Kitsa crouched down where she was, still holding an arrow knocked in her bow. She saw how dark elf and knife were tossed aside by Vesper and knew her arrows could do no good. She was pumped with adrenaline from the fight with the wyverns, but now they were gone. Even the bodies of the ones they brought down. Kitsa's bow creaked as she relaxed the string. There was nothing left to fight! Only waiting now... Alera looked up calmly. "You are giving us time?" she asked incredulously. Any smart god would just do it. If he was a god, he was a weak one. Which meant quite possible to defeat with the right move. "That spell..." she said,"was worthless. It was a test to see how strong you were. You did no better than I would have done with it. I'm surprised you waited that long to crush it. Unless you were weakened by it." Alera smiled at his gate again. Cute...But no magic was invincible. "If we have three days, I can assure you, whoever you are, that we will close that gate. Or we will do something else to provent your freindish ideas from happening. I've dealt with a few people somewhat like yourself. Never had to do much more than talk to them, but if you want to butt heads, be my guest." Alera turned her back to the man and walked around him as if he any other normal person. She looked upwards at the gate, studying it. "Classic...Big...threatening...with a time count...and with probaby enough force to level at the very least this entire town in about an hour or less. Not bad...But then again...I think there is a better version of it. Actually...I have my own version made for destroying even the greatest entities such as yourself, person." She stated simply. "And the beauty of the magic is...I know of no way to stop it after the inital beginning is done." "I implore you to go out and be malevolant. Because...the more you kill, the more I will be prepared when we next meet for you. Go ahead and kill a town or two. That should help my cause more. And take this seriously. I probaby hold enough ground with the magic to rip off your arms and legs. But, since you have offered us a town to save, you can leave now, so we can foul your evil deeds." Alera smiled at her own devices. If he had any sense, he would leave and let it go for now. If he didn't...well...he would waste alot of power for nothing. Vesper continued his ascent chuckling softly. The woman was a fool that seemed to have her own theories on the Chaos Gate and himself, contiunally refering to him as a 'person.' With arms crossed Vesper continued up towards the Chaos Gate. Soon enough Raiden will be Hell. The Chaos Gate was already fully operational, the ritual had begun on the sacrifice and was concluded while he had thrown the wyverns at them. The former Flame General should have known what he was doing but ignored it. Perhaps Cray was still scheming. Vesper closed his eyes. He would give no more credit to the traitor and mortal. But with the three days he would enjoy watching the mortals fear as well as see what the traitor would do. Nipa watched the interaction and he smiled at the supposed victory of Alera for now, but still he was worried that their lives were being toyed with and he did not like it. "Damn that jerk! He's just playing a cat & mouse game with us." For all that he tried Nipa had been ineffective in most everything today and it left a bitter taste for him. Sure he killed a wyvern, but that was purely by accident and noting he had done had made much use to anyone. "Cha Za be merciful, show us your favor. We need a little luck here." He prayed as he watched this Vesper depart. "No..." croaked Sivak as he pulleed himself up. He was in tatters after seemingly been tossed aside like a ragged doll by the skylord. Though he was not surprised, Sivak wondered why he bothered to even try and hurt him. It was folly but why then did you hurt yourself...for them... He looked over the remaining people looking at the skylord. Perhaps you have finally found something worth fighting for?The lives of others? The voice in his head pressed on. Or is it guilt that makes you do this?hmmm interesting. "No..." Sivak muttered again, stronger as he felt strength return to his arms once more. He looked up between the chaos general and the gate. In the way of his ascending path was a large building, a ladder on its side. "I must do this..." His arms felt like lead as slowly he lumbered up the ladder of the structure that stood between the skylord and his ascent towards the gate. He knew it was futile but yet he felt calm... Perhaps you have made peace and are ready to die? "No..." he muttered as the skylord approached as he reached the top and turned back towards the floating chaos general. His sword slowly raised to guarding position. It seems you will fail yet again like before...yet this time you shall die... "NOOOOOOO!!!!" He screamed in defiance at the chaos general...his sword glowlying fiercely as it began to absorb the magic swirling around from the gate. He looked down at the ascending skylord and, dark energy swirling around his figure. Somehow in the midst of the swirling vortex, Sivak stayed atop the structure though the winds were dangerously coming close to knocking him off. In his mind, he felt the cool soothing grasp of his sword. The Black Dragon emanated softly as it sensed the approaching powers of Vesper. Edwin just watched at the moment as everything was slightly calming down and sighed "Well I wonder what I have gotten myself into now," shrugging slightly as he held his bow "I can't back out of it now if the lives of people are on the line." Aiyanna watched in relief and in some how in horror as she saw the chaos general depart, they had 3 days. Only 3 days it seemed enough some how it might help them. With one last attempt she spread her magic in a shape of her favourite star constellation it was the centaur, the archer, the wise beings of truth and deadly archers they were. It glowed brightly then with some restrain she called it back, no use striking at chaos general, not with a chaos gate open. She felt faint, huge amount of magic has been used, for someone young as her this amount of magic was straining on her. She felt her eyes close as she finally closed the circle and spread it over the area again as a shield. she felt the darkness come over her, and bliss of sleep came over and she collapsed on the ground. She thought she saw her brother and sister. Would her gift for vision ever leave her alone, even in her sleep? Nipa watched as Aiyanna fell and he rushed over to her. Seeing someone with her he looked at them as thought they knew the problem. "I did not see her get wounded, is she alright?" "I don't think she was physically wounded..." Jinn crouched breifly and lifted her against his chest, his wounded arm throbbing from the pressure. "Let's get everyone back inside, it can't be safe to be under that." Jinn gace a quick glance to the massive Chaos Gate and headed back to the inn. "AHH! You're the wounded one, here let me help you..." Nipa knew that he could not carry the man, nor the girl, but he had to try. Together, he and Jinn moved Aiyanna inside the inn and placed her on a bench seat so that she could rest. "I am not a healer, but I can get you some bandages for that," Nipa said gesturing towards Jinn's injured arm. * * * Aiyanna was sleeping, she saw the battle again, but then she shifted to a place she never been to, she could see the edge of the desert. Could this be Flaim? the new political center for Lodoss? She was seeing her grandparents, suppose their home, it was grand and mejestic place. It wasn't overly decorative but intricate and graceful mansion. They were both quiet young, her mother a just have born her. " She is the hope, my dear, for our family...but until she is 10, I wish for her to remain natural it is dangerous for a child to know of such abilities." " It is a great joy mother, it has been some time since father also had the ability as she." "We were the ones who sing with the stars, we listen to their rythem and cherish this special ability for it is very rare that human, us mortals get granted such powers, may it not be a sign that there is a darker time ahead." "Us Starwinds, loves the night sky and will always learn to cherish so and also use the power that they grant." "There are several family that has been granted of such power, but some lost the ability through forgetting of the existance of the power, which is a pity, for it's such beautiful one." Aiyanna tried to ask them but she was like a ghost to them, they did not see or feel her presence.Her mother hardly talked about her family's history, only thing she knew that she was from a Flaim nobility family. Her mother was very pretty, with black hair and most beautiful ice blue eyes. Her sister and she had the warm amber eyes of their father and but Ciel had black hair instead of ash blond of their father, her brother had ash blond hair but ice blue eyes of her mother. But to her it didn't matter long as they were all happy. Aiyanna felt herself drift and float in the night sky, she curled up and fell into deeper slumber. She needed to know what her mother's family's history.but she felt the soothing song of the nightsky and fell into deeper slumber. * * * The figuire stood and faced that power, what had that man called it, the 'chaos gate'? It seemed such a foolish name in this day. Though it fit. Everything in this world was in chaos, it was a bad thing where you could see a man bieng ripped to shreds by creatures of the night, and not think much about it other to kill it and be done with it. Even ten years ago that might have been a bit out of place. He pushed slightly at his deep crimson coat, it covered all but his eyes. The bottom part of his cloak lifted to his nose and the top of the hood hung just under his eyebrows. What was noticable was his yellow, reptillian eyes. He could see the people that were fighting that man were discussing something, but he would not join them for the time. Now, this was best to be reported to her majesty Shiris. With a swiveled step he took toward his men, he would send them back to inform Shiris of the destruction he had seen. Perhaps she would imform his majesty King Jester. He wondered if he should, his duty should be to keep Moss out of war, but... he may not have a choice. * * * "I have good news and bad news," Alera stated, leaning against her staff, clearly tired. "The bad news is. I purposefully told him how weak that gate is, although I was trying to make him worry more. The gate can be closed. But it may take the majority of the time that we have, three days, to find out how." She cracked her neck slightly. "But the good news is...I casted two spells unto his knowlege that weren't offensive in any way. I can now find out exactly where he is at all times and see and hear from his own eyes and hears whenever I wish it. The best part of the spell is both are completely undetectable. There is no way for him to know. I learned the spells from a talented assasin who used them on high mages of evil descent. They never detected them, and there is no power on Lodoss or Alecrast or Marmo that can detect it." He did exactly what she wanted him to, in other words. He gave them the time they needed. "My first idea for the gate is not truly to close it, but to find a way to connect it to another gate, sending the creatures that come through somewhere where they will never get out and they will never harm a soul, effectively creating a hell nothing can get in or out of." Edwin walked over to the group with Alera and just listen at the moment still alittle lost at all that was happening and wish he had some answers. Looking back up at the chaos gate and then to the group as he rested his bow over his shoulder "Excuse me but what is going on here and what is this gate you are talking about.." Alera looked at Edwin, dumfounded. How could he not see a huge looming gate of chaos above the city! She knew some people were hard of seeing, but this was rideculous! "Look above you," Alera said, trying to sound as nice as possible. "Her first." Jinn winced as he began moving again and went to the second floor to find an empty bed. Once she had been safely laid down Jinn exited the room and sat down tot he closest chair, undressing his left arm to expose the wound. The Wyvern had slashed a wound diaganally along his upper arm. Thanks to his fast reflexes he was able to escape a deep wound but now that his body was cooling down the pain began seeping in. Sevrina slipped out of an alley, putting her small bow away in a case. After that was done, she groaned softly and placed a hand on her churning stomach. What in the hell is wrong with me? she thought in frustration. There were more important things at hand, and she pushed the pain to the back of her mind, but there was something about it that tugged at her mind, though she refused to listen. Glancing up again at the new chaos gate, she sneered. She knew well enough the effect of them, having seen Roid after it fell to the demons through one of Cray's gates. Then there was the fact that when he destroyed it, it leveled what was left of the city. The Holy City was reduced a scorched black-top in the middle of the river. The elder sorceress and a young man were in her path back to the inn and she caught their discussion. "Come on, let's go back inside," Sevrina said as she approached the two. "I'll explain what I can. I'm not telling the whole bloody story again though," she grumbled to herself, holding her stomach. Edwin looked up and sighed having just made himself look like a idiot. Shaking his head he looked back to Alera "Well I wasn't sure what that was, anyway now I must have made myself look like a complete fool could you care to explain what is going on with that thing." * * * Aiyanna was slumbering deep within the stars, she didn't know much still about her magick but she had mastered what she could grasp and master. She saw the final battle again, the fallen dark elf, another dark elf by the loks of her dark skin was crying but filled with fearsome rage, so did others, a high elf, a purple haired knight and Cray the former chaos general of fire. She saw it again, she felt herself fall, she couldn't make a net to stop he self, she kept falling, she cried out to the stars but even they couldn't catch her. She saw faint images of others, Alera was worried, Others too but how can they...work in enough time? Where were others? Erias, Ciel help! Aiyanna woke up with a start and her head hit head splitting headache and she felt weak. She should be sleeping more. She realised she was in a bed , most likely on the second floor.Who brought her all the way up here? Jinn? he was nearst to her when she fell, well she had to thank him for watching her back. She lacked in battle skills, so she forgot she could be attacked from behind. With effort she made her self stand up without falling. She managed grab a small vial out her small bag on her belt and drank some of it to block her headache, with it blocked she took off her armour and with her staff found her bag as well. She rumaged through it, found some healing potion her mentor made for her, it was to heal, well any injured bits really. He was worried when she left so made her vial full of it. She put her weight on the staff and ventured out from the room she was placed in. Looking around she found not far away Jinn seemed to be tending to his own injury. She walked or rather dragged herself over perhapes her mentor's gift for this journey have been useful after all, since her own healing skills were not so fantastic just good enough to heal her self of light injuries. She smiled or tried to, "You are injured! here let me help you" and she took out her mentor's healing potion since she knew her mentor's healing skills were almost unrivaled far as she knows, unlike her shameful inadequte skills at it.She gently took the injured arm as not to pain it more then it probably already is. * * * After the battle, Daermon was confused as to what was happening, and why it was happening. Although he was confused, his adrenaline was pumping through his body, making him want to fight some more. Daermon noticed that the fight had been focused in the street near the Dabagon inn. He figured that somebody stayin at that inn would know what was going on around here. As Daermon walked up to the inn, he saw several people standing there from several different species. "All right," Daermon yelled, "Who's in charge here?" Nipa hear the man's hollering, turned around, and looked up to see the 6' something human. "Who's in charge?" Nipa responded. "They have yet to be identified, though Aiyanna and Alera seem to know the most of what is going on." He then regarded the man carefully before adding, "But Aiyanna is upstairs resting. Alera I think is still outside." Though he knew it was risky divulging information to a stranger, in times like these you had to take a chance and trust. Besides many of Aiyanna's friend were about and they would protect her if needed. * * * Aiyanna gently poured few drops of the potion and saw it glitter with lightly with intense dark green energy, her mentor's healing energy must been concentrated int this potion. She smiled again as she thanked her mentor. It weren't instant healing, but it will stop the pain and speed up the healing process. She hoped it will help him, then she remembered. "Ah! thank you for watching my back...I hardly fight battles, so I never thought watching my own back, I should learn better. And, who carried me up the stairs? If you know, it must have been a burden for the person so I must give my gratitude and my humble apology for being not able to stay conscious... though I nearly used all my magic..." Aiyanna bowed her head, though she forgot she still held Jinn's arm. Only if she could take the shield off the neighbourhood, she would feel much better, but that was impossible with a chaos gate open, it's impending coming of hell and darkness. This place needed everything it could get.She would do without full store of magick for few more hours until she would stop feeling weak like a new born kitten.Something had to be done, where was Alera? must be down stairs, btu she felt weak, almost fell again but held on with her staff and realised she stil held onto Jinn's arm. Aiyanna quickly let go of the arm and turned around, as she heard a loud voice booming from down stairs. "Thank you." Jinn lightly shook his left arm after Aiyanna had let go, flexing the muscles breifly. "Good as new." The aeromancer stood and left the seat open for Aiyanna. He gave the grassrunner. "Nipa... was it?" He vaguely remembered the name. "We're better off. We should see if anyone has been left out there..." Aiyanna merely nodded, quietly spoke to the simple casting spell which held the shield over the neighbourhood, so no chaos or dark energy could infect the area. She withdrew a little from the shield making her feel better, and started to go downward, she wasn't exactly in the mood to talk with someone who was speaking that loud, she had this urge to move all the furniture in the common room downstairs and hit them with it. Aiyanna brushed her wavy hair out of the way though she looked small without her light armour. Just wearing her tunics and belt with now two daggers visible and her silver pendent which still glowed with luminious silvery blue glow of magick of the sorcerer who made it. Aiyanna finally made it downstairs, and saw to find a new person with a giant of a figure standing there and Nipa also but did not see Alera or others. Unless they too also have gone to sleep. It must been some time since she fainted, not enough but at least 2 hours must have passed. Aiyanna quietly looked at the new comer. but did not say anything, then looked at Nipa. "Nipa? what is it?" Nipa looked over at her and he was glad to see that she was up and about, but she looked slightly weaker. Perhaps her magic has not returned to full force yet, he wondered. "It's good to see you're up and about," he told her and turned away from the walking tower to check on her and the others that were coming back inside from the fight. "I was kinda worried about things for a little bit," he told her as he jumped up into a chair. "But after that guy took off like that I am more than kinda worried now. Do you have any ideas how we can fight something like that?" "I am right here," Alera stated firmly as Nipa finished the statement. Alera stood right behind Servina. "Dark Elven friend, hold fast. You there," She said to Nipa. "Do you require me?" * * * The clouds were still dark, and a slight rain poured, further putting the area in a grim face. On the abandoned rooftop, Sivak stood alone. A large paw had scratched the side of his mask, leaving gashes along his face as the rain dripped slowly off his forehead. You will fail as you are destined, the voice said to him. Sivak slumped to the floor, letting his blade drop to the ground. His mind was a mess, confusion and aniexty wrought his brain. His eyes shut tightly...trying to block out the failure and pain of the words...but it was impossible... * * * Aiyanna looked at, "Alera, you are back, where is everyone else? Some must been hurt." Aiyanna flicked her finger and used a little magic to drag a chair magically to herself and let herself sit down. "And I wish to do a vision, so I need the biggest water basin this inn has, so I can show what I see or saw in the vision, but that will be after I have rested more, I don't have enough strength to do a vision that is that big right now...I must say, this though I saw someone fall, though I can not say who but please be careful all of you...so many things I saw.. the future of Lodoss Island depends on us and those to come... Alera, are you okay? I thought I saw that General nearly had you.." Aiyanna looked at Alera, her usually warm amber colored eyes almost gone from draining of magic. Edwin walked in and blinked as he looked at the people he still wasn't sure what was all going on but it appear that he wasn't the only new comer to this fight. He stood quietly knowing if he waited he would get answers from Alera or Servina. Nipa just grinned at all the peoples around him, such a wondrous mix and he especially loved watching the casters. They seemed to radiate power. "All that I require," he said to Alera as he still stood in a chair close to Aiyanna, "is a better understanding of how we can fight something like that?" He rubbed his chin as he thought, "In my home my dad has told me that everything has a weakness. If we can find out where this guys weakness is it will be easier to hurt him." He then grumbled, "Obviously we haven't done a good job of that yet." Sevrina pulled away from the others, purposly disregarding the sorceress' request for her to wait. "Kitsa! Terin!" She called out, her eyes scanning the rubble. "Get inside!" She ordered, then continued her search, now looking for Sivak. She found him, unconscious on the ground and headed over, but before she reached him, a little fairy zipped around her. She stared at it curiously for a moment, but it passed on. Similar ones would identify Kai and Zatch, possible Blade if they could find him. Sevrina shook her head and continued on. She crouched by Sivak and shook him gently. "Hey, are you awake?" she said, then sighed. "Apparently not." Aiyanna watched the dark elf go outside, despite Alera wanted to wait and go together. "Chaos Gate is like say a gate that will open hell onto Lodoss, so other creatures of darkness will come , in process making this place and others lands a living hell, just like disease that that spreads if not stopped at the beginning. That is the simplest way I can put it..I have to talk to Alera for private reasons..if that will be okay with her and soon as possible if she would like eleborate on the entire subject of what could happen." Aiyanna fiddles with her silver pendent which still gave off bright silvery blue glow not blazing but it was shimmering like a moonglow. She had to ask, what was her power? Where did it lie really? And her portentials possiblity and if she knew about Starwinds family and their history. Sevrina picked up his sword, then slipped her arm under Sivak's and helped him to his feet. He was big, but she was strong. "Come on, lets get you to bed," she said softly to him. His head lolled forward and his eyes were still shut, but he started to murmur a few things. She couldn't make out much, but by time they were back in the inn, she had decifered most of it was about him being a failure and needed to redeem himself. She managed to get him upstairs and to his bed. When Sivak was situated on the bed, she pulled off some of his armor, then gave him a little of the healing potion he had. Then, content that he would be fine, she headed downstairs to tell the others a thing or two about the Chaos Gates. * * * Downstairs, Sevrina sat down at the table she had been at before the battle. "Everybody, sit down," she said to the people nearby. "Especially you two," she added and pointed at the two sorceresses. "I've seen the effects of a Chaos Gate or two, you haven't." "Oh yes," Nipa smiled, "Another story, This one I hope won't be interrupted." He pulled his chair closer to hear what she was willing to tell. There was something about Ayianna that he recognized though but he was not sure quite yet what. Maybe father knew her people... well he knew a lot of people, he thought. Kitsa heard Sevrina's call and returned to the inn with everyone else, limping. She had been hurt falling from the roof she was on. She put her arm around Terin's shoulders for support as they returned to the inn. Inside, Kitsa heard Sevrina tell everyone to sit down and say she knew something about the Chaos Gate. So, Kitsa took a seat and waited for the others. Aiyanna's own eyes went wide for fraction of a second then replied " Well better then ever, now we know there might be a way for us to fight that gate...without laying Raiden to waste like it did to Roid..." Aiyanna though found the dark elf bit unfriendly, though that was expected, they were strangers. Aiyanna mumbled " Where are others?...they should be here soon...only if I was better I could have found my siblings by now..." she kept mumbling to herself. Aiyanna felt tired again she should have slept more, but she had to be awake. She had to draw more from the shield to stay awake and leaned heavily on her staff. Orion walked toward the inn, breathing heavily but he still walked standing straight and his blue eyes still twinkled keenly. Orion stepped in to the inn and all around people sat and talked or tended thir wounds from the battle. Orion closed his eyes delicatly and breathed deep as he crossed the floor without a sound. Granite and Dralock returned to the inn, finding it still in one peice. The people they had met before were gathering around a table with a few new faces as well. The bearded dwarf woman grabbed a chair and pulled it up to the table. Orion walked across the room looking directly at no one and never taking slowing his strides. Orion was still very distrustful and he had not dealt with other people for what seemed an eternity. He walked over to the corner of the inn and leaned agianst the wall with his arms folded across his chest and his head bowed in silence. His eyes were gazing at the floor but his senses were on full alert. "How do I know who to trust?" he whispered to himself glancing around the room suspiciously out of the corner of his eye "I have never met anyone I could trust, noy since my parents......" Orion's voice trailed off and he closed his eyes. A single tear flowed down his silvery cheek but he brushed it away with the back of his hand. He couldn't seem to bring himself to trust anyone and he felt completely alone even in a room full of people. Edwin sat down when Sevrina told everyone to sit down and nodded listening to everything that was being told and taking it all in. He was now worring about this Chaos Gate and wondered what they could do to stop it. Seeing as no one replied to her for some strange reason, Alera turned to look around. Servina was at a far table at the other end of the main room. At least she had the sense to position herself well. Alera took a quick stride to the table, her gray cloak following her like air, floating off behind her. She dropped her body into the chair and placed her staff on her lap. She sat like a noble, as proper as possible. Her face showed nobility too. Even though she was far from noble. "You spoke of actually seeing one of these gates before, did you not?" Alera asked. "Please...umm..." Alera trailed off, trying to think of her name. Sekina? Serv? Servina? Serfect? Septina? She decided to just forget it for now. "Tell us what you know. Especially if there is a way to stop any horridly bad things from happening at all." She ended it back in her normal manner. It was a little embarrassing to not be able to remember her name. But she covered herself. She shook the feeling off and wondered how the dark elf could have seen one of those and survived. Terin helped Kitsa inside since she was hurt, then sat beside her. He glanced down at her leg, then at her. "Are you ok?" he whispered. Kitsa stretched her leg. "I'll be fine," she said to Terin. "Thank you Terin." Jinn had left the inn to the others and began their talks. There was little or no casualties to the citizens. the lightning attack was not aimed and simply struck uildings and two unfortunate pedestrians. The few wounded had already been taken care of leaving Jinn to his own contemplation. He cast his eyes at the darkened heavens and the Chaos Gate. Who knew what to think. Jinn had seen this once before in Zipang, but only from several miles away. There was nothing he could do then and it didn't seem as if he could do something now. Orion stode perfectly still trying to contain his emotions. He did not wish for anyone to see him like this. His body shuddered beneath him and he still refusd to let himself cry. Orion had recieved sympathy and it had done him no good and he knew that was all his tears would get him. Orion could contain it no longer and he drew his hood up, hiding his face from view, as icie tears poured down his face. His eyes became watery and he knew someone would notice him. Kepping his face hidden he walked to the door and left the inn. Orion sat outside suddering with anger and sorrow at the same time. "its been so long" he whispered. "So why does it still torment me?" Orion slamed his fist into the ground as he shouted aloud. He no longer cared if anyone heard him. Dralock pulled up a chair next to Granite, then looked around to see if he could recognise anyone. "Kista," he waved to her, "Granite and I would like to join you in your travels, if that isn't a problem." He looked around for a moment, looking a little lost. "I don't suppose you could fill me in on what's happened since Granite and I left this morning?" he asked Kitsa. Kitsa turned to Dralock. "Welcome back dwarf," she said. "And it's Kitsa, not Kista. I thought the battle was starting! But it was only a...what would you call it? A smaller battle it was. The Chaos General, Vesper decended upon us, then opened the Chaos Gate and disappeared. He said...in three days, the gate will be....a gate to hell..." As Alera took her seat, Sevrina looked around the table at those gathered. There were a few new faces, included that of a dwarven woman that she had never seen before. "We can take care of introductions later," she said as she looked at Edwin and the others. "Firstly, there were four Chaos Generals. One of each Element. Cray, who destroyed Roid and the Mirror Forest was fire, Xion, responsible for Blade, is Earth. Vesper is Air and there is a fourth, Nalentha, who is water," Sevrina began. "Each one has access to Chaos Gates, but they are not gates to Hell. Vesper lied. He only wants to see us squim. The Chaos Gates are what supply the Generals with all their power." She paused though. "Don't get your hopes up however, the Generals CAN open gates to Hell with the power the Chaos Gates feed them. That's what happened in Roid after it fell." "I don't know how to close the gate however," she said with a sigh. "I have seen the destruction of two destroyed. The Mirror Forest was leveled because one of the smaller gates on Cray's armor was shattered. And the same thing happened in Roid when Cray decided to 'shut' a gate and take out the demons as well." Orion could not keep himself from feeling the way he did. His emotions had taken over his body and he cried uncontrolably. He lifted the emerald necklace from his shirt and stared at it with a strange fear. His hand shoke and dropped it down as he covered his face and sobbed softly. Images flashed through his head and he couldn't seem to block them. After almost thiry minutes Orion was able to pull himself together enough so that he could enter the inn once more. Orion rentered the inn, his hood still raised, to hide his tear streaked face. He returned to the same corner only now he sunk down agianst the wall lowering his head as if he were sleeping. Really Orions face was still like stone and his mind was racing but hew had gained his composure agian. Orion was very good at hiding his emotions from those around him intell it came to his parents death. Aiyanna grimaced, "if we don't Cray might...at least from what I saw in my vision he was there, though I curse him for destroying Roid, if he is fighting on our side I will not think about the past." Aiyanna turned her head at the quiet reentry of the elf she didn't know the name of, for she felt someone enter or rather go out and back in through the shield. She motioned for the inn maid to bring a bigger basin after filling it with water and sat it up on the table. Then with some murmur the shield blazed again as she withdrew the shield to herself, she felt much better, more alive then casted a star ring. "I am casting a vision if anyone wish to see what I saw, please come in to the ring." Aiyanna flicked her hand at the floor and intricate and a foreign magical circle appeared, glowing in silvery blue color it was 2 meters in length enough for several people to crowd in. * * * A soft rattling of chains is heard coming from the door. Mephistoph walked through the in, surveying its patrons. He noticed a pale, young elf in the corner. He approached him, his presence obvious from his chain outfit. He asked, in a concerned manner, "Whatever is wrong young one?" He looked into the boys eyes deeply, studying him. Orion stared At the man next to him questioningly and was worried to respond, for he knew his pain would be heard in his voice. "i'm fine." He awnsered simply and he knew that he had not sounded at all convincing. Mephistoph's normally pleasent smile turned into a saddened frown as he heard the boys unhappy response. He smiled nicely and said,"Do not be sad my child," he petted the boys head softly."What reason do you have to be sad?" Orion was on the verge of tears. He couldn't understand why this mans kind words were making him feel like giving him the truth but his mind was bent on keeping it secret. "I said that I am fine." Orion spoke softly and stood up from the corner gracefully. "I'm just tired." Orion knew that this was a lie but he felt the urge to hide somewhere out of sight from all eyes that may look apon him. A single tear poured down his cheek and he hoped the man had not noticed. * * * "I have wonder. How did you, dark elf, see this happen, and not get swept away yourself? Surely such power would ripple over miles. How were you able to make out everything, and be safe from it's range?" This had puzzled her since before Servina started. How could she have seen it without getting engulfed in the death she described?! Sevrina grinned and looked at the sorceress, "Pure luck and some powerful friends," she replied. "In the Mirror Forest, we somehow all made it out safe. I'm not certain what happened. We were all knocked to the ground and the forest was destroyed. I think someone had summoned some sort of shield to protect us individuals," she said. "As for Roid, Blade, if you remember him being here earlier. Handsome blonde swordsman...no, he left before it started raining...Well, he threw a shield over myself and another companion of mine," her eyes narrowed for a moment in anger. Where in the hell was her wolf? With that explained, she rose and went to Aiyanna's circle to see her vision. Aiyanna smiled tilting her head to her side then smiled serenly closing her eyes. This time did a different summoning of a vision. "By the name of the stars, above where destiny lies, reflect what lies ahead..." with that end of the phrase, the water became opaque white, then the first vision was the that purple haired knight again, fiercly fighting with another elf not far from him the dark elf with stunning blue green eyes, then it switched to a quick flash of a high elf. Her vision was almost alive like if it was going to jump out of the bowl and spill over into real life. Then saw the former chaos general of fire also fighting, but it was a quick flash of him then a scream loud enough to be heard, was of the fallen dark elf and another dark elf was in crying rage. Though quick but tender motion between was also flashed past. The sky was dark, then what Aiyanna saw was Erias! her brother! no mistake. He has been grown up as perhaps a fighter? of some sort? " Erias!" Aiyanna desperetly trying to reach for her brother, then her vision switched, saw thousands of thin beams of silver light pierced the darkened landscape of Raiden and surrounding area.Then the vision blurred with blinding amount of all sorts of magick was going across the sky with fierce winds and storm all over. Just like the story of Goddess Marfa and Kardis's final battles. Aiyanna let go of her vision and sighed to her self,"Does anyone wish to see more?" Aiyanna carefully observed at the people who have gathered around the bowl. Edwin had made his way over to the circle and started at all that was shown and blinked as he rested his hand over the hilt of his sword as he was impress by the magic but wasn't sure that the images wasn't going to attack him. "I would like to see more so I can get a better understanding about this but only if you can handle showing more or if the others want to see more.." Nipa was dumbfounded by this display. "I would love to see more, but more so I would like to understand what I see. What do these images mean?" "Aiyanna..." Alera said, placing her gloved hand on her shoulder. "A spell like this does deep on a sorceress. And already are you weak. If you will continue, I request you allow me to gift you with more power. The last thing we need is a good sorceress down and out if any more could go wrong." Alera sounded concern and with wisdom behind her words. Aiyanna had been using much magic. And she was but a student. A high sorceresss lke Alera could use high amounts of magic for long periods of time, and Alera would be fine giving Aiyanna a jump start. This girl had a natural talent for the magic. She would have beel Alera's dream student. Sevrina's fiery eyes narrowed on the images as they flashed by, putting names to the faces. "I know these people," she said icily. "This means they'll be here. The knight with the purple hair, his name is Talen, the elven woman with him is Naclia. The dark elf that dies is Fou-Lu and the one crying for him is Mia. The High elf is Seri, she is a very powerful shaman. There are a few others I think I recognize as well..." Sevrina explained matter of factly. So Fou would die, Mia's faithful little hound. She was certain she saw the other three dragon-kin in there with Talen, Blaze and Ariakan. They didn't seem to stand out as much when beside someone with purple hair. Aiyanna smiled at Alera's offer, " Thank you but something won't let me die anyways, not easily, I must say I need to control the visions...but I am only 20 years old.... still a student." Aiyanna held tightly onto her silver pendent. "If you can lend me the power perhaps join the power together I might able to keep the vison going, as for Nipa's question it is the final battle or battles. but right now I feel a magickal presence not far from here." She paused then spoke again " Before I go on, how do we do this without destroying Raiden? some of the powers we use , combined could level Raiden.. not to mention the Chaos Gate." "That is a question," Alera said," we will have to answer after we decide how to deal with the gate." Alera began slipping off a glove. "The idea is to transfer some of my life to fuel your magic. So it is magic that instantly converts to your use as it enters you. It would be as if you had it all the time. Prepare for a little shock though." Without waiting, Alera touched her hand to Aiyanna's face. Instantly a shockingly strong link was formed. It took Alera by storm. She closed her eyes as she sapped herself of her own power. Feeling her own life being drawn right out of her. She didn't breathe, she didn't do anything other than shake. After a few seconds, Alera ripped he rhand away. She was leaning against the chair, panting, as if just surfacing from water after minutes. "That...should do it..." Alera muttered. Aiyanna was shocked with recieving another power from another sorceress, it gave a violent protest in her system and body before she forced it with her will accept it for now. Aiyanna almost fell to her knees in pain as she saw Alera do the same. That's when it hit her , a power she hasn't detected before, that seemed to laid in darkness, like a power that lurks until something triggers it. Her own eyes flared from warm ambient amber color to burning color of raging fire. With a lashing of her usual magick she held onto the magick that could break out of her control...was this something she had inherited from her mother's family? Who were her mother's family? Nipa looked between the two sorceresses in awe as they talked about sharing their powers. However when they asked about combating this evil he knew something that may help. "My father always told me to avoid 'bottom deals' as he called them. It's were no matter what you do, you end up at the bottom of a bum deal. With this vesper guy, if we fight in the city the city gets leveled, but if we shield the city we may not completely overcome him. Either way we go, it's a bum deal." He then rubbed his chin, "I bet no matter where you were to fight this gate it would destroy the land beneath it..." Nipa paused to look around at those nearby. "I can bet we have some good fighters and magic users... But we would need a lot more of them to save the city and beat this guy." Sevrina nodded to what the grassrunner had to say. "You're right, but first we must find a way to lure Vesper away from the city, or else what happened to the Mirror Forest may happen here as well," she replied. After hearing what was going on Daermon decided he would definately help in any way possible and defeat these Chaos Generals. "I can help if you want me to, but I can also leave if needed, either way, it's up to you." Sevrina then turned to the young human man. She hadn't noticed him much earlier, but now that he made himself obvious, she ran an appraising eye over him and smirked. "Well, young man, I believe the choice is yours, not ours," she told him. "We could use all the help we can find." "Did you say Naclia?" Terin yelled, "She is my sister, where is she? tell me now, I need to know." Terin was close to Sevrina at this point, begging her to tell him what he needs to know about Naclia. Sevrina was not at all surprised to see the elven man jump to his feet. Indeed, he did look like Naclia. Sevrina was, however, not very pleased by his closeness. She placed a hand on his shoulder and pushed him back. "Yes, I said Naclia. I don't know where she is, last I saw her, she was in Kanon. All I know is that she and the others..." Sevrina was distracted by another glowing light flitting around her. Another fairy. "What in the hell?" she whispered. Perhaps someone was trying to find her? "I think Alera's magick set off something, it had a violent protest but it's okay for now I guess...ah Nipa, your father was a trader? Sounds much like one... my father was merchant if by any chance if he ever come to deal with Irisis family that would have been my father," Aiyanna paused before speaking again, "That guy with ash blond hair and ice blue eyes was my older brother he is alive at least...then so will Ciel my sister.. well I will try to locate them where all these people are.." Aiyanna have hooded her eyes so people could not see her eyes directly, afraid of being questioned by them. "Stars here my call to you, where does our friends walk on this earth..." The first image was an inn, showed the city of Dragon Eye, and showed a high elf Seri with her brother also in the same room, most likely the common room, then another zoomed to another group arriving at Raiden! They were off the ship another high elf, a knight perhaps with chestnut hair, a sorcerer with long blond hair another lightly lilac haired young woman standing together at the nearby dock at the port. Another group of elves also at the dock but near the border of the streets of the city of Raiden. Aiyanna broke away from the vision. "Well at least we know where others are, it seems some are already here...that Talen guy, Fou-Lu, others with them are in Dragon Eye, but others I haven't seen in my vision, perhaps I should do more, no I think knowing or seeing the entire future is not necessary..." she sighed "If I do too much at once I could be lost in the visions forever, some sorcerers are known to have their soul was lost in the world that exists of the vision, They died in physical world, so they are like souls that has no physical bodies to go back to but to be trapped in the world that slowly twisted frm the visions they saw to the world their mind creates." Aiyanna had to give the power back but afraid Alera might get hurt. "Alera, I think we should stop, here I will give the power back to you." Aiyanna held out her and touched Alera's shoulder, Alera's own power shot back into the source they from but she tried to detach her hand when the power she had restrained from the begining of the exchange, it was about to break from her control. Aiyanna immediatly detached, fell to her knees as she expelled everyone from the circle by high impact of force, as she shuddered violently trying to restrain her unknown power she barely controlled. Her body glowed unnatural color of silvery blue intensely. Only the the star circle was the barrier to the outside of the circle. What is the legacy of the Starwind? Who was Starwind? What was the origin of the name? Sevrina witnessed the new vision as she pulled away from Terin. "That explains it..." she said. "They must be searching for me and whoever else is here. Aiyanna..." The young sorceress was thrown back and Sevrina couldn't help but wince. She strode over to where the girl lay and crouched beside her. The girl glowed and Sevrina tentatively reached out to touch her cheek. "Aiyanna, child, are you all right?" she asked, turning the sorceress's face to hers. "You should rest. You've done enough for us tonight." Alera was shocked how easily Aiyanna had forced the power apon her.The power was so unexpected it pushed her to the floor. But during the transfer, a few things from Aiyanna were given back. Not a clean transfer. How Aiyanna knew the magic of lifeforce transfer was unknown to Alera. She had perfected it years ago. But she doubted it ever spread. Perhaps a chance few picked it up and spread it around. Maybe...She would inquire about that later. The stirrings of Aiyanna were in her now. Alera locked them away with her mind and noted to study them later. For now, Alera did not move from her hands and knees. Her hair strayed all in front of her head, hanging onto the floor. That Aiyanna...Truly was her student of dreams. Perhaps after this issue they would have the time to discuss such opertunities. The sound came first, metal grinding against stone. The grinding came in portions with a slight pause between each. The door to the inn opened slowly and Cray in his ebony robe and ivory masked came in. However, he came in slowly. His wrists and ankles each had a thick iron ring around them, each inscribed with runes of power. There was a fifth that hung around his throat with similar runes. The four on his limbs were connected to chains which were in turn latched to iron spheres. Cray made his way towards the group, the sound of grinding now from the metal against wood. With a better view one could see that the spheres were also inscribed with runes. His single eye wandered from each member of the circle and finally landed on Sevrina. Sevrina rose from Aiyanna's side and stepped over the girl to get to Cray. She looked him over then met his single uncovered eye. "Where have you been?" Cray came to a stop a few meters away from Sevrina, the grinding soudn stopping with him. "I was preparing myself for the up coming battle." Cray raised his right arm and gently tugged at the weight. "I had my self sealed..." Sevrina's eyebrow raised curiously. "I see..." she replied simply. She put her hands on her hips and glanced to the bonds on his wrists, ankles and neck. "So are you going to get out of those, or what?" Nipa looked at the strange man and had been wide eyed since he walked in. Hearing Sevrina's calmness about it seemed absurd, but not nearly as his idea. "How... How can sealing yourself help?" This just did not make any sense, if they were to fight, to be hampered like this seemed counterproductive. Aiyanna with her will forced it with al the strength she could gather and slammed into back of her mind. The Star Ring also glowed still, intricate writings all written over, though she didn't what they mean, she was thankful for protecting those of others. She finally looked up at Alera from her position on her knees. "Thank you, I think by letting another power enter me triggered something I barely have control over.. but thank you again for lending me the strength." Aiyanna her own head have snapped up again as she quickly undid the light simple bracers and pushed up her tunic sleeves. To her horror, there was tattoo like symbol glowing there, to the exact pattern of her pendent.She quickly took off her pendent and laid it side to side somparing the symbol. Was her mother's family what really everyone knew them as? "What is going on!" Aiyanna said, then turned to Alera, "Alera, I need to know about Starwind family, do you know anything about them?" She didn't but obviously some people might have heard even just rumors about her mother's family, she couldn't remember her grandparents clearly or her mother it seemd far away. She finally took the circle off and stared horridly at her new tattoo which burned into her forearm. The blue circle surrounded by a pair of folded wings. Edwin was impressed with the new person the one with the bonds on him but didn't understand what was going on at all. Turning his head to look at Aiyanna and Alera hoping both are alright. Blinking as Aiyanna had a tattoo that seem to appear, looking to his shoulder remembering his own tattoo which he still didn't know how it appeared yet. He watched quietly and shaked his head wondering how he fits into this all. Cray's head slowly shook, as he closed his eye once and reopened, obvious blood lust racing through his body." The seal will supress my urge to slaughter everyone here." His right hand was trembling from anticipation to feel blood flow between his fingers. Quickly he snapped his hand shut into a fist. "The runes supress the sword as well as my flame." From the door that had been left open Blade casually trotted inside. He wasted a moment to shut the door behind him before approaching Sevrina. "We had him sealed by a rather helpful sorcerer." Blade raised Sevrina's right hand and dropped a large black key into her palm. "You choose when to unseal Cray. He's been... edgy since the Chaos Gate's ritual began." Sevrina's eyes widened a little. "Oh," she said simply. She looked at the key placed in her hand. "Will do. Cray, go have seat by the window. Think nice thoughts about Vesper," she said with a smirk and a wink to Cray. Nipa quickly backed away from this man, not from the words, but from the thought of the flame. He had no desire to get around anyone that would willingly use such a thing and he did not doubt that this Cray could be very deadly with it. Moving to the side he went to check on the sorceresses'. Joining the others that were trying Nipa helped the sorceress up and back into a seat. He was concerned for her, she seemed to be pushing herself beyond the breaking point, but what was she hoping to accomplish? "Aiyanna? Are you ok?" "Thank you Nipa," Aiyanna paused as she answered his question again "I guess for now, I think I can hold on to it, but this tatoo of mine is painfully throbbing..." She traiel dof as she noticed two new comers, one she recognised from her vision, Cray the former Chaos general of Fire. "That being is...Cray?" Aiyanna forgot about her pain, her mouth fell open and managed to shut it again but she didn't quiet regain her composure. Her eyes went wide with fear and had this urge to hide behind Alera or Jinn. She felt like her seven year old self, seeing the destroyed town of her home. She was horrified as she heard what Cray said, if he was taken off the seals that kept him from slaughtering everyone in here. Wait where is Jinn? and thought not a very good idea to take him off those seals, nothing good ever comes out of bloody purging. She had to think of ways to protect Raiden, but how can she make a such a big a shield protect the entire city state? Kitsa listened to Sevrina and the sorceresses as they talked about the Chaos Gates, and watched in on Aiyanna's vision. Then Cray came. Kitsa shuddered as she looked at him and heard what he had to say. How could that dark elf act so relaxed around him? Granite stared over the back of her chair at Cray. 'The seal will supress my urge to kill everyone here.' He said. Granite shuddered. How could they allow such a person in? This was the man who destroyed a city and a forest according to the Dark elf! And her...she just acted so nonchalant about it! Aiyanna was sure, she missed something, so did just about everyone, what really happened to Sevrina during the time when Cray was the General of Fire? There had to be something otherwise how can she be so relaxed about it? One horrible thought pierced her tired brain, unless she was his side kick? No way! But dark elves are known to have done terrible deeds, but could that dark elf who has been so far gentle to her be one of those people hated even by those who accepted dark elves? Aiyanna stood up, not bothering about the pain her arm screamed about, her tired body. She had to get some sleep and get away from here, no use trying to be in the same room at least with Cray. "I need rest if I do more spell casting my power won't even have enough defend myself, Alera, do you have a room to sleep in? I wouldn't mind sharing if you don't, considering this inn was full far as single rooms are concerned, so I ended up getting a double room anyways." Aiyanna tiredly looked towards the door, noting that Jinn was still outside, sensed some power running through the streets of the city state. "Jinn is still outside, though I think everyone should have some rest now, not standing under that chaos gate." Aiyanna patiently waited for Alera's answer at the bottom of the stairs. Whilst tugging at the hair she put up for the battle and finally let it loose which reached to just past her mid-back in fine wavy mess of ash blond hair. She was really truly tired and really wanted to get away from that room with Cray in it. She hoped she doesn't have nightmares about Cray! She shuddered about even though she was almost shadowed, furtherest away from from him as she could get. Sevrina returned to her seat and looked at the others. "I wouldn't head to be just yet," she announced. "After all, now we have an expert on Chaos Gates here," she looked across the room at Cray. "Perhaps you'd like to teach them a thing or two Cray?" It didn't sound so much of a request as it did an order. Aiyanna nodded at Sevrina's words, with effort managed to sit next to Alera without looking at Cray. She heard in rumors that he was human fire elementalist, what kind of fire element was that ...that was so destructive? Fire element itself was destructive, but to have it in the hands of destructive person wasn't a good idea at all. Aiyanna sighed tiredly peeked out from her curtain of hair that now fell freely aorunnd her face. She really hoped to get out of this room soon. He should hurry up with what ever he has to say about Chaos Gate. But why did she have some dread about it? "Very well." Cray looked over the small gathered and his eye landed on Kitsa. He appraoched her quickly with the weight dragged behind him. Before she could protect he tooker by the wrist. From his throat came what sounded like a chant in a twisted language. In mid-chant he raised his thumb to his free hand and used his nail, sharpened into a claw across Kitsa's palm. The blood bgan to flow freely as he held her hand in place. Before the crimson liquid hit the floor it stopped and began to float. The chant quicked, repeated itself again. (I offer this sacrifice. By the blood of the innocent I forge the gate between Eden and Chaos. By this sacrifice I link the two worlds with my words. By this gate grant me power.) The blood began to swirl in the air, controlled by the words. Fianlly Cray let her hand go, the wound only deep enough to draw blood. Cray hovered both hands around the swirling mass, twisting and kneading the primal power locked into life-blood. The liquid darkened to black, changing into a small universe in itself, a miniature of what hung above the city. Cray's words subsided and he scooped the gate into his hand, not phsyically touching it, rather it was guided by his hand, hovering over his open palm. "The Chaos Gate..." Aiyanna looked at Cray horrified, then screamed, " Kitsa!" With a flick of her hand a bottle flew to her hand, she forgot about her tiredness. When she reached Kitsa she yanked her away from that spot and poured the same potion she used for Jinn's wound. She remembered that he was summoning the Chaos Gate! "Sevrina! what is happening? Why is he summoning one?" Aiyanna was alittle confused and horrified and terrified at what was going to happen. This had to be a dream, no way! someone destructive as Cray was too real to be a dream.She held onto the taller girl's hands and prayed fast to Falis. Alera had not moved for a time. Her shock of power she was letting settle. She did not respond to anything Aiyanna said. She was thinking. Starwind...Where had she heard that name?! Zodia...Zodia! Damn it all! Alera would need time to think on this. She knew little of tghe Starwind family, but she knew their intertwined sister family, bearing Alera's one and only nemesis. But Zodia disappeared. Slowly, the age worn sorceress stood up, after Cray's actions. But she paid little attention to him. If he became a threat, she could take care of him, she believed. But the Starwind mention was something beyond what Alera had ever expected to hear from anyone. If the Starwind family still existed, so did the sister family. And if there is more than one of them, Catastrophic actions could take place. It could be a possibility that Zodia was out there...If she was puppeteering something, who knows what could happen... "Aiyanna..." she muttered more to herself than to the young sorceress. Damn the odds...Damn them all! Orion was startled by the scream and his heart lept at the sound "Its never quiet for long." he retorted trying to find the source. A strange man was chanting something as he hoovered his palms above a minature universe. Something gave Orion a chill as the man spoke and he froze stiff. Aiyanna didn't like the idea of any drop of blood, from someone like Kitsa being spilled, may Falis help them if this was the way to open a Chaos Gate, she can imagine what Vesper did to open the gigantic one that hung above the city state of Raiden. She shuddered, even miniture one didn't sound good to her, they were definitly missng big piece of puzzle about the former chaos general and Sevrina. Aiyanna's mind drifted back to the day her life and her innocence was gone. "Mother! Father!" Aiyanna screamed, she was only seven years old, but her eyes widened in shock as the orcs set ablaze to her parents and laughed as her parents screamed in agony and later hacked her parents almost to quarters, she was frozen until someone picked her up by the waist and ran, to the safety and sat her down. It was a young man, her future mentor. "Wait here, do not move okay? I will be back!" and he also ran to the battle and helped to defeat the orcs and goblins. Her mentor later found her crying at almost charred mass of what remained of her parents. She didn't care that they no longer were alive or even unrecognisable, but they were once her parents...she have been seperated from her siblings, what in the world did she do to deserve this? Still being a child of age of seven she had cried into the arms of her mentor who treated her like a younger sister as time went by and taught her magick. Her mind snapped back as she remembered that Cray was in the same room the man who destroyed Roid, which in turn killed more then half of her father's relatives who resided in Roid. " Kitsa you okay? The pain should have stopped but it may not heal instantly I am afraid..." "The Chaos Gates are a nexus between two worlds. Ours and that of Chaos, much like the relic Chaos Ring. It allows the power from the Chaos to flow into the generals or any other creature fromt he realm. That power allowed me to summon the phantoms I used to attack the forest. And allowed the others to turn Roid into a nest of demons." Cray closed his fist and shattered the gate. "The one who has made a contract with the Gate can destroy it. The other method is to shatter it with a power of Order.... but... I doubt even the combined magic here has that much potency, to destory both the gate as well as Vesper..." Cray lowered his arms to hsi side and glanced out the nearest window. "We shall how you decide to squirm in three days..." Aiyanna's own eyes widened, they couldn't? But then what will become of Lodoss? She could not see it enslaved, become a nest for demons, like Cray said. Finally she gathered courage to ask Cray. "So is it true that we can not even have some chance of defeating Vesper and Chaos gate, there will be some people coming along sooner or later...but not even a smallest chance?" She watched the being of power, a fire elementalist and definitly fearsome. She refused believe that Lodoss will no longer have a bright future. She turned her eyes sideways to Alera who seemed distant, like if she was away in her little world.What was Alera thinking? Cray turned his head slowly from the window to the girl, Aiyanna. "Caos will not triumph over this city...or world. This planet is mine to destroy." He broke his attention from her and with a jostle of the chains began heading for the cellar. Before he took the first step down he stopped and spoke without looking at her. "There are two events that will save this city. Her mood... and the other... The other would be a waste of time to rely on." With a slow sigh Jinn began walking back towards the inn, the same sense of doom hung over him as it did two years ago. Jinn remembered Zipang and its destruction two years ago. Tangled in his thought he found himself in front of the inn. Quietly he let himself inside and took to the sideline along side Blade, watching events unfold. Aiyanna cursed him, his to destroy, doesn't he ever appericiate life? That's when her power flared again, she could hear the stars going angry, their voices were clamouring in to her heart, voice was deadly and the primal force in those voices frightened her, for their voice was their power. Aiyanna stood trying to run from the room, but fell to her knees again not far from the stair to the second level as she tried to block her ears, no good because their songs cut through the shields of her mind. She closed her eyes, cringing in pain and her hands over her ears though of no use. "Please stop all this! your voices are angry I know that but I am only a mortal what can I do! please stop it!" But their voices didn't stop there, they whispering, angry and primal voices of the sky. She was just but a mortal tuned to their voice. "Alera! Alera!I can't stop them, their voices are getting angry and angrier! I can't stop them!" Aiyanna was getting desperate, forgetting about her dignity the power inside almost tearing her up, she shouldn't have gotten angry or mad, if this was the case everytime she gets angry, may Falis help her! Aiyanna wasn't sure she could restrain this cursed power from her mother's family anymore, she needed to know the truth something about the Starwinds, saving other lives was a priority not her life. Aiyanna cursed Cray even more for the sake of it, curse him and existance of such evil. Orion stood perfectly still, rooted to the floor. What was going on! He knew it wasn't good what ever it was, that even he could tell. The man seemed fearsome and powerful. "What is he doing?" Orion whispered in a hushed tone as he watched the man cautiously. Some people in the room seemed in deep thought and were toned out it seemed from the real world. Orion felt helpless and even a little frightened at what he saw. "By the spirits of Lodoss!" Alera exlaimed holding her hand out. "I call out to all that is good! come forth. Change thy essence to that of peaceful harmony. Calm the storm that echoes inside the girl before me...Benevolent forces of nature and heart, throw forth your shields, and break the torture put forth on this child!" she declared. In response, magic began to swirl around her as ribbons of grey and blue. Within her radius, silence pervaded, calm forces sunk into her, and all noises Ayanna did not want to hear would turn to naught but whispers...muffled, nearly silent voices trying to reach her, but failing. Calm pervaded over anything within the swirling power. It relaxed and silenced all emotions but comfort. It made sleepy, but not of full sleep. Only a relaxing rest. Alera watched the magic ripple around the girl, hoping the magic worked. Alera's own defenses against such callings were built for the most part of her own stoicism, not magic... Withotu another word Cray disappeared down the stairs, the metal spheres following behind him. It was not a moment later that Jinn's eyes were forced wide open by Aiyanna's reaction to the flameweaver's words. With the first sign of wrong Jinn came as close to Aiyanna as the powers at work would let him. Reaching forward with his hands to become a physical support. Alera walked quickly to Aiyanna's side, watching the flameweaver closely. One more thing and Alera would warn him. This beast didn't know where the line was, and perhaps it was innocently. But she would ensure he was pushing it out of will after the warning. Aiyanna seemed calmed, almost dazed. Exactly the goal. "Dear Aiyanna...you are safe...those that wish to call for you are no more for now..." She said like a mother to her child. Alera sat next to the fallen sorceress and gripped the girl's hands. The smoothness of the glove was cold, but kind to her skin. "We should get you to a bed. You have had quite a bit of excitement for one day..." Alera grabbed any fallen or left over items of Aiyanna's. "Excuse me, dark elf, all...Aiyanna will not preform another spell for at least an hour. I will escort her to the room I have rented. There she will rest. When she is alright, we shall continue the forming of our plans for the gate." Alera crouched and draped the tired girl's arm around her soulder and lifted her up. Alera gave the girl balance and a sense of straight as she led her up the stairs and towards her room. Sevrina watched Cray depart to the basement, her eyes narrowed on him. "Caos will not triumph over this city...or world. This planet is mine to destroy," Cray had said. No. It's not. Sevrina thought to herself. You will never get so far. You are still but a man, Chaos General, Flameweaver or no. And if I know anything, it's how to destroy a man. You say that myself and the others are only tools for your vengence. Certainly, I have been, but I am only a tool for as long as the role suits me. I will weild you as well Cray, General of Flame. Then I will destroy you from the inside out. Sevrina's face was ambigious to the others as she thought this. Aiyanna's outburst was only spared an unreadable glance and Sevrina turned away as Alera casted her spells. When will it end Sevrina? a distant voice whispered in her mind. When will you let it? The assassin slammed a wall between the voice and the rest of her. She pushed herself out of the chair and suddenly staggered as a rather powerful wave of nausea and dizziness washed over her. Almost on the verge of vomiting, she clenched her teeth and forced the sensation away as her clenched fists on the table kept her from stumbling. Why is this happening? she growled to herself. As the sensation was suppressed, she stood straight and turned to Alera and Jinn as if nothing had happened. "I should have let her go rest in the first place," Sevrina said softly to the two, then turned to the others in the room. "It's late and it's been a long day. We should all get some rest. For those who are interested in joining our cause, we will meet at this table in the morning." Aiyanna felt rested, like if under a resting spell as peaceful sensations washed over her and the angry voices faded away. She glanced back at Jinn as she was helped up by Alera to rest and smiled, "Thank you Jinn, I shall repay you one day for your kindness..." Then she let Alera lead her away to a room she could rest. She badly needed sleep right now, sleep let her forget her sorrows and everything. She smiled as Alera put her her into a bed and let her rest. She welcomed the slumber that came soon enough. Edwin scratched his head after everything happened as he talked to himself "Ok that was intersting," he wasn't sure how he fit into this but to protect the world he would do anything in his power. Looking to Sevrina as she said that anyone wanting to join their cause, meant them at this table and nodded as he stood up knowing he would be there in the morning. Orion looked around the room after the man disappeared and was very frustrated that he didn't know what had just happened. When someone spoke the word "if you want to join our cause meet at this table in the morning." Orion knew he must meet with them. never since his parents died had he done anything like a meeting before, but Lodess was in trouble and even he was willing to sacrifice everything to keep it from harm. * * * Alera laid the girl on the bed and went to the closet. The barkeep had said some nights got chilly, and an extra blanket was always in the closet. She pulled the old blanket out and unravelled it. It didn't look especially warm, but it was better than nothing. Alera spread it over the slumbering Aiyanna. The room was a single bed, something Aiyanna had not noticed out of her sleepiness. But, throughout her travels, she learned beds were not nessecities in the least. After ensuring Aiyanna was tucked in, comfortable, and everything else, Alera sat on the floor. How much doing this brought back memories of her own family...how her mother used to tuck her in...how Alera had to care for her brothers...it all seemed so natural. But Aiyanna was no daughter of hers. Just a girl who needed a helping hand. Something Alera she had when she was that age and battling her own inner demons. So much alike and Aiyanna might not ever understand how close they were to each other... * * * Blade pushed off his place against the wall and came to Sevrina's side. "Let's get you to bed." He whispered. He took her around the waist and angle hidden from the crowd. "Come on." He smiled and pushed her up the stairs and towards her room. Sevrina nearly protested as Blade pushed her upstairs, but it was Blade. So she allowed it. As they passed through the hall upstairs, Sevrina caught the arm of a passing maid. "Bring a cup of mint tea to my room," she ordered before being pushed into said room. Once inside, she fell onto her bed and looked up at Blade. "I don't know what's wrong with me..." she said to him. Blade made his spot on the edge of the bed, lightly padding her shoudler. "Well, all you can do is rest for now. We can get a doctor in the morning if you still this way." Blade only broke his attention from her as he got up and accepted the teapot and cup from the same maid. Carefully he brought the items to a small circular table and served the dainty cup. "Now drink." Sevrina took a sip of tea, already the scent was soothing her churning stomach. She groaned and leaned against Blade. "A doctor...perhaps," she conceded. "Why now, of all times?" she grumbled, then took another sip of tea. "You know? I'm really craving chocolate cake.....and cheese." * * * Kitsa still stood in place, confused, scared and clutching her healed hand to her chest. She looked at Terin, feeling very exhausted. "I am going to my room," she whispered, then suppressed a shudder. However, she didn't turn around to leave just yet, but waited for Terin to reply. Terin had noticed that Kitsa was waiting for him to reply. "Perhaps you would allow me to escort you to your room," Terin gestured, as he walked over to take her arm. Kitsa smiled at Terin and wrapped her arm around his. "Thank you," Kitsa said. "You are very kind Terin," she added, then leaned over and kissed his cheek. Terin smiled at Kitsa. "You're welcome," he replied, then led her to the stairs. When they reached her room, he turned to face her. "Goodnight Kitsa," he said and kissed her hand. Kitsa smiled at Terin and pondered the meaning of kissing her hand. She had no idea what it meant. It had to be some Lodoss custom...she decided. But this scarred elf was intriguing her, drawing her in. As Terin stood, Kitsa wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him. "Sleep well," she said and pulled away from him, then slipped into her room. Terin was surprised at first, but returned her hug and smiled. "Goodnight Kitsa," he said as she shut the door. Then, he went to bed with a grin on his face. * * * Dralock sat in a chair against the wall. He had sat there, looking dumbfounded through everything that hapened. It seemed he was trying to sort out events in his head, though not very quickly. After a while he shook himself, and finaly seamed to be aware of his suroundings at last. "Huh," he said to himself, "I've worked with some strange people in my days, but this bunch tops 'em all. Well, at least things will be exciting." He smiled to himself, then looked around for Granite. After Sevrina announced everyone should go to bed, Granite went and rented herself a room. Unfortunately, the last one left. And the top floor was out of the question since some of it had been damaged before Aiyanna put up her shield. She sashayed back over to Dralock and smiled. "I'm going to bed, see you in the morning," she told him and headed upstairs. "Peaceful dreams, Granite." Dralock replied. He walked over to a table and sat down. He didn't feel tired, most likly because he had passed out in the basement of the shop during the terrible rain. But he was hungry, so he ordered a meal, and stayed up to keep watch, though it probably wasn't needed. Daermon, not wanting to wake himself up in the morning, ordered a bottle of Dwarven liquer and sat down to drink himself to sleep. Mephistoph walked over to a table occupied by a forlorn looking human. Not wanting to be rude, he asked,"Is this seat taken?" and then awaited his answer. Daermon looked up at the other man over rim of his bottle. "Nope," he replied. "You going to be here in the morning?" he asked Mephistoph. * * * Orion knew he could not sleep this night, not after everything that happened. Besides he did not really feel that tired in the first place. He moved from the corner and into the middle of the wall so he could watch the others in the inn. his mind trailed off, going over all the things that he had seen in his liftime and all the things he may never see. Before long orion was fast asleep and sat cross-legged against the wall with his head on his chest. Orions dreams were fast and somewhat confusing. Before long he wasd jarred awake from his troubled sleep and found that really he had not been out anymore then ten minutes or so. Pulling himself to his feet he surveyed the room out of curiosity to see it had changed little. Sighing softly he streached his neck in circles and leaned agianst the wall listening to the other in the inn. All that had happened lately and he still couldn't explain most of it. He smirked at his own unawarness and shifted his weight from one foot to the other in one smooth motion. For once since coming here he felt relaxed and even somewhat eager to meet others. "Well," he spoke absent mindidly to himself. "i guess that this is the most action i've had in along time." Orion laughed softly for no reason other then the pleasure of it and then rested silently aginst the wall, his long white hair drifting over his shoulders and a warm smile on his face. * * * Edwin shooked his head seeing everyone was going to rest "Well I guess it couldn't hurt to get some rest after today" he stands from his chair and walks up to his room noticing more of the rooms where being used "Well I guess now that the ran has stopped the is doing more business." He walked into his room and just layed down on his bed looking up thinking to himself "I wonder what I will be getting myself into it sounds like an adventure but it could become more...." he closes his eyes drifting off to sleep, which was uncommonly filled with nightmares. * * * Too much had happened in such a short time that Nipa was left dazed and confused. Shaking off the confusion he was glad to see Cray leave, though he was disappointed that the sorceress had left as well. Not knowing what else to do, Nipa went to the top floor of the inn and looked through the ruined ceiling at the chaos gate. "I am not sure how, but if we don't stop this... Not even my home will be safe." For some time he stayed there, watching and thinking before he returned to his room; knowing that tomorrow would bring even more interesting people to this town. "How could they not show up? This thing over the city will bring every curious body out of the cracks."