayed for all to see*

Tygar: *begins to feel a cramp coming on in his right leg, he begins to lose his treading water ability* Oh...no...I forgot...I didn't even heed my own advice...ughhh!!

Trillean: HAHA! This is too good to be true.

**The golden green eyes of the feline prince get a good look at the changeling Trillean with the towel and the high elf Ari completely exposed before they roll back into his head**

Tygar: Heaven...take me now... *he then faints into the waters seeing way more than one feline should see*

***

**Ryanna's room begins to glow a dark black as the Assassin puts a sinister dark barrier around the elf princess, all while she is hacking for breath, her life slipping away ever so slowly**

The Assassin: *glaring into the girl's eyes, he smiles wickedly* Now...where were we...

Tassidus: *he grabs the figure's hand again, this time twisting it* Release her dark shadow of lunacy!! *he would then attempt to deliver a blow to the strangers face*

The Assassin: *he brings up his hand to blow the punch* Now, now, we mustn't play rough old timer...but...since you insist...

**With a faint, red glow within his eyes, the dark figure sends forth a ray of light towards the elder. The force of the beam sends Tassidus back against a wall forcefully, once again...*

Tassidus: *he struggles back, forcing himself to breathe under the extreme conditions* Damn...you...

The Assassin: *chortles to himself, then turns back towards Ryanna and her panting breaths* Ahh yes...I remember you very well...I should of killed you the first time, but no matter, I will not make the same mistake again, *he would then raise his arms into the air collecting a great amount of energy*

The Assassin: *he laughs* Do you remember? The sword piercing your fathers chest? Your mother's scream of pain....

Ryanna: *her eyes widen as the memories of her slain parents come into her mind, she manages converse a single word expressing her true hatred towards the minion of evil* ......You.....

Tassidus: *he can only look on to the devilish deeds of the assassin as he is helpless to even do a single thing*

The Assassin: *he grins and looks into her eyes once more* This is my little present for you...The sweet, slow surreal of death! *he lowers his hands towards a dagger in his stash, the energy swirling around like a wispy fog, he takes out the stiletto that would be dripping with a liquid*

Ryanna: *her eyes catch the glowing color of the liquid, and she knows what will come out of it, she attempt a last attempt at mercy* No...please....

**Ryanna's pleads are cut off as The Assassin thrusts the blade into her arm with the fury of a bear. She screams in the voice of ten thousand in unison as her eyes go back into her head and she falls backwards onto the stone floor, her hand over the cut as it bleeds red with green swirling around within the cells.**

Tassidus: *his eyes watch in horror of the attack that just unfolded in front of him, replaying again...and again like a disease...*

The Assassin: *he spits at her fallen body and smiles satisfied with the deed that he's done* Enjoy your hours little one, for they shall be your last! I shall return...for the necklace, once your body leaves this world... *he cackles insanely and disappears in a puff of smoke*

***

**Completely unaware of what's taken place from afar, Trillean is merely concerned about the well-being of Tygar as she is drowning in the pool, the food having cramped up his right leg to the point where he has lost his ability to swim, she rolls her eyes at him glancing at the High Elf in the corner who is getting dressed at that very moment**

Trillean: Do I have to save the kitty-cat?

Ari: I'm getting dressed, I dare not get my clothes ruined, and this is all your fault anyways...

Trillean: Fine fine... *she dives underwater after Tygar*

**The changeling spots his figure in the water and grabs the tiger by a paw. She drags him to the rocky shore of the large bathing pool where he lays virtually lifeless, but shows sighs of light breathing**

Ari: *now fully clothed, she shows little concern at the pair as she waves her departure from the bathing room* I'm going to bed. Goodnight Trillean, Tygar...

Trillean: Goodnight Ari.

Trillean: *She gets out putting her foot on his stomach to get the water out* Breathe!

Tygar: *a great amount of water is forced through his system, he hacks once and falls into a deep sleep clearing snoring now* zzzzz...Nighty-night...my princess...zzzzz

Ari: *she turns back showing a slight concern for the feline* Sure you don't need my help, Trillean?

Trillean: *chuckles* I'll leave him here for the dwarves to gut and make a throw rug out of!

Trillean: *sighs* I think I've had enough fun for one day, I am getting tired of this, I am going to get dressed.

Ari: *laughs* Just as well.

~Exit Ari.~

Trillean: *She goes back behind the veil of dried seaweed to dress, she comes out in a bright blue tunic with the sign of a wolf on it*

Trillean: Now I am going to go find my brother!

Tygar: *he sleeps soundly on the rocky shore...he will have sweet dreams tonight....*

Trillean: *She stumbles putting on her boots and turns as if about to walk out of the bathing hall.*

Trillean: *she ponders for a moment...* Should I?

**She walks back in and sees Tygar laying there sleeping peaceful, unable to resist the temptation, she kicks him lightly in the head before running back up the tunnel, the light kick throws the feline prince back into the midst of the water, where this time, he wakes up very quickly shouting his outrage**

Tygar: Alright, where's the fire?! *he looks around as he doesn't see a single soul in the bathing hall* Must have fallen in by mistake... *he proceeds to get out of the pool*

~Exit All.~

***

ACT VI, SCENE 2 - Baradun - The Dwarf Cavern - A Race Against Time - 11 p.m.

~Enter Elder Tassidus, Ryanna, and Kaede.~

**The militant Kaede bursts upon the scene, his eyes wide, as he sees his uncle lying on the ground holding his shoulder blade. Quickly he gazes to his right stepping slowly into the inlet, he pulses at the site of the young Ryanna on the ground, still as a stone. Oozing out of her shoulder is a green extract liquid, he yells out in a pure crazed tone**

Kaede: *not wasting even a minute, he grabs a hold of Ryanna and lays her on her bed in her room, he begins to shake the girl with urgency* Ryanna...please speak for me...

Ryanna: *her right eye opens, yet her vision is blurry, she clutches the wound as both blood and a green liquid rush through her fingers and down her left arm*

Tassidus: *he slowly gets up, the throbbing in his chest gone...*

Kaede: *curses, stripping off a bit of his tunic, tying it above the cut to stop the blood flow*

Tassidus: *he crawls into the room, getting Kaede attention as he is helped to his feet* Blasted all! I can get up myself idiot...Ryanna's in worse shape than I am...

Ryanna: *face starts to turn pale as sweat starts beading from the force of the poison, she lets out a choked moan*

Tassidus: Ah, curse me for a fool, I wasn't watching out for her...

Tassidus: *he draws a pouch form his belt, letting it's contents flow through Ryanna's nostrils to calm her*

Kaede: *he shakes his head, laying her head on top of a soft pillow, he begins to examine her wound...*

Ryanna: *the necklace that once clung around her neck, begins to unravel on it owns as it falls upon the floor*

Tassidus: *his eyes become caught by the necklace's glow, he takes his left hand and reaches down towards it, turning it in his hand...*

Tassidus: He was trying to get this...and he'll be back to claim it if we are not watchful...

Kaede: *he glances at it and he takes a wet cloth and lays it on Ryanna's forehead* What... is... it?

Ryanna: *her left eye opens, within a few seconds, both eyes becomes white as the pupils within become dilated*

Tassidus: *he shakes his head* Ryanna's birthstone...something passed from mother to child...but I know not what it does...

Kaede: *he speaks foul words, now truly noticing Ryanna's condition* Good god...

Ryanna: *coughs once and becomes motionless*

Kaede: *he turns to his Uncle* She's breathless! Come on, for once we have to work together, for her sake! I shall breathe for her...but you must get her body moving...

Tassidus: *he curses never believing this day would come* Very well, this once I ask for your help, but only because I have no other choice...

***

**In the main quarters, the changeling Trillian stops cold on her venture to search out her brother. She becomes deeply troubled by the high presence of magic, as she can sense it's usage quite clearly even from so far away.**

~Enter Trillean.~

Trillean: *She stops cold feeling the high use of magic* What the hell is going on up there?

Trillean: *She hears the roar and shrugs, before running up the stairs, she feels the presence of magic growing stronger as she heads towards the bedrooms*

***

Kaede: *he nods, bringing his lips to Ryanna's, and blows air into her lungs, with no response being received...*

Tassidus: *he wraps the pendant around his hands, and begins to chant magic over her chest, letting the energy flow from his hands...*

**From the corridor leading towards the resting rooms, Ari is strolling down to turn in for the night, but it's not a mere second after she takes a deep breath that she suddenly hears Kaede's shouting of dismay. Without considering her options, the elf hustles over to Ryanna's room, a state of confusion quickly develops across her face as she realizes the urgency of the situation.**

~Enter Ari.~

Ari: What happened?

Ryanna: *her nearly lifeless spirit feels the magic course through her body, however, she doesn't feel it reach her heart, her eyes remain closed*

Kaede: *a single tear begins to run down his cheek as his frustration begin to intensify, he speaks to Ari* Ari, breathe for her...I am going to try something...*he would then take out a book from his pocket and turn to a single page*

Ari: *she nods and begins to give mouth to mouth resuscitation*

Tassidus: *he moves aside, continuing to administer the magic on her body, paying special attention now to the wound in her shoulder that oozes a deadly green liquid*

**Moments later, Trillean arrives on the scene, but her entrance isn't quite so rushed. She merely creeps around from the doorway, a look of horror appears instantly on her face as she stares blankly at the near-dead Ryanna**

Trillean: What is going on here? What has happened?

Kaede: *begins to speak in the elvish language a prayer of healing to intensify his uncle's magic, working together with him*

Tassidus: *he starts observing the wound, cursing as he sees its familiarity and it's color* I know this poison...it starts from the wound...winds through the heart...and infects the whole body...there is only one thing that can counter it...

Ari: We're losing her! Whatever it is, do it quickly!

Tassidus: *he turns to Trillean* Changeling! Quickly! I need a lock of your hair, and one of Tygar's claw shavings!

Ari: *continues to breath for Ryanna*

Trillean: A...Alright, *she takes out a blade and cuts a lock of her hair off before tossing it to Tassidus*

Tassidus: *he catches the lock of hair in midair*

Tassidus: *he looks towards Kaede* Kaede...your flask...

Kaede: *he nods, handing a flask from his bag to the elder...*

Tassidus: *he lets out a deep sigh* Pray, that the changeling is fast, I don't think Ryanna can hold out much longer...time is like an hourglass, and it's ticking away quickly...

***

**Dashing through the empty hallways, Trillean quickly comes across Tygar who is shaking his fur dry of water, abruptly, she crashes into him and they both fall onto the ground, both slightly dazed. She quickly regains her composure and turns to the fallen feline**

Trillean: *her tense voice speaks up* Wake up Tygar!

Tygar: *he mumbles incoherently as he slowly brushes himself off from the fall* I'm awake, I'm awake....sheesh...

Trillean: Do you have any of your claw shavings?

Tygar: *he looks at her eyes seeing distress* What is wrong? Why do you ask for such...

Trillean: Please, no questions right now, just hurry!

**Nodding, the prince removes the iron brace around his left paw, with a bit of energy, a single claw falls from it's sockets landing in his right paw. Looking up at the anxious female, he holds out the claw for her to take**

Tygar: Here, take the whole thing if you'd like, I can regenerate them...

Trillean: That looked painful...I thank you Tygar...*she takes the claw, giving a quick nod as she storms down the hall back towards the directions of Ryanna's room*

**The feline scratches his head confused as she vanishes as quickly as she came. He walks down the path she came from hoping to find the source of her urgency**

***

**Still out of consciousness, Ryanna begins to intertwine with her mind as she begins to see it's true darkness. From within the darkness, a hand bathed in light reaches out for her, as if promising something extraordinary, to erase all her pain and sorrow* begins to see the true darkness enter her mind, a hand reaching for her from a bright light**

Tassidus: *he takes out some more of his magic dust and applies it to her body* This magic shall slow her blood flow, and give us more time...it was smart of you Kaede to use a prayer, for it will help the dust spread throughout her body...

Kaede: *he nods as he puts the book back into his pocket and sits down on a chair to wait for what happens next*

Ari: *mentally to Ryanna* Come on, pull through!

**Rushing in, Trillean hands the claw she received from Tygar to Tassidus, he takes it and nods his thanks as he immediate begins to scrape the claw to extract the shavings**

Ryanna: *her spirit begins to reach for the hand* Is this...heaven?

Kaede: *he watches his uncle throw the ingredients into the flask, heating it with blue flame from his hands...*

Ryanna: *a voice begins to speak to her mind, one that is familiar to her, yet one she has not heard for a very long time* "Ryanna...you mustn't leave this world yet...there is still so much that is left to be done..."

Kaede: *he puts his hands together hoping for a better outcome* Come on Ryanna, you can do this...

Ari: *she joins in the encouragement* Come on, come on, you're stronger than this silly poison.

Tassidus: *he raises the drink...letting it distill to purity...*

Trillean: Can someone tell me what is going on, and how this happened?

Tassidus: *he sneers* Work through it girl...we are almost there...

Ryanna: * eyes widen and body convulses*

**With his potion finally completed, Tassidus quickly pours the mixture down the girls' throat, helping her swallow since her body cannot on it's own, afterward he lifts up the empty flash where not a single drop of the liquid remains**

Trillean: *she stamps her foot still not getting a single response from anyone, she turns to Ari who know has retreated to a corner* Ari, do you know what happened here earlier? What happened to Ryanna?

Ari: *she sits back, breathing heavily* I got here too late, I just helped. *she turns to Tassidus* Is she going to be alright?

Tassidus: *waiting for the reaction to take place, he speaks to Trillean, still focused on Ryanna* A damned assassin came and vowed to carry out his master's wish of killing Ryanna, also know to him as the Princess of the Elf's ancient Capital City*

Trillean: Oh... ok *she nods*

Tassidus: We are not out of the woods yet, now we just need to bring her back to this world...continue the breathing...

Ari: *she steps forward again and proceeds to get her heart beating*

Kaede: *he takes out the book again and recites another prayer, noticing Ryanna's body serge along every word*

Ryanna: *the voice speaks to her again* "Your friends are waiting for you...you shall not die from the poison, now go....bring back the light to this world...my daughter..."

Tassidus: *he brings the dust to her nostrils, lighting it with the blue fire...attempting to reawaken her...*

Tassidus: *he nods* Again...

Ari: *begins again*

Kaede: *repeats the prayer*

Tassidus: Things are looking better now, once she begins to cough from the side effects, back away quickly...

Tygar: (from the hallways)*hears a small crash from downstairs, and heads back down to check* Geez...what now?

Tassidus: *he turns to Kaede* When that time comes, hold her down...

Ari: *she sits back again awaiting the results of her work*

Ryanna: *her sprit re-enters her body as a slight breathing emits from her nostrils, she begins to have convulsions*

Kaede: *all at once it happens, not sparing a extra second, he holds her down, as the first of the convulsions begins...*

Trillean: *she puts her hands worriedly over her face at the sight of Ryanna's surging body* I can't watch...

Ari: *she stands next to Trillean wrapping an arm around her shoulder, as they both leave the room*

Ryanna: *her mind begins to reawaken as it begins to sense a familiar voice again...this time...belonging to the one who would have tried to kill her...she can still see the blade dripping with the venom*

**Away from the distress, Tygar yawns widely as he begins to walk up the stairs towards the disturbance. A sudden crash from downstairs forces him to turn back and investigate. Upon reaching the main hallway he spots a shadowy figure and a trace of venom dripping from his rapier. Time would only tell the fate of the feline as the dark figure prepared an assault on him**

~Exit All.~

*****

ACT VI, SCENE 3 - Baradun - The Dwarf Cavern - Midnight Clash - 12 a.m.

~Enter Elder Tassidus, Ryanna, Ari, Kaede, and Trillean.~

**The dead of midnight arrives as evil plagues the scene. The heavy convulses of the elf princess begin to subside slightly whilst Kaede continues to hold her down. Tassidus continues to emit the blue fire along the girl's nostrils. A pulse of darkness burns in his mind for a split second as he senses a familiar presence having returned, he growls underneath his breath. Trillean peers in the doorway alongside Ari**

Trillean: *she swallows a stream of air* Is there anything else I can do to help further?

Tassidus: *his ears perk, the bile of anger rising in his throat...* I sense the presence of evil here...Trillean, take Ari with you and go find Tygar. Kaede and I can handle things here...

Ari: *she shakes her head* I don't know what is going on, but as you wish Elder...

Trillean: *Her nose perks up smelling dark magic, she nods to the elder man and turns heading for downstairs*

Ari: *giving a final nod, she leaves the scene following Trillean down the hallway*

***

**The two stand tall as they gaze into each other's eyes from afar. One showing the look of concern, whilst the others' showing the look of death. A light breeze is the only thing making sound for a full minute before either one speaks**

Tygar: *he glares coldly at the man* What are you doing here...

The Assassin: *the cloaked figure shows no response as he lifts a long blade in front of him*

Tygar: *he glares at the dark figure with the eyes of the tiger* That blade...it reeks of blood, within it I sense the life of a friend...

***

Kaede: *he continues to hold Ryanna down, his hands spreading magic as she convulses...*

Kaede: *he turns towards his uncle* What did this? How can such a dangerous poison exist in this world...it is not one to be created by the hands of elf, dwarf, or man...

Tassidus: A hallucinogenic drug...culled from an evil tree...it affects us elves the worst...but, you are correct, it is not produced by any living thing...unless you count the dead as living...that assassin...I'll bet my life savings that he is one of Nelo's followers...

Tassidus: This poison can harm just about any living creator, even humans suffer as well, though less so...and those with beast in their veins seem almost resistant to it...

Kaede: *nods* I see, it would kill her quicker...she being who she is...it would corrupt her blood...

Tassidus: Yes, but the changeling and the tiger have resistances...their help shall clear her body of this...though she may have side effects...

Kaede: *he raises an eyebrow* Such as?

Tassidus: It is the poisoned lotus...so her sight shall be...changed...she may retain her skills, she may not...the cogs of fate decide...

Kaede: But she will gain the ability to see farther, but so will she be troubled by her visions....should she keep them...

Kaede: *nods* So, what's the problem?

Tassidus: You are hopeless at times, you know that? *he sneers* Her sight...she is more fragile now...until she fully heals....it is lucky.

Kaede: For us these side effects are temporary...she may display some of the traits of Trillean or Tygar...

Tassidus: Only time will tell...

Ryanna: *she lets out a painful low scream as her body tries rejecting the magic, causing stress and pain to her life spirit*

Kaede: Be strong Ryanna!

***

**Meanwhile, down in the main quarters of the cavern, a fierce battle is in the making...Tygar attempts to get more information out from the stranger, little does he know that he may very well be staring into the eyes of his death bringer...**

Tygar: Who... Who did you hurt..?.

**At that moment, two familiar females approaching from behind in a quick burst of speed. It is clearly that of the high elf and the changeling, they attempt to rush forward, but Tygar blocks them from interfering**

Tygar: Back, girls...This demon reeks of trouble...

Trillean: *she grabs Tygar by the shoulder* Do not let it enchant you again, he most likely could have that influence on you like Nelo did...

Tygar: *he nods to her and then reinstates his questions towards the dark figure* Speak! Or I shall make you talk! *he brings out his claws*

The Assassin: I have punished a member of the Ancient race....as my master ordered....*he looks up with his dark eyes of vengeance*

Ari: Tygar... *she then looks at the assassin* Who are you?

Trillean: *She walks up closer to the figure one step at a time* What does anyone do to deserve poison?!

The Assassin: Foolish light seekers, you all still have so much to learn...

Ari: *she steps closer, covering her ears with her hair*

Trillean: You're right there about him having a lot to learn but what did she do to deserve poison?

The Assassin: I am a follower of Nelo Angelo, soon to be the lord supreme of this pathetic world...

Trillean: Oh no! *she winces* Great, just great, another lackey!

**Emitting a fog of darkness, The Assassin would at that moment send forth his misty madness towards the foes, letting loose an evil laugh**

The Assassin: Taste the bittersweet scent of death...

Tygar: *he gasps at the sight of the deadly fog and scrambles* Everyone Down!

Trillean: *She coughs and falls to her knees, she sways from side to side*

Ari: *she drops to the ground howling out her friends' names* Tygar! Trillean!

***

**Back in Ryanna's room, the young elf princess begins to speak in helplessness, soft aching words emitting from her voice box, strangly however, the voice is no that of her own, but a deep male voice**

Ryanna: ...Please.....help me......*she clutches her throat gasping hard*

Kaede: *he puts a hand to his forehead and roars* Damn! This is complete madness...

Tassidus: *he shakes his head, completely at a loss...*

Kaede: *he lets out wild cusses, and decides it's time for something drastic, he would then start bringing his mouth to Ryanna's...while grabbing her by the sides of her forehead at the same time...*

Ryanna: *she looks at Kaede as he sees the blackness in her eyes*

Tassidus: *he yells* KAEDE!?! WHAT IN GOD'S NAME ARE YOU DOING?!?!

***

Tygar: *he gets up not letting the smoke cleanse into his mind, he holds his paws out in front of him*

Trillean: *in a crouched position* Gods, someone save us!

Tygar: *shouts* Hold on to yourself, ladies...

Ari: *she focuses her mind, thinking only of Tygar and Trillean*

Trillean: *She closes her eyes losing all thoughts of the world and fading into darkness*

Ari: *she holds onto the wall preparing for the worst*

**Quick bolts of yellowish-green energy flow into Tygar's paws. Upon the energy being gathered, the feline cries out his attack in a fury of rage and hope**

Tygar: Tempestuous Wind!!!

**All at once, the prince unleashes a huge explosion of wind from his paws towards the chaotic mist that approaches them. The mist indeed comes to a halt at a center point between the three and the assassin. Despite the enormous gusts of wind, the assassin remains standing even whilst his cape flutters violently and a variety of objects fly past him**

Trillean: *Her eyes roll in the back of her head as she shakes her head from side to side singing a simple tune*

Tygar: *his attire begin to swirl madly from the great wind*

Ari: *holds tightly to the wall and to her mind*

The Assassin: *he laughs* Simply pitiful, what do you think magic can distal the powers of darkness?

***

Kaede: *his body emanates a red light...slowly covering himself and Ryanna...*

Kaede: *it surrounds Ryanna, immersing itself in her...then exits...*

Ryanna: *she feels light start to enter through her eyes as the blackness starts to fight it*

Tassidus: *he cries out for salvation...as the blackness comes from her eyes like a tornado...*

Ryanna: *she collapses to ground from sheer exhaustion and begins breathing hard*

Kaede: *it circles in the air...and the warrior screams...as the blackness begins to enter him...*

***

**Ceasing only for a few seconds, the incumbent death miasma proceeds forwards towards the group, Tygar heaves a deep breath of stress as his eyes grow tenser by the second**

Tygar: *gasps* Ugh...it's coming back....AYAH! *he sends another burst of wind*

Tygar: *the smoke again swirls away, and yet again, it comes back, seemingly having a mind of its own*

The Assassin: *he laughs again* Give up already! It's useless, there is no way you can save yourself, accept death in it's most graceful form! Wahahaha!!

Trillean: *she speaks into her mind as she looks on the battle between the shadow and the tiger* The end of days has come at last, the future meeting with the past. But I shall bow to the dark, never hearing the warnings they hark.

Tygar: *he roars in frustration as he glances down at the two females on the ground* Ladies...give me your hands...this may be our only chance!!

Tygar: *he reaches out to them* Please, I beg of you! Lend me your strength!

Ari: *she grabs Tygas hand, lending him her strength*

Trillean: *She smiles and lends him her hand, while humming the same tune she used when she saved him once before* I believe in you Tygar, show me your true power...

Tygar: *he gets down on one knee feeling the effects of the spells take him, and the new power surge in his viens*

Tygar: *he looks at Trillean speaking out his regrets* I'm sorry, we may not have that showdown after all... *grins*

Trillean: *she chuckles* This is not the end! Now, drive away the darkness!

Ari: *in Tygar's mind* You are stronger than this! Now is the time for your heritage to shine!

**With renewed strength, the powerful tiger prince sends yet another blast of fierce wind, however, this gust of wind proves to be extensively more powerful than the previous two, his roaring echoing across the cavern like a eruption of power, his true strength being known**

***

**Elder Tassidus looks at Ryanna becoming pleased to find her now breathing again, but upon looking at his treacherous nephew does he find a familiar rage within his body that looks identical to what Ryanna's had just experienced moments ago...**

Kaede: *he opens his eyes, as he takes the darkness in...and starts to convulse...falling to the ground*

Ryanna: *she begins to stir a little, now beginning the recovery process, she lets out a small moan* Uhh...

Kaede: *he stares up at his Uncle...a maddened fit in his eyes...

Tassidus: *he shakes his head in disgust* You wanted to do this all along?! Didn't you?!

Kaede: *he remains silent*

Tassidus: *he becomes torn between two choices* Kaede... I either give you the potion...and save you...or I don't, and you take your chances...This would be my time of revenge upon your soul...

Tassidus: ...I've waited for this moment for a long time, Kaede...

Tassidus: *he draws closer* Still, I didn't want it to end THIS way, although in your current state, I don't fancy your odds...still, you did help save Ryanna...

Kaede: *he looks up at his uncle, but not with a look of rage...*

Tassidus: *he steps back* What is that in your eyes? Pity?

Tassidus: *his eyes narrow* Save your pity for the weak...

***

**The wind blows within the main hallway like a massive cyclone leaping upon it's pray in a gust of fury. Tygar keeps drawing in more energy from the pair as the winds become louder and more powerful. The Assassin forms a small barrier in front of him attempting to shield himself from the air stream, a look of misgivings on his face.**

Tygar: *he grins at The Assassin, clearing seeing the look on his face, a face of carelessness, he sends forth one final blast...*

The Assassin: You may have won this round, pussycat, but you haven't won the war... I'll make everyone last origin of your kind perish! You shall regret this day for the rest of your existence!!

Tygar: Save your mockery...and get the hell out of here! *he directs all his power now on the evil titan*

**The winds become focuses on the minion of evil like a hunter looking for it's morning breakfast. The Assassin's stance begins to push backwards until finally he is flown through the air like a sack of wheat, roaring out a death cry curse... Quickly, the menace fades as the winds die down drastically and all that remains are the three-some**

Tygar: *his appendage still extended, he lets out a huge sigh of relief, he begins to breathe heavily*

Ari: *she rises from the stone floor* Is...is he gone?

Trillean: *Her eyes return to their normal blue color and she goes to her knees on the rocky floor* He is gone for now, but not forever.

Trillean: I don't believe we've seen the last of him...he will be back...

Tygar: *feeling weak, his words become hoarse* Heh...heh....don't...know...my own...strength...

Ari: *she stands in front of Tygar drawing a hand to her chest* I did...

Trillean: *she smiles* As did I...

Tygar: *His body quivering, he gives a final smile before falling forward on his front side, collapsing from sheer exhaustion*

Trillean: *She gets up and walks over to Tygar flipping him on his back, she slaps him across the face* Wake up!

Ari: *she kneels next to Tygar, taking his head in her lap* Get him a glass of the strongest ale they have, Trillean, quickly!

Tygar: *he can barely hear the faint whispers from the females as he is on the verge of going unconscious*

Trillean: *She runs off quickly fetching a glass of ale from the night before that is still warm, with haste*

Trillean: It's dwarven rum, if this doesn't get him started, well than, nothing will. *She hands it to Ari*

Ari: *she props the war cat up enough to help him drink the rum* Here.

Tygar: *he swallows the liquid, at first doesn't respond, but soon...*

Trillean: *she begins to sing a drunkard song* Fifteen men on a dead man's chest. Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!

Ari: *laughs softly* Wake up you silly cat.

Tygar: *smiles and begins to speak in a drunkard's voice* Yeee...haa....hh....*hic* ...Zzzzzzzz *begins to sleep peacefully*

***

**The night drags on with still so much pain and sorrow to be exploited. A beam of light shines through though as the elf maiden, Ryanna, finally begins to stir from her abnormal slumber.**

Ryanna: *she awakens fully as she holds her head* What happened...*she jolts up in bed at the ruminants of the night strike* Where's the assassin?!!

Tassidus: *he smiles to Ryanna* Good child, you are awake, please, help me! Kaede is...

Ryanna: *she slowly drops down from her bed, still feeling a bit ill as she walks over to Kaede and Tassidus* This...is all my fault..

Tassidus: *he shakes his head in disagreement* No child! Not your fault...

Ryanna: *she begins to chant a soothing spell as she closes her eyes and begins to emit a holy light from her fingertips, all while speaking her foreign tongue*

Tassidus: Child, I have a potion...but I shall leave it in your hands whether or not you wish to save Kaede...

Ryanna: *she holds out hand, still looking at Kaede* Give me the potion...please...

Tassidus: Either I let him die, or I heal him...and endanger myself...if he means so much to you...

Tassidus: *in disapproval* No...I shall do it...

Ryanna: Tassidus....He is my friend....whether or not you understand, he helped me understand things....along with anyone of my comrades....I will help them...

Tassidus: Very well then... *he pours the liquid into Kaede's mouth...it begins to have a anomalous reaction as Kaede slowly begins to tremble from head to toe...*

Ryanna: You are hurting him! Stop it Elder!

Tassidus: No, these are natural side effects, you experienced the same thing, now please, hold him down...and keep the dust to his nostrils...

Ryanna: *she holds Kaede down to the ground*

Tassidus: *he pours more of the drink upon Kaede lips, and puts his hands over his forehead...slowly drawing some of the energy into himself...sharing it with Kaede...* This had better work...

Tassidus: *he grimaces, feeling some effects of the lotus pass through him...*

***

**All is quiet in the main quarters, minus the occasional snore emitting from a certain feline's nostril. Trillean and Ari look over at him in a slight awe, but ponder what to do next with his sleeping figure**

Trillean: Is that all cats ever do is sleep?

Ari: *looking over Tygar's sweet sleep* Probably, but at least he's all right now.

Trillean: Yes, I suppose, but we should drag him back up to the hall.

Ari: I guess...

Trillean: *she chuckles* Will you carry him or me?

Ari: I think we both should. He's too heavy for just one of us...

Trillean: Alright then, you take one arm, and I'll take the other...

Trillean: *She hefts one arm over her shoulder*

Ari: *she grabs Tygar's arm and helps Trillean drag him*

Trillean: *His feet drag upon the stairs as they make their way up the long flight of stone steps*

Trillean: Gods, he ate far too much meat!

Ari: I think it's all the ale he drank.

Trillean: I think he threw that up already.

Tygar: *mumbles* ...And no one had more woe, than the loss of Juliet and her Romeo...zzzzzz.....

Ari: What is he mumbling about?

Trillean: *She looks at him strangely* He is an odd one. I have no idea.

Trillean: Some tragic love story.

Ari: Hm... Hopefully not his own.

Trillean: No, no I've heard of that before.

***

**Kaede begins to feel the poison dispel...leaving in it's wake an ugly feeling of weariness, revulsion..**

Tassidus: *sighs* He's getting better...just a little more...

Ryanna: *still weak, she chants another healing spell, this time upon Tassidus, ridding him of the poison slowly*

Tassidus: *he fitches...as the last of the poison begins to recede...*

Ryanna: *looks down at Kaede*

Tassidus: *he turns to Ryanna* You will have to teach me your ways some time...I thank you...

Kaede: *a slight moans excerpts from his lips as he feels his own soul returning and looks up at Ryanna, smiling slightly* ...Can't get rid of me...can you?

Ryanna: *she smiles and shakes her head slowly* I would hit you right now, but I can't... *she laughs*

Kaede: *he returns the laugh with a weak one of his own, wincing only slightly in pain*

Ryanna: *she turns around and looks at Tassidus* Keep the necklace safe...please for now....you need it more than I do right now...

Tassidus: *he nods* My work here is done...both of you now need to rest...I will watch, and this time, I shall not yet a single string of evil pass...I swear it...

Ryanna: Thank you...

Ryanna: *she looks down at Kaede and helps him up*

Tassidus: *he rises from his crouch and takes the necklace from Ryanna* I WAS going to take the room beside yours child...but now since I am standing watching, just give it to Kaede.

Ryanna: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart milord...*she helps Kaede to his room, opens the door and walks him to the bed*

***

**Slowly, but surely, Trillean and Ari carry Tygar over to the dining halls where they stop to take a breather... However, it isn't long before they are up and moving again...**

Trillean: *she motions to Ari* Come, I know where the beds are.

Ari: *she nods as she lugs the prince towards another stairwell*

**The two enter a small room that contains a pile of straw for bedding, to the left on a small table is a cup of water in a small mug**

Trillean: These are the beds.

Ari: *raises an eyebrow* Beds?

Trillean: Dwarves love to show off, but they don't prepare much for guests, hopefully Tygar can manage.

Ari: He'll never know the difference.

Trillean: They set out one for him, they knew he wouldn't be able to climb all those stairs if he was drunk.

Trillean: *She lays him down onto the straw pallet*

Trillean: You over-sized housecat, I swear, he isn't worth half the trouble he produces, still I am grateful he saved us, don't get me wrong...

Ari: *she looks at him for a moment, then turns up at Trillean* I'll stay the night here. You go to bed.

Trillean: Very well... *she nods and leaves the room and heads out into the hallway, she quickly spots a elderly man that resembles Elder Tassidus, she nods a small greeting towards him from across the hall*

Tassidus: *he laughs at Trillean's comment* Aye...he is a hearty one at the table...perhaps you'd like to tell me what happened downstairs with you three...

***

**Meanwhile, Kaede and Ryanna are in a single room at the present moment. Kaede is expressing his thanks to the young maiden as he lays on top of a bed, not quite prepared to go slumber yet**

Kaede: *he breathes softly* Thank...you Ryanna...But, are you alright?

Ryanna: *she smiles and nods* I am....it seems the elf blood in you has taken...some of the side effects....

Kaede: *he nods* Yes...I suppose so....

Ryanna: *she stands up and put her hands on his chest* Lie still.....the loss of energy is still strong...

Kaede: *he laughs and speaks sarcastically* Yes mother...

Ryanna: *she rolls her eyes at the remark and punches him playfully* Don't you start! *she giggles*

Ryanna: *finally, she slowly walks out of Kaede's room and shuts the door behind her leaving him in peace*

~Exit All.~

***

ACT VI, SCENE 4 - Baradun - The Dwarf Cavern - Remembrance of the Past - 2 a.m.

~Enter Elder Tassidus, Ryanna, Ari, Tygar, Kaede, and Trillean.~

***

**All has settled down now in Baradun, as the few remaining souls still awake prepare for a restful retreat. In the hallways are the ones that shall protect the injured for the night, those being Trillean and Elder Tassidus. The two are talking about the recent events that plagued the dwarf mines**

Trillean: *she nods* Milord, tell me, what happened here on this night?

Tassidus: *he quirks an eyebrow* The lotus poison...it was stronger than I knew...

Trillean: How did she get it in her to begin with?

Tassidus: It was someone from the past...an old one he was...he was carrying it on him and merely added it to his dagger...

Tassidus: Only a few know how to make that poison...it seems our enemy Nelo Angelo has obtained the scroll of the formula...this is bad...

Trillean: *she nods* I think I know who you are referring to, as that is whom Tygar, me and Ari were up against downstairs, the one they call...The Assassin. Quite a battle it was, we barely obtained victory...it was sheer hell...

Tassidus: Too many powerful contenders these days, we shall have to keep a closer watch on our surroundings...

Trillean: Indeed, it was Tygar's bravery that saved us...he's fairly weak right now, how do Ryanna and Kaede fare?

Tassidus: Ryanna is fine, Kaede...I could care less right now...

Trillean: *she chuckles lightly* Still have something against him, eventhough he's saved so many...

Tassidus: Perhaps, but he's also taken as many away from this world too...Bah...if I wasn't so soft-hearted tonight...I might have...

Trillean: Enough... Please Milord, the night is still young, spare me the grief, I've had about all I can stand...

Tassidus: *he chuckles a bit bowing his apologizes* I shall stand aground for the night...

Trillean: We shall need to keep a close eye out for poison, it may still linger around here... I don't feel like sacrificing any more of my hair!

Tassidus: *he laughs and gives a warm smile* I thank you for your GREAT sacrifice...

***

**Back in Tygar's room, the feline is smiling in his sleep as he breathes lightly. Overlooking the tamed beast is Ari who feels uneasy with her surroundings**

Ari: *she says to herself* I can't sleep in this place, I'll just stay up the night. *she smiles reassuringly*

Ari: *she takes a seat near Tygar's bed and watches over him*

***

Trillean: *She turns towards the room, observing Tygar from the antechamber* Wonder what that cat is dreaming about?

Tassidus: *he smiles again* Hopefully something pleasant, although with the world dying, it would be exceptionally harder now to do just that...

Trillean: Aye, that is true...

**While the two are chatting away, a shadow blazes out from an opening door up the corridor. Her mind is full of questions, but with no answers in sight. She is looking towards the ground pondering the events that unfolded this night. It's not long before she passes her own room, straying to the balcony in the far corner of the keep**

Tassidus: *he catches sight of a familiar shadow straying and turns to it calling out to it* Stray not far child!

Ryanna: *she looks over shoulder having been discovered, she sighs deeply* I won't milord...

Ryanna: *she turns a corner, disappearing from view*

Tassidus: *he turns to Trillean* Keeps an eye on Kaede, he had to...take in some of the poison...he had to share in it's effects...I doubt he is fully rid of it yet...so he may be weak...

Trillean: *She nods* I will, where is he?

Tassidus: *he pointedly disregards how he had to share its effects as well...*

Tassidus: *he points to Kaede's room* Over there...he is alright for now...I mean when he awakes...is when I am worried...

Trillean: Oh, alright than. Consider it done...

***

**Ryanna continues down her path silently through a hall, it's not long before she stops at a window to gaze out at it's contents. Memories begin to rush back to her like a dog to its master, within the memoirs are the tragic events that brought death to her parents and the near death of her friends. Shaking them off from her mentality, she lets out a heavy sigh and continues down the hallway**

Ryanna: *she reflects on her self* I am a danger to my comrades.....and to everyone around me.....

Ryanna: *in anger, she slams her fist against the stonewall, letting out a small cry afterwards, she holds her hand realizing the severity of her condition*

***

Tassidus: *to Trillean* All I ask of you now is to make sure Ryanna stays out of trouble...she is more important that she knows...

Tassidus: I shall retire for a bit...then I shall try to see what I can do...

Trillean: *nods in acknowledgement* Alright I will try to keep an eye on her for the time-being...

Trillean: Though she is hard to track.

Trillean: Elves, why do you have to be so sneaky?

Tassidus: Sneaky? it's part of our charm...

Tassidus: *he chuckles* Well then, try her scent...it will be easier now, she has not yet bathed the lotus from her body...

Trillean: Alright then...I shall see you in the morning unless further chaos arises yet later this night...

Tassidus: *he nods* Good night to ye, and thank you again Trillean...

***

**Staring at the sleeping figure who lays snug in his bed, the high elf begins to reflect on the past events that had beset her mind before, she begins to speak out loud feeling alone**

Ari: You made me forget about my fears for just a little while. I thank you for that, and I thank you for your heroic deed today...you have proven to be a proud warrior and I am honored to call you friend...

Ari: *she begins to gently stroke his hand, her feelings creeping up to her, quickly, she shakes her head of the thoughts and stops herself. She turns away*

Tassidus: *creeping out from the doorway, he knocks lightly on the outside wall, nodding to Ari upon seeing her eyes turns towards him* If you grow weary, wake me, and I shall take over...

Ari: *she stutters a bit, holding back the oncoming blush in her cheeks* A-alright...I will...good night...

Tassidus: *he waves a departure and heads off to his room to retire*

**Their is a full minute of silence in the room as the redness in Ari's cheeks fades, quickly they turn to alertness as Tygar mumbles out a weak cry from his sleep**

Tygar: ...Don't...leave...me...

Ari: *she quickly retakes his trembling paw* Shhh, you're all right now.

Tygar: *he quickly settles down and begins to wheeze lightly again from his tense breathes*

Ari: *she sits next to Tygar again* Go back to sleep...

Tygar: *he begins to sleep again peacefully*

Ari: *she glances around the room at the sleeping people* I wish I could sleep... *looks up as the ceiling and walls, hugs herself and watches Tygar sleep*

***

**Hot on the trail, the changeling, Trillean lifts her nose to the air following the scent of a poison around the corner. Standing along the balcony wall is her destination, Ryanna...*

Trillean: Milady... *she says meekly*

Ryanna: *she stares at the wall and closes her eyes sensing the changelings' presence*....Trillean...please....just call me Ryanna...

Trillean: *she bows* Of course mi- ...Ryanna...

Trillean: *she walks over to her side, gazing out at the night sky* What is it that troubles you on this night? Besides what's already happened of course...

Ryanna: Myself Trillean....myself brings trouble.....

Trillean: And why do you say that?

Ryanna: .....Everywhere I go....everyone I become friends with....sacrifices themselves for me...

Trillean: *She leans against the wall* Well it is not your fault...and, isn't that what friends are for?

Trillean: I mean, Tygar causes quite a bit of trouble himself, but he's got a good heart...

Trillean: And so does everyone else come to think of it.

Ryanna: *starts shaking a little*...Yes they do, but....these visions...these abilities....they all mean something, but...but I just can't figure out what....

Trillean: What visions are you having?

Ryanna: *she looks out towards the clouds, a light breeze begins to form* It's about the past Trillean....I ran when my people needed me the most.....I ran when elven blood was spilt....I should have been there....but instead...I ran...like a coward....

Ryanna: It will be the end of the world if we fail....I don't know if I can go on...

Trillean: *she nods* It's not surprising the end of the world weighs upon all our minds. And it natural that you ran. We all run away from something...

Ryanna: But it was my duty to stay and fight!

Trillean: And we all had duties and we all fled them just for this chance to give our world peace...

Trillean: Face it, we are all guilty of something...

Trillean: *she smiles* It's hard I know, but we are hear for you, just don't run from your problems, face them head on! Thus, you will feel better knowing that you faced the situation and did all you could...

Ryanna: *she sighs and stands up*...You are right Trillean, I may be afraid of Nelo and his minions, but I shall not run from them, I need to make up for my mistakes....

Ryanna: *she exploits a yawn* I guess now I shall get some sleep....Good night Trillean...

Trillean: *she nods with a soft smile* Sleep tight Ryanna...

Ryanna: *she walks past her and down the hall, again disappearing into the darkness*

Trillean: *She looks warily at her and starts to follow*

Ryanna: *turns and slowly walks into her quarters, and shuts the door behind her*

Ryanna: *silently locks door and walks to the bed*

Trillean: *She turns and makes her way back to the room where Tygar and Ari are*

***

**Back in Tygar's room, the feline tiger begins to have visions of the events involving the black man. He starts to twist and turn a bit. Trillean just happens to be there at that exact moment**

Tygar: *he moans in his sleep* Stay...back...don't touch her....

Trillean: Need any company? *She looks nervously at Tygar* Uh oh, I picked a wrong time to come visit...

Ari: *she takes Tygar's hand in her own* Shhh, I'm here.

Tygar: *his eyes jolt open seeing her face, he calms down substantially*

Ari: *sits back quickly* You okay?

Tygar: Where am I...?

Trillean: *She steps back out of the room peering from around the corner*

Trillean: Is it alright if I come in?

Tygar: Last thing I remember...was the scent of the cavern's floor...

Ari: *she glances at Trillean, dropping Tygar's hand* You can if you wish

Ari: *she turns to Tygar* You're in the Dwarven hall, on a dwarven bed... if that's what you can call it.

Trillean: *she shrugs and enters* I need some company.

Ari: Come and sit.

Tygar: I used too much power....I should have known better.... *feels a jolt in pain serge his sides*

Tygar: We held him off...right....?

Trillean: *She gingerly takes a seat on Tygar's other side* I imagine you have busted some ribs, you scarified much to drive the assassin away.

Ari: *looking back at Tygar* Lie back down, you'll feel better if you do.

Tygar: *raises voice a bit* Where did he go....I won't rest until he's dead...

Tygar: *tries to get up but is pushed back down*

Trillean: Do you think Ryanna will be alright in her room alone? She seems quite depressed, although I would be too if I was poisoned and on the verge of death...

Ari: *shakes her head* I don't understand her at all. *holds Tygar down*

Trillean: I was supposed to watch her, but she locked herself in her room. I personally don't want to get flogged.

Ari: Other than standing outside her room, there isn't anything you can do.

Tygar: *feels the intoxication work back in a bit* Thank you ladies...all 4 of you....

Trillean: *laughs*

Ari: *rolls her eyes* He'll be fine.

Trillean: I know that, seen many men drunk in my lifetime.

Trillean: And most of them family.

Ari: *glances in the direction of Ryanna's room* Maybe someone should check on her. *starts to stand*

Trillean: *She stands up* No, I will, it is my responsibility and my hair that saved her...

Ari: *nods* Okay then. *sits again, smiling at Trillean* Thank you...

***

**Ryanna, meanwhile is dressing herself in sleepwear preparing for rest. She let's her hair lose as it's length falls to past her shoulders, all while humming an old elvish tune, trying to ease her pain. Afterwards, she climbs into her bed and slowly begins to doze off to sleep...but not before...**

Trillean: *She walks off down the hall and walks to Ryanna's door. She knocks lightly* Ryanna! Can I come in?!

Ryanna: *she tosses underneath the covers, but relutently decides to answer the door. She gets up slowly, walks to the door, unlocks it and opens it*

Trillean: *she waves* Just checking in on you.

Ryanna: *she nods* I'm going to sleep now...moreover, was ALMOST asleep until...

Trillean: *she sighs* Alright, alright, my apologizes. I'll see you in the morning. Good night

Ryanna: *she nods and closes the door, re-latching it before slowly curling back underneath the covers once more*

Trillean: *she walks to a table and swipes away some plates. She pulls out a rag to use for a pillow. She crawls up on the table and curls into a ball*

***

Ari: *she takes Tygar's hand once more.* Still seeing double?

Tygar: It's getting better...

Tygar: I feel like I've had some rum...but I don't remember....

Tygar: *he looks at her in concern, seeing her eyes becoming bloodshot red* You should be getting some sleep too...I'm not worth all the trouble.

Ari: *she brushes some strands of hair from her eyes* I can't sleep in this... grave.

Tygar: I'm sure you can find the courage to do so...like you did when we faced the black figure together...

Ari: *smiles* I guess. But you did all the work then, Trillean and I were merely lending you the power.

Tygar: Still...most of that remaining power was not mine...

Tygar: *begins to feel sleepy again*

Ari: Go to sleep, I'll see you in the morning.

Tygar: Only if you will... *smiles*

Ari: All right. *she lays down on the edge of the bed*

Tygar: *he smiles at her figure and falls back asleep*

Tygar: Heaven...indeed...

Ari: *she falls asleep quickly, but fitfully*

**Little did the legions of light know was that this could very well be the last good night's rest they may ever experiences in a long, long time, as the troubles would start to erupt in full force, in the morning...**

***

End of ACT VI

*****

Continue to ACT VII