Fantasy ~The Lords of the Magistone~

[SkyGinge]

"Your best is all we can ask," Skyre nodded with a subtle yet caring smile. Standing back, he watched her work her magic. Like Rusar, he had met only a scarce few water mages in his life time, and as a secondary magic, their trainees were sparsely seen around Aliak. In fact, Skyre had heard once that water magic was the least popular kind of magic: indeed, most of its users were fishermen in the west who used it to help them make a living. Once again, he wondered why nobody had ever attempted, or at least been successful in their efforts to sail away from the island. Were they really the only people left?


Watching Pythe though made him understand just how hard it would be to fully control the waves and allow safe passage from Valia's vicious seas. It was a visible effort to drain even a slithering of liquid from the surrounding earth (although Skyre reckoned the heat was hardly helping matters). But she delivered, handing the water over to Rusar, who dashed off to the fireplace. Skyre breathed a sigh of relief and, turning to the newcomer, placed a warm hand on her shoulder.


"It's more than enough," he said in a voice tinged with experience and emotion far past his years, a voice so deep and reassuring it could quell even the darkest fears, a beautiful voice. "You have my whole-hearted thanks. You may have just saved a young woman's life. There is food at the fire, and a little liquid, though not as pure as yours: eat and relax. You're one of us now. Welcome to the last survivors."


For a long while, he regarded he warmly. It'd been a little while since they'd discovered more survivors, but two new discoveries were amazing. Maybe there are still others about, trekking other wilderness plains we are yet to trek. It was unlikely they would discover anybody else locked up in their embankment on the far mount, mind. But the more the merrier, Skyre always thought, and more did make him merrier. He regarded the healing process from a distance like a deity proud of his creation's work, his omnipresent smile calm and caring.


At the provocation of Rusar's pointing, he approached them steadily. He looked over the woman they had saved, who had now attached themselves to Desiree. He found himself laughing softly: no doubt Desiree was loving that (not). "Thank you Ethan," he smiled to the alchemist, wondering where he had been. "Is she well?" He gesticulated towards the woman.


@TheWizard


@MrMouse


@MsPoppernickle


@Kharmin


@Shura

 

[Cookie]

Ari had remained quiet since she, Skyre, and Desiree had arrived with the unconscious newcomer. As was usual with her, Ari shifted uncomfortably in the presence of not one, but two newcomers. Would their group never stop growing?


She consoled herself with the realization that one of the strangers (Pythe, as Rusar had introduced her) was a water mage. Now that was an interesting find. Water worked exceptionally well with electricity and this newcomer, this Pythe woman, was certainly someone to get on good terms with. But now was not the time for such selfish thinking, Ari reminded herself.


Ari watched Ethan work his natural healing methods on the woman. It was kind of refreshing to see him at it again, especially since Cyril had mostly taken over the position of medic. Cyril was nowhere to be found, however. While that didn't exactly bother Ari, she did feel a slight concern on behalf of the now conscious newcomer and Skyre (whom, she had noticed, had tried to downplay his own injuries by not acknowledging them). Herself, Ari had forgotten entirely about her own capabilities as a light mage. Not until the darkly tanned newcomer embraced her rebirth (and Desiree) did Ari remember that she was, in fact, a light healer. She took an uncomfortable step back from the animated display of life, feeling incompetent for not helping. Perhaps she could still help Skyre's injuries.


However, his altruistic worry for everyone other than himself came forth again as he inquired about the newcomer's health. Ari found herself standing near him, further away from the newcomers than she'd remembered moving. She glanced up at him. Of course, he was happy as ever to see more people alive and well. Ari cleared her throat to respond to his question. "Well, thanks to Ethan, she appears to be doing alright," the corner of Ari's mouth twitched upward slightly as she regarded the black-haired dancer's expression of relief. "What about you?" she dropped her voice a bit, in case he didn't want the others to know he was battered. "Aren't you going to tend to your own injuries? I'm sure Ethan has something for the pain."


@TheWizard

 

[SkyGinge]

That it was Ari's voice that greeted him startled Skyre slightly: he hadn't noticed the quieter woman sneaking up on him. Turning to respond to her, he was reminded of his efforts not twenty minutes ago to befriend her properly, since lost in the chaos of his dramatic escape and the subsequent arrival of two fresh survivors. Her laughter had been sign enough that he had achieved at least a little something worthwhile, and thinking back on the memory made him smile with more warmth.


It wasn't just Ethan who helped her though, Skyre thought, Without Pythe's water and Desiree's help carrying her in, she'd have been left for dead. It was a team effort, another indication of our bonding. It might be little, but that's something we have over them. Because the Shadow King doesn't have friends.


My gosh, that was a silly thing to turn to, Skyre rebuked himself. For what good alone would people with close bonds to you do? If anything, it would allow the Shadow King to manipulate and torture them should they ever fall into his grasp, whilst the man himself remained singular and independent. But no. He shook off the negative thoughts with a vacant shake of his head. Maybe you're clinging onto hope a little too strongly now. When every tiny thing is a victory against the Shadow King in your eyes, it's high time to ground yourself back to reality.


Ari's mention of his injuries actually reminded him of their presence: in his elation he had somehow became oblivious to them, and his hand subconsciously moved to massage his side. It ached, but given everything else and the fact there was a woman suffering from dehydration behind him, he felt confident that he could shake it off. Still, she'd kindly felt the need to ask and lower her voice in doing so, which he appreciated. More proof of our success, he thought.


"I'll be fine, it's nothing major," the redhead told her. Still, now that she had mentioned it, it was blatantly obvious that he was in some kind of way: his every movement was somewhat awkward and jilted, and he winced every time he attempted to move too quickly.


@TheWizard

 

[MsPoppernickle]

Harper finally released the woman laying back down on the folded coat. Its bristles where firm yet provided a comfort better then any rock. Her head still spinning a little as her body reminded her how far she was from saying good bye to the world. Smiling and drying her eyes she looked to the group. Each one was like a page from a story with every shape color and size imaginable. Looking around the ancient village she was surprised they had been gathered here though it pegged the question why.


When her body finally relaxed she sat up and nodded to the blonde madam who appeared to be one of the few oldest in the group. "Apologies its been awhile since I last seen a living face..." she said with an odd smile. Twiddling her fingers a bit to distract herself from making to much eye contact she blushed "...Thank you guys for saving me." Harper took a deep breath realizing that she had been rescued not only from her visit to the afterlife but from her own mind torturing her of the memories this kingdom has gone through.


She bowed her head to the group as she looked back to the blonde woman and red headed young man. Turning to the archer and individual with the ball of light. Grabbing his hand she kissed it lightly in gratitude then clapped her hands together in front of the huntress "Many many thanks!" as her smile rose from cheek to cheek. Stretching her arms and legs she felt as if she was given new life. Harper wasn't about to let it slip away again as she started messing with her pony tail cleaning the dead sticks and leaves from the folds of her hair. "I am Harper...I use to be part of a traveling merchant guild before the fall." as she tried to explain without the horror of that day returning.

 

[The Wizard]

Ethan look back to the woman who seemed to be finally recovering from her shock. He wasn't going to disturb her moment figuring Desiree may do that for him. A small little laugh was held in as she finally released the poor woman. He was about to explain her condition when Ari began to explain for him which timed out well as he felt his hand was tugged towards the long haired woman. His face rushed red as her lips fell to his palm. Her thanks was not something he was accustomed to and he immediately bowed his hat trying to hide his flushed face. Her acts of thanking the others seemed flashy almost like she was use to public display. Though with her garments Ethan had surmised she was of some form of traveling entertainment.


Quickly looking to Ari who seemed to occupied with Skyre he gathered Rusar to meet with the four. "She'll be better with time...but something more pressing needs your attention Skyre...even more so since the timing of these new survivors appeared." as he looked to the patched woman who wielded a hammer then back to the long haired woman. "It concerns this mountain, this abandon village..." then looking to Rusar "...and this unnatural heat..." his gaze lingering for a moment as he thought about Rusar's talent and the thing down below this mountain. His wisp hovered around the four as he pondered how to explain the sight. Finally when words could not come to him he looked back to the three "...I can't explain what I saw but this is not something made by nature...its a force that sits beneath our very feet." as he looked back to the mountain.


His heart raced a moment then looked over to Skyre "The tunnel is north of this village near some overgrowth, when you are able we should depart for it quickly." Ethan was confused yet bewildered trying to figure how to explain it even though he saw it only for a glimpse it was enough to shake his core. It distracted him from even noticing the faint signs of Skyre's injury or properly introducing himself to the two new strangers. Ethan was worried a little as their appearance with the discovery seemed either fate or planned, at the very least he would have to keep a close eye on both of them before letting his guard down.

 

[MrMouse]

Pythe watched the group tend to another woman. She had overheard she was a stranger like her who had found her way to this unique gathering. The red head had thanked her as the archer Rusar kept vigil of the whole thing. Pythe knew it wasn't easy to trust anyone especially during these times. Still it was a pleasant feeling to know she had found kindred survivors so far out of the kingdom. She smiled a bit when the long haired woman had jumped up bawling like a baby. Emotions seemed to come easy or perhaps she was just boiling over from all she had experience.


Pythe however didn't want to show her emotions again, recalling the shocking reaction of the noble and his crazed response to her. She kept outside the circle not wanting to intrude to much with the bond they all seemed to hold. The new faces at the camp seemed to reflect mix emotions. A young man in a hat with a orb light reminded her of a light mage but something seemed off about it considering how he was tending to the dark skinned woman. The other two where opposite of each other, one tall with blonde hair the other short with hair trimmed like a boys. If anything it seemed the people here where from all parts of the kingdom a rag tag of misfits that somehow have survived like her.


Putting her hammer down she rubbed her one good eye and took a moment to catch a breath. The young man with the orb seemed distressed talking carefully so not to be overheard with the red headed Skyre and archer Rusar. Part of her worried it was about her as the man's eyes glanced over a moment. Whatever it was she felt it best not to intrude till she had gain trust within this group. For the most part it was at least a better chance for her to survive then on her own. The ponytail woman being a prime example of what could happen.

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/57a8c06d75a09_Desiree_Markup-Crop-50.jpg.bccc9cc47f5ae799ea158dbe1293674c.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="30357" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/57a8c06d75a09_Desiree_Markup-Crop-50.jpg.bccc9cc47f5ae799ea158dbe1293674c.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Desiree was tending to the unconscious woman that they had discovered and carried back to camp. She really didn't know much about healing, but at least tried to make a cursory glance for any obvious wounds that might need immediate attention. She nodded at Skyre's request to stand close as he set out to find Rusar, his royal pain-in-the-butt, and the others.


She did what she could in answering Ethan's questions, but Desiree felt that the small amount of information that she had really wasn't helping so she knelt back apace to give Ethan more room to work.


A pungent scent of hyacinth carried on the breeze as Skyre and the others arrived with yet another new person. She had beautiful emerald eyes that were enhanced by her long, dark hair and it was from her that Desiree tasted the floral assault. Another mage? She wondered at the sudden appearance of yet more survivors and kept her expression calm and neutral at the newcomer's presence.


Desiree watched as Ethan eased some of the water that Rusar provided from her waterskin in between the unconscious woman's lips. He also dampened some cloth for her forehead; something Desiree had seen done years before when one of the students at the university had lost consciousness due to overexerting himself with his craft. She wondered if this woman's state was due to the same type of circumstance.


Be ready, her inner voice cautioned and Desiree stood, as a slight frown crossed her forehead. Ready for what? She wondered, but as usual the voice maintained its mysterious silence. She focused her attention on the woman under Ethan's care and discerned an obvious change in her breathing.


The woman opened her eyes and squinted at the brightness of the day. Desiree watched as the woman emptied whatever water remained in the water skin. Desiree tucked her blonde hair behind her ear and started to kneel back down on one knee to help still any fears that the woman might have had as she woke to a strange man looming over her.


The woman poked Ethan, as if to prove he were real, and then suddenly leapt onto Desiree and clutched tightly about her. In a fit of sobbing hysterics, the woman clung to Desiree. The blonde wind mage suppressed her initial shock, embraced the woman to keep her from knocking the both of them over, and tried her best to calm her with shushed words and her pleasant, soothing voice.


After a brief moment of clarity for the woman, Desiree helped her to lie back down. "Be at ease, Harper," Desiree consoled as she used the name that the woman had given them. "I'm Desiree. It's good to have you with us in the land of the living." Desiree granted Harper a sincere smile that caused her bright blue eyes to dance in the light.

 

[SkyGinge]

Something more pressing than saving a human life? Skyre mused. He wondered if what Ethan spoke of was something to do with his brief disappearence: what had he discovered? Where had he gone? Skyre's interest peaked as Ethan unveiled that it was something to do with the town. Another clue, perhaps? Subconciously, he had been clinging onto his treasured papers the entire time, crumpling them up slightly in his hand. Maybe what I uncover in this will match up to what Ethan unveiled.


For a brief moment, Skyre was almost frustrated at the vagueness of Ethan's words, but he knew he was a prime suspect of keeping things under wraps just for the sake of it. Besides, it looked genuinely as if the alchemist was simply struggling for words. And Skyre had always found that mysteries were more rewarding when they were more challenging to unravel.


Still, as exciting as history was, Skyre felt as though he had a duty to watch over their group as leader. Dinner was now ready to be served, and it was late in the evening; they would all be starving after the day's long journey. And especially with two newcomers in their midst, Skyre felt it important to hang around and supervise. Or at least, he wanted it to feel more important than his curiousity allowed him.


Weak minded fool, he teased himself as he sighed loudly. With a stretch over to the fire, he ripped off a piece of meat to satisfy his hunger and addressed the ensamble. "Feel free to help yourself to food. We'll be back shortly." With that, he turned back to Ethan. "I'll trust in your priorities," he smiled, "so lead on."


@TheWizard

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/57a8c06d8b96f_Desiree_Markup-Crop-50.jpg.7999fefe972e3fd8514b30f91860c2ae.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="30362" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/57a8c06d8b96f_Desiree_Markup-Crop-50.jpg.7999fefe972e3fd8514b30f91860c2ae.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Desiree leaped to her feet and jogged to Skyre and Ethan. Her eyes bespoke concern.


"Hey, hold on a sec," she said as she closed on the duo and then spoke to Skyre in a hushed voice. "Sorry, but I'm not comfortable with you just stepping away," she said. "You're the group's leader, and in your absence someone should be in charge. I'm not suggesting me, but maybe Rusar or Warren or... well, somebody who can make decisions when you're not around."


Desiree cast a quick, furtive glance toward the camp before she continued. "We have two, new people in our company, of whom we have no real knowledge. Are we so quick to discard Helia's sudden turn? Do you think it's wise to split our group, thus weakening it in light of these new people? I don't mean to sound harsh, but I'm not ready to completely trust them yet."


"Also, as our leader," she said, "if you're separating from the group it would be good if we knew where it was you were going, in case we have to suddenly meet up or if you are tardy in your return. I know that you didn't want this role, Skyre, but it's yours now and unfortunately it carries a degree of responsibility, right?"


Desiree looked to Skyre, then Ethan and then back to Skyre with her soft, blue eyes that were bright with worry. "I'm sure that you two can handle just about anything," she added, "but I'm not convinced that this is the correct action to take at this time. However, being our leader, I will defer to your decision. I just wanted to voice my concern."


She tucked her blonde hair behind her ear, crossed her arms and nervously chewed on her lip as she waited for his reply.


@Skyre

 

[SkyGinge]

Skyre stopped in his tracks, Desiree's sweet voice halting him at an instant. He turned around swiftly to face her, and heard her out. In all honesty, she had a lot of strong points, sharing some of his own worries. Her worry touched him slightly, but any of his previous insecurities had vanished, washed away in the rain that had cleansed them on their journey to the bleak mountain.


"I share your concerns," he stated, slowly but powerfully, voice giving every indication of his total earnestly, "and honestly I'd considered them all too. However, we won't be long, or at least I don't think we will be." He looked over at Ethan, directing the sentence as a question to him. "Truth be told, I know as much about my destination as you do about the weather in a weeks time. But I trust in Ethan's word that he is not placing us in danger."


"I understand the general weariness we've gained after Helia's sudden turn," Skyre continued, "but you have to remember she disappeared first. I know that's a terrible reason to trust these others, and that they indeed could've been bugged or possessed or anything before arriving, but the landscape's signs indicate nothing had been here for years. It sounds as if Ethan has found something important, and if the Shadow King knew of this place he'd have probably sent people before. In addition to that, both our newcomers are somewhat weak now, and Pythe just proved herself suitably through her willingness to provide clean water using her ability. I know that's even more of a reason for me to stay, but I don't think they could try anything anarchic, even if they wanted too."


"Sorry for my unprofessionalism," he looked at the ground with a sheepish grin, "You know just how much history excites me. As for the specifics, that's up to Ethan to announce." He looked up a little expectantly at the alchemist. This is the price of enigma, he told himself, and the main reason it was important you opened up before.


Turning back to Desiree, he placed a caring hand in her shoulder. No, not placed, held: it was a little firmer than his similar action with the others, and yet simultaneous soft and overbearingly caring. "Desiree," he said in his wonderful, powerful voice, "You know I'm happy with the role now. Responsibility is an intriguing burden, but somebody's gotta take it." His other arm found hers, and he patted it lightly. "I'll make sure we get back quickly, don't worry. In the mean time, I don't see any better candidate to watch over camp than yourself. Feel free to be as wary as you like, but make sure that our new friends feel welcome. That is, of course, if you're willing to take up my mantel." He withdrew his hands and glanced back over at Ethan and Rusar. Just what did they want him to see?


@TheWizard

 

[Shura]

Rusar observed from the side lines as everyone settled into their roles about camp. She was grateful the lower ground of the mountain were plentiful with small game and the river with fish cause that meant she didn't have to hunt for once. She looked towards the ruins waiting for Sky and Desiree to finish their conversation over hearing only bits and pieces. She shared the same concern as them, more so about the two new comers than any shadow king forces. To move any kind of army small or large would have left a trail or sign that they had been somewhere on the mountain. Still even though she had her concerns that Ethan spoke of was slowly consuming the rest of her thoughts. Something not natural and could heat an entire mountain? She was very interested to see what Ethan found, if its wasn't for her cautious nature the fire magician probably would have been long gone, following the pull of this strange force.

 

[The Wizard]

Ethan listened carefully to what Desiree had said and with Skyre's curiosity and Rusar's interest it was hard to choose what was right. He was worried for the group as a whole it was agreed the strangers posed a great risk even with their acts of non-aggression there was still the chance they where awaiting an opportunity. Still the matter of what lay below was a pressing matter as well if it was indeed something made by the Shadow King it would pose a risk not only for the group but the whole kingdom and if not it was a power that needed to be studied to fight against him.


Stuck between a rock and a hard place Ethan could think of no solution if only he could show them what he had saw. Was the the wisp's light pulsed quickly and Aurora spoke to him from within his mind. "Why don't we simply show them then Ethan?" at which he tried not to draw attention between the conversation of the group. "That's the issue if we split now with these strangers we risk the lives of our friends and if we don't go we risk time with the artifact below..." his thought echoed with a since of frustration as if the question was merely running him in circles. "No I mean why not show them what you saw from your memory." her voice as if a slap to his face.


Ethan was confused how would he do so, sure sharing memories with Aurora was easy considering they where a part of each other but how do you show those beyond your mind what you saw? The wisp spoke once more "Your ability in the mystic arts is strong but you lack understanding of your own talent Ethan...if you will allow me I will help you in showing them." her voice soft yet earnest in trying to aid him. Looking back to the strangers then Desiree and finally back to Ari he felt a sting in his chest from Desiree's words when he saw the lightning mage. With that last push he decided to agree with the inner voice of the wisp taking a deep breath as his thoughts spoke back "Teach me Aurora...show them what we saw below..." at which point like a rush he felt his body become light. "You'll be weak as this is your first time but we will show them together Ethan..."


Outside of his mind this conversation seemed but only a minute when suddenly Ethan's eyes glowed bright blue interrupting the dispute between Desiree and Skyre. Though his eyes where like starlight there was no sign of him looking to the group as the wisp slowly fell to his hands. When Ethan spoke his voice was lingering and almost mixed in pitch and volume "Decide for yourself if we should move forward then, see from my eyes and bare witness." Soon the wisp blew lightly contained between his hands. Blue mist rose from around Ethan as it encircled the sphere forming like a lens. The light faded from the center as Ethan's memory poured into the ball, the entrance with overgrown vines, the dark tunnel, the amber light below...then finally as the vision slowed it revealed the enlarged ball of fire that laid within the chamber below. The pulsing heat and twisting flames coursed around above a pool of lava.


The ball started to flicker and Ethan's eyes started to fade back as he fell to his knees. The drain was far more then Aurora had described his body like stone refused to move. Taking a moment he felt his limbs slowly regain their movement as the blue smokey vapor faded around him. Looking up to the group he didn't know what he had done yet somehow he felt for a moment not only what he saw in the tunnel but something else. It felt as if memories of another had flooded his mind giving him the knowledge to perform the task like he had done it all his life. Who's where they the memories where faded and shattered was it an effect of using his magic or something more. Unsure he kept quite not wanting to worry the group further. "I guess we have an answer...it seems I may have pushed myself a bit too much." as he slowly walked back to the fire to sit upon a stone "...what you saw is below us...it is something I in my life have never seen. A living fire that shows no sign of feeding from a natural source." as he picked up a pouch to drink "...well leader what do you think?" he stated a bit serious yet trying to play off his tired aching body.

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/57a8c0700086e_Desiree_Markup-Crop-50.jpg.53cd69fa6230022d559b6b80e2b9297a.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="30453" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/57a8c0700086e_Desiree_Markup-Crop-50.jpg.53cd69fa6230022d559b6b80e2b9297a.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Desiree regarded Skyre with her bright, blue eyes, but then started to shake her head with a hint of anger in them.


"No, you don't," she warned. "You're not just stepping out and abdicating this responsibility on me because I'm conveniently near. I trust Ethan, too, Skyre but splitting our group for some unknown is not a good idea. Not now, especially with new faces in our midst regardless of their initial impressions."


She looked to Ethan for help and then to Rusar. The huntress seemed more intrigued by the adventure and less concerned for the rest as Desiree recognized the same kind of excitement in her eyes that Skyre shared.


Desiree blew strands of hair from her face with a deep sigh. "Look, Skyre, we can argue about this all day and ...."


Her objections were suddenly silenced by Ethan's odd demeanor, pitch and inflection of his voice and then the strange, blue mist that formed. The effort of this arcane vision took an obvious toll on the man, but he bore the strain without complaint.


Desiree's eyes, like Skyre's and Rusar's, were glued to the apparition of Ethan's memory as it swirled and danced lightly in the blue mist. The cavern and the large ball of fire that hung suspended above a small lake of lava focused their full attention before the vaporous image distorted and faded as it dissipated.


At Ethan's exhausted query, Desiree disallowed Skyre the opportunity to answer. She turned on him quickly and with stern resolve in her blue eyes, said, "That's exactly why we shouldn't divide this group. Something like that might require more than what you three can handle, no offense." The last part of her statement was directed at Ethan and Rusar. Desiree was more perturbed with Skyre than the other two. "What would happen if you got to this floating ball of fire, somehow found yourself trapped, and then realized 'oh, maybe we should have brought everyone'?"


Truth was, Desiree was frightened by the apparition provided by Ethan and his ball of light which seemed full of surprises lately. Desiree had lost everything and only recently found her talent; aside from that, she had nothing other than this small band of survivors, of which Skyre was her best friend. If something happened to him, then she had no idea what to do next, where to go or how to best protect the remainder of their group.


"We should wait and all go together," Desiree said flatly as she crossed her arms in a defiant stance which almost dared Skyre to go against her. "Besides, Ethan needs the rest now. We can use the time to better acquaint ourselves with our new company."


@TheWizard


@Shura

 

[Shura]

Rusar shifted back slightly as Ethan went into his trance not really knowing what to expect; Mystic magic was unpredictable sometimes. She watched as the ball of smoke cleared to reveal a large glowing ball of fire though only to be in fairy tails. She stared wide eyed surprised to say the least. Sure she had her suspicions but never did she think it was true. She shifted her gaze towards the town things clicking together and she suddenly felt very insignificant among the ruins of a civilization of possibly the greatest fire magicians in history. How had no one else found this? Then again it wasn't an area often explored with the sedentary life style of current times.


She overheard Desirees pondering of it being some sort of trap and having to deal with in and a shot of panic ran though her. "No... It's not a trap. It's a legend..." She glanced to the the rest of the small gathering before looking back to the ruins. "At least for fire magicians it is. An ancient lore of what magicians can accomplish when they work together in harmony with their element. This place is where a group of fire magicians settled back when magic was outlawed. An ever-burning flame carefully balanced to feed off its own magic to create a heated mountain that would never erupt. It was rumored that they had given birth to some kind of mythic animal like a phoenix." She explained hints of awe and disbelief in her soft tone.

 

[SkyGinge]

Did she not listen to a thing I just said? he frowned. And the way she looked for help from the others, like some student fueding over the answer to her question. There's literally no point in this argument, and anything that is disputed is down to the fact that Ethan hasn't told us much of whats going on. I could continue on, but she's not registering my point anyhow, so why bother? He sighed loudly.


Thankfully, any consideration over how to continue was cut abruptly short by Ethan, whose peculiar tone of voice startled him. He stood on edge as the mist began to swirl, any thoughts on their dispute left hanging. He watched, captivated by the images shown, drawn along on Ethan's strange journey through the tunnels below. A moving, accurate depiction of events, of memories... it was facinating and new and enthralling. And at the end, Ethan's requests finally came clear: a huge ball of fire in the centre of the mountain. So it wasn't a volcano, that much was certain, but what else then? Certainly not something natural.


As the mist faded away, so did the tug of curiosity that plagued the boy. For as interesting as it was, it was hardly important enough to get them to dash off at such an important time. He didn't feel angry at all (being Skyre this wasn't surprising), as things were sorted now and they had no need for dispute. And as much as a living fire was a significant unknown, had Ethan just been outright to begin with he'd probably have postponed a visit until the following day.


His opportunity to answer the alchemist's question was promptly robbed however as Desiree turned on him angrily, firing his own worries at him like a hail-storm. "Desiree, with due respect, I didn't know this was what we were going to see," he explained, "Which is why I tried to prompt Ethan to explain more to us, and here we are now." She was acting aggressively, especially against him, and for a split second he felt like it was unfounded. But of course, she had her reasons: a trip like that into the unknown would have been reckless. I should accept the blame; pointing fingers will only prolong this silly squabble. One of the sacrifices of being a leader, I suppose.


Rusar then spoke up over his contemplations about some kind of legend regarding the town. Skyre couldn't help a grin as a bank of realisation was opened up to him. "That explains so much," he said simply, "The charring marks, the heat, even the hotsprings. So it really is like we've stepped straight into a myth." That was what excited him most now: lost history now found. He held up the documents still held in his hand. "And I imagine these could give us the last slithers of information. Then everything'll be complete again."


Snapping out of his passionate enthusiasm, he turned to Desiree. "Look, I apologise," he said with a sigh and a sad smile, although refraining from any of the soft touches of before to show a little frustration against her anger. "Don't worry, you're right: we'll investigate properly tomorrow morning, although in all honesty I'm not sure exactly what we're supposed to find there. Unless there's something in your legend, I only imagine the fire would serve to help Rusar with her magic a little, and otherwise all it provides is an explanation to our surroundings which, whilst interesting, doesn't really require a group expedition to go and discover. We'll rest and accomodate tonight as you say, and we can investigate tomorrow before we trek the desert." He crossed his arms and glanced over the small group, his tone of voice curt as if to say his decision was final. His position mirroed Desiree's, almost unintentionally mocking in the way it said: 'You don't need be defiant'.


@TheWizard


@Shura

 

[Shura]

Rusar frowned slightly at Skys decision to just sit around a campfire and chit-chat. They were in an ancient city lost in time. A rare find by normal standards even more rare with the destruction of so many other places. How could they just sit around like this was any normal location. A small part of her wondered if Des and Sky would be so lax and calm if it was some kind of wind mage artifact or lore that was stumbled upon. She brushed the thoughts aside and turned back to the village.


A tunnel to the north near some overgrowth... She thought remembering Ethans description. She would go exploring with the mage but he had already pushed himself and needed to rest. Plus Sky had made a point there was no point in everyone going. She glanced over to the group before just shaking her head "You all can sit around. I'm going to investigate." She said more as a statement than a request for permission. She respected Sky and his decisions normally but this was something she wasn't just going to wait around on. Especially if they were still planning to trek off into the desert. The huntress shouldered her bow and walked off deeper into the city ruins not waiting for anyone else.

 

[The Wizard]

Ethan sat upon the stone watching as the two decided it was best to wait. Skyre seemed eager to want the full details but for Ethan he was a loss for words on the matter. How does one explain a gaping living fire ball inside a hollow mountain exactly. Let alone the feeling he had when his gaze fell upon it. Though it was but fire it seemed like it was staring back at him. A burning sensation that drove him away from its chamber like a daunting giant scaring a mouse from its home.


His body was heavy and though Rusar looked determined to go he was unable to follow. Looking to Harper once more for signs of any returning illness he was delighted to see the woman was recovering quickly. The other looked to observe outside the circle not wanting to come close to the fire. For now this seemed a good idea for even Ethan questioned their appearance, while Harper he could set aside as in a weaken state Pythe he believed was an unknown factor. It was not so common to see water mages, in fact his fishing village only had a few that mastered it to improve their catches.


With the group settling down Ethan could do nothing much but agree now to rest till morning. "What was that spell Aurora..." but the silence was only a rude reminder of his weakness. With the drain of his magic his connection and even the wisp where gone. Looking to Ari and Desiree close by he smiled realizing that for now it was nice to know how far they had gone yet improved as a team. Knowing he was safe to rest Ethan nestled upon the ground using his hat as a make shift pillow so not to track dirt upon his face. His eyes fell heavy and soon sleep over took the young alchemist.

-----Dream State----

​

"Run..." the sound of light foot steps rushed between breaking twigs and dry leaves. "Must tell the lieutenant!" as the horizon of the forest broke to a cliff. The valley below revealed the landscape, trees of every color painted the forest, but what drew attention was the ever growing black smoke streaming through like a river. Signs of an army and the sounds of heavy marching echoed the valley walls. Suddenly like lightning a streak flew by as an arrow fell into the nearby tree. "Damn..." as quickly the scenery was once more in a rush dash.


When finally a thud as Ethan crashed into a thicket of evergreens. His heart was racing and his breathing was heavy. The alchemist didn't know where he was or what was happening the surrounding forest was nothing he had traveled from yet it somehow nostalgic. "To the lieutenant!" a whispered yell spoke out as Ethan suddenly felt the need to run. His feet where light and his body seemed to sprint like the wind as the rush of arrow flung pass the alchemist. "What the hell is going on!" his thoughts where confused and he felt himself unable to grasp a rhyme or reason to this.


He stopped upon a raging river as the sight of blood stained sand and floating corpses rushed down its watery veins. Ethan felt fear but unable to stop or turn back his body pushed forward forcing all his strength not to get swept in the current. As his hands gripped the beach side his gaze fell tot he other end of the bend. Dark padded armor and blood curling screams came as the figures drew their bows upon his direction. He felt the sudden sting and pulsing pain as one had fell upon his shoulder. Quickly he moved to the trees as he forced the arrow out attempting not to scream from the ripping of his flesh. The cold water mixed with the small trail of his warm blood as he felt his body slow down. The pain was growing and yet he could not stop moving forward. "lieutenant...." in whisper rasp as finally he fell to ground. Crawling to a nearby tree he braced himself upon its bark as his hands focused forward.


Slowly bluish white mist formed and encircled till finally a sphere had formed. Like thunder it quickly split as one flew forwards to a location unknown. His body grew weaker as the world grew colder as he sat alone in this foreign land. Ethan could feel himself slipping away when suddenly the orb in front flickered. Like a beacon it suddenly erupted and before him was the face of a man. His figure was regal but scarred from battles long past. His armor silver and seemed to radiate like star light. Though his eyes could see the man's lips moving there was no voice. Was then Ethan realized that all sound seemed to have gone silent from the world. The wind, the trees, even the clatter of birds seemed to deny gracing his ears. All he could hear was the beating of his heart slowing...slowing...then as his vision turned black the beating stopped.

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/Deisree_new.jpg.12d91ee4d5d7fe925e0d19132bfc29a2.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="30614" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/Deisree_new.jpg.12d91ee4d5d7fe925e0d19132bfc29a2.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Desiree patiently listened as Skyre expounded upon the virtues of investigating this ... well, whatever it was that Ethan had found. She was still trying to wrap her head around Ethan's ability to show his image to them – yet another puzzle for that now overstuffed corner of her mind. In the end, though, the group's leader succumbed to Desiree's better judgement and the foray was postponed until morning.


Then, he struck a pose.


Desiree tossed her hands in the air and exhaled her frustration. "Honestly!" she said and she shook her head as she turned back to the camp and their new-found members.


For her part, Harper seemed to be snapping out of whatever malaise had struck her, but the other woman – the water mage – seemed more reticent. Desiree thought to speak with her, but her attention was distracted as she noticed Rusar shoulder her bow and stalk off toward the ruins.


"Rusar, wait," she called after the huntress, but the woman either didn't hear Desiree or purposefully ignored her. She could sympathize with Rusar's anxiousness to see this marvel for herself, but Desiree still felt an ominous sense to it all. Perhaps she was being over-cautious, but the group's track record for sallying forth into things hadn't been so positive of late.


Desiree sat near the fire and shook her head again. The motion caused some of her blonde hair to fall free, so she absently tucked it back behind her ear as she situated herself in a more comfortable position. Legs crossed, she took what food was offered and ate in relative silence.

 

[SkyGinge]

Skyre pulled an indignant expression as the two women went their seperate ways. His emerald eyes regarded them like a sad pair of pearls unbought on a merchent's shelf, a temptingly apologetic glint flashing across them. No point in trying to call them back, he reminded himself, No matter how far we get as a team, we'll never be truly uniform in everything. I suppose the Shadow King had a similar, if not considerably more destructive thought when he was forming his plans. It's far easier to destroy a kingdom than it is to control it.


Rusar's tone allowed him no space for argument, and he did empathise for the personal touch the discovery had towards her. As for Desiree... well, there was a lot he didn't understand about her. Her behaviour was fairly unusual, and although he understood her desire for caution, the way she'd found irratability even in his assertion of leadership showed she was in some kind of odd mood. He longed to sit beside her, talk to her, find out what her problems were and quash them swiftly. But he knew he'd be unable to find the words.


Mood in camp was sluggish. An unearthly silence pervaded the atmosphere: only the distant, muffled caws of bird, or the subtle chomps and gulps the meal presented, dared to breach that barrier. They'd made significant progress, and it was understandable that everybody was so tired. Even the flickering firelight, now the survivor's only shining beacon, seemed half-hearted in its shadowy dance.


Respecting the quietness, Skyre sat down away from the main camp and planned over the next day. He had been thinking for a long time over how to go about the trek, but now he had a good idea at least. And several back-up plans in case of negativity. Were they totally ready? He wasn't entirely sure. But if things changed they could always stay in the village for one more day.


You mustn't forget your other vow either, he told himself, looking over to Desiree. The other campmates were starting to drift off to sleep, reveling in the shadow's comforting embrace. Of friendship. She'd had enough time to cool down now; he would present himself and apologise.


Drawing level, he sat cross-legged at her side, the dancing flames gently illuminating the youthful hope in his emerald eyes, casting creases and angles across his round, soft face. After a while, he said: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset or worry you." And nothing more. He wouldn't risk throwing on any more ashes that could rekindle the argument's fire.


@Kharmin

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/Deisree_new.jpg.ee7d46e0eacbf62d5742b94eb1005ef1.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="30613" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/Deisree_new.jpg.ee7d46e0eacbf62d5742b94eb1005ef1.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Desiree brushed her hair back and acknowledged Skrye with a tired smile as he sat beside her. After his brief, unsolicited apology she nodded and returned her blue eyes to the fire before them.


"I'm not upset," she said in a low voice so that their conversation wouldn't disturb the others nearby. Desiree re-positioned herself by pulling her knees up to her chest where she crossed her arms over then and then rested her chin atop. "And I'm not worried," she continued after a short pause. "At least, not any more than usual when you consider our circumstance."


"No, I'm ... well, I'm not sure what I'm feeling," she said. "I understand that there is something unique about this place we've found, and also something perhaps wonderful and amazing in that vision that Ethan shared. I was more concerned for the welfare of the group, I guess." Desiree chuckled lightly at her own folly. "I have no idea when that concern started," she added, the hint of mirth still touched the tone of her voice.


"It's just that we've two new people in our midst, and we don't really know much about them," she said as she laid her cheek on her arms to angle her face toward Skyre. The soft, reddish glow of the campfire radiated through her blonde hair and gave it a warm aura. "I didn't think it was wise to divide our group's strength until we are more certain of them. True, Helia's ... betrayal, for lack of a better word ... happened when she was away from the group, but I wouldn't put it past the Shadow King to try subterfuge again. I mean, why expend a bunch of resources to eliminate this small band when it would be simpler to just snuff it out from within?"


Desiree placed her chin back on top of her arms over her knees and sighed. "Maybe I'm just being overly cautious," she said.


Several heartbeats passed as Desiree collected her thoughts. Then, "I'm also a bit frightened, both by Ethan's display and by what lurks beneath the mountain. Despite Rusar's assurances, we don't know anything about this thing and her myths about it may only be formed from half-truths passed down for who knows how many generations. Are we fully prepared to deal with ... whatever it is? What happens if we somehow unleash it – would it then wreck havoc over us and turn this mountain into a volcano? What if it is there to prevent that very catastrophe and our presence or actions disables it?"


Desiree shook her head and a portion of her hair slipped and cascaded over her shoulder. She tucked it behind her ear. "There are just too many variables to go walking in so blindly, in my opinion," she said. "Out of everyone here, I would be the last to defy your leadership; however, I will always try to help you to make informed decisions for our group. I just thought that running off earlier was too impulsive and that the potential risks outweighed the possible rewards."


@SkyGinge

 

[SkyGinge]

Skyre watched her as she spoke, his face adorned with a fluctuating smile that adapted to suit her points. Sat perfectly still, statuesque, only his vibrantly dynamic smile gave any indication of life upon him: in the dim light, his pale skin looked almost like clay. He listened her out to the end without interruption, and then when she had stopped, began.


"It's alright," he said, "I get what you mean. And you're wise to be cautious, even overbearingly so. After all, like you say, we never know when we're going to come under attack, and we never know exactly what we're going to come under attack from. It's good to have someone cautious around: I'm certainly not." He chuckled under his breath, but his laugh was dry, slightly pained; the action of the day had taken its toll on his narrow body. He faced away for a few seconds, as if regaining himself, and then turned back.


"I also welcome any defiance," he announced with a more cheeky grin. "After all, I've state from the start that I still want the majority of decisions to be made by the entire group. Sure, I'll be the one to speak up, but I don't want to lead us all wildly astray in potential misjudgement, nor would I neglect the insight of others that I lack. Remember, Ethan gave me very little information, and I had presumed that it was just a simple thing he was showing us. When he did... whatever it was that he did, and everything was clarified, I elected to call off the charge."


He extended a friendly arm and wrapped it around her shoulder. "It is good to be cautious," he re-iterated, "but you can't let it get you down. There are a billion and one different things to look out for. Sometimes bad things happen unexpectantly; but that's life." He smiled warmly.


@Kharmin

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/Deisree_new.jpg.94bfde045ce393aa4d62e3083067389d.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="30612" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/Deisree_new.jpg.94bfde045ce393aa4d62e3083067389d.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Desiree listened and tilted her head to one side to rest it on Skyre's shoulder when he put his arm around her. "I'm not down," she said. "Just tired. Tired from running, tired from the constant vigil, and tired of being in these same, ragged clothes." She sighed deeply.


"I know that it's way too soon to hope for an end to this oppression," she said, almost in a wistful whisper. "The future still looks bleak and it taxes my ability to remain optimistic. We have all endured so much in so little time, it's a wonder that we can find a way to survive anything more, but when I realize that we don't have any choice – it's live or die, really – then I realize I have to keep pressing forward."


"If nothing else, I will certainly be your voice of caution," Desiree said with a grin in her voice. Imagine that, you of all people having sensibility and caution, the internal voice prodded whimsically. Desiree snorted in derision, having no other reply for it. "Sorry," she said to Skyre. "Just one of my many internal arguments."


Desiree closed her eyes and simply sat and enjoyed the friendly comfort that Skyre's arm around her provided. She knew that he still hoped for a closer relationship, but for now his intentions were transparent and she silently thanked him for not pushing things.


@SkyGinge

 

[SkyGinge]

"Aye," Skyre sighed with a tired nod, a heavy sigh much unlike his normal joviality. "The future is bleak, and hope often distant. But that's why we must cling to it, otherwise we'll lose what will to survival the apocalypse has left us. Don't worry: when we reach that sanctitude far across the desert, we can rest, plan, attempt to rectify some of those issues. It'll be far from perfect, but a suitable substitute whilst we work on... things." He kind of trailed off: such negative talk made him down and glum. After all, what could they honestly do against the man who singlehandedly orchestrated an entire nation's destruction?


But no, that was why they had to try, against all the odds. It was a familiar internal argument that the boy had fought multiple times. Yet never did it lose its capacity to depress and downhearten. No. He would not allow himself to lose focus.


Desiree spoke of internal arguments, and he knew well what she felt. So, with a sad smile, he squeezed her gently, in the hope that despite everything else, despite their grossly dreadful existance, despite the unannounced hopelessness of their plight, he could be a comfort to her woes. And so for a while he sat there still, enjoying her warmth, the soft touch of her body. He cyphoned out everything else from his mind until the only thing he felt was that touch.


Lost in a void of comfort, he emersed himself in that warmth and spread it as a shroud across his being. And in that moment, only she was his beacon of hope. He realised now that, whatever were to happen, he would not let them kill her, they would not harm her. That was his goal now, one of many, but an achievable task, he felt. And a task he would keep dearly at heart.


@Kharmin

 

[Shura]

Rusar heard Desiree call for her to wait up but figured it was most likely to call her back. She found it slightly ironic that they had temporarily switched roles with Desiree being the voice of caution while she was impulsively forging ahead into the unknown. But the last the she was going to be able to do was sit around and just wait. The further she moved away from the darker it became with only the dim glow of the moon to light the ruins. Rusar dug around in her pack finding a short thick branch she had used before as a make shift torch, and club at one point. Pausing to spark the end the end of the torch burst into a small ball of fire lighting up the area.


With a light source the huntress made her way through the dirt streets examining the carved homes which still stood. Rusar ran her fingers gently along the side of the worn dusty walls. Cracks and vines spreading like threads of a spiders web along the surface. There was no way to tell how they were carved or created; any marks from such a time had been worn away with time. She could only guess as to how they used fire to carve out an entire city. Even with a large group it must have taken a long time. It seemed to be worth it since most of the buildings were still standing, for the most part.


She poked her head into a few of the buildings not venturing much further than the entrance in most buildings; she might be curious but not reckless. In some of the more stable looking homes she ventured inside, minding her steps and staying light on her feet as not to disturb anything. There wasn’t much inside the homes anything of value or importance had been taken long ago or destroyed by the elements.She wasn't really looking for anything specific though. Just curious as to how these people of legend must have lived. Her best guess was it must have been very... simple. Then again most life from ancient past could be defined as such. Still it was easy to see how they could have had a lot of time to practice and develop their magic.


As Rusar wandered the city heading north she couldn't help but wonder how they practice and learned. Did they train differently? If so how? How could these people manage to do something that not even master level Magicians could accomplish? Unfortunately there wasn't and easy way to find this out. Not here at least. All the answers died with the inhabitants and were worn away with time. The only hint now was what laid inside the mountain.


Rusar came across a cave very similar to Ethan's description and paused a moment. The pulling she felt was stronger now than ever, as was the heat that emanated from the cave so she had to be on the right path. She glanced back to where the smoke of the campfire rose up as the others gathered around it figuring some might be worried by now but shook it off and pushed head.


The fire Magician wandered down the tunnels following the pull more than any real sense of direction. Getting back would not be an easy task to say the least. Though that really wasn't much of a concern at the moment. It took a while but as she moved deeper into the cave the warmer things got. It didn't really bother her, on the contrary it felt comforting much like the heat with in the hot spring. however as comforting a the heat was she herself was feeling slightly drained. As if something was pulling the energy from her, it wasn't exactly a pleasant feeling and fed further into the mystery of what was going on.


The familiar sound of crackling and light told her she was close. She slowed her approach able to more clearly feel the enormous amount of magic that laid at head. The pulling feeling was now more of some kind of tug of war something pushing and pulling on her as if undecided on what to do. She started to wonder if going on her own was such a good idea before shaking it off. If she was feeling this strange she could only imagine what the others could have felt if they were here. Possibly thing it was some kind of ominous beast wanting to eat everything.


Though… it wasn’t exactly confirmed whether or not that was true. “Too late to just turn back…” She muttered to herself as she braced herself for the last bit of her journey. She pushed aside any doubts or fears seeing the trek more as a challenge or trial of a great legend. It was childish and farfetched but given what she was about to see it wasn’t completely out of the question.


The first thing she noticed as she turned the corner and came into view of the exit was an intense rush of heat stronger than before. The light was also much brighter than in Ethans display, had she taken a different path? She cursed herself for following so blindly and slowly edged towards the light uncertainty and feel churning her stomach mixing with excitement and curiosity. The chaotic storm of feeling only intensified as she drew closer almost making her feel sick.


Then just as it reached its worse it stopped replaced by an all-consuming sense of Awe. She crossed into the large chamber which housed the legend of the mountain coming face to face with something that was thought to only exist in fairy tales. She stood staring wide eyed at the flame as it moved and spiraled in about the cavern. The living flame which would burn for all eternity. Streaks of colors fire normally didn’t take on swirled in the flames rising and falling. Strange colorless whiffs of smoke spiraling along the walls and down into the flames once more.


Rusar sank down to sit on the ground as she stared at the fire overwhelmed by the amount of energy the cavern but also by the realization that she was sitting where fire mages of old once stood creating such a magnificent being. It was clear now that she might be a fire master to the academy but only in name. There was still so much more to learn and understand.

 

[Kharmin]

<p><a href="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/Deisree_new.jpg.a4c889a3d3796f758211e46e295fa80e.jpg" class="ipsAttachLink ipsAttachLink_image"><img data-fileid="30678" src="<fileStore.core_Attachment>/monthly_2014_09/Deisree_new.jpg.a4c889a3d3796f758211e46e295fa80e.jpg" class="ipsImage ipsImage_thumbnailed" alt=""></a></p> Desiree settled into Skyre's arm as he kept it around her shoulders. With her eyes still closed, she could almost feel safe and secure; she knew that he would not take any advantage of her, unlike so many others who had tried before. Skyre was trying his best to be her friend which was exactly what she needed right now in her life. Desiree had had her fill of amorous affairs for the time being, especially in light of her last one and how she had finally ended things with Deckard.


Her brow furrowed in anger at retrieving his memory and Desiree tried to suppress it. Deckard's haunting voice echoed in her mind and reminded her that she would never be able to completely be rid of him Even after death, the earth mage boy still defied her and taunted her from beyond this mortal realm.


The lazy buzzing of the evening insects lulled her into a soft trance as she dozed against Skyre, his warmth and the warmth of the fire easily pulled her defenses down and Desiree relaxed. Truth be told, even in such an awkward position, it was perhaps the most comfortable she had been in weeks and soon the light doze slipped farther into actual sleep.


~~~ A dream ~~~


Desiree lay on her side with her back to Deckard. His bed was neither soft nor roomy and she tried to keep from touching him as much as possible. Across the room, the oaken door was locked against intrusion – and escape.


"Come on, love," Deckard pleaded. He curled up behind her and she suppressed as shudder as their bare bodies touched. He draped his arm over her and caressed her. "We have all weekend free and I don't want to waste a moment of it."


Desiree cringed. What had she been thinking when she had agreed to spend the weekend with Deckard? With the end of second term finals next week, she should have been studying; but Deckard promised that he would assure her passing if she would join him for the weekend. So, here she was, with his arm and legs draped around her.


She tried to convince herself that it wasn't a bad trade, really. Deckard would take her places where she could work her talent with the air and it filled her with such joy. The rules at the university prohibited her from practicing with her magic without the supervision of a professor, but having a prominent professor's son as one's paramour brought with it certain ... exemptions. And if the cost of playing with her magic was a toss in some boy's bed, then for now it was worth it.


But as the term drew to a close, Desiree became less thrilled with the arrangement. Deckard had paraded her all around the campus as his prize, and such a prize she was! But being lead around by a proverbial leash had lost its charm and she no longer cared to be on his arm.


Once finals had completed, and she had passed, she would be rid of Deckard and his pawing hands.


She rolled over and faced Deckard with a sleepy smile. His hand drifted over her chest and she playfully pulled it away by the wrist. "Deckard, we have all weekend and I'm still exhausted from yesterday's classes. Can't you just let me sleep a while?"


"Sleep is for the dead," he said with a sinister grin. He fluffed his pillows and sat up. "I know what we need. Wine." He looked expectantly at Desiree.


Desiree sighed and blew a few strands of hair out of her eyes. She brought the coverlet up to cover her chest. "Wine? Now? But it's barely past six bells."


"So what does that matter," he said. "Fetch it." He grasped the coverlet as she started to rise. "You don't need this."


Desiree paused and considered for a moment. Of course he wants to watch me serve him in the nude. It only fuels his ego. Inside, she fumed but on the outside her blue eyes sparkled in mirth. Then, the solution came.


Desiree smiled in victory, gathered the air in the room and caused the wind to gently pick up the fine, crystal decanter of wine, ferry it across to the side-table and lightly set it down. She then followed the act with the two, copper chalices.


Foiled, Deckard scowled as he filled his goblet and took a long draught.


"I'm sorry," Desiree apologized sweetly. "Isn't that what you meant?"


Deckard drained the goblet and angrily threw it toward the wall. Desiree's eyes caught it mid-flight and the goblet stopped just before impact. She eased it back and set it on the side-table next to the decanter.


He glared at her with anger in his eyes. "You're not supposed to be doing that in the dormitories," he scolded.


"Oh, really?" Desiree answered mischievously. "And who is going to tell? You?" She laughed lightly. "I can see it now, seated around the Hagen family dinner table, and you ... 'oh, by the way father, Desiree Tanner was working her magic while stark naked in my bed – would you pass the salt?' " Desiree laughed fully now at her jest, and Deckard regarded her with fury.


She was right, and he knew it. He had brought this blonde haired, blue eyed wind-mage vixen into his bed and now that he had her, he had all of her: her passion, her tenderness and yes ... her taunting.


Desiree knew that Deckard was jealous. She was far and away the most advanced student in her class and her aptitude with her element was, at the end of just her second term, almost on par with some of the professor's assistants. And ... she could wield her power anywhere, whereas Deckard, being an earth mage had to be standing on the ground. His powers would grow as he learned more in his third term, but for now, Desiree had surpassed his ability ten-fold.


Desiree sighed. The term was almost over and soon she would be rid of him. But until then, the charade had to endure for just a few more weeks. She leaned over and stroked his chest. "So, Deckard," she purred. "You've had your wine. What do you want next?"


Deckard's fuming lessened. Desiree kept playfully scratching on his skin. "What do you want next?" she repeated.


His façade shattered and he broke into a grin. He took her face in the palm of his hand and kissed her, roughly. She allowed herself to be laid down as Deckard, fueled with an unsatiable lust, found a way to forget – for a time – his humiliation at her display.


~ ~ ~


Desiree sat up and pushed away from Skyre as she snapped from her dream. For a moment, she was disoriented, but the campfire and the others nearby soon pulled Desiree out of her post-dream haze. She turned to Skyre and apologized. "Sorry about that," she said as she rubbed her tired, blue eyes. "I must've dozed off. I didn't mean to startle you."


Desiree's mind reeled. Despite the exquisite hot spring bath, she now felt dirty and unclean. Deckard's phantom touch soiled her both inside and out and she absently wiped at her arms where she could still feel his hands from her dream.


Desiree smiled weakly, embarrassed when she realized what she was doing. "I – it was just a dream," she managed to say as she raked her fingers through her blonde hair. The recollection of the images caused Desiree to shudder and she wrapped her arms tightly around her body.