Dragon Horn Valley - The ancient mountain range of Yumira on the eastern most outskirts of Yumira's boarder, within its treacherous mountains is one of four nation, the Democracy of Asala. It is the leading capital of ancient knowledge and modern advancement, with cities filled of knowledge seekers and magic users far and wide to look at the multitude of Manakete ruins and Relics of a history lost when the Manakete vanished in large numbers only leaving very little behind with only the barest amount of journals and Relics of Man's and Chimera's saviors of ages past.

But in recent times, the ages of peace is to be broken as seemingly shadows themselves are feared to consume the world without the power of the Manakete to defend them from the monsters. But hope is not so easily crushed, for am army is at the beckon and call of Asala to be the first defenders of the upcoming darkness.

And this small army is gathered at the most recently discovered Manakete ruin, which is called the Ruins of Naga, named after an ancient golden Manakete of ages past, long before even the Golden age. This was the ruins that first spotting of the moving shadows and glowing eyes beyond the trees. But this place is to be the first barricade of Yumira against the Demons of old. It has to. For all of Yumira's fate depends on stopping the Demons before they destroy the world.

It is up to the United Army Of Yumira. An army composed of people from all over Yumira and of all races, no matter what ones background is, anyone can be accepted, for the world needs any protector it needs in it's time of need.

And this how the War of Shadows started.

---

 


Atop the battlements are a pair of women, a dark skinned Human and a fair Chimera, both are the ones who created the United Army Of Yumira, Comannder Alicia of Bas Kanara the leader of the human troops and Lady Wynne, Leader of the Quartzite nation and co-comannder of the United Army, leading the Chimera soldiers. The atmosphere over the Ruins were tense to put it lightly. Even as high up the two women were they could see movements beyond the walls and a few glimpses of glowing eyes, one could only imagine how thr troops were like at the base camp where most of the army was position, with shadows moving around them only a few dozen feet away from them.

The two women argued for hours on their next course of actions. It was a luxury they could afford in these troubled time. Wynne argued for swift action to take place and wipe out the demons before they attack the base camp, but Alicia argued that they should fortify the ruins and play defensively when the demons finally do their attack.

The arguing could be within the ruins itself where a small number of units are ready to defend the ruins if the base camp gets attacked. The two women were at a stalemate, they needed a vote on what should be chosen, but the both of them were to into their heated argument to think of that possibility.

The choice has to be made soon. The shadows won't wait forever.

Seth had been on edge since arriving at the Ruins as he'd joined the Army. This nation was pretty important, and Seth learned about history some, at least enough to know about the Golden Age and the destruction of Manakete. This is definitely the test Seth needs for his skills as a swordsman. Always having a hand on his sword, Seth spends most of his time in the training fields, keeping his reaction time up and practicing his unsheathing attack, with it being his slowest attack. He's hardly spoken since arriving and doesn't plan to speak unless he needs to.

Saya had never been this high up before. It was a little nerve wracking, but also exciting at the same time. The ruins were both eerie and beautiful at the same time. She still wasn't sure if she wanted to be here or not, but your land's ruler asked you to join a joint army, you did. There weren't many Dancers here, so Saya had been assigned to the small force inside the ruins. If something did attack and the ruins did need defending, the troops would need all the moral they could get. Everyone was so quiet. There were a few conversations here and there, but most were listening to the argument going on above.

Saya's hand went to the sword at her waist. She really stood out like a sore thumb up here. Everyone was dressed in some sort of battle gear, whether it was armor or a uniform of some kind, then there was her. Dressed in these fancy, light, loose, garments that were meant to flow when she moved. She was dressed to entertain, not to fight. She couldn't wait to prove to these people that she really could be useful on and off the battlefield. She also couldn't wait to drink them all under the table after they won a fight. Her alcohol tolerance was unnaturally high.

The arguing got louder again and Saya looked up at the ceiling. If this was back home, she would go up there and try and put a stop to the fighting. But here, they were her leaders, and she was nothing but a soldier. What a strange transition. From the single best Dancer in Sihala, to a mere soldier. Once she commanded respect, now she would have to earn it again. This time from all these people. Saya popped up on her toes, keeping the muscles in her legs loose and ready if anything should happen. But like most here, she was hoping this small force wouldn't be needed. At least not in this place.

Isacc was sitting comfortably on an armchair near his fireplace drinking some nice soothing tea trying to be as lazy as he could today. He soon began to have a small nap and wonder what was going on in the world.

I kinda feel like flying to those new ruins just to see what their like...meh...too comfortable...

Not too long after having his nap though Isacc felt something smacking him in the face and a voice yelling not to be so lazy on such a nice day. He opened his eye's to see his somewhat pushy maid Nina giving him a somewhat annoyed look.

Why are you always so lazy? your like an old man just napping drinking tea why don't you do something? Go for a walk at least...

With a Sigh of defeat Isacc got up changed, grabbed all his gear aswell as his dragonstone and decided he might aswell fly around abit since he found flying just as relaxing as napping.

I'll go on a little adventure is that better? Alfred you keep the place clean while im gone ok?

With that Isacc left his home and went to an area outside the town nobody could see him and went into his dragon and flew up into the air trying to judge what way he had to go and began to head in that direction.

I really should fly around more this really is quite relaxing on a day like today then again people might find it odd that a dragon known as leviathan is in the air...so I think I'll swim a little on the way.

Isacc dived into a near by lake and swam through it to the other side then jumped out spinning around trying to look a little flashy he soon came close to his destination. He began to descend to a quiet empty area where he wouldn't be seen landed and reverted to his human form. He quickly put on his cloak something you'd see a somewhat accomplished tactician wear and walked over to what looked like a base camp.

Isacc soon regretted it though as he immediately heard and argument figured humans and chimera would have nothing better to do. He decided he may aswell try to look for the people in charge so he could ask some question about what's going on here since it looked more like people preparing for war rather then people exploring some ruins...

Isacc decided too look around... Though he quickly noticed A very cute girl wearing dancer clothing and felt an impulse to converse with her...

Putting on a somewhat happy and dopey face Isacc walked upto the girl to introduce himself hoping she wouldn't find someone who wasn't there before just popping up suspicious.

Hello there! My names Isacc just felt like saying Hi and....wait aren't you a famous dancer?

Matthew had been waiting for the two finish arguing, he'd been asked to be the tactical adviser for the generals. Of course he'd tried to find his teacher, a Grand Master would have been suited to the job yet she had vanished. He'd just finish putting together a plan to please both of them and maybe give him enough time to write in his journal and read up on the ruins.

Finally when he heard the yelling subside he entered the war room. "My lords, I have a solution to your quarrels." Stated the Tactician smiling. "We will gather up some of volunteers and elite soldiers to hunt for the creatures while the main force can fortify. Should the strike fail they can retreat to safety and if they succeed then we can move out more soldiers to continue the hunt with the enemies strength broken." Matthew smiled and gave a bow. "I have detailed troop movements, a list of all recent recruits and soldiers who have advanced skill sets, and your tea and lunch are being brought up. I need to pen a letter, send a runner if have need of me." With that the young genius turned on heel, stopping to spread and out place the lunches of the generals by his reports before swiftly leaving the room.

The young man from Lomitian smiled as he left the room. They would call for him eventually but they would wait to try and make him worry. Generals often disliked Tacticians as they were often the first to question orders. He would to, especially if they were bad orders that got men killed senselessly. Ascending one of the towers he jumped off on to one of the roofs, clambering up to the top he sat back pulling out his journal, quill, and ink. He began to write a letter to his sister, letting her know of how he'd gone from noble, to wandering sell sword, and now a adviser to a large army.

When he'd finished the letter he place everything back into his cloak. Then looked up at the sky, closing his eyes he picture the days when Mankete's flew freely over the mountains and walked these halls. He pictured how foolish and stupid humans must have looked compared to them. How far all the races had come, yet now Manakete's boarded on extinction. He wondered how strong the demons might be if they could destroy a race that powerful, what chance would they stand? Shrugging he sat up and looked out, he wondered if their was anyone worth speaking to among those who had just arrived.

Although he wasn't entirely happy about it, Lonan had joined the army at his master's insistence. Thankfully, his master had joined as well; however, as a powerful sorcerer, he wasn't always there. This was one of those times. Having been left to his own devices, he had taken a book of the history of the dark arts and settled down in a corner to read. His mage robes had been altered for greater practicality, and his Flux tome sat next to him, ready to be used; all in all, despite his reading, he was probably the dark mage most ready for combat.

Turning a page, Lonan did his best to ignore the others in the army. Some were gossiping, some were arguing, some were keeping to themselves like he was, but the dark mage wanted nothing to do with them. Even if he did, he would have no clue how to go about starting a conversation. One thing he had learned was that very few people were as interested as he and his master were in the theory of dark magic. Best to keep himself separate.

---

Niamh was in the army because she had been hired, plain and simple. One thing that amused her, however, was the amount of people who had heard of the Swordlady and were in awe of her. One of the downsides of this, however, was that few were bold enough to speak to her, which led to her current situation: leaning against a wall, sword sheathed, bored out of her mind. If only there was someone to challenge, someone she could test her blade against.

Seth grew bored of attacking fake enemies. He needed a real challenge. Maybe a person. Noticing a bored woman with a sword, Seth sees his opportunity. He hasn't crossed blades with another person since sparring with his father. Clearing his theoat a little from his lack of talking for the past few days, Seth unsheathes his sword, points it in the direction of the lady holding the wall in place, and sinply says "Duel?"

A half-smile quirked one corner of Niamh's lips. "Of course." Straightening, she stepped away from the wall and drew her own blade. "Rules?"

For a trained spy Urik could be said to be anything but subtle at times. As things were, he was currently jaunting his way through the camps of the allied army, eyes aglaze in wonder and amusement at just how many capable warriors had been gathered. Now, being a spy direct combat was never necessarily a specialty of his though being proficient was something of a requirement. In melee, the trick was really all about getting the upper hand and for Urik this was usually done through some kind of surprise.

For example: some poor fool had just decided that it might be a good idea to test his blade against one of the most fearsome warriors on this side of the continent, Lady Niamh. What Urik was about to do was save this poor fool the embarrassment of a loss. With all the nimble grace that defined his role the thief approached Seth from behind, light footfalls masked by the overpowering sound of rolling carts and conversing soldiers. Just as the man finished his inquiry, "Duel?" the blunted edge of Urik's dagger found his throat, cold steel pressing lightly for a moment, just long enough for the warrior to comprehend the situation, before being withdrawn as the thief clamped a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Sorry friend, if you weren't able to detect me then fighting lady Niamh might not be such a good idea. Besides, wouldn't you rather have a couple of drinks instead of crossing blades needlessly?" The charismatic thief extended his offer to both warriors present, complimenting his words with further action. In a flash his dagger was holstered and replaced with the glinting light of a shining gold piece. A moment later this piece shift, rolled across the backs of his knuckles in a blindly quick motion that, once it finished, seemed to have multiplied the currency, using sleight of hand to turn one gold piece into three. "I'll buy?"

Saya could literally feel eyes roaming her body. That was one of the bad things about being a Dancer, the outfits attracted a lot of attention. It also attracted a lot of weirdos and perverts. She had lost count of the number of times people had come up to her hoping to get a...private dance, through flattery and mainly trying to get her drunk. It always turned out badly, for them. It even seemed to follow her here, as some unfamiliar figure walked up to her and started to try and strike up a conversation. He used the famous Dancer trick, one of the oldest ones in the book.

Saya plastered a convincing fake smile on her face. She was famous in Sihala, but outside of it she was pretty much unknown. "That's right!" She said in a cheery voice. "I performed just two nights ago at a nearby village, perhaps you saw me there?" A lie of course, and when this Issac guy tried to play off of it, to get closer to her, she would shut him down so fast his head would spin. She hated guys like him, they were definitely the worst part about dancing. She put her hands on her hips and popped one out to the side as she waited for his answer. She couldn't remember seeing this guy before, where had he come from anyway?

Then again, she hadn't been paying attention to every soldier in this place, maybe he had just been hiding or something. Anyway, Saya was definitely suspicious of this Issac guy. Whoever he was. A third voice joined the argument above. Had they finally decided to get a third opinion? Saya wondered who the brave soul was who had gotten between the two woman. She also wondered what they had decided on. Well hopefully they would be told soon. After all, it was their lives that were going to be at risk whatever the two woman decided. It was only fair that they be told.

Isacc responded to her question to the best of his memory which with 1800 years worth of memories you actually get pretty good at it.

Hmm...no I saw you perform in Sihala awhile back. I only remember it beacuse my butler Alfred's a huge fan of you.

Isacc figured she's more then likely lying about her previous show considering a few factors one being he didn't see many towns on his way here and two Alfred makes an effort to go to all this dancer's performances mostly beacuse Alfred is a massive pervert.

Seth was about to state his rules of engagement when a knife was at his throat. After giving the thief a listen to his words, he states "Not a drinker. But thank you." Returning his attention to the swords-woman, he states his rules of engagement. "Fight until surrender or unable to continue; i.e. disarm or unconscious." He didn't care for dishonorable cuthroats who prey on lack of perception. He would rather duel than sneak up on a possible enemy. His father's code of honor was to blame for this line of thinking, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

"I'll join you after this duel, if it please you." Niamh inclined her head to the thief, a slight smile on her face. "For now, a good fight is the perfect thing to relieve my boredom." Returning her attention to the swordsman she was about to face, she nodded once in acceptance of his terms. "Very well. Shall we begin?"

Nodding shortly, Seth responds to his training partner with a simple "let's," and lunges half a pace to see his partner's agility and alertness. Thus ensues a short duel/training between the two myrmidon, both starting off as evenly matched. Since it seems both liked the idea of the duel to relieve boredom, it seemed fitting for the two to be dueling. After a few minutes, and satisfying his itch to cross swords, Seth's stomach betrays him by growling. Figuring it's about time to eat, he concedes. "Surrender. Lunch time." With that, he sheathes his blade and heads towards the mess hall for food.

Niamh chuckled. "I look forward to dueling you again." She sheathed her sword and turned to the thief. "If you're still offering, I'd like that drink now." Giving a slight smile, she offered her hand. "You have me at a disadvantage, I'm afraid. Might I have your name?"

Matthew sat up, looking over the edge of the roof he saw a young dancer and man he'd never seen before talking. Even further below in the courtyard he saw the makings of a duel, now that something he couldn't allow especially with real swords. He needed to get down their quickly so looking around and thinking of his own athletic abilities he made sure the jumps were simple and safe, things he'd done before. After all he'd be of little use should he hurt himself before the fighting even began.

Shoving himself downward he slid down the roof and jumped landing between the man and the dancer, Saya, he believed her name was on the walkway below. "I'm terribly sorry to intrude, I'm Matthew tactical adviser to the Generals I'm just passing through so don't mind me." Stated the young man giving a respectful bow to both, before turning and grabbing a few loose stones jumping between them he made his way down into the court yard.

Finally he landed by the three, he knew two of them by name Niamh one of the hires they'd brought on. A highly skilled swords woman, he knew little other than that. Urik was a spy, the Tactician had hoped to meet all the spies personally as he wanted to get information as quick a he could, knowing that the generals might hold things back from him.

He'd arrived to late to stop the little duel. He was however thankful neither had hurt themselves. "I suppose I should just made the long jump down, probably would have been fine and gotten here sooner. Still I would ask you both refrain from fighting like that, practice weapons if you must." The tactician stated dusting himself off.

Niamh looked over her shoulder at the tactician. "That's reasonable." She agreed. "I won't stop dueling, though. I have to keep my skills up."
"Surely there are ways that cause less commotion?" Lonan brought himself into the conversation calmly. "I was trying to study. It is hard to concentrate when all I can hear is the clash of blades." His Flux tome was in a pouch that hung from his waist, and his history book was in his hand, as neither were books that should be left laying around.