Rebirth

[RaiRai]

Pythagoras’ metempsychosis

The fires alit within the wide, bowl-shaped altar, the smoke rising high through the open roof, swirling ever upward within a mist of black and gray. The skies themselves were black, rain beginning to fall through the opening in the mighty building, though the fire did not cease. It just burned on brightly, growing stronger and more wild with each passing second.

Yuu lowered her arms, feeling the rain against her skin of her raised head, which had looked ever skyward for the past hour or more. She licked a single raindrop from her thin lip and then stepped down from the place where she was stood, ducking under the cover of the closet pillar, straightening her white robe and leaning her staff against the mighty stone structure. She brushed her long, straight red hair back and looked about the room for the others. She had been chanting for a long time, hoping the phoenix would rise and take the soul of the departed one, but nothing came of it. The body turned to dust within the fire and then it just raged on. Either she hadn't performed as well as she could, or the phoenix just wasn't ready to show itself.

It had been too long since the last journey of the souls of Juunah. Many suffered the same fate, their dead bodies offered to the phoenix in return for some kind of salvation, though nothing came. Yuu clutched her staff and walked toward the seating chamber, where there were pillows scattered about the cold marble floor and another burning altar in the middle. She sighed a little, her green eyes settling on the flame as she sat down, just leaning forward a little to feel the warmth against her cold cheeks.

[shiney]

Touching his forehead in a symbol of humility, Saylen knelt before Yuu. Reduced to three feet from his former height of well over six, he lowered his eyes to the stone steps before him. The light from the fire reflected off his shaven head, making his tan skin seem more of an orange hue.

His voice, quiet but steady, came forth. "My Lady. Have faith. Trust in your abilities..the phoenix will rise."

He had seen it before, with summoners less skilled than She. He knew that Yuu had the power, but dreaded each attempt for the fear of Her resulting despondency were the summoning to fail. In his experience, She lacked the belief and trust necessary to bring forth the mythical being.

Yet She would, someday. He believed it. She had to. Everyone depended on her, loathe though he was to burden her with such a responsibility.

"You will succeed.." he said, trying to encourage her, spark her faith.

[Derek R.]

Atcanus stepped from his shadowed corner, his cold cinnamon colored eyes set on the summoner and her failed attempt.
A shining attempt young Summoner. his voice crept to her like smoke from a candle.
Oddly warm, fingertips brushed the skin of Yuu's cheek as he passed the pile of ashes.
Perhaps your mind is filled with other matters? hissed the man in black, his gaze moving to Saylen.

[Neverwhere]

*Grunting quietly Ashenmer gets up from the dirt. The storm was more intense than he ever imagined over here, but he had to continue on. Something was telling him to make his way to those strange ruins with the mysterious red glow.*

*sighing* She cant be up to any good. The Pheonix isnt ready yet, why would she try it now? It is not time!

*He gets up and begins to trot towards the ruins at soemthing slightly less than a sprint*

[Andy]

From somewhere beyond the treeline surrounding the temple, a pidgeon fluttered into the canopy. It glided around the trees and foliage until it came to rest on a black, slightly bent branch. The branch moved, and removed the message from the legs of the startled bird.

The shady man removed his mask and read the message. It read, 'Storms nigh. Find shelter. Reconnaisance?' He struggled for a pencil in his jet black suit. On the back he managed to write, 'No sign Pheonix. All clear.'. He reattached the message to the bird and let it fly.

2 months he had been in this forest, quietly observing the temple for any sign worthy of reporting. ANY sign. Still nothing. The young man took shelter under a large fallen tree, and sat quietly, trying to rest over the customary cracking and rumbling of the storm raging overhead. He was confident that no one knew he was here, so he allowed himself some brief periods of sprawled rest.

"I hate rain." He mumbled before nodding off.

[RaiRai]

Yuu stared vacantly into the flames, red and green merging as she just watch the fires merge and split. Another sigh escaped her lips as she looked down to the monk kneeling before her. She touched her forefinger and middlefinger against the mark on his forehead and brought her other hand up to touch her own. The symbol was little more than a lined curved like an arch lengthways with a dot just above it, represented by a colored gemstone. Her own gemstone was neatly cut in a diamond, colored red. She just smiled a little and then lowered her hands to her lap, nodding her head as if asking him to be seated.

"Many have perished." she began, her eyes glancing back to the flame, which seemed to slant slightly to one side, as if some sudden gust of air had disturbed its upward dance. "Juunah will soon have none left but us, Saylen. We cannot withstand this cold much longer. Our bodies will become frail and worn, leaving us to die freezing in this wasteland that was once our beautiful city. Why has the phoenix deserted us? Were the pupils not fit to be his followers? Am I...am I not worthy to be the summoner of the flame? To send the souls to their rest...that is my only purpose now...and to pray...pray for the lives of those still alive..."

Yuu crossed her legs and leant forward a little more, her long white dress draping a little and exposing one knee. It was uncommon for anyone of higher rankings within the city to show flesh other than their hands, heads and possibly the top of their chest. She covered it up quickly, bowing her head with a blush and then looking up again, having made her brief apology with the simple movement of her head.

Yuu had so many thoughts inside of her head, just spinning and turning. The suffering of the people was not something she enjoyed wittnessing, having to pass on the spirits of the dead before they would decay onto the world and become yet another sin on Juunah's already desperate history.

"I wish upon my aide...where is she?" Yuu enquired, raising her head to look about the empty room. It looked as if the room had not been touched for a while. Each of the cushions neatly plumped and set about the room, as if ready for a ritual or meeting, but without the people. Yuu brushed her long, waist length red hair behind her ears.

When the voice spoke from the shadows, a violent shiver was sent wavering down her spine. Perhaps your mind is filled with other matters? She didn't understand. In her heart, she felt like she was concentrating on the matters at hand. She had no personal life. The temple had been her home since her birth, never having ventured outside of the temple walls. What 'other matters' could there be? When his fingers touched her hand, she bowed her head.

"I shall...I shall try again within the hour..."

[Derek R.]

The flames reflected the hue of sorrow in Yuu's eyes, a passion for the ability to protect those around her. A Flaw and a weakness that could be exploited. Atcanus' eyes narrowed at the touch of affection shared between the summoner and the Monk, though a lifetime of steel forged will kept his emotions in check.

His hair was long and jet, pulled back from his face to show the ambitious cinnamon gaze, high cheek bones and line of a mouth that held a slight smirk from time to time. His attire was a set of robes, long and black, etched with runes and scripture of silver stitchwork. His left arm was kept tucked in his robes before him, hidden in a fold of velvet fabric. Few had seen the horror that was this arm, turned to stone from the elbow down. It was not this arm, but the right one that touched the curve of Yuu's neck in a carress of feigned sympathy and secret lust.

My dear sweet Yuu, I have counciled you for sometime now and still you do not see the wisdom I present. he leaned forward, his words a smooth baritone. The scent of her hair was an intoxicating arrangment of Jasmine and lilac, components to the rise of the Phoenix. He whispered close to her ear.
Perhaps it is time to seek other means to protect the masses.

[Neverwhere]

The temple loomed just upahead and Ashenmer slowed his pace to a trot. The once proud temple walls had been sorely affected by the plight of the weather and signs of the temples age had began to show. As he neared the entrance he looked at the symbol above the door and stood there puzzled.

'Ive never seen this symbol. What diety is this?' he thought. 'She will be trying again soon to resurrect the Pheonix and I think I should be there on this next try. He isnt ready to come back, I need to convince her to wait just a few more days.' With that he quickly enters the temple.

[Dante]

The rain fell lightly, and already the ground was beginning to turn mushy. A cloaked rider approached the lip of a stone outcropping some distance fromt he temple. Gauntleted hands protruded from below the rough canvas robe he wore, and their grip tightened on the leather reins.

Lans pulled shortly, careful not to injure Ilda by exerting excessive force. The black stallion obediently stopped and turned, affording Lans a good view of the landscape.

He did not like what he saw.

The sky was a dark gray ocean, its roiling waves spilling water upon the land. All was gloomy as far as he could see, a far cry from the land he had once called his home. Once it had been a thriving, vibrant place, but now it seemed almost... diminished, the life all but crushed from it by the oppressive rainclouds.

How he hated the rain. It had turned firm ground into mud, burying good men under sudden mudslides and flash floods. More than once he had awoken in a miniature lake after it had rained at night. And it didn't matter what you wore, the rain would always find a way to sap your strength. If you were in armor, it would seep between the joints and soak the padding, and the resulting sensation was both demoralizing and uncomfortable. In a cloak, the wind would chill the face and hands, leaving both numb.

Part of him wanted to just find a warm in with hot food, cold beer and young lasses and spend the coins they had found on all three. It wasn't as though he hadn't deserved it - he'd certainly done his fair share of the work in the sack of the castle.

But then his hands closed around the memorial tablet, and he remembered again. That rainy night, when the catapults had broken the walls down, and the hordes of armored men had charged the walls like a howling metal tide. That night, when all that stood between the inner courtyard and the invading legions had been a few good men defending the one way in.

Lans clenched his teeth and spurred Ilda on with a grim expression in his face.

Duty, honour and country, my brothers.

The rain continued falling, but it didn't matter to Lans any more.

[RaiRai]

Perhaps it is time to seek other means to protect the masses.

Yuu stood. Without word and without warning, she got to her feet and glared the man in the eyes. Her own eyes full of passion, almost of frenzy as she clenched her small fists, fingers curling slowly and determined.

"How dare you tell me what I am to do!" she said, failing to keep her calm this time. She turned her head quickly, biting hard on her bottom lip and turning her attention to Saylen.

"Fetch my aide." she said simply, before staring into the eyes of Arcanus, her gaze firm and unmoving. Not willing to back down on this occasion. If the elders had survived the winter past, they would have locked him up for his bitter and snaked tongue, but it was her alone now. Watched over by a mere three people. Saylen, Arcanus and her aide, Adelle.

"Suggest then what you wish to do. If your pleas fall upon deaf ears, then I'd suggest you kept your lips sealed and your thoughts to yourself." With a graceful movement, she placed both hands on her hips and raised her head almost majestically, pacing around the fire in wait for his response.

[Derek R.]

Like A fragile child with a new toy...you dance around the ashes of your own failure Yuu.
His words were mild and did not rise to meet the passions of her tone, though they were ironclad and biting nonetheless.

His right arm, the one of Flesh and bone, reached into the velvet lined satchel at his side. The Tome that was retrieved spoke its age through its worn cover and brittle pages, though their was an air of agelessness to it all. Carefully, like a lover, Atcanus opened the tome and held it in his good hand.

My knowledge of the Arts is Vast, my Sweet Summoner, and still it is an exiled form of salvation. Would you watch your people perish because of dried and tattered tradition? Customs formed by dead men...

He focused on her as his mind gave way to thought and memory...

~In Truth, the fiery nature of Yuu is what had charmed him in the first place. The raw passion and emotion was a contrast to the way he was taught to react in his Sixteen years of Study, Twenty-eight years of life. So different, so beautiful...an enchantment he could not control like so many others. He was to selfish of a man to call it love and to much of a fatalist to call it lust. Still, he had remained by her side when all of the others had died away or simply forsaken her. He did not wish to see her fall again.~

[Neverwhere]

*As Ashenmer crosses the threashold of the temple's now crumbling doorway he begins to hear voices coming from a room above him. Something about failure, something about death... A hightened sense of urgency tugs at his sleeve and urges him forward. The hallway is vast, and the inside shows that this temple is not as small as it appeared from the outside. Gallant tapestry's line the walls, and a plush, voilet rug flows down the center of the hall like a river. A few doors lead off into unknown rooms, but he has no time to explore.*

I must reach her before she attempts again. If she calls the Pheonix too soon all will be lost.

*At the very far end of the hallway a set of seemingly new stairs lead upwards. However, to both his right and left two other staircases lead upwards. One is in need of some repairs, while the other has become decrepant in its age. Damn it, which one? He takes a deep breath and heads towards the decrepant one, hoping it will lead to the correct room post-haste.*

[RaiRai]

"I would rather die than give up the ritual." She said firmly, folding her arms across her heaving chest and turning her head to oneside. Once Saylen returned with her aide, she would consult with him about the tongue and the tone in which this one spoke with her. It wasn't fitting for him, nor for her. "Those customs are what we live by. Those customs are my life. You are, without correct words, calling me a failure. You are saying I am not fit to be a summoner? I shall watch the phoenix smite you down once he arises. No one shall dare to speak to me like that again."

Sweeping her robes behind her as she walked briskly over to the fire, she turned her back on Arcanus, a tear forming in her right eye. She'd hold it back. Not wanting to appear weak or fragile, she'd keep it all inside no matter what the cost.

[Neverwhere]

*Ashenmer begins his slow ascent, careful to avoid the obviously hazardous stairs as he climbs. With each step he takes he becomes more and more aware of the arguing voices above him, this time catching someone, a girl!, saying she will not give up. Pausing for a moment to decide who this is, he quickly theorizes this must be the summoner trying to awaken the Pheonix once again. Abandoning all thoughts of caution he begins to rush up the stairs. As his right foot makes contact with the stairs just below the opening to the room, that particular stair collapses. Reflexively he turns, hands flayling (sp) for something to grasp onto.*

[Derek R.]

Do you feel like a failure? Is that anger and hate spilling forth to blame the first person you encounter?
Even still, his voice remained that same calm and collected manner it had always held when speaking with her.
If your goal is to summon that Phoenix to merely burn my voice away then perhaps you aim to raise it for the wrong reasons.
He moved to her, a whisper of black robes, his cloak moving behind him like a loyal and stoic shadow.
Weep not. Know that despite my demeanor, I am here for you. Have always been. I stand by your choises....reckless or faithful as they may be...

[RaiRai]

Yuu's gaze continued to muse the flames. Dancing. Spitting. Twirling. The colors reflected in her tired eyes, skin raw and red where it was obvious she was suffering from fatigue. She slowly sat herself down on a small marble stool beside the flame, aware of the happenings behind her, but not interested in becoming involved. Too many times had people entered the temple without being invited, and too many times had they either been sent away or killed without question.

It seemed a thankless task, the constant trial of the phoenix. Without it rising, the land and people would perish in the extreme cold. Yuu herself was cold, her heavy robes a slight comfort from the bitter winds in the main chamber. She'd await Saylen before attempting the summoning again. She needed to feel safe. And Atcanus had proven to her that he was looking out for himself more than anyone else. That wasn't helping her current state of mind.

[Derek R.]

Yuu seated herself, away from him as she always did, to contemplate the trial. So many times he wanted to release that surge of emotion, that wave of pure untapped feeling...to give into the ecstacy of humanity and passion, but this was not his way. With trained discipline he turned his gaze from her hunched form and ventured to the movement he had spotted a moment before.
Remain where you are Summoner and call me if an urgency should arise
Making his way to the ruin of the East Stairway he waited to see what fate had sent their way.

Movement catches his eyes as a figure begins to charge up the staircase. Instinctivly and calmly, the Dark Robed Atcanus stands before Yuu in a defensive though nonthreatening manner. The book is shut softly and replaced in its home, back in the velvet satchel.
Cease your steps Stranger and speak your intent.
He notices that the figure seems to have...fallen...?

(I am heading home from work so I won't be able to post until tomorow. Then I'll be gone all day Thanksgiving. Hopefully this plottage and character movement will not be washed away in the tide of replys. Its becoming fun, hope it continues that way!)

[Neverwhere]

*At the last moment he catches the ledge of the remaining part of the stair with his hands, and begins his uphill struggle to pull himself back up. His hands start slipping on the quickly as the rock begins crumbling away under his weight...*

I dont know how much longer I can remain here, as it is my birthday today and I think Im probably going to go out tonight and do something Ill regret in the morning! WHEE! Still, Ill post as often as possible.

[shiney]

Saylen reentered the chamber, dragging someone behind him. She came along sullenly, almost disobediently. More than once Saylen was keenly aware of her attempts at struggle, but nothing could escape his iron grip.

"Yuu, there is an issue here which needs addressing," he said softly. "I cannot find your aide. But I did find this rat prowling around the halls near my chambers..do you think she might be allied with.."

He cast a suspicious glance around the chamber. Flamers flickered from tall braziers lighting the fllor nearby, and the ornate architecture of the walls was masked in moving shadow. There were far too many places for anyone to hide here. He wanted to lower his head, remembering the times when the temple was a hallowed place, undisturbed by all things wicked. Now even the most sacred inner chamber held secrets he feared to uncover.

"Atcanus," he said loudly, "I suggest you don't wander far at this time..there are..outsiders afoot."

He released the spy and threw her harshly on the floor, displaying finally how he had managed to restrain her. A rope was bound magically behind her wrists, the trailing end leading to his hands. There was no visible glowing, but there was a distinct feeling of magic in the bonds.

"I am afraid I had to use one of my little tools to apprehend this one," he said quietly. "Please do not let the council know. It's bad enough that they get in the way of your summoning, if they can. But were they to know I am openly using artifacts.."

He sighed. "I wish I could say to you to not let this interfere in the summoning, but alas..it is yet another burden which you must clear from your mind."

[Dante]

Ilda whinnyed as Lans halted her, a little too roughly, apparently. He swung an armored leg over her body and dropped to the ground, flexing his knees to cushion the impact. Lans patted rubbed Ilda's muzzle and led her aside, then tied her reins to a nearby post. He opened his saddlebags and dislodged an oilskin package from its nest within the scattered items inside the bags.

As he held it in his hands, pain pulsed through him, radiating from his right side, where he kept the memorial tablet. He gritted his teeth and tucked the package under his cloak.

The pain, yes. It will never let me forget.

He retrieved a scroll case from the other bag, and that too went under the folds of his cloak. As he turned to leave, he thought of leaving his sword Autumn Rain behind with Ilda.

Years of experience overrode the decision and he approached the stone arch of the temple entrance. Even from where he was, he could see the fine cracks in the masonry, where time had taken its toll on the craftsmanship. But Lans was not stupid enough to write it off as another run-down temple.

He could feel the latent power within the place, the residue of the awesome energies of the Phoenix. The archway bore no overt eye-symbols or arcane writings, but Lans was still sure that there were wards in place, and that he would be watched as soon as he entered the temple.

But it does not matter, he thought. I am no thief. I am a Mage Knight of the Black Company, one of the Ten Who Were Taken, and I will come into this place of power as befits one of my station.

He pulled his hood back and entered the gloomy, torchlit halls of the temple. Instantly, he felt as though invisible eyes rested on him. Realizing that his helmet must have seemed threatening, he removed it and held it in his hand before proceeding deeper into the temple.

I have never been here before. I hope I can find the w-

In the distance he heard the sound of a boot connecting with stone, and the sound of crumbling rock. His pulse quickening, Lans began running toward the sound.

Perhaps, he thought, this intruder might help me find my way in...

[Derek R.]

Atcanus. I suggest you don't wander far at this time. There are outsiders afoot.

It was the familiar voice of Saylen calling from behind him. The monk had always been a thorn of envy to himself and yet their was a strained, but unfaltering bond between the two when it came to the protection of Yuu. The combined might of Saylen's martial skills and the fury of his own magiks complemented one anouther in a twisted harmony that had saved the young summoner's life more than once.

Giving the mysterious movement below one last reluctant glance, he turned and moved slowly to his companions, heeding the Monk's advice. The struggling Ashenmer, deep withen the shadows of the crumbled staircase, had escaped his searchings. The bound woman in the grasp of Saylen drew his attentions as he approached the scene of flickering light and plush pillow.

The Council? Despite all of Saylen's power and prowess he was still held down by the traditions of old fools. Like a scorned child who broke his mother's tea pot, the Monk's fear and anxiety brought a surge of cold anger through his veins. He surpressed it. Stepping into the circle of Summoner, Monk and Spy he focused his narrowed gaze on the girl held prisoner.

What do we have here?

[shiney]

"I was wondering the same thing," came the monk's somber reply. "She is obviously from the Council. Look upon her forearms, the tattoos. Apparently they aren't quite so far removed from this place as we were led to believe." He cast a disapproving look at Atcanus.

"We were fools to dismiss them," he said quietly. "Even if they do not have the power they once did, they still hold sufficient sway over the people to cause us significant harm..to let them know we use artifacts could turn the tide against us. Even now the people clamor for a summoning, but the spirits do not wish to comply at this time..perhaps they know of the current state of turmoil?"

He bound the girl's wrists to her ankles to prevent any hope of escape, and ran his hand back across his shaven pate. "Perhaps we should question her later," he finished, idly scratching the back of his neck. He quickly dropped the errant hand to his side and bowed his head, closing his eyes. "Forgive my lack of hygiene," he asked of Yuu.

His discipline had waned as of late, even though his faith hadn't. There was little to do in a temple without the support of the entire people, and his skills were far out of practice ever since the Insurrection of the Council.

[RaiRai]

Yuu kept her head bowed before the flame. Seeing the girl writhe on the floor, in the corner of her eye, she sighed lightly. How had they managed to enter the temple? The building was supposed to be protected by relics of old, magical instruments that protected the Divine. And yet all too many times there had been those who managed to sneak through the defenses and enter the temple walls or garden. For what purpose, it was unsure. Many fled the scene, a few perished and various others were turned away, unwilling to speak.

Yuu didn't speak either. What had she to say? When Saylen addressed her she simply nodded her head, red hair swaying as she stood from her stool and took a deep breath, sweeping her long robes behind her.

"Shall we proceed again, Saylen?"

[Derek R.]

Atcanus listened to Saylen's words with a somber stance and a hungry gaze. He was satisfied to know that even his Monk allie had not given up on the old magiks and the power they granted. His cinnamon eyes moved from the bald Saylen to the girl at his feet. She had ceased her squirming and even her rebelious whimpers. The tattoos on her body did rang true the presence of the council and the long arm of defiance they still held.

They have not been dismissed in my mind, though perhaps underestimated. hissed the Stone armed Magi. Turning to Yuu he spoke again.

At your command, I will refocus my arcane attentions to the wards of defence this place once held. There enchantments yeild and fade in the face of such fickle times.

Taking the smooth, polished black staff he often held in his good hand, the Ambassador of Magik gently propped it under the chin of the bound girl so that her face was forced to be lifted to this own. Their eyes met.

After we hear what she has to tell us...perhaps...

[Andy]

A quite loud thunderous blast awoke Andy. He awoke with a start, daggers springing from his wrists to his hands. At the sign of no danger, they retracted back and into the little sheathes that held them.

"Fuck me," He spoke softly to no one, "This rain is killer."
Clearing his mind, he ate an apple, crunching down on it thoughtfully. After much thought, he grudgingly made his way back into the rainstorm. He walked quietly to the treeline, and looked into a lighted window. 'Still there. Excellent.'

Andy crept over to the entry path, and stood next to a gatepost. He pulled a little amulet-type talisman out of one pocket, and grabbed a handful of dirt. He sprinkled the dirt onto the artifact and a dark aura began to eminate. Using the dark aura he began to search the ground for footprints, to see if anything or anyone had come past while he was sleeping.

Finding a few fresh ones, he quickly jotted them down onto his writing pad, then jumped back into the foliage.

[Dante]

Lans rounded a corner and saw a man desperately trying to hang on to a crumbling ledge. While the drop was not fatal, it have might injured him.

A small kindness, for a small favor, stranger.

Lans straightened his free right hand out by his side and his fingers flashed in a brief but rapid series of gestures as he murmured the short incantation under his breath.

Ending with a sharp berhen-ti!, he pointed two fingers at the struggling man and felt the slight resistance that indicated his telekinetic grip was successful. Gently, he lifted the man off the ledge and set him down onto the ground. As he did so, Lans approached to within a few steps of the stranger.

"Greetings, stranger. Could you tell me the location of the Phoenix's summoning chamber?"

[RaiRai]

"Do as you will." came Yuu's reply before stepping out of the small side room and back into the shadows of the main hall. The winds had a bitter edge to them, a hollow whistling sound echoing the ancient walls. Yuu paced slowly toward the altar, looking up toward the small stairs before it and sighing lightly to herself. Her mind filled with doubt and anxiety, she climbed them slowly, casting her glance over her shoulder to see if Saylen had followed. She never wanted to summon alone.

The ritual itself had many rules. Depending on the time of day and various other aspects depended on what had to be done. Yuu had learned of each way to do the summoning, but each way had failed in the current year. It was noon. Midnight. Another shiver shaking down Yuu's spine as she awaited Saylen. He knew of what needed to be done. The letting of blood. The ritual of 'Red Sacrifice'. Feeding the cold red flame with the warm red blood. Yuu's small fingers clasped the ceremonial dagger gently, quivering at the very thought.

[shiney]

"Deal with her please, Atcanus," breathed the monk as he silently glided after Yuu. The door slid gently shut behind him, as was the custom for a summoning. As always, he prayed that Atcanus would understand the sanctity of the rite, and not allow his jealous feelings to wash over him. They were clear as daylight to many, Saylen in particular. He didn't know if Yuu was aware though, as She was always preoccupied with other tasks.

"I am here, Lady," he said in his same quiet tone. "As always."

Never would he stray from Her side if he were capable. He had been with Her from the beginning, and circumstances permitting, would stay by Her side until the very bitter end. Deep inside, he prayed that would not be as soona s he feared.

"Come," he whispered, awed as usual by the splendour of the main hall. "Let us try again."

[RaiRai]

Long red hair swaying behind her as she paced slowly up the marble steps, Yuu was glad that the rains had ceased. Though it was still bitterly cold, it wasn't as chilling as when the rain was lashing down upon the skin of her face. She reached the top and walked slowly around the large bowl altar, her hand running along the outer rim as she took her place at the back, facing Saylen and the rest of the room. Looking up through the open roof, green eyes watching the stars which peered through the blanket of cloud above, she took a deep breath.

"Ignis accidere!" Yuu beckoned the flame, raising her arms in a sweeping, dramatic motion as her eyes closed and the flames rose upwards with a roar. "Phoenix, venire!" She held the dagger by the handle, the blade glistening in the light, shining an array of color across the dark walls. Eyes snapping open, she drew her hand down quickly, blade clasped tightly in her fingers and slashed across her left palm, allowing the blood to drip down into the altar, the flames splitting and spitting.

[Derek R.]

Yuu and Saylen had departed to the Room of Ritual, the open roofed area was supposed to be a spiritual place that he avoided at all cost. He had watched them move into that cold chamber more than once and even after so many times the circumstance brought about a momentary string of envy. More emotion to tuck away.

The girl's eyes were still on his, they were dark and vibrant and misted over in fear. The scene reminded him of a rabbit he had caught in his past. It was not long after birth that his widowed mother discovered that her infant was a pale and sickly child, vexed by a disorder that caused him to cough up fierce amounts of blood. The local maesters had suggested putting him out of his misery, but his mother would hear nothing of it. She gave him to the Arcane Masters of Kaiden. It was while studying in the gray walls of that academy that he had noticed the hare. It was laying under a bush, its soft white fur coated in dried crimson blood. The wound was a red mouth of gore that spoke of nothing but death...yet those fearful black eyes stared at him with such intence will to live that he had taken the rabbit and cared for it. It lived...perhaps to supply the fueled memory for this moment. Was it sympathy he felt for her now.....? The end of his staff lifted her chin a little higher as he spoke.

Tell me your reasons for being here Rabbit...your life could depend on it...

[Andy]

The rain stopped.
Andy crept from the treeline to a wall of the temple. Promptly, he made his way around to the entrance, and peered around the corner. A mage was lifting someone from a broken step. How charitable.
Andy quickly whipped his writing pad out and sketched the pictures of both, along with little details like how they sounded and acted, and put the pad away. He was stock still, the clear black aura pulsating slightly, trying to cloud his presence. He wasnt exactly sure if it could hide him, but he stayed where he was, his head slightly craned around the corner, awaiting anything else to happen.

His mind wandered a little, remembering exactly why it was that he was here, spying on a decrepid old temple born of a dying race. Why was it exactly?

He flashed back to a month previous. He was sitting in a chair in a small underground room, talking to the boss himself. The boss was, in essence, the boss. He controlled both the Assassin and Thieves guild, and managed to incorporate both of them into a kind of Gestapo. He used the Dual-purpose police to control various parts of the cities and towns, but rarely bothered with places like this. Andy remembered being handed the papers containing the duties.

"Why, sir?" Asked Andy, "It's a no-brainer, Andy. You simply have to watch and tell us if anything happens. Dont get involved, and you'll be alright." Said the boss.
"But why? What's the point?"
"You're there to observe, dont worry about anything else. You know what to do, so i wont go over it, ok?"
"Fine"
"The reward for such a task, is however" The boss produced a couple sacks of glittering metals, "Quite splendorous. Understand?"
"Yes, Sir"

Now that Andy thought about it, it was kind of vague, and a little weird. Assassins dont observe, let alone spy, on anything. He was strictly to watch and report, yet he was being paid more than he'd need in 50 lifetimes to do so. Aside from the vagueness, however, it was still what he was being paid to do, so he retracted his head a little from sight, but kept peering through the door. He'd make sure this one was excellent.

[shiney]

Saylen turned his head away at the precise moment Yuu sliced her palm. He detested the blood sacrifice necessary for a summoning. He had witnessed it so many times that he was almost becoming inured to it, but still deep inside he felt Her suffering as his own, wishing She didn't have to perform such a vile act in the name of a summoning.

Or would it even be a summoning? Perhaps the power had atrophied so much over time, the bloodline of the sumoner trickling down to leave only Yuu, that the phoenix might never rise again? He inwardly shook his head, clearing away the fog of doubt. No. It wasn't based on the bloodline or the waning powers. It was belief.

He believed because he had seen the phoenix. It came when the time was right. As for now..it almost seemed as if this summoning were borne out of tradition and routine instead of necessity, despite that the people sorely needed the wisdom and energy the phoenix could provide. The people needed it more than he ever would. If his life could bring the phoenix, he would have gladly given it.

[cruelty13]

While Andy was peaking around the corner, suddenly steps could be heared. Someone gave Andy a light tap on the shoulder: "Your in my way." It was said in a low alt voice, that was gruff.

[Dante]

The stranger remained silent. Odd.

"Stranger, do you know where the Chamber of the Phoenix lies?"

Again, no response.

Is he stupid? Deaf? Both? No... perhaps the answer is simpler. Perhaps he simply does not wish to speak to me. While that is not exactly fair... not much in this world ever is, is it?

"Very well, stranger. I have saved you some injury, at least. I bid you a good day."

Saying so, Lans quickly gestured with the hand by his side, and he slowly began floating up the ruined staircase. While he was tempted to look behind again, out of some morbid curiosity, he steered his thoughts back to the issue at hand.

The Phoenix. What he carried was both a sacrifice and a petition to the sacred beast. Hopefully only its latter function would be required.

Inwardly, Lans dreaded the first use for his cargo. It seemed so... wrong, but once again he forced himself to calm down, focus on the spell levitating him, and think.

No, I should not be afraid of the sacrifice. What I - what they should fear are the measures that must be taken should the sacrifice fail.

He did not like thinking of it, but it was all he had to keep him company as he silently ascended the stairs. He grappled with the question even as he unconsciously followed an invisible magical trail, or rather, the magical residues of the from the aura of the summoner who had previously come this way.

I am sorry for her. To bear such a burden at such a young age... the old ones should be the ones performing this ritual. Heaven knows they deserve it more than her, especially given the price in blood that must be paid.

Finally, he arrived before a vast vaulted door, covered in arcane symbols that were mysteriously unotuched despite the weathering that had belabored the stone chamber. Above the cracked stone portal, he saw a bas-relief carving of a great bird spreading its wings. Despite the thick coating of dirt covering its surface, the details proclaimed themselves to anyone who had eyes and knew what to look for.

This was the Chamber of the Phoenix.

For a moment, Lans was paralyzed, What if she was summoning the Phoenix now? What if the ritual was succesful and his entrance disrupted it? How would he know when to come in?

You don't, Lans. You just have to try it and hope for the best. In any case why are you worrying so much about a silly door?

Swallowing his nervousness - the way he had felt when he ahd faced his first cavalry charge! - he raised a hand and rapped three times on its surface. Surprisingly, the sound was louder and traveled much further than he had thought, and Lans cursed himself for his clumsiness.

You fool! You've torn it now!

[RaiRai]

Yuu dropped her hands to her sides, gazing into the bowl sorrowfully. Her green eyes downcast into the mighty altar before her. She clenched her left fist tightly to slow the bleeding, and watched as the blood she had sacrificed trickled slowly into the center of the bowl, dripping down through the small hole located there. What happened to it thereafter was anyone's guess. The throbbing of her hand made her arm shake a little, but she tried to ignore it. Midnight rituals were always the least common. They steered away from blood-letting too often as Yuu's recent illness had made her weak and faint.

She turned away from the failed summoning and desceneded the stairs to Saylen, reaching her two fingers to the symbol on his forehead when she unexpectedly heard three raps at the door. Instead of turning towards Saylen or the door, something compelled her to look towards the bowl, where she felt a strange energy emitting. Could it be the phoenix? The mists circled above the bowl, spiralling upward into the dark night sky. Blood still dripping down Yuu's pale white skin and seeping into her ivory colored robes, Yuu watched in amazement as the image of a phoenix appeared above the bowl with a loud, almost deafening screech. She fell to her knees, her arms before her, blood scattered across the cold marble floor. But glancing back up, the image had gone.

"...did I just see...?"

[Derek R.]

The rapping sound brought Atcanus from his flow of memory and his inquisitive stare towards the girl at his feet. He had personally seen Saylen and Yuu enter the Inner Chamber of Summoning and was expecting no one else for any reason.

The Council mayhaps? This spy was simply a quivering mouse in the clockwork madness that they presented...perhaps nothing more than a simple martyr to draw away their focus. He would not be caught unaware.

With a hiss of spidery words and a weaving gesture from the Magi, the room gave off a nausiating red aura at his bidding. All of the Wards and Arcane traps that the temple held had been brought to life by his spell. If they had come to deal with the Summoner then they would face the fury of one of her Guardians first. Calmly he lifted his good hand to the door and it swung open...

[shiney]

"It must have been," Saylen remarked, wincing at the reverberations of the deafening screech. "What else could have done that.."

His heart was racing. The summoning was half-successful. Could the phoenix finally be ready to return? But it must have a reason for not fully propogating..perhaps it had been subdued? Not likely, given its immense power..but why? Why did it depart again..

"This is strange," he said, voicing the obvious. "I wonder why it didn't stay? Maybe it was the person who knocked on the door..? Or perhaps it was just telling us the time is drawing near.."

So many questions. Saylen looked over to Yuu, who was still prostrate on the floor, Her head arched up towards the bowl, and then he noticed the blood still flowing from Her wound. "Yuu! We must tend to that wound immediately..you've been ill lately as it is."

He knelt beside her, producing a cloth from inside his robes, and gently took her hand in his, stemming the flow of blood with pressure. "Come along," he said gently. "We'll have this taken care of and then we will consider what has just happened."

[Dante]

The runes on the door glowed with angry red life.

So that's why the sound carried so far. The door was enchanted.

The door swung open, revealing a young, red-haired woman - she looked more like a girl, really - lying on the ground and a shaven-headed man helping her up.

A monk? He must be her protector...

The memory of Teleute and Olethros came to mind. Teleute had been a great sorceror, and Olethros her familiar companion, magically bound to her so that their two lives were as one. That fateful night, Teleute had cut devastating swaths through the invading armies and Olethros had smashed them aside with his mace and shield. However, it had been to no avail. Their ashes had joined the rest of their comrades within the package Lans was carrying.

And then Lans' eyes rested on the black-clad being who had opened the door for him. Instantly, he recognized him.

Atcanus of the Left Hand of Doom. A deadly sorceror, even more so than Lans himself. It was said that heaven and earth bowed to his will when he was exercising his full power. He noted the petrified left forearm and the black robe without comment. He had never really learned how Atcanus had gotten the arm turned to stone, nor did he really want to find out.

Prying into mages' affairs could get you killed swiftly and surely.

Atcanus' face was grim with a poisonous scowl, so Lans swept an arm to the right, swirling his cloak aside, then drew it back before his chest and dropped to one knee.

"Greetings, noble wizard. This one is Lans Tartare, Knight of Juunah. I come by the behest of the court, with a small, humble request for the summoner and her guardians."

As he bowed his head he hope that his tone had been sufficiently contrite, else things would become very... difficult.

[Derek R.]

Wizard Yes. Noble? Thats yet to be determined.

A second gesture from his good hand shut the door behind Lans, a metallic locking sound could be heard.
He let his narrowed gaze study the kneeling Knight for sometime before he spoke again. There were no tattoos on the man nor were there any enchantments hiding them.

Well you are obviously not from the council. Tell me Lans Tartare, what buisness the High Court has with the Summoner? Speak quickly for I have buisness to attend to... he finished his last words just above a whisper, his eyes glancing to the girl at his feet.

[Dante]

Lans dusted his cloak off as he drew himself up to his full height.

"As you know, a few weeks ago, the warlord Kerlen sent his forces to attack Juunah through the Pass of Mora Tao. To prevent Kerlen's troops from gaining a staging area through which he could access the waygates of our country, the Ten were sent to defend the Pass, along with a regiment of the Fidei Defensor."

"We made our stand at Mael Griin, the ancient fort at the entrance to Mora Tao. However, though we had entrenched ourselves well and laid many traps for Kerlen's forces, we had not reckoned on his use of wizards as well. The first thing they did was to seal the waygate leading into Mael Griin, thus cutting of our resupply and reinforcements. Kerlen then proceeded to besiege us, and gradually, we were worn down by the lack of supplies and the constant probes of our defenses."

"The final moment came when Kerlen ordered his men to overrun us. They did so. We were outnumbered a hundred to one that night, and nobody lived through the massacre on that night. Mael Griin's residents, the Fidei Defensor, even the Ten... all were slain that night. "

His side burned in agony once again, and he grit his teeth against the pain.

"Pardon me, but it... hurts to remember..."

[Derek R.]

No survivors...and yet you stand before me?

Never allowing his eyes to leave the Knight, Atcanus moved in a rustle of velvet robes to the chipped alter and its burning red hued flame. Running his thumb along the onyx studded brooch that held his cloak in place, he drew forth the enchantment stored withen. The flames took on a new shape.

I would turn my eyes if memory brings such pain...his warning came out cold, though their was an underlining pity in his tone.

The Flames hollowed and slowed, forming a reflective surface. The image withen the stilled mirrorlike flame was one of carnage. Corpses lay strung along the parapets and stone walls of Mael Griin, splashes of dried scarlet visible upon every motionless face and torn body. Blue-Black stains and scorches lined the main towers and he knew at once that it was the markings of fierce and lethal spells that had been slammed into the ancient keep. Then he saw the Ten, their gold crested breastplates twisted and dented...their white cloaks torn and streaked with gore. It was as this Lans had foretold. Turning from the scrying, the Archmage leaned a moment on his staff.

What is it you seek here Knight?

[Dante]

"You do not trust me entirely, wizard. I sense distrust in your words, and I do not blame you. Nobody from Juunah lived through the siege of Mael Griin. I was the first to fall in battle, but I will be the last of the Ten to truly die."

Lans held his forearm up before the wizard and removed the bracer, revealing a talisman that had been implanted into the flesh. It was inscribed with evil runes and thin little whip-like tendrils covered its surface. The tendrils radiated from the talisman, and Lans turned his forearm to show Atcanus the ridges which the tendrils had made as they snaked below his skin.

"I do not live. My damned mockery of life is sustained by this accursed thing. Kerlen implanted this into my corpse after I was felled by a pair of demon swordsmen, hoping to gain control of my skills. And, to my shame, they succeeded. I was turned against my allies, and would have slain them all had it not been for the casting of a curse-breaking spell on me by one of the Ten, Teleute. Though the spell's effectiveness was limited - only Kerlen's domination of my will was broken - it was enough for me to turn on the dog and slay him."

"But it was too late. Even as I felled the warlock, Olethros, Teleute's guardian, was cut down by a sea of armored warriors. I tried to rescue Teleute, but before I could reach her, the soldiers had already fallen upon her while she was still reeling from the death of Olethros. They were the last of the Ten, apart from myself - the Fidei Defensor had long since perished under Kerlen's wizard corps."

"That night, I killed and killed and killed with the undying stamina of the dead, until at dawn the remnants of Kerlen's army fled Mael Griin. The King sent reinforcements almost as soon as the shielding on the portal was removed. They found only me, a dead man walking."

"I was questioned, and I narrated my story. Though the King offered me magical aid for my... condition, I declined. You see, Kerlen is coming back, now that he knows that the Ten are fallen. It is imperative that the Ten are recalled to life, that we may have a fighting chance against Kerlen's forces. The summoning of the Phoenix is part of this plan. The mobilization of the wizard guilds is another. But we need the Ten back as soon as possible, because I do not believe the guilds can cover all the fronts that have been exposed, and as you have already seen, the Phoenix is... unresponsive."

Lans replaced the bracer and produced the oilskin package he had brought. He unwrapped it, revealing an ornate silver urn that reflected a white light even in the ornage glow of the flames.

"These are the remains of the others. They are charged with the powerful magical residues of the battle they perished in. It is my solemn request that they be reincarnated by the power of the Phoenix. Admittedly, if the Phoenix can be summoned their existence will no longer be of great import but..."

Here Lans looked aside, and when he met Atcanus' eyes again his eyes were glimmering.

"... they were my comrades. I would very much like to see them alive again."

He bowed his head and presented the urn to Atcanus.

"Please, noble wizard, accede to my request!"

[shiney]

As the foreign knight had entered and begun his discussion with Atcanus, Saylen was assisting Yuu in exiting the main hall through a secret exit hidden in the western wall behind the altar. He could plainly hear the conversation of the other two echoing in the antechamber, through to the main hall through the archways in place above the doorway to the hall, and as such knew he would be able to disappear with Her undetected.

They stole away in the gloomy darkness of the passage, their exodus illuminated only by a magically lit torch every few hundred feet. It was an escape route so well protected that even the inner conclave of the council had no idea it was there. It's existence known only to Yuu and Saylen, he had made sure that the other two were fully preoccupied before using it. Sometimes even the solid doorway seperating the antechamber and the main hall wasn't enough. In this case, the distractiong provided by their little chat sufficed.

The monk and the Lady presently came to the end of the tunnel where he peered through a deftly hidden hole and ascertained that nobody was present, before he opened the door and exited, bringing Yuu behind him. He then led her gently, taking great care not to rush her and constantly making sure she was alright, until they reached her chambers. The very place he had caught the spy sneaking around. A brief glance at the surroundings showed everything seemed well, and he set Yuu gently down on her bed.

After situating Her comfortably, Saylen walked over to her chest and opened up a small drawer, removing some herbs from within. "These herbs will greatly assist the wound," he said as he had many times before. It was like a routine. "It will sting at first, but then will cool the fire like a breeze on a hot summer day."

[RaiRai]

Yuu smiled a little, her little peach lips curving upwards delicately as she bowed her head and closed her eyes. When the herbs touched her wound, she winced a little, biting down on her lip and holding her breath. Such sharp pain. A bitter stinging sensation which Yuu was never fond of. But if the blood letting allowed the phoenix to rise, even for a moment, it must have done some good.

"Do you believe it is because of my blood that the phoenix rose?" she asked, her soft voice almost whispering in the air as she curled her fingers to her palm, clutching the herbs there to work their magic. Her whole body felt exhausted and weak, but if she had to, she'd continue and try yet again.

Although being in the main chamber with strangers at every corner, she didn't feel safe. All of the people who had managed to enter the temple without notice. It scared her. It made her feel vulnerable. And not being at her best, unsure of herself, she knew she would be weak in her powers. Looking up to Saylen, she seeked solace.

[Derek R.]

Atcanus listened to the story with silent contemplation. The Undead Knight would be an unsettling thought to most men, but he had seen far darker things then this. Kerlen's Magi, his Judicators as they were known, had experimented with arcane secrets blacker then any he had even studied.

His cinnamon gaze moved to the girl on the floor, still bound and suspiciously silent. The "Rabbit" knew something...

As for King Barion, he knew the pompous and well fed ruler was nothing more than an overweight puppet on well supported strings. It was Queen VellaDonna who really held the power withen the Walls of Silverspire Keep. She was a lustful woman who enjoyed the taste of power as much as she did her more carnal activities.

The Urn was presented before him along with the fevered words of a desperate man.

Please, noble wizard, accede to my request! Lans had pleaded.

Although a man who made his own decisions and chose his own path (as dark as that path may be) Atcanus vowed to serve Yuu with respect and admiration. The final choice must be hers.

We will speak to the Summoner when she has rested. his voice broke the tense silence, his eyes searching Lans for any sign of a weapon.

But be warned. There are worse fates then mere death...do not provoke such a bleak end. With That, he turned to move towards the Inner Chamber of the Phoenix where Yuu and Saylen were waiting.

[shiney]

"You have inside you blood shared by a thousand ancient summoners, and in fact the entirety of the summoner prophecy lies within your veins. If it is not the blood, Lady, then it is the cries of your heart. For you are one who truly believes."

If the phoenix had shown itself, it would rise again. Soon. The people must truly need it for it to come this close..historically, the phoenix only rose in times of dire need. As the chill wind and increasing famine indicated, the current times suited those arguments. It wasn't likely the mythological bird had any other reason to show. None that Saylen could think of anyways..

He snapped out of his short daydream to look back down at Yuu. The herbs had clotted the bloodflow, and the wound would heal overnight. Another trick he had picked up in the years of service and study. Small wounds were easy to heal, and wouldn't even leave a scar if treated quickly enough and appropriately. Hers was no exception.

"You should rest now, Lady Yuu," he whispered, retreating a few steps with a nod of his head. "Or," he continued, "..perhaps you would like some tea? I sense you wish to talk of many things.."

[Andy]

Andy jumped quite readily at the tap to his shoulder, he spun around, and instantly, his concealed knives sprang from his wrists, ready. But before the stranger could react, Andy was out the door and off into the blackness.

The young black-clad spy ran around the building till he came to a low wall, only about 6 feet high, at the back of the temple. Without skipping a step he vaulted over the wall, expecting another 6 foot drop. Once he cleared the wall however, he realised that it wasnt a 6 foot drop, but rather about a 10 foot drop.

Andy did the best he could, he made himself at loose as he could go, readied his arms and legs, and hit the ground silently. Any close observers would have heard the dull thud, then the sigh of resignation as Andy slumped forward, unconscious. During the brief scuffle with the ground, Andy seemed to have lost his balaclava.

He wasnt exactly unconscious, as he was still able to think rationally and see. He just didnt seem to be able to move his head or body much. 'Shock', he thought to himself, 'It's just shock. I'll be fine in a couple hours...I hope.'

[cruelty13]

The person who had touched the shoulder of Andy had not been frightened by the display of knives. It was a young woman, about 20 years old. She wore a gray dress, that covered all her body exept her head and arms. In her left hand she was dragging a great sword, 4 ft long. Her face was not very nice to look at. It had a scary feel to it. Her hair were black as the coat of a crow.

<Dumb youth. It is not like if I was going to harm him. Oh well, I have plenty of things to do. Maybe I should see what happened to him.>

Slowly, taking her time, in a slumped position, she soundlessly walked to the wall. She took her sword and pushed it into the ground. Then she stepped on the handel of the swoard and pushed her self up to the top of the wall. Once there, she noticed the dropp.

<Oh well>

And fell 10 ft. She hit the ground with no noise. She turned her head to Andy and said:

<Your going to stay there.>

[Derek R.]

The inner Chamber was empty save a new pile of ashes and a thin trail of blood upon the floor. Where could they have gone? He saw no one exit the main doors. Perhaps Saylen had secrets of his own.

He turned to the Knight. The Summoner has been taken to rest. You will remain with me until they return

He moved towards the girl on the floor, tossing the hem of his robes aside, he knelt.

In the meantime we will find out why the little Rabbit was lurking in the shadows... his voice was low and laced with threat. After all, the Shadows belonged to him.

[RaiRai]

"Yes...I would like very much to talk with you further..." Yuu lowered her head. She felt almost embarrassed wishing to talk with her Guardian, though she had been with him for many years. Walking to her dresser, she opened the large door, and looked upon the rail at her long white gowns. That was the only color she was permitted to wear. Pulling out a long silk nightgown with see-through bell sleeves, she walked behind her dressing screen and changed, slipping on her little marabou slippers before pacing back out and to her mirror, taking her ivory brush and brushing her long red hair. She could smell the sweet tea brewing and smiled lightly, sighing a little. She could already taste it on her tongue.

Moving over to her bed, she seated herself at the end, on the white fur sheet that hung lazily over the giant mattress. The room was warm, lit by torches and small altars similar to the one in the main chamber. No expense seemed to be spared for the Summoners. And Yuu felt priviledged to be one.

"...Saylen...have you heard from the guard how many have perished in this winters cold spell?"

[Dante]

"Y..yes. I see."

Inwardly, Lans kicked himself for coming off as one so desperate, but there was nothing to do about it - they were. Neither the King or Queen knew much of the ways of war - that much was evident from the way they had sent him out to throw his life away beneath the armored boots of Kerlen the Conqueror. And now that the starvation and chill winter had increased in severity, they didn't have much time to care, either.

He proffered the mystic urn to Atcanus and looked behind him. There was a tied-up girl on the floor, with a frightened expression behind the gag on her face. Lans shook his head.

So they've come down to human sacrifices? How tragic. Perhaps the Phoenix is truly... displeased with the kingdom.

Lans called out to Atcanus as the latter approached the bound girl.

"I take it the previous summoning was not a success, am I correct?"

[Andy]

Andy still layed there, on the cold, cold ground. It had only been about 10 minutes, but from Andy's perspective it was 10 years. He couldnt really move his legs now. He could move his arms a little, and maybe write something, but that was still it. He tried for a pocket.

He sighed a silent sigh and braced himself for the pain. He slammed his hand into his pocket and grabbed the little notebook. In it he managed to write a small map of where he'd been, and marked out the stupid wall which had almost killed him. Once done, he held the notebook and stared up at the sky, helpless.

"Why dont people help me? isnt this a bloody Church?"

[cruelty13]

<Oh allright, I'll help you.>
She said. In one minute she put her arms to the ground and pushed herself up. Saying
<I have to go in anyway>
she brushed of the dust, that had setteled on her white dress.
<Besides, I was trained for this since my childhood.>
She knelt down next to Andy and saying mistical words, her arms lit up and healing arua flowed onto Andy, revitalising him.

[Andy]

Andy felt the feeling return to his limbs. Awesome. He layed still for a second, but was on his feet in an instant, his wrist knives springing out an inch from his healers throat. "Never, ever trust a thief."

Andy looked the woman over, and asked darkly, "And why shouldnt i kill you? you've seen my" Andy picked his balaclava up and put it back on. "Face. It isnt really allowed that i let you live, unless you can pay a price for your life, or can give me sufficient evidence why i shouldnt."

Andy's jet black form wavered while waiting for a reply. His trenchcoat flapping about in the dying throes of the storm. Every once in awhile it flapped a little farther back, revealing an arson of glittering utensils and blades. Andy cocked an eyebrow. "Well?"

[cruelty13]

<Your kiding, right?>
The woman laught crumblingly. Then she did a sudden movement and pulled out the long sword she had left behid the wall, from behind her back.
<I am not impressed by your butterknives. Put them away. NOW>
She then pulled the sword in front of her and took a defensive stand.

[shiney]

Saylen remained silent, his face an unreadable mask. He carried the tray of teacups and kettle over to the lady summoner and rested it on a small nightstand by the foot of her bed. He set two cups side by side and lifted the kettle by the handle with his left hand, keeping his right on top so it wouldn't spill over as he poured the steaming liquid into the waiting carriers.

After he had given himself a meager amount and Yuu her preferred ration, he set the kettle down and gazed blankly into the clouds of steam that rose. He didn't want to answer Yuu's question, but it would be extremely disrespectful to maintain his unwillingness any further.

"Our town has lost many," he admitted. "Across the nation, many more. The winter merely refuses to end. Not just in part to the absence of our phoenix, but also because of a suspicion I harbor.."

He explained. "This winter has been unusually cruel and deadly, even for a winter without the phoenix. Never has there been such a horrendous onslaught of vicious winds, freezing rains and howling blizzards as this. I fear our friendly neighbors have managed to summon their counterpart to the phoenix. It seems we're deadling with not just winter, but Neus."

He paused for a moment and let his suspicion sink in before moving ahead. "As for your initial question..our town of 3,000 is now missing 153. Over the realm..we are missing thousands. There's no official count..." He lowered his head and let his eyes meet the floor. "I am sorry, Lady."

[RaiRai]

Bowing her head, her expression dark yet still soft, Yuu allowed herself to sigh, breast quivering as she exhaled. She closed her eyes, lids flickering a little as she pushed back the tears. She would not cry. Couldn't cry. She had to be strong. Opening her eyes and looking down at her healing hand, she looked back up to Saylen.

"2847 people left within our fair city. How many more must die? How many more must suffer? If Neus has risen, then our only hope is the Phoenix. What other choices do we have?!"

Yuu stood from her bed, and marched over to the window, drawing open the curtains and looking out into the rose gardens, covered in snow and frost. The summers had held much joy. Though the weather was never perfectly warm, it was pleasant enough. And as a young Summoner, she would play in the maze and pick the fresh roses. Missing those memories, Yuu's heart was heavy and burdened. She shook her head and looked back to Saylen.

"It will all perish unless something is done soon. If my blood helped the ritual, perhaps..." she paused, taking a deep breath. "Perhaps we're in need of a sacrifice to save these people..."

[Andy]

The young assassin silently unclicked his wrist blades. He reached behind his coat and unsheathed 2 broadswords, somehow hidden on his back.

"You're a Cleric, no? Or are you a Fighter? Maybe a Paladin?" Andy asked mockingly, "Well, it doesnt really matter, does it? Look, im a really nice guy. You get first shot. But im warning you, dont cheat with that magic stuff." Andy tapped his talisman. "This badboy can really mess you up if you try and throw magic at it. Capiche?"

Andy started to sway a little, the swords dancing dangerously in his hands, he began to swoop and jump as he swayed, then exploded in a series of movements dancing around this cleric, his swords clinking together from time to time, his pace getting ever faster. "You've got the first shot."

[Derek R.]

For a moment Atcanus was perplexed by the vanishing act of the Summoner and Monk. Had the Phoenix devoured them? Burned them from existence in frustration from their unyeilding attempts? It did not seem plausible but these were not times for rational thought. Reality was bending, but one thing had never failed him. The Gift. The Magik.

Making sure he was far enough away from Lans to escape from his trance and defend himself if need arose, he submitted himself and slipped into the warm and embracing flow that was magik. Summoning forth from his memory the correct arcane words, his fingers arched in sharp gestures. A thin blue haze circled the room but only to his eyes. Seeping into crevice and corner, the blue haze creeped along the wall until discovering all that it was created to discover. A hidden passage lay built behind one of the crumbling pillars with expert facade.

Turning back to the Undead Knight he pointed the polished end of his staff towards the girl on the floor.

Bring her and Come along.

[cruelty13]

<If you need to know, I'm the highest priest of the Third Theocracy and the heir to the grand advisory. My name is Relice Banay>
She said as she ran thowards the figure and rose her swoard for a blow.

[Andy]

Andy merely laughed, and dodged nimbly, his broadswords flashing as he danced them around once more. "You wont really beat an assassin at swordplay, you know. Too nimble."

Andy reached into a pocket and produced a small grey ball. "Sulfur and gunpowder with sugar. Observe." He threw it at the feet of the priest, and a loud crack, followed by a thick white cloud of smoke, was heard. When it cleared, Andy was nowhere to be seen.

He was, in truth, back over the 8 foot high wall and running back to the entrance. This time he didnt even care if anyone was in the foyer. He ran up the broken stairs, and into a side room. He calmed himself down a bit, then searched for any indication as to the type of room he was actually in. It was a sort of storage room. Bits and pieces of food adorned the walls, crates and barrels lining the floors. Rugs and other junk was scattered about in small piles. After rifling around a bit, the young thief sat down on a barrel and pulled his paper out. He was writing once more.

[cruelty13]

Relice was a little starteled. Then she realised how dumb that was and walked to the wall. She pushed the sword into the ground. Reached up and caucht the rimm of the wall. She then pulled up the sword and pushed it into the ground on the opposite side of the wall. She climbed down the wall, pulled the sword from the ground. Śhe closed her eyes and when she opened them the sword was gone. She then walked into the tempel. The old doors quietly opened at her touch. She walked through the empty corridor, her footsteps echoing at every step. She took a glance at the walls. They were ornate, with textures reffering to the phoenix.

She herself had been given the order to stop the summoning, for the Third Theocracy needed to summon a myth themselves. They were the summoners of the Mother Grendel, the saviour of their nation, that would bring forth a age of art and technology throughtout the whole world. They had been summoning it for 100 years now, 1 hour per day. Lately the magicenergy had been draining away from the world, so they had sent her, Relice, to stop all summonings in the world. By now she had travelled for a year and had stopped one. She felt great energy drewn here so she followed it and arrived at a temple.

As she paced throught the corridor, she suddenly heared other loud walking noises. She followed them. Suddenly she noticed a great red glow. She went near and found a door. It had an evil aura around it. She sttod still at the door and waited.

[shiney]

Sacrifice...

"No, Lady.." Saylen half-whispered, half pleaded. "The phoenix is a merciful, bountiful creature...it would not ask for the life of anyone...it comes to restore life, not take it away.."

He lowered his head, eyes closed. The image of Yuu shimmered behind his eyelids for a moment before being replaced by darkness, smooth and comfortably familiar. The words continued to fall from his lips. "Neus might have asked..for Neus brings death to those whom do not worship him...but the phoenix? Never in all my years..."

He certainly hoped things hadn't changed. Was it the fact that it was blood? Or that it was her blood? Or was it an eerie coincidence...

[RaiRai]

Rubbing her palm, Yuu shook her head and sighed. This trying time wasn't clearing her mind at all and her burdened heart was just another thing adding to the phoenix being unable to rise.

"What else am I to do, Guardian? These people trust in the powers. These people had faith within these rituals and within the phoenix...within me. But their minds are searching for answers. And their hearts are giving up their faith. If this continues and I am unable to give rise to the phoenix, we'll have to deal with the riots becoming larger and more fierce. I fear for the temple and the people sworn to protect me. I fear for you, Saylen...and Atcanus, too."

She walked back to her bed, laying down upon the thick fur blanket and gazing at the large fire-altars at the side of her bedhead. Hugging a pillow close to her stomach, she closed her eyes.

"Keep my tea warm, Saylen, I just need to close my eyes for a while..."

[Derek R.]

Turning from the Inner Chamber, Atcanus gestured and the doors to the Enclave of the Phoenix shut before them.
You will follow me Knight, your weapon will remain sheathed unless it is in defence of our cause. Bring the "Rabbit" and we will sort all of these grey secrets together.

He led the way from the crumbling temple, bringing to life the burning red wards of defence as he passed. Stepping out to the cobblestone walkway that led to the ancient place of Summoning he gave it one last look. Something told him he would never see it again. The Sky was a rolling black and a mist of light rain had started to veil around them.

Let us make haste.

[cruelty13]

<Hm, the glow is finaly disaparing, Ill go in> Thought Relice. She went to the door and pushed it open. It flung at such hast, that it starteled Relice enough to make her step backward. After one quiet minute she stepped into the room, It was a big room with an altar. <I must make haste> she thought and started looking for something. Then she tugged into her robe and pulled out a weird pair of glasses. Those were magicall glasses. She put the on and soon she noticed a hidden passage.She went through.

[shiney]

Saylen set the tea upon one of the undying flames in Yuu's room and then drew up a chair beside the bed and sat upon it, cross-legged, facing the Lady.

"Rest, Summoner," he whispered gently, as he had many times before. "Rest that we may try again when yo uawaken.."

He lowered his head and dragged the back of his hand across Yuu's forehead, whispering a chant of protection, and then set it limply in his lap. You deserve to rest, he thought. You have done so much for so many and yet so few support or praise your efforts..

A sigh. And there is the matter of the intruders...

[cruelty13]

Walking limply through the corridor, Relice suddenly nticed three figures walking a head of her. "My, how many people," she thought to herself and then she started quikly chanting the spell of invisibility. In a matter of seconds, she was in visible and unhearable.

[RaiRai]

Yuu did rest. Her long red hair tumbling about the mass of pillows, little lips quivering as her warm breath escaped her lips and lingered in the cold air. Her arms wrapped about herself, she huddled herself into the thick fur blanket and whimpered lightly. It was cold.

Not even a dream would save her from the bitterness of the night, so Yuu's eyes flickered open and she looked about the room.

"Saylen...What time is it...?" her meek voice whispered, as she sat up in bed, pulling the blanket up over her shoulders as she shivered lightly.

[shiney]

Saylen's eyes opened. He had been resting, though not asleep...his lifestyle did not allow for sleep. His training had taught him other ways of rejuvenating his energies, and as such he was always ready to tend to the Summoner were She to need his assistance.

His dark-accustomed eyed slid to the window which revealed nothing but darkness. "Late is the hour," he said monotonously, "I would estimate the night is but half over. I have kept your tea warm Lady, if you desire it..or if you wish to speak, I am always here to listen."

[RaiRai]

Yuu rose from the bed, taking the tea from the warm grate herself and warming her small hands on the sides of the cup. Such delicate work had gone into such an insignificant object. Mastery. Precision. There had once been many workers and people living within the temple. Many chambers full of men and women. Weaving, tempering, baking. So many different sounds and smells. The atmosphere warm and soothing. And yet now there was nothing more than the hollow noise of the winds sweeping through the empty rooms.

Yuu seated herself at the end of her bed, lifting her bare feet off of the cold marble floor and onto the fur of the bed. Her toes curled, she sipped the warm tea, allowing the liquid to dance over her tongue before swallowing with a satisfied sigh.

"...will I ever venture outside of these walls? To see the destruction this bitter cold has caused upon this land?" she lowered her gaze to the floor and then to her cup, watching the steam escape the tea and then vanish into the air. A freedom she could not attain. "If I don't know to what extent this plague of winter has unleashed upon this land, how am I to know what is expected of me? How can I truly understand the pain and sorrow of the people without having experienced it myself...?"

[Derek R.]

Moving through the shattered cobblestone walkway that led up to the ancient building behind them, Atcanus took a moment to glance back at the ruinlike structure. It seemed symbolic.

Tell me, Knight, what it is you think the Summoner and her protectors can do for your cause?

Atcanus continued to move as he spoke, his stave sounding each time it touched the tattered stone walkway beneath them. A veil of thin rain began to fall as the Magi awaited his answer.

[shiney]

"It is because you do not know this pain that you can be the Summoner, Yuu.." said Saylen, with a downcast look matched Her own. "Your heart feels pain to protect them, but to experience the pain firsthand could cause a disruption which very well might upset the fragile harmony existing in your heart which allows you to summon."

He sighed, and turned his back towards Yuu, looking to Her door. He didn't want Her to see his suffering, his pained face. She had Her own troubles to deal with...his were of no consequence. In truth, he merely did not want Her to go outside for two reasons. She would witness the horrid state of things in the real world..and there was a very good chance of being attacked.

Not everyone believed in the temples anymore, and those who did all squabbled for power amongst themselves. The Council was still clamoring for more control over the temples and summoners, not realizing that their arguments stole away at the lifeblood of the temples themselves. Espionage, assassins, embezzlement, the worst of all evils had infiltrated the sacred heirarchy and perverted them beyond repair. It was only by severing ties with the council and banning all it's members from Yuu's temple that he had managed to preserve what was left of the once glorious practice.

As such the two of them were alone, save for Atcanus. Any other noises heard in the temple not emanating from any of the three was instantly suspect, and they heard noises often enough to keep on guard consistently.

Snapping back to reality, he turned towards Yuu again. "The situation outside of this temple is less than stable I'm afraid," he continued to explain. "Until you summon the phoenix it would be wisest to remain indoors. You have had a near success as of recent. It is likely he wishes to return to the world now and merely awaits the perfect moment, which seems to be nearly upon us. Soon, Yuu..."

[RaiRai]

"Soon is not soon enough, Saylen." Yuu's tone became sharp and cold. Her stare directed straight at his eyes. This was not a matter to be taken lightly. Already she had felt the effects of the magic upon her wearing off. The cold was managing to penetrate her skin even though the amulet placed around her neck still eminated the strange purple light. "If I don't survive this winter, who shall continue? There are other summoners, but who else knows of the rituals? Who else has learned the teachings? There are no scribes nor artists to portray what we must do anymore. We have words, tongue to tongue, lips to lips...voice to their desperate ears..."

Yuu set her empty teacup down upon her bed and set her head in her hands, long red hair tumbling over her silken nightgown. "I'm willing to try again...now..."