For this ACT, tigersblood33 shall play as Tygar, Nelo Angelo and Dante. SorceressRIN0A shall be playing Sirona, Trillean will be playing as Trillean, and Cain. Dawnrider31 shall play as Ari. lilmisswonders01 shall play as Ryanna. Kaede83 shall play as Kaede, Arshes and Elder Tassidus.  ShahrazadKM shall play as Csilla, Kaleo, Kari, Jove and Frode. Other Characters will be play by whomever.

ACT XIX, SCENE 1 - High Tower Castle - Final Morning Before the Storm - 3:45 a.m.

**Enter here**

***

~Enter Kaede, and Trillean.~

Trillean: *she rests in the gardens peacefully, but with her sword never too far from her side*

Kaede: *he silently approaches her, smiling at her peaceful serene-looking figure in the pale moonlight. He whispers into her ears*  Wake up...my love...

Trillean: *her eyes dark open, as she quickly brings out her sword to his neck. She gasps, quickly realizing her mistake as she puts in down* K-Kaede?! It's...you...!

Kaede: *he stutters a bit, feeling the wind brush against a slight mark on his chin* ...Well, err... I see you're always on patrol...even in your sleep...

Trillean: *she apologizes again and again* A wolf never lets his guard down... You must remember not to sneak up on me like that...

Kaede: *he grins cheekily* Then...how else am I to awaken thee?

Trillean: *she thinks hard* Well...a douse of water tends to work well, although I would typically be pissed at anyone who would dare actualize such a measure just to wake me...

Kaede: *he laughs* Well, I guess I'm in a fix either way then...aren't I?

Trillean: *she laughs* Sorry I'm so difficult...

Kaede: *he hugs her* No worries...it keeps things interesting...

Trillean: *she smiles embracing the hug*

Trillean: I'm glad you managed to make it back, you're...not a ghost are you?

Kaede: *he chuckles* No-no, I'm not... We have some minor trouble in Dante's chambers, but it wasn't...entirely troublesome for us...

Trillean: Alright...then, now that you are back, I would like to speak with you on something...

Trillean: *she looks down at the grass* Would...would you do anything for me?

Kaede: *he quirked an eyebrow* What brings this up all of a suddenly, I should think the answer would be obvious... Of course I would...

Trillean: *she smiles sweetly entwining one of her fingers in a lock of his hair* You really mean that?

Kaede: *he nods, wrapping his arms around her waist* Yes...well besides killing you of course... *he chortles*

Trillean: *her eyes appear very serious, as she brings about her proposition* Than get rid of Arshes...

Kaede: *he arches an eyebrow* Hmm...as much as I'd love to...I can't...

Kaede: As you should know by now, she's one of the last seals holding Dante's powers in check...

Kaede: If she dies, Dante would reign supreme. He would simply be unstoppable...

Kaede: *he curses* ...And Arshes knows it, she's flaunting it at us, daring us to violate it...

Kaede: But I can't blame her entirely...ever since her birth she's been a tool for the darkness...

Kaede: And...I as well...

Trillean: *she scoffs* Than at least put her in the bloody dungeon. Anything to keep her out of my sight and to make her suffer...

Kaede: *he grins* An admirable plan, but High Tower is known more for its hospitality. Worry not Trillean, this castle has more defenses than you know...we are as safe as we CAN be...

Kaede: *he grins, drawing her in closer* Though if you want to feel SAFER...

Trillean: *she shakes her head* No I want her gone...

Trillean: To keep her away from me and you.

Kaede: *he sighs* You more dismayed than usual... Did something happen between the two of you?

Trillean: *she seethes* Yes something did...

Kaede: *he eyes gazes openly into the placid waters of the pond* What Trillean?

Trillean: I almost killed her.

Trillean: But some fools called friends stopped me from accomplishing such a task...

Kaede: *he laughs* Oh? Is that all? *he grins* Sounds like just another typical day to me...

Trillean: You laugh like this is some kind of joke! I should have killed her...

Trillean: Sirona ended up separating us, then she took her off into a room... *she growls* I'm starting to despise her now too...

Kaede: I'm sorry, are you...alright?

Trillean: *she grimaces saying nothing*

Kaede: Well, I find the end result to be fairly reasonable, I mean, they are both partly Atlantiean...

Kaede: They share a common bond...but I trust Sirona enough to know the difference between real friends and pretenders...see...

Kaede: While Arshes was fond of me, she would rather have had her power...feed her lust for more and more...it was what doomed her before...it will doom her again...

Kaede: *he sighs* Old habits never truly die...

Kaede: *he turns to her and lifts her chin* But... it's not Arshes I want to worry about...

Kaede: *he silences any further uncertainty with a kiss...*

Trillean: *she kisses him back, but gingerly, her pride still injured from the break up of the fight*

Kaede: *she smiles, drawing her in, disregarding the need to breathe, as he tries to completely envelop her in warmth and security, wrapping his arms about her*

Trillean: *she kisses him back and falls back onto the grass*

Kaede: *he smiles down at her, knowing she must be in pain, not settling against her in a way that will hurt her...he runs a hand along her side, gently caressing her as he sighs*

Trillean: You know... *she begins to say as he watches him edge his hand closer to her side* Sirona also shocked me with her magic...there...

Kaede: *he winces* Ooh, that must have felt nice...

Trillean: *she smirks without humor* Oh yea. Wonderful...

Kaede: *he grins* Well, allow me to soother those pains away, here...turn over...

Trillean: *she looks at him oddly and turns over*

Kaede: *he nods, pinching and easing the muscles, molding them in his hands, finding the tight spots and relaxing them* How about now, feel any better?

Trillean: *she sighs and moans slightly at the touch* Actually yes... A lot... Thank you...

Kaede: *he smiles* I've always been good with my hands you see...

Trillean: *she smiles* I...see...you'll have to show me more when this mess is all over and done with...

Kaede: I'll hold you to that, then... *he grins*

Kaede: *he leans against the tree overlooking the pond, reveling in the shade* Preparations for leaving High Tower are nearly complete, there are just some...small obstacles to work out and then we leave...

Kaede: We don't have much time left to bask in this moment, you know...

Trillean: I figured as much...

Kaede: *he glances at Trillean* Would you mind if I spent them with you?

Trillean: *she yawns, laying back against the grass* Whatever you want...

Kaede: *he nods, resting back against the tree, closing his eyes, sighing* I am so weary...I swear I will need a long rest after this...

Trillean: *she groans* Yea... that would be nice, wouldn't it?

Kaede: *hee fingers the ring attached to the pendant above his chest, thinking about the one he gave to Trillean...*

Trillean: *she holds out her hand to show the ring that she still wore* Remember you gave me this?

Kaede: *he glances at her* How could I forget?

Kaede: It is my essential undying hope that we can be together...it is as much a part of me as you are...now...

Trillean: *she grins sheepishly* I will always be a part of you, and I hate to say this but so will Arshes...

Kaede: *he shakes his head* Arshe is a part of me that was darkness...that was careless...and a part of me that I must live with for the rest of my life. True, but I don't have to care for it...

Trillean: *she leans against his chest, her eyes drooping heavily* What if we don't survive this Kaede?

Kaede: *he smiles at Trillean* The only thing I need to care about is my friends…and the woman I love...all I need to think about is you...and the rest doesn't matter...

Kaede: Not anytime soon, I'm too stubborn, and I'm too stubborn to let you leave me... *he grins, stifling a yawn*

Trillean: *she nuzzles against him and sighs happily*

Kaede: *he wraps his arms about her, listening to the rise and fall of her breath, enjoying the constant rhythm against his body*

Kaede: I'll tell you one thing, the idea of rising and falling with you, sunrise or sunset, whichever the case may be, is enticing...I don't care what happens, I've got you with me...I've got my friends, my family...and you...

Trillean: *she yawns again* I am glad to hear that...  What if I were to die Kaede, what would you do than? 

Kaede: *he looks deep into her eyes, and begins to caress her hair* I'd follow you in and pull you back...just so we could be together again...I've lived an eternity Trillean, but none of it means anything without you...I'd trade it in an instant...

Kaede: *he seals it with a kiss, craving the feel of her lips against his own, unable to stop himself...*

Trillean: *she draws him down to her putting her hand around his neck*

Kaede: *he shudders in her grasp, drowning in her arms, needing her close, not wanting to let her go...*

Trillean: *she draws away from him* Kaede, we really need to get some sleep...

Kaede: Sounds like a good plan... *he yawns again* The world of slumber calls me...

Kaede: *he leans against the tree, beginning to close his eyes*

Trillean: *she lays down on the grass and sighs and lets sleep claim her*

Kaede: *he smiles* If anything had gone right in his life, it was all contained within these walls...everything he had to be thankful for...and a few things he didn't, but that's how life went...

~Exit Kaede & Trillean.~

***

**Kali and Tassidus**

~Enter Kali & Elder Tassidus.~

Tassidus: *he lays in bed, starting endlessly at the ceiling. He looks besides him at Kali who is also facing a similar situation, he speaks* Hmm, so, are you really going to be ready when we go toe-to-toe with Dante and his cohorts?

Kali: *the mage stretches* I'm a natural born fighter...plus, Dante and I have a score to settle.

Tassidus: *he nods* Yes, I can see that...but sometimes the wear on the mind matters more than the wear on the body Kali…

Kali: *she nods* That is true, but I am ready for this.

Kali: Dante betrayed us long ago, this battle will be the end to many years of pain and heartache.

Tassidus: Be careful, sometimes the challenge isn't the battle...it's seeing it through to the end, and making a life afterwards...

Kali: *she grins* Hmm, I'd think you were telling me this because you were leading me onto something...

Tassidus: *he turns to Kali and takes hold of her left hand, he whispers gently to her*...My dear, what would you do after this is all over?

Kali: *she smiles* I can't say I've really had time to sit down and think about it, but... *she grins* I am open to suggestions...

Tassidus: *he nods*  Well...when this is over...would you mind...that is...I'd like to start a new life again...would you come with me?

Kali: *the elder mage smiles* My dear Tassidus...so soon?  You hardly know me.

Tassidus: *he touch her cheek gently and whispers to her* …Let’s just call it a hunch, then, that I feel we could live happier ever after…

Kali: A picture perfect story book ending… Mmm… I'd like that...

Tassidus: I am drawn to you, and I would hope that you were at least drawn to me after all the time we've spent together in the castle…

Kali: *she grins* Well, so long as we all make it out…alive, of course, I’ll have to seriously contempt with your offer, won’t I? *she giggles*

Tassidus: *he smiles giving her a hug* Well then, I’m looking forward to everything once this is all over…

~Exit Kali & Elder Tassidus.~

**Ari and Tygar**

~Enter Ari & Tygar.~

Ari: *her eyes sparkling, she looks at Tygar as she nuzzles against his fur*  Mmm, I never get tired of having a warm blanket near me all the time like this... This is certainly one of your redeeming quality Tygar...

Ari: *she intertwines her fingers with Tygar's and closes her eyes.* I wish this moment would last forever, but...this will probably be our last night in peaceful bliss like this...

Tygar: *he smiles as he kisses her passionately* Good thing your mum is asleep...

Ari: *she bites his lip playfully*  I know...  I'd hate to see the look on her face if she suddenly just came waltzing in here...  *she kisses him.*

Ari: *she begins to laugh as she is kissing him consistently* That just...wouldn't...be...fun...

Tygar: *murmurs in between kisses* Woah, that was just a bit too rough there. Remember who's the frisky feline one here? *he laughs*

Ari: *smiling*  Always, of course, you're no fun... *she brushes his lips once again*

Tygar: *he laughs kissing her back* ...Well, I didn't say I hated it in the least...

Ari: *she laughs* You know Tygar... I find our love like an adventure, and... I like adventures... *she kisses him again*

Tygar: *he smiles seductively* I think I know where this is going... And I just want to say that I really don't have any objections whatsoever...heh heh...

Ari: *she winks* That's what I wanted to here...

**Suddenly from somewhere in the room, Ari hears a throat being cleared politely. She hastily turns and blushes violently at the sight of her Mother stating there. She blushes a bright maroon red and gasps*  Mother!  I...uh...I thought you were resting...

Tarelda: *she raises an eyebrow, but is smiling* Well, this certainly comes off as quite the surprised...

Tarelda: *she forces a chuckle* But you know...your Father and I were quite the spirited young lovers when we were about your age...

Tygar: *seeing Ari's mother, he works up a sweat quickly*  Your highness...I mean... I wasn't going to REALLY suggest we...

Ari: *she nods sheepishly, trying to switch the subject* So...ahh...how do you feel? Are you better now?

Tarelda: A bit, but I could really use a bath. Do you know of a place to bathe around here, even at this unholy hour?

Tygar: *he smirks* Ba...bathe....

Ari: *she stands giving an apologetic glance at Tygar that means, 'We'll finish this later'. She then leads her mother to a bathing room down the hall*

Tygar: *he pouts, his tail sagging underneath the sheets* Oh darn...I just knew the moment was too good to be true!

Ari: *she suddenly reappears from the doorway, as she closes it soundly. Turning away from the door, she walks back to where she left Tygar and resume her ever additive charm*  Now then, where were we?

Ari: *sitting next to him she simply takes her hand in her own and leans on his shoulder, sighing contently for the moment*

Tygar: *he grins at her, his tail resuming its sharp stance* Well now...right about here I think... *he kisses her full on the lips*

Ari: *she smiles* ...This is going to be a...very interesting night, I can promise you... *she ducks under the covers giggling*

***

**Cain and Ryanna.**

Ryanna: *her sleeping is frequency disturbed by the voices of the dead that reach out to her mind from within her pendant*

Ryanna: *she breaks herself free from the mentally disturbing images, and hears a slight creek come from behind her chamber's door*

Cain: *he steps in, covering up a small yawn* Ryanna...

Ryanna: *she hides under the covers a bit, only her face showing, she turns a hot pink* Cain? ...W-what are you doing here? You should be sleeping, resting up for our departure later this morning...

Cain: *he nods turning away for a moment to look out of the window that shows the sickening landscape below* I couldn't sleep... I wanted to see you again, in case it would be the last time in such a peaceful setting...

Ryanna: *her lips curl up into a grin* I'm touched. Really, I am...

Cain: ...I thought I heard you in your sleep... Are you alright?

Ryanna: I'm sorry, even though I now have control over my ability to see the pawns of darkness, I couldn't resist to see their current progress...

Ryanna: Cain...they've killed...they've killed so many... I can hear their voices...their souls.  Their in pain...there are so many...*she lets out a sigh as tears begin to form*

Cain: *he crotches down besides her, holding her hand* Who are they killing?

Ryanna: *she squeezes his head and frowns* ...The land of the high elves, were targeted first... I'm pretty sure Ari has already received news of the mayhem...

Ryanna: ...And the second... *she looks away* was your homeland Cain...

Cain: *he gasps, raising his voice slightly* No...noo! ...Tell me Ryanna...what of my people? What of Viraikale?!

Ryanna: *she stutters* The death toll is...too high to count... Your castle is mostly destroyed... Disease spoils the landscape...

Ryanna: *her breathing becomes rigid* But...overcoming the odds, and with the unexpected assistance from Tigera, your clansmen managed to... somehow survive the onslaught... due to the carelessness of Dante...

Ryanna: Had Dante... not made the costly error that he did... Viraikale... as you know it... would simply have been blow into oblivion...

Ryanna: *she clutches my shirt tightly, near the heart area*

Cain: *he feels her forehead and looks her deep into her eyes* Steady milady... Don't let it all out at once... I can wait as long as I have to in order to hear the details...

Cain: I am...somewhat relieved we managed to make it out of the battle with some of our heads intact. I fear another assault, however, would completely wipe the rest of our clans out...

Ryanna: Yes...and that is why our timing is so critical...

Ryanna: But...even with our combined forces... *she looks up to Cain with pained and frightened eyes*

Cain: *he puts a finger to her lips silencing her* I shall not hear of such ill-fated words. Our future will be decided by our hands, not by a proposition.

Cain: *he grins* They may have the numbers...but we have an edge they don't...we have minds...we have strategy..

Cain: Not much to LOOK at I admit, but in the end...it'll evens out...

Cain: In the end, it's all down to who wants it more...who will fight for it until the very end...

Ryanna: *she sighs* I...I...

Cain: Let's move on to something more pleasing, like the situation that revolves around the two of us... *he grins*

Cain: Well...what do you plan...to do after this?

Cain: I plan to go home and visit family you?

Ryanna: I...well...to be honest...I don't know what I'm doing....

Ryanna: I'll probably be returning to my lands, and will try to progress the rebuilding of our Capital...

Ryanna: To rebuild...what was destroyed so long ago... *she closes her eyes for a moment and sighs*

Ryanna: Although with so few of us left, we don't have the manpower, nor the funds to do it very quickly...

Cain: Hmmm perhaps I shall come with some of my best carpenters and assist you... I am sure High Tower's skilled craftsmen would also be more than willing to help considering most of them feel partially responsible for those events that transpired long ago...

Ryanna: *she looks up at Cain* You...would?

Ryanna: It's just...I thought you wouldn't want to...I mean with your family and all....

Cain: My father will not be pleased to be sure, to have his son fall for an elf.  But I will not leave you behind because of it.

Ryanna: *she smiles and gently rests a hand on his cheek* I don't know what society will think of us either...but I don't want us to separate...because of it....I don't care what people think of us...

Cain: Yes indeed... *he smiles* Now... You need your rest. Tomorrow, our men leave, whether or not Kaede and the others are ready... My father grows impatience and I'm sure the news of his kingdom's only meager victory will come as the final push to battle... *he gets up, as if ready to leave*

Ryanna: *her anxious voice rises as she views his back* You're leaving? Err...Umm...Cain...

Cain: *he turns back* Yes Lady Ryanna?

Ryanna: *she slowly gets up and stands near him, forcing a smile. Then she embraces him completely* Thank you so much for coming tonight... It means a lot to me...

Cain: *he holds her in his arms and smiles* Aye, I am glad I was able to spend a little more time with you before our departure tomorrow...

Ryanna: *slowly walks out of the stables and enters High Towers* No...I...I just still...hurt a little.....

Ryanna: *she kisses back gently on the lips* I...I think I may...no...I know that I'm falling love with you... Forgive me and my childish crush, but I cannot help feeling something that I've longed for so much, and you've been the first to touch my heart so tenderly...

Cain: *he returns the act grabbing her at the waist* Well, I think I can relate to your cause somewhat... *he chortles*  And...in all the people I've met, no one has cared or touched me so deeply as you...

Cain: *he kisses her once more, then carries her gently back to her bed*

Ryanna: *she blushes as she feels the sheets brush her skin*

Cain: Good night, love...and...

Cain: *he pauses for a moment, then shakes his head* No...I'm sure I WILL see you again...count on it!

Ryanna: *she sighs happily* Fare thee well warrior...and sweet slumbers to you as well...

***

**Dante and Nelo Angelo**

Nelo Angelo: *he laughs into the burning flames...tearing through the thresh of men before him...*

Nelo Angelo: *everywhere he looks...men, women...children...they fall...*

Dante: *strolling behind the pack of undead minions, the savage follows at the end* You know, I just got a brilliant idea...

Dante: Since it would appear those light-bearers are going to departure tomorrow towards the Dune, maybe I'll send out some early morning mischief - a welcoming party if you will... It should be a interesting way to start the day, hahaha... *he summons a small group of combined forces to assemble before him*

Dante: *he cackles in delight as he sends off the small group towards the Mosaic Forest that lies beneath High Tower*

Nelo Angelo: *he grins* The early bird gets the unsuspecting worm...

*~Exit All.~*

**End of Scene 1**

***

ACT XIX, SCENE 2 - High Tower Castle - Threading into Deeper Waters - 7 a.m.

**Enter here**

***

**Sirona sits beneath a large oak tree just outside of High Tower, the mass amount of leaves shading her body from the warmth of the sun as she ponders the recent events. She opens her eyes softly, staring down at the metal staff laying by her side.  So simple her life had been, as a mage in High Tower...but the information of her background had changed her life completely. Arshes, her sister is already sitting besides her, smiling as she helps her to her feet*

Trillean slices through the air with an instinct undeniable. Blow after blow she deals to her imaginary opponent. Swiftly pivoting on her heel she ducks and makes a quick strike, the sweet rolling off her brow. Reversing it into a backhand swing she lifts the blow up to shoulder level, cutting down quickly to make it a diagonal strike.  At last satisified with her training, she stoops over heaving out breaths of steam.

Kaede shakes his head, awakening from the short slumber he had been taking. Looking over at Trillean and her training, he smiles contently before he begins to gather his gear. Checking everything over, and rechecking them again, he calls out a 'Good Morning' to his love and makes his way into the castle corridors to raise the others...*

Tygar yawns sheepishly as he blinks twice before realizing his surroundings once more, the sleeping Ari lays upon his fur in a peaceful sleep. He slowly replaces her resting place with a pillow as he gets out of bed and begins to dress back into his gear. He tries to stifle a yawn, wondering if breakfast would be served before their departure. Soon after, Ari mumbles incoherently and reaches out only grasping air and a pilow. Alarmed that her prince is not within her immediate reach, she sits up, here eyes still adjusting to the pale light. Seeing that Tygar has already begun to prepare himself for the morning departure, she slumps out of bed and begins to don her own belongings*

Ryanna clutches the pendant around her neck and kisses it for good luck before she slides out of bed and begins to gear up for the upcoming battle. She glances around her room for the final time and thanks the tower personally for everything with a prayer.

Csilla, with several of High Tower's most acclaimed mages, including the half-goblin Kaleo and oisin Jove are lined up in front of High Tower's front gates. Frode looks on above with disgust... Kali is near situing on a bench awaiting the arrival or Elder Tassidus whom is still preparing inside of High Tower. Cain and Trillean's father, Faolun, along with their soldiers of war are in front of the pack.

Kaede: *he passes his uncle as they walk through the halls, and nods* Ready to leave?

Tassidus: *he grunts* About damn time...Nelo Angelo won't wait forever...in fact, our belated departure ushered the end of many more lives that could have been saved...

Kaede: *he nods, heading towards the main gate* You don't need to remind me, their screams haunt my dreams every night. Now, let's gather at the front gates and wait for the others... *he walks away, a grimace set on his face*

Trillean: *she ties her harp to her side, than sliding down the banister rail of the main stair well, she makes her way out to the main courtyard. With a sharp whistle she summons her ride: a silver unicorn stallion.*

Trillean: *she murmurs to him quietly nudging his head with her own. Mounting him swiftly she heads off towards the main gate*

Tygar: *his ears perk at the sound of the unicorn and he smiles* She's always got someone to ride... *he begins to think to himself, praying that White Wind, his faithful steed is still down below unharmed*

Arshes: *she shakes her head, hearing the noise of the preparations for war...and makes her way to the fore of the castle...*

Sirona: *she quickly follows from behind, holding her staff firmly in her hands*

Kaede: *as he walks through the halls, he passes his Aunt...the Dragoness in Human Form...* Lokiju...

Lokiju: *she greets him* Hello Kaede...are you ready?

Kaede: *he bows slightly* Yes, we are all anxious to leave...

Lokiju: *she sighs, nodding sadly* Yes...it has come down to this...let us go...

Kaede: *he blinks* Wait...you are coming with us?

Lokiju: *she laugh* But of course...I can't very well let my friends and family head off without me...

Cain: *he watches his sister approaching from the entranceway* Ahh, well, I see my sister isn't the only one riding in style eh?

Arshes: *she glances around the castle as she makes her way, and ducks behind a corner as she catches sight of Kaede and Lokiju...fingering the crystal imbedded in her chest...*

Cain: Now you know the plan: we'll split into two when the battle comes. I want archers in the back and horsemen at the forefront.  But for now we ride ahead to scout for the enemy... *he watches as his followers fly outside the gates towards the forest below. He holds back as long as he can in order to catch a glimpse of Ryanna*

Ryanna: *she quickly rushes over to the stables at pets her mane, Raine. Riding out behind the group, she catches a glimpse of Cain and his mighty stallion in the distance. She waves at him, smiling.*

Cain: *he grins, feeling his pep and fighting spirit increase, he nods and races behind his band of warriors*

Tygar: *he rushes downstairs, entering the main hall spotting a few of his comrades in the distance*

Ari: *she follows behind Tygar, before she suddenly is face to face with her Mother, who has a pleading look of despair in her eyes*

Tarelda: Ari? *she begins, a temor in her voice* Where are you doing?

Ari: *she points to the front gates* I am off to fight, Mother... We have already discussed this many times...

Tarelda: *taken aback, the elder elven woman stands, her mouth agape*  You can not go, I forbid it! I've lost too much already, I shan't lose you as well!  *she begins to tear up in her eyes*

Ari: *shaking her head* Don't worry Mother. It's the right thing to do. You'll be safe here for the mean time. *she embraces her mother and managed to utter between light sobbing* I love you...  *she pats her mother's arm and turns away to join the others, a silent sob on her lips*

Kaede: *he walks outside the doors with his aunt...and stops as he catches sight of Trillean* Hello...

Kaede: *then he catches the look in her father's eyes...and nods in return*

Trillean: *she bows her head, having for once advantage of height over him thanks in part to her steed* Hello.

Sirona: *she appears from the doorway and stands besides her fellow mages*

Arshes: *she sighs, walking outside behind them, and calls out* Greetings Kaede...are you ready for the battle...?

Kaede: *he turns around, glancing at her sideways* What are YOU doing here?

Arshes: *she grins* This is my fight too...

Sirona: *she nods to Arshes with a small smile* So you really are coming as well? That makes my heart flutter a bit lighter...

Arshes: *she nods* But of course...

Tassidus: *he comes upon them, his dragon mount hovering above them* Watch your back Sirona...Arshes isn't exactly the best of company...

Sirona: *she smiles up at Tassidus* I can take care of myself, but I thank you for your consideration...

Arshes: she raises her fist at him, shut up old man...I will hold my own...

Tygar: *his notices Arshe's presence and forces a small grin* She's certainly got a worthy fighting spirit...

Trillean: *she rests her hand on the unicorn's neck, almost a little too roughly in part due to the presence of the Atlantiean*

Ari: *she shrugs looking towards Tygar* I hope we can at least not draw swords against each other along the journey...

Tassidus: *he says nothing, scanning among the ranks* Where is Kali...?

Kali: *she rushes over to the group and glances up at Tassidus on the dragon with a small smile* Hello everyone!

Tassidus: *he catches sight of her, and grins* Care for a ride?

Kali: *she smiles and nods* I would love to!

Tassidus: *he nods, offering her a hand behind him on the dragon*

Kali: *with his aid, she pulls herself up behind him*

Kaede: *he pets Trillean's mount and then whistles for his own* Will you ride alongside me? It would do my heart grand...

Trillean: *she glances back at him* If you can keep up, you can...

Kaede: *he kicks his horse's flanks lightly, and nods to Trillean* I won't forget the last time...

Kaede: Now then, let's ride in the front...

Tygar: *his neck turns to the sound of a pack of oisins* Ah, it's our transport committee...*

Ari: *mounting an oisin, she sits stiffly onto the winged creature to keep herself from looking back*

Tygar: *he leaps on an oison* Now then, clarify our destination Tassidus... For those of us who haven't been around...

Tassidus: *he raises his mount, and waves at those below him* To the Heights of Dune, no the keeps to the East... We shall make a stop there first and meet with my gatherers...

Kaede: *he looks slightly surprised that his uncle would go farther out of the way*

Csilla: *she approaches Sirona and Arshes, smiling kindly to the two of them* Are you both ready?

Arshes: *she smiles back* Of course... *she turns to Sirona* Please stay back here with me though sister...

Sirona: Okay.

Sirona: *she smiles to Arshes* Of course if you are around, I don't think I will feel quite so nervous...

Sirona: This is my first real battle you know...

Arshes: *she nods* Don't worry...you have the techniques needed to pull through... I'll stick with you...

Sirona: *she nods* Yes, of course...

Tygar: *he watches as Csilla mounts her oision Jove and smiles* I should hope the young ones here will cooperate...

Csilla: *she chuckles, nodding to Tygar* I should hope so!

Kali: *she falters, catching her balance by putting her arms around his waist, then pulls back, blushing* Sorry... Not use to this mode of flight...

Tassidus: *he nods back* It's alright Kali...I don't mind the weight...

Tassidus: *he grins back, and reigns down on the dragon, so it moves a bit slower*

Kali: *she blushes redder before nodding and placing her arms around him again*

**Approaching Centuar**

Ari: *her ears perk up and she tilts her head.*  Odd.  Anyone else hear drunken singing, or am I just hearing things?

Tygar: *he listens to the odd lyrics and slurs* What in the...

Trillean: *she laughs* For once it's not me...

Ryanna: *she brings out her bow, waiting for the figure to draw a closer view*

Kaede: *he arches an eyebrow, drawing his sword as he looks to the foliage* Who is that...?

Tassidus: *putting his nose to the air he inhales deeply* I smell centaur...

Tygar: *he readied his claws, in case the figure should attack with some strange drunken technique*

Enter Azure

Azure: *she sings to herself as she walks* The gypsy rover came over the hill, and down through the valley so shady... He whistled and he sang 'til the green woods rang,  and he won the heart of a lady!

Ari: *she nods*  Definitely a Centaur.

Tygar: *he places a paw on his forehead* As if things couldn't get any worse...

Trillean: Drunken singing.  *turning in her saddle, she calls out to the others* Anyone else want a drink? I've been sober too long...

Kaede: *he chuckles* I don't think this is a proper time, Trillean...

Azure: *her singing becomes clearer as she approaches the tower* Oh I dream of a quest, where I'll get lots of rest, and the monsters will be far away... Where seldom I'll see, something bigger than me, and the wealthy will happily pay!

Azure: ...Or I can just wait by this gate fence, and pick pockets of those who go by! *she laughs to herself*

Csilla: *she chuckles on her mount, shaking her head*

Tassidus: *he looks down upon the crowd, and shakes his head* Young people...so careless...

Trillean: Well I happen to like centaurs. *she takes a sip of her beverage* They are colorful people...err creatures...

**As the singing centaur gets closer, it is certainly obvious what she is. She has varying shades of blue from cobalt on her hooves to the periwinkle of her hair...**

Azure: I see a red door, and I want it painted black... No color's anymore... I want them to change it back...

Ari: Odd coloring.  Never seen one such lovely shades of blue.

Kaede: *he catches sight of the centaur, and takes it all in stride* Well, certainly a poetic creature indeed...

Kaede: *he glances at Lokiju again, point out Csilla in the back with the other mages, and nods* Should Csilla really be coming with us?

Lokiju: *she laughs* Are you joking?  She'd never let us go alone...

Kaede: *he nods, chuckling* True...

Csilla: *she glances back at Kaede* Good to know you two know me so well!  *she turns her mount to move beside them*

Kaede: *he laughs fully* Of course, dear cousin...

Kaede: I daresay, your ability to turn into a dragon will be quite an asset...

Csilla: *she chuckles* Of course...I'm sure it will be necessary...

Arshes: *she sighs, making sure nobody else is in ear shot* Sirona...listen to me....you know they don't trust our kind...you saw what happened...if you see a chance to get away, or take the upper hand...take it...

Sirona: *she raises a brow* I will not abandon my friends, what is it you wish me to do?

Arshes: *she shakes her head* Just be watchful...that's all...

Sirona: *she nods* And you too, my sister...

Azure: I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes, I have to turn my head until my darkness goes... *she is now obviously female since centaurs don't wear clothes*

Trillean: *she glances over at Kaede* I swear to the gods if you so much as glance at that centaur...you'll know what's coming to you...

Kaede: *he looks at her, furrowing his eyebrows, then slowly gets it...* Ah...well I'm glad you think so highly of me.... *he grins*

Tassidus: *he kicks the flanks of his dragon* I ride ahead...we will meet up with you with my greetings party...

Kali: *she tightens her grip to keep steady, the wind whipping through her hair*

Azure: *she stops at seeing the party* Hello there, my fellow travelers! *she trots up to them without fear*

Tygar: *he turns to Ari* Are you ready? You don't look so peachy...

Ari: *She smiles weakly* I had to say goodbye to my mother... again.  She made it somewhat... difficult as usual...

Kaleo: *He rides up beside her glancing over certain parts* Well Hellooo...

Kaede: *he hails to the centaur* Hail, oh poetic creature of the morning... Are you seeking to ally with us? We would greatly appreciate the help...

Azure: Allies, sir? *she looks around* Oh, war party! A bit of advice, the town down the road is totally looted already. He's burning the corpses now...

Kaede: *he glances at Kaleo and shakes his head laughing* He certainly can be quite a character...

Csilla: *she fumes slightly* Although he's got a naughty mind at heart at times...

Trillean: Corpses? *she pipes up*

Trillean: So the devil himself has struck again, has he?

Ryanna: *she closers her eyes, now knowing for sure that her pendant only shows the truth*

Azure: I'll not be one for sayin', my lady. I'm just a wandering bard and a Whitterpins. But I'll gladly join you in your travels...

Kaede: *he curses* Let's hurry up then...we don't want to get caught between their forces while we are split...

Csilla: *she shakes her head sadly* Such carnage must be stopped, we need to hurry...

Ryanna: *she gasps* Another bard! Hey Trillean, at last you have a companion!

Kaede: *he grins* Well, now we can hear a duet instead of solo, that should be interesting...

Trillean: Aye yes it should.  *she grins at the newcomer* Join me in a song some time.

Kaede: *he laughs* Just keep away from the rum if you want to stay awake...

Tygar: *his pendant shimmers as his eyes are at peace, he grins* Let's get down to business then...I have a kingdom to re-build!

Ari: *nods curtly* As do I.

Azure: We've got a bit of a road, but I'd be honored to sing with you. I'm Azure, by the way

Kaede: *he nods* Well met Azure...

Ryanna: *she nods a greeting*

Tygar: *he nods* A pleasure...

Trillean: And I'm Trillean.  And I'll have you know rum keeps me going all night.

Trillean: Your elve's rum is just weak...

Tassidus: *he doesn't even bother with the hails he receives* LET'S MOVE!!! The scourge is only a few hours away form us!

Tassidus: We have to meet our allies and join with them... *he flies ahead of the group towards his keep*

Azure: Oh aye! Onward then!

Trillean: *putting her heels to her unicorn she urges him into a gallop*

**Depature**

*~Exit All.~*

**End of Scene 1**

***

ACT XIX, SCENE 3 - Mosaic Forest / Tigera Plains - Dark Ambush - 9 a.m.

**Enter here**

***

Tassidus: *he rushes through the air, grinning all the way as several dragons follow his lead* 'Having fun Kali?

Kali: *she chuckles, nodding* Yes, of course...

Tassidus: *as he catches sight of the Heights of Dune on the edge of his vision...he looks further towards the southeast...and gasps* Oh gods...

Kali: *she glances around him, trying to get a look* What? What is it?

Tassidus: *he turns to Kali* The spearhead of the Undead Scourge...do you see them...?

Tassidus: *he points to the dark mass on the edge of the horizon...*

Kali: *she squints, noticing them immediately and nodding* Yes... I see them now... How horrid...

Tassidus: *he curses, quickly flying down to the keep level*

Tassidus: *he raises his men from their slumber, gathering the elves on dragons and horseback, and leads them from the castle...leaving a contingent of soldiers behind to guard their flank...*

**

Tygar: *his ears perk* If I didn't know better, I could have swore I heard the sounds of the dead...

Ari: Your hearing isn't deceiving you, fore I've been listening to it for some time now... *she appears slightly worried as she looks into the depths of the trees*

Kaede: *he smells the heavy scent of the air, plaguing with death* Not much further and we'll be back on the Tigera Plains, from there, we move Northeast to reach my uncle's keep...on the outskirts of Tolamba to the northwest...

Sirona: *she sighs, trying to shake away the butterflies in her stomach*

Trillean: Something is amiss...

Kaede: *he nods, then stops...*

Arshes: *she comes up to the front, and nods to Kaede* You feel it too don't you...?

Kaede: *he shakes his head, not looking at her* Run...

Kaede: *he turns back to the others, and shouts* RUN!!!

Sirona: *her eyes widen, confused*

**The Ambush**

Kaede: *he kicks his feet deep into the horse's sides...and gallops at full speed*

Trillean: What the... *she then catches as an arrow flies by a few feet in front of her. Putting her heels to her mount she urges him into a gallop*

Ryanna: *she brings out her bow and takes out one of the heathens from behind the trees, then cries out for Raine to move swiftly behind the others*

Sirona: *seeing the madness that has developed, and catching sight of a dark soldiers behind her, she pushes her oisin forward*

Trillean: *she spots her brother ahead, his mass already fighting the barbarians*

Cain: *he spots his sister from behind and smirks* Get out of here! It's an ambush!

Lokiju: *she turns into Dragon form...flying above them into the skies...*

Ari: *her mount jumps into a gallop*

Tygar: *he snarls a light curse as his oison gallops*

Csilla: *she shifts as well, taking to the skies, her huge wings propelling her upwards*

Azure: *she gallops, keeping up with the others*

Ryanna: *she blurs past Cain and sighs, but prays that all goes well in his battle*

Trillean: *putting her head down, she leans over her ride, whispering encouragements into the stallion's ears*

Kaleo: Aye, nice riding you do there, centaur.

Azure: I should hope! Been doing it all my life!

Csilla: *she glides swiftly through the air with Jove, coming up to fly beside Lokiju*

Nelo Angelo: *he rides to the top of a hill, and looks down, seeing a contingent of riders rushing out of the forest, just under an hour's ride away* Ah... So they come...

Dante: *he stands aground and watches the skies orange hue from his position and smiles wickedly* Nelo, give them a welcome they won't soon forget...

Nelo Angelo: *he grins widely from ear to ear* No need to tell me old man...

Nelo Angelo: *he screams into the air, calling out to his horde...and begins to ride...*

Nelo Angelo: *raising his sword, he summons spells, and soon thunderous clouds pepper the skies...lancing out lightning at the enemy...*

Lokiju: *she glances at Csilla* Be careful daughter, you must conserve your strength...I will go further distract the enemy with Cain and his band, you lead the others to the rendezvous...

Csilla: *she nods to her mother* Be careful... *then she swoops down towards the others*

Sirona: *she grits her teeth, urging her mount forward, sweat beading on her brow*

Lokiju: *the dragon weaves in and around the arcs, and bears down on the Undead enemies...lighting them with her fiery breathe...*

Sirona: *concentrating, she prepares barrier spells to help shield them from damage*

Kaede: *he rides onwards...heading towards the Heights of Dune...*

Kaede: *he waves to the others to follow him...*

Tygar: *he shoots his arm forward* Let's go!

Nelo Angelo: *grinning, he rears his horse....and the beast grows wings...becoming a sick mirror of itself...*

Nelo Angelo: Among the hordes...several other strange beasts take to the skies...all claws and teeth and scales...*

Trillean: *heaving out a sigh, she draws her sword and swipes it down signaling for those following her to get their weapons ready.*

Lokiju: *she gasps* Gods....what did they do to those creatures...?

Csilla: *she swoops down towards the others* We must hurry...Lokiju has gone ahead to distract them, but she can't do much by herself.... Cain and his forces will not last long with the dark reinforcements approaching...

**several of the beasts attempt to strafe the enemy, but Lokiju flies around them, firing her breathe into them... Eventually, they manage to gang up on her...attacking her with strange screams...which tear away at her skin...

Dante: *he cackles from afar* Well, I'll just send them a little help... *he flings his arms in a circle creating a few giants of stone*

Lokiju: *she screams in rage, rising higher into the air, and reigns down more fire upon them...*

Sirona: *the barrier spells in place, she glances forward, her staff in a tight knuckle grip in her right hand as she follows*

Lokiju: *she flies away, coming back, knowing full well she cannot do this for long...*

*Like a beacon from the heavens...his dragons come from the skies...attacking the beasts of the Undead... Yelling out his war-cry, Tassidus calls for the mounted men to attack the beasts...*

Azure: Hmm, interesting fight scene here... *she ponders whilst aiming her crossbow at an undead minion*

Tygar: *he gathers his energy quickly preparing to strike*

Trillean: C'mon, c'mon hurry. *she puts her heels to the unicorn's flanks the tip of his horn glowing slightly*

Kali: *holding onto the dragon tightly with her thighs, she draws her bow, cocking an arrow before sending it flying, taking down one of the undead*

Kaede: he feels a strange surge of energy, and rides for it, signalling the others to head on towards the castle....now within seeing distance..

Cain: *he looks over at her and smiles* Well the Son of Bitches destroyed my castle and my home, besides I have to watch out for my sister...

Sirona: *she glances at Arshes, her eyes filled with worry* Can we really do this...?

Ryanna: *she glances over to the centaur* ...And why are you going to fight if at all?

Tygar: *he attacks a undead soldier sending it into the ground and leaps towards the direction of the keep*

Azure: I wasn't planning on fighting. Where there is battle, there is loot! *she grins to her and winks*

Ryanna: *she sighs* Reminds me of a tightwad mercenary at High Tower...

Ari: *she smirks* I Thought as much.  *she hears the sickening crunch of bone underneath the hooves of his horse* There goes one...

Nelo Angelo: *he rides through the battle on his strange crow of a mount...and grins as he hacks and slashes the beast's claws through armed men...but he cannot make his way towards the head of the party...and flies off...*

Nelo Angelo: *rising high above the battle, he feels a strange force...and rides for it*

Arshes: *she glances at Trillean, so concerned with her riding, and sneers...riding up beside her*

Arshes: *she laughs* 'Bet you can't catch me...

Arshes: *spurring her horse onwards, she follows Kaede...*

Trillean: *Noticing Arshes, she glances at her and ignores her for the most part.  Flicking her sword out in front of her she catches a man in the middle, twisting it to the side, she rips him in two*

Sirona: *cursing softly to herself, she spurs onward, refusing to get left behind by the others*

Ryanna: *she picks off a few more of the creeps with her arrows, and then brings out her blade and slashes at a few more*

Kaede: *he heads through the sparse foliage, still within sight of the battle, and slows...*

Tygar: *he catches site of a group of twenty soldiers* Damn it...*he extends an arm and lets out a surge of lightning from his claws electrocuting all of them at once*

Tassidus: *he weaves around the strange beasts, firing spells into them, as his mount snaps its teeth and sends flames to devour them...*

Csilla: *her mages begin to variously assist with spells of all elements on the undead. She leads the pack with her own trusty oisin Jove raring to go*

Trillean: *she looks up suddenly hearing the scream, she wheels her horse around to catch up with Kaede*

Sirona: *she notices a small group of undead in the distance, and she swoops her hand towards them, sending a ball of flaming rock rolling towards and over them, shattering their bones and burning away their flesh*

Tygar: *he roars to the others spotting another group amassing* There's too damn many...we can't keep this up for long!

Nelo Angelo: *he grins, as he catches sight of Kaede...riding below him...and swoops down...screaming his rage...*

Kaede: *he looks up, in time to see Nelo bearing down upon him, and brings his crossbow to bear...firing explosive arrows at him*

Kali: *her arrows fly with elven precision, taking down one undead after another from above*

Nelo Angelo: *he curses as the arrows impact in the air around him...and swoops down upon Kaede in rage...*

Csilla: *the strange flying creatures come for her, and she burns them away with her fire, spinning gracefully in the air*

Kaleo: *he grins* Nice one marshall!

Ryanna: *wheeling her horse around in a circle she cuts the dead men's throats* Take that you kingdom-raiding bastards...

Kaede: *he leaps from his mount, avoiding the beast's claws...but is instead caught by it's jaws...*

Kaede: *he quickly brings his hands out to keep the jaws from closing...*

Nelo Angelo: *he laughs evilly, flying into the skies with Kaede in his grip*

Trillean: *rushing towards Kaede, she is blocked by the living dead, cutting a swath through them she tries her best to wade to him*

Azure: *avoiding the fighting, the centaur searches through the undead. She whistles happily to herself as she pockets coins and expensive looking baubles*

Lokiju: *spotting her nephew's distress, she roars in anger...sending flames spearing at Nelo's mount...*

**On the other side of the battlefield in the east, a familiar group of tigers and changelings amass just a short distance away*

Rogan: *he calls out spotting the total chaos d