Light in the Darkness

[HLGStrider]

OC: I just wanted to start this with a reassurance to Cir that I did ask permission to start this, but it was a few weeks ago before my computer blew. I figured he might've forgotten, so I thought I'd remind him... Also, in this one my main character is not the infamous Elgee. Her name is Chel, and I hope you grow to love her.

ic:
Chel could always remember the darkness. That was all she knew. Once there had been light. There had been shapes. There had been more to people than voice and touch. She still cherished a face she thought to be her mothers. She vaguely knew what she, herself, looked like, or had looked like at age three.
Chel's blindness was not natural, it had been inflicted. She could remember it mainly as noise that night. Her people were being killed. One at a time slaughtered. At the time she had not understood death, but it was to be the last thing she ever saw with earthly eyes.
She'd ran... Oh how hard she'd ran. Her legs were aching beneath her. She rushed through the bracken, listening to the screams behind her.

Suddenly before her eyes loomed death. There was no mistaking him. He wasn't a man, just a darkness. Behind his black mass the night seemed as day. He lifted a sword, a rod of cold white light. It fell upon her. She shrieked... suddenly she could see him. She could see his white face. She could feel his evil. He was drawing at her life.

With one last desperate shriek, she ran. She could no longer see her way but somehow she could feel it.

The elves saved her. They found her lying upon the forest floor and drew her back to life, if not back to sight. They could not tell her what he was, the terrible creature that had so struck her, but she knew. He had been death. The death that wanted to destroy her. That longed to destroy all like her. Why she knew not.

Chel grew in beauty. She was never a strong girl, and her lack of seeing eyes crippled her. However, she had a sight beyond light, dark, and shapes. She could feel evil and good. Evil was a darkness even beyond what she knew now. Good was the only light that could penetrait her b;lindness. She clung to this knowledge.

She left the elves when she turned fifteen, returning to the forest of her youth, her old home. Everything was peaceful and quiet and she soon learned where every tree stood, where every cave was to give her shelter.
Then came the terrible night. The first dream. All was dark... Then came a cold white bar of light, the sword of death. It came closer and closer... Then she awoke.
And that is where things stand today.
The forest is no longer peaceful. The dream comes with greater frequency. She knows that it is out there somewhere, but she knows that she will not be alone to face it... She knows that HE will come.

[Ice Man]

I'm in. :D
All we need is some more folks so we can get this on.

I'll go on with my good old buddy Smyern.

Name: Smyern Sillmelerin
Creature: Elf
Date of Birth: in the middle of the 3rd age
Gender: Male
Place Born: Mirkwood

Looks: Black long hair, black deep cold eyes, 1,80m, 70kg, slim but stronger than one may guess.

Weapons: Sword, Quarterstaff, Knife
Magic Yes/No: Yes, but only healing magic/abilities

History: He was born and raised in Mirkwood during the 3rd age, having always had an itense desire of travelling and discovering the many wonders of Middle Earth. He dedicated most of his time to learning the secrets of swordplaying, which he would learn from his father, Talcyron Silverstar. In his travelling, Smyern would seldomly join some of the Rangers in their wandering and adventuring, especially those who headed towards the northern lands of Middle Earth. When the time came, he fought the Battle of the 5 Armies, met Bilbo and Gandalf, and went with them to Rivendell. There he lived until the end of the War of the Ring, having also fought in the war. After the war was over, he decided he would only sail back to the west once he had seen all of that was to be seen in Middle Earth. From there on, he simply travelled and wandered though Middle Earth, never setting feet in a place for more than a few weeks, and always in search of new places and regions for him to admire. Rarely does he return to Mirkwood, doing so only to tell his stories and adventures to his family and close friends who still haven't left Middle Earth.

Personality: Not what can be referd to as an open person, but always willing to learn and get to see new places. Likes to listen and observe more than he likes to talk and is very suspicious of men and dwarves, thinking that they do not take notice of the world's true beauty and wonder. He has an excellent memory (remarkable even by Elvish standards) and, everytime he returns to Mirkwood, he writes down all of the most memorable things that he has seen and that have happened. After many many years of wandering, travelling and adventuring, the thought of leaving Middle Earth begins to bother him every once in a while. He has not made a visit to The Lonely Mountain after the Battle of the 5 Armies, being that what he will probably do before leaving Middle Earth.

Clothing/Armor: Black Cloak, dark green cape, leather boots. Always takes his sword, named Amnetiz with him.

[Jav]

Sounds Interesting, Im in!!

Character: Javlynn
Race: Human
Age: unknown
Gender: Male
Place of Birth: Unknown

Appearence: Has Long red hair. Medium in size. Fair sized muscle definition. Has a large Tatoo of a Dragon on chest, symbol on arm

Weapons: Scimitar, Knife, Spear
Magic: Blk Magic, Summon

History: Not much is known

Personality: different, mysterious.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

(Welcome to the Forum! I always love when we have good RPers join!)

Name: Gorloth

Race: Elf of Mirkwood

Titles: Field General of Dor-Taur-Sir, high council to the King Elessar

Personality: Always seems to be in a dark mood. He appears cold and tactical to most people, save those who get to know him. Those who do know him know that he is a very caring and deep person, who hates above all else his taking of another's life (which he tends to do quite often)

Appearance: Tall, even for elven standards; He always wears a large black cloak that is latched between his broad shoulders by a single golden flower. His cloak has a hood, but he doesn't often use it. He has long black hair. His face has a very well outlined jaw, and eyes that are both proud and deep. It is said that he is decendent of the old rulers of Greenwood, and that the fire of Doraith of old runs through his veins.

History/abilities: Has been with the armed forces of Mirkwood and Dor-Taur-Sir since he was old enough to swing a sword. He does not know of his parentage, for their fear for the safety of the kingdom and their fear of his pride. He is very accomplished with both sword and spear, better than most people have ever, or will ever, see.

Weaponry/Items: He is equiped with two elven swords, both identical. They are long and skinny, but extremely strong. They were forged by his lord Elessar, from his special blends of metals. He knows much about trees, all kinds, and loves the forests.

[Jav]

OOC: I think we have enough people to go ahead and get started with.

Javylnn slowly approaches Chel. "I am Javlynn, I wish to aid you on your quest. I feel my magic could probably be of use. It is your choice and your choice only to decide to let me help you. So I ask you, Do you accept??"

"You are probably wondering why I would want to help you so bad. I promised somebody very special to you that I would protect you from danger."

[HLGStrider]

"It does not matter to me who sent you," Chel swallowed. She could see light around this man, a strong light, a good light. "I can sense that you are good, and I know your errand must be just. The woods are unsafe, but I fear that greater danger lies without... and that my healing lies within."

[Jav]

Javlynn slowly lifts his head. "So you accept, Good. Where do you wish to go first M'lady? But I do recommend we look around a little first before we set out."

"Here take this." He hands her a potion. "This may be of use."

[Azog]

I am here to help you. I will risk all for the wellbeing of the rest of you. My services may or may not be needed, but I my aide is offered.

Vaughn


Race Human

Age Between 20 and 35

Place of Birth Southlands

Gender Male

Appearance Long black hair and brown eyes. Scar on right arm from an arrow. Strong and Agile.

Personality Silent

Weapons Staff, Sword, Bow, Spear, Knives

Armor Leather with iron plating

[Jav]

"Hello Vaughn, do you wish to join us on our quest?" he asks.
"M'lady, he is a skilled warrior. We could use his strength."
Javlynn grins at Vaughn.
"Its been a long time since our last journey together, Vaughn. I hope you still have the strength you had nine years ago."
Vaughn replies "Of course."
"Good!"
Javlynn turns his back and looks out the window. "Im ready for excitment. Its been nine years."

[Azog]

"Nine years have passed quickly. I am ready for whatever comes."
Vaughn and Javlynn sat down and spoke by the fire.

[Jav]

"I am ready as well. I will protect Lady Chel at all costs, even the cost of ones life. I hope she knows she can trust me."
Javlynn stands up and stretches.
"I really must go, it is getting late. Goodbye for now."
Javlynn slowly walks out the door.

[Azog]

Vaughn stood up to leave.
"Lady Chel, I will, at all cost protect you. Even if it means my life. I will rest outside and keep watch over this dwelling."
He walked out of the door in silence.

[HLGStrider]

Overwhelmed by this support and the first companionship in many hard years, Chel begins to weep softly. She then grips the potion in her hand, thanking Javlynn and Vaugnn.
"I feel that the darkest part of the forest is near the boarder, surounding my little home. Come!"

Despite her blindness, Chel guided them deftly through the trees, weaving in and out. Soon they came to an Elvish style tree platform. She waved towards the seemingly harmless bushes on all sides.

"Every night the darkness grows in this area. Now it lies, quiet but still present. It will not awaken 'til night fall. Please, until then, lie still. My home is yours. When the darkness falls we will be beset. I dare not sleep for fear of dreams which grow more potent each time. However, I believe that awake we can stand up to whatever is out there."

[Azog]

Darkness fell quickly that night and a fell odor was in the air. It was very dark, which was usual for this house, for it seemed to be plagued by the darkness. As Vaughn sat by the window watching, A icy wind swept through the house. He searched and found Chel fell quivering in fear.
"What was that Lady Chel?"

[¤-Elessar-¤]

Gorloth rode silently on his horse. He had lefvt the courts of the Corrock, where he was supposed to be stationed. The wide plains and woods were more to his liking than the cold walls of stone and dirt. He rode on, down a foresaken little rode that he had never heard of, much less traveled. He loved doing things he had never done. And this, along with being in the crisp air of the surrounding woodlands, was greatly improving his mood.


(where are we? like which part of ME?"

[Ice Man]

Smyern was riding together with Gorloth, but at that time he was the matter of some 100 feet behind. They almost accidently rode some days ago in the road, and then they decided to ride tohether for some time.

The trees, Smyern loved the trees, for their great branches and leaves could witness many ages of times, countless years, inumerous events. Smyern loved everything which was of good and lasted long.

And they rode on.

OOC - Indeed, where are we in ME?

[Jav]

Meanwhile, back at the house...

"When do you think we should set out, M'lady? It is dark now, and I am ready."

"Anyhow, Im ready when you are Lady Chel. I shall be out side keeping guard. It would be a bad night for disaster to strike."

He puts is hands in his pockets and slowly walks outside...

[HLGStrider]

Chel arose, finally managing to answer Vaugnn.
"It was darkness... in its most evil form. This fell creature is outside... the dark is growing less. Soon it will be day. Day will bring us temporary relief."
She then stood.
"Friends are coming... I can see a light in the woods... in that patch of trees. Darkness surrounds it, however... the darkness is growing closer to it!! We must hurry!"
An ear splitting shriek shook the forest. The horses of Smyern and Gorloth stopped, as if turned to stone. They looked about them, for they could see nothing. They could hear it, however, a rushing like a cold soulless wind.
OC: We're in lower Mirkwood where the woodsmens live, near the border. Sorry that I forgot to add that.

[HLGStrider]

The wind knocked Gorloth from his horse. Smyryn gave a cry of rage and leapt from his, barely missing a similar fate. Gorloth was stricken with cold, all his veins feeling like ice.
Ever a true warrior, he stumbled to his feet, drawing his blade.

[Ice Man]

Smyern took some quick and leaping steps and soon found himself beside Gorloth, who quickly stood up and grabbed his sword.

- Gorloth, are you well, what is happening here? I feel an evil presence, but I see nothing. - Said Smyern as Gorloth stood up.

- I do not know Smyern - said Gorloth - but no cold wind alone is up to bring me down from my horse, I feel we have a hidden enemy here.

- I feel this too. - Said Smyern, as he grabbed his sword, which was glowing in a faint green tone.

[¤-Elessar-¤]

He rolled his shoulders, and put his blade into the scabbard. "There is nothing we can do about it from here, we must get out of these woods, we are too close to the southwoods, where the Necromancers dwell." "Come now," he shouted to his horse, "we must be off or we shall surely have a bitter fate." With those words the horses began to move, slowly at first, but eventually they were pounding away at the old path. Gorloth knew that if he could make the grasslands there would be an easy path to the Corrock, for there would be no more forests for evil spirits to hide in.

[HLGStrider]

Chel stumbled weakly from her home.
"Vauggn, Javelyn... The sun is rising. We must start. The shadows will be lower. I do not know where to go. It has been so long since I left my beloved forest... Perhaps the elves can help us."

[¤-Elessar-¤]

(Sorry, but I am pushing myself away from all RP's as of now, I will kill myself now, as to not make changes to a storyline that should prove to be one of the best RPs of it's time)

Suddenly from behind him Gorloth heard a scream of horror. He turne dand saw Smyern's horse being slain by a giant spider, Smyern was frozen with shock. He spurred his horse on, and jumped off of it and onto the back of the spider. He drew his blade and sank it deep into the soft tissue. The spider let out a death wail, and Gorloth jumped from his back. Smyern looked in horror as he saw what was behind Gorloth, and yelled a warning. But it was too late, a long arm picked the elf up by his neck. Gorloth pointed out with his hand, and mouthed the word GO, but no sound came. Then another spidery arm shot out, but this one came from within Gorloth- he was impaled through the heart, and died seconds later...

[HLGStrider]

"What's happening?" gasps Chel. "I hear screams. Someone is in trouble!"
Javelyn swallows hard, not sure how to tell her.
"We must flee, m'lady," he then says.

[Jav]

"What is happening, tell me!!!" Chel commands.
"Something got Gorloth." he says in his usual calm manner.
"Go now, I can take care of this."
The others take a few steps back and watch. Javlynn grips his scimitar firmly. He strikes the beast with a powerful blow to its leg. But it only seemed to make it more angry. "Now to finish this thing off...sheild your eyes, NOW!!!" A bright light seemed to come from everywhere. After a few moments it faded away. The creature was blinded by the light and couldn't see anything.
"Now, lets continue." Javlynn said.

[Ice Man]

Smyern fought off the Spiders, as he saw Gorloth's body be thrown down to the ground, motionless, dead. More spiders appeared, not so big, but still dangerous and deadly.

So, as quick as a lightning bolt, Smyern ran towards Gorloth's dead boddy and grabs his swords. - I will not be able to burry your body, but I will not allow any evil foe to clame your weapons. - Thought Smyern as he grabbed Gorloth's swords and ran away into the forest.

Smyern ran quick and silent, as a soft breeze moves through the trees, and soon found himself far away. But he was not at ease, and he was still aware that danger was near.

[Jav]

There was a pause...The trees were still, the wind was still. Javlynn looked around, but he couldnt see anything.
"I think we are safe, for now. Keep your guard up, you might end up like Gorloth."
They all continued walkin through the dark forest.
"I have a bad feeling about this. Something else is going to happen."

OC: It is a bummer that Elessar left.

[Azog]

As the party continued on the ever watchful eye of Vaughn was present and gave them a feeling of safety. As he walked by Chel and Javlynn, he spoke to them. "I am sure you are wondering why I have come here. I have been drawn to this place twice. Once many years ago on a night like this. I had sensed that one day I would return for a reason unknown to all. I am here now and..." He was interrupted by the shrieking of the spiders. Another raid was coming. "Gaurd Chel at all costs!" Vaughn yelled pulling out his staff and striking a spider in the eyes. They slowly fought back and held off the attack. "Day is coming we shall be safe in the house." Vaughn said to Javlynn. The company quickly retreated and rested in the house Vaughn had a large gash in his leg. After bandaging it, he lay by the door and rested.

[HLGStrider]

Chel reached into a pouch at her side and withdrew herbs with which to staunch Vaugnn's wound.
"You are all very brave," she then sighed. "I am lucky to have you. The night is too long..." Sighing she shook her head. "I am sorry to loose Gorloth... The loss of life on my behalf is sobering. Still, with the day here, we should be safe... at least we shall not be in great danger."
So saying she lay upon the ground and fell swiftly into slumber.

[Jav]

"I shall stay up and keep watch as usuall, M'lady. It may not be neccassary, but in times like these we cant take any chances."
Javlynn pauses and looks at Vaughn laying there on the ground.
"You should be fine."
He lowers his head and slowly walks outside. And it wasn't to long before they all woke up and realized Javlynn was gone. Vaughn, still in pain, stood up and leaned against the wall. He looked out the window and couldn't see anything. Javlynn was gone.

[Ice Man]

Smyern wandered through the forest, not sure of where he was heading to. He had Gorloth's swords in his hands, o' mighty swords they were, but he could not help himself from thinking of how Gorloth died. A horrible death it was, once again Smyern had witnessed a horrible death.

Smyern walked for some time, with his mind trapped between Gorloth's death and the spiders, until he finally stumbled across a small wooden house. At first, he did not want to enter it, but it seemed as if something, or someone inside the house was calling him. So Smyern did what seemed nothing but natural to him. He walked to the front door and called for whoever was inside the house.

- Who is it that lives in such dangerous woods?

OOC - I am assuming that Gorloth and I were not with the party as those Spiders attacked us. If my assumption is wrong, let me know so I can properly edit this. :D

[HLGStrider]

"JAVLYNN???" Chel called. "Where are you?" She started to shake... "Something came during the night. I again had my dream, but this time it wasn't after me... It must've been after Javelyn... If only I could see... Vaugnn, we must find him... I can hear his horse in the bushes over there, next to yours."
Sure enough both horses were tethered in place, just as they had been the night before. Chel mounted Javelyn's and allowed it to lead her through the forest. Vaugnn followed.
Suddenly Vaugnn reached out and grabbed the reign's of Chel's mount, stopping it.
"What is it?" Chel stammered, unable to see that before them...

[Azog]

Up ahead on the path was a black mist. It slowly crept towards Chel and Vaughn. "Shall we pass through here Lady Chel?"
She nodded slowly and a pained look came to her face. At that moment the mist came. The two were swallowed by the darkness. Vaughn called out to Chel but heard no answer. He continued to call her for a few minutes and then heard a faint groan. He ran to the noise and found a limp body. It was Chel. She was still alive but in a great shock. The darkness receded for a while and came back to torment its victim. Vaughn tried at no success to comfort her. Then he thought. Maybe that potion Javlynn gave her can help. Vaughn carried her towards where he thought the house was, but he found himself to be lost. It was then Chel woke.
"Chel, where shall we go?"

(Ooc: I was gonna use the potion Javlynn gave her but I would think Chel left it at the house. Might of added to the story.)

[HLGStrider]

"Where are we now?" she stammered. "I feel cold... alone... Oh where are our friends? My hand hurts. I cannot open it," she held up her hand which was clenched into a tight fist. "Help me."
Vaughn carefully pulled her fingers apart. There, in her palm, lay a smooth black stone, about the size and shape of a small coin.

[Azog]

"That stone... It is evil. I can feel it. It draws darkness to it, but I feel the need to keep it is great. We will take it to an elder who can translate this inscription on it. But right now... I hear footsteps! Someone is coming" He saw a figure of a strong man "We must risk the danger of speaking to him" Vaughn stepped onto the road and spoke.

[HLGStrider]

"Who are you?" he questioned, for the fellow's features were hidden in shadow.
Chel came to stand beside Vaughn.
"Smyern? Is that you?" she stammered.

[Ice Man]

Smyern was still puzzled with the most recent happenings, and took more than a few seconds to respond.

- Yes, it is me. I couldn't do a thing, Gorloth simply... - the words deceived Smyern, as he found himself speechless. It took some moments before Smyern could say more - Gorloth's swords are all that I retreived. What shall we do now?

[Azog]

"Chel will decide, but I suggest that we get out of the darkness. Death has claimed one of us, but we will not allow him to claim us all. Chel, in your decision rests the fate of all of us. Where shall we go?"

[HLGStrider]

The stone in Chel's hand suddenly started to glow with a light, purple luminesence. Chel felt it pulling her forward, deeper south and deeper into the heart of the forest.
"This way," she swallowed. "The stone is leading."

[Azog]

"Let us be off soon, for I am afraid that we may not see Javlynn again. It is a dark hour, for death has claimed two today unless that light burning in his heart conquered the death. Maybe his courage held back the fate of all who dwell inside its reach. Maybe we shall see him again. But for now, we will follow you Chel."
Vaughn and Smyern followed closely behind Chel, watching for the glowing eyes of the Mirkwood spiders. Chel led them to a field where no trees dwelled. The light blinded their eyes, but when they had regained their focus, they saw an old hut.
"This is an odd sight in the Mirkwood forest. Chel, Shall we enter?" asked Vaughn.

[Jav]

Before she could answered Vaughn ran over to the small hut, and sat down beside a dead body. "Hes not breathing."
Out of the hut walked a dark figure. He walked into the moonlight, it was Javlynn. But he looked different.. "Were you looking for me?" He asked.

[Ecthelion]

Soon another dark figure stood behind them in the darkness, but none saw or heard him. He just remained a shadow and listened.

[HLGStrider]

"I'm so glad we found you," Chel stammered to Javelyn. "Who's body is this?" She then stopped, gazing with unseeing eyes into the trees. "I feel we are being watched. I know not why..." She then took a few strides into the trees, leaving their sight. She felt the bark of the trees around them... strange trees. She called softly to the nothingness. Then she felt a cold hand grab her by the wrist. She shrieked.

[Ecthelion]

The thing that grabbed Chel pulled her into the darness of the trees. The group rushed in only to find her unconsiues(sp) and the ball gone. Above Chel is a terrifing orc(thats my character). The orc pulls out a sharp sword and in the other he holds the ball Chel had. The orc said "My name is Grushdug, I will give you this ball and this person for a price. Give me your horses, 1,000 gold pieces, and 500 silver peices. If not then say goodbye to your freind." Grushdug held his sword up to Chel's throat.

[HLGStrider]

oc: unconscious. I think... might be an e in there somewhere.

IC: Smyeryn digs through his pockets, knowing very well that he doesn't have quite that much gold on him but stalling for time. Chel's eyes slowly flutter open. She starts murmuring something in a strange tongue, a far away look in her blinded eyes. Javelyn stiffens, his body going first taut than limp. He starts murmuring in a like tongue. Slowly but surely and to the great surprise of all present, Chel's body rises fromt the ground. The stone floats above the orc's rough hand, rising with the girl. There is a burst of light and both Chel and the stone have vanished.

[Ecthelion]

The orc is confused. He runs forth and grabs all the money people have out. He runs and jumps on a horse and rides away wit them all. He rides only a few miles away where there is Lord Nain Ironfoot and his army of Undead. "Good work orc, here is your share," Nain flips him a coin and waits and thinks.

[HLGStrider]

Chel floats in a sea of cloudy purple light. Below her is the stone. Above her nothing. She looks about, for the first time in many years able to see. She can feel Javelyn. Why this link with him has developed she knows not nor why he was chosen. She has no other communication with the outside. She can feel an evil presence approaching her friends.
"Javelyn," she thinks. "Behind you. Be careful... Please turn around."

[Jav]

"This is something I must do. Im sorry about this..."
He grips his knife in hand and holds it out in front of him.
"Please forgive me, M'lady."

"Sorry it must end like this, Vaughn."
Javlynn grinned at vaughn and slashed him in the face. It happened so fast that nobody saw it. He fell to the ground in pain.
"But this is how it must end."
Javlynn turned away and began heading toward Arcanjo. Then he stoped, and looked around alittle. There was a long pause. "What am I doing?...."
Javlynn fell to the ground. Vaughn got up and dusted himself off. Then ran over to Javlynn as fast as he could, leaving a trail of blood. "He appears to be dead."
Vaughn put his ear up to his chest. "He's not breathing!"

[HLGStrider]

Feeling trapped and frightened Chel gives out a shriek. She is trapped within this strange world, controlled by the stone. How can she escape? Few friends remained to save her.

[Ecthelion]

Nain sends Glushdurg back to the sight to see what he can do. The orc rides hard and fast, for it is night and orcs are best then.

[HLGStrider]

The darkness grows about Chel. She starts to feel faint. The world is fading. The stone below her grows smaller and together they materialize back in the forest.

[Jav]

Javlynn lay in silence. Vaughn sighs "Im sorry."
Then Javlynn's body started to treble. "help me." he moaned.
The forest became very foggy. You could still see the eyes of the giant spiders lurking. Through the forest they could hear a loud trampling noise. Through the fog came a large red dragon. The dragon had huge wings. It looked around for a quick moment and screeched.
The others had no choice but to sheild their ears.

[HLGStrider]

Chel lay unconscious at the monster's feet. It gave a menacing hiss and scooped her up in his jaws.
With an simultaneous shot Smyryn and Vaughn leapt forward, blades drawn. The monster swept around with his tail, nearly knocking them off their feet. He then flapped his huge wings, sending sparks of colored fire about the forest. With one last blast of flame from his nostril to delay the fighters' reaction, he took off into the air, Chel still in his foul grasp.

[Azog]

Vaughn and Smyern ran quickly into the woods. They ran unnoticed by Nain Ironfoot and his vast army. They kept running until they reached a party of wood elves. The elves, having known Smyern aided them and quickly led them out of the forest with two horses.
They rode hard until they reached a small town of mercenaries who, being unemployed at the time gave their help in return for a promised sum of gold, or the heads of Vaughn and Smyern if the gold was not given. The small band of 18 men and 1 elf rode hard back to where Javlynn lay. (This is over a period of 2 days) We will wait here by Javlynn's body. His fist was clenched tightly, but when Vaughn opened his hand he was shocked. Javlynn was holding a stone of likeness to Chel's stone.
"That is why Chel's stone led her here... but maybe, we can rescue her with this." Vaughnd up the stone and felt a pulling towards the eastern boundaries. "We head east at sunrise. All hired men get to keep any weapons from a slain enemy, except for Chel's stone.
They rode east and came upon Glushdurg. The orc was surrounded quickly for the mercenaries hired were stealthy and knew the way of woodland combatants. The orc reluctantly gave them the stone, for Glushdurg had not told Nain about his finding of the stone. They sent the orc back to Nain, for he had not attacked them and they were not going to deal death to all that they came to.
Vaughn felt an even stronger pulling east. He said to Smyern, "There is another stone. But before we acquire it... we must rescue Chel. It is a sad thing that Javlynn left us in such a manner. He was my fellow adventurer 9 years ago. It was then that we came here last. That hut... the man... he was the rightful owner of the stone. I must go back. You continue with all but 1 man. I will take him with me."
Vaughn and Kuro, the mercenary, rode back to the hut. He had given Smyern 1 of the stones that he had. When they arrived at the hut they found the man laying there. He appeared to be dead, but his mouth was moving and he was speaking. The only words Vaughn recognized were Chel, Dragon, and what sounded like "live". Vaughn and Kuro carried the man inside and bandaged him. They stayed at the hut overnight and in the morning the man awoke. He kept thanking them and offering his assistance but Vaughn made him stay in bed for the man's wounds were not yet healed. It was then the door flew open.

[Ecthelion]

Nain was not very disappointed and tended to do something about these "mercenaries". Nain told Glushdurg that he would lead 100 undead to track down those men and bring them to Nain alive. Off the 101 men rode into the night and were halfway there by daybreak and were coming fast on horses.

[Azog]

Standing by the door was a man. A tall man. Vaughn couldn't see his face because of the darkness.
"Why are you here?" Vaughn asked, drawing his sword.
"I am here to see this man." he said pointing to the wounded man. "I saw a dragon flying from here towards the eastern mountains. And I am here to kill you old man! You have terrorized our city by this dragon!" He ran towards the man but was decapitated by Vaughn's sword. Vaughn ran out the door, telling Kuro to protect the man. He jumped on a horse and quickly rode to the mountain

2 Days Later...

Vaughn arrived at the mountain and began the long climb up. The land was scorched by the Dragons fire and the nearby village in ashes. When he finally reached the summit of the mountain. It was then a red streak bolted at him. It was the Dragon. Vaughn drew his sword and prepared to battle it.

[Jav]

Vaughn could here voices all around him.
"hello?"
Before the voices could answer the dragon screeched violently.
Then it began to charge at Vaughn. Vaughn gripped his sword and held it out in front of him. As the dragon trampled over, Vaughn jumped out the way and struck it, cutting its leg badly. Smoke started to come out of his nostrils. He hurled a huge fire ball at Vaughn. But he blocked it with his sheild. The impact of the flame knocked vuaghn on the ground. The dragon walked over slowly toward Vaughn and stared at
him for a few moments. It raised its front foot ready to crush him. Suddenly a huge lightning bolt shot from the sky and killed the beast.
A tall man walked up behind Vaughn but he couldnt make out who he was due to the heavy shadows of the trees. "I couldn't stand here and watch you die." The man said.
"Javlynn, is that you? I though you were dead."
"I was..."
There was a long pause...
"Were is she, tell me now." Vaughn demanded.
"She's in there..." He pointed to a huge cave that you could see from the mountain top. "Want her, go get her."

[HLGStrider]

oc: Arcanjo is a little confused, and I'm not exactly sure where we are myself. Jav. and Azog. You seem to know more of where we're going, and I sort of like where you're taking it, but could you PM me and Aranjo to let us in on it a little bit. Thanks. I'll try to fumble along....

Chel lay inside the cave, a chain clasping her right ankle. Her eyes were open, but she appeared listless, lifeless almost. Vaughn rushed to her. Her lips moved and barely audible words escaped.
"He's... coming... stones... darkness... but he's coming..."

[Azog]

"Yes, Darkness is coming... and you are the only one who can stop it. You must learn to master your fear of it. It is coming for you, for it knows that you are it's downfall. You must conquer it or all of Middle Earth will suffer. Rest well tonight, for the journey tomorrow will be long and hard."
Vaughn stood up and left the dark cave. When he came back he had a large amount of meat. After the two ate well, Chel went to sleep by a small fire while Vaughn kept watch. It was a quiet night. The air in the cave was dry, for the dragon's flame had burnt the walls. Suddenly Vaughn heard many voices speaking a language that he knew not, but it was evil. Very evil. It was a small band of goblin scouts. Vaughn picked up his staff and his sword. He ran out of the cave and decapitated 1. The other goblins were immediately alerted and came running at Vaughn. An arrow narrowly missed him, but grazed his cheek. Vaughn, in an almost instant blow cracked the goblins skull with his staff. In the same motion almost, he did a back flip over a charging enemy and impaled him quickly. More goblins started coming, forcing him to retreat into the cave. Chel having been awakened by the screams of the goblins, sat huddled by the fire. "Chel," Vaughn said, "Can you do anything to help us?"

[Ecthelion]

OOC: I'm pretty confused on where evryone is also, can you post on here where everyone is?

IC: Glushdurg and his orcs, even from there distance could here the yells of the goblins being crushed by one man. Glushdurg sent a Raven back to Nain telling him their new plan. Glushdurg and his band of men charged quickly to the noises of the dieing goblins. Glushdurg let out a loud battle yell and and the goblins turned and rejoiced and scooted a little back from the mouth of the cave. The knew the dragon was around so they made a plan. They sent in two goblins on a sucide mission, they fought Vaghun, trying to wear him out and occupy him. While that was happening the other goblins and the zombies lit fires all around the mouth of the cave so that there was no escape. The two goblins soon died wearing out Vaughn. Next they knew there was a dragon about so they sent two zombies of with deer. The others could see in he distance the dragon flying back to the village and burining it which would occupy him for days on end before he would come back. The goblins that were left(roughly 15) and 15 zombies to out arrows and aimed them inside the hole in the side of the mountain. Now they could not see them fo the cave was decently long and dark at the end, but if the light a fire they will be exposed and destroyed.

[HLGStrider]

Chel could hear and feel the beast approaching. Inside her something strange was bubbling. She reached into her pocket where lay the stone. Striding out of the cave she raised her fist high into the air. She then gave an unearthly scream and opened her palm. From the stone shot a clear purple fire, strong but cold. It towered over the mountains. The dragon faltered in his flight. The goblins and undead quailed and shrunk back. Vaughn stared in amazement. Chel lifted her other hand and opened her eyes. The fire swept over the surface of the mountains. The goblins were dead and the ground scoarched, but somehow Vaughn and Chel were completely unharmed.

[Jav]

Javlynn having seen the flame walked over to Chel and Vaughn.
"What was that?" he asked
He looked at chel and Vaughn dead in the eyes.
"Vaughn, come with me."
Vaughn looked at Javlynn in a confused manner. "Very well. I shall go with him.

[Azog]

OOC- Ok, I thought the dragon was dead.

[HLGStrider]

OOC: Nain felt generous and added another in the mix... see his last post.

ic: Chel felt faint, not knowing what had taken over her body. She could hear a voice whispering near her ear.
"I gave you that... You shall remain a live a little longer... it is not in the cards that you should die before I have used you sufficiently, until you've seen me reign in glory and terror."
"Never..." she breathed.
"Yes... And I shall have one more of your friends to prove it... I am already approaching to destroy him..."

[HLGStrider]

oc:You guys can decide which of you is the friend in danger. It doesn't really effect the story plot... just to show this bad guy's arm is long reaching. First come, first in danger...

[Azog]

Suddenly, Vaughn was pulled back and disappeared into the blackness.

[HLGStrider]

"Vaughn!!!" Chel shrieked. She dove after him in desperation, jumping through the mist. She was immediately entangled in it. She struggled and managed to free herself. She caught ahold of Vaughn's wrist.

[Ecthelion]

A jet black raven flew up to Nain and told him of the news. Nain growled with anger and said in fury "This is no job for zombies or weaker people. I will take care of this myself." Nain grumpily picked up his double-sided mattock and armed himself with four throwing axes that hung about his waist. Nain, being a Necromancer staedied his energy and soon all around saw something amazing. Nain was mutating out of his own will into a giant black dragon whos scales gleamed in some shades of sunlight. He flew into the air and let out a horrible scream that chilled the bones of Chel and Vaughn who could hear it. He took of on his way to the mountain.

OOC: I did a bunch of reading and found out Necros have one power they may choose and I choose shapeshifting into creatures, but only those that serve the darkness(dragons, trolls, wargs, etc.).

[HLGStrider]

"Hold on, Vaughn," Chel gasped in horror. "Oh where are the rest of the people??? Hold on!!!"
Vaughn starts to pull himself out of the darkness.

[Azog]

Vaughn opened his eyes for the first time since he was taken. He was in a blueish mist and could not see any way to relieve the pain he was going through. He floating in Darkness and felt his mind slowly bending to the will of the Darkness. His mind was dying. It was then that he saw the face of Darkness. The icy black eyes of the creature pierced through his thoughts. Then Darkness spoke, "Vaughn, why do you run away from me. You deny the truth."
Vaughns body jerked back in pain as Darkness searched his mind again.
Darkness spoke again, "I know your thoughts Vaughn. Your fate is in my hands now. Vaughn bagan to fall. He screamed, yet no noise came...

[HLGStrider]

Chel managed to catch him by his sword belt. She couldn't understand why he was in such pain or struggling. She could feel the evil, but not see it. Suddenly she knew.
"VAUGHN!!! DROP THE STONE!!!" she gasped out. "Drop the stone!!!"

Somehow Vaughn heard her voice, vague and dreamlike through the mist. He opened his hand. From it feel the smooth dark oval. The pain stopped. Chel pulled him back onto the cliffs edge, where he lay, unconscious.

[Azog]

When he awoke, he appeared normal to everyone, but his mind was clouded by the mist. His mind was still in the darkness, yet his body was here, on this cliff. He could not tell of the evil he had seen, for the fear Chel was conquering would overrule her. He had to fight it himself, but could he really defeat it. Was he strong enough to fight Darkness without the aide of his companions. He had to strengthen himself, or die trying...

[HLGStrider]

Chel stroked Vaughn's hair back and covered him with a blanket. She then sat at the cliff's edge, staring into space.
Again he spoke.
"You defeated it this time... It will come again and I may still get him..."

[Ecthelion]

A loud roar was heard outside the cave. Finally Nain the dragon had come and was showing no mercy. Quickly he saw the stone on the gound. CHel saw him to and ran for it. Nain blew fire at her almost burning her. She stepped back and stumbled a little. With this chance Nain transformed into a Warg and ran at the stone and got it CHel charged at him, but again he changed this time to his dwarf form. He quickly drew a throwing axe out at aimed it at her, she froze in fear.

Nain said to her "I am sorry to do this, but it's for your own good." With that Nain chucked his axe and it stuck Chel's hand into the wall, she shreiked in pain and fainted. Nain turned his attention then to Vaugn," So you saw the darkness? I suggest listening or else you might not end up so well. Then Nain chucked an axe at him which stuck his leg to the ground. Nain did have some heart left in him so he left a potion to heal them quickly. Nain changed back to a dragon. He let out a huge yell of triumph and flew off with the stone in his cluches.

[HLGStrider]

CHel saw him to and ran for it. uh hem... saw? Think about my character, Nain...

ic:
Chel stumbled up.
"He has the stone... The other evil one has the other stone. That makes one left... the stone of death... And we must somehow shelter it from going to either."

[Azog]

"The stone of death... Where could we find such an evil thing. But before we journey, I must rest, for I am weary and have seen the face that no other man has seen. The face of Darkness. Darkness has plagued my mind... poisoned it. I am not to be trusted. I will turn on you some day. It is just a matter of time. Darkness has me, and once he takes form, I shall become Darkness itself. Do you wish me to stay Chel?"
Vaughn had a look of fear in his eyes that had never been seen. Fear was new to him, but now it ruled him. He thought to himself 'If Chel can conquer her fear, I can also.' Vaughns mind was tormented that night. Darkness was speaking to him again, this time as an ally. Vaughn's mind was bending to the darkness, for Darkness itself was manifested in him. Vaughn and darkness became one. He still had good in his mind, for he was thinking of a way to save Chel once darkness left him. Vaughn wished the best for her, for she was the only one he had left. He would use the power darkness gave him to fight back. He would rebel against the very one who gave him the strength to do so. But... Darkness knew this also, and had given Vaughn the ability to defeat it. Darkness was plagued by the pure heart of Vaughn, which he had toiled to break. He wanted to destroy Vaughn, yet be destroyed himself, for Darkness could return to Middle Earth, but Vaughn could not.

[HLGStrider]

Chel and her comrade rested for some time before leaving, following a westward trek. The stone was drawing them. However, Chel knew that they were being followed. If they continued they would lead their enemies to the very thing they sought. If they ceased it was only a matter of time before they found it on their own.
"Perhaps it is best if we do seperate, Vaughn," Chel whispered. "We will lead them apart."

[Jav]

"I think not. This ends here...now."
Javlynn grips his scimitar.
"If you are offering your life, I will have to take it. Sorry it must end this way."
From around him came several small urchins. They circled him ready to fight to the death.

[HLGStrider]

"Javelyn!?!?" Chel gasps. "Do you know what you do? The darkness has a great hold on you..."

Chel had no stone. No vision. No way to protect herself. She could feel the stone calling...

"You'll never get the stone if you kill us. You are not strong enough to find it on your own, Javelyn... Only I can..."

[Azog]

Before Chel could finish, a blackness immediately fell. It seemed to be darkness, but it was not. It was Vaughn, for he had been given the power of Darkness. When the Light came again, Vaughn and Chel were gone. Javlynn threw down his scimitar in disgust.

[HLGStrider]

Chel and Vaughn found themselves in a low place, an almost perfect "bowl" in the middle of the woods. At the bottom there was a pool of ice cold water. The sides were of marble, smooth and slick. In the midst of the water was the stone that they had sought. Chel started to tremble.

[Jav]

As Chel and Vaughn began to slowly walk toward the stone and dark shadow comes from the sky.

Kurayami: You cant hide from it. Darkness, Death...any of it.
Vaughn: Who are you?!
Kurayami: Darkness!
Chel: What are you talking about?
Kurayami: You see, you are not ready to face it. That is why I must kill you know! You hold a great power, and I must stop it.

[Azog]

Vaughn stepped in front of Chel. "If you want her, you shall have to kill me first." Vaughn weilded his sword and with a swift word set it on fire.

[Ecthelion]

There sitting on a branch staring at the battle soon to happen was Nain's black raven Zoc. He was ready to fly away with news when anything happened.

[HLGStrider]

"Don't take another step forward if you wish to live," Chel announced. "The first one to touch that stone will not live. It is cursed... as you are. Light is stronger than you can imagine... Vaughn, remember, do not touch the stone."

[Jav]

"Do you really think the darkness can die?"
The shadowy figure pointed over to a weird looking tree. There was Javlynn's lifeless body...laying there. "He is dead now. There is nothing you can do to bring him back." The shadowy creature dissapeared. Then...Javlynn's cold body lifted off the ground. He floated upright.
"Why is this happening to...me?" He moaned in pain.

His feet slowly touched the ground. He gripped his scimitar...

It was Kurayami. He had taked over Javlynn's body.

[HLGStrider]

"The dead can fight but only the living can taste victory," Vaughn murmured. He gripped his own weapon and sprang forward.

The sword cut through the wooden handle of the spear.

[Jav]

"Your sword...it cut right through the handle of my spear. But I have no need to use physical weapons. I can crush you with magic!"
With the right words a bright bolt of lightning strikes Vaughn and Chel's body. "Do not attempt to kill the darkness. You are only waisting your time.

[HLGStrider]

Chel grit her teeth and flung herself forward, into the pool. She landed atop the dreaded stone. There was another bright flash and the lightening stopped. Javelyn's body lay limp. Chel floated unconscious on the surface of the water.

[HLGStrider]

The cold water had caught her body, cushioning her from the full impact of the deadly stone. Still the wave had been enough to temporarily disrupt the spells of Javelyn's captor and knock Chel out of action.

[Jav]

"Do not try to fight it! It is impossible to defeat me now..."

[HLGStrider]

Chel awoke and scrambled to the edge of the pool. She listened. What was that strange noise? It was a low, dull rumble. She could not discover its source, but somehow she wasn't afraid of it. It was almost comforting. It was getting louder...

[Azog]

Vaughn sheathed his sword and walked up to Kurayami. He had a fire in his eyes that could not be quenched. Vaughn waved his hand and a ring of fire surrounded him and Kurayami. He raised his hand and spoke a short phrase. A bolt of lightning struck Kurayami and left the body of Javlynn smoldered by the heat. Kurayami raised Javlynn's body again, and sent a great fiery disc at Vaughn. Vaughn dove to the side, but was hit by the disc. His arm wass badly burnt and a large wound dwelled where the fiery curse had hit. He held the wound with his hand and spoke again. The wound healed and there was no appearance of a burn. Vaughn spread his arms and raised them with great force. A large meteor came down and crushed Kurayami, but it had no effect on the creature, for he could pass through stone. Kurayami uttered a slow mournful phrase. All suddenly went silent. Vaughn tensed, and looked around. He saw a great streak of red and silver flying at him. It was a dragon, the same dragon Javlynn had slain. Vaughn held out his hand and an icy shield appeared The dragon hit the shield with full force, cousing Vaughn to fly far back. Vaughn was up quickly and drew his sword. He dove at the dragon hacking and slashing. The dragon, startled by the sudden fury of his opponent dove back. From his wounds blood spilt, staining the ground with a remembrance of the dragon that lived twice.

The dragon then came with incredible fury, for it was in pain and knew the thorn that had inflicted it. A hate grew in him. Hate of Vaughn. Hate of Javlynn. Hate of Kurayami for bringin this torment upon him. His lungs filled with blood and he fell at the feet of Vaughn. Vaughn turned to Kurayami and once again, sheathed his sword. His face dripped with blood and sweat. His body began to tire, and he fell to his knees. He could feel death, and looked up. Kurayami hovered above him and laughed. He spoke to Vaughn in a haughty manner, "You have fooled yourself, thinking you could defat one who cannot be defeated." Vaughn stood painfully, for his body was battered and torn from the fight. He spit in the face of Kurayami. You will never have me. Vaughn began to float in the air. He closed his eyes and rested there. Suddenly his eyes opened.

[HLGStrider]

The stone likewise began to rise, consuming the water about it with a cold lavender light...

[Azog]

The stone came to Vaughn andthe two became one. A bright flash appeared, and Chel could see again. Vaughn spoke to Kurayami, "I hereby banish you from this place." Another flash of light and the body of Javlynn fell limp to the ground. Vaughn came down to Chel and spok to her, "I... I am sorry. I did what I had to do. You must come with me now."

[HLGStrider]

"I will come... I just wish I could understand all of this... Where is the stone of death?" Chel swallowed.
Despite her fears she took Vaughn's hand and let him lead her from that accursed place.

[Jav]

"Now you attempt to run...COWARD!!!. You will die. We finish this here!."

The burnt body of Javlynn slowly limps to Vaughn. He grips his spear and strikes at Vaughn. But before he could hit a huge ray of light appeared from behind them. It knocked Javlynn down to the ground.

"What was that?" Vaughn yelled. Then they slowly turned around...

[HLGStrider]

Chel swallowed hard... she could see whatever it was. It was a creature of pure, beautiful light. In shape it was a man, but the features were too bright to look at. She fell to the ground, astonished. Her whole body trembled.

[Jav]

Javlynn's body lay lifeless on the ground. The bright figure walks slowly toward Javlynn and put his hand on his lifeless body. A bright ray of light blasts out of him. "Now you can get what you want." said the figure. He slowly fades away.

Javlynn slowly rises.

"Were am I? What happened?"

Chel whispers to Vaughn. "Hate can always be overcome by light."

[HLGStrider]

Chel embraces Javelyn.
"We still have much to do. There is another enemy... a strong one, and the stones still exist."

[Azog]

"Not for long." A voice spoke. It was Vaughn. He stood tall and strong, and a bright light surrounded him, silhouetting his body. "I am going to destroy Darkness, but I need your assistance, Javlynn, for you and I both know darkness and have been given a portion of his strength. Will you, and you," he said motioning to Chel and Javlynn, "Aide me in my journey?" The two agreed and they began to set off.

Another voice spoke out. "I will." It was Smyern. He dropped from a nearby tree and walked up to Vaughn. Chel, startled by seeing her elf-friend ran to him and embraced him.

"I see we meet again." Vaughn said to Smyern. "How did you fare?"

"I have been in the company of evil men, for they tried to slay me, but thank Eru I am safe. Here is the stone you gave me." He said holding out his hand to reveal to evil stone. They knew of the stone, Vaughn. They tried to kill me for it."

Vaughn took the stone, but gave it back. "I cannot have two stones, for the evil of the stones would overwhelm me. Keep it safe."

The company came to a village and bought supplies. The rested at the Eagle's Nest Inn and purchased four horses to ride the next day.

[Jav]

As the trio travel out of the village on their horses Javlynn says "Could some one please tell me whats going on? I can't remember anything."

He stops his horse and commands a reply. "Tell me what has happened!"

[Azog]

Vaughn calmly explained the events that had taken place. The company spoke for hours, listening to Smyern and Javlynn tell of what had happened in great detail. Vaughn knew deep inside him that one of them would meet death. As they rode he contemplated this in silence. Chel noticed his concerned look and asked him, "Vaughn, what troubles you?"
Vaughn remained silent, but had a grave look on his face. Darkness had haunted him the night before, and had revealed to Vaughn its plan. Vaughn had struggled to overcome the power against which he battled. He had won a mental battle, for the seeds of Darkness had died and their roots withered because of the pure heart of Vaughn. The physical battle was yet to come. Vaughn looked at Chel and felt a sense of peace.

[HLGStrider]

ooc: Do you think we should contact Nain? Haven't heard from him in awhile and this is getting to a part where he'd be useful.

ic: "We've been dealing with a lot of dragons," Chel commented, as they rode along, "I didn't know this many worms still existed. It speaks of evil times... I have not felt such evil since the night I was blinded..."

Around her Chel could see the light of her friends. Otherwise all was dark. A purity had been restored to Vaughn and Javelyn... Smyeryn was untainted.

The sun began to set. In the darkness ahead lurked an enemy greater in power than all they'd faced before. Chel could not see the black bird flying above them, watching every move. She could not predict the evil it foreshadowed.

[Azog]

But Smyern, an elf with keen eyesight did see the bird. He, in one fluent motion, jumped off his horse pulled out his bow and loosed an arrow at the evil watcher, but the bird's keen eyesight saw the elf and he dove toward the earth, dodging the elf's arrow. He then flew to his master and told of what he had seen.

[Jav]

"The bird flew west. Lets follow and see what we can find."
"Are you feeling okay?" Chel asked.
"Im fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Im sure."
The three continued east till they heard some talking deep in the forest. They quitely jumped off their horses and went closer. Vaughn, having great stealth abilities climbed a large tree and spied on the four men that were standing there talking.
"I never meant to hurt you Chel." He whispered.
"It wasn't you, it was Darkness."
"I'd rip my heart out for you."
"Quite, you two. Im trying to listen." Vaughn interupted.

He got a little closer and could almost make out what they were saying.

[Jav]

"I heard Nain was tracking Chel and those other guys." One of them said.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, thats what I heard. Oh, and believe me. I have very reliable sources."
"And who would that be?"
"Perhaps, Nain himself."
"Yeah right give me a break."

Javlynn climbs up in the tree and joins Vaughn.
"Hear anything?"
"shhh, yeah."
"What?"
"Nain IS tracking us."

[Jav]

As the two continue to spie, Vaughn's knife falls from his pocket and hits a rock. The men hear it and look up in the trees.
"What was that?" The dark skinned man said.
"I don't know"

They were still but they still spotted him.
"HEY, LOOK IN THE TREES....SPIES!!!!"
"KILL EM, KILL EM!!!"

The men ran over and grabbed their weapons up against a large tree about twenty or thirty feet away.

Vaughn and Javlynn jumped down.
"Ic Grum Ne' Su" Javlynn Chanted.
A huge meteor-like rock shot from the sky and crushed one of the men.
"Ief, Nu' graa' no te'..."
Before he could finish he was struck in the back of the head.

OOC: Sorry about 3 posts in a row, but I want to get my Post # up.

[HLGStrider]

Chel grabbed a stick and swung blindly, the only way she could swing, at everything that made noise. When she heard Javelyn fall her anger grew and she skrieked....

[Jav]

Javlynn slowly rose, and as the man went to strike at him again Vaughn charged and shoved his blade into his throat. The man fell lifeless to the ground.

"Two more to go!" Vaughn yelled.
"No problem." Javlynn replied.

Javlynn grabbed his spear and struck both of the remaining men. Killing one. Vaughn finished the other one off quikly.

[Jav]

"Now what?" Vaughn questioned
"Check the camp..and the tents."
Vaughn checked in one of the tents and found nothing. Javlynn checked, and found nothing also.
"Whats that on the ground? Check it out!"
They ran over to it. It was a map.
"Hey, its a map. It leads to the eastern mountains."
"Indeed. Lets go there. We must." Javlynn said calmly.

[HLGStrider]

Chel swallowed. She could not see the map, but she could feel something evil radiating from that direction.
"If only we could destroy the stones first... to destroy two would so cripple their effectiveness that the one remaining would be useless. We must destroy them... and yet the third is calling... Let us go..."

They traveled on, through the forest. The mountains beckoned before them. The trees seemed to reach out to grab them... It soon became obvious that they were being followed. Smyryn continually dropped back to try and catch sight of whoever or whatever it was, but such attempts proved futile. It chose to remain out of sight, and it succeeded.

[Jav]

OOC: Have you contacted Nain, like you said HLG it would be a great time for him to be in it.

IC: "We are being followed. I can sense it. Chel, stay beside me."
the group continued to walk with chel by Javlynn's side.
"You probably do not trust me now, do you?" Javlynn asked.
"Chel, theres something I have to tell you. I think I lo..."
"Shut up, Javlynn." Vaughn yelled.

They continue on, but Chel could tell that there was something of Javlynn's heart.

"Perhaps wargs are following us?" Vaughn asked.
"No, its a greater power."
"I guess your right."

"Chel..." Javlynn started but was interupted by the sound of moans coming from the forest.

"Not now." Vaughn yelled. "Always come at the wrong time."

A small mob of zombies came from the forest surrounding them. Vaughn, Javlynn, and Symyrn were ready. They gripped their weapons and ran at the zombies. A few zombies were gathering around Chel.

"Vaughn, go help Chel!!" Javlynn yelled.
"I can't, you go."

The zombies were starting to grab at her. "Help!!" she yelled. she started to swing her fists blindly.

"If you touch her..." Javlynn runs to Chel as fast as she can.
"Stay away from her!!!" He pulls out his Spear and starts killing zombies which takes all the attention away from chel. "Javlynn!!!" Chel screams.

[Jav]

Vauhn rushes over to the zombies attacking Javlynn and kills them off. Vaughn helps Javlynn off the ground.
"It bit me." Javlynn said.
They run over and kill the few remaining zombies.

"You were bit?" Vaughn asked.
"yes, in the arm." he replied.
"We need to get him to a clinic, fast!" Chel cried.
"There is a city not to far from here, and its not out of our way. Lets keep heading west and we will surely find it." Vaughn says.
"Palmz?"
"yes, its only about a mile or two from here."

The zombies start to rise again.
"Run!!! This way!!!" Vaughn yelled.
The zombies try to follow but are too slow.

"It is Nain." Javlynn moaned.

[HLGStrider]

The city of Palmz seemed strangely deserted. Chel shivered. Where was the evil coming from? It was nearby. She was worried about Javlynn's arm and wondering about his emotions towards her. She listened to the foot falls of her two companions...

Two?

She could feel both Javlynn and Vaughn beside her.
"Smyryn?" she swallowed. The men looked around. The elf was slinking into a small cottage along the street side. He then emerged, his face grim.
"Something has been slaughtering villagers around here..."

Inside the house a man lay dead across the table. His body was still warm to the touch. Whatever had happened had not happened long before.

[Azog]

(ooc: Javlynn please dont triple post. Your posts will go up if you have patience. Also mods will get angry. BTW, "quiet" and "quite" are diff. words. Also, please don't use exclamation marks with my char. it detracts from the persona I have been using the whole time. THX. Also, I believe Chel can see now *post #95*)

ic: Vaughn walked out of the building with a grim look on his face. Smyern, Javlynn and Chel remained in the building. Vaughn felt a tremor in the ground, similar to the tremor that he felt when he had defeated Kurayami. He closed his eyes and stood in silence. He slowly muttered to himself. "We are trapped." Vaughn ran to the house and arrived in front of the company. He spoke calmly, but a look of haste was in his eyes. Chel noticed first, for she and Vaughn had spent many days of travel together. They understood each other and she knew more than all else what Vaughn had faced and overcome. Vaughn told them of the incoming force and spoke directly to Javlynn, "Come with me." The two men walked in front of the house. Vaughn uttered a phrase and Javlynn did the like. They lifted their hands and a giant shield of fire surrounded the building. Chel and Smyern came out and were amazed by the power that Vaughn and Javlynn had. Chel spoke in awe, "We can defeat Darkness now. Vaughn stepped out of the fire unscathed and Javlynn did also. They slew the incoming Olag-Hai but grew weary. Smyern joined them and his arrows flew straight, hitting their marks. The giant Olog-Hai leader ran forth and screamed in a foul tongue. He revealed his great sword, that was 4 meters in length, and 1/2 meter in width. He swung his sword at Vaughn, decapitating one of his Olog Hai's. Vaughn dove forward, under the blade and jumped with incredible fury baring his blade. The blade stuck the Captain in the gut, and black blood poured out onto the ground. Vaughn then, with incredible quickness cut the hand off the great beast. The Olog-Hai, in incredible fury and pain let out a great roar. He ran at Vaughn with great speed and rammed him with great force. Vaughn flew back and was quickly apprehended by the Olog-Hai's followers. Vaughn spoke a quick phrase, and the Olog-Hai's began to scream in pain. They fell to the ground, dead. Vaughn picked up his sword and ran to the captain of the Olog-Hai's, whom Javlynn had impaled with his scimatar. Vaughn symbolically removed the head of the Olog Hai and placed it on a stake in the center of the village. He then walked to Javlynn and spoke with gratefulness, "Thank you my friend, for without you aide, Chel would not be safe. I know that you care deeply for her, but I must remind you that we have a great enemy, whose advocates are searching for us. It would not be the best of times to persue a... relationship with Chel."

[Jav]

"We need to save the talk for later. Anything could happen at any given..."

He was interupted with sounds of moans and screams from within the houses.

[HLGStrider]

oc: Hey, I wasn't talking... Though I did consider warning you that the Moderators might get mad about the triple posts... they can be finicky some times. It isn't like you are one word posting however. You can probably get away with it, it just won't increase your popularity with the Moderator Council of Death. Chel can only see light, BTW.

Ic: The fire burned fast around them, spreading away from them, from house to house. Soon all of Palmz was aflame. The smell of the dead mingled with the smell of smoke. A few peasants who had been hiding from the evil now fled, rushing out in absolute terror.

[Jav]

"We really need to get Javlynn medical treatment." Vaughn says.
"I know!"
"The other villages are too far away."

Javlynn looks at Chel and Vaughn.

"Im okay...for now. Don't worry about me, I can pull through. We must consentrate on protecting you, not worrying about me." he says.

"We must continue. Do not forget that we are still tracking the bird. Keep heading west, we are bound to find something." Vaughn says.

[Jav]

"Will you be okay, Javlynn?" asks Chel
"Probably...like I said, don't worry about me."

It began to rain...

It put out all the flames in the village and all there was left were ashes and rubble.

"We must go. We have no time to waist." Javlynn moans.

OOC: Somewhere soon along the way, Chel should get some sort of WHT magic. That way she can heal.

[HLGStrider]

ooc: it couldn't be too hard to obtain. She's already able to see light and feel darkness. I'll see what I can do...

IC: Chel could sense evil pouring out of Javlynn's wound like blood from an opened vein. It deadened what little vision she had and wearied her.
"We must stop," she finally gasped. "I feel faint." She sat down, trembling.
Unwilling to stop Vaughn carried the girl. Javlynn was now so weak that he had to lean upon Smyryn's shoulder to walk.

In her dreams Chel wandered through darkness. She often dreamt of dark, for it was all that she'd known for many years. However, this time there was a light ahead. She was almost to it. She stepped through the darkness as if it was a curtain. The shadow fell away and she was amidst pure light. It enveloped her, embraced her. Her heart gave an ecstatic leap. Light was pouring from her finger tips....

She awoke with a start and found herself lying on the ground. She could hear the slow breathing of her companions about her. They were sleeping. Somewhere along the trail they had stopped for the inevitable rest. She stumbled to her feet.
"Hello, Chel," Javlyn's voice came to her. She walked towards his voice and sat beside him. She brushed against his arm causing him to wince.
"I'm sorry," she swallowed, laying her hand over the wound. A light radiated from her palm and Javlyn's eyes widened.

[Azog]

Vaughn and Smyern both were awakened by the light. Smyern was speechless, and stared blankly at Chel, but Vaughn had a smile on his face. He spoke for the first time in a joyful spirit, "We now have everything we need to defeat Darkness."

[Jav]

"Magic? You've had the magic all along. And you didn't know..."
Chel looked at Javlynn. He grinned.
"Chel, I don't know what to say to you." He says.
"You don't have to say anything." she replies.

He looks into her angelic eyes.

"I..."
"Shhh...I know."

OOC: HLG, do you have a sn for AOl Instant Messanger?
Azog, when do i get to change that stupid little thing that says guildsman under my name???

[HLGStrider]

OCC: I'm MSN-Hotmail only... Azog knows that one... or I'll give it to you over PM. You might need to reach loremaster before you can change it...

"This magic will help me... it feels healthy... not like the scent from Kurayami's foul deeds," she breathed deeply. "It feels... almost like seeing again... Now we can defeat what we need to defeat and aid what we must aid."

[Jav]

"We rest here tonite, Tommorow we continue heading west for my home village...Ja'ko. There I can speek with my old master."

Soon they all fall asleep and wake up the next mornng...

"Everbody, gather up your things." Said Javlynn.

[Azog]

They rode hard to Ja'ko, and arrived the next evening. As they pulled into the village gates, Vaughn jumped off of his horse and walked into the Lightfoot Tavern. He then rented a room and put the horses in the stable. Vaughn, Chel and Smyern waited as Javlynn entered the hut of his old master. Vaughn spoke to Chel, "I know not what has drawn us here, but I know that it is good."

Chel smiled at Vaughn and nodded. She could see him plainly and saw no Darkness in him. He was to her a white figure, and had no evil in his heart. She could see evil, if it was there, in all she encountered. Vaughn knew this, but did not reveal his knowledge of it to her or anyone else. Chel was unaware of this and was to remain unaware for a time.

After an hour, Smyern went to the Bowman's Outfitters, and purchased boots for the party. Vaughn went to the Blacksmith's and sharpened his blade. He then purchased a staff for Chel and began to teach her some basic combat tactics. After long hours of practice, she progressed greatly and was an avid staffswoman. Vaughn, Chel and Smyern went back to where Javlynn's master was. Vaughn, tired of waiting, walked to the door and knocked.

[HLGStrider]

"Something doesn't feel right," Chel whispered, gazing from one friend to another. They were both clear, figures of light. She could sense that Javlynn was near... yet something was not right.

[Jav]

They walked in to see Javlynn talking to a young blk mage. They listen in on the conversation...

"He's not here? Where is he? Is he alright?"
"Yes, he's quite alright, Sir. But im not sure where he is."

Javlynn turned to see the others.

"Hes not even here." He said to them.
"Well, where is he?" asked Chel.
"No body knows."
"Lets go look for him then."
"Lets go back to the Blacksmith, he might know something."
"Good Idea."

[HLGStrider]

"Who is this blacksmith?" Chel asked, gripping her staff.
"Just what he sounds to be, an ordinary blacksmith," Vaughn said. "I had him sharpen my sword earlier."

They approached the smithy. Inside he was hammering a piece of metal flat. The noise filled the air, banging, strong, loud... Metal against metal. It filled Chel's head with a sudden and inexplicable fear. She gave a cry... The darkness was nearer now...

[Jav]

Javlynn and Vaughn slowly approach the man. He looks up at them with a flithy face.

"Can I help you guys?" he said in a helpful manner.
"Yes, We are looking for the master. Can you tell me where he might be?" Vaughn asked.

"Oh, he's not in town right now, he's on an errand."
"Where?"
"I think he said Graa'."

Javlynn turned to his companions.
"We should stay here for a few nights and wait for him. If he's not back soon we should go to Graa' ourselves."

"Why is it so important that you meet with him?" Vaughn asked.
"Its been almost thirty years since I saw him last. Its the least I can do. Besides, Graa' isn't that far away."

OOC: Keep in mind that this is a city Governed by BLK Mages.

[HLGStrider]

Chel slept fitfully that night, her mind filled with the clanging of metal on metal... like swords clashing against swords or the smith's hammer on the anvil... Again her dreams were dark... She awoke in themiddle of thenight, just weeping.

[Azog]

Vaughn's dreams were also haunting to him. He had seen the blacksmith before. He soon realized that this blacksmith was one of the mercenary that he had sent with Smyern. He decided to watch the Blacksmith very carefully. His dreams were interrupted by the door, slamming open with a harsh thud. Chel let out a cry, for she coould feel that it was the blacksmith. The karge man had an evil look in his face, delighted to hear Chels screams. Vaughn jumped out of his cot, picked up his sword and ran to the man. The blacksmith, angry at himself for awakening Vaughn, pulled out a dagger and threw it at the running warrior. The throw was with great force and hit Vaughn with full impact, but Vaughn continued running, to the amazement of the smith.He swung his sword with all of the force he could muster, hitting the neck of the smith. The blow instantly slew him, and his head fell, seperated from his body. Vaughn fell in pain...

[Jav]

Okay, wait a sec., the blacksmith isn't evil. He helped us out earlier. And if he was evil, why would he attack us late at night???????

[Jav]

Well, when you kill someone explain it a little more. Your making your character too strong. You just run up and kill somebody real fast...

[Azog]

(ooc: All he had was a knife, and he threw it at me. BTW Chel, i need some healing. We should delete thes posts for the sake of the RP,and move them into the discussion thread. If any mods are reading this please do so)

[Jav]

Yea, delete all the recent OOC stuff.

[HLGStrider]

Chel rushed up to heal Vaughn. She called out: Javelyn, where are you and what happened? Oh Vaughn... is it bad...

Again the light shone about the wound and it mysteriously healed. She drew a deep breath...
"That hammer," she whispered. "It reminds me of some darkness.. some evil..."

[Jav]

Javlynn slowly walks over...

"Who was that?" He asked.

[Azog]

Vaughn winced in pain, for even though the wound was healed, the pain was still there. Vaughn spoke softly to Javlynn, "He was one of the mercenaries that Smyern and I... Smyern... where is he?"
Chel walked to the window and breathed deeply. A tear formed in her eye, and she fell to her knees weakened by the sudden loss that she had experienced. "He has left us, and I know not his fate, but it is grim by all means."

[HLGStrider]

She started to weep.

"We have lost one of our company... now three remain... and the darkness is growing. We must be swift to counter it!!!"

She rose.

"Let us leave now, before all is lost."

[Azog]

Vaughn, still in pain, walked out of the door. He was called back by Javlynn. "Wait, for I still have not spoken to my master."
"Yes Javlynn, you are right, we will head to Graa' immediately. Unless... You believe that it is a trap Chel, do you not?
Chel closed her eyes and remained silent for a short time. She reluctantly said, "It is an unsafe route, but it is not a trap, unless an unforseen evil has come to this place."

[Jav]

"Lets go then...Its not too far away. We can get there in a few days if we hurry." Javlynn said.

"Very well."
"We should set out now, while its still dark. No one will see us leave."

They pack up and set out.

[HLGStrider]

The journey was made mostly in darkness. The night had been half out when they'd decided to leave and they were too tired to continue, what with Vaughn's wounds still fresh if mostly heeled, to go far into the morning. They camped out under a large tree with one of them perched in the branches as a look out.
Javlyn, who had first shift, felt that they were being watched, but he could not find what it was and it never bothered them... They started again about noon.

[Jav]

They walked and walked and soon came upon a small forest.

"This forest is the only way through, unless you want to climb those mountains." Javlynn said to them.

"We will go through the Forest." Vaughn said.
"Very well."

They walk into the forest, but it wasnt too long before they encountered a small mob of goblins.

[Azog]

The goblins came, 20 of them. They bore their swords and leapt at their foes. Vaughn and Javlynn moved quickly, slashing at the creatures. Vaughn saw a movement in the trees and ducked, causing the flying arrow to hit a goblin behind him. The arrows had been poisoned, for the creature died instantly. Chel focused her mind on the tree and could feel the creature. She bent down and picked up a stone. She then hurled the stone at the creature and hit the goblin archer directly in the forehead. The small beast fell out of its perch and lay on the ground flinching, killed from the fall. Chel weilded her staff and walked slowly to the fight. Vaughn saw her and watched her as he fought, ready to protect her from any assault. Chel tightened her grip as her knuckles whitened. She swung with all her might crushing the skull of the goblin, who wandered in front of her, not taking notice of the woman behind it. Vaughn smiled and slew another, impaling it with his long blade. As he drew the blade out, the sword of a goblin hit it, notching it by the handle. He kicked the goblin away and threw a knife at it. The knife lodged in the creatures head, and it fell to the ground. Vaughn fell in pain, for his wound had reopened. All was black.

[HLGStrider]

Chel swung madly and blindly, guided only by vauge feelings. She could see two forms of light, no more, no less. All else was blackness and evil, a swarming, moving evil. Every few seconds her staff felt the dull impact of contact with Goblin flesh. Arrows wizzed about her, but they all missed.
"Are we making any head way?" she gasped between goblins smackings.

[Jav]

Before Javlynn could answer he was ambushed from behind. Two smaller goblins jumped on Javlynn's back and began slashing him with their long, sharp claws.

Vaughn ran over and pulled them off of him. Javlynn turned to the Golbins on the ground...

"Why are these pests so eager to die?" He asked Vaughn
"I don't know, but lets finish 'em off." He said in his usuall calm manner.

They killed a few more goblins and the rest ran off into the woods.

"Everybody okay?"
"Im fine."

[HLGStrider]

"I'm well... but I believe both of you are hurt... Men don't care to admit it, I've noticed," Chel frowned. "Come here, both of you."

Chel spent the next fifteen minutes caring for her companions.

"We need to destroy the stones. They draw them. They will keep coming until they have the stones or the stones are no more..."

[Jav]

"Yes, we must act quikly though." Said Javylnn

Javylnn felt better when Chel's cold hands touched him.
"Will it ever come to an end? Or will we die trying to save this place?"
"Who knows. However, I feel that we have what it takes to defeat darkness."
"I hope your right about this"

The sun was bright, and it was very hot. Sweat was dripping off their faces.

"We must keep going. If we keep going the speed we are we could make it there by tommorow."

They stand up and stretch. They walk deeper and deeper into the forest...

[Jav]

Finally, night came. They were all exhausted from the walking.

"It is a cold night." Vaughn says.
"Hmm, enjoy it. For tommorow..."

Vaughn stands up and stretches.
"I am going to rest now."
"Sleep well."

[HLGStrider]

All through the night Chel could feel something drawing her to the east. It would call to her in the night. It beckoned her to come closer. She knew it to be the stones. She knew they were guarded by a fierce and awesome power.

[Azog]

(ooc: I thought i was unconscious but i guess i was wrong.)


The next day came, and they were all well rested. Vaughn and Javlynn's wounds were healed, and their spirits revived. Life seemed as it once was to Vaughn. The meadows were glowing green in the bright and glorious sunlight. The suns rays fell upon his face and lifted his spirit. He felt joy again. Joy that he once felt long ago, when he was a child. The field was familiar to him, somehow. He had played in this same field long ago with Javlynn. They would pretend to be great warriors, like their fathers, slaying imaginary orcs with their small wooden knives. Those days had passed long ago, and now were lost. Javlynn remained silent too, as if he remembered the same thing. A time of joy before the darkness that would soon overwhelm them. The goblins were far behind them now, for they had left the forest quickly after being raided. Vaughn could remember a vague picture of the field that they were in now.

He then realized what it was. He spoke to Javlynn, "Be careful not to awaken the wolves, for they are always in the meadow during the fall." Javlynn nodded, and spoke to Vaughn.

"You remember too? We almost were taken when we were young, if it weren't for our fathers. They slew many wolves so we could live, but died while saving us. We owe much to those great men."

Vaughn nodded in reply and both remained silent, knowing Chel could sense any fear they might show of the meadow wolves. These wolves were pure evil, and could not have good in thier hearts. Chel looked around, and saw a black mass slowly moving forward, encircleing them. She hastily yelled, "Run!!! The wolves are near!!!" The three sprinted forward, but Chel tripped of a protruding root. Javlynn and Vaughn both ran back. Vaughn fought off the lead wolf while Javlynn took Chel to safety. A mass of wolves came, snarling. Their evil growls made Chel shudder. They slowly surrounded Vaughn.

Their leader barked, and the pack attacked, knocking Vaughn to the ground. Javlynn saw this, and ran to help his comrade. To Vaughn, the entire event passed by slowly. Seconds seemed like hours, making the pain even greater. He reached for his knife slowly, and stabbed at the looming figure above him. The wolf jumped in pain. Vaughn stabbed at another and it fell to the ground. He tried to stand but found himself pinned down by a great white wolf. The wolf's eyes were glazed over with hatred, and they were glowing a bright red. The foam from the great being dripped onto Vaughn's face. It stunned him, and he felt as if it was the end. Suddenly the wolf fell. Vaughn sw Javlynn looming over him. He stood up in great pain. Chel ran to him and asked, "Are you okay?"

Vaughn fell in pain...

[HLGStrider]

"Everytime we come near rest," Chel wept. "Where are you hurt??? It feels bad... Javlyn, please keep watch... they may return."

[Jav]

Javlynn turned his back and took a few steps. He could not sense anything but could tell that they were still being followed.

"We are being followed, Chel." He said to her.

[HLGStrider]

"Help Vaughn along... I have a plan... we are walking into the wind..."

Javlyn obeyed, watching her carefully as he moved along. Slowly Chel took a flint rock and set it to the dry, knee length, blonde grass. The wind whipped about her as she set the fire...

It started off with avengence, sweeping along towards whatever was behind them...
"It will burn fast and hot," Chel whispered. "Hurry while they are beind distracted."

[Azog]

When they came to a place of rest, Chel healed Vaughn. His many wounds, inflicted by the meadow wolves, were soon gone and his strength was renewed. He picked up his sword, and it felt light in his quick, nimble hands. The blade moved quickly, whistling in the wind. Vaughn sighed, "I am older , and my strength was declining. But now, Chel has restored my strength. I thank you deeply my friend."

[HLGStrider]

"No. I thank you for being able to weild that strength and doing so in my defense. It will be much needed in the days to come. We will all be tested... Perhaps it will be more than we can bear," Chel ended with a sigh. She could still feel the stones tugging at her. They had to find the stones before the evil that weilded the stones found their group.

[Azog]

Vaughn suddenly remember something. "The stone. Smyern had it. We must retrieve it before..." A black crow flew overhead, towards the East.

"Nain." muttered Javlynn, "Must he continue to serch for these stones?"

"He will never stop," said Vaughn, "Darkness is his master. To stop would be death for him."

Vaughn unsheathed his sword, watching the land in front of him. The grass was very high, reaching the shoulders of Vaughn and Javlynn.

"There is an evil here... even greater than the wolves. I can feel it. A cold dark wind has come upon us. Darkness is near. There is only one stone left befora... the end."

Javlynn drew his scimitar, and Chel gripped her staff tightly. Vaughn held the sword in the air, as did Javlynn. They two plunged into the rough, only to find an orc, who had been spying on the company. The wretched creature ran, but fell as a knife pierced its heart. But its lungs still had breath, and it knew of the stones. The creature gave a scream, but was silenced by a scimitar. The long blade of Javlynn peirced the skull of the creature, impaling its head. Javlynn withdrew the blade from its lodging, and it was stained in a dull black. Vaughn went back and retrieved Chel.

While Vaughn was gone, Javlynn heard the sound of many orcs, coming through the tall grass. He lay down and waited...

When Vaughn arrived to Chel, he found her shaking. "The evil is great right now, it is a torment to me." She said weeping. Vaughn quickly escorted her back to Javlynn. The three sat in silence...

[HLGStrider]

The orcs turned Chel's methods against her. Soon the grass about them was afire... the flames grew closer. Chel coughed and drew her cape about her face. The heat was sickening. The black shapes moved among it.
"They already have the stone," Chel muttered. "The three will soon be united... If we cannot stop them the world will be dark in days... We must fight through this quickly."

[Azog]

Vaughn whispered to Javlynn. Javlynn nodded and the two stood. The orcs were instantly upon them, sneering with twisted, evil smiles. The orcs drew their blades, giant swords made of the deep of Middle Earth. Javlynn and Vaughn spoke quickly, for they did not have much time. Vaughn closed his eyes and began to rise, as did Javlynn. The two began to emit a holy light that overcame the orcs and quenched the fire. The orcs were blinded, and began to slay each other.

But Chel was still lying in the grass. She curled up, filled with fear as the orcs passed by her, screaming and slaying each other. She could see only black around her, except for the light of Vaughn and Javlynn.

Vaughn and Javlynn both dropped down to the ground, and began slaying orcs. The slew many, almost three score. Chel stood up, covered in blood. Javlynn and Vaughn were covered in the black blood of the orcs. The blood stained their blades and their garb. They stopped at the nearby river and cleaned their garments. Chel's fear was gone now for no evil was near, it seemed. The three grew weary and slept. Chel's dreams were not haunted by any evil, for Darkness could not reach her in such a place of good.

[Jav]

They all were sleeping when they were awakened by a noise. They rubbed thier eyes and looked around. Javlynn stood. "Who's there?" he yelled out.

Through the grass came a small frog-like creature. It spoke...
"Hello there." it said.
"Who are you?" Vaughn said suspicously.
"Who am I? I asked you first. Besides, your the trespassers!" It yelled.
"We are on an important quest and we don't need to answer to a frog."
"Very Well then." It said.
"I am Crum. I've been watching you guys and I like watching you fight! I wish to join you on your quest." It said to them.

OOC: i decided to have a second char.

[Azog]

Vaughn sighed and inquired of the frog. "How am I to know that you are not evil?"

"You don't, and that's a risk you'll have to take. But I can assure you, Crum has never broke a promise."

"Ok Crum, you may join us. You will be Javlynn's apprentice fighter.

[HLGStrider]

Chel reached out and felt the frog. It had bumpy, wet skin.
"Will we have to wet you down? I don't want you drying out," she swallowed worriedly.
"Please," he sniffed. "I am no average amphibean. You shall see what I hold inside my slimey skins."

[Jav]

OOC: Azog is in the proccess of moving so i guess its me and you for right now, HLG!

The frog smiled and jumped on Javlynn's Shoulder. The sun slowly rose up from the mountain peak. They packed up and headed out.

As they were walking they encountered an army of small frogs.

"HALT!!! WHO GOES THERE??? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HIM???" They yelled out.

Crum looks down from Javlynn's shoulder and stands up on his hind legs so they can see him. "I am here! I am okay! Leave me now."

The mob of frogs looked at eachother in a confused way.
"Why boss?" the commander asked.

"Do not ask why!"
"Okay Okay, You Da boss!" He said. The troops marched away.

[HLGStrider]

"We promise to bring him back and keep him safe to the best of our abilites," Chel swallowed, made nervous by the amphibeans, even if they were leaving. She didn't wish to step upon one of Crum's followers, and she spent the next five miles in fear of hearing a squish when she stepped down.
Finally she got over this however, and began a conversation with Crum about his community and how he proposed to help them.

[Jav]

Javylnn spoke. "So, what is it that you do, frog?"
"I am a talented warrior." it swallowed in pride.
"O, I see. You can fight other frogs. HAHA! Why do you wish so much to help us?"

The Frog-Like creature looked at Javlynn with his huge eyes. "Because I want to...so don't worry about, okay? Theres nothing to worry about."

[HLGStrider]

Don't worry, Crum... We trust you... What do you eat? We are almost out of supplies... Do either of you know of a good town for restocking?

[Jav]

"We are heading towards Graa' right now, im sure they will have some food for him." Javlynn says to Chel.

They continue walking.

"If we hurry we can make it by tomorrow evening."

[HLGStrider]

then let us hurry!!!

[Jav]

The trio continues on...

They find themselves deep within a quite forest. They seem to be going in circles.

"Crum, can you help us? You know these parts more than we do." Javlynn asks.

"I don't know where we are."

[HLGStrider]

Chel could feel something pulling her to the east and the men decided to trust her judgement. After awhile Crum started to remember the surroundings. They kept going.
They reached the town long after sunset, but there seemed to be much action, much life in the streets. Chel could hear the bustle of many people but she could see little light about her. There was great evil in Graa'.
Then ahead she saw it, a bright light, bright as dawn. She gave a gasp and fell to her knees. The light came closer...
"Is the girl all right?" it asked. It was a tall, fair elf. Javlyn gazed up at him suspiciously, for he too could feel the evil about them yet not see the light.
"I was just seeing if she was..."

[Jav]

"Who are you?" Javlynn asked.
"I am..." He was interupted by screams

They look above them to see a large dragon flying overthem. It starts to blast fire at the the peoples homes.

The elf gripped his sword. "I will take care of this!"
The dragon comes to the ground, crushing several.
Crum swallows hard. Javlynn and Azog grab there weapons and run toward the huge creature.

[HLGStrider]

The Elf started yelling in the fair tongue of his people. Chel shivered as the words hit her... They seemed to be drawing from her power... The men felt similar sensations... fire rose up around the dragon.

[Azog]

As the flames were awakened, Vaughn ran to Javlynn and spoke to him, "That elf is very powerful, but can he defeat this dragon alone? We must aide him."

Javlynn's face tightened, and a grim smile appeared. He looked over at Vaughn, and nodded. The two ran quickly into the darkness.

They reached a building that had recently caught on fire, and climbed to the roof. Here they could see the dragon, and the townsfolk by looking down. Vaughn leapt off the roof, and landed on the back of the dragon. His sword plunged through the sharp scaling, and an acidic substance shot out, burning the hilt of his sword. He withdrew the blade, and stabbed again, and continued to do so until his weapon was a mere handle.

It was then Javlynn came with his great scimitar. The blade was Elven, and was not marred by the dragon's blood. Javlynn slashed at the dragon, splitting a scale and removing it from the dragon's back.

A scream of pain went out, and the dragon writhed in fury. Vaughn took his bow from his back and notched an arrow, but he was thrown off as he loosed it. The arrow shattered as it hit another of the dragon's scales. The dragon, enraged greatly turned to Vaughn. It rose its head, andopened its great mouth, but as it did. The mouth was pierced with an arrow. The arrow was the elf's, and it hit it's target with full force, passing through the mouth. The shaft was lodged in the dragons eye, blinding it partially. Vaughn then ran, and jumped upon the leg of the dragon and ran onto its back. He fitted an arrow, a long white shaft made of a sapling tree. He let the arrow loose and it flew into the scaleless spot, puncturing the lung of the dragon and entering its heart.

Another scream came, this time great and terrible. Out of the dragon's open mouth came fire, fire and blood. This came and enveloped many a man. Then the dragon fell.

That night was a night of rejoicing, yet it was a night of sorrow also. The valiant efforts of two men and the elf had defeated the dragon. The men of the town gave Vaughn a new sword, and dubbed the three as the Slayers of the Dragon in that town.

The rebuilding soon began, and Vaughn Javlynn and Chel, along with Crum and the elf, stayed to assist the townsfolk. They were all fitted with the strongest of their armor, and feasted on the choice fruits of the town.

[HLGStrider]

Chel sat in the corner away from the festivities. So many people together in one place dulled her senses, making it hard to tell one person from another, one footstep out of a crowd. She felt a hand on her shoulder... From the touch she knew it was not Vaughn or Javelynn... From the light that was suddenly around her she knew it