In the port city of Hyjal you can find most anything. It is here we find the troupe of one Johnathan Steelleaf. Down in the tavern of, the bottom barrel. Returning after a lucrative venture from a forgotten elven civilization. Not with out its wonders and perils...

Johnathan
Leaning back in his chair with a cup of wine he raises the glass to his companions. "Fortune favors the bold. We did good and no one died." Drinking the sweet taste of the good imported stuff. He sites and listens to the crowd. Time passes as the candles begin to be lit. By now most of the troupe has retired and left save his love Cynn. His cross bow resting against his chair Johnathan soon finds his mind wandering for the next adventure. "Troupe I'll be right back I gotta see a gnome about some things." grabbing the cross bow and giving a general wave to Cynn he stands and walks out the double swinging doors.

It was late most of the city was asleep except for him he knew Kiltzen the gnome would be up as well. Down the main roads he traveled to the door of the burned out building. The sign hung above read hearths fire. It was rumored that the building was built over the first encampment that grew into the city it is today. In a whisper Johnathan spoke the words and opened the door. his eyes had the night vision ability but there was never a need the glass orbs floating near the center of the ceiling provided day light to every corner. "Be with you." The old familiar voice said.

The walls were stone and the room was as large as a kings courtyard. The sprawling shelves filled with books and potions and scrolls galore. There were desks and a iron circular stair well in the center of the room three floors in all and each something to sell. within minutes out came the oldest gnome one could imagine. he was bald and clean shaven but the bag under the bags of his eyes showed the years he had stayed awake reading some old forgotten tome. "Do I know you?"

Johnathan rolled his eyes and face palmed. In this position he spoke to the gnome. "Y-es, your name is Kiltzen and you like sending me to get ancient stuff then you pay me. Remember?"

The gnome rubbed his chin. "Eh sounds like something I would do. Did you almost die?"

Still holding his face in his hand he shook his head slightly. "No, not yet."

"Ah well, What can I do for you tonight?" Kiltzen walked behind the desk and sat on a high stool. Leaning over the podium in front of him he tilted his head and waited for the reply.

"Well I was wondering if you might have some more work for us. Something on the profit side for us. last time you said after we came back from getting you that book you could find us a location ripe with treasure."

The gnome pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes. "I did? ...OH! Yea! I have just the place! I found it in the tome some young kid brought to me. Just the other day I believe." Pulling a tiny silver bell from his pocket he rang it once and a book appeared on the podium before him. Here we are, This swamp was new, there used to be an old human kingdom before the first fall of man in the bronze age. Tales tell of the king of this place had maps to gem mines. Mines rich with jewels enough to keep his kingdom in power for generations."

"So what happen?"

"OH that's a terrible tale. The queen was most evil and murdered the king. She went mad searching for the maps and cursed the place. The sorrow of the last king caused the palace to sink and a swamp to rise around it. some say there is a tribe of poison spitting lizard folk who dwell there. But I wouldn't worry about it. They were most likely murdered by the soul siphoning specters that reside in the passage ways."

"Great... You got a map to this place?" Johnathan mad a fist with his hands at his side. He was sure this gnome would be the death of him.

"Now as a matter of fact I do." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a scroll casing. As he handed it to Johnathan he continued talking. "Not sure who would be foolish enough..." Before he could finish the door to the shop slammed closed and he noticed he was alone. "Kids these days..."

Cynn

She watched as Johnathan got up and left her. He was obviously too restless to see she was just as restless in another way. She cast her gaze around till it fell on a woman with a stain on her soul. The woman was tan from field work and half drunk. She could see the stain so this wouldn't be too hard. Getting up Cynn walked over while casting a silent cantrip to look more like a wench and sat next to her. "It's alright luv tell Gretchen your troubles."

The lady just burst like a over ripened piece of fruit under the slightest pressure. "I did it I couldn't take it no more and did it." She sobbed as she told the tale of abuse. She took a deeper drink and quickly passed out.

Cynn was quick as she held her up and slowly rested the girl on the table. "Rest luv. Your nightmare is over. His will be coming soon." She stood setting some coin on the table. Looking at another bar maid Cynn motioned her over while the illusion persisted. "Here," Putting some coin in her apron. "Take this one to a room and let her sleep it off." After receiving a head nod Cynn left the tavern to her mark. She dropped the illusion and flew of into the night in her true form.

She landed silently and undetected by most. The barn in the distance had horses that cried out and became agitated because they could feel her presence. Cynn knocked on the door loud and hard. In the moments of waiting canst a cantrip to have her clothes disappear. She was now only in her boots and a dark cloak. As the door opened the mans eyes grew wide. Before he spoke she rushed him with a kiss. Her arms wrapping around the sack of delicious sin. As she pulled back Cynn saw the dullness in his eyes. Pushing on his chest gently she made her way inside. Her finger made a little flourish and the door closed itself. Keeping her true formed exposed she used her claws to post mark his soul for the one way trip. Face covered in runes she pressed her naked body against his and kissed him a final time. Drawing out all of his life and damning him for all eternity. His body shriveled. As she let go the husk hit the floor with a thud like a core of wood. Cynn spit on the husk and it began to burn. Soon the whole house was engulfed in fire. She walked through the rooms taking things of value. Making her way to the bottom of the stairs she walked calmly to the front door. The building burning around her. As she walked out a few of the farmers stood there looking at her naked surrounded in flames and smiling.

Cynn strode out to the front steps as the upper floor collapsed behind her. The rush of fire filling the air and the intense heat warming her slightly. "Hear me. Do evil onto others and evil will collect!" She let out a loud hiss as she leaped into the air disappearing in the night. Too high for mortals to see her she watched as the farmers with buckets in hand let the house burn. Cynn flew back to her room and slept in the bed naked waiting for Johnathan's return.

Elissia & Max

On the outer limits of the city the stood over watching the herd by day to earn trust and shelter in the night. Johnathan did the initial introduction with the herds owner and set up the guard agreement for shelter while the rest of the group went inside the city. Elissia volunteered to stay and keep Max in check.

The herd of sheep were calmly grazing on the grass and bleating to one another. In the center of the field Max looked at the heard in admiration of having a simple life. He felt the warmth of the sun on his mane and the breeze that came across the plains. He was content and relaxed in the calm. Even giving consideration to being a Shepard himself one day. Lowering himself to the cool ground Max sat and watched the heard. He watched the sun make its way over head and set in the west. The double moons and the the rings in the sky became even more visible as the sun faded away. Max was enlisted to help the owner of the flock in the round up for the night. Too many predators would be drawn to the herd during the night if left free to roam.

Elissia

She sat on the the back of one of the grazing sheep. Too small to be noticed she lounged lazily on the fluffy wool like a living cloud. Occasionally looking at Max to make sure he wasn't being disturbed. Laying on her back with her wings folded she looked up into the sky. Her hands folded behind her head. The light blue with the passing of islands from the war ages past floating by. She couldn't help but think of the future and her love.

How many time did she come close to just saying the words. So many times they had saved each other. She felt her heart beat quicken as her thoughts became more detailed in her love of him. To reach out and rap her tiny arms around him. If only.. She shook her head before her imagination ran away with her heart. "One day I'll find a way to tell him, to hold him close and show him how I feel." Elissia sighed and continued to watch as the islands faded into the horizon.

The sun was setting and the rings were now becoming visible against the darker sky. It would be a double moon night which meant to her the pull of nature would become stronger for the next few days. Her skin shivered with excitement. She got to her feet still unnoticed by the sheep. Stretching her wings she flew up into the air. Elissia's eyes spotted the perfect spot.

A rain barrel filled with water. Diving into a free fall she opened her wings and defied the ground soaring up into the air to land perfectly on the barrels edge. Her smile was almost as bright as one of the stars in the new night sky. She dipped her toe in and shivered in excitement the water was warm from the days sun but the onset of night would bring a chill. Elissia whispered to the water and it began to bubble. Steam rose from the surface. Elissia dipped her toe in again and it was hot but not unbearable. "Perfect!" She laid her clothes on the lip and slowly worked her way into the heated water. Using the barrels edge she lowered her self in feet first. Then after the harder part of her hips she let out a sigh and pushed away from the edge. Happy she floated on her back in the hot water feeling relaxed and refreshed. Elissia felt her cares melting away but her love remained.

ORSON

As the group arrived at the cities gates one of the figures stood out more then the rest and that figure was Orson. The guards were unnerved as the man stood before them silent without armor and only a single sword twice the thickness of regular crafted weapons slung across his back. They whispered to each other as the group passed them to enter the city. Orson had moved with the group like a dream state shuffling along the dry dirt roads to cross the now cobble stone streets. Orson's eyes dull and with the far off look about them. Elissia called him the perpetual dreamer. A man lost in his own dark slumber, only to awaken as the god Huri would let him.

Huri the god of rage and madness. Even barbarians who prayed to Huri rarely received his blessing. Legends are told of those that the mad god had blessed destroying legions single handedly. How they would keep fighting even after receiving death blows from their enemies. These mad warriors were destroyers of kingdoms. Able to cleave through stone and shatter the strongest forged blades of any opponent. They fought to the death once battle began and very few lived to tell the tale of encounters with a cursed beserker.

Orson was one of these warriors. He had received the mark as his entire tribe was cut down by a neighboring clan. There is no record of the battle but the devastation left behind gave rumor that the gods had cursed the area and punished the inhabitants. Orson was found wandering the woods by Elissia. She was one who could see the mark the god Huri had placed on him. Ellissia with her druid ability to sooth creatures is able to control the warriors rage. Orson follows the group not out of loyalty or protection, but more to keep others safe from him. He has the uncanny ability to read any opponent and gives tactical advice to the party. He is always left behind with the gear and horses. This is from the general fear of his curse and how those touched fail to recognize friend from foe. In combat they assault anyone with their fury at full force.

The group was on edge bringing him into the city but he was apart of the group and as such had a right to a bed and a nights rest. Johnathan was aware that Elissia was unable to enter the city because of the pact of her faith so she was left at the farm with Max. As they entered the city Orson was covered in a hood to reduce what he saw. They made a strait line to the tavern and put him in his room with a double payment to ensure he not be disturbed. Locking the door from the outside they left him in the room to relax.

With the door keeping the rest of the city safe Orsone took off his sword and clothes and sank into the hot tub closing his eyes and falling into a deep sleep. He dreamed the same dream he always had the one the god Huri placed upon him ever since the fateful day so long ago. The fear and feeling of powerlessness over the sight he witnessed of his village being destroyed. The lives that were butchered in front of him as he hid. The coward, what a mockery to be given the curse of a warrior. Orson eyes opened slowly he felt his heart beating fast letting out a sigh he rose from the water and toweled off. Laying on the bed he thought of his comrades and the risk they willingly put themselves in by having him so close to the constant battles. Grateful for the day he met Elissia and her powers over the rage inside him. If there were a thing as a celestial, then surely she was his.

Cassidy

Breaking off from the res of the group she made her way to the coast. Amid the merchants and ships she rolled out the rug and set her bowel on the ground in front. Beginning with a few simple maneuvers and poses with her body that few could duplicate. Her eyes were dull and distant as she was no longer on the docks but back at the monastery as a kit doing odd choirs for the monks.

High above the clouds in the ancient temples of stone she started as an orphan. no memory of her parents or where she was found she was given shelter with food and the protection until the age when she was able to begin her training to protect herself and those she cared for. They had her sweeping floors and fetching water for the cooks. Then moved to the acrobatics and strength training that lasted at times for days. She couldn't even sleep her body ached but it was weakness. It was her body striving to be stronger not for the monks as they said it was for her. For the time when she was to leave the monastery and the safety it gave her. When she would be on her own she would need the strength to make her own choices and fight for her life if need be. They taught Cassidy how to do everything the better way for her body and mind. Even breathing to focus her chi into a weapon when her hands were empty and her foes out numbered her. They were the family that would always be there. The calm amid the tempest. The fellows of the temple of Chi.

This was where she was as Cassidy moved her body as her muscle memory told her to. Each pose a strike and her muscles flexed under her skin giving her the signal the move was done correctly. So instinctual it was that she could focus on her memories with perfect clarity while she continued to move through the motions. It was a peaceful trance like some would get as they slept or rested on a grass field looking up at the warm sun. This was her zen as the masters called it. A brief pause before her legs sunk into a crouch and then to the crowd she leaped into the air in a back flip, landing on her feet. The move was to use her entire weight into a kick that could break stone.

The crowd claps and the coins drop into her bowl. She holds her stance until the memory fades and her eyes shine back to life. Blinking and looking around Cassidy exhales, rolling her shoulders and squatting to collect her things. The sun was starting its descent. She had made two silver and a hand full of copper. It was just enough.
tying the rug to her back and the bowl to her side Cassidy left the port and headed to the inn.

"Hey luv, you have some skill. You should join my harem I'll even cut you in for ten percent of your earnings and protection." The man was skinny but toned, an a smell only a rat could tolerate. his short hair was greasy and his eyes sunken and dark. he was taller the Cassidy which might of given him the nerve to approach her now. Hey luv you hearing me?"

Cassidy's ears began checking for more and sure enough there were three more in the shadows. Her feet spread shoulder width apart and she dropped her body weight. All of which went unnoticed. Keeping silent unnerved most opponents. She only shook her head and took a step when he laughed.

"Not tonight hun. You're going to be mine one way or the other." He pulled out a dagger and advanced trying to block her path. Her moves wee like water after a hard rain. The way she twirled around him with one hand holding his arm and with the other her fist punched the soft arm pit dislocating his shoulder. The dagger dropping from his hand. Still in motion Cassidy pulled him close as the cross bow bolts flew striking him in the head and chest. He never had time to scream.

Cassidy's ears pick up on their movements. They were trying to get a clear shot. Pivoting on her foot she put the dead guy on her back and started to run. There was a few more whistles of bolt strikes as she moved through the alley. Approaching the main street she crouched and let the body slide off her back as she used her legs to leap to the opposite side of the street, roll under the french doors, and into the the tavern.

Standing she looked only ant the inn keeper. "One room please." Cassidy laid the money on the counter and took the key from the husky mans hand. Walking up the stairs she sniffed the air. His room was on the left. She sighed and entered her room. resting her back against the adjoining wall she slid to the floor and sat in the lotus position. Closing her eyes and imagining her being held in his arms she found it hard to meditate at first.

lissa Thenton

"How did it come to this?" She sighed with a long exhale. rising from her bed she slowly lowered her toes to the cold stone floor. A shiver raced up her legs but she held her ground. Putting the rest of her weight on her feet she stretched and was about to walk to the dresser when there was a knock at the door. "Come in."

The door creeked open and the sister averted her eyes to the nude priestess. "My lady please get dressed you're late enough as it is." The nun closed the door behind her and faced it.

"We're both woman of the cloth there is no need for such modesty." Lissa walked to the dresser and washed her face and arms in the suns light. Her pale skin shone in the morning light almost as a challenge to see which was brighter. She took up the dress and put one leg in then another and hiked it up to her hips. A soft cough signaled to the nun aid was requested.

She walked to Lissa thinking how did it come to this and how the gods were truly mysterious in there dealings of destiny. She couldn't help but feel embarrassed as she laced up the back of the dress while Lissa held it in place. How daring this new priestess was it wasn't right but it was the will of the gods. Finishing the lace with a large bow at the top she took a step back and reflected on how if she didn't know Lissa's story then she would consider her regal in every sense of the word.

Truth was she did know the story of Lissa and just how she came to the temple. It was almost sixteen years ago when Lissa was left on the steps like so many children in the city. She was small and wrapped up in a silken bundle the morning light shined down upon her and the head priest saw the mark on her stomach. The same mark as was written in the book of prophecy. They cared for her and treated her differently from then on. The word spread throughout the kingdom that the voice of Ra had come to Ciaro.

Lissa was tested time and again from when she was in her eight cycle she was asked every question a skeptic could think of and each answer was correct with out training or teaching she knew every answer. Even the high priest could find no fault in her. When a new head priest came in the first thing he would do is retest her. It was no use she knew the answer to each question put to her. Lissa never faltered. No one taught her to read and yet she did. Not just the common tongue but the ancient ones as well. It was impossible yet she excelled at it as naturally as breathing came to a baby she was allowed access to the library where she spent her days. She read everything, like a fish Lissa swam in the old tomes and their contents. From sun up to sun down she had a face in a book or scroll. At times forgetting to eat.

When the original head priest that found her was replaced it was a dark day for Lissa. He questioned her relentlessly. It became apparent she would succeed him he was grateful for her reluctance to step into the light and her choice to remain in the library hidden away. It let him run everything and control more of the temples daily dealings. Just having Lissa was enough to bolster the offerings and the populace to Ra's teachings. He was on occasion forced by the ruling monarchy to pull Lissa out into the light and show that she was the one who would one day bring the might of Ra to every corner of Prithv. This was detestable to the head priest.

How could a orphan carry such favor with a god? Why was it not him? his teeth on edge and his mind a blade aimed at her throat. The high preist set in motion a plan to remove the heretic from his sight! Of course he could tell them any story to cover his trail. He was the head of the church. Who would dare question him? On Lissa's fourteenth cycle he set the trap. Hiring some mercenaries they took her in the night.

Lissa remembers the High priest giving her a tea that night. She awoke it was on the alter she was covered in ash and unaware of what happened. The evidence found by the guards told the story of how a building in the slums exploded in a pillar of flame. Eye witnesses reported, as the suns rays touched the roof the building she was held was consumed instantly in flame! The kidnappers burned with it. While the buildings next to it remained untouched. A single figure emerged, a girl wrapped in fire, eyes burning blue, each step she took melted the streets cobble stone. The people gathered and followed her to the temple. On the steps they stood in awe of the sight the crowd witnessed. They told how as her foot touched the temple steps, the flames around her body turned to pure light! A scream from the church was heard. Later to be found only a pile of ash in the high priests chambers.

The rumors grew into a frenzy. Soon the king himself had to issue an order, she was to have a force in ready placed at her disposal. The death of the high priest forced the inauguration to immediately follow. Lissa remained safe with in the temples walls. Only occasionally was she requested to come out and meet the people. On one of such ceremonies is where she met him.

She was greeting the people on the market when her ears caught the melody. It was slow and seductive awakening her primal side. Lissa's eyes found the source of the soft melody a dark elf sitting on a crate and playing in the sun. What a contrast she thought never having seen a Drow till this moment she was floating on the notes drawing her closer to him. Until she was standing in front of him swaying to the tempo. Her eyes closed and a smile on her pale face.

When the song ended he sat silently more wary of the guards then the girl before him. When she spoke it was in a different tongue. He didn't recognize it and tried something more natural. In elfin, "My what an honor to be blessed today by the priestess of Ra. You humble me." He stood and bowed deeply. He was taller the she was by a foot at least. Lean and dark but inviting with a smile that could stop most tears. The dark elf wore soft leather and a chain under shirt. On his side was a cross bow.

In elfin "Pleased to meet the people of this city. You do it honor by your trade." Her pale skin gave a deep blush as she spoke. A hand rose to her hair as she curled a lock around a finger. Her body language told more of her intent then the conversation between them. she wanted him. It was that simple.

They talked until a guard coughed obviously not enjoying standing in the heat of the day. She gave him a look that hid the dagger under a soft smile. She waved to the elf Johnathan and continued to walk. Smiling and waving to the people often crouching down to talk to the children and offer them coins from the temple offerings. No matter what she did she couldn't think of anything else but the bard. Lissa would look back over her shoulder to see if he had followed and felt her heart sink as she saw he was not there.

Now dressed she stood before the over sized mirror and saw him her heart raced. Hiding her excitement she thanked the nu for the help and waved as she left the room. As the door shut she turned to see Johnathan standing in front of the window. "Hello again." He bowed again deeply.

"The pleasure is mine." He walked toward her and she in turn walked to him. Standing face to face her heart beating fast till Lissa thought it could be seen. He saw her corset was displaying her pale skin like a tray of fruit but it was not quite ripe. He held back from using his full skill on a youth. his arms went out and embraced the priestess.

She was against his chest the smell of leather and metal was intoxicating to her and she stood pressed against him her eyes closed. She wrapped her arms around him.

"I need you priestess. You have to help me. There is danger that looms near and only your blessing will protect me." Johnathan's lips brushed against her ear as he spoke. His hold on her was complete.

Unable to speak for fear of waking from this beautiful dream she nodded. She softly bit her lower lip not knowing what to do. He was here in her chamber, in her very arms, and she was lost.

"Meet me outside the walls in front of the main gate the day after tomorrow. I will wait for you." His soft words melted into her ear. Johnathan took a step back to see she was still standing eyes closed and her face a deep pink. He smiled and left the way he came.

Lissa opened her eyes and looked around the room. He was gone but she put her hands to her face and could still smell the lingering scent of leather. A small flame danced on the tip of her finger. She would be there. For him she would cross the death fields alone. She preformed the monthly rites and blessings in the center of the temple before the alter. Just as she had done for the last two years. During the midday sun as the rays were at their strongest and Ra shined down on everything.

At the end of the ceremony Lissa had all the temple gather for the news. Before the guards and the priestesses she stood and in a shy voice said the words, "I'm leaving." The clergy looked in disbelief at her. The guards were whispering among themselves. "I will return, the world has places in need of Ra's light. It needs me and I must go." She walked off as the whispers grew into a clamor.

Johnathan awoke before the dawns first light could be seen. His eyes shifted to his side to see Cynn laying beside him. The feel of her thigh resting over one of his legs was soft and inviting. Her curves caused Johnathan to sigh a little as he sat up. He knew the danger she posed even asleep. A fate worst then death for anyone who would take advantage of her while she slept. A perfect weapon for this hellish world. He softly brushed some of her hair from her face and slid to the side of the bed. Standing into a stretch with his arms over his head Johnathan moved to the wash basin and freshened up before donning his clothes. He made sure she was asleep before moving down the hallway to the stairs and the smell of food.

The cooks were preparing food for the staff before the tavern opened for the day. A few coins to one of the cooks and he was offered a plate. Sitting at the table in the corner Johnathan started to eat. He listened to the staff and the stories they told as a rule it was always good to listen to gossip. He learned this was the best way to network without having to use money. A piece of information or personal insight opened just as many doors as gold.

Soon the sun was up and one by one the rest of the group came down the stairs. First was Orson. He was always welcome. Johnathan liked Orson both as a comrade and a combatant. Johnathan watch Orson sit to his left more to keep his back to the same wall. Next was Cassidy, She was smiling and moved softly across the room. She sat across from the two.

"Morning!" Cassidy said cheerfully. Her eyes more in the direction of Orson then Johnathan. "Did you talk to the guild?"

Johnathan nodded and smiled back at Cassidy. "I did. I'll let everyone know at the meet just outside the walls. For now I'll wait saying more."

Cassidy kept smiling and waved at one of the waitresses to order. "Hi! Ill have some eggs and ham with some water. If you have any fruit, I'll take a small bowl as well." The waitress nodded while turning on her heel to get the order in. Cassidy had a bright smile today as most days. Her fur was reddish and soft too bad few had the experience of its textile pleasure. Her tail barely moved behind her. As her ears darted front and back listening to the events around her.

Next was Cynn as she came down the stairs most of patrons that had come to the tavern to eat stopped and looked at her. She wore very low cut top with slits in her skirt. Her ashen skin smooth, inviting, and showing even more of it the normal. Cynn's smile was that of a serpent inviting prey. She sat next to Johnathan opposite Orson. Her hand on his thigh. Cynn kissed Johnathan on his cheek. "Morning." She said with a soft honey coated tone. Cynn's eyes connected with a waitress that was lost in her own fantasy blushing softly making her stand out to Cynn. With a wink and a nod the fantasy ended. Every step she took toward Cynn making the waitress's heart beat quicken. Her hands nervously fidgeted with her apron as she stood in front of Cynn. Speechless Cynn smiled and leaned forward as she spoke. "I want your wine and your tenderest cut of ham with some fresh bread." Cynn knew how to use her body and her voice in ways that made others feel deliciously naked before her. The waitress nearly in a trance headed to the kitchen with a smitten smile all over her face. Cynn turned back to the group around the table and squeezed Johnathan's thigh. The food came and they ate together each with there own thoughts on how the course of the day would go. Cynn tried to flirt a little with Orson only to get a disapproving reaction from Cassidy. Cynn knew Cassidy's true feelings. It was so obvious to her even if the others didn't see it. How Cassidy would walk so close to Orson. Even at breakfast Cassidy offered some fruit to him. How she smiles when their eyes met. Cassidy's shyness and her body language gave her true feelings away. Of course Cynn did everything she could to get between them. Cynn's ability to cast off any concern for modesty made her more challenging for Cassidy. If only Orson wasn't the cursed one. Cynn found Orson a waste of her talents. He was cursed and as far as Cynn could tell a emotionless statue.

After breakfast the group gathered their gear and headed out. Past the city walls they met up with Max and Elissa. They stood while waiting for the new member Johnathan recruited. The sound of an army walking as they looked on to the city they saw the crowd. Nearly two thirds of the city walked behind her as she stepped to the cities main gate they stopped ans watched her leave. She was dressed in white and had a small pouch hanging off her hip. In her hands was a metal staff. Brass and steel marked with runes it was about six feet in length. Among the group she stood out. As if there was an inner light radiating from within her. The crowd behind her some weeping some praying a soft protection chant. She turned to wave at the crowd then turned toward the group. "Hi! I'm Lissa." Her tone sweet and soft. Her smile warmed even Cynn. Cynn could feel the girls cheerfulness, it was enough to make her eyes narrow in disgust.

Johnathan felt the animosity from Cynn and clapped his hands together once. Bringing the attention to him, "Everyone this is Lissa, she will be vital to the quest. We have to find map to an abandoned mine where our treasure awaits. However, the map is in a cursed location full of stuff that only she can defeat." Locking eyes with Cynn, "We need her." Cynn rolled her eyes.

Max snorted and waved at Lissa. His ears moved to the front as his tail swished in approval. Elissa dove off Max's shoulder, swooping up she flew to Lissa. "Nice to meet you Lissa." In the air Elissa hovered like a humming bird before the priestess. She made a small curtsy in good form. Elissa returned the curtsy in kind. As a druid of Obihai she was a subject to Ra. Without him most stuff would die and the world would be plunged into darkness once more. To be in the priestesses presence was a good omen.

The cart pulled by Max rolled away from the city as the group traveled toward the cursed sunken castle. Johnathan sat next to Cynn with, Orson, Elissa, and Lissa. Cassidy walked beside Max. Occasionally looking back at Orson. The group rolled onward as the sun rose in the sky. They traveled though the farm lands, rolling hill sides and finally to the edge of the deep woods that surrounded the marsh lands. The wagon rolled to a stop.

Stopping to let Max rest and stretch their legs. Elissa stood arms out from her side. Face tilted up to the sun as she whispered praise to Ra. Johnathan was checking inventory of his gear afterward played a soft tune on his guitar. Cynn stretched out on the wagons empty bench. Elissa looked around and became sad. She flew over to the edge of the woods. Looking at one of the less rotted trees she pressed her ear to the side of one of the trees. Only to hear the trees tale of despair. How the rot spread from the stone structure into the soil itself. Spreading throughout the forest. Her concentration broke from a crossbow bolt slammed into the wood sending splinters into her hair and face. She dropped to the ground. Max snorted standing Halberd in hand he looked to the tree line. They were there in the tree tops, he could smell them. Cynn sat up only to roll into the wagons cargo area. Johnathan stopped peeing on a tree and rolled behind another. Johnathan readjusted his trousers and began to ready his crossbow. Lissa feeling the hostility broke her prayer and saw Max on the offensive. She realized that she was out in the open . She placed the staff in front of her. It stood on its own while Lissa clasped her hands together and chanted a protection spell. Orson sat in the back of the wagon trying hard not to notice the situation. He sat appearing calm but trying desperately not to touch the pummel of his sword. his fists resting on the top of his thighs.

A male voice from the tree tops shouted. "Your going to drop your gear and abandon the wagon or die!" The only reply at first was a snort from Max before rushing into the tree line. The sound of a strike and the fall of a tree. Bolts flew to different marks. A few striking the tree Johnathan was hiding behind. Johnathan thought, no one was this bad a shot obviously without a target these fools wanted to scare him off. "Like hell!" Johnathan shouted back. Johnathan was able to fire a bolt into a leg slowing one of the bandits down. As the second bolt struck the same bandit to the chest, finishing him off. "Elissa your up!"

Placing her hand on the exposed root of a tree Elissa whispered softly. Her druid dialect asking for aid. Soon a breeze whipped through the canopy. Elissa still flat against the ground, beneath the tall grass as she smiled. The bandits found the branches they had stood on in the canopy began betraying them. Moving like arms dropping the bandits to the ground. Munh to the delight of the waiting anthro warrior. The grass helping the group whipped up and slowed every step the bandits took.

Max rushed to them unhindered and taking a few bolts to his boiled leather chest plate while he rushed to them. Raising his halberd, Max dropped the blade cleaving into the first bandit. He was still alive but unconscious from the anthro's powerful strike and blood loss. Max took another bolt from the back. The bull spun around and snorted again.

Cassidy used her training to leap into the fray jumping from the ground to the side of a tree. She used the momentum to executed a flying kick into one of the thugs. Her bare feet felt the cracking of ribs as the kick drove him to the ground. Cassidy crouched down punching the bandit in the face breaking his nose . He was alive but out. She looked for her next opponent.

Cynn wasn't about to go into the woods. She waited for the bandits running away from Max to run into the open.The first bandit to emerge from the tree line saw her. Cynn smiled and winked before bolts of acid flew from her hands and struck him burning his armor and the flesh beneath. He fired back at the sorceress his bolt striking her in the shoulder. Cynn hissed at him. Then fear struck her. The rush of wind by her side signaled the worst had come. "Orson is free!" Cynn shouted at the top of her lungs. She saw him high in the air sword drawn and the eyes of a soul in pain. The group shuddered in fear as the words brought the images of the last time Orson was drawn into combat.

"Shit." Johnathan had hoped this wasn't going to take that long. Now things were worse. He dropped his weapon and laid flat on the ground. Max had three on him so he wasn't going to drop his weapon just yet. Fear coursed through Elissa's body She had to find him before Orson killed everyone. Orson dropped from his leap off the wagon and drove his blade into the neck of the thug. pushing the bandit to the ground crushing his body into the ground with a sound resembling thunder. Killing the raider instantly. Seeing the crushed corpse of their comrade the bandits turned their focus to the warrior. Orson rushed deeper into the tree line toward the fray. Cassidy dropped to the ground flat face down. She had seen Orsons curse only once before and the fear drove her to the ground faster then gravity. The thugs still fighting the grass and Max were now seeing their opponents surrendering but they knew it was not their combat prowess that was the cause.

Before them Orson stood. Surrounded in a thin smoke that rose from his very skin. His eyes became solid black while every vein in his body stood out. He rushed forward with inhuman speed, taking a bolt to his lower abdomen. His blade lashed out cutting a bandit in two. Blood sprayed the ground as the top half of the bandit fell away from his waist. Orson turned his head to the others. His teeth gritted as he snarled. The bandits now tried to run for their lives. Screams, "Demon!" came from the forest as Cynn almost felt sorry for what they now faced. Elissa flew high into the canopy and followed the screams and sound of combat. She was now the bandits only hope.

Spotting Orson as he cleaved through the thugs blade and into his skull in a downward swing. Orsone drove his blade further down splitting the guy nearly in half. A bolt flew by Orsons face and a second struck him in the back. "Kill..." Orson growled. He leaped into the air and slaughtered another thug in a single slash. The force of the strike sent a gout of blood into the air. As he searched for more Elissa dove downward and began to whisper into Orsons ear. The soothing spell worked combined with his wounds Orson fell to the floor asleep. The few remaining bandits fled. Elissa kissed the ridge of Orsons ear and began to pull the bolts from his body. She whispered into the wind a message for Lissa to come heal him. Max walked in pain toward Elissa. He was in need of a healing as well. He snorted glad Orson was asleep.