The Fifth Gate: A Whisper of Truth

[Jo]

Long, long ago when the world we lived on was young. Four great nations were at war with one another. Each believing they were far more superior than the other. This pompous attitude brought much unhappiness. Each nation attacked one another with a great and terrifying force, now known as Magick. So terrible it torn apart the planet.

Lush forests, plains and fields withered into the great deserts; the Yarnshou, the Fuggue, and the Black Sand Sea. Water polluted or dried up, several sites contain such monstrousities. In the middle of the Black Sand Sea lies a pond filled with a black liquid, now call an acid lake in many areas. The airs stilled, birds of prey flew no more. Animals died, vegetation died. Slowly the inhabitants of the planet died a slow and painful death.

At a desperate attempt of survival the nations ceased their war, they allied with one another. Sending forth their greatest warriors to find a cure. Six men and two women. Over half died on this treacherous mission. They battled the fierce terrain, monsters that mutated and adapted to the land. What was left of them travelled to the farthest land to seek an aid in their epic quest. A sage of infinate wisdom, he told thee remaining four heroes to seek forth relics that drew power from the Gods themselves.

A miracle happened, they had succeded with their chore. And brought these items to the middle of the four nations. Where Kings, Queens, and what were left of high councils resided. The sage kindly accepted the items.

Unfortunately for all of them. They were decieved. The wise man had turned out to be a forsaken King banished to the most unhospitable lands. He had bred the fear, the hatred to divide the lands. In this last moment the warriors and a small army battled the Evil entity.

For days this tiresome battle raged, at long last it ended. Both sides had lost. The Dark King Balthazar had been killed, but with such a victory came a price. The brave warriors too perished in the onslaught.

The rulers of the nations had each used the realics to revive their dying land. The strain of battle had weaken these precious items, and such a feat had shattered them.

* * *

Magick slowly died into obscurity, to be seen casting spells was immediate death. Technology now reigned supreme in this day and age. Only few dare to practise this forbidden ritual, they scattered to the winds. Hiding in a secret village wher no one treks. Now this oddity is viewed as myth, legends and even a great evil in children stories.

* * *

Peace had governed for more than a millenia. But alas such a gift could not be eternal. Now sickness plagues the land. Kings grow worried when days pass on. The land itslef appears to be in perpetual turmoil, an illness on such a scale could not seem possible.

While cities still prosper, others slowly suffocate. In dire times like now, Kings send forth for heroes unkown to their kingdoms.

~~ ~~~~~ ~~

"Our path brought us here for a reason... and now I know why. The past is here, and it must be met before the future can be set in motion."

" But M'Lord-" but the page was silenced. He stood still listening to his master.

"It is such a quiet thing, to fall. But far more terrible is to admit it; send note to our kingdom. I shall not be leaving this place. Till my son is a man, her Majesty shall reign on the throne. In twelve years time post a notice, to find warriors. The greatest in our kingdom"

The younger man was unnerved, he could not interpret what the King was asking of him. It was a baffling request yet he cannot refuse the ruler of his country.

" As you wish your Majesty. I... I will await for your return".

~~ Twelve Years Later ~~

The King did not return, grief struck the nation. It was a blow to their morale. His Majesty presumed dead two months after his disapperance. His people mourned. His Queen carried on with his wishes. To this day no one spoke of the tragedy. Not forbidden but rather seen as taboo.

Now his heir to the throne the young prince Atton is a year away from his coronation as the new King.......

Now the land is withering away like long ago. The people grow scarred, afraid of the prospect of the past repeating. The page did as he was asked. He posted a notice for warroirs. The councils of the three other nations were aware of the problem and followed suit.



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Characters

Full Name: Atton Alexandress till the 15th (John)
Occupation: Prince of NessonDroma
Origin:NessonDroma
Gender: Male
Age: 19
Species: Human
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185lbs.
Build: Muscular
Hand: Right-handed
Weapon Type: Long sword
Equipment: - A longsword.
- Steel Armor.
- A pouch of gold.
- Clothing.
History: Without a male influence the prince was raised amoung the court and trained in the art of war. He lived a privalged life. Unaware of the struggle of peasent life. The prince recieved permission from his mother to aid their people against this sickness, a chance to find the father he never knew.



Full Name: Harle (Lara)
Occupation: Opera Singer
Origin: NessonDroma
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Species: Human
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 114 lbs.
Build: Slender
Hand: Left-handed
Weapon Type: Staff
Equipment: - Dress.
- Pouch of gold.
History: Born into a life of poverty the young woman knew of little joys. At a young age she shown much talent for the gift of song. She was of a chosen few to become destined for stardom. She recieved training from the age of five, her life changed drastically. She was sent away for schooling, never seeing her dear mother again. The young woman sees the notice posted, she does not know what she could possibly do but she sees the oppurtunity to aid her people.



Full name: Innvas Tornique(Jillian)
Occupation: Magick weilder
Origin: Xenix (Pronounced Zenicks. A Nation west of NessonDroma)
Gender: Male
Age: 24
Species: Human
Height: 6'0
Weight: 175
Build: Ordinary
Hand: Right-handed
Weapon Type: Gun (Musket type)
Equipment: - Clothing
- pouch of silver currency
History: He was gifted with a dangerous art. His parents fearful of Magick. They viewed it as a curse. He was left for dead in the woods. He was then saved by a secret and hidden group of Magick weilders, he lived in their village. Trained in the open area. He did not know of his birth parents nor his adoption. But now travelling, discreetly using his gift from others. He see the notice in a small town. Offering to lend his skills.



Full name: Dario (Nick)
Occupation: Traveller
Origin: Uhllomne (Pronounced Ah-lomm-ne. A Nation east of NessonDroma)
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Species: Human
Height: 5'11
Weight: 160
Build: Ordinary
Hand: Right-handed
Weapon Type: Dual pistols and a large double bladed axe
Equipment: - Clothing
- pouch of copper currency
History: He was the younger brother of a well renown soldier, he practised long and hard beside his hero. But when his brother fell at the hands of his former ally something within shattered his spirit. He now roams the continent, mostly alone. He reluctantly signs up for the challange to help.



Full name: Irene Amelia Viper (Han)
Occupation: Soldier
Origin: Winast (A Nation south of NessonDroma)
Gender: Female
Age: 20
Species: Human
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 130
Build: Ordinary
Hand: Right-handed
Weapon Type: A long bow, a quiver of 20 arrows. Shortsword
Equipment: - Clothing
- pouch of platinum currency
History: She was the first and only born child to a military family. She trained under her fathers guidance. She learnt several different styles of melee and ranged combat. She took pride in her work. The woman enlisted to protect her leige. To honor her family.

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NessunDroma is the furthest country towards the northern hemisphere, bitter winter nights helped harden the people. The land istelf seemed at times, during history, to work against it's inhabitants. Few men or women merchants dare travel during the winter months in fear of freezing to death.

For centuries NessunDroma had been ruled by Tyrannical Spellcasters, in turn the citizens even centuries later developed a vile hatred for those who weild magick.

Hero's emerged in the country's darkest hour, driving out the Tyrants. In their wake though the terrible magick had helped warp the land into what it is today.
NessunDroma is more linked to the harmony of nature then it's nieghbour nations. For the last millenia the Alexandress family have reigned over the land, for the most part in peace. One of Atton's great ancestors had ordered that any building/structure must be harmonious to the land around it.
As of today the country is now leaning more towards science, more than ever. Although not as well advanced as Xenix.


To obtain a character bold their profile. Then they are for your use in the roleplay. Place your name beside character name.

[Jo]

You cannot say to the sun, "More sun." Or to the rain, "Less rain." To a man, I could only be half a wife. A wife of nightfall. And yet, to learn kindness after so much unkindness, to understand that a little girl with more courage than she knew, would find her prayers were answered, can that not be called happiness?

She re-read her lastest post in her journal. She achieved all that she ever wanted. She was one of the most respected performers of this day and age. Yet when she signed up to help her country, there was a level un unrest within her. She paced back and forth over the stone floor. Finally she layed her head down to at least rest.

The morning came too quickly for her. She did her morning ritual, bath, make-up, dressing then teach her last class. After she had done tutoring her pupils she bid farewell to the college that housed her. Taking what little possesions she had saved over the years. Her dress that she wore, two others, a pouch of gold and a staff given to her by her teacher.

She travelled by carraige to the castle there awaiting her companion, it appears Heroes were in a high demand these days yet only few up to such an epic challange.

Harle exited her ride then entered the large stone castle, beign escorted to what most people would guess to be an informal dinning room. There seated was her royal majesty the Queen, the high council and another young man. Which she could only presume to be to other who rose to challange.

[B]

Atton awoke with a fresh spirit. Ever since the notices were released he had been waiting for this day. He had dressed in his formal red silk attire and went immediately to the castle's council chamber. It was empty save for Cato, a respected official of NessonDroma. "Ah, a fine morning, is not my prince?" The man greeted Atton, the prince only gave a nod. "Cato, I assume everything is arranged for our guests?" The other man nodded. "Of course, but my prince, even if great heroes are found, where will you start?" Atton smiled. "Amose." The other man was silent, his eyes wide. "But my prince, Amose has been dead for ten years, nothing is there but departed spirits." Atton nodded. "That was the first place to fall from the illness. There's got to be something there." A boy walked into the room with a speedy walk up to Atton. "Prince Atton, the queen requests you." Atton nodded and let the boy scurry off. "I will speak to you again Cato." With that said, Atton left the room.

Went Atton entered the throne room his mother greeted him formally. "Good morning Atton. I don't assume you will be presenting yourself in that attire in front of our guests?" She asked. "Mother." Atton gave a small bow with his head. "This is just temporary." He assured her, she nodded. "The north outpost have given word of travelers approaching the castle, you must get ready now." Atton nodded. "Yes, my queen. I will be back here shortly."

Atton found himself in the barracks, his friend Taos greeted him casually. "Prince Atton. I've gotten your armor ready, please follow me." Atton nodded and followed to where a suit of armor stood up with a wooden host. It was magnificent, pure white with gold trimmings, one fit for royalty. Atton walked up to it without much expression and knocked on it. He then pinched his thumb and forefinger together and shook his head. "This armor is as thin as a leaf." Taos shook his head quickly. "You will be surprised that this is the finest armor I've ever seen." Atton held out his hand. "Give me your sword." Taos was quick enough to comply and unsheathed his blade then held the hilt out, Atton grabbed it with ease. Atton stepped towards the suit and rammed the sword into the breast plate, the blade ran straight through the metal. Atton shook his head. "This is no more than a jester's garb." He turned to the captain. "Find me real armor, and Taos, I'm disappointed." The captain apologized and left, when he came back the man was in regular clothes and produced his own armor. "This is the best I could find Prince Atton." The prince looked at it and removed Taos' blade from the ornamental breastplate then commanded Taos to trade the plates. Atton swiped at the plate and a ring was heard. Atton nodded then plunged the armor, the most it left was a dent. "That's better, my friend. Now, help me get suited up."

Atton reentered the throne room. He was now clad in his friend's armor, finally satisfied. To his side was the sword that was crafted from the nation's best blacksmith. On his back was a mantle that reached to his kneecaps, the color and emblem were that of NessonDroma's. Atton took his respective place by his mother and queen. The two said little, they waited in dead silence for the people who would fight as heroes.

[Turn 360 and walk away]

Dario trudged through the muddy streets in a small village, no less than a day's travel south from castle and throne of NessonDroma. He had ended up there for no reason; his feet took him to many a place, without cause or purpose. Held loosely in one hand was a small firearm, in the other was a great serpent's head. Though the size of a man, it had been slain easily. The neck slowly dripped it's putrid blood. Across the road, even through the rain that was now pouring, turning the once muddy road into nothing more than a slurry, sat an old man, frail in his age. Under a small hide awning, he sat, and he waited. Dario walked in his direction, shielding his face from the downpour. In seeing the serpent's head, the old man stood up on shakey knees and nodded towards his younger counterpart.
"Ahai! Good tidings, my friend! I bring you the head of Xiriss, Dragon's Birth."
"Ah, Good, good! The old man hobbled into the shop behind him, of mud and stone. On an old parchment set on the wall, a call to aide sat in lonely prominence.
"Take up arms against thy nation's foes! Xiriss, Dragon's Birth, must be slain for the well-being of NessonDroma. 17 able-bodied men killed! Crops failed! homes destroyed! Such an atrocity like this must perish!" The old man tore the sheet from the wall and replaced it with another.
"And, such a brave hero should be rewarded, should he not?"
"Please sir, for I am in dire need."
The old man produced a leather sac from a shelf behind him, and, pulling the drawstring, allowed it's contents to spill onto the table before Dario. 40 count copper, 2 count silver, and a single golden coin. Dario produced him own coin pouch, devastatingly empty, and scraped only the the copper pieces and a single silver into the the tattered leather bag.
"My friend, all this is yours! Why leave with so little?"
"Elder Krait, I do what I do for the excitement, not the money. I take only what I need. Give the rest of the reward to those harmed by the now-dead scourge." And with that he turned to leave, to go where his travels might take him next, but the new parchment hung upon the wall made him freeze.
The black print, in bold, stylized, text promised adventure, gold and platinum beyond your wildest dreams, and in history for now and ever.
"Heehehe, I see you already have your next adventure in mind?" the old man questioned from behind Dario.
"I would very much not like to attend, but I must if I desire to eat within the week."
"Aye. If you cannot accept the money, would you accept my horse then? She's been a good animal, and I am much too old to treat her like she should be."
Dario looked in disbelief for less then a second, before eagerly accepting. The old man left, and came back, albeit just outside the front door, with a steel grey mare, aged and worn. "She is yours now, hero."
Dario leapt onto the beast, and she snorted and shook her head in response. He raised his fist to his heart, and then pointed it towards Elder Krait's own, a common gesture of thanks and kinsmenship within Uhllomne.
"Farewell, hero! farewell, Kenrii!"
Dario rode south, with his new horse doubling his speed, for a long while. By the light of the moon, he had reached the castle gates. The guards refused to open the flatiron gate until the sun's rise that morrow, and thus leaving Dario without shelter. He slept for very little that night, awoken constantly by the roaming gate patrols, the rain, and the horse, Kenrii.

At sun's first light, Dario removed the crimson hat from his face and placed it properly back on top of his head. The guards finally allowed him passage into the hamlet surrounding the castle. There, he spend all but 20 pieces of copper on a new pair of shoes, though they were far more like cow's hide wrapped around his foot, and a small amount of leaden balls, to replenish his ammo from the last outing. His axe was kept at his side at all times, though it was worn and dulled from years of use. The grand palace that served as the meeting place imposed a feeling of grandeur and greatness upon him, as he passed under it's many arches to access the main door. He almost felt royal as he was led towards a dining area, now empty. In each of the corners stood a suit or armor, gilded with gold and ivory, fine and gleaming. he felt ashamed of his armors, simple studded leather and cloth, held together with dim copper snaps. At the head of the great table sat an equally great swine, roast and waiting for a weary hero to test his stomach. In an effort to seem as respectable as whomever wore the awe-inspiring armors surrounding him.

By early midday, Her Majesty was seated at the head of the table, and ordered a squire to begin serving the guests, as well as herself. A woman had arrived in fine dress, as though she was The Queen's own, and found a seat. Another young man had also made himself known, though he was there long before Dario had been. He merely sat in the gold-encrusted chair and continued to gnaw at the roast pig in front of him ("cut a piece, chew, swallow, cut a piece, chew swallow" was the mantra he constantly repeated silently).

[Jo]

The young woman bowed deeply to the crown. She looked over to the young man, he appeared familiar yet unknown. An attendent motioned for her to sit down. She had denied the offer. The door opened with a servant leading a slightly elder man. His apperance was a little rough but he held this air of power.

" Your majesty I am afraid that these are the only people who gathered in our nation for this dire cause" the page mournfully stated.

" I am sure that other heroes shall arise to help in our aid" she spoke with absolute conviction. Then turned towards the three adventurers.

" I am sure you three are aware of the situation, that discretion will be needed. Our informants have told us of what has happened and we believe that you should all travel to where the plague first. From there it is for you to find your way. I am afraid that this little information shall have to make due. It will be dangerous, challenges you all will face may cost your lives. Our people will pray your your return."

A servant lead the trio to the stable. Three horses were there, equipment bag were attatched.

" These are our finest steeds. Her majesty wishes you to use them in"

With that done he left the three.

[D]

Amose was the first village to fall and the first village to ‘stop the sickness.’ It was the village of blood red laughter and even after all the deaths, the laughter continued… All you heard was laughter. Day and Night. Non-stop. The laughter never ceased and always continued. It was enough to drive men insane and cause women to cry…In this village, the rule was to never chuckle, never smile, and the most important part of all…never laugh.

The village was the first to follow that rule and they failed miserably. In this small little place, laughter had been stripped of its goodness and had been turned into something so evil. A chuckle or a simple ha ha caused panic and chaos. People used to run away and hide from others. Children stopped playing. Men and woman stopped speaking… The actions of the villagers of Amose sounded so ridiculous, but it happened. And it happened because they didn’t want to die laughing…

To laugh meant fear, pain, and death…

“Shortly after infection, the victim shall experience dizziness… for the sickness shall attack the brain! Right after, it shall shut down the body’s immunities and will render it defenseless to the spread of the plague throughout the bloodstream…” The man turned on his heels and looked down at a fallen body. With a random piece of wood, he poked at it and then shook his head. “Auvyon… Hmph…” He looked over his shoulder. “Well… Anyways… several higher brain functions will also cease and the victim shall become…happy…extreme-ly hap-py… So happy…that they are crazy…Well, it is said that they’ll see their happiest moment in time…”
“Then, Innvas?”
“But…” Innvas scratched his chin and then he stepped over the body. “…but death comes from the rapid degeneration of the body from the inside out!” He snapped his finger and then he turned to his companion. “Everything turns into a red, blood like substance and slowly… it escapes from every opening… the mouth, the eyes, the ears, the nose…every opening.”
“Then how are you not affected… The sickness did run through this village before.”
“It can be spread from person to person with physical contact, contamination of food and belongings or even breathing the air near the infected…but…when everyone dies…it suddenly disappears.”
“I see…So the only way to stop it… is…”
“It shall only stop…when there is no one left. But that body… that body came from elsewhere.” Innvas pointed his musket at the body he had poked earlier and shook his head. “You can die quickly or suffer for a long time. An hour or days! But…” He paused and tapped his weapon. “…even though this dirty thing completely shuts a man away…the man shall laugh until death…”
“But death does not stop the laughter…”
“The Gods! You are correct…Just listen to the winds and you can still hear the soul still laughing a crazed laugh. Laugh ha ha! he he he! Come on and get silly! And laugh with me…”

Innvas received no reply and he sighed. “I suppose I shall go looking for my answers here, my love.” When he didn’t receive an answer again, he shook his head and continued his walk through Amose, but it wasn’t such a simple walk. The place smelled of death and red splatters were all over the streets and the walls of buildings. There were a few bodies here and there, but they weren’t from Amose because the villagers had all died and had been burned. By who? He didn’t know, but he figured that out when he found the burning site…It seemed that all of them had burned and there were no survivors. If there were though, then they probably would have run away and left the village, but Innvas knew the tale of Amose. “Never chuckle, never smile, and never laugh…”

[B]

Atton listened to his mother while his eyes inspected the two people in the room. The woman was beautiful she could be a princess if the loss of an escort didn't give it away. The man was different, he seemed like a powerful ally but he lacked the equipment. His garbs were ragged, his weapons so obviously dull, Atton didn't even think the think his axe could pierce flesh, let alone a paper. When the orientation was done, the prince watched his mother and queen leave.

The stables was a place Atton had spent a lot of his time, caring for the horse his mother had said belonged to his father. The steed was old but she still had fire in here. "Okay, Haron." He said as he stroked her brilliant white hair before mounting her. Atton looked at the others mount theirs. There was still no introduction, he supposed they would start after leaving the castle.

[Turn 360 and walk away]

"These are our finest steeds. Her majesty wishes you to use them in."
"If I may, sir, I have my own horse--" Dario tried to say, before the servant vanished. The other mounted their royal steeds; Dario ran around the front to Kenrii, and mounted her.
"You're no war horse, old girl, but you're mine." And with that he kicked at her sides and sped off, with a little work, caught up. Dario loved riding horseback; he felt free from mortal life when he was skimming above the ground. The bondages of poverty and social class broke away. He was king, a warlord, he was anything. Dario looked towards his side, Where a young man in gleaming armor was riding a pure white stallion.
"Ahai, friend! Why do you venture, on this day?" he called to the other.
While waiting for an answer, he turned again, to a woman in fine dress. "And what of you, woman? In such fine clothing as that, you should be in the ruling house!"
As they rode on, the landscape become emptier. fewer trees stood, where more and more fell, withered. Dario felt his armaments as they hit him, over and over, in rhythm with his horse. All of them, his pistols and the axe, were fastened to his belt, and usually, were quite content in staying there. However, with the new speed, they were eager to escape. The axe, so dull and old, slipped away, and Turning his head back, reigned in the horse. She was so startled, Kenrii bucked and threw Dario off, but continued running for a short while. Dario scrambled for the iron blade, who was stuck in the soil, head down. he picked it up and polished it off with his sleeve, before whistling for the horse and riding on. He fastened the axe tighter, tenfold, checked for both firearms, before sprinting back in with the group.

(a little filler action)

[V]

"We are ware of the threat is poses to our people, but how long until it reaches us? I say we do not act until it does."
"NO! We must act now! We will send one of our bravest, fiercest warriors."
"No one would be mad enough to think there was a way to stop this disease!" The council in Winast was bickering over who to on such a seemingly helpless mission. But as usual, there was disagreements. "I will not send a single of our warriors! They have more important matters to deal with."

The council meetings could be heard from all over the city they were so. The daughter of the military adviser was just outside. She had heard enough of the ramblings. It seemed most were opposed to sending in someone....except her father.

"Fine then, Viper!" One of the councilmen had shouted to her father. "You will go in under our banner!"

There was silence...until a low speaking could be heard. "Very well...I will honor my liege..." That was when Irene had heard enough. She burst through the doors.
"Irene!" The father shouted. "Father, I will not let you go on with this."
"It not yours to say, daughter---"
"No, you've been in many battles, you've proven yourself to important to be expendable."
"Irene...."
"Father, let me go in your place. I've yet to prove my valor with a real test...let it be this one."
The Father viper looked to the council. None of them seemed to be opposed.
"Irene...do you know what you're saying? There is a chance you won't come back..."
"I know, father...and if it comes to that...may we see each other in the afterlife."
Her Father took her in with his arms, laid her head on his shoulder. "You will bring Great honor to this family, Irene...you will be remembered by all of Winast."
"I will leave tonight, Father...preparation starts now."
"Tread carefully, daughter...and remember. You always have your father's blessing."
They released from the embrace, and Irene set off to her own station. Her armaments were normal for what a ranger from this country would have. A longbow and a short sword. The longbow was made of a strong yew, as were the arrows. The shortsword resembled a Kozuka...except maybe a little bigger. It was engraved with symbols. She opened the storage where her clothes and armor were kept. She chose to wear a sage green kimono-esque attire, over some clean white garbs...although her feet would be better covered than getas, in which she was wearing boots. She had a small pouch of the high currency platinum. Being the daughter of the military adviser had advantages. The set of plated scale armor, was hauled by two f her fathers men, to the waiting horse outside. She stood before a mirror, and released her hair from the bonds that were clips and the like, and let it fall full length over her shoulders. "I do not need anything to make me look beautiful. A warrior goes in with what is necessary, nothing more." She told herself, and left through her door.
The tan steed was waiting, all packed for her departure. Before she could mount, her father stopped her. "Irene, wait." He said sternly. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a gold chain, attached to a small gold dragon ornament. "This is the crest of the dragon. I was once, not called Beraidun, the Dragon's Claw. This name I earned. Before I was just Nazuth Cale Viper..." He took his Daughter's hand, and foced the charm into it. "I earned my title by taking on a great challenge...and you will earn yours now. Let not your allies call you Irene Amelia Viper anymore. You will now be known as by us, as Lian, The Dragon's Petal. And this amulet...is given to those of our family who have earned their dragon title. Display it proudly, my daughter...bring the Viper name, and the Dragon honor."
Irene smiled...and forced her father into one last embrace. "I will not fail you, father..."
They parted ways after, and Irene rode north.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A day later, she arrived in NessonDroma. The parchment had told her that the others would be meeting in a certain building. But by the time she had arrived, they had already departed however, one of the guards had pointed her in the direction to go. A day late...that doesn't look good for her. She quickly hit the reigns, shouting "HYaaaah!!!" "Praise be to the dragon if they are taking a break." she said to herself, bumping up and down in the saddle. "I am a day late? Those fools do not bother to wait? Well, blame Winast for not being ready sooner I suppose."

[Jo]

She rode side-saddle. Her staff in one of the side-bags. The rougher looking man disapearred for a short period of time, it seemed that he had his own steed to ride upon. She looked between the two unsure of what she could offer. Suddenly the elder man spoke up.

"Ahai, friend! Why do you venture, on this day?" he called to the other male.
He turned again, towards her. "And what of you, woman? In such fine clothing as that, you should be in the ruling house!"

She smiled at what she could only assume to be a compliment. It was rather crude in nature but she thought that he was trying the lighten the mood with a small joke.

" Thank you kind sir, but fine clothing as what I wear comes at a price. I know of riches yet rarely indulge in them. I am an Operatic Songstress from the prestigious bardic college. My name is Harle".

[B]

Atton rode on, not speaking most of the time but thinking of their objective that is until the other male of their small party spoke up. "For the well being of the people of NessonDroma, of course." He simply replied then heard him talk to the lady. He smiled at his comment to her, even Atton would believe she'd be something of royalty. The woman's name was Harle, the man hadn't said his own name, well, he might've had not his axe drop them himself afterward. Atton saw the horse riding off and readied Haron for pursuit, they caught up to the horse who had began to slow. "Woaah." Atton calmed it and grabbed the reigns. When the other male was mounted they continued.

Atton looked up to the sky, it was late now and the sky seemed treacherous. "We should make camp here." The prince informed the group. "The skies look woeful." He hoped it would not rain, but in these days, things didn't go the way you wanted them to.

[Turn 360 and walk away]

"...My name is Harle."
"My, my, Miss. That's a lot of big words for someone like me to understand. I am Dario, grand adventurer, slayer of ten dozen wolves, threescore bear, and one vicious rabbit."
"We should make camp here. The skies look woeful."
"Aye." Dario lightly pulled the reigns and coaxed Kenrii to a smooth stop. "I'll go out for fire wood." He leapt off the horse's back and picked up a large rock, which he ran across the blade of the axe as he made way towards a grove of trees.

The chore was easy; many of the trees were deadened, and those that weren't were still dry enough to provide tinder. Dario simply hack away. Once he had a little over an armful, he headed back to the camp, which was beginning to take shape.
"I'll be back. Once you think there's enough, make sure to get five times as much." Harle was off her horse, but Dario hadn't stopped to look at what she was doing. Instead, he turned to the man in the fine armor.
"Stranger! I have yet to hear a name! What do they call you?" He made his way back to the grove, though slow enough to give the other man time to answer.

As the sun set, Dario bunked as close as he could to the fire, after a long, wet trek to get Kenrii and the other horses water.
"Fire is mesmerizing, isn't it?" He kept that axe at his side.

[D]

Innvas stopped at a door and knocked. “Hello…The doctor is here.” He received no answer and then mentally chuckled. “Of course no one will reply.” He muttered and then he turned to the skies. It seemed to be nearing nightfall. “And the insanity will start…The spirits shall come to walk the earth once more and the ghouls will return for a feast of human flesh.” The man shook his head and then turned to the door. “Auvyon…? Ah well… We’ll be staying here tonight. It’s probably as horrible as it is out here, but it shall shield us from the rain.”

At first he tried pushing the door, but it refused to open. “Hmm…” He backed up and then charged the door. After the charge, it slowly creaked open and he quickly took a step in. When he took that step inside, he covered his nose. Even though his mouth and his nose were covered, the smell was still horrible and strong. “Agh… This would definitely attract their kind… I wonder why I haven’t seen any…” The man closed the door behind him and took a look around.

He took a red stained chair and then placed it in the middle of the room. “This should do well…” Innvas muttered and then snapped his fingers. “Burn.” In mere seconds, the red chair was swallowed by blue flames and the smell grew worse. “Cooking death…Absolutely disgusting.” Innvas waved his hand and the blue flames slowly changed its color to yellow, red, and orange. “…Horrible place with its sickening smells…But where else are you to stay when in such a dead town?”

[V]

The tan horse rode over that field as if it were a ship on the sea. So much room to roam...not stuffed up in the city. Irene liked this feeling, feeling of freedom. She couldn't help letting go of the reigns to let her arms feel the wind resistance. The beginning of this so called suicide trip was not going bad at all. Eventually though, she returned to her sitting position, and rode forward still. "Faster, Kaa!" she shouted her horse's name. It seemed to make it go faster at times. Soon, things were passing by her very fast, that she didn't know what they were at times. She began to wonder what her allies would be like She wasn't sure of the opinion of Winast.

In the distance, she spotted a smoke column. It was a fire. Irene yanked the horse to a stop. "Bandits?" she mumbled to herself, and took the Kozuka from the sheath. "WEll...maybe I'll take food. Wait here, Kaa."
She wasn't sure if it was fatigue, paranoia, or if she was just being war like, since....this camp could be anyone's. She stealthily moved between trees, until she could see who inhabited the camp. There was a girl, maybe in her teens, dressed in a very nice dress. A man with golden armor, and a second man in studded armor. These were a strange little group of bandits...if that is what they are. Maybe she was wrong. When she peeked around the tree...the man in the studded garbs was gone. "That one is fast..." She mumbled to herself. Soon though, she felt a strong force overpower her, and she dropped her weapon. She was held in a position where she had no mobility.
"Dragon damn me! Who are you? I demand to know!" Irene shouted to her attacker. He didn't answer..and instead threw her before the other to in the camp. It turns out the one behind her was the man in studded armor. "Found this wandering around. Do what you will."
Irene realized these were no bandits...she would have been skinned by now. But she was curious as to her they were...maybe her allies?
She scanned all three of them, and gave a stern look to the one in gold armor. "You look like the leader...who are you?"

[B]

Atton was preparing the camp by rolling out three large but professionally made deerskin blankets, at least they wont have to worry about waking up with back aches. When he was done he sat by the fire in silence until the man, whose name seemed to be Dario, asked him his own name. "My name..." He paused, he found it strange they didn't know who he was, but then again the notices were sent everywhere so this man might not be from NessonDroma, he probably wouldn't even know the name. "My name is-" He began with a respectful tone but he looked over to say it, Dario was gone. There was some rustling nearby and Atton jumped up and unsheathed his sword, within seconds Dario threw a woman in front of them.

"A spy no doubt." He said, ignoring the woman's question, he looked back to the woman. "Identify yourself... Now." He demanded in a stern voice. "Why were you eavesdropping on us?" He demanded again, his voice shown someone of both patience and impatience, patience as in a man who would get what he wanted in the end, and impatience in the view that he would just kill her if he didn't like the answer. The look of her wasn't that of a bandit, so she probably wasn't dangerous.