(OOC: Nice to see you in action Filia...I'm definitely joining!

BTW, to anyone who wants to join...I'll be co-GM since I'm helping Filia out with this one)

IC:

The glowing light from the huge bonfire illuminated the many large shapes of the Canids as they gathered in the Meeting Place. The elements of ice, fire, water, earth, storm, and wind all mixed with each other. Apprentices found their friends and congregated in small groups farther away from the fire. Grown Masters gathered closer to the blazing heat, though, and found small talk amongst themselves. They were all patiently waiting for the meeting to begin.

And then it did. The apprentice closest to his mentor nudged his friend, who in turn nudger her sister, who silenced all with a simple flash of fire in her eyes. Soon all was quiet, save the crackling of the fire and the scraping of the Head Masters' claws as they gathered in their rightful places in front of the bonfire.

First to speak was none other than Head Ice Master Kenji, swiveling his large ears to see if all was silent. The visor covering his blind eyes glittered in the firelight, mesmerizing some of the younger apprentices. Kenji's one white-furred leg stood out among the rest of his black fur. Spiked bangs of different shades of read fell over the middle of his forehead, and the cythe-like scar on his left cheek demanded a certain level of respect from the other Masters and apprentices. With a nod and a swish of his tail, Kenji opened his mouth to speak....

"Canids of all age and element, welcome to the Meeting Place. We gather here to do our ritual Telling of Moons and Sharing of Words," He said in his deep serious voice, beginning the meeting like every other one before it.

"I will start out with naming the Ice Canids' newest additions to the Masterhood...Welcome, Ice Master Jinlu, Ice Master Yulei, and Ice Master Sebik. Your talents are much appreciated." Kenji nodded toward the other Masters, smiling faintly as he named them.

It went on like this, the Ice Canids having nothing major to report. Next was Head Earth Master Mayflower, her sister Storm Master Lenli and their brother Fire Master Selwin. Selwin's charred leg caused a permanent limp, and a long scar on his belly caused many apprentices to look on in wonder. None of those masters had had any troubling news, and some of the younger Canids were beginning to wonder why the Masters treated meetings as such reverent times.

This isn't very exciting at all.... Young Eckli thought, stifling a yawn as his Uncle Selwin finished his Telling. Juno lied to me...this is sooo boring. The Earth Apprentice layed his head down on his paws and began to watch the flickering flames, thinking of ways to get revenge on his brother for lying. Eckli was vaguely aware of Head Water Master Dumondur taking his place by the fire, a grim look on his face.

"...Water Apprentice Lenora is still missing." Eckli's head bolted upright within seconds of hearing Dumondur speak those words, causing a few curious glances from other apprentices and a Master or two.

Now THIS might be interesting...at last! The young pup thought, waiting for Dumondur to speak again. The older Master seemed to be taking his time and choosing his next words with care.

"I have been in touch with the Elemental Council of the Elves, and they say they are missing one of their apprentices as well. This is all very worrisome, but we can do nothing without word from Lenora. If any of you happen to know anything about her disapearance, the news would be very much appreciated." Dumondur gave a feeble smile, his blue fur looking pale in the firelight. The scars on his muzzle seemed to add on to his age within those few moments.

The Water Master went on to name the newest Water Masters that had been initiated into the Masterhood, but Eckli was not paying any more attention. His blue eyes were focused on his large paws, and his mind was working furiously.

Lenora? Hmm...wasn't she one of Larai's friends? He thought with a frown, brows knitting together. He barely noticed the large form of Head Wind Master Tanek as he began his news. Eckli turned his head in time to catch a glimpse of his sister conversing with her friend Desania, a Water Apprentice. Larai was an Ice Apprentice, on her way to following in their father's footsteps. Eckli noticed that she looked very distressed, and that Desania was doing her best to comfort Larai.

Why do I get the feeling that something is gonna go horribly wrong...?

(OOC: Okay..I'm going to get a profile up for the Canid Masters as soon as I can. Right now this picture of Eckli will have to do

Hope that's alright with you Filia)

(OOC: THIS - LOOKS - AWESOME!

Mind if I have 2 characters...? I'll just intro the bio's for now...make sure they're ok. If the history or anything needs changing, let me know^^)

Name: Wade Klie-Xaren
Species: Wyvern
Gender: Male
Age: 52 Human years, 20 Wyvern years
Appearence (current): Skin is a metallic ice white, with the slightest hint of cyan. A long shock-white patch runs down his front from his neck to the tip of his tail. Aprox. 10 feet tall at the shoulders (when on all fours), and when sat back on his back legs, his head tops 20 feet. Very thin, lithe, almost serpantine body, but with powerful arms and legs. Three pairs of disproportionately large wings sprout from his shoulders, and his waist, legs and tail sport large, thin flaps of skin, like a fishes fins, used for show rather than any flight purpose. His long, thin head sports brilliantly glowing cyan eyes, and his ears are large skin crests, sticking up from the back of his head for a length of almost 2 feet.
Note: Wyverns have the abillity to sculpt their body at will, to become larger or smaller, grow extra pairs of wings ect. They can even shape-shift into another form entirely, but it takes a lot of energy, so they don't do it often.
Personallity: Origionally he was friendly and amiable, making friends with everyone, including other races, but then came the Great Wyvern Massacre (see history), and this turned him against most of the other races. He is still loyal to what friends he does have, but has very few now, prefaring to live quietly alone in his cave on top of Skyreach.
History: The Wyverns were once a thriving community on top of their home crag of Skyreach. They were friendly and kind, a little concited and proud, but on the whole a nice community with no real enemies. Then came the Great Wyvern Massacre. Nobody knows what started it. Some believe it was a small group who were annoyed at the Wyvern's pride and rallied the other races against them. Others say it was supernatural forces. At any rate, all the nations round about formed a temporary alliance and marched on Skyreach, destroying everything in their path. The Wyverns, unprepared, were slaughtered, and only a few select survived, most of them leaving the area and making a home elsewhere. Wade was barely hatched at the time, and managed to survive by hiding in the dead body of his mother. When the armies left, he buried his dead kin and took up residence in his ancesteral home. Among his aims are finding out the true cause of the attack on his kind and taking revenge on those responsible, and finding a mate and restoring his kin to Skyreach.

Name: Goreg
Spicies: Giant
Gender: Male
Age: 40 Giant years, 50 Human years
Appearence: Giants average twelve feet tall, but Goreg is almost 15. Incredibly thick-set, with a slightly hunched over appearence, his shoulders are a full five feet across! Humanoid figure, with faded bluish-grey skin. Wide mouth with fangs poking out from behind the bottom lip. A flat, wide nose, and white eyes, with no pupils or irises. He is completely bald but for a long tuft of wiry white hair growing from the very top of his head. This is tied in a long pony-tail, reaching down to the small of his back. Wears a brown waistcoat and loincloth, make from leather, and carries a long staff, basically a tree uprooted and with the branches cut off, that can be used as a weapon or a walking staff.
Personallity: Giants are very excitable and friendly, and any excuse they get for a party they take with open arms! They very rarely get angry, and are usually perpetually smiling or laughing! Their carefree, jovial nature makes them liked by almost everyone.
History: Giants live in "Giantopolis", a city built into the walls of a massive canyon on the plains of Rakennir. They generally keep themselves to themselves, but treat any visiters with great friendlyness, holding parties in their honor. A few Giants have left their canyon to explore, but most are quite happy at home. Goreg has recently become the leader of their tribe after their former leader passed on (to much cheering and partying) and is settling in to his new role as Chief.

Thnx shadow lady! ^^ I know I changed the post a bit but I thought you wouldn't mind, so sry.

And the history is fine wraith!

I'll post another episode a bit later...

(OOC: Hey, Wraith, glad to see you joining us man! ^^ Great characters you have there...very interesting and unique. Again, glad to have you on board!

This post I am merely giving more detail on my species, the Canids. Anyone interested in making up a Canid character, by all means go ahead. Just use these guidelines and you'll be fine.

Name:
Age(they age like humans do):
Element/Status:
Personality:
Appearance:
Mate(optional):
Bio:

Canids are wolves with elemental powers and some odd coloring. They speak human and elf speech and age much like humans do; the oldest Canid ever recorded was 105. Each Canid controls the element of either fire, water, wind, storm, earth, or ice. A Canid Master is a Canid that has mastered his/her element and gone through the necessary training required of each Canid the moment they come of age. An apprentice is a young Canid still learning and training under the watchful eyes of his/her elemental Masters.

Each Master and apprentice has their own weakness, whether it be because of their element or because of their personality and habits. The following are things each element must take caution when near:

Ice Masters: Fire
Fire Masters: Water, ice
Earth Masters: Ice, fire
Storm Masters: Water
Wind Masters: Water
Water: Fire, storm

For example, if you are a Water Master/apprentice you must stay away from fire, since it can cause odd reactions. You must stay away from storm as well, since electricity does not go well with water.

Any other questions about the Canids can be directed to me. PM me if you are still confused about this. Here's Eckli's and Lenora's profiles:

Name: Eckli
Age: 11
Element/Status: Earth apprentice
Personality: Very curious and friendly, can be a little naive at times, has a good sense of humor and gets bored easily.
Appearance: Here it is again if you didn't see it the first time.
Bio: Eckli is the son of Ice Master Kenji and Earth Master Mayflower. He has often been underestimated by enemies or other Canids, but he is in fact very intelligent and intuitive. Eckli has a brother and a sister and trains to someday graduate to Master, and possibly Head Master. He longs for adventure and for a chance to test out his powers on something other than a simple target.

Name: Lenora
Age: 15
Element/Status: Water apprentice
Personality: Very intelligent and sharp-witted, likes things organized, can be very literal but loves a good laugh.
Appearance: Wolf with bright blue fur flecked with darker blue spots, has green eyes and black and blue bangs tied up on her forehead, has large paws. Toes can expand and flatten to reveal webbing in between each toe, tail ends in a large mermaid-like fin. Lenora has a serpent symbol curling around her belly with its head on her shoulder joint.
Bio: Lenora is the daughter of Water Master Dumondur and Ice Master Nari. She has virtually no friends because of her personality and likes. The friends she does have, however, are odd ones for such an apprentice as Lenora. She has managed to befriend an elf apprentice named Jade, a vampire named Kitarra, and a Silver Dragon named Crescent Shadow. Recently Lenora and Jade have gone off to meet up with Crescent and Kit, doing so because of an urgent message received from said friends.

Those are the guidelines for the Canid species. As said above, PM me if you have any further questions about this species. This is only a quick summary of all there is to know, so if you're confused, don't worry about it. ^^)

OOC: Bios for Jade and Kittara...

Name: Kitarra Kunaiene
Species: Vampire
Age: 19
Note: Vampires age as humans do, though they live much longer, and their appearance changes little
Gender: Female
Physical: Pale, almost milk-white skin and long, golden hair. Clouded ice-blue eyes, and slim, but very strong. Fast, has long, but barely visible scar on left arm. Left-handed.
Personality: Very mocking, has a cruel and cold sense of humor. Extremely distrustful, although somewhat kind and very loyal to her friends. Somewhat unfair and hostile to other species, sometimes overconfident, and hates humans. Also enjoys making fun of weaker species.
History: Kittara was born in Valthonia, but moved alone to Rakennir at age 10. She met Crescent a few years later, and became her rider soon after their meeting. The two explored Rakennir for a while and met Jade and Lenora while visiting the Elven Lands. Kittara and Crescent continued exploring and visiting the two apprentices until they separated later on, Kit returning to Valthonia and Crescent also. Several uninteresting years have passed until the Dark Ones came to power. Kittara has called a meeting for the four

Name: Jade Maikennia
Species: Land Elf
Age: 85 elf years, 17 human years (elf years are 5 times human years)
Gender: Female&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp
Element/Status: Novice Earth apprentice
Physical: Golden-tan skin, bright green eyes, pointed ears. Hair changes color according to season. Slender and slightly tall for her age. Swifter than a deer, stronger than humans(like all elves) even though female.
Personality: Loves nature, very sweet and gentle. Generous but not too trusting. Adores the Elementals Council, hopes to someday be part of it. Enjoys traveling and adventuring, very kind to different species. Has a tendency of getting dreamy and out-of-this-world when in contact with nature. Loves exploring new places, hates staying in one place. Somewhat impatient, but very soft-spoken and modest, though sometimes stubborn.
History: Jade was born in southern Rakennir and became an apprentice at 10(human years). She became a novice about 15 years. She is disliked very much because of her abilities and has practically no friends at all amongst her fellow elf apprentices, but has befriended a Canid water apprentice, a vampire, and a silver dragon. She had just finished her lessons for the day when she received a call from her friends and went to meet them

- - -

IC:

"Can you smell them?" Jade asked the Canid running beside impatiently. Lenora shook her head. "Ugh! Why couldn't they have met us in Ilrea? No, they insisted that we meet them somewhere here!" Lenora kept silent. The two apprentices ran on for a few more hours, not saying another word. As the two approached a river flowing across their path, Lenora's ears perked up. "I think I smell them! I mean, I think I smell Kit...Crescent isn't there..."
Jade gave a relieved smile."Finally! I thought we'd never get there!She said a clearing, right?"
"Yea."
"wait, I think I see it now! I can't see Kit though."
"Where?"
"up ahead! We just need turn west a bit..." Jade's voice trailed off as they came to a huge clearing. "I guess it was closer than I tho-" WHAM! Jade Lenora ran into something quite solid. They both staggered back and tried to keep their balance. Kit, all the way across the clearing, looked up at the sound of impact. Walking over, she paused right before the barrier. "I'd help you guys if I could, but I can't. So sorry. You'll have to wait for Crescent." Her eyes glimmered with amusement. Jade and Lenora had finally regained their balance and checked themselves for any bruises. "Didn't you hear us coming?"Jade said somewhat angrily,"You could've warned us!" Lenora simply glared at Kit while rubbing her sore nose. "I was a bit preoccupied." "Yea well, you coud've paid more attention!You-" Jade cut off her sentence as Crescent walked into the scene. Lenora could hardly refrain herself from rushing up to her."Crescent!" She bounced up and down with excitement."Make an opening in the barrier! So we can go in!" Crescent walked to her three friends."Sorry,"she said apolegetically,"But I can't take this thing down till the sun goes down. Unless you want Kit to disintegrate into dust. Not saying that that wouldn't be an improvement, but you know-" Crescent shut up when Kit gave her a silencing glare. "We can talk right here," Kit pointed out coolly. "fine!" Jade replied."Why did you call?"
Kit looked at her calmly. "We're leaving."
"What???" Jade and Lenora said in unison. "What do you mean, leaving?" Jade cried isbelievingly.
"exactly what I said. We're leaving Rakennir for Valthonia. We have some business there.And we're leaving as soon as possible."
"We are NOT leaving here! Well, at least not for another week." Lenora heatedly replied.
"and why is that?" Kit asked coldly.
Lenora took a step back when Kit stared into her eyes. SHe tore her eyes away from the captivating blue and looked at Jade for support.
Crescent, who had been watching this whole exchange from a few feet away, spoke up. "Because, next week is the solstice."
"And what does that matter?" Kit turned to look at Crescent.
The silver dragon looked back at her and said,"Each year, at the solstice, the Elven and Canid apprentices gather for the most important celebration of every year, the Initiation."
"So?" Kit asked patiently. "What does that have anything to do with us?"
"Jade and Lenora are apprentices aren't they? Well they have to be present."
Kit shrugged.
Crescent frowned at her. "I would have remembered if you had not distracted me."
"So what? They don't have to be there."
Jade finally spoke again. "Yes we do! All apprentices make a vow the day they're offered apprenticeship. We can't just break that vow!"
Kit rolled her eyes. "Alright, we won't leave yet. But we'll leave at dawn the day after the Initiation. And a little surprise, I think I'll attend the ceremony. How about that, huh?"
Lenora's eyes widened. "What?? No way! The Priestesses won't let you come near the Initiation grounds!"
Kit laughed her usual mocking laughter. "well, they can't do anything about it, can they? Remember, Nora, that vampires are immune to magic."
Nora winced at her laughter. "That doesn't matter, they'll create a barrier!"
Jade gave an exasperated sigh. "She's right, Nora. They won't. She and Crescent are gonna be my supports. Just in case I become priestess. No one else can."
Kit gave Lenora a triumphant look. Nora was livid. "What?? Ugh...she always wins!" She whirled around and sped away.
Kit looked at Crescent. "is that it than?" Crescent nodded. "Bye Crescent, Kit!" Jade said as she, too, turned and swiftly ran to catch up with Lenora.
"Well, should we prepare for our little trip to Ilrea?"

Out on the plains near the forest a small group of figures were moving, heading north parralel to the forest edge. They were Giants, massive hulking figures, nine of them, and each one save for the leader were carrying the large carcesess of Plains Beasts on their shoulders.

They seemed in a jubilant mood! As they walked, they chatted amongst each other in the Giant tongue, a series of grunts and snorts of various lengths and pitches.

The leader of the group was large, even for a Giant, and wore a leather waistcoat as well as the usual loincloth that all Giants wore. The two hulking figures behind him also wore waistcoats, barely fitting over their massive forms, and the lead Giant carried a massive staff in his hand.

One of the other Giants in the procession increased his pace, drawing alongside the leader. He looked up from under his catch (not a weight to his huge muscles, despite it's considerable size) and grinned widely.

"Chief Goreg, we honored you and bodyguard come for hunting trip! You cause good luck!"

Goreg looked round and returned the grin. "No, Giant strength is reason for great catch!" he replied cheerily. "We hold great party in canyon to celebrate! Big feast for all!"

The other Giants cheered and laughed, and Goreg began to laugh too. "Giant people great people!" he exclaimed. "Deserve very best!"

Suddenly he stopped, so suddenly that those following him almost bumped into his back! His head was turned towards the forest, and his white eyes regarded the treeline carefully.

"Problem, Chief Goreg?" muttered one of the others quietly. Goreg raised a hand, pointing a finger at the trees.

"Movement in the forest." he muttered. His face slowly creased into another beaming grin. "More food for feast! Party wait here...me and Bodyguard catch animal!"

The other Giants were grinning ear to ear with the possibillity of more food, and they nodded respectfully, some of them taking the carcasess from the shoulders of Goreg's bodyguard. Goreg himself raised his staff, and with a last beaming glance at the others, set off quietly towards the forest.

Despite his size, he was supprisingly lithe, and he and his bodyguard made hardly any sound at all as they entered the trees! Goreg whispered to the two following him: "Go to the side...surround the prey!" They nodded silently and moved off into the trees in different directions, preparing to come around behind whatever it was in the area.

The sounds that the Chief had heard were much closer now. It was definitely something moving through the forest...something moving quite quickly too...and it was headed straight for him! His grin growing wider, he raised his staff, preparing to attack whatever it was that parted the foliage ahead of him...

Ears flattened, green eyes blazing, Lenora bounded through the forest, angry at the turn of events. She had hoped that the matter of the solstice would not come up in front of that meddling vampire, but apparently hoping was for fools. Kitarra was now coming to one of the most important events of the apprentice's life and she was bound to cause question! Nora's pace quickened at this; how dare Kit weasel her way into Lenora's initiation ceremony!

"Lenora! Lenora, slow down...quit overreacting!" Jade yelled from a ways back. Frowning, the elf lengthened her stride to catch up with the indignant Water apprentice.

Ignoring her friend Lenora kept her pace as it was. Right now she needed to concentrate on dodging the trees and sparse thornbushes that threatened to snag her fur. With a sigh of relief Nora realized she was almost out of the forest and would soon be out on the plains. From there it would be no problem finding her way to the nearest body of water. Then she could go home! An extra spring in her step, the Canid raced along, barely noticing the scent of Goreg in front of her until it was too late.

A startled yelp emitted from her parted jaws as she scrambled out of the way of the Giant's huge staff, tumbling over her large paws in the process. Lenora scolded herself for being so foolish, rolling out of the way of another blow just in time!

"Hey, hey! Stop that!" She scooted backward, her mermaid-like tail lashing back and forth, her eyes glistening. A large sphere of water materialized in front of her, swirling and shimmering in the sunlight. With a grunt Lenora sent it hurtling toward Goreg, a loud SMACK sounding as the nearly solid sphere collided with his face.

"Lenora! Are you alright? I told you to slow down!" Jade said as she left the edge of the forest. Upon seeing Goreg, the elf tensed, ready for a fight if need be...

Goreg stumbled backwards a step as the water slapped his face...most creatures would have been knocked over by it, but his gigantic frame absorbed most of the impact. He shook his head to drain the water from his eyes, running a hand down his features, then he blinked and looked down at the two figures in front of him curiously.

"Not food animal!" he muttered to himself in his own language. He had been so excited earlier that he hadn't realised when he had been swinging his staff...he had just seen a shape!

His Bodyguard suddenly appeared from the foliage nearby, each coming from different directions behind Jade and Lenora. They raised their fists to attack, but Goreg called them off, and they nodded and trundled round to stand behind him impassivley.

Goreg was one of the few Giants that had actually learned to speak some of the other languages in the world...as tribe Chieften, it was his responsibillity. Now, spotting the Elf, he tried speaking in what he knew of the Elven tongue. His voice, deep and gravely, sounded strange mouthing the delicate words, but while his grammer was off, his words were understandable: "You not food animal! Giants appologise...make big mistake. Giants friend to other races!"

Lenora's ears twitched as Goreg spoke; every Canid was born with the ability to speak Elvish as well as human, thus she caught the gist of what the Giant was trying to say. Relaxing her stance, the apprentice backed up so she wasn't craning her neck to look up at Goreg, and promptly executed a small bow.

"I am sorry as well. I did not know who you were." Lenora said this in a very slow manner, hoping he understood. She continued saying, "All is forgiven, I hope?"

Jade stood nearby her friend, eyeing Goreg's Bodyguard in case they made any move to attack. She knew from her studies that Giants were indeed jolly fellows, but she had a hard time believing that right about now....

Goreg's gargoyle-esque face creased into another beaming grin. "Forgiven, yes!" he exclaimed, nodding vigerously. "Mistake...nothing more!" He bowed low from the waist...at least, low for him.

"Me Chief Goreg of Giants." he continued. "We have good hunting today, catch many food animals! We hold party to celebrate...you come, yes?" He stared at the two expectantly, his large teeth beaming in a huge grin.

Lenora blinked in supprise...like Jade, she had heard of the Giant's friendliness and their love of parties, but this was amazing!

Suddenly, the apprentices and the giants heard a piercing shriek. All covered their ears immediately, realing from shock. All of a sudden, a bat flew out of the woods surrounding the group. Flying straight for Goreg, it uttered another shriek, though this time not as high pitched. The giants, seeing the bat's attack on their leader, started to gather around him and tried to stop it. Unexpectedly, the moment they looked at it's startling blue eyes, they became immobile. All they could do was stare continuosly into those eyes.
Lenora, knowing what this was, of course, was now on the brink of lauching attack at Kit. How dare she barge in like that! Always! Grr...Jade saw the murderous look in Nora's eyes and started. Her own eyes flashing, she shuffled closer to Lenora so she could stop the canid before she attacked Kit.
The bat, now dangerously close to Goreg, veered to the side at the last moment, and broke her control over the other giants.
"Kit!" a voice from behind the crowd cried.
All except the bat looked around. Lenora, her eyes blazing, merely glared at Crescent as she ran to the group. The giants, still startled at the attack, backed up when they saw Crescent.
"Kit, what are you doing?? We were supposed to catch up, not terrify others!" Crescent rebuked.
The bat seemed to shrug as it wheeled around and around the giants. They, of course, tried to not make eye contact, now seeing the danger.
Shaking her head, Crescent frowned and spoke a single, barely audible word.
A huge, almost-transparent barrier sprang out of the ground, creating a dome around the whole area. As the company stared at the barrier, it gradually shrank until all it covered was the bat, which was making efforts to hover in the air and stay in the middle of the group. Shivering as the barrier touched it, the bat landed and its features seemed to blur and blend, growing and changing until, in its place, stood Kit.
Lenora could hardly contain herself as Kit laughed, the note of mocking clear in her voice as her blue eyes. As her laughter faded away, Kit's eyes clouded over again and she straightened herself.
Lenora, Jade and Crescent prepared themselves for the barrage of subtle insults that Kit was about to throw at the giants.
They were completely shocked when Kit opened her mouth and a truly sweet and innocent, not cold and mocking, voice emerged.
"Forgive me, dear giants, I did not mean to startle you! I had just caught up with my companions here when I saw you. I believed you would attack my dear friends!" She slowly bowed her head at Goreg.
Lenora, now just utterly disgusted at Kit, walked up beside her and apologized,"We are truly sorry for our friend's sudden attack! Please do not think of us badly." Crescent also stood on the other side of Kittara and she, too, apologized.
All three of the friends had seen a wicked glint in Kit's eyes that betrayed her voice and manner and silently vowed to watch her from that time on.
Finally, Jade, remembering the giants' earlier invitation, came up and said quietly,"We would also like to take your previous offer, if you will still have us."
Kit's face lit up at Jade's statement. "Oh, that's right!" she cried with false enthusiasum. "I heard it before I...attacked." she looked at Goreg sheepishly. Goreg, not seeing the gleam of wickedness in her eyes, smiled with relief that she had not attacked them again, and said solemly,"Of course we would still like to have you at our party! All is forgiven, though if I may add a suggestion, do look before you leap." At this, he gestured to them and turned around. His guards followed him as he trudged up the steep hill a few feet ahead them, looking nervously back at Kit, as though they expexted her to attack them again. She smiled sweetly at them as she caught some staring at her. Crescent, giving Kit one last look of disappointment, followed the last guard. Jade and Lenora, walking side by side, both threw her disgusted looks as they passed by. No longer having to hide her true nature, Kit laughed silently to herself, revelling in the fact that the giants had actually fell for her disguise.
Transforming back into a bat, she skimmed through the air close beside Goreg, earning suspicious looks from his bodyguards and flashes of murderous looks from Nora. Smirking to herself, she ignored Crescent's and Jade's motioning, indicating that they wanted to talk to her. After a while they just gave up and talked with one another.
Trailing slightly behind Kit and the giants, and slightly ahead of Nora, the two exchnaged thoughts about Kit.
"Why didn't you keep an eye on her?" Jade indignantly asked Crescent."If she hadn't attacked Goreg for no reason except for her own amusement, we would be in good graces with the Chieften of the Giants. But, no she had to interfere and now none of them trust us!"
"Calm down, Jade. We will earn their trust back." Crescent replied soothingly.
"Not with her here! She'll ruin everything!"
"Maybe she will. We'll just have to trust her." As she said that last sentence, Crescent's face blanked of any emotion.
"You don't really trust her, do you! All those years with her, you should know better!" Jade cried as
"Maybe." Crescent said darkly. Her eyes narrowed."She's scheming something."
"I don't care, as long as we get back to the Elven Lands before tomorrow night! They already think we've left them for some reason, and I want to get there for the Initiation."
"We'll get there,"Crescent said simply, staring straight ahead at Kit circling around and around the giants.
Rolling her eyes, Jade dropped her pace a bit to run beside Lenora. She didn't even bother to make conversation when she saw the Canid's blazing, murderous eyes following Kit's movements.

Several minutes later...

The group had finally reached the rest of the giants. The other giants tensed and reached for their weapons when they saw the elves and the canid approaching with their chief. Goreg raised his hand and the giants calmed. Upon seeing Kit in her bat form lurking behind one of the bodyguards, however, they drew their spears to attack. "Stop! The bat is friend! They our guests for party," Goreg said in Giant language."You must respect them." Slowly lowering their spears, they walked forward to Goreg and cried excitedly,"We go back to lair now! We have party!"
Crescent, the only one other than Kit who understood the language, teanslated for Jade and Lenora.
Kit had fianlly decided where to turn backinto her vampire form, and settled on a dusty rock near the others. Everyone but Crescent, preoccupied with plans for getting to the Giants' home, didn't see Kit re-transform. Crescent watched Kit sadly, grieveing for the kind friend trapped within the layers of vampire.
Kit walked up to the chief and spoke in her sickeningly sweet voice."If we could, we'd like to help you with transporting the food."
Goreg, surprised she would make such an offer, said in Elven,"That okay. We can carry, not very heavy. You too skiny too carry anything." At this, all the other giants chuckled at the joke. Kit, smiling sweetly, continued to insist on helping,"Oh, looks can be deceiving! Let us help," she said in perfect Giant.
Laughing, the giants agreed to give her a small Plains Beast to drag along. They even gave her a simple rag to use so no dirt would get on the beast while she was dragging it along. On Jade's insistance, they gave Jade, Lenora, and Crescent similar burdens.
Crescent, containing her laughter at the situation, suddenly burst out laughing at the irony of it. Most species knew that the elves were far stronger than seemed, but the Giants apparently thought otherwise. Still giggling, ignoring the giant's and her friends' stares, she said quietly, so no one but Jade, Lenora, and Kit, who were close to her then, could hear. Much to the giants' surprise, all the nundles that the giants were carrying sudden;y lifted into the air and hovered there.
Goreg, his eyes wide, stared at Crescent. "Oh, you have lots power!" attempted in Elven
Crescent laughed and replied in Giant,"Yes, I am! I carry for rest of way!"
The Chief, his eyes now twinkling with delight in her power, said, "Oh, yes! We thank you! Now come! We go celebrate now!" He gestured again and started walking across the plains.
Smiling, jade, Lenora, Crescent and Kittara all laughed silently to theirselves and ran to catch up with the Giants' big steps.

- - -

OOC: Oh, soo long... Oh, well. I won't be able to post tomorrow so this'll make up for it. And soo many typos...I'm too sleepy to correct them. My fingers are stiff. Ack! >_<

(OOC: Wow...that moved fast! lol Fili, I figure long posts are fine so long as all characters are kept in-character etc. That moved somewhat faster than I'm used to, but it's ok I guess lol.

Goreg seemed to be reasonably in character...one thing for future referance: Giants are a very emotional people, so when they were being attacked, before it was explained to them, they would have been somewhat more afraid and wary. Also, they're a very trusting race, so as soon as it had been explained to them they would have gone back to the wildly grinning, over-the-top friendlyness like someone flicking a switch lol. Just me being picky though...no need to edit or anything.)

IC:

It wasn't long before the group reached Giantopolis. The massive canyon ran north to south across the plain like a giant scar, over two hundred feet wide and many hundreds deep! Ledges and rocks littered the sides of the canyon, and cave mouths were sprinkled around like stars in the sky!

Other Giants could be seen moving around the canyon, climbing the vertical walls with no trouble, and moving from cave to cave. There were lots of them...well over five hundred!

Goreg held up a hand to the group, and they stopped on the edge of the canyon. He raised his voice and let out a loud roar into the canyon, speaking in his own language. Amplified and reflected by the rock walls, the call echoed around the area, making all the Giants stop and look up towards him! As the shout died away, the Giants began to cheer and clap, and suddenly the whole canyon was a hive of activity as the massive forms began racing around at top speed, apparently preparing for something!

Goreg turned to the rest of the group and grinned. "They get party ready! You come stay in Chief's cave till party start!" he exclaimed.

The other Giants, save for Goreg's bodyguard, moved to retreive the floating carcasess, which Crescent released to them, then promptly turned and jumped clean off the edge of the canyon! They landed on a ledge some fifty feet down, their massive legs absorbing the impact with no trouble, and instantly they jumped again to a lower point! They continued down the canyon until they were hidden from view behind the rocks.

Goreg beconed the others with a finger. "Come! Follow!" he said cheerily, before turning and jumping off the edge himself, his bodyguard following suit. In his excitement, he had completely forgotten that none of the others could take the same route that he had down the rock wall, and few of them had wings...

Lenora turned to glare at Kit, "I don't see why you couldn't have waited until I had learned to use my wings..." The vampire bat merely laughed, the laugh sounding like an eerie screach.

Ignoring the chittery laugh as best she could, the Canid apprentice unsheathed her claws and crouched down, muscles bunching. After a few seconds she launched herself from her standing point to a large rock below, landing neatly on the rough surface. Nora saw that Goreg was halfway down the canyon wall already, and thus looked quickly for a safe landing spot for her next leap. Finding a suitable grassy area a few feet below, she gathered herself and took off once again.

Upon landing, Lenora felt a prickling sensation at the back of her neck, and turned to see little bat claws clinging to her fur. With a growl, the Canid sent a squirt of water, knocking her friend off with a shriek. Before Kit could retaliate, Nora spotted another landing spot and crouched and leapt much like before.

"..serves...her right....Lenora..." Jade whispered as she caught up with her wolfen friend a few feet from the ground.

The two grinned at each other as they watching a dripping bat hover clumsily in the sky....

"Aww...be nice, you two!" Crescent rebuked them. They both looked up to see the elf floating down as lightly as a feather, grinning despite her serious tone. As all three landed, a small wind brushed by and dried the hovering bat off. "Killjoy..." Lenora muttered to Jade as Kit transformed back into a vampire. Her hair still sligthly damp, she shot the two a piercing look and turned to Crescent.

"Thanks, Crescent," she said coldly. "You're welcome," replied the dragon, eyes dancing with humor. "We go to Chief's cave now!" a voice boomed behind them. Goreg had been waiting for them the whole time, none of them had bothered to notice. Kit, not caring to pretend to be nice and sweet, pushed past him scowling,"Good! I need something to dry my hair off..." and walked toward one of the largest caves in the canyon, obviously the Chief's.

Goreg watched her stalking across the dry land, somewhat bewildered at her change of attitude and voice. He turned to the others, grinning as usual, and repeated,"You stay in Chief's cave! We go now!" and strided off in Kit's direction with his bodyguard.

Crescent glanced at Jade and Nora before she followed. "I'd watch Kit if I were you. You never know what she'll do for revenge," she told them as she passed by. The two apprentices gave each other wary looks and ran to catch up with the figures ahead.

- - -

OOC: Heh, I'll try to remember that bit about giants, wraith! and i guess it did go by fast...well this should be slower ^^

As they walked along the canyon floor they heard a curious sound...it was a growling and grunting, much like the Giant's language, but it seemed to have a certain rhythm and regularity to it that the normal grunting and growling lacked. They looked up to see the Giant making the noise running along a ledge a little way above them, a large boulder on his shoulder.

Several other Giants nearby becan making a similar noise, a strange cacofany of grunts and snorts, that sounded thoroughly horrible and annoying, made worse by the amplifying and echoing accustics of the canyon! Jade raised an eyebrow, moving to cover her ears, and Kit muttered something about wishing she had never come!

Crescent looked more thoughtful though...she cocked her head to one side, listening. "Oh wow...!"

One by one more and more Giant voices joined the chorus, each one chanting a different beat and tune, and the canyon began to echo and shake with the noise...

...and suddenly, it was a melodic symphony!

As more and more voices joined the chant, the tones and beats began to merge together and intertwine into an upbeat, melodic, swelling opus that shook the canyon to it's very foundations! It was a joyful song, a powerful song, really quite moving, and the four visitors looked up at the canyon walls as they listened, watching the Giants running around preparing for the feast as they sung together in perfect, unbeleavable harmony! Even Goreg's bodyguards were singing as they followed their Chief towards a nearby cave mouth, considerably larger than the others round about!

The two bodyguards took up station on either side of the cave mouth, while Goreg strode inside, the others on his heels. The cave was large and spacious, lavishly decorated with animal furs of all different colors and patterns, including a particularly thick and luscious black and white fur in the center of the floor, streaching almost to each wall! Whatever beast it came from must have been huge!

At the back of the cave was a small raised dias, atop which sat a large seat, almost like a throne, deaped with more animal furs. The throne and platform were hewn directly out of the stone of the cave, and attached to the floor. Over to one side of the cave was an antechamber, screened off by a large curtain made of woven leaves. Presumably that was Goreg's sleeping chambers. Small fire areas were dotted around the walls, presumably for light in the night time. Small piles of charred wood stood in them, surrounded by a ring of stones.

The sound of singing was somewhat quieter inside the cave, but was still audible in the background! Goreg stepped onto the dias and sat down in the rock chair, beaming down at the others toothily. "Sit!" he exclaimed, gesturing to the thick fur rug on the floor.

They all made themselves comfy, which wasn't difficult considering the thickness of the fur, and Goreg sat back in his chair, leaning his staff against the arm gently. "So, while party being made ready, we talk!" he grinned. "Who are you? What bring you to Great Plains?"

OOC: Heh, took me some time to come up with what I think is an okay character. Hope this is alright.

Name: Lander "Slander" Caveat
Species: Human ('cause I'm boring )
Gender: Male
Age: 29
Profession: Travelling Bard
Appearance: As a Bard, he wears extravagant clothing, often brightly colored. A fine triangle hat with a large, floofy feather sticking out, and he wears three wide scarves along his neck and shoulders.
Instrument: A Bard has to have an instrument, and his is the classic lute. His lute is fine, and his skill with it is impressive. When not in use, it hangs by a strap onto his back.
History: He got his nickname from his habit of picking up all the gossip of any town he wanders into. The city that gave it to him did it because he was spreading their gossip in some of his songs. Now he's cleaned up his act, but the name stuck. As a Bard, he is decently well-known, for good and ill, in most civilizes lands.
Curse!: Shadow Self! One of Seven Deadly Curses that always exist, Shadow Self is perhaps the most subtle. He doesn't even know he inherited it. His own shadow now has a personality opposite him, a generally bad one, and controls him in a ratio dependant upon how much light there currently is, and how much it wants to influence him. In full sunlight, it has no power whatsoever over him. At night, it can control his thoughts, emotions, and behavior, and even overstep its natural bounderies to protect him or attack enemies! It maintains a low profile, but will keep him alive at any cost.

IC:

Lan marched along, playing a merry tune on his lute. He stopped, to listen more closely to the sounds in the distance. Melodious music, of sorts, reached his ears, and he could make out some details. "Ah, 'tis the Giants' songs! There is no music quite like it in all the world! If they are singing, there must be food, and if there is food, then there I must be!"

He altered his course, keeping a steady pace as he walked towards the sound, playing his instrument all the way, though now it was being dwarfed with each step he took.

I'm baaaack! After several months...anyway, I sirta was preoccupied anf forgot about this...sry!
welcome Way, glad you decided to join us! ^^
And now to continue this, just a short post, not long or anything, before I forget again and fall asleep at my computer because of exhaustion...

IC:

"Umm..." Jade looked at Crescent's blank expression. Kit merely continued to glare at no one. "We're...traveling." She hated lying to these friendly giants, but she had no choice. Thinking quickly, she added, "to my homeland, Valthonia. "She llooked at the Chief, pleading with her eyes for him to change the subject. But he merely waited for her to continue.

"My...family needed me. For personal reasons. So my friends volunteered to come with me to ensure a safe passage." The words poured out of her as more lies popped into her head. "We started out a few days ago, but then we lost our way, and ended up choosing one direction to go. I need to get there before the Crane or it'll be too late."

- - -

Told you that'd be short. Anyway, these are the days(don't ask me how I thought of them):

"Crane" is what you call the beginning of the month
Moonrain = Monday
Wolfsbane = Tuesday
Nightlink = Wednesday
Vealmark = THrusday
Sunsday = Friday
Clayrun = Saturday
Note:There are only six days, no seventh day

*there arent any names for months, its just like first moon = january; second moon = febuary; and so on...*

(they might change)

(OOC: Will make a decent post when I can. Sorry to leave you all hanging. ^^)

...wow I'd wondered what had happened on this one lol. I'm still here if everyone else is^^ Just give me a bit to re-read the story and remind myself what I had planned.

I know Wayfarer has left the Guild now, so he won't be continuing, but it's good to see SL back too^^ Welcome back SL, you were missed! lol)