Ionn waited patiently by the door as he heard shuffling inside. his mind wandered to Nerina her laugh, her smile, her hair in the moonlight. He had been sop consumed by his thoughts he barely noticed the spear pointed at him. Coming to his senses he looked at Fay as she asked him why he was there, "I'm sorry Fay I hope I didn't disturb you but I needed to talk to you about something." he said with a curt nod, "do you mind or is it ok?" he asked his friend hoping she wouldn't mind talking to him even though he could have talked to Naji but he wasn't around and Murough was the last person he wanted to talk to about Nerina at the moment.

Adriel looked down for a moment, a little embarassed. Looking back up she said in a respectful tone, "Well if you had any dout of it just being a small group then you wouldn't have come looking for a fight. And seeing as there is only one of you and four of us, I don't believe that you were when you came up." She looked at him for a moment then glanced again at the ground. She hoped that didn't sound bad...

Fay watched the boy as his thoughts dwindled quite obviously elsewhere. She smiled slowly, wondering what he was thinking about and remembering that Nerina had seem infuriated when she had suspected Fay of having a fancy for Ionn. Thank gods Nerina hadn't suspected of her... And her thoughts about her brother... She looked back up at Ionn and shrugged with a nod. "Sure, I don't mind. Come in if you want." She opened the door to reveal her extremely messy hut. By now most if not all of the girls her age had found a mate and were housekeeping all day. Others who had not found a partner yet would stay with their mothers, keeping everything orderly. Fay was quite obviously different. In the small kitchen tucked into the corner of her hut, were plates stacked precariously high. She rarely found time to wash them. Her weapons, however were in good shape and leaning against a corner. She found two wooden bucked and turned them upside down, sitting on one. She wasn't used to people coming into her house. When Fay dined she sat on her bed or usually stood up. Most likely she wasn't at her house when she ate, but in a hunting party. She watched Ionn carefully and wondered what he wanted to talk about. Surely he had not picked up on her feeling for Murrough! She did strive to keep those well hidden behind a fiery gaze! Surely not... "What is it, Ionn?" she asked, getting to the point immediately. Fay wasn't one to 'beat around the bush.' Small talk had no meaning to her whatsoever. Sentences similar to 'nice weather we're having' were unknown to her. She looked at him fixedly, her eyes filled with fire, ready to spring into action at any mention of danger.

Quincy had been happily chewing on his piece of dried peach when a silly human came huffing and puffing their way. Emrys, however seemed to have it under control, so he merely continued his chewing, gray eyes flickering from blade, to human's face to Adriel and the other female. If it got worse he would probably have to defend him and he wondered why he hadn't brought any form of weapon.

"Now, now," said Quincy calmingly. "Let's not bicker. The young human hunter here," he said, hissing at the horrid word. "Warrior. Whatever you wish to call yourself, was simply being cautious but he has mistaken us for enemies. I must say, we are not your enemies, young on. As you can see, we are unarmed, no need to keep your blade at bay," he added glancing meaningfully at the weapon, wishing he would dispose of it. He placed a heavy hand on Adriel's shoulder. "She is quick and clever but she has yet a lot to learn."

He wasn't about to give out any names. To give out your identity was to relinquish an amount of power in exchange for trust. Quincy wasn't ready to do that just yet.

Ionn entered the house and looked around at the mess, he couldnt say he was too surprised by what met his eye, but he had hoped he was wrong to some degree. The matter however was easily ignored by him since he was not the type to pick at every detail when it came to other peoples homes. He sat down on the bucket and began looking for the words to begin, "Well, Nerina and I both share the same feelings towards each other, but knowing Murough if I went and asked to court his sister he would turn me away before I can finish my sentence and I really don't want to loose a good friend but at the same time I don't want to loose the person who means so much to me." he began, "tonight when Nerina and I both agreed our feelings were one as we were coming back to my home Murough spotted us, and I fear he is suspicious even though we reassured him we were merrily talking." he didn't think it was fitting to tell anyone what had happened between him and Nerina after all he would have to ask her first if she wanted to disclose such information to anyone. "so now I have no idea how to approach him and ask his permission without making him think that it wasn't a simple friendly chat we were having." he said sighing.

Fay's eyes widened as he talked freely about his feeling for Nerina. No way Fay could do that. No way. She was glad for her stubborness. She sat up a little straighter and her fingers twirled through her hair in deep thought. "You like Nerina?" she asked finally, feeling like an idiot. "Gods, you were good at hiding it. For awhile there I thought you were afraid of the damsel!" she told him frankly with a shrug. But she listened intently to his words, not being able to help a warm flicker in her eyes at the mention of the name Murough. She tried to hide it and with an effort, shrouded the softness. The... attraction to that name. Though she was not able to stop the thoughts that accompanied it. Battling him to the floor until finally stopping their skirmish with a hug, hunting all day togeher, riding horseback side by side. She breated in, trying to wash her thoughts away with enriching, pure air. "Well you've definatley got yourself in a hole, bard." She leaned back and closed her eyes in deep thought. "Well if I had the desire to gain the acceptance of a young boy's father, which I don't," she added quickly. "Then... I suppose I would... Ionn I'm not very good at this. I'd fight the older sibling to the ground and hold a knife against their throat untill they gave me permission and with Murrough that is not an option!" She stated firmly, almost protectively. Almost but not quite. "Perhaps... You should ask him what he would think if he loved a lass and her older brother wouldn't allow their courtship? Of course, Murrough would probably just roll his eyes and say he wouldn't care. Just tell him... That you'll treat Nerina respectively and you wanted to protect her just as much as Murrough does. Knowing how protective he is, it will be hard to resist another man watching Nerina carefully. Tell him... that her heart is more precious than all the jewels on the earth, and you will fight all of your years to win Murrough's approval. That you'll never give up. That... that no matter what Murrough says, you'll always love her, but will respect his wishes. Tell him, especially, that you'll respect and mind his wishes." Fay knew this was the most important part. Murrough didn't like being told what to do by his equals.

"Sure enough I wasn't out looking for a fight. I simple came to investigate so please forgive my irrational behavior." he said though his gaze was still on the female member of their group as he held her gazed before she turned away. Naji shifted most of his weight to his right foot, his glaive still in his hand. He was slightly taken aback when one of them called him a hunter, but didn't say anything about it. His grip on the glaive relaxed a bit as he stood before them. "I'm sure she is."

Naji remember that he had left Sam in the clearing. He was going to call for him seeing that there wasn't any danger, but wasn't to sure if he should. A small sigh escaped his mouth. Humans and deep people had the same goals to get rid of Rhita Gwar so wouldn't it be better for them to join forces and fight. To stand a better chance.

Ionn was a bit surprised by the advice Fay was giving him, surely she was a great warrior but he never really expected her to know so much on such matters. But now she had given him confidence to do what he needed to do, that and he realised something else as he spoke, whenever he mentioned Murough her eyes glazed over."Thank you Fay," he said giving her a small hug. "I shall take your advice and keep it in mind when I speak to him," he said nodding appreciatively, "speaking of hidden emotions I do believe our Fay has chosen someone to her own accord and not some idiot who tried trifle with her affection." he said giving her a knowing smile. He had always found Fay easy to talk to sometimes easier then Naji and Murough.

Sam nodded to Naji that he understood him.He stood alone in the clearing as he watched Naji went to investigate.Sam held his wand tightly on his hand,he wasnt sure what to do.The area was filled with darkness and it was hard for him to see.He wanted to light his wand but he thought it would not be a good idea.He wanted to avoid detection.All he could do was to wait for Naji to come back.

Its been ten minutes and Naji was still nowhere in sight.He fiddled with his wand to keep himself preoccupied from the fear that was going through his mind.He wasn't fond with the darkness and the eerie atmosphere of the night,especially in these mysterious forest.His eyes were wide openned to keep himself alert within his surroundings.

Suddenly,Sam heard something moved behind the bushes.He turned around,his wand at the ready.He took a few steps backwards...

Naji knew that he should go and check on Sam and escort him back to the village. "If you will excuse me, but I must check on something." he said. With a slight nod of his head he turned. His hair flying out as he moved and then flowed out around him. Naji disappeared into the bushes from which he came heading back to the clearing. "Sam." he whispered before stepping out. Wondering if they would follow. "Are you alright?" Naji asked. His eyes darted over to where Sam was looking. "What is it?"

Fay didn't expect she'd know much on such matters. But she had put herself in Ionn's shoes which she had grown good at doing with her enemies. She had to guess what they were thinking to make her a better warrior and this fed her decisions a percentage of the time. "If you want some more... girlish advice I suggest you go to talk to anyone of my eleven sisters. Even our seven aged has learned to bat her eyelashes and smile until her dimples hurt," she told him in disgust and nodded at his hug. Ionn was easy to talk to, sense he was less closed up than most. "I suppose I should wish you good luck. Well... then... Good luck for whenever you decide to talk to," she pushed on ahead trying not to pause at his name. "Murrough." She leaned back and tapped her fingers against her legs and glanced at her stash of weapons, deciding some were getting to old to use and needed to be fixed. Her head jerked up sending her hurtling out of her seat at his next words.

She covered it up easily and sat in her chair. Her first instinct was to clash steel and make him swear he wouldn't repeat that. Somehow, she refrained. "Sorry, a scorpion stung me," she lied and kicked a dead scorpion to the middle of the room. "Not poisinous, just wasn't expecting it." She had killed the bug yesterday and was grateful that she hadn't bothered to throw it out but just left it lying about. But her face started turning a bright red. "I have no idea what you mean, Ionn," she declared loudly and in a second and a deep breath, her blush was gone. "Whatever do you mean? No boy has suceeded in capturing my heart... And honestly! Who could capture my eye? Cornac believes I should be in cooking, of course he stops declaring that sense he is reminded by a scar I don't like that talk, Ahzihod is so weak, he's as girlish as my sisters, Durza is just... Durza. He needs to stop knocking on my window while i'm trying to sleep. Morzan..." She continued to list all of the boys that had been asking her daily for her permission to court. "Where did you get the idea that I had a fancy for someone!? Honestly, bard. You've come down with heat sickness. Standing out in the sun too long." Her voice was a forced joking tone. However she tried, you could tell she was trying to hide something but through her uncharacterstic babbling it was hard to tell what exactly she was trying to hide.

Ionn nodded when she said the scorpion had stung her, but he had been on enough trips to know that the creature had been dead for some time as the hollowness of its shell sounded through the room. He listened to her tick of the guys one by one nodding at each one. Yes most of the guys she mentioned were jerks who moved on after they were tuned down and others still trailed after her. She was beautiful but Ionn had never looked at her more then a friend or a younger sister. And he preferred it that way seeing as she was not his type and he was madly in love with Nerina. Nerina. that name alone sent a pleasant shiver down his spine and a warm tingle through out his body. "Actions speak louder than words," he reminded her, "You know Fay sometimes letting your guard down to accept the person you have a growing affection for only strengthens ones other characteristics." he pointed out, "and it allows you to feel a companionship you can always turn to no matter what your problem or dilemma is." he continued.

Sam realised that he was on the ground.There was this stange feeling in his body and he felt giddy all of the sudden. He wasn't sure what just hit him that push him ten feet away from the bushes.He spun around when he heard someone voice.
"N-Naji..."he stuttered.He scrambled up onto his feet again and hastily pointed his finger towards the bushes.
"I-I s-saw something b-big..it just went pass behind ze' bushes.....I-Idont know vat happened tu me..."he muttered unsteadily.
"We s-shud go now,"he said as though he was begging to leave the place as soon as possible.

Naji looked where Sam had pointed. Whatever it was had gone, but for some reason he highly doubted it. He turned back to Sam and saw how frightened he was and nodded. "Come on lets get you back." he said as he wrapped his hand around the opal that hung around his neck. Concentrating he called light into it. "Stay close. I won't let anything happen to you." he assured him.

They walked back to the village. Naji looked around as they walked for any noise or movement. He had a strange feeling that something was out there, but what. As they pass by two of the guard he whispered certain instruction to them. One of them ran off to send the message to ever guard on duty. "I'll take you back to Ionn house.

Sam nodded as he swept away his perspire that was tickling down his forehead.
He was about to ask how were they going to get back in the darkness like this but he was immediately silence when Naji had a glowing thing that hung around his neck.He looked at him with a puzzled look in his eyes and wondered if he had magic powers too.But,he didnt say anything.

As they were walking back to the village,he could not help thinking the possibilities of what just happened to him.He didnt expect that something bad was going to happen to him back at the forest.He smacked his forehead with his fist and tried to remember.But, the last thing he could remember was that he was on the ground,completely lost in the darkness.

He looked up when he realised that they had reached the entrance gate.He noticed Naji was whispering something to one of the guards.He then faced Naji when he spoke to him.
"Huh...ouhh..itz alright..I think I can find my way back to ze' Ionn house..from here.."he said in a very low voice.Before he could say anything more,he felt weak all of a sudden.It felt as though his energy has been drained out from his body.
"Urgh..."he mourned in pain.Without any warning,he dropped down on the cold hard floor.

He couldn't help but notice how weak the boy was. It was kind of puzzling because he was find before Naji had left the clearing. When Sam fell to the ground. He reached a hand on his shoulder and knelt down beside him as one of the guard took a hold of his glaive. Something most have happen during the time that he was away from him. "Sam can you hear me?" The boy seemed to be conscious, but a little out of it. "I need you to tell me happen after I left the clearing." Naji couldn't help but feel responsible because he had left him there for longer than he should have.

Sam eyes half openned as he listened to the voice.
"I can't r-remember..I think..I s-saw.....big...f-fangs...fly...over m-me.."he whispered.Could he be refering to the beast that drained magic out of magical people?
"I dont know w-what vas ze' thing...urg.."he mourned as he felt pain aching all over his body."I think..it looked like s-some k-kind of ze giant lookin b-b-bat..urg,"he whimpered and fell into consciousness.

ooc:gee..sory ebziee..I gtg...brb later on..kays

Naji leaned in close so that he could hear him better. His silver eyes widened had he listen to every word Sam said before he fell unconscious. He turned to the guard that was holding his glaive glad that he hadn't heard what the boy had say, not wanting to raise a panic. Two more guard arrived behind him. "You two stay here and watch the gate, you help me get him back to Ionn." Naji placed one of Sam arms around his neck and lifted him to his feet. The guard did the same with his other arm before they set out back to Ionn house.

Chai woke and started to chirp madly as she hopped around on Ariel. Pulling at her hair as she always did when she wanted attention. Ariel stirred. "Chai be quiet I'm trying to sleep." she said yawning. She could barely open her eyes because she was still very tired. Chai didn't give up that easily she continued to chirp and peck at Ariel's ear.

With the help of the guard they manage to get Sam back inside and laid him down on the couch. Naji thanked the guard and watched him go before turning to look at the little bird as she tried to wake the little girl up. He shook his head, but didn't have time to waste. He need to find Ionn and tell him what happen. Naji picked up his glaive and rushed back out to find Ionn, knowing that they would be safe there.

Ariel groaned as Chai continued to mess with her. She opened her eyes a crack, enough to see Naji walk in holding someone up with the help of someone other person. She blinked a few time to clear her vision and notice that the person they was holding up was Sam. If she wasn't so blasted tired she would have gotten up fast. Before she could ask what happen they left. Ariel slowly got to her feet glaring at Chai to stop it with the noise. She sat down on her knees in front of Sam a worried look in her bright blue eyes as she wondered what happen to him. "Sam are you alright? What happen?" she asked her voice soft. She gently swept his damp bangs from his face.

Naji quick walked around looking for Ionn, but didn't see him anywhere. Where are you when I need you. he thought as he walked pass Fay's house. He just happen to look into the window and who should he see but Ionn talking to Fay. There was a frown on his face that easily told them that there was something wrong as he poked his head in the window. "Sorry that I have to interrupt your conversation, but we have a problem. There something out in the forest." he said.

Fay Rose Mercillio III studied her hands as he talked. She had a growing sense of dread in her stomach that he was right. But how could she ever tell Murrough? The only answer was there was no possible way she could. It was impossible, improbable. She wasn't exactly good at pouring out her heart. How very hard it usually was to let her emtions show at the approipriate times such as the death of a friend or the miracle of a child. But lately, she was finding it harder and harder to conceal her emotions. To act as if she didn't have an undying want, hunger, and thirst for one boy who probably would never give her a second glance and would label her as nothing but and un-courtable friend. She shook her head, sending long tendrils of hair falling down her shoulders.

"I am not so sure Ionn..." she muttered quietly. "I have taught myself to never let my guard down but..." Fay sighed and rolled her lavender eyes in a small, indesicive, care free manner which hid true meaning, and fear. "It doesn't really matter, though. Now does it? Well let's look at this situation... hypothetically. If I were to ever, in my life, one day, hypothetically speaking, like a male in our village or anywhere else, and that male didn't share the same feeling then it doesn't really matter how I feel because my feeling won't get me anywhere!" Her eyes were alive with rage again which she didn't bother to cap, as usual. Surely Murrough's lack of deep feeling towards her was a good thing, and for the best. Now things wouldn't be strained. "Plus, I don't want him to be just another boy. After a year of courting he just slips out of my life." Then noticing that Ionn was there she snapped back into reality and out of her thoughts. "Hypothetically speaking,"
she reminded him with a curt nod. She looked at Ionn with a glare that clearly said that if he guessed on any names to the boy that she... 'hypothetically' liked then he would regret it thoroughly.

Ionn paid attention to every word she said and was able to find the hidden meaning behind each one. She was right slightly about Murough but it wasn't his fault village girls literally threw themselves in his path. And even though Ionn told him he shouldn't Murough still managed to flatter every single one of them. Sadly most of those girls exaggerated some things resulting in Murough being thought of as a 'scoundrel playing with a females affection' as one of the mothers in the village put it. Ionn of course had then told her to mind her tongue and be careful of whom she was speaking of. He would have gone further to point out that her own son had done worse then Murough but refrained so as to not cause a scene, something he truly hated to do. "you would be surprised." he said when she said Murough might not share the same feelings. Now that he knew how she felt about Murough he knew what to do but he would need Neri's help, and the plan might even give Nerina and him some time alone.

Upon hearing Naji's words whispered through the window Ionn stood up in a rush, "Stay clear of it then, don't disturb what ever slumbers in it tonight," Ionn said after some thought, "I fear that if we attack what ever it might be it shall harm those in the village, we shall wait until sunrise and then we shall lead it away if it is still there." Ionn commanded for some reason, he felt he had to do that in Muroughs absence surely his friend would have agreed with him on the matter. It would be impossible to lead what ever it was out of the forest in the dead of the night and putting the village in jeopardy was not an option.

"That would be the best thing to do, but there was some travelers not to far outside the gate." Naji said as he leaned on the window sill. Not mentioning the fact that they were deer people. He was sure that they could take care of themselves, but it wouldn't hurt to invite them inside the village for the night. It would lessen the risk of any of them getting hurt by whatever was lurking in the forest.

As Adriel felt Quincy's hand on her shoulder she gave a small smile, still looking at the ground. She felt a sense of security at his words and knew that atleast the last part was true... As the human left she looked up again. When she was sure he was gone she asked, "Is it still safe to stay? Now that they know that we're here?" She still didn't trust him and was worried that he might say something.

Emrys watched as the human left. Glad he hadn't given them away he looked at Quincy and nodded approvingly. Upon Adriel's question he stretched his senses. There was whispers amongst the trees of a passing dark creature but he was gone now and all was well. "Don't worry." he said smiling at at Adriel "It is still safe to stay."

ooc: guys for plot purposes please don't say you saw it he kreelix. you can say you sense something saw its tip of wing but not the actual sighting. thanks sooooo very much -Angel

Adriel gave a small smile, but still had a hint of worry in her eyes. Glancing around at the area they were at she asked, "Would it be alright if I just took a short walk around here before we all go to sleep?" This was something she did quite often. She didn't know if it was the wisest thing to do here, but she would leave that up to Emrys. Plus, what was in the forest wasn't really what worried her.

Sam opened his eyes slowly and glanced around the room.He realised that he was back at Ionn's home.He turned to look at Ariel who was kneeling down beside him.He looked at her and she looked back at him with a worried look on her face.

He smiled weakly to her as he had no strength to speak yet.He reached down for his wand in his pockets to see if it was still there.
"My w-wand.."he croaked.From that moment,he just realised he had lost his wand.