Lux Jenum, Master Wizard though he was young his magic was well known throughout the world . He smiles gently as he sent his large and great eagle named Mexuim to the fallowing people. Tilla, Kemage, Ayluin and an old friend of his Ta'Klev He sent a note speaking of an urgent message of distress that they must Gather tonight at the meeting house not very far from the city of Venuis. The meeting house was not huge but it was big enough to sit around forty people inside if needed of a bigger meeting for right now he needed to see these people right away. Two humans he knew once in his travle only once but he had seen these two girls that where very close friends and nearly unstoppable if placed together. he had met Ayluin in a rather worse way when the elf was hurt from a few bandits the wizard found him and healed him and took him to the city of Venuis so he could heal up and rest before the elf set out once more.

The massive golden brown eagle it dropped off notes to each person with the written fallowing.

Dear Friends of Mine

I have heard of rather darkness coming from the lands of forbidden. Not the usual darkness that invenlops the land but something much more defense and dark and evil. I ask that you meet me in the Gtahering house in the forest near the City of venuis. I look forward to seeing you.

Thank you

Lux the wizard

Kemage was in the small town where she and her friend lived, she looked around slightly and hears a large squawk and looked up and saw the giant eagle swoop down from the sky and drop off a letter for her and her friend. She nodded and gave the eagle a dead small rabbit and it gave a happy caw and flew off with the rabbit. She ran to the bakery of her friend and gave her the note smiling gently.

"So Lux wants us to meet him at the Gathering house....strange" she said, she had never been there before. She had heard of it from old warriors in the town that told about meeting there with others and talking about threats. She smiles gently as she nodded to her friend "we should as soon as possible he needs our help soon as possible" she urged her friend knowing her friend loved baking but the world was in trouble she wouldn't sit here that was for sure.

"I'm going to go and get changed and ready and pack some stuff up. Meet me at the border of the town near the forest when you are ready" She smiled and went off to er home without waiting for her friends response. She went into the small house that was grand yet small, she went to her room and got her eight throwing knives, a few shirts and pants and nodded as she knew this would be a fun trip. She went out and went to the forest near the small town where they lived and sat down on a boulder and waited listening to the sounds of people talking and kids playing in streams. She loved this world and if she was going on a quest to save it she would give it her all.

The wind blew wildly about his feathers as the cobalt coloured bird soared higher into the clouds. It was a sunny day with strong wind currents and a few clouds that threw long shadows upon the earth below. Ta'Klev looked upon the countryside. What ever was he to do today? Lately he was bored with flying around aimlessly, hunting form time to time . . . He had even gone into a tavern just to see if the human world might bring him some entertainment. Sadly it had been boring. What was he to do with eternity at hand and no satisfaction in his being? A cooing sound left his sharp beak. Perhaps he might just head south, try and reach that mountain peak once more he had found so difficult as a child. It was then that a shadow caught his eye.

It took the phoenix a while to recognize the eagle he knew quite well. With a screech he dived down to greet the bird, swirling his coloured feather tails about as he did when he felt happy. Indeed, the bird recognized him and gave a greeting of it's own before heading to the ground. Ta'Klev landed next to the bird, transforming into his human state to take the peace of parchment from the scaled leg. Petting Maxuim with a shy smile he unrolled the letter and read quickly. “Verrrrry well. We shall leave iiiimediatly.” He snarled, kicking off the ground to take on his true form and spurt to the place named in the letter. As expected he reached the cottage first. A phoenix could fly at great speed and with the urgency of the note Ta'Klev had given himself no mercy in reaching his friend. He let out a soft cry, announcing his presence, before he perched himself upon a tree from where he could see the entrance to the cabin. To those who had never seen a phoenix before he would look like a lost bright beautiful and rather big bird.

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Ayluin awoke in the midst of . . . something soft . . . and warm. Opening his eyes he gasped and shielded them from the blazing sun. He lay in his hammock up between the trees, bathed in feathers and leaves. With a yawn he sat up and stretched his weary arms. This would be a fine day! He was sure of it. The wind softly kissed the leaves that quivered in it's wake, singing to Ayluin. Careful not to fall down he retreated from the hammock and bound it loose to wrap it up. Something was coming his way. A bird it would seem – or so the trees told him in their endless whispers. An eagle to be precise. Just as he had stowed away his belongings the bird reached him and landed on his outstretched hand. “Greetings, Maxuim.” The elf whispered, touching the birds beak. ”Dark. Come wind-flowing-speed. Dark come. Food-bringer help.” Was the reply the animal gave. Nodding the elf reassured the creature: “I will come. As fast as I can. Now go, and let him know I am on my way!”

As the bird left the elf climbed down the tree. It had sounded scared. Taking a deep breath he fastened his boots, secured bow and arrows on his back and tugged his vest into place. With his silver hair and eyes he was said to be blessed by the stars – as his people would say. And so he started his run for the cottage in the woods. It would be a long one and he would reach it after the sun had set. But that would have to do.

---

Hot air washed over her forearms as she opened the oven to take out a freshly baked nut-bread. The sweet bread was one of her delicacies and loved especially by children. “Pa, is the basket ready?” Tilla asked over her shoulder, taking the bread from the oven with a thick cloth wrapped around her hands. A grunt confirmed her question, so she turned and placed the bread into it's basket. Wiping her forehead with a smile she noticed Kemage coming towards the bakery. “Kemage!” She shouted, waving with a broad smile upon her flour covered face. Her best friend came closer and gave her a note from a wizard they had both met but once – and wouldn't forget any time soon.

He had travelled through their small village and bought bread from Tilla for his journeys. The next day he had been back for more. She remembered that vibrant face and the compliment he had made her by telling the entire village how he had had a slice for supper and was unable to stop eating until he had finished the entire loaf! Laughing Tilla had made a dozen loafs of bread for the man and sent him on his way with Kemage proud as could be – she had been allowed to help in the bakery for once.

Now Tilla looked up to meet her best friends gaze. “I think it is strange, too. But we should go. It seems to be urgent and I have the feeling that man doesn't summon without reason.” The young woman smiled. Kemage was quite enthusiastic and Tilla like seeing her this way. “I agree. I just have to finsh a few things.” Her turned as she was spoken to once more. Then she stood there alone. Naturally Kemage hadn't waited to hear her response. Shaking her head she informed her parents, who owned the bakery, that she would leave for a while. After explaining the note to them they finally let her go – but not without stuffing all the remaining space in her backpack with bread, flour and a frying pan. “So you can make fried bread on the way.” Her mother let her know. After a few tears and farewells had been exchanged Tilla rushed to the treeline where Kemage already sat waiting.

“I'm sorry I kept you waiting. My parents wouldn't let me leave.” She sat down next to her friend with a smile and gave her a warm and round bundle that smelled deliciously of hazelnut and raisins. Tilla had taken the freshly baked nut-bread for the road. Both girls liked it very much and why shouldn't they have it for dinner. It was best when freshly made. “Nut-bread.” the bakers daughter said softly, tilting her head to one side. “By the way: Do you know where we have to go? Or should we get a map from the old smith?”

Lux hears the shriek of the Pheniox smiling nodding gently as he opened the door slighty to the woods allowing his friend to come inside and relax. Lux on the other hand had little time to relax or enjoy his time. The massive brown and golden eagle flapped its wing as it was perched inside on a beam over looking the main meeting room and it cooed and cawed gently at them and swooped down and landed on Lux shoulder and greeted him happily speaking.
The other are coming as well Lux, the other have heard you call and shall arrive on their own time. Lux you must rest you must est my friend. its not health to be stressed so much The brown wise giant bird said as the wizard shook his head, his eyes where tired and dark and brooding. as if this darkness was taking an effect on the Wizard.
"I must not rest till my job is gone . I must talk with my friends about this if not gather more as well in times of need" said slowly and started to pace once more hoping the two humans would get here safely and not meet any trouble along the way. He watched as the sun moved in the sky and hummed to himself before turning to his friend.
"Would you like something to eat?"

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Kemage looked over and saw her friend and smiles gently and nodded.
"wounderful, yes please that bread is amazing" he smiles as she took some and munches on it. She heard of it and her father once told her how to get there but last time she never saw anything. "I know the way come on its about a two hour walk so we should go now" said smiling gently as she munches on the bread happily watching the forest and other things. She then slowly gets up and streached gently and looked around slowly . She looked aroudn the only issue they could walk into was wolves or other creatures but she doubted it. She smiles and started walking into the forest as the forest was massive and she fallowed the old saying of her father walking along the paths of the great warriors before them. She stood up on a hill and over looking at the large place and spotted it down the hill around eight miles away.
"there is the hut, only so far away" muses gently looking at her friend and smiles gently. She started walking down the hill, they would reach that cabin in within an hour . She smiles as she smelled the air and hummed gently "so have you heard of Cesltial Racer the Unicorn?" She asked deciding to start a conversation.

Ta'Klev flew from his perch as the door was opened and Lux greeted him. He entered the cottage, transforming into his human form behind the doorstep and taking a seat. Stretching his aching limbs he looked about. Nothing had changed in the past years, except for the fact that Lux had obviously stocked up on eagles. There was no way the bird was the same as the one that had brought him the message and continued to others to deliver it's parchment. No mere animal could possibly fly as fast as a phoenix could – only very few being on this earth could do that. The flight had been longer than expected but now that he was here he could relax his tired muscles and enjoy the peace for a while. It was as Lux started speaking to himself that the phoenix lifted its head and looked over with a frown upon his brow. “Is that bird talking to you again? I gather from your response that it is asking you to rest.” with a smirk he crossed his legs at the knees, placing his folded hands upon them in a rather delicate fashion. “I would love to have some of your lavender tee. And do join me for a cup. We have some catching up to do. How have you been since I saw you last?”

Ta'Klev was enjoying himself. Lux was one of the few being he could really talk to without having the feeling of overestimating their intelligence. The wizard mostly understood him and had a very interesting view of the world. The golden eyes of the phoenix fixated on the wizards, the stare intense, not allowing any argument.

---

Ayluin kept up his pace. He moved swiftly through the trees, weaving in and out of the shadows and bushes. He had made quite some progress when he chose to rest at a stream. The elf sat down on his haunches, cupping some of the clear water in his hands to drink from it. As he drank he heard a soft noise that reminded him of hooves on the forests leaf covered ground. Raising his eyes he froze in awe of the creature stepping out to the stream to quench it's thirst. A deer stood there, head raised high, fur shining in the sunlight, antlers forming a complex crown above it's head. The animal lowered it's head to drink but stopped in mid movement and turned to face the elf. The latter was struck by the lack of fear the animal seemed to have.

With a gentle voice he beckoned the deer to come closer and as it did he persuaded him that he was a friend. In time he managed to build up trust so that the animal felt compelled to help him. He talked about his journey to the cottage and the pressing matter of time. Finally the animal was persuaded to let the elf ride on it's back. Holding onto it's antlers and gently stroking it's shining fur Ayluin thanked the animal over and over again as it sped through the forest, taking him to his destination in a neck-breaking speed. Natures creatures were so gently and gracious at heart, he would do anything to thank and protect them!

---

Tilla was glad to see how happy Kemage was about the bread. She nodded, looking into the woods. “Two hours is manageable.” Following her friend she kept an eye out. She had never been so far into the forest let alone so far from home. From time to time she would look back down the winding path, imagining the trees closing in on them as they were everywhere. Green leaves rustled in a soft breeze, throwing dancing shadows onto the foliage and making the world around her sing in a way she had never heard before. Tilla stayed close to Kemage. Fallen branches and heather got caught in the seam of her dress from time to time, making her trip or slow down. Even on the path they followed there were thorn covered bushes everywhere making their walk a hard one.

When her friend finally let her know that they had almost reached what they were heading for she breathed in relief. She would be more than glad to be out of the woods with the feeling of being followed making her spine tingle and her step uneasy. In surprise she cocked an eyebrow as they started their descent. “That sounds like a ridiculous name! I'm sure it's just a story told by a bored bard that carries no truth in it!” She laughed a little thinking of a horned horse painted with stripes – just as the warriors of their village painted their horses for races or tournaments. “I wonder what Lux wants from us. I mean . . . I don't have any skills that could help in a fight and I am sure he knows a lot of warriors and knights that have been in battle a lot. Why choose us? It just seems like an odd choice to make.” The smile on Tillas lips was clouded by the unease she felt walking through these woods. “I am looking forward to resting my feet. We've never been so far away before . . . “ Her voice trailed off as she looked behind then once again. Somewhere in the distance, far behind those tall trees was their home. When would she see it again?

Lux looked over at the mystical being that was his friend and smiles and nodded "Ah yes Maxuim wants me to rest but ever since the sense of danger has been hitting me rest was not an option" he said tiredly smiling as he walks toward the kitchen slowly. he got the leaves for the tea as well as some spices and nodded smiling as he put the leaves in the kettle and allow it to boil for around twenty minutes. He then poured it out and smiles as the rich smells of lavender and spicefilled the air slowly and walked back over gave his friend a cup and then sat down as well.

"Something very dark and sinster is walking along the lands of darkness something much more evil and dangerous then we can ever imagen" he said gravely as he sipped on his tea his hands shaking slightly. She hears tumbling and looked outside seeing the two human girls tumbling down the hill "Oh dear" he said smiling getting up and went outside and went over to them "My friends I am sorry for not warning you about that" he said helping the girls up smiling. he could sense their unease but smiles gently.

"I shall explain everything when everyone is accounted for in the meeting house. First lets get the thorns off of you and then we can chat after" he said gently with a soft and loving smile as he went over and got them into the house and smiles at the phaeiox "ah, meet Tellia and Kemage, these two human girls will be coming along with us " he said smiling as he sat down the two girls on the couch.

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kemage smiles at her friend "Oh Don't you think it would be cool though to meet such an animal ? Like really a creature like its name got to be amazing and catching the unicorn would even be more cool" she giggled though her next step was the wrong one as she stapped on loose earth and it broke under her as she grabbed her friend to hold her up but as they both lost their balnce they tumbl;ed down the dirt filled hill and landed in a thorn bushbat the bottom right infront of the meeting house.

"Owwwwwww" she moaned as she looked up and saw Lux there and took his hand when it was offered and hissed in pain as thorns sunk intop her arms and fingers causing it to hurt a lot. She got up and smiels at the wizard and hugged him in greeting "hello Lux long time no see, well I would ask why we are needed"