The day was young, and the city was alive as people from all over flocked to the closest city. It was the time of year when everyone celebrated. A lot of people have forgotten why they celebrate, besides the good rum and free prizes. But some remember. They remember that this was when the Time of Troubles ended, and Imythess was at peace once more. And that peace continues to this day, making it possible for people to be thankful for what they have.

The buildings of the city draped long, huge banners from windows and roofs, all with different emblems on them, making the city a very colorful site indeed. The streets were full of merchants and shoppers, performers and thieves. Everyone was here for a good time, and a good time is what they were going to get.

The tavern was busy, people coming in and out of it constantly. All drinks were half off. Music filled the tavern also, like always, so the dance floor was full with joyful people.

Most food was free, so the hungry could enjoy as well. There were parades through out the day, knights dressed in their armor walked down the streets, holding flags of the old and new gods. Anyone, whether be a hermit, a knight, a rogue, a giant or elf, halfing or dwarf, would find something to do this day, here at the waterfall city of Cascadia.

Though someone watched the whole land this day, someone who was waiting for something. But no one knew this, and so he continues to watch the laughing and playing, music and drinking, parades and merchants. Whether he will make his move today is unknown, even by him.

Gregory smiled as he landed and looked on to the city. The streets were bleeding with people, and the heart of the city beat with the melody of bands and bards singing in the streets and the taverns. The outer edge of the city, behind the walls, was filled with children playing to their heart's content. Gregory had found somewhere to relax in peace. Hefting his spear and double-checking the sheath on the blade, he took wing on a light wind and flew towards the town. His shadow caused the kids to gaze up and point, shrieking with joy.

He deftly landed on a surprisingly clear street, and with a few feet of walking he found himself in the main street of the city. The people around paid little attention to him, and he enjoyed that fact. As he walked he came to relax. No demons would confront him today, and unless they were so bold as to walk the streets being putrid he would not seek out to attack demons. He nodded at people as they passed by and he waded his way to a fruit stand. Making his way to the baskets of fruit, he plucked out an apple and took a deep bite into the sweet fruit. Today was a good day.

Stallion walked into the town of noise. He heard people laughing and cheering for no apparent reason, they were just... happy. The celebration marked the entire city. He headed to the side to see a merchant who was selling his lethal wares. Stallion observed several swords though not seeing any of satisfaction to his expectations, most low quality cheap items. He nodded his head at the merchant and continued down the way.

Shadow in his knapsack made enough noise for the both of them. As he walked by strangers they gave him weird looks as squeaking came from his direction. Though then again they may have given him weird glances anyways considering the fact he was draped in black not at all festive like the others celebrators, or the fact that he is a night walker prancing around in mid-day. Though in the end there weren't as many glances as he expected, as people were to concerned with there own well being on this day. He probably could drain the blood of any random fellow and there would be no word said otherwise. Though he had just fed the night before and this morning. So he was not very hungry at all.

The thieves were not at all very hard to pick out. As they were not sharing in the happy smiles, if they were smiling at all they were sly grins. He stopped from vendor to vendor not exactly looking for anything particular just things that catch his eye, never buying anything. He continued down the main drag only to turn off into a little alley. There was a show with several people watching as 5 human gypsies gave quit a show, of not only dance but skin too. For he had not "settled down" with anyone for quite some time, he watched the dancers quietly from the back, towering above the other watchers he was not hard to miss. He decided enough was enough and continued to down the alley, not quit sure where he was headed.

Walking through the recently festive city, Kal could not help but sing to the beat. Or HeartBeat, would be a better explaination, The combined rythm of Man, Elf, Flower, Tree and everything in between. Lately, due to his extensive spiritual self-examination The druid could not make it to civilization, which truly saddened him. For as much as he loves his plant-life friends, he can not turn down a chance at a celebration. Passing patron filled taverns and weaving between joyous youths, Kal realised theres something Nature can not give.

Running a hand through his rather dirty hair ( careful not to disturb the many different flowers he recently tied in) then across his face, The young man decided it best to find a place to wash-up. Coming into a more open area than the previous Kal breathed a sigh of relief, for in the middle of a few trees lay a rather large, ornamental looking bird bath. Judging by the few groups of people playing in the water( Child and Adult alike) it was some sort of recreational garden.

Giving a slight bow, and sharing a smile with more than a few citizens Kal knelt before the water. After watching the sun dance off his dirty reflection in the pool, The druid plunged his head under, and let the soothing liquid cleanse him.

((OOC: I don't suppose anyone else is going to reply here, so away I go!))

Gregory finished his apple in short order. The fruits of the market never tasted as sweet as they did on this fine day, and he revelled in the punch of its powerful flavours. It had been so long since he had actually relaxed and enjoyed his surroundings and himself, even, to such an extent. He leaned back on a brown brick wall and reflected on his experiences. Only now could he scope how far he had come in such a short time, and he was actually quite satisfied with himself.

Puffing out some hot air that had found its way to his head, he shoved off the wall with his shoulders and continued sauntering down the busy market-place road. His jaw cracked with a large yawn that came from his hours of travel to get here, but he was determined to make it to the night festivities. As he wanders down the busy street, his dark purple eyes surveyed all around him, and froze on a particularly wild looking man. Recognition burned in his mind, and he extended his hand, shouting the man's name and flaring his holy aura without thinking.

"Kalius!" The holy aura lit up like the sun, if only for a moment. People near him recoiled in confusion as to what was happening, one screaming aloud as she thought death was come upon her. Gregory flushed a purple hue as he apologized for his lack of control and shyly pushed out of the circle that he had created with his lack of forethought. He waded towards the druid, dodging angry and shocked eyes as he went along, fanning his wings out to try and draw attention from his face.

The sounds, the colors, the people; everything was blending together in a chaotic force that was starting to drive Nakor insane. The passing days meant nothing to the scholar, so when he had come to Cascadia to find it in an uproar, he had been forced to asked people what was going on. After a few attempts, he had finally managed to find someone who would answer his questions. The first couple of people he had asked had simply stared at him like he was insane. Although, that might have had something to do with his skin that was a shade of blue. Obviously these people had never seen a genasi before. Cascadia was the center of art in the land of Imythess, so it stood to reason that they would have an impressive library. Nakor had traveled to the city to search through the library for any manuscripts on magic. With all this uproar going on, he doubted he would be able to hear himself think. How was a person supposed to study with all this noise?!?! It was intolerable!

In a foul mood, Nakor slowly made his way through the crowds of people, taking advantage of the vendors giving out free food. While he did have money to buy food and lodgings, free food was something that he never turned down. With a speed that might have surprised someone who knew that he was over 60, Nakor threaded his way between people with the help of a small spear that he had. He never prodded people out of the way, he simply used the spear as a walking stick. His destination was the gardens. Maybe there he would be able to find some peace. If he could not escape the crowds, at least he could sit by the fountains and try to relax. Holding his simple robes close so that they couldn't catch on anything, Nakor ignored the glances that were sent his way. His blue tinged skin had always drawn comments, but by this time in his life, they fell on deaf ears. If anyone really felt like making their point known, they would end up facing a very powerful, very skilled magician. It was always a joy to freeze some idiot's feet to the ground. Then maybe they would learn to keep their comments to themselves.

Finally, after forcing his way through the crowds, Nakor reached the fountains. Staring down into the crystal water, Nakor looked straight through his reflection, not caring what he looked like. A splash to the side drew his attention. A man had plunged his head into the water. Dirt slowly began floating away from the man, polluting the clean water. With a disapproving look, Nakor cast a spell that allowed him to control a section of water. Swiftly, Nakor gathered up all of the dirt that was in the water and formed it into a ball. Slowly, a pillar of water began rising from the fountain, lifting the dirt up into the air. Carefully, Nakor had the pillar of water lean over the edge of the fountain, holding it in place while the dirt fell out of the water to the ground. So carefully was this accomplished, that not a drop of water was lost. With a small smile on his face, Nakor released the water from his spell, letting it flow back into the pool where it had started. Ignoring the stares that were being directed his way, Nakor simply watched the light reflect upon the water, enjoying an art that was better than anything man could make.

Children darted in front of her path, chasing and laughing as most children were doing on this day. Lehona carefully lifted an arm out the way as one child wove in close to her side, making the long lavender cloth that fell from her wrists dance lightly before falling again to rest at her side. As the child disappeared into the crowd behind her, she couldn't help but smile warmly before plucking another grape and savoring the taste of it for a few moments.

People watching, was a favorable past-time and was easily done as she made her way through the busy streets. There was no sign of disturbance here today, only joy and great celebration. Brushing her long auburn hair out of her face, Lehona danced in place as a with the passing parade of dancers, laughing as she was whisked up and twirled away then finally released at the side of the street by a male performer. Taking a short step back, the half-elf bowed in thank you as her counterpart did the same and continued down the street.

Plucking the last grape from the strand as she turned to examine a merchant's stand, slipping the inedible vine into her front pocket, leaving her fingers to linger upon the soft leather pouch that held what little gold she carried on her. Leaning slightly over a showcase of colorfully decorated glass bottles to admire their craftsmanship. Lehona stole glance sideways, sharing an appreciative smile with a young human female when suddenly she was jolted forward as someone collided with her from behind, knocking her arm hard against the wooden stand causing the many glass bottles to clink one another without falling.

Noises all around startled the young girl as she walked uneasily through what she gathered were streets, the hard stones beneath her feet. The sound of music and revelry was loud in Nyla’s ears, and she couldn't help but smile at all the curious smells of food and drink, and the people. She slipped into an ally looking for a little break from all the merry-making, and found herself caught in a dace with someone, and then hurtled back into the throng of people beyond the ally. She laughed and weaved between the sounds of people, and wished that night would fall quicker, so that she could see the faces that she imagined.

Soon she found herself stumbling along in a clumsy dance, people on either side moving in a circle, tears filled her eyes as she laughed harder then she could ever remember laughing. Turning her head to the noises and smells she tried several different foods, even if she couldn’t see them she could still taste, and they were delicious. Walking away from a fruit stand after trying a rather tart round fruit with a ridged peel, she was run into fairly hard by someone, and fell to the ground. People didn’t see her all the way down there and she struggled to find an open space to stand back up, finally she found one. There was a cool smell of water, and the sounds of splashing behind her, sitting she decided on taking a break.

At last, Lysan had arrived. His map was nowhere to be seen - though, he wasn't very unhappy about that, as it was perhaps the worst map in history. The cartographer had drawn the mountains upside down, replaced the city of Taras with a city in Cascadia and a forest was spelled wrong. Not too mention the river that ran the wrong way and the road that turned left instead of right. Added to all this it had cost him 5 gold pieces, which really was a rip off. It was like something that came out of a child’s mind. So, after days of wandering the wrong way, he had finally arrived – and not a moment too late, it seemed. The festivities were just starting, and Lysan spared just a second to find a lodging before running off to the town centre to find a tavern or somewhere to dance.

Basically, he had come wanting to meet somebody new. He hadn’t really seen any new faces for a long while – though Norwood had been an exception. Just the same old faces from Taras City, though these tended to be the shady types. They had always pretty much frightened Lysan. Thinking back, he realized that he got scared pretty easily, but he didn’t see it as a personality flaw – more of an escape mechanism really. When he got scared his brain told him that there was an inn somewhere that had a spare seat, and he really was wasting his time here. Though, he had stopped drinking in pubs – the beer was always far too overpriced and wasn’t as nice as the homemade stuff you found in market places. Lysan didn’t have a problem with overdrinking either – he knew you did stupid things when you were drunk, and as he wasn’t the smartest tree in the forest, he had no idea what might happen were he to get high. The last time it had happened was quite a disaster, he was told, though he couldn’t remember any of it. Something involving a broken glass, a snooker cue and an unsuspecting barman, he was told.

He also didn’t remember how his purse had been cut that night, and where all the coins had got too. Money didn’t really interest him, and as most of the food was half price in the city, he began to help himself. Eating was another hobby of his. His philosophy went like this; “If one doesn’t eat one will eventually die, so if one eats lots one will have a longer lifespan.” You can tell he wasn’t a natural philosopher, but it seemed to have worked so far. And now, he was determined to enjoy himself. And it began by eating – he helped himself to several articles of fruit and a bit of delicious-tasting bread, then set off to meet somebody.

Aether Draka had fallen rather quickly into the bouts of merriment about the city. She loved the fact that Imythess seemsed to always be having such interesting parties. She got some food, a meat pie from a stand and found it was still a bit too hot to eat. Bouncing it lightly from one hand to the other she made her way down the streets, easily dodging past people. It was soon cool enough to bite, and so she did and found it delicious. She continued to walk as she ate, peering at all the booths for a bit before deciding she liked some of the things she was seeing. Going up to a vender she asked about the row of golden blades he had out.

“They aren’t for sale right now miss, but if you buy something else I’ll give you one for free.”

“Alright!” AD said enthusiastically and went to look around at the other things he had in his booth. Seeing an interesting weapon that had a blade at each end she pointed to it. “Can I see that one?” He grinned at her and took the weapon off of the hooks it was hung on. She took it from the merchant’s hands and while he kept an eye on her she half swung the weapon experimentally. “How much?” She asked. This was followed by a very short bout of haggling and she handed over some coins that were given to her by a tiny fly dragon that in turn got the coins from her backpack. She was handed the golden blade too, even with a sheath. There was no sheath for the blade she bought though, but the merchant told her of someone further down who could make something for her to carry it with. She nodded her thanks and went on down the street. She heard a tinkling noise of glass and turned to find out what it was. On her way though, she felt a warm tingle up her spine and turned to see a winged man… Gregory.

AD’s eyes narrowed as she let her sanctuary curl about her. She was still angry at the man. Purposely turning her back on him then, she walked over to what had originally caught her attention. She found herself looking at bottles, many different shapes and colors. “Oh Turin, look!” She said to the fly dragon perched on her shoulder and slid her way in to get a better look herself.

Kowe had been traveling for many days, trying to find this fabled city of Cascadia. She'd been going in circles for at least one day, because every time she asked anyone which direction Cascadia was in, they directed her elsewhere. She'd ended up in Taras at first, and after sampling the celebration there, had left to find her original destination.

Her once fine purple fur was now ragged and torn, dusty from the travails of the road. Her silver hoop earring had been replaced, traded for directions and a sapphire-crusted dagger earring. The directions had been useless, but the earring she admired, and loved wearing.

As she at long last entered the city of Cascadia, she looked around in wonder. The brightly colored flags, the colorful people..the fountains! Oh, the fountains! The sheer wonder of it stopped her in her tracks.

She dipped her hands into the crystal clear fountains and bathed her travelworn face, trying desperately to make herself worthy of the celebration's beauty. However, it was a vain attempt, and she soon gave it up.

Her feet were weary, and thus she looked for a stream to soak them in, to rest them for a bit. Padding slowly along in the gardens, she found the stream, and eagerly sat down and removed her outer garments. Setting her beaten feet into the stream, she lay back and closed her eyes, enjoying the ambience of the gardens, and the peace and tranquility she needed so desperately.

He awoke from his dream, screaming in shock. The Paladin was sweating and panting and the worst reason was that he couldn't remember why... where was he? What was going on? He looked around and remembered that he was still in the Tavern in Taras and that he was still alive. Picking up the water tank he ordered, Rothardan poured himself some water into a mug and drank it. Then he remembered the dream he had... some dark shadows that were going over a waterfall of some sort.

What did that mean, and how the heck did that make him scream? Then he remembered the laughter and the foreshadowing fear he had felt in his heart. This was something big, and it was heading to that waterfall. Not just the waterfall, it was in Cascadia: the waterfall city. Rothardan had been there before and he had played his violin there at one point as a present for someone.

Rothardan got up and put on his masterwork platemail, then he picked up a bag of neverending space that was given to him and placed in his Holy Blade and his Force Blade. The bag itself didn't get any bigger or smaller, but the magic kept the blade's in there. It wasn't that heavy either... which meant Rothardan was able to get full mobility.

He opened the window and then jumped, flying out like he did before. He flew as fast as he could, then activated his blur spell... going even faster. Now he was a streak in the sky as he flew amongst the clouds towards the city of water. Whilst he was flying, the apparation of Illuminis came beside him as well...

"You know that was a dream don't you?" he said, "There may be nothing there at all, there is a party there anyway and everyone's probably having fun."

"All the more reason to get there," Rothardan answered, "I want to make sure there is nothing there at all and that it really was a dream."

Illuminis nodded and then dissapeared into the clouds. Eventually, he arrived at the city and entered through the entrance like he did last time. When he arrived, he saw the party was still going full swing and everyone was dancing and having fun. Rothardan smiled for the first time in a long time... everyone was safe. He kept his armour on just in case and went to sit down at a local bar, ordering some crystal clear water.

Then he looked upon the party and saw several people he had met before: Gregory Faust, the Paladin who was being attacked by Seele at one point, and Aether Draka, the Teifling who he had talked to. Everything seemed to be OK. Thank god for that...

((OOC: Look people, this is a role-play, so get involved! I won't continue with the cool plot until people interact with one another, that what this is about! So meet someone new here! Have fun! And I will come in when I think the time is right, okay?))

When Lehona turned quickly about to see who had bumped her so roughly from behind, all she saw was the passersby on the street. Shaking her head, she thanked the merchant for allowing her to admire the wonderful glass bottles, none of which she bought, and then was on her way once more. It was not an extremely warm day, but with the masses here in Cascadia it was a bit stuffy so she set out to find the local bar in hopes of relaxing herself with a cool beverage.

Upon entering the bar, it appeared that it was even more packed than the streets and Lehona wondered if this was such a good idea after all. She had never been one to do well in crowds or enclosed spaces, but she pressed on through the crowded entrance, determined to buy herself a pint of fruit juice before returning to her adventuring.

She was a bit tense as she weaved through the patrons, smiling timidly when squished between two of them on accident. Breathing deeply as she walked more quickly to make up the last few feet between herself and the bartender. Lehona found a free stool to the left and quickly taking her seat, had nudged the man neighboring to her right.

"So very sorry, Sir."

She said this in a soft voice, not wanting to yell at the man. Placing a hand gently against his arm in apologies, she moved to settle on her stool attempting to forget about he noisy crowd behind her. She must look a bit panicked with the fear setting she realized, she didn't want anyone to think she was in any sort of trouble, but there was little she could do to calm herself until she found her way back out onto the streets.

Raising her arm in a little wave, she caught the eye of the bartender who finished off a small drink order and made his way down to her end. The pretty woman looked excited and worn out all at once, giving her a sort of swept away look that made her quite attractive. Smiling a well practiced, warm smile she spoke loudly so that she could be heard over the laughter and shouts of the few other patrons.

"What might I get for you, my dear?"

After glancing down at the tabletop, she noticed her neighbors drink and decided instantly that water sounded much better than the fruit juice that she had originally planned on ordering. There would be much time for fruit and sweets, something cool and refreshing might take her mind away from the tightness that seemed to be swelling in her chest now.

"His water looks good, if you could please get me another?"

With a nod of the head, the pretty bartender went off to complete the order. Stealing a glance to her side, the man looked almost relieved. This amused Lehona, for there was nothing to be worried about at these sort of festivities ((says the one who is feeling a bit claustrophobic at the moment)) There was a moment when she smiled to herself as he watched out across the room and sipped his drink and she just stared.

That is until the bartender returned with her refreshment and she was started back to reality. Blushing, Lehona paid and turned back to the man feeling the need to introduce herself to this person that looked relatively her age, though if her were full human, she could be very wrong. Pressing her shoulder against his to get his attention again, she smiled sweetly and spoke loud as the bartender did.

"Fine day isn't it? It's a wonderful party they are throwing. My name's Lehona, so sorry for hitting you just a while ago."

Seele slipped through the crowded streets, merely a shadow, never staying still long enough for any of the town's citizens to get a good look at the cloaked figure. He had heard of the festival to be held in the City of Waterfalls the last time he had traveled near hear, actually meeting with a young magic-user high on the cliffs above the bustling town. The elf had traveled here to see waht fun was to be had in the city. Of course, Seele's definition of fun was quite different from that of most of the people in the crowd. Insanity sparkled in the depths of his golden eyes, the hourglass pupils scrutinizing the faces of the festival-goers as he traveled through the city's streets. Few beings in the land of Imythess were quite as demented as the Shadow Sorceror, and few were as powerful in the dark arts. Seele had served at the right hand of the Goddess of Darkness, had waded through pools of blood in the city of Taras, had slaughtered more innocents than he could remember. Their faces were all the same to him anyway; except for those blessed with immortality, all creatures rotted in the elf's cursed vision, dying as he was forced to watch. Very few knew of this curse, and he preferred it that way. Those he killed did not have to know that it was his vision that had driven him insane. The only knowledge they deserved was the feeling of cold metal sliding through their own, warm flesh...

Seele stepped off of the main road as a parade swept past, most of the celebrators getting swept up in the sheer momentum of the festival. "Disgusting..." His soft voice dripped with contempt, a cruel sneer on his pale face. His eyes flitted over to where a young couple stood, oblivious to his presence. They had obviously meant to escape the crowds as well. Seele's face twisted with malice, his hands disappearing inside of the tattered black cloak he wore. It would be easy to kill them both and disappear once again into the crowd. But no. He had more important matters to deal with today. Seele turned instead to the brick wall of the building nearest him, one pale hand tracing across the gritty stones. This would be a good place to start. There was the faint noise of clanking metal, the soft rustle of metal drawn across soft cloth. Two chains appeared from his cloak, writhing in the air as if they had a will of their own. The mark of his pact with a demon from the Abyss, the end of each chain had been fused to a twisted, wickedly sharp piece of shrapnel that transformed them into lethal weapons. Seele gestured towards the wall with one hand, impatient. The onyx chains shot towards the stones, sinking into the material as if it were butter. The chains lifted the elf off of the ground, pulling him up the wall. More chains unfolded from the depths of his cloak, quickening his ascent. Seele smiled, looking down at the unsuspecting crowds. No one ever looked up. He would have it much easier here, above the streets.

The chains deposited him onto the rooftop, silently withdrawing under his cloak once again. The elf's eyes scanned the nearby architecture, determining the best place to climb even higher. This time, he didn't even bother to use the chains. The elf simply lept at the wall, thin fingers digging into the cracks in the mortar. Stones protruded from the otherwise smooth brickwork in a pattern that made the wall easy to scale. Wiry muscles bunched in his arm, revealing a strength that one would not expect from such a thin, almost skeletal, elf. He scrambled up the wall, never once looking down. This building, perhaps an inn of some sorts, had a tall tower that overlooked most of Cascadia. Although it took him nearly an hour, the sorcerer soon reached the pinnacle of the tower, swinging his body onto the roof. He was panting heavily, unaccustomed to such strenuous activity. But he also felt oddly energized from scaling the building. There had been no danger of falling; even if the chains had not caught him, the massive shadow dragon that he had sent to hunt in the nearby forest would have immediately sensed its master's plight and flown to the city, which would have instantly ended any celebration in the streets. His own magic could have saved him as well. But he had not fallen, and now he had a vantage point that allowed him to observe almost all of the city.

"So... I wait. For later. When those who would interfere have muddled minds and slowed reactions. Then..." His sharp eyes stared upwards, at the statue far above the city, a statue whose heroic visage only hid a dark, dangerous secret. "I shall get to enjoy myself at last.” There was a manic light in his golden eyes, a dangerous grin on the pale face. The swirling tattoo that marred his otherwise pale face seemed to glow, dark and powerful. His grin could only be described as eerie, delighted at the blood that would be spilt this night by his hand.

Even though he was there in the bar, Rothardan was somewhere else entirely. Something has really woken him up and it wasn't his usual dream of dark warriors killing him... no, it was something else entirely. But maybe Illuminis was right, maybe it was all a dream and nothing more. If that was true, then what a dream it was. But Rothardan was going to stay put, no matter what happened... he had already flown here at high speeds, he might as well mingle with the crowd.

Someone did talk to him as soon as he thought about talking to someone, a stranger came and talked to him. Apparently, she had knocked into him earlier... but Rothardan didn't notice that had happened, possible because he was out of the zone completley. He turned and smiled at her, waving a hand to dismiss the incident as one of an accident.

"Fine day isn't it? It's a wonderful party they are throwing. My name's Lehona, so sorry for hitting you just a while ago." The stranger said,

"It's a pleasure to meet you Lehona," The Paladin answered, "My name is Rothardan, and..."

Suddenly, Rothardan's detect evil sense went completley haywire. Something was near and it was definatley evil, and Rothardan had a hunch who it could be. Only one person had made Rothardan's detect evil sense go this mad before, and it was someone Rothardan didn't want to meet again anytime soon.

"Please excuse me Lehona... there is buisness I must attend to."

Rothardan left his seat and headed towards the exit of the party, and to the city. Once he reached the exit, he spread his wings and took flight: letting his detect evil sense guide him towards a tower. The darkness was everywhere, but one shape was barely visible. The shape was of a skinny elf with tentacles coming out of his body, tentacles made out of onyx chains.

Seele: Ranewan's right hand man and mass murderer to boot.

"May I see your invitation to the party sir?

Rothardan asked, drawing his Paladin's Blade, which immediatley began to crackle and glow with a white colour, as it did in strong presence. Gripping his blade tightly, Rothardan got ready for a rematch with the dark elf.

By the time he had reached the spot that he had seen the familiar druid, it appeared that the druid had left, missing Gregory's signal flare. He frowned and crossed his arms, somewhat disappointed that he would get no reunion. Remembering back on his last meetings with the druid, he decided he enjoyed the odd characteristics of the man and he had built something of a friendship, which was hard for him to do. Lately any friends he had made turned against him, due to his own faults, and his loneliness had begun to set in, chilling his heart. Abruptly, he was brought into another friendship with a druid to whom some would call insane, but he would call extroverted.

Shrugging off his misfortune, he absently swiped a baked good caked in sugar and took a bite. The sweet and tangy gelatine that he found inside tingled his spine and erupted on his tongue, but he swallowed down the morsel, along with any tears it may have caused. His eyes wide in distrust, he looked at the fruit an politely slipped it into a box containing some peels of fruit and other similar baked goods that had been too potent in their taste to be delicious. Shuddering at the lingering sting of the sour on the roof of his mouth, Gregory turned from the stand and began walking with the crowd around him. Little did he realize that he was approaching a friend that he had long before turned against him?

His feet stopped dead at the sight of the girl. The crowd around him shot him distasteful looks as they fanned out his sides, but they did not wish to provoke his cold eyes that he now maintained. Aether Draka stood before him, her back turned. Thoughts of his father's death and her intrusion on his revenge cooled his blood, but he was quick to dispel such a feeling. Later in his travels he looked upon the incident and saw some decisions that he had wished he hadn't made, and words traded that were born of a thoughtless fury. He supposed now was as good a time as any to rekindle what once existed.

"Aether Dra-" The words died on his lips as his mind tingled. He had been ignoring the small signals that his detect evil had been imparting to him, but this one was apparently a familiar sense. This evil was twisted and abstract, and Gregory knew immediately whom he faced. Twisting his head and focussing his eyes, he saw that sure enough the demon Seele had come to crash the party. Opening his wings and ignoring those that complained as they blocked the road, he drew his spear from his never-ending bag and took flight, knocking back some nearby witnesses but damaging none. Focussing his magic to his blade, he chanted the simple "Vir" that enshrouded the weapon in holy energy and focussed his magic back to his chest.

Vines of white light spindled out from his solar-plex and ensnared their way around his entire body, all but his head, which he would leave open to the world. His hair remained bulled back as he slowly beat his wings, approaching his enemy, and he warmed up his joints as the armour took shape in a white and gold pattern strikingly similar to that of his spear. He stopped short of the demon Seele and took in the enemy, spear held firmly before him.

"Seele, I don't suppose you are here to enjoy the festivities?" his voice was calm, but loud enough to be heard by the demon, surely. His holy aura beat calmly in tune with his heart as he prepared his mind for the battle that would come. Glancing downwards at the crowd, he thought only for a moment of the danger that the crowd below may experience, and as he scanned he identified Kalius, AD and the other paladin that had brought Seele out from hiding in the first place. Rothardan, he smiled to himself, Seele may find this to be quite a trying experience. He craned his neck to relieve it of any tension, and with a confident smile, he allowed his holy aura to go brighter yet and act in unison with the sun.

((OOC: Editted this topic a few paragraphs so I could confront Seele))

Excited to find friendly conversation and Fresh from his face-first plunge in to the bird fountain, Kalius the Druid practically danced along the busy, pulsating streets. For this happy day, Kalius dressed rather odd. Well odd for the druid at least. Rather than his dirty traveling clothes He grew acustomed to in the wild, The young man wore much finer materials. From chest to leg he wore black silk, or something very similar. While holding the same look and feel of silk, it was much stronger, Thus in Kal's opinion it was the perfect outfit. Coal black boots adorned the ends of his muscular legs while a Long, Green cloak draped easily over one shoulder leaving his whole right side bare.

At the end of his bare, sleeve-less right arm, Finishing off his rather impressive wardrobe layed, of course, his magical braclet. Covered in living, red roses and made of a very much alive wood, the fine piece of jewellry nearly vibrated with Druidic energy. Made of a branch from an elusive Rowan tree ( a branch given with permission from the ancient tree, of course) This rare item did more than simply continue to live after being seperated from the host tree.

Walking through the bustling city, bright rays of light bouncing off his exposed arm, Kalius came to an area in which merchants were set up. After many futile minutes of search for the one who had called his name near the fountain, Kal decided to give up the search. Perhaps he should of stayed where he was, let the voice come to him, but quickly letting the incident go he relaxed once more. Off to the side, along the opposite street, layed a tavern. Noting the music filled establishment and the many carts of goods, the druid could only smile. From this area he could shop and perhaps even find a suitable companion in which he could talk with.

After a few purchases, which included many fruit treats, The druid strolled past the carts towards the street and the bar. Stopping to allow a group of excited towns folk pass him , he glanced about his chosen area. Opening the tavern door enough to be heard, but still sure the market could make him out, Kalius layed an open question
" Nice day, perfect for such a celebration. Pity that, as it is, i do not seem to have someone to share a story with, perhaps even a kind drink." Still holding an apple in his hand, Kal moved to replace it into one of his many pockets. Just about to let the apple go he noticed a young girl watching him cautiously, or to be more correct, watching his red piece of fruit. With a Sincere smile, he tossed the child the apple, who in return giggled and returned to her game with her stuffed bear. " If any wish to partake, i even offer an apple."

After his last statement, Kalius chuckled and let the tavern door slide closed. Leaning against the establishments wall, the druid removed a plump, green Pear from his fruit stash for himself to enjoy. Staring into the slowly receding sun, Kalius thought of how peaceful it all seemed. Granted any night of the druids choosing could be a peaceful one, Living his last few weeks in the wild the druid has many camps set up in the surrounding area to ensure a good, quiet sleep when needed. Lost in the joyous atmosphere, not to mention his own daydream, Kalius hardly realised he resumed his slow, steady walk around the village.

Seele glared at the winged figure, searching the fragmented shards of his mind for the male's identity. Although the former scholar's mind was usually razor-sharp and his memory usually perfect, in the depths of his deepest, darkest fits of insanity even remembering his own name became difficult. The elf smiled up at the figure as it drew a blade that blazed with light, a pure white light that stank of holy magic. The weapon's presence was more irritating than the man himself, giving the elf the equivalent of a magical headache. He gritted his teeth, suddenly remembering his last encounter with this annoying, self-righteous paladin. "Rotharden. I thought all were free to enjoy in the city's delights..." He made no aggressive moves at first, recalling their last encounter. Yes... Rotharden had been aided by that pathetic celestial, Gregory Faust. The two of them had attempted to put an end to Seele. But now, with Rotharden by himself... alone and vulnerable. Well, either way, the battle was too much fun to pass up.

"Why is it always the forces of good that attack first?" Seele stood suddenly, the tatters of his cloak rippling in a wind that was centered around the shadow sorceror. As he continued to speak his words grew darker, more twisted with malice and cruelty. His own shadow began to spread until it covered the entire top of the tower, seemingly alive as it writhed in tandem with the flowing remains of his black cloak. Some of the shadows formed into dark tendrils that "You asked for this, light-bearer. Do not forget that fact when you fall..." Seele laughed then, a long, maniacal laugh. They were actually high enough above the city streets to avoid any annoying passerbys who wanted to intervene. They wouldn't stand a chance in this clash of darkness and light, madness and justice. Seele's laughter faded, an eerie grin fixed on the pale face. "Shall we begin?"

With a flourish Seele thrust out one hand, fingers curled around empty air as if they clutched at a sword's hilt. In between his fingers dark energy crackled, soon spreading beyond his hand to form the hazy, shifting image of a scythe. The magical energy began to coalesce, gaining a definite shape. "Thanatos..." The elf now held a scythe, the stave of the weapon as tall as the elf. One end ended in a vicious spike; the other curved into a long, twisted blade, the dark metal appearing hazy int he sunlight. The scythe had been forged by Seele himself, in the darkest depths of the Abyss. As he nimbly twirled it through the air there was a hollow whistling noise, the blade leaving a blurry afterimage. It was nigh-unbreakable, filled with dark power and the ability to cut even ethereal beings. Seele slapped the end of the stave against his thigh, the spike near his knee, the long, curved blade extended a foot over his head and curved protectively above him. Dark power seemed to flow from the Shadow Sorceror into the weapon, crackling up and down its entire length. Golden eyes locked onto the winged man, waiting.

Something was wrong.
Even though Rothardan's detect evil sense had gone off the charts, whatever woke him up made his detect evil sense go even worse than Seele could ever hope for. Could it be that there was something worse than Seele out there waiting in the darkness? The very thought was scary indeed, as Seele was easily a psychopathic murderer who would kill just to silence the grating noises around him. His presence here was not a good one, Seele didn't turn up for public events unless it was something to do with death and destruction. The last time Rothardan and Seele faced off, Seele was at full power and then some: the gateways between the dark realms and Imythess were at its weakest and dark energy was slipping through the void, entering Seele in the process.

Rothardan was almost killed in that fight, but now things were even. But try as he might, Rothardan couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with this fight, that The Paladin was actually paying attention to the wrong person. Rothardan cursed himself for jumping straight into the fray, he should have taken time to think the situation and then make a choice.

"Rothardan," Seele said, his voice cold and biting like the wind, "I thought all were free to enjoy in the city's delights..."

"The only delight you would get from this city is killing innocents and causing havoc." Rothardan answered, his voice calm as he stared down at the dark elf.

"You asked for this, light-bearer. Do not forget that fact when you fall..."

Seele summoned his razor sharp scythe and twirled it like he did last time, the blade that had ended so many lives and, unless Rothardan stopped him, would end a whole lot more. Rothardan gripped his Holy Blade and prepared himself for the fight. He knew that Seele was also infused, the soul of a Kyton had chosen Seele as it's host and as a result, Seele was able to use mettalic chains like tentacles. These chains would be a nuisance and Rothardan would have to think fast so he wouldn't be chained up and struck about.

"I'm going to give you one chance Seele," Rothardan commanded, his voice growing deeper as his celestial partner began to merge with him in body and spirit, "Stand down and slink back to the darkness where you belong."

Seele ran his fingers over the icy-cold blade of Thanatos, feeling the power contained within the enchanted weapon. Just thinking of the fell blade parting flesh and the muscle beneath, raining blood on the innocents below. Seele's cackled softly as Rotharden spoke, dark power glimmering in the golden eyes. ""I'm going to give you one chance Seele." The Paladin's eyes began to glow with holy power, calling upon his own reserves of strength. Seele could feel the presence of the man's celestial partner, no doubt some heavenly being who saw itself as the champion of righteousness. "Stand down and slink back to the darkness where you belong." Rotharden brandished his glowing sword, obviously waiting, hoping for the Shadow Sorceror to back down as he had commanded.

He was going to be disappointed.

"Where I belong, light-bearer?" He spat the title, as if it were poison in his mouth. His face glowered with hatred for this pathetic, misguided warrior. "It is them who belong there. Those... pathetic sacks of skin, reveling in the streets below." He waved the scythe at the bustling streets, the noises of the party-goers a mere whisper at this elevation. He sneered at his winged opponent, every word dripping with derision. "Why do you fight for them? I know you feel it too. The contempt that all the strong feel for the weak. They do not deserve such happiness, Rotharden. No one does. Not until they suffer as I have." The golden eyes narrowed, hourglass pupils beginning to spin in the center of each metallic iris. In his eyes he watched the celestial infused rot, the skin withering away from the flesh and falling off in grotesque chunks, the hair thinning, the bones themselves cracking and crumbling to dust. "No, they deserve the dark, you misguided fool. They all do." Seele brought the scythe down spinning in a circle. The blade scratched along the stone top of the tower, the shadows it touched surging forward.

"Just as it is all you deserve. Both of you." He directed this not only at Rotharden, but at the fool Gregory Faust, who had also appeared. It seemed as though the Shadow Sorceror would never be able to escape these foolish, celestial infused who seemed to fall over themselves in an attempt to kill him. Silently casting a Globe of Darkness spell, the elf giggled madly as the rushing shadows shot out to engulf Rotharden and Gregory in a blinding blanket of black. But Seele was not stupid. Even caught in the midst of his demented battle-state the elf knew he would need aid to win this battle. So he reached out with his mind, finding the reptilian mount that had served him faithfully for so long. A roar emanated fromt eh forests above the waterfalls that gave Cascadia its name, a ear-splitting, deadly roar that spread fear like a plague. Seele's chadow dragon burst out of the leafy canopy, black scales gleaming dully in the sun. It was a huge beast, the head easily as tall as Seele himself, the colossal body the size of a house, each deadly tooth and claw the length of a spear. Bat-like, leathery wings flapped as it descended on the city, sending some of the citizens below into a terrified frenzy. Screams cut through the air, a sweet symphony in the elf's pointed ears. he ahd not meant to call upon his mount's aid so early, yet knew that fighting two celestial infused would be suicidal. And Seele had no desire to die this day, in this place. Better to reveal his presence to all than to succumb to holy warriors. The black drool that dripped from the dragon's jowls sizzled as it struck the rooftops, more caustic than any acid. It bared its teeth at Gregory, opening the massive jaws in another loud roar. Each scale on its massive body was as large and thick as a shield; the horns that curled back fromt eh crest of its skull were twisted and wickedly sharp. Rolling yellow eyes focused on the small celestial infused who had dared to challenge its master, who had dared to threaten Seele with its holy power. Opening its massive maw, the shadow dragon released a deadly enervation bolt, the crackling dark beam shooting towards Gregory.

As his pet began to battle the other celestial infused Seele called upon his own demonic pact, feeling unholy power surge through his entire body. The swirling tattoo on his cheek began to pulse with power, further twisting the malicious expression on his face as he glared at Rotharden. The elf ran towards the edge of the tower, scythe extended to one side, a combination of bloodlust, blinding rage, and demonic insanity engulfing his mind. "Die, you self-righteous fool!" As he screamed those bitter words Seele leapt off of the edge of the tower in what seemed a suicidal gesture. However, at the last instant his cloak seemed to explode with ebony chains, the dark links gleaming in the sunlight. The majority of the chains shot towards the tower, the twisted ends of each chain sinking deep into the stone, catching the elf and supporting him as he swung the scythe blade at Rotharden’s chest. Two of the thinner lengths of chain whirled around the combatants, each ending in a long blade. They shot towards Rotharden’s enchanted weapon in an attempt to render him defenseless against the sudden, unexpected assault.

((OOC: Fine, team up on little old me. See if I care. I've got a dragon, jerks! :( I just wanted to be loved...))

And so battle was joined, a heary roar came from the distance and a shadow dragon rose up and attacked Gregory Faust, the Paladin that had shouted at Seele. Rothardan would have helped him, but Seele had made his move. He jumped off the tower, like he was going to kill himself. Alas, he didn't... instead, many chains exploded from his cloak and attatched themselves to tall structures, supporting Seele as the dark elf swang from the towers and straight at Rothardan. Seele's scythe was on a course with Rothardan's chest, and the two remaining chains that were swinging madly were going to knock Rothardan's weapon out of his hands.

But Rothardan was well prepared. As soon as Seele got close enough, Rothardan transformed into a streak of colour as he quickly moved behind Seele. His Blur spell managed to get him behind the dark elf, but Rothardan didn't attack. There were plenty of things he could have done, he could have destroyed the tower spires supporting the chains and let Seele catch himself, or he could have gone for a backstab instead. Instead, Rothardan gazed upon Seele and didn't even make a move against the Dark Elf.

"I've suffered Dark Elf," Rothardan shouted, "I have no family, no home, only what I can afford from the gold I get from rewards. And yet I feel no contempt for these people, I defend them because I want to. Not one of these people deserve the darkness Seele, and whilst your at it, why not call off your dragon... this is between you and me. Leave Gregory out of this... yes I know he's down there, I spotted him long ago."

The Pit Fiend, his name long forgotten to even himself, flew towards the waterfall city, flames trailing behind him. But he would need more help to do what he had planned. He changed his course and flew directly at the ground. He spoke some dark words that dripped with something worse then hatred, the sound deep and could make even the strongest of paladins quiver, but he was not close enough for anyone to hear. The ground ripped opened revealing fires and darkness. He would go back to his plane and get help from others like him, others who wished to see the prosperous city fall. He entered the rip in the ground and it sealed behind, and he was gone for now, but would return.

---

Yuen ran through the crowded streets, his arms wrapped around something large and misshapen, covered by a colorful blue piece of silky fabric. He ran, thankful that he was shorter then most elves, for he could duck and weave around people much more easily then others. He reached the fountains and gardens, sensing that there was someone here who could help him. He saw an old man looking in to the shallow pool of water of a fountain. Yuen ran over to the man, panting, his arms starting to get tired of holding the thing under the fabric.

"Excuse me sir, but I was wondering if you would help me?" He asked, his diamond shaped eyes almost pleading. He did not know if this man was nice or not, but he could tell he was a magic user, and that is all that mattered to him at the moment.

It was just no use, there was no way that he was going to be able to find any peace and quiet in this city. Coming to the gardens had helped...for a while. Even sitting by the fountains Nakor could not completely drown out the noise from the revelry that was swirling all around him. Staring into the waters as if he were looking into a person's soul, Nakor let one hand trail over the surface. The cool liquid helped him remain calm so that he didn't end up yelling in frustration. Was a little peace and quiet so hard to ask for?!? With a small sigh, Nakor brought his hand up and began stroking his beard, a sure sign to anyone who had met him that he was thinking hard. No point in trying to find an inn. They'll all be full of people continuing the celebration. Ha, celebration, what do any of these people think they are celebrating? They are simply looking for another excuse to party, never mind that there are people who are actually trying to accomplish something important. Nakor was about to get up and leave when a roar filled the air. It seemed to shake the very stones of the city as everywhere people stopped partying to look around in fear. For Nakor, a scholar who had studied extensively, it was easy to tell exactly what that was: a dragon!

Staring hard into the sky, he moved his eyes constantly until he saw the dark shape in the air. As it came closer, he was able to tell exactly what it was. At first he thought he must be mistaken, but there was no mistaking that shape. It was a shadow dragon, but there were no wild shadow dragons in this area. The people of the city would not have tolerated a shadow dragon being so close to their home. That meant that it was called by a mage. About to stand up, a short elf ran up to him. For a second, Nakor realized that the term "short" could only be used when applied to other elves, he himself was not very tall either. His random thought end just as the elf began requesting his help. Looking at the elf, Nakor wondered if he was even aware of what was going on. If he was, then the elf had a very good reason for ignoring it and asking for help. "What can I do for you that could be of so much help?" This was turning out to be a very strange day.

Returning to the beautiful fountains in the Lush garden, the druid figured this a better place than any to take a quick rest, perhaps even a nap. Many people still populated the peaceful patch of paradise, Some Kalius remembered from his first visit earlier in the day. Of course, Kalius not being a local or well travelled, there were still many faces he did not. Most prominent of the new faces being an older Gentleman with a great beard, Kalius had to be at least half his age. Moving closer he could sense magical energy emenating from the Elderly man, a sign he held long studied power. Noticing an elf, relatively short by comparisan to the rest of his race, with a tightly wrapped parcel quickly approaching the older man Kalius diverted his attention elsewhere, not wanting to hear private information.

Resting his remaining sorted fruits and Twin-bladed sword ( TigerLily, as he named it) comfortably on his chosen seat, a particularly lush patch of grass, a young woman caught his eye. Slowly approaching the seated woman, Kalius tried to muster some courage. If he wanted a friendly conversation, then why not initiate it him self. Barely a step or two in front of the woman, Kalius tried to think of what to say to her.

she appeared to be shorter than Kalius by several inches and perhaps even a few years younger. With Cat like ears visible through her long, brown hair which in return perfectly framed her small face, she was definately Exotic. All around the two a tremendous shriek filled the air, which brought a instinctive thought to his blade which he left nearly twenty-feet away. Dragon, was the conclusion the druid came to. Specific breed was unclear to him, so there was no way to clarify if it was a threat or a show.

Eventually the druid would feel compeled to investigate the scene above the city, if only to observe. Although first, Kalius felt obligated to at least initiate conversation with the young lady. finally sorting through his thoughts to find a decent greeting, another shriek split the air. Scanning the sky once more, Kalius made out three forms at least, with the dragon, there was four. Still standing silent next to the girl, all thoughts of conversation melted away...but turned into thoughts of what else might happen tonight.

((OOC: To pick sides... poor AD! w00t! Long Post!!!))

"Aether Dra-" The sound of her name drew her attention away from the glittering glass and her thoughts of perhaps getting some of her own. She had recognized the voice and moments afterward felt what had also stopped him from finishing that call. A dark power was making itself clear, one that caused her own unholy aura to tingle. It wished to respond to the darkness and she felt the shadows shift some, hearing the words they didn’t really speak. Her attention was brought to the tower high above them all. Gregory was joining another there, another winged man, Rothardan. She frowned, her hand gripping her new blade more tightly. With a strange sense of purpose she stated walking toward the tower, there were shadows gathering there and she counted herself among the shadows more often the not. So she moved that way too.

As she watched from the base of the tower she found she really couldn’t hear what was going on, not with them on wings and her stuck here on the ground. She bit her lip with one small fang and slid her backpack off one shoulder. Still holding on to the bag she let her back thump softly against the stone behind her and sunk to the ground. Her head pressed against the stone as she strained her neck to look up at what happening in the skys. Then a strange sound filled the air and this time her unholy aura did respond, flaring to life and shrouding her in a thin vale of shadow. It wasn’t long before she saw the source of the horrific sound and knew why her dark side had been so quick to respond. A beast of shadow, a dragon. She caught her breath and held up her hand, wishing she could be closer to the flying creature, her longing for true wings of her own, the power of flight was something she wished to share. Her attention shifted to the celestial beings in the air above her and she saw the shadows move, and saw who it was. She was on her feet then, not knowing how she had managed to stand so quickly and not taking heed to it. They were after Seele! What was wrong with them? Her knuckles whitened as she gripped her double-bladed weapon tighter, all thoughts of getting it a sheath vanishing. She also took no heed of the common populous’ panic. The ignorant always did that when she and Raven took on a demon in a city or town. That was normal, expected. It made room for a proper fight.

Unlike before, she didn’t wish death upon the celestials above her. She could never do that, not on her own at least. She was inclined to tip the scale though in hopes of making the danger seem much grater then it was, to chase those who actually fancied themselves made of the same thing as a celestial choir away. She took her inspiration from the shadow dragon. Aether Draka grinned as she stepped back into the shadows and dissolved into them, letting them hide her from even magical detection and making it so she could go anywhere she had been before in just a single thought, that is, as long as that place was also cast in shadow. She let her sanctuary fall away as her focus shifted into forming the shadows with a much stronger control than Seele had of them. So it was from the streets of Cascadia that a second shadow dragon formed and took wing, a creature made of shadow alone, an illusion, but with a real beast to base it off right there, it was very accurate. It also echoed the same sound that had announced the arrival of the true shadow dragon. AD smiled from where she was hidden and brought the creature around the other side of the tour as its huge wings swept down in a powerful sweep that brought it only closer to the battle above her.

Taima weaves his way through the streets, sampling wares and lookng at the various stalls for a new buy. Nothing catching his eye, he decides to grab a drink. Walking by an open table laden with food and drink, Taima takes a mug and has a few swigs. Still looking skyward from his drink, he sees an unusual sight. Noticing the winged figures he recognizes as demons until he realizes that they carry a sense of goodness around them. He assumes that would make them angels but he doesn't know for sure. Across from them is another familiar shape that being a dragon but this one is different from the shape Sava took in thier fight. Rushing towards the battle, he spots another figure, one he recognizes by name...Aether. Wondering what she was doing, he quickly transformed hoping no one would pay attention to him as the battle raged on. Scaling a building he props himself up to get a better look, wondering what he should do, if anything. Dodging quickly as a bolt of darkness comes his way hopefully by accident, he scrambles back down reverting back to human. Walking away from the battle, Taima comes along a garden and stream, taking a moment to relax he glances around and notices a figure he barely recognizes lounging around. Clearing his throat and waiting for a response, he questions her. "Excuse me, I believe I know you, but I can't quite place your name. Looking back occasionally to see how the battle, Taima wonders how long it will be before even more people are involved.

Awakening suddenly at the sound of shouting, Kowe sleepily blinks her eyes and looks directly into the eyes of a man she vaguely recognizes but cannot, for the life of her, remember the name of!

Yes? My name is Kowe, but I can't quite place yours. I'm sorry.

Stretching out, she works the kinks out of her muscles from her long sleep curled up like a cat. Glancing around, she spies a...something curled up beside her looking at her curiously. It appears to be a flying cat of some kind. Raising an eyebrow, she looks at the man to see if he can answer the question of what it is.

Her attention is diverted from both the man and the whatever-it-is by the sound of a loud voice proclaiming "I have no family, no home, only what I can afford from the gold I get from rewards. And yet I feel no contempt for these people, I defend them because I want to. Not one of these people deserve the darkness Seele, and whilst your at it, why not call off your dragon... this is between you and me. Leave Gregory out of this... yes I know he's down there, I spotted him long ago." She looks up and sees a fight raging up in the skies and instinctively shields herself from any stray shots.

Gregory continued thinking of how he was to fight Seele. He pondered whether he would be smarter to keep his distance and use his magic, or close in and take Seele 2 on 1. Having decided on a plan of action, he focussed his mind to the simple spell of judgement, deciding that someone as evil as Seele would be in for one hell of a kick. His mind polished off the dust of the words, having not been spoken in quite some time, and he was quick to grip his spear between his legs, bringing his hands out to perform the actions. As the first syllable of the word formed, a mighty roar pierced his concentration.

Seele's shadow dragon rose up from a canopy of trees. It circled near the demon, roaring in triumph yet again at Gregory. The words to judgement quickly left his mind and he grabbed for his powerful gold and white holy spear. The hairs on the back of his neck rose, as his detect evil aura pulsated even stronger, pointing in a whole different direction than even the dragon. Just as he was about to turn and look in the general direction of the evil, he felt the air tingle all around, and barely managed to close his wings for a split second, dropping below the enervation bolt and feeling lucky to have it merely graze his robes. The bolt crackled into the crowd, not striking any unlucky onlooker.

Reaching into his bag, Gregory pulled forth a small winged thing that stared at him as if trying to interpret just what he was. "Fly, Sparrow, fly far away." he whispered to the little winged thing, which with one glance at the dragon was quick to comply. Gone in a bolt of blue, Gregory was once again allowed to return his calculating gaze to the dragon. He had fought dragons before. He had fought one on the ground composed of naught but fire and brimstone, but he had never fought one in the air. He hoped he could take it on, or at least lead it away from the town and lose it somewhere else, and deep inside his cowering confidence told him he could at least do that. He just wondered how much energy he would have to crank into his spells for them to work on such a huge dragon.

"Seele, it would appear that I forgot about your little pet. You had best hope it has an easier time dispatching me than you so far." A crooked smile formed on Gregory's lips as he took in the full sight of the city. His new found power would take time to summon, and he was in desperate need of a clear spot. Turning his eyes back to the dragon, he slowed his wing beats, allowing himself to lower slowly. Reaching into his bag, he sorted through all the items within, coming out with a large sphere over 1 foot in diameter. Casually dropping the sphere to the ground, he gazed down at the tiniest dragon skeleton and began to channel his magic into it.

He was near a fountain surrounded with people, all of which looked to be just the hardy fighters that he would need, and Kalius. He had helped Kalius find the Rowan tree, and he had witnessed all of the gifts given to the druid from it, one of which being the ability to polymorph. "I have need of any of the services that can be provided to me," he spoke to the group near the fountain, hearing the elf begging Kalius for help, "Kalius, I am going to need you to keep the dragon at bay. The elf will be safe for the short while it will take me to perform my actions." He did not wait for anyone to agree, focussing much of his magic; he began a sombre chant that slowly rose in power and was continually repeated.

"Yesinth Kulith warez nuitarin quel'thos zenith fro'an"
"Yesinth Kulith warez nuitarin quel'thos zenith fro'an"
"Yesinth Kulith warez nuitarin quel'thos zenith fro'an"

He would need time.

((OOC: I editted again! I just can't make up my mind!))

Yuen felt a lot of tension ease from his shoulders when the man asked what he could do for him, thankful this man was going to help. Yuen did not notice the dragon flying over head, though he did indeed hear the roar when it first arrived, his mind was just not concerned with something so small as a dragon. "This thing I'm carrying is getting heavy and I am not to the place where I have to take it, and my arms are tired so it feels as though I will drop it soon. The elf explained, his orange eyes starring at the bearded man, then past the old mans shoulder at a human who had looked at them a few moments ago.

"Please hold this for me." the elf stuffed the thing into the old man's arms, which he would probably find surprisingly heavy. "Also, don't look under it, it might loose it's power if you do." The elf then hurried by the old man and towards the human a few foot away, which he identified as a druid.

"Good sir, I am looking for some people who can help me out, and I was wondering if you are able to use any weapons of sorts? I'm looking for someone or people who can protect me for a few short hours as you can see I am not much of a fighter my self..." He told the druid, nervousness in his eyes and all over him, causing his copper skin to be covered in goose bumps, and the nerves were not from the good versus evil battle on the roof tops.

The chains went limp, dropping Seele. However, this only lasted for an instant, long enough for him to fall slightly below Rotharden's elevation. Then the chains rapidly retracted, pulling the elf towards the tower wall. He planted his feet flat against the vertical surface, seemingly defying gravity with the aid of the black chains. His cloak fell away from the thin body, revealing he was so skinny that skeletal seemed a better word to describe his wiry frame. The rest of his mass consisted of a tangle of chains that were wrapped around every limb, slowly crawling over the Shadow Sorceror. He slammed the blade of Thanatos into the tower's wall, resting both hands on the dark haft as he glared at the winged man. "You've suffered, light-bearer?" Seele sneered, disgust plain on his face. Yet his words and eyes were soft, almost sad, although that could easily be a trick of the light. "No, you don't know the meaning of the word. You lack family, home, loved ones, material products? I have nothing. Talk to me when you watch all things beautiful and untainted rot as you pass. Talk to me when the world you hail from has been turned into an ashy, burned-out husk. Talk to me when you feel the one thing you loved, the one thing you gave your soul to protect and pursue, torn from you forever, violently, by one you had once worshiped. When the world chewed me up and spat me out, only the darkness cradled me and nurtured me back to health. I have nothing, paladin, and you preach to me? At least I possess knowledge, one more detail to add to that tiny list of things you lack, little one..." Seele shook his head, golden eyes glowing ominously. "This is not between you and me. This is only me. You're not even worthy of mention."

At these words the shadow dragon landed on the top of the tower, snarling at Rotharden. Seeing its prey escape into the crowd, the massive creature had been about to pursue Gregory when Seele had reined it in. Its massive claws tore gouges in the thick stone of the tower, the tail whipping around to slam away any rocks that endangered Seele's precarious perch on the sheer face of the tower. It roared at Rotharden, giant maw openeing to reveal rows of dangerous teeth, bloody meat from its hunt in the forest still lodged between the sharp bones. Seele's chains curled up, wrapping around the dragon's serpentine neck and slowly drawing the elf onto its back, like a marionette being lifted off of the stage. The elf was lowered onto the back of his mount, the cloak once again hiding the chains of his demonic pact. "Fade into the neverending shadows." The dragon lunged at Rotharden, mouth gaping open, negative energy crackling around its teeth.

Of course, all of that was an illusion.

Seele had decided the odds were against him, and truth be told, was not very interested in Rotharden. The paladin could rattle his sword all he wanted, he would be nothing more than a waste of time for the elf. So he had cast Major Illusion at the beginning of his short speech, silently weaving the magic in order to completely fool the celestial infused. While the apparition had been speaking, the real Seele had simply fallen from the tower, his chains spread around him like a parachute, the strong illusion spell easily masking his presence. His shadow dragon had shrunk, and hidden in a similar fashion, had wingedonce again for the dark forests above Cascadia, the safest place for his loyal pet until he once more had need of its services. Near the bottom of what would have been a bone-shattering fall the chains had shot out, sinking into the nearby walls and scraping down their length until the elf landed softly in the alleyway he had begun his climb in earlier. The couple he had contemplated slaying early could only gape, watching the elf with wide eyes. Without a second's thought he sent the Kyton chains shooting towards the pair, the twisted pieces of shrapnel welded on the end of each chain tearing through their soft flesh life a warm knife through butter. Seele looked at the bloody scene and shrugged, feeling no pity for the victims. As he left the ally, the blood-stained chains hidden once again beneath his cloak, the elf cast another spell to mask his tracks. Alter Self. He could sense his illusion lunge at Rotharden and knew that he had to hurry in order to escape detection.

Almost immediately the elf seemed to shrink, appearing much shorter than his true heigth. His face melted, teh fine features acquiring wrinkles in an instant, the pale skin turning brown and leathery. The fine, white hair turned black and coarse, stained with dirt, the pointed ears rounding off in a more normal shape. Now he was almost completely indistinguishable from a middle-aged human farmer, come to the big city in order to enjoy the celebration. Only the tattered black cloak could betray his appearance, and Rotharden would have a hard time spotting that in the bustling crowd. He attempted to mask his unholy aura but knew that completely eradicated his dark power would be impossible, especially to the senses of the celestial infused beings. Instead he spred his aura over the entire street, dark power seemingly emanating from every attendee to the festival. Seele had sensed a strange, dark power from the direction of the Cascadia waterfalls and meant to investigate. He knew of the secret of the demon trapped in its stone prison; it had taken years of research to realize what had happened to the fell creature that helped build this city's foundations. The sudden rush of unholy power from that spot was far more intriguing than some fight likely to end in a stalemate. Seele slipped through the crowd, an innocent smile on his fake face. Their day would come. It would just not be today.

His attention locked solely on the battle above, the druid did not know what was happening to this peacful city. A voice from behind him broke the concentration he had trained on above, another distraction from his previous goal. Granted, this one was not as startling as A Fierce Dragon. This Interuption came in the form of an elf, an extremely nervous Elf. Rising as straight as he could, still in front of the young lady, Kalius listened to his scared Visitor..
"Good sir, I am looking for some people who can help me out, and I was wondering if you are able to use any weapons of sorts? I'm looking for someone or people who can protect me for a few short hours as you can see I am not much of a fighter my self..."

Quickly remembering the elf from moments before, Kalius looked over his shoulder towards the Fountains. Noticing the old man whom he seen the elf approach earlier with the tightly wrapped bundle in his hands only made the druid more intrigued. Upon actually thinking the elfs words over in his mind, it startled Kalius to hear his request. Of course he would agree to defend his visitor, it was after all a noble act. Instead, the druid was startled that so much chaos was released in such short a time, first the roof-top battle and now this elfs request.

" My friend, i would be honored to lend my services to your cause." Glancing down at the girl whom he always met, Kalius sighed and took a few steps away. Perhaps after his elf friends request he will return and seek her out. "I am fairly adept at my carried weapons." Resting his hand on his twin daggers and glancing over the twenty foot difference to gaze at TigerLily. Returning his gaze to the elf, he nodded for him to continue.

Rothardan listened to Seele, chattering on about losing everything and how the darkness was the only thing that comforted him. But it was the darkness that had taken everything away, and Seele's mind was now completley corrupted with no way to return. It was then that Seele reigned in his dragon, and hopped ontop of it. Rothardan gripped his Holy Blade and got ready, for he knew what was about to happen. The dragon charged straight at Seele, teeth baring and voice snarling. It was almost on the paladin, it's teeth wide open.

The dragon's teeth snapped but it wasn't fast enough, Rothardan had used his blink spell to quickly teleport behind Seele. His sword was raised and Rothardan brought it down on Seele's head, slicing him like bread. Only when the blade cut through the dark elf's head did Rothardan notice something was wrong. Seele began to glow, crackle with energy, and then he burst like a balloon. Then the dragon simply faded away, leaving Rothardan in the air alone. It was all an illusion, and he was caught by the oldest trick in the book.

A scream caught Rothardan's attention, a scream from below. Two people lay on the ground, large gaping holes through their bodies. Rothardan teleported down to the couple and saw that something had ripped through the bodies of this couple and that the woman was barely hanging on. Without any thought, the paladin bent down and used his greater heal on the woman... his celestial powers augmenting his spell. The near-fatal wound began to knit itself back together. Soon, she was saved and alive and well... coughing still from whatever had ripped through her.

Her partner was not so lucky. Whatever had ripped through him had taken his heart, and Rothardan didn't possess the powers of ressurection. The young girl begged Rothardan to do something, but what could he do? Ressurection was beyond even his powers, this man was not coming back. When Rothardan told the girl this, she broke down into tears and cried, screaming at Rothardan. She tried to hit Rothardan, thump him, like it was all his fault. Rothardan grabbed both of the arms that she was using to hit him and pulled the girl in close, holding her in deep embrace.

His eyes swelled up with tears as the girl dissolved into hysterical screams, tears running down her face. Rothardan knew what had killed that man, Seele... in his getaway, he had skewered these two people using his Kyton chains. Now this girl would never be the same again, her loved one killed in an act of senseless brutality. For a moment, both The Paladin and the girl sat there, hugging each other and crying. Then Rothardan rose after a time, his eyes glaring into the distance.

The dark elf would pay for this, one day he would pay... and he would be looking at the buisness end of Rothardan's blade. He felt a cold white fury that was burning in his soul, a type of anger that didn't get worse... it just burnt faster and deeper. And then Rothardan realised something.
He had never hated another being such as Seele in a long time.

Gazing at the creature she is inquiring about, Taima shrugs his shoulders and produces a similiar one from the side pocket of his backpack. I don't have a clue, I found one myself after I had awoken. My name is Taima by the way, glad to make your acquaintance." Taking a seat besides Kowe, he relaxes and takes in the scenery. Hearing the roar and screams, he looks skyward expecting to see dark bolts flying and winged creatures locked in combat, but alas he sees nothing. Wondering what happened to the combatants and dragons, he looks around yet sees nothing. Shrugging off an ill feeling he tries to relax once more.

Savarkael just arrived, she heard of the party, and decided to see it, she hardly has been in Cascadia, and now she thought a was good time to come. She wore a black skirt, and a green long sleeved shirt. Her hair was nicely combed, and she was cleaner then usual, she was always dirty and messy after journeys, bt today, she didn't travel far, flew here in her dragon form, and changed back, not having to take a rest. Around her waist, was a slender sword, her blade of air. Being away from all her equipment didn't suit her, so she decided to have a weapon,so she wouldn't have to change into her dragon form. She walked into the crowds silently, no one really noticed her, and never looked twice.

She found herself glancing at the dancing every minute or so as she walked, she found it entertaining to watch the humans and elves dance. She wondered if there were other dragons here like her, probably not, she only met one other dragon in a human form before, in Taras.

Then she walked towards a building, not many people were there ,so she wouldn't be crowded. She leaned against the wall, tapping her fingers on her sword hilt to the beat of the music. She didn't know much music, but she knows how to play the flute, she should play more music, it would be quite nice, and a fun thing to know. She ran a hand through her hair, and cracked her knuckles, while looking around the crowds, wondering if she knew anyone at all that walked the streets.

Nyla could hear shouts, calls, laughter, and the clash of metal, sounds that don’t usually go together, she reached for her blades, a bandits sword at one hip, and her dagger at the other. Then the roar of a creature, far larger than anything she had probably ever seen in her life, really made her jump to her feet, she heard screams, and turned her head to the man who had asked for help. She bit her lip, which side of this would she be less likely to be killed on? There was at least two others who were on this side, and she decided to join, pulling out the ice spear, and bandits sword she faced the conversation, and spoke up. ”I’ll help you too, if you’re this flustered it’ll take more than one person to help you.” She stood straight, the blindfold around her eyes keeping the light out was pulled tight, so as not to fall off. She ignored the battle on the roof, noting the soft sound of chains moving away, that battle was over. She turned her attention and ears to man she had agreed to help.

((OOC: i want in on this too!!! just cause i was on vacation i got left behind...sheesh.....))

Yuen was very pleased and relieved once more to find that this man, too, was nice and willing to help out. The elf turned when someone spoke, this time a young woman's voice met his ears. He looked at who said would help too, though she had no idea with what, well, none of them knew what they were agreeing to. Yuen nodded to the girl with ears, "More help is always needed." He said as he looked over at another man who had been fighting the dragon which had flown away, most likely it's master calling it away. He turned towards the this man, able to feel his holy power gave a quick smile, one that lacked everything a smile should have. "You can come too, we will need a holy man with us." He said gesturing quickly to the now small group of people who were willing to help.

But time was short and he could not what for an answer from the holy man, he would just assume someone of such good alignment would be willing to come along. Yuen turned quickly and walked back over to the first man he had asked to help him and stretched out his arms. "Thank you for holding it, I can take it now." He said, almost ripping from the mages arms, obviously very worried about what was ever underneath it. "You can levitate, can you not? You are mage, correct?" The elf asked these questions very fast, his eyes darting back and forth, as if he was expecting someone to come out and kill him on the spot. "I need to get up there." He said, pointing a quivering finger up to the tallest building in Cascadia, which was the old museum near the center of the city. He didn't know how everyone else would get up there, but he knew most of them had their own secrets and abilities, and could most likely get up there themselves. His last statement he made sure everyone heard, so they knew where he needed to get too.

The raw power of Ankriel's sphere was burning the blood of the angel. Each word was hot glory on his lips and each intake of breath was scorching pleasure. He could feel it; the power was approaching its final strides. He could see the tiny skeleton of a dragon circling within the sphere, but at the time of the casting he was unable to tell whether he, the sphere or the dragon were spinning. He felt the energy suddenly pause, and for a few seconds of quiet he worried that his casting had been undone. Knowing that he needed to repeat the sentence one last time, he did so.

"Yesinth Kulith warez nuitarin quel'thos zenith fro'an""

The resounding force struck Gregory hard, causing him to slide backwards more than a foot, and bringing his arms up in a protective "V" before his face. Light rocked his world if only for a second. He peered through his eyes to see a fanning of dust coming out from the front of the sphere as if the circular object had blown out a great gasp of air. He was quick to see that the smoke was not dust, and as he look to the sky he saw a still-larger ball of smoke, quickly dissipating.

The tip of a huge golden tail slapped from the cloud and smashed to the ground in-front of Gregory, and he grinned triumphantly. As the smoke cleared, a great golden dragon stood over a street leading to the fountain, its rear feet each planted on the roofs of two building facing each other. Its triumphant roar resounded over the city, and a sparkle of glee lit his eye. His mind thrummed over the events that had passed in his time of summoning, and he drew his head around to look at the small elf that had needed protection, and now a lift.

""Perhaps I can help you get to the building. It would appear Seele's threat has fled. Perhaps Rothardan has taken care to endanger Seele's life, it is no more of concern to me." " He knew Seele, to be gone, but he felt a new, greater evil swelling up all around the city, and it was an evil tenfold to Seele's and more to any demon Gregory had faced. "I can also help to defend you, but I will need to know the details as to what I am defending from. You must tell me what me and Nuitarin are to face." The golden dragon nudged at the angel, knocking the wind from his lungs and pushing him back. The dragon smelled the evil, too.

The guards came and took away the sobbing young woman, and then carried the body of the man away. Rothardan turned and left without a word, transforming back into his human form using his Alter Self spell so he could fit in more easily. No longer was he the silver skinned destroyer of evil, but a brown haired knight whose wings were now hiding underneath his skin until needed to be used. Rothardan walked back to the party, wanting a very stiff drink. Normally he didn't drink alcohol because it slowed the body down but now... bets were off and the rulebook was out the window.

Eventually he managed to get back to the entrance of Cascadia and when he looked upon the large beautiful city, he took a deep breath and sighed.
"Now I have to go back in and pretend that nothing happened," he said to himself.
Beside him, the apparation of Illuminis appeared infront of Rothardan, a look of sorrow on his face.
"Rothardan, there was nothing you could do." the Solar said, "When the party is finished, you must come with me... there is something that I must show you."

Illuminis dissapeared and Rothardan was left to wonder what it was that the Solar had to show him. He put the thought to the corner of his mind and walked into Cascasdia. But when he entered the city, he felt a wave of dread come over him... the feeling that he would never be happy again.

Rothardan looked over and saw Gregory (with a large dragon with him) and another person talk to an elf, holding something in his hand. Odd... the elf looked afraid and was pointing to somewhere, asking who could take him up there. It looked like Gregory had things under control, but that didn't stop him from feeling the overwhelming sense of evil he was detecting.

Illuminis appeared beside him again, looking at the ceiling... as if he could see right through it and into the very cosmos itself. He too could detect the evil that was coming and, like Rothardan, he knew that it was far larger than Seele's evil aura. It wasn't natural.

"Can you feel it?" Rothardan asked Illuminis...

"Yes," the Solar replied, "Something is coming... something evil... something dark... it will arrive soon."

Aether Draka removed herself from the shadows and wished she too could change her appearance so easily as the other two had. She had witnessed the change and the death f the man and the saving of his wife. It had given her something profound to think about. The main question being why it seemed she always had to pick sides. She didn’t want to fight in this war between good and evil anymore, she didn’t feel she could pick a side. She had learned that the hard way already, yet she had tried. The shadow illusion dragon had vanished not long after Seele’s real dragon had and now she let the shadows do as they will.

Now, now she felt very… sad perhaps? She was finding it hard to defend her friends when they fought and the celestials were so violent about transgressions or uncertainty. So she went back to the streets, the crowds doing a strange feat of deciding to go back to the party. Humans… are odd creatures. Perhaps they thought it part of some show? As she went along she had the feeling like she was being followed through the streets. She paid it no heed for a while but it didn’t seem to go away. Abruptly she turned around, about to yell at who ever it was to leave her alone. She found herself face to face with an odd little creature. It looked at her quizzically and she found herself smiling, the difficulty of having to try and pick sides vanished. She took a step back and it followed. She stepped sideways and again it followed, making a funny little gurgling sound. AD giggled and Turin peeked his head around her shoulder to see what she was doing. AD held up her hands like a cup and the strange little winged creature landed in her hands and sniffed around. Then a loud sound caught her attention and she instinctively she held the creature close, protecting it. She saw the tail and wings of a golden dragon. She looked over at Turin perched on her shoulder, who also looked at her from his perch, and both of them looked back at the dragon. “Where did that come from?” She asked. ‘I’m not sure, shall we look?’ Turin asked her telepathically. AD nodded and headed for the front of the dragon, making her way around buildings in order to do so.