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Chapter 5
The Words of Kings

The mare carrying Feand with much vigil kept a perfect gallop through the Wetlands. Now riding intensely toward her goal the druidess fought back her compassion for the bucking beast, spurring it toward the setting sun. The mountain range of Dun Morogh would soon be in sight and she'd no time for sympathies.
A figure, homely and ragged, caught Feands eye. On the side of the soft dirt road he sat and watched her approach.
"Pray stop a moment, druidess" he called out to her. Feand was unable to fight the compulsion to stop.
"What say you? I run with urgency and blindness takes your eye." She yelled in anger.
"Worry not, I know why you run and I shall not halt you long. Your cause is a great one and it is aid I offer. You needn't do much but give this scroll to King Wrynn. This is as grave importance as the message you carry." The stranger handed her a parchment cleaner than he and gave her horse a slap to continue it on it's way.
"If he be afraid to take it, tell him they are the words of Medivh." He shouted.
Now, thoroughly confused by the strange occourance, Feand regained her rythym and came to the gate of the mighty Ironforge. She would have little time to marvel at the architecture for her stay would be short. A guard that stood outside the heavy gates helped hitch Feand's horse.
"I send warn of the Lich King for King Bronzebeard. Please me and need him my audience." She said to him, her words spilling faster than the dwarf could catch them.
"Las', slow yer tongue an' speak." he said confused.
Feand's frustration was appearent on her fine elven face. Her words slowed greatly, hoping to clearify.
"The Lich King... marches... I warn king..."
The dwarf's eyes widen as he grasps the thought.
"The Lich King?!? Why didn't ya say so silly girl? Why'n ya didn't say so?"
Feand grunts in frustration and blows the hair out of her face, she so hated dealing with dwarves. She very much thought their wit matches their stature. The squat guard took her hand and fumbled his way into the safety of Ironforge.
"Lock'em down!" he shouted to his fellow guards.
"Lockin' down the gates!" they repeated in his passing. Cogs spun and gears grinded as the large iron doors closed slowly behind them. He would lead her directly to the throne room where she waited only a few moments for her audience with the king.
"What is your name, child?" asked a dwarven priest at the door to the throne room.
"Ma'am, I am Feand of the Exodar scouts and I've come to...."
"Feand of the Exodar scouts!!" the priest announced into the grand kings chamber. "Go ahead, my child" she whispered softly with a smile.
The sound of the roaring forge was the only thing to meet her ears. Timidly she stepped into the hall and bowed before the king.
"You bring me a warning I hear?" King Bronzebeard spoke with very eliquotte common tounge which suprised Feand.
"your Highness, I bring you... a warning. The Lich King... makes way, here." Feand said slowly from both nervousness and caution.
"I am aware. How long until the coming?" he asked, knowing all ears awaited the answer.
"Your Highness, I am not... of knowing. I left safe... Light's hope of the Eastern Plaugelands. Thier speed is slow but come they do. Sindragosa, the frost wyrm, leads the march"
Silence took hold of the attendees. Feand could feel the prescence of eyes at her back.
"You must get to Stormwind, but first please tell me of their strength." Said King Bronzebeard, motioning to one of his guards.
"Yes, They are many and strong... horrible magic... controls them... they only want... death. Feand's words sent whispers through the crowd now gathered at the doorway behind her.
"That is good druid, we've lots to give all who march on the great forge." Bronzebeard shouted boistrously into his hall. The whole of his court joined in with his laughter but Feand saw through the facade of confidence. "Be you off then, through the Deeprun you'll find no opposition. Take the tram to Stormwind and tell great King Wrynn the dwarves will also march and into battle."
"Your Highness, I will give him your words." Feand said, bowing as graciously as she could. Taking the offer of the king, Feand took the tram built by the gnomes in the tunnels born from the dwarves. With the speed of the tram It took only a few short moments to reach the human kingdom of Stormwind to the south.

"So Kerlani my dear," Crog started "being the lovely minstrel that your are, how about you tell us a tale? I love a good story, don't you Cal?"

"Ahhh my dear" Calleth chuckled "it looks like you have a request."

Kerlani's brillant yellow and orange coat shone in the darkness as if illuminated by some inner beauty. "Aye it would seem so. Sir Crog, what would you request?"

"Seems a song of espionage if fitting in honor of our little adventure out here. Wouldn't you agree captain?"

Calleth knew that tone, it was one the dwarves used to warned thier friends to be careful in thier meddlelings.

"Aye it would, Sergeant" The two exchanged glances of understanding, respect and mutual suspicion.

"Then I know just the one, Crog you still have some of that fine liquor don't you?" Kerlani pulled a flute from her belt and accepted the skin of gnomish gin from Crog. The night fell silent as the bard whispered an incantation and filled her mouth with the liquid. With one mighty exhale the flame centered in the small group errupted into a magnificent blue and green blaze, Crog nearly lept from his seat. The freshly aloft embers, now rich with Kerlani's magic, hung just feet above the fire, she acted quickly to catch as many as she could in her spell. Taking up her flute Kerlani played just three notes but immediately the embers responded. First standing still as if paralyzed by the sound, the floating specs of fire and magic soon began to sway back and forth in time with her call. Calleth had never seen a spell of this type and was amazed to see light dance into the image of a young iksar. Another screaching note, played so loudly it was nearly deafining came from her flute and quickly faded into a rumble deeper than any thought possible from the small flute and resonated into the night endlessly. Few bards could illistrate to this degree and the display, although amazing as it was, somehow had made Calleth a little suspicious.

"It was told to me by an oracle of Luclin," Kerlani begins âEUoeof a great warrior born in Kunark but tempered in the depths of Solusek's flame. This knight of Cazic brandishes claws of ebony and scales thick as any armor. The iksar princess demolishes all in her path in her search for vengence. Once a member of the most elite house in Caballis history she's a crusader bent on restoring her families name and avenging the death of her father."

Another flurry of notes sounded and again the floating embers danced along lazily in the air. This time they found the shape of a temple, seemingly sat atop a peak only Veeshan himself could reach.

"He also told me, this oracle" Kerlani continues "of a novice monk, a child of fate and embued with light that will change the world with a single hand. He wanders these very planes as a deputy of balance and a shepard of hope.
These two will fight great battles in the shadows of Luclin in an unwitting service to gods both malicious and glorious, pawns to the mighty generals of the sky." Kerlani's instruments no longer give birth to harmonious tones and blissfull rythms but instead the sound of clashing armor and screams of war, a sound that sent chills up Calleths spine. "The lands of Norrath will forever be changed by the mighty clashes of giants and men as the forces strugle to balance each other out. Kingdoms will fall and innocents will die but the biggest price to be payed lays on the shoulders of one soul, the deviant." she called out the moniker and struck her drum fiercely bringing about the sound of lightning crashing and earth rumbling to the bones of her two spectators, now sitting awestruck.

The embers again took another shape, indistinguishable in it's own right but the darkness stood out even in the midnight sky of the plains. A ring of golden light appeared like a mages portal, the center beset with a void of nothingness. Two eyes, grey and full of sorrow, appear in the center and seem to stare directly at Calleth.

"He'll be the one to visit the hell's of loss and feel the pain of betrayal 'tis true, but he will show even worse to his enemies and those that would do his family wrong. This, the hero of Norrath, with a heart that poisons the souls of his oppressors shall cleanse earth and water with his blade. These three soldiers of eternity will be the saviours of all of us and thier sacrifices will show the gods themselves humility in the company of mortals." Kerlani's songs ended and the embers feel back to the ground, relighting the kindling. Crog sat quietly in the wake of awe contimplating, Calleth however couldn't hold his tounge.

"So?!?? What happens songstress? Tell me more about this monk and his iksar companion. Please, I must know." Calleth pleaded

"Ha, I see my musing touched you quite deeply. My apologies, sir, but that is the story as I've heard it. Either more truth isn't known or more fantasy is yet to be written. As it were though I can only offer you this glimpse to spark a dream. Maybe when you wake, you can tell me the ending." Kerlani gave a coi smile to the confused warrior and started to put away her acutraments.

"But, I must kno......" Calleth started but was interrupted by Crog.
"Cal, it's late don't you think? I'm sure we'll have more time tommorrow. Shall we rest?"

Calleth let out a sigh of frustration but agrees to let things rest for now. He did insist on taking the first shift to watch for trouble, he knew he couldn't sleep anyway with so many thoughts racing through his head.

"Damn that bard," Calleth thought "to leave me like this. I wonder if she even knows, she has to, I should slit her throat right now. No, she may come in handy and you know that. Let her sleep tonight and let her bleed tommorrow, yes."

Arriving at the inn, the innkeeper was quick to recognize the traveling rogue and quickly showed him to his room on the top floor. As nogood sat on the bed and dried himself he couldn't help but stare at his new reward. He grasped the finely carved wooden handle, each groove in it seemed to fit perfectly in his stubbed, near paw like hands. From the makeshift scabbered he withdrew a blade as long as his forearm and about as heavy.
This was a blade of a master smith and balanced for unimaginable control. A small portion of the blade itself had been left hollow in order to facilitate poisoning and a single rune was etched onto it's surface. Being far from a scholar, Nogood had little clue what it meant but understood that what he held in his hands was indeed his first magical assassins blade, given only to the members of the "circle of the unseen hand". It was truely an epic weapon.

Chapter 4
The circle

The sound of Kerlani's lute echoed through the plains. At a most leisurely pace the mis-matched trio made it's way along a beaten path, hot on the trail of the rogue agent. Perfect pitch wasn't one of Calleths specialties but he appreciated the accompanyment none the less. Crog however was beginning to regret his choice of travel companions as he gritted his teeth through songs too frilly and fancy for dwarven ears to appreciate.

"My word girl don't you know any good drinking songs?" said the dwarf, biting back the corseness of his sentiment.

"Perhaps I do, but those songs would mean nothing wthout the aid of ale in your gut" I coo'ing smile came from behind the golden whiskers on Kerlani's face

"Well then, I've heard worse reasons to drink" Crog said, pulling a skin from his bag and taking a deep swig. Kerlani only nods in amusement and continues tuning her instrument. Being the less experienced adventrurer she could only comply and began humming a fine dwarven pub song.

"And you my friend.." Crog says to Calleth "you've fallen awful quiet, tell me whats botherin' you now? eh?"

"Crog, you know these parts pretty well don't you?" Calleth said still gazing off into the distance.

"Aye I do, what of it?"

"My dear," said Calleth to Kerlani "I'll need you to stay with Crog here for a few moments, I have some business to check up on." Crog didn't understand the request at first but learned to trust his loyal friend. The two kept making thier way to High Hold as Calleth took off over a ridge on the horizon to the northern Norrath sky. He glances around cautiously as he approaches a tree marked by crude drawing of a skull. Sitting at the base of this tree he reaches into his shirt and exposes a pendant, one held only by the highest officers of the circle of unseen hands.

Calleth speaks into the wind, his voice subdued, "What have you learned about him?"

A fine elven voice whispers from a branch high up, "He's is as expected, a fine specimen indeed. You've raised a fine pupil sire, one certainly worthy of alligence."

"That's all fine and well but what could you tell of his mind?" Calleth snapped at the well hidden informant.

"His youth is his flaw, he's blind to the intentions of others and is blinded by ambition. You're pupil through and through" She snickered, softly.

"You shal do well to mind your opinions, you've done well by me but you're no more important than my other serf's. Do not let him out of your sight and stay out of his do you understand?" said the warrior as he stood and replaced his pendant.

A briefe moment of silence swept over the two conspiritors, "Sir, understood" she said.

"Oh, and one more thing, Lilly" Calleth casts his gaze to a bush near-by and smiled at the bewildered elf who thought her voice graft spell was enough to make him think she was in the tree above him. "until he fully awakens, remember your loyalties are to me and me alone." She stood, exposing the full beauty of her half-elven profile.

Calleth started back on his way, first to search for Crog and Kerlani now well ahead of him and then to find his missing apprentice. The sun would soon be setting and a lone traveler, regardless of his battle experience, is still hesitent to sleep alone in the plains. The strumming of Kerlani's lute is a welcomed sound as Calleth returns to his group.

"So, did you find what you were looking for Cal?" Crog was the first one to break stride.

"I did my friend, and so much more." Calleths stern face was drenched with sweat from the run. "Shall we hunker down for the night? There's a small pond near and I'm sure we'll have a busy day tommorrow as we enter High hold."

"Sounds good to me" Kerlani agreed, "I need to tune my drum anyhow and I'm sure master Crog would appreciate a moment to freshen up" she said hintingly.

"Aye, T'was the human chow, turned ma' stomache to a bubblin' cauldren it did" Crog mutters embarressed as he shuffles his way to the ponds edge.

The nights rations were some pitifull looking fish cakes and bat wings crunchies fixed up by the ameature chef of the group, Kerlani. Surely Calleth would have been able to fix better tasting food but he appreciated the efforts and knew better than to insult a woman, especially one with those sharp natural claws on each hand. It'de been a while since Calleth found himself this excited by the fairer sex, he couldn't wait to see her true prowess in action. He gathered a few stray dry branches and started a fire, large enough to keep wild-life at bay but not to attract too much attention from the more cunning predators of the night.

The two sat alone for a while, Calleth instructing her on her role in tommorrows work before Crog came back with a much relieved look on his bearded face. The crisp air making his eyes wider than normal, the dwarf often found himself longing for the road during his time in Qeynos and said a small thankful prayer to Brell for the star light, dancing in the quiet arorua of the magic filled lands. Luclin, the moon of Norrath and the native home of the Vah shir, seemed almost frighteningly large. One would even try to reach for the pale white rock if not for the knowledge of it's true size.

Very nice word play! It's rare to see people use such a large vocabulary. It's hard to pull of without sounding errogant but you did it nicely. I would revise for sentence structure but great piece imo.

Chapter 4
Breaking

The sea looked unsettled, as if it knew the horrors riding upon its back. Pandorra and Cuurtero raced the winds to the shores of the Eastern Kingdoms in a hastily chartered vessil. Every nautical mile seemed to come excrusiatingly slow as the two were unsure exactly where the Lich King's forces were.
The contested lands on the northern tip of the continent would make for a hostile landing but it was a chance they'de have to take. Even the smallest confrontation would hurt thier dire cause and so they avoided it at all costs. Pandorra was both relieved and worried about an empty Eversong Woods.
The sight of the Light's hope chapel was a welcomed one though something didn't seem quite right. Only a small group of guards and soldiers remained in the area, far too little to defend an attack. From out of view, the two adventurers sized up the situation.
"Something is a'mis Pan. I'm sure not liking the looks of this." Cuutero whispered.
"Aye, and I the same. What say you give it a look?"
"T'would be my pleasure, ma'am." the rogue quipped as he steadied his weapons in thier sheathes. Magic alone was not enough to conceal a person from plain view, it also took skill and cunning. Both of which the slick-handed rogue had in spades.
Every step became more and more silent until even the leaves on the ground no longer gave his wieght much mind. Even to the most observent of eyes, the existance of a stealthy rogue becomes only a whisper.
He approached, taking deep focused breaths to calm his heart, racing with the thrill of the stalk. Five, maybe four of the Brotherhood of the Light stood in the doorway and watched the hills in silence. The chapel itself looked to be emptied of all things important or valuable. It was a clear evacuation. Cuurtero made his way back to Pandorra to share the news.
"No trap this is, seems like our little Feand did quite a job spreading wing and word." his voice seemed to come from the shadows, startling Pandorra.
"It would seem so. Let's see what say the guards then. I'm not quite in the best of looks to greet paladins, would you lead?"
"Aye I see your point." snickered Cuurtero, dropping his shroud of stealth. He made his way toward the Chapel slowly and greeted the guards with a hearty smile, they returned it with there swords.
"Halt," one of them shouted "take no steps forward lest we rend you."
"Whoa whoa good brothers, I'm no enemy. I bring word from and of Northrend." Cuurtero responded.
"You are the mate of the druid that passed here?"
"Aye, my Feand would have spoke of me, Cuurtero of the Exodar scouts."
The soldiers put there weapns away and made thier way to meet him with a salute.
"I am Carlin Redpath of the Argent Dawn. I thank you for the information you've brought here as I'm sure it's given us all a chance we would not have had."
"Yes, indeed we want none to fall to the armies of the Lich King. My companions and I have been keeping watch and note of thier actions." Cuurtero grinned, glad to be from under the sword.
"Yes, so we've heard. There ofcourse isn't much time, the whole of the nearby alliance has taken refuge in the ruins of Strathholme, they await us anxieously. We should be off."
Redpath's voice was filled with unmistakeable urgency.
"Let us then, a might thanks to you..."
"The druid spoke of... a dead.. that traveled with you. Is it close?" Carlin asked.
Cuurtero staggered in his thoughts "Yes, Pandorra the shaman of exodar, the dead."
"Forgive me, but if she be close I must set eyes upon her. If she be not our enemy I must know who is."
"Ofcouse." Cuurtero said, afraid of the fabled fanatisism of the paladins towards the slaying of undead. He motioned at a near by bush and the draenei made her way into the open, slowly approaching the small group.
The unmistakeable stench of decay filled the air. Once vibrant blue skin, flawless and soft, now looked loose and clammy, draped over a husk of muscle and bone. Her crude cloak covered the holes and absceses that ate away at the skin on her chest and stomache.
Carlin Redpath looked down on the ghoulish figure and found himself taken a'back by her calm and shy demeanor.
"Do you speak?" Carlin asked softly.
"Aye sir, and i fight also." Pandorra replied, daring not meet his stare.
"Tis a perfect answer. You do understand when this is over, we should wish to meet, yes?" Said Carlin.
"Aye" The shaman struggled to speak loud enough to be heard.
A deep sigh took Carlins voice. He placed his sword and shield on the ground and removed his tabard.
"Good, then until that time you may wear this, to remind my men of your alliance." He said handing his tabard to her which she quickly put on.
The team marched quickly east to Strathholme to join the rest of thier comrades in preperations of war.

Chapter 3
Unsteady hands

After nearly a day of exhausting flight, Feand found her way to Light's hope of the Eastern Plaguelands. She would take only a few moments there to notify the Light's hope chapel guards and write a formal report. Angela Dosantos, the archmage, would be first to hear the grim news.
The majestic chapel stood as an alabaster and golden testiment to the resolve of the Brotherhood of Light to reclaim thier poisoned lands. Inlayed in every cornerstone of every doorway was a rune of protection, forged from the purest of faith.
The flutter of a druids wings was indescernable from the wind but somehow Angela knew of Feand's coming. Once again in her graceful and proud night-elven form, Feand strugled to catch her breath.
"Madame Archmage... I bring it you, news from Northrend. Please forgive my stand." Feand said stumlbing her way to a nearby pue before her legs gave out.
Angela Dosantos immediately rushed to her side to hear the news. Even she would forgive the rudeness of her guest if for the sake of message.
"Speak child, what word have you from the north?" Angela asked inpatiently.
"Madame, I bring you a mighty warn. The forces of the Lich King march and do to this very way." Feand's awkard use of the common tongue took some time for Angela to understand.
Angela's eyes widened at the idea. She called for the guards to gather all available arms inside the chapel.
"I must pass warn to ironforge and stormwind but my flight is spent. Please it me, a mount for a time." Feand said, wiping sweat from her brow.
"Indeed child, we'll have one fed and bridled right away. Tell the kings we need to make ready the land and those that live in them." the archmage didn't need to bark those orders, they were in preparation the moment Feand spoke them.
"They come and by boat. The path is unknown but shares not the target. They aim of Stormwind and trample the great forge in thier passing. All must be ready m'lady, these beasts seek not salve only death. Both death of them and death of us." Feand warned.
"My child I should ask, how is it you've come upon this knowledge?" asked Angela.
"M'lady, It is a might tale I'll assure but none for now. Pray soothe your ear, we are scouts to Exodar. One of the dead is not our enemy and she also comes and soon. I'll leave her approach to your arms but do not make haste in fear."
"My mate, Cuurtero, travels her and they will seek refuge and guidance here. The scouting makes leave and fighting has come in it's stead. Now my word is spent here, I thank the light of it's glory and hospitality m'lady but I must make leave of my own." Feand said, strugling to stand to her feet.
"I see," said Angela "yes you must be on your way for the good of the alliance. Please tell the kings that the Brotherhood of the light will provide any assistance they require."
"Yes, M'lady" Feand gave a curt bow and made her way outside where her mount was waiting. She climbed on top of it and spurred it to run. Once out of sight of the chapel, the exhausted druid slumped down on the back of her horse and did her best to breathe deep the cold winter air.

Chapter 2
Rally

Feand was the first to feel Pandorra's return, the night-elves always the most estute of these things. The druidess gave a glance to Cuurtero who conceled himself behind his growling feline mount and readied his poisoned daggers, incase it was some other undead.
The small encampment was set nearest to the forest as one dared to go. The permafrost in this area was infamous for hiding holes deep and wide enough to swallow men alive.
Even in spirit form, Feand could smell the stink of decay arrive heavily with Pandorra. A voice filled Feand's ears, almost as an echo of reality. It was then that she finally relaxed and prepared herself for the sight of her undead comrade.
The wolf of dark fog streched and skewed becoming once again the draenei figure the two elves knew well. With every glance at Pandorra's decaying body Feand fought back the vomit creeping up her throat. Cuurtero offered a blanket to wrap around her, which greatly pleased his squeemish mate.
"What word have you now from that hell?" Cuurtero asked
"They are marching now and to the south, they carry death with them every step of the way." Pandorra's words were both angered and saddened.
"Aye, we saw. And what of thier strength? Does it wiegn with time? Does it grow?" Said feand, shivering in the wind.
"No it doesn't seem to wiegn any. The spirits of those damned soldiers are in so much pain I find it hard to believe they should ever see peace." Pandorra said solmnly.
"So a force nearly doubling the whole of alliance military now marches toward them?" Cuurtero said indignently "That's all fine for a slaughter I would think, we must give them warn."
"Aye, as true as light. We've short time for messenge, I will give this one the full of my flight." Feand said standing to her feet.
"Wait," called Pandorra "you should also tell, how the army they face is not one of anger but of fear. So deep a fear as to drive a soul screaming from it's moral and metal alike. May tell, that these are soldiers of much pity."
Cuurtero stifled an amused grin. "Always one for sentiment even with your cold heart eh, Pandorra? I'm sure they shall find my blade more sympathetic than I."
The druidess took the cold air into her breasts and stretched her arms wide. Her mind focused on the aspect of flight and felt her body dissolve into magical ether, recombining as a magestic bird ready for the longest and swiftest of flights.
Cuurtero took up his mount while Pandorra ran along side him on foot. She thought to take much advantage of the benefits of the dead. The shaman and rogue would travel slower than Feand but not as far. They knew the northern pinnacle of the Eastern Kingdoms must be warned and they would wasted no time getting there.

I suppose I'll post my WoW short story here. It was written for a contest set-up by blizzard and I had to rush to get it done before the deadline so the ending sucks, but here it is anyway.

The Unburdened
by: Vicero

Prologue:
A messenger arrives at the gates of Stormwind. The bitter winter air greedily consumes the very air from his sore lungs. The report from Northrend never seemed to come early enough for King Wrynn.

Scout report: Date unknown
"It's cold, a cold in fact that for once made me thank my dead and rotting flesh. It's so ironic, the sea below our feet is still, instead replaced by a writhing tide of undead atrosities to nature. I feel much pain in the spirits of my unwanted companions and if my heart still beat it would certainly mourn thier plight."
"To the leaders of the alliance, take heed of my word. The army of of the Lich King is amassing and with great number. I have yet to set eyes on the one called Arthas but I've heard the name several times on the lips of his army." "Though they lurch slowly when unfocused, the disregard for what could be scarcely called thier lives gives them incredible strength and speed when provoked. A warn to all those who attack by spell alone, it is a thin shield of magic that keeps them from freezing. It may prove a hinderence to your efforts."
Pandorra, of The Exodar

Chapter 1
The endless task

The shaman stole sips out of her flask. The stench of decay was as thick in the air as the slosh under her hooves. The days and nights became irrelevant as sleep came during neither. The elixer keeping her mind alive did nothing for her mortal shell which regularly made attempts to worsen itself.
The arid climate of northrend did little to soothe her mind. Above head, bone drakes circled as if eyeing the endless sea of corpses all awaiting commands from the mighty Lich King. Sindragosa sits atop the highest peak jutting from the frozen crags above.
The Dreanei shaman took in deep breaths, merely from habit, and continued her wait for anything that may help the alliance. It had been nearly three weeks since she first took the potion that would still her heart and the elixer that would keep her mind but it had seemed like an eternity now.
The mumbles and groans of the Lich King's forsaken army made the quiet morning into a sickening cabaret. The sun crept slowly over the mountains and struck a near-by cliff, setting a stage upon which the new Lich King would make his appearence. His voice filled the icy valley and all who stood there took in his words.
"I am your king," he said, his voice silencing even the wind itself to a deathly calm "and you will obey me."
Pandorra felt a pain in her chest, her heart thumped loudly against her sternum as it hadn't done in quite a while. Though he was far away, looking down on his army, she felt his eyes burning into her soul. His hand strangling her will to defy and his evil tearing her spirit apart.
"The time has come to destroy all those that would dare stand against me. You will march and you will fight. You will kill, slaughter and devour the weak and I will have my pick of the strong. Until all who oppose me are crushed you shall have no reward and given no quarter. I control death, and you shall have none."
Pandorra howled in agony as her mind momentarily buckled to eternal hopelessness. The darkness filled her so deeply she thought her sight may forever be blinded by tears. She was only one in a choir as the whole of undead soldiers howled with like agony.
Sindragosa gaped her mighty maw and roared into the distance, the blue tint of her chest becoming an azure flame into the sky. The frost wyrm stretched out wings of bone and sinew and took flight. Pandorra regained her composure just in time to see the Lich Kings prized wyrm swoop overhead, leading the march toward the southern tip of Northrend.
Shields and swords clanked loudly together as the sea of death became a macabre parade to battle. The figure on the stage of ice was no where to be seen. The spectre of the Lich King had disappeared so suddenly Pandorra found herself questioning its corporeal body.
She took this time make her leave of the crowd. The mana building in her chest felt foul but it seemed to work all the same. The shamans body faded nearly to unseen and took the form of a spirit wolf. Almost wisp like, she darted through the crowd unnoticed and found a secluded place to meet with her team.

Need a "fatherly" voice for small animation project. Please PM for script and details.

He wandered the dark streets that night enjoying the clean air slightly salted from the ports on the other side of the ridge. He eventually found himself in front of the inn Crog was staying in, swaying from drunkenness and holding a travel bag with a weeks supply. Walking in, Crog was standing in the lobby, also packed as if he knew the bards song would do the trick. The two met eyes for just a moment before anxious smiles graced both of their faces.

"Crog, my old friend, you alwas know just what I need donâEUTMt you?" Calleth steadied himself and sat to tighten his boots.
"Aye, that I do Cal." The cleric replied. "But save your thanks, that song wasn't my only request." The door opened once more and from behind Calleth came the unmistakable sound of full plate and the equally one of a kind perfume made of Luclin born flowers.
"Glad you could make it my dear." Crog grinned through his thick beard. "Calleth, this is Kerlani Ahioloko. She'll be accompanying us." Calleth stood and took her furred hand, kissing it gently.
"Charmed." He said. Her tail gave an uncontrolled twitch at the sound of his voice.
"Indeed."

Chapter 3

Glorious hollow

Although the city of high hold has never quarreled with the vah shir, Nogood still felt suspicious eyes at his back. Few vah shir traveled these parts and the few that did never tried so hard to hide themselves amongst the crowd. The dark stranger found his way to the nearest pub and took immediately to the outhouse where he could cast his concealing spells without arousing suspicion. Once satisfied with his preparations, he slipped out of a back fence. The sun would soon be rising which would make a stealthy exit near impossible, he'd have to hurry.

Nogood remembered just enough of the confusing human city from his training days, cutting his teeth on the goblins under the inn, to find his way to the lake that ran through it. He so hated getting his ebony fur wet, knowing of the peculiar musk it would cause. Often Nogood would wonder if Stanos submerged the only entrance to his smugglers ally for just this reason. The water from the mountains surrounding high hold keep flowed serenely through aqueducts carved from stone and also obscured the hole that lead to the hideout. Finally swimming through the opening Nogood swam upward and broke the waters surface with a loud gasp of breathe. The area would appear nearly cavern-like with every side blocked by the high stone walls if only the dawning morning shining through the open sky didnâEUTMt betray the idea.

A pleasant voice called from behind a large crate, "Stranger, what is your name?"
"The sun sets on the horizon, sister." He answered back, knowing the sweetness in her voice was naught but bait and any other response would have an arrow 'tween his pointed ears. From behind the crates stepped a beautiful dark elven figure. Her skin the color of the deepest depths of the ocean of tears. Silver hair loosely draped down her shoulders. As the dark temptress drew closer, Nogood savored every scent that danced around her. Goddess Tunare herself must have nursed flowers for such a fragrant perfume and only Zek himself could breed the viscious alkali smell of dried blood on her iron dagger. The sudden realization of her role presented itself in the form of a cloaked bowman moving from his hiding spot just over Nogoods shoulder. He was in the den of the most ruthless cut-throats and merciless killers under the sun and it'de serve him well to keep that in his head, instead of the charms of an elven succubus.

"Ahh I see you've arrived [back] to us safely yes?" Though the figure was obscured behind a roaring camp fire the voice was unmistakeable, only one man would dare feel so comfortable in this lair of decencies disgust. Stanos himself, the ring leader of this warehouse of pilfered goods, sat amoungst his two confidants and most faithful advisors slicing meat from a choice piece of freshly smoked cobalt cod, one of the rarest and most expensive catches from the icy shores of Velious.

"Sir, I have come back as you requested. You have another task for me I take it." Nogoods words came confidently and without hesitation thanks only to some rehersal of these lines earlier. When speaking to Stanos there's no room for weakness or uncertainty.

"Yes I do, my young rake, but first things first I imagine. You've [completed the task] I gave you last did you not?"

"I completed the task through and through. Those lousey bandits won't be giving us.. you... any more problems." Nogood knew the reward promised to him from the thiefe boss and couldn't help the hopeful expression now spread wide across gaping maw. Stanos took in the silent agreences of his two fellow rogues and let out a begrudging sigh.

"Well then Nogood my boy, it appears this belongs to you." Through the flames came a roll of rough leather bound with a simple hemp chord. Nogood grabbed it up, hesitently at first, but all worry was thrown away at the sight of the red silk tassel connected to a wooden grip. Nearly overcome with excitement he catches himself just a heartbeat away from making the fatal mistake of drawing a weapon in the thieves den, and above all in front of Stanos. "Good then my boy. Let's talk of your [next mission] for me. This should serve well to wet that new toy of yours."

Nogood took a brief moment to recompose himself, "The next mission, yes sir what would you have me do?"

"Well, I have a [caravan] leaving here tonight and I'm in need of two escorts to make sure my shipment gets to Grobb on time and in one piece. This will not be an easy task as you'll have to stay cloaked through the entire trek through the forrests of Feerott as this is also going to serve to bait any would be bandits that would target my routes and to eliminate them." Such a complicated task was music to the young Vah shirs ears. There'de be no way he could refuse this mission.

"Sir, I will escort your caravan and eliminate anyone that would target your routes as you wish. I will leave tonight and travel as a silent guardian through the forrests of the feerott to reach my goal of Grobb, sir" Nogood annouced, binding his honor to his task and his loyalty to Stanos.

"Good, I've prepared a room for you in the 'keeps hotel. You may rest there until the first sign of dusk, at which time return to me with preperations completed." Stanos ordered firmly

"Honor bound, sir!" Nogood resounded his simple rogue Ethos proudly.

"Honor bound" Stanos replied.

With that once again ebony fur dipped slowly back into the cold waters of the tunnel. Nogood was certain there was snickering at his back as the others watched his regal and proud feline form step daintly into the waters with such disdain.

Sorry, forgot to add this part:

The first set of rules was written by Frank L. Visco and originally published in the June 1986 issue of Writers' digest.
The second set of rules is derived from William Safire's Rules for Writers.

My several years in the word game have learnt me several rules:
1.Avoid Alliteration. Always.
2.Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
3.Avoid cliches like the plague. (They�re old hat.)
4.Employ the vernacular.
5.Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
6.Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
7.It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
8.Contractions aren�t necessary.
9.Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.
10.One should never generalize.
11.Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, �I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.�
12.Comparisons are as bad as cliches.
13.Don�t be redundant; don�t use more words than necessary; it�s highly superfluous.
14.Profanity sucks.
15.Be more or less specific.
16.Understatement is always best.
17.Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
18.One word sentences? Eliminate.
19.Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
20.The passive voice is to be avoided.
21.Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
22.Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
23.Who needs rhetorical questions?

1.Parenthetical words however must be enclosed in commas.
2.It behooves you to avoid archaic expressions.
3.Avoid archaeic spellings too.
4.Don't repeat yourself, or say again what you have said before.
5.Don't use commas, that, are not, necessary.
6.Do not use hyperbole; not one in a million can do it effectively.
7.Never use a big word when a diminutive alternative would suffice.
8.Subject and verb always has to agree.
9.Placing a comma between subject and predicate, is not correct.
10.Use youre spell chekker to avoid mispeling and to catch typograhpical errers.
11.Don't repeat yourself, or say again what you have said before.
12.Use the apostrophe in it's proper place and omit it when its not needed.
13.Don't never use no double negatives.
14.Poofread carefully to see if you any words out.
15.Hopefully, you will use words correctly, irregardless of how others use them.
16.Eschew obfuscation.
17.No sentence fragments.
18.Don't indulge in sesquipedalian lexicological constructions.
19.A writer must not shift your point of view.
20.Don't overuse exclamation marks!!
21.Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences, as of 10 or more words, to their antecedents.
22.Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.
23.If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.
24.Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.
25.Everyone should be careful to use a singular pronoun with singular nouns in their writing.
26.Always pick on the correct idiom.
27.The adverb always follows the verb.
28.Take the bull by the hand and avoid mixing metaphors.
29.If you reread your work, you can find on rereading a great deal of repetition can be by rereading and editing.
30.And always be sure to finish what

Written for my wife before we got engaged. A little sidenote: At the time I was studying alchemy and decided to use some of those symbols in the piece. She was born under the alchemical birth-sign of fire and I was born under water.

The Tide

The timeless conviction of my heart broke on still shores, my waves like sighs into the night. Many had passed to peer into my abyss but quickly retreated when they saw the turbulence inside. So I kept sighing, kept waiting, and kept breaking on that lonely shore.
I saw you and you smiled at me. It was a smile as pure and hopeful as my own. I summoned my strength and swelled, just enough to lap at your feet. "How fun it is, to play with this dream" I thought. The fire in your eyes sparkled as you gazed into me. I was scarcely ready and felt naked at the thought.
My spirit cooed with elation. You waded into my waters and I felt the warmth of you touch deep into my soul. As each step brought us closer I felt your body and heart, both tired and lost much like my own.
Filled with compassion I did my best to soothe your pain. These waves, my waves, which inspired such nervousness in others, caressed your pain and calmed your fears. Our hearts beat content and the warmth of your spirit only fed my want of you.
The light of the moon and stars danced across your face, an angelic vision to behold. Soon the sun will rise but I'm unafraid. Let us lie here, together, and watch the world dance around us for many moons, many suns and many tides.

I appreciate the input but I disagree. I'm currently working on another project with a very talented animation student who's doing portfolio work. I'm not paying him, I just constructed an awesome animation and gave it to him. I just want to see it come through. =)

Matter of fact, here's the project I'd like to work on with another such animator. I have the stage direction all mapped out in my head. If anyone show's interest I can write it out and send it right away. I only ask to be a fly on the wall during the whole process.

It's a small fable I heard long ago about a little girl on the beach during a storm. She's walking along throwing starfish, that have washed up on the shore, back into the ocean. An older woman, who's running for cover, see's the little girl and starts yelling at her to get inside or she'll get sick.

The little girl tells the woman that she needs to save the starfish or they'll die when the sun comes out. The woman see's that there are thousands of starfish on the beach and says "You'll never be able to throw them all back in, it won't matter just get inside!"

The little girl throws one more in and with tears in her eyes turns to the woman and says "To that one, it mattered!"

~fin

Wasn't really looking to pay anyone to be honest. Kind of hoping some people just do things because they want to be creative. No one pays me to write. *shrug*

Any bored animators out there? I'm a writer with an idea for a 2-3 minute video project. It's about a little girl by the ocean during a storm. If you're good at particle effects like rain and stuff that would be awesome. Some minor lip syncing will be needed.

Please PM me for more information

ps. sorry I know there's a colab forum but it's been a dead zone for recruiting animators lately.

Chapter 2
Of towers and cannons

Calleth awoken to the setting sun, his head throbbing, making his confusion all the more bitter. A quick glance into a close pewter plate brought all his suspicions to a pitiful end. The blasted cat hadn't even the mind to pull his face from the now freshly pressed grapes that stained his face. Looking more akin to a comically war painted northman than a dignified man of Qeynos elite, Calleth searched his cabin for a few spare coins and set off to the tavern with to dull his head. The nightlife of the human cities was always quite lively. The more reserved feir'dal had manners to their own bland end while the wayward tribes of trolls could never throw together an organized party.

Even the jolly Halflings and dwarves looked to human taverns for merriment when possible. This pub, 'The Drowning Fish' was no stranger to the nightlife. Nestled in each corner were booths meant for the relaxing elite. In plain view of the entrance stood the barkeep and all his wares from the thickest of dwarvin ales to the smoothest gnomish spirits. Even a bottle or two of Faydarks finest wines graced the lips of elves and humans alike. In the middle of the room was set an oaken dance area now littered with small tables where patrons sat and covorted about to the tune of the night minstrels songs of heroes and heart break. Calleth took his normal seat at the bar and ordered a mug of 'minotaur heroes brew'. The barkeep knew the face of a troubled warrior and more importantly he knew of the value of a rotating glass. A voice at Calleths back intruded into his stirring thoughts.

"Barkeep, this man is my debt tonight. Keep them cold and coming."
The voice was deep and carried well amongst the nights festivities. "Brells beard Cal, you're looking three toes under a dragon. Be it so bad to live as a high officer in the Qeynos court?" Dwarvin legs struggled to climb the tall stools meant for a human.
"Crog, my friend, you know they have small folk accommodation here."
"Hogwash!" Resounded Crog, "and be no taller than a humans loin? I know too much about you as is, thank you very much." The dwarf laughed loud and heartily but laughed alone.

"Sorry old friend. I haven't the heart of joy in me tonight." Calleth said sullenly. After a few quiet moments Crog stood atop his chair, an action not appreciated by the clueless barkeep, and felt Calleths brow. A worried sigh escaped his bearded mouth. Words of prayer followed before long and a healing hand lifted the pounding ache from the warriors head. Settling back into his seat, the two old war dogs sat and took back up their drink, almost in cadence. Nearly two rounds past before Crog broke the intoxicated stride.
"So, when are we going after him?"
"He's gone to stanos Crog, of all the paths to choose he chose that. Feral is one thingâEU¦ this was a descision." Calleth said, his stride broken by no means.
"Cal, you know what he is more than anyone else. It's in this I'm certain enough in your judgment to not question it. However if by chance you're mistakenâEU¦"
"It won't come to that!" Calleths voice eclipsed all others in the room though few gave him mind.

"Aye then captain. I'm hushed but understood. That's all I can ask for now." The dwarfs thick boots struck oak as Crog jumped from his perch and started out. On his way he tossed one gold piece to the barkeep and another to the bard, center stage among the festivities and fresh from a break. A nod of approval was given as Crog whispered into her ear.

Kerlani began to strum away at her lute. The only other vah shir to call Qeynos her home, aside from Nogood. Kerlani was also abandoned, and found on an island to the far west. Her name meant beautiful in her native island tongue and 'kerra' the parent race of the vah shir and indeed she did the title justice. Her soft, glistening fur glowed through the darkest night with hues golden and radiant of the proudest tigress. Her some what human eyes were dark and deep with seductive draw. A slim waist gave sumptuous contrast to full breast, peaking teasingly from the plummeting line of her evening gown corset like in its tapering detail. Though many drunken men of the town gave a wanting glance very few dared tempt the fabled passionate frenzy of the half-beasts. Calleth thought it wonderfully ironic that her single extruded claw now lovingly caressed the strings of her instrument, still held a crimson stain from recent battles and indeed almost looked like polish. Tonight her mind was only on Crogs request.

"A song for thee, the warriors three.
A tale of curses and life.
Of many are told, from legends of old,
the struggle, the love, the fight."

Once a young mortar began to build,
Began to build? Began to build.
From plaster to cobble his fate he sealed.
His fate he sealed? His fate he sealed.
When all was done he mounted cannon to
Ward all the thieves away, but this poor lad,
He'd never a'had the proper foundation to lay,

Oh a song for thee the warriors three
A tale of curses and life.
Of many are told from legends of old
The struggle, the love, the fight

Then one rainy day it began to sink
Began to sink? Began to sink
So our young cobbler began to think
Began to think? Began to think
He aimed his cannon down at his feet and blew it
All to smithereens and on his bones and on his stones
Our Qeynos stands today.

Oh a song for thee the warriors three
A tale of curses and life
Of many were told from legends of old
The struggle, the love, the fight

Calleth knew the ballad well and also knew well the reason Crog requested it. The song wasn't as much about the foundation of Qeynos but about a question posed by every warrior; "How much sacrifice must take place before any good is done. And are you great enough to grasp that sacrifice if it's fate is at your very feet?"

Calleth finished his last mug and tossed a coin to the barkeep. "Sir, your dwarf friend already paid for the both of you and then some." The scruff man said from behind his oaken bar.

"My debts are my own burden." Calleth replied while starting toward the door.

Any bored animators out there? I'm a writer with an idea for a 2-3 minute video project. It's about a little girl by the ocean during a storm. If you're good at particle effects like rain and stuff that would be awesome. Some minor lip syncing will be needed.

Please PM me for more details!

At 4/29/13 02:10 AM, Nebula wrote: Red sun, Black Aurora.

Looks pretty cool!

Starting too many sentences with "The" or "A" makes it seem a little like a list though.

Her heart skipped a beat. Not only did he notice her amongst the trees in the pitch of night, but also her camouflage didn't conceal her. "You could learn so much more about me with words than stealth." The animals did not stir in his passing and his tone, while stern, showed little malice. She leaped down from her perch with fixed eyes, her hand hovering about her weapons in uncertainty.

"There. The grass feels much better on your feet than the bark of that treant, doesnâEUTMt it?" He asked, while continuing his way on the path, stopping briefly to offer a curt bow to the young woman. Her hair was as black as ravens down and braided into a single thick rope down to the nape of her back. The life of a Karana ranger made her figure toned and supple while the clear lakes have kept her skin brilliant in its earthly golden color. Nogood thought it true at that moment halve-elves received the best of both lineages, Even if his bow was unreturned. She soon took up stride alongside the much taller vah shir and as they walked she slowly relaxed.

"Those bandits back thereâEU¦" She started, "We've been trying to remove them from our plains for a while now but we could never catch them actually doing wrong. I must thank you for your unwitting service to the rangers of Karana."
"Oh." He said, with mocking surprise, "Those were bandits?" Her fine Elvin features softened into a radiant and contagious smile.
"Yes and they'll ransack our caravans no longer because of you."
"My dear, donâEUTMt you know it's unwise to thank a vagabond lest they never leave?" he interrupted in jest.
She giggled, "Then I'll say those spells you casted before battle gave you much trouble though they are childs play to a mage."
"Oh so now you wish me gone from these plains, is that it huntress?" He was certain she was slightly intoxicated by his candor. Life among the wild can be lonely indeed.
"That's not true, hunter, I only wish to understand what kind of person kills with such joy the scum of Norrath while at the same time reporting to one." Her face took on a new seriousness as her eyes, green as any leaf, probed his profile for a reaction.
"I answer to no one." He said, his voice cold and nearly angered. She took a step back and nearly drew her sword before realizing his anger was not toward her.
"Well thenâEU¦" She continued, "You said I could learn more about you and indeed I am. Can I ask how you knew I was watching?" She asked.
"The nightshade oil on your sword. They donâEUTMt grow in these plains."
She laughed, "Ha, I would have never expected druidic knowledge from a fierce vah shir."
Nogood also grinned. "Not druidic, huntress, but alchemical. One drop to sicken, a few drops to paralyze, and a gut full like you have on your sword thereâEU¦ curtains."
She cursed her naivety, even the coldest of assassins could muster up civilized conversation from time to time. "I think I know all I need to for now, again I thank you stranger. My name is Lilly, you've not told me your name." She said, tethering her loose equipment.
"Indeed, Lilly, I also never asked yours."
She was slightly irritated by his rudeness but after all, she didn't return his bow. Lilly trotted off back the way they'd come. Nogood couldn't help but turn to watch her skin tight leather pants bounce away rhythmically with the swish of her hair. A memory that would serve a fresh smile all the way to high hold keep.

Doing a small project and need a mature female voice to do a voice over. Anyone interested?

Just a writing exercise I did in high school, figured it would be good to do here.

Establishing an environment is all about describing it, of course. You do this by focusing on the five senses. Please pick a scenario then try to describe it using at least 3 of the 5 senses. Keep in mind later in writing that describing the sensory input of an area is vital to the reader.

Scenario: A day at the beach
The salt, bountiful in the waters, tasted precious on my tongue. Liz never much liked the smell of the ocean but the crispness of the air was well worth the fishy odor. The sun fell easily across my reddened back. I knew that tomorrow would remind me of such arrogant endulgence of the beating rays of light that warmed every part of me. These are the rare days of staring into the sunset at the foot of an eternal body of splendor. This was a beautiful day at the beach.

At 4/23/13 04:39 PM, Ilumnia wrote: Just as the title states it, please help me. Which genre is easy for newbies to write? I've tried writitng fantasy but evey time I start writing I'd end up over-elaborating and my story gets draggy. I've pretty much lost count of how many times I crapped in my story (and there is the problem of me being indisicive(?) of my story's plot) . Could you guys please help me?

The biggest piece of advice I have for any writer starting out is "Let it suck." I know it's counter-intuitive but sometimes in writing the only important thing is to keep the pen moving. Don't dwell on things you would have done differently before you've finished the story. Even if it does suck, read it and find out why, fix it, then keep writing.

Let it suck, because it will at first just like any attempt at a new art.

Another writer here with a lazy pen. Anyone want to bounce ideas for a project? I like to blend worlds and weave interlocking storylines. I like reworking existing lore (like game worlds, mythology or real life history) but it's not necessary. Feel free to PM me but would like to see what sprouts in the openness of the forum.

At 4/21/13 03:33 AM, EnnuiEngram wrote: At some point I decided I didn't want to sleep and wrote this instead:

Sweet work! This is where you can expect people to gripe about the paragraphs but I'm glad I didn't let that stop me. How far are you planning to go with this idea? It has the makings of timeless story everyone could connect with.

At 4/21/13 08:41 AM, McGu wrote: So I spontaneously wrote a poem a few days ago that turned out decent, but I still feel that there's something wrong with it, and since I have limited experience with poems I thought I'd ask some people who probably know more than me about it. Any idea's what's wrong?

Spontaneous poems are the best! I like that you've conjured a place with things, events and people. It seems like it would make a great series!

As for constructive feedback, I think the problem is that there are too many things, events and people to fit into one poem. For example, you wrote about a cherry tree but what is the relevance of it? If everyone's "as mad as the hatter" then how do they act? (Sidenote, if everyone's crazy then no one's acting weird per se)

This did a great job of sparking my interest! I would love to read more about this place. If I read more then I'd want to read about taking part in this world, not just feeling alien to it.

The flourishing city of Qeynos stood among the most promising in all of Norrath. Merchants and Wayfarers traveled from afar daily for the humans' massive markets. The trek was a dangerous one through the plains of Karana to the east. Many beasts from rare and majestic griffins to the roaming clans of giant Cyclops', scowling ready to attack any passers-by that would stumble into their squat hands. Indeed this land reflected well the bounty of its name sake goddess. Though the night was still young brilliant blue wisps wondered blindly along, illuminating the freshly grown grasses they left in their wake. Dancing through the ethereal light young plains tigers looked to snap up fleeing field mice.

The night in the plains of Karanas was said to be spent amongst the predators and on this night those words could ring too true. From the shadows stalked a hunter far worse than any mindless beast. She eyed her prey with intent only on the task at hand. Her bow at the ready and her gaze fixed on a lone vah shir who dared to wander too close. The unwavering sentry sat in perfect silence while notching an arrow, a roughly whitled stick of poisonous arrow wood tipped with the quill of a porcupine. One wrong word from him and the plains animals would have their fill tonight.

Under the cover of darkness Nogood often gave thanks for his feline night vision and now more than ever it served him well. Amongst the brightly lit camp fire was a man and a woman sharing story and stealing glances but hiding in the shadows around them were twice that in make-shift chain and leather, ready to ambush any fool looking for friendly conversation. The scent of old blood stained the crisp air like unseen fog settling heavily all around him, truly an intoxicating bouquet of the hunt and one which struck primal chords in the mind of a stalker. The group of bandits had not noticed their new visitor yet and that made his job so much easier. With a flick of his hand and the utterance of just four syllables Nogoods clawed feet arose from the ground inches above the soft grass. While not a mage of any sort, living amongst the adaptable humans taught him a little of all the trades. This spell wasn't quite a full levitation but served well to keep his steps unheard. The next spell took effort and a few seconds more time, however invisibility is hardly an easy feat.

Though this spell only served to make him a translucent blur, the shadows would do well to complete his shroud of stealth. The moon sat high in the sky to the west and so to the east of the oblivious bandits Nogood would stalk. Few things were said to make the vah shir heart race; one of which was a certain herb grown in the wilds of Luclin and the other was the thrill of the hunt. As quick as a bolt Nogoods dagger bit hard as soft leather did little to protect the ribs of the first unfortunate bandit. The stifled scream quickly ended as another stiletto found its mark at the humans ear causing the mans jaw to clamp shut. This dance of death visited each of the watching marauders until only the two remained at the fire. Still clueless as to their partners' fates. A laughter arose from the quiet night making the couple jump to their feet and ready their weapons that were previously well hidden.

"Dogs!!" The voice was raspy and indistinct seeming to come from every where at once and no where at all. "The slave dogs sent to hunt the innocent, you are unworthy of your jeweled collars."
The very shadows from the camp fire seemed to dash behind the couple, Startling them into fear of this ghastly presence. The male bandit spoke, voice quivering, into the empty night, "Who are you? Show your self!" He fell to the ground with a horrifying scream, the back of his leg ripped open as if an ethereal whip-man conducted his work.
"I did not say speak, dog!"
The woman bandit removed a small throwing dagger from her wrist sheath and threw it blindly into the darkness. Shaking from fear she barely manages to maintain her hold on her short sword. "What is it you want from us?" Her terror evident even from the trees the huntress waited in from afar.

The sickening crunch of metal versus bone shot through the male bandits ears as his companions sternum gave free of an ebony dagger. Nogood rose slowly at her back and whispered into her ear, "Sit."
The man cried out, "Sara!" in vein and stated, "You! You shall pay dearly for this. You and all your young for generations will pay. This by my name I swear, Vah Shir!" Rage overwhelmed the bandit but not so much as to make a foolish move in his condition. Nogood simply growled through a clenched tooth grin. An action unnerving in its psychotic fury.
And what name would that beâEU¦ Dog?" Said Nogood.
"Mallus Evisted." He replied, giving this killer as little reason to strike as possible.

"Well then Mallus, give your master this message; 'The caravans of Stanos Harkur are not on yours or anyone else's menu. This time I've taken lives, next time it will be your eternally damned souls.' Do you understand?" His gaze fixed on the quivering human insured his point had gotten across. "Oh, and one more thingâEU¦" Nogood continued. "That name of yours belongs to me now. If you ever speak it again, they will be your last words." Without so much as a sound, the dagger that slew Sara Evisted found its place back into it's sheath, and Nogood walked away from the camp to high hold keep. Only a few minutes passed before he came to a halt and looked into the night. "So?" He called into the trees. "How long are you going to watch me, huntress?"

At 4/19/13 07:28 PM, HollowedPumkinz wrote:

Delightfully sadistic! The kind of thing that makes me feel like my k9's are extending!

I would love to get more sensory information, I'm sure you could paint a deep and red picture. I always get jollies when people refere to the smell of blood as "Alkali." Mmmmm such a sinister idea.

.

I've always wanted to write a story about the greek god Possiedon and I'm finally getting the idea off of the ground. I have a mythology book I'll be reading to prep for the characters but I hate reading... which I know is ironic for a writer. Anyway, does who knows a lot about greek mythology have suggestions of characters I should pay special attention to?

Also, it's a bit early to ask but once I have the details panned out I'll probably be intersted in making it into a flash movie project. Stay tuned!!

sweet = )