Cassie: [Watches and slowly mimics Kimun's actions, but son quickens her pace. As she's changing hands, she fumbles the sword a bit, and just barely manages to keep it from dropping out of her grip entirely.] That was close.

Seymour: [Smiles at Silver] That was very impressive. Hmmm. [Picks up the ball] There seems to be something missing in this ball... [Passes his arm in front of it, concealing it from Silver's eyes for a second or two. When he withdraws his arm, the ball seems to have several bell inside, and sparkle-dusted stremaers] That's better. [Tosses the ball. The bells ring constantly.]

Cory: If that thing gets as annoying as McDonald toys, we're making you take out the bells.

Me: Ugh, those toys can be so irritating.

Malcolm: Trina, I'm afraid we may need to call this off. My back needs medical attention.

Melany: Alright that should do it. You ought to be good in two weeks.

Tanner: *looks at lower right arm* I guess I won't be dueling for a while...

Chayn: I already did, dearest. Try and shove Jay off!]

Ghost: And, the point of my being here is...?

Me: I dunno. I forgot about you.

Chase: And Gabriel, Brandon, Sheyna, Ponkin, and Ashton-

Me: Wow, I have a lot of folks I've forgotten about. Where'd they all get to?

Cory: Gabe and his friend and cousin are somewhere exploring. Ashton's gone home, and we still have no idea of Ponkin's whereabouts.

Me: That can't be a good thing...

Kai: What did we miss???

Me: Just some people dueling and getting seriously injured.

Klasina: Why does that girl have a sword? Last time I touched one of those, I got - Mmmph!

Me: No spoilers.

Kai: Hey! What's happening to me?? *silence* *draws sword* Alrighty! Both my opponents left, so who next wants to fight me? Anyone? Who will dare fight the great Kai??

Klasina: ...

Me: He underwent a personality change. You two are no longer good friends.

Kai: That's fine with me! Better than romance. *shudder*

Me: *sigh*

Roel: Uh-oh. So, what's his personality now? Can I trust him?

Me: No. He's a mercenary... like Han Solo. Or Lando. Can't be trusted until he's been payed half the money.

Kai: Hey! I'm better than that! *waves sword around*

Me: He also has a temper.

Kai: I do not!

Me: Point proved.

Roel: I'm glad you didn't change my personality...

Klasina: Don't worry. We're next.

Kai: Hey, Kimun! After you're done teaching the lass, want to duel me?

I like Kai's personality change.

Niarah - *blink* That IS a personality change.

Me - Cool.

Thysal - Push, Jay, push! Ignore the fact that she's your love interest. Push her off the dragon! (Tries to avoid hitting Chayn's wings with her own) Fine. (swats Chayn with her tail)

Zanya - Dragons are so emotional and feeling, no?

Akira - (with Scooter. She's in the form of a river wolf) I caught one! (tosses an eel on the bank besides the otter)

Silver - Oh wow! (dives after the jingling ball and is toying with the streamers, batting it around with her paws, her tail lashing furiously in delight) This is amazing!

Sylvia - (watches Kimun and Cassie intently, learning as well) Hmm.

Me - I need to check this thread more often.

Me: What exactly is a river wolf?

Skooter: *thumps foot twice cheerfully* Mel cooks them nice. But are they better fresh? I don't know.

Tanner: *sits on the river bank* It's cold here.

Melany: *sees to Malcolm's wounds*

Malcolm: *winces and growls at being touched but complies*

Pernoxnix: Perhaps now would be an interesting time to admit my fellows?

Me: Now that would be interesting... Alright, you asked for it. Here we go...

*The other geckos spawn in from nowhere to a few feet above the ground*

Me: I love being an author

Fulgar: *zaps his surroundings to soften the landing* Would it have been hard to land us on the ground?

Me: No.

Stellwento: *manipulates the air so he doesn't land but flies around* Aw, c'mon Jag! it's more fun this way!

Umectra: *thaws ice so she lands in the river* You guys are ridiculous.

Lakkerfax: *let's himself land in a burst of flames* Woah, it's cold here!

Lumevita: *climbs a tree and basks in the cold sunlight* It's rather pleasant here.

Me: Well Nix, I'm sure this will annoy you in no time at all.

Pernoxnix: One does one's best. We are the only ones of our kind thus far.

Kai: So, Amanda wrote this nice long post, and her computer ate it.

Me:

Kai: That means I'm going to ignore her.

Me:

Kai: Uh-huh. Remember, I'm this Han or Lando character now, mercenary. Despite that I'd rather be nice.

Me: No, you don't. Not anymore.

Kai:

Klasina: Geckos! I want a gecko! Can I have a gecko?

Roel: Personality changer strikes again.

Me: *ignores Roel* No, Klasi.

Klasina: *pouts*

Me: I've had those days, Amanada. Computers seem to enjoy destroying long posts. -_-

Cory: I think Safari gets an extreme amount of enjoyment from it.

Me: Yeah, I've come back to using Explorer again...

Cassie: Gotcha. [Begins again, this time she does much better.] I did it!

Cory: [Jumps in surprise when all the geckos drop in from above.] Well, that was unexpected.

Chase: You should get that cut on your face looked at, Cory.

Cory: I'm fine. It'll heal.

Me: After swelling up so much you can't talk?

Cory: It's not swelling up.

Chayn: [Snarls and grabs Thysal's tail with her back feet, then lunges her head forward, her mouth open wide, at Thysal's shoulder.]

Tynx: Good, good! We can't let him get too close yet! Just a bit further!

Seymour: [Smiles, watching Silver. He glances at Kherin briefly.] In my people's territory, the streets are full of running children. I often joined in their games from time to time, when I had no pressing matters to attend to.

Cory: Aris should make another half-elf.

Me: Who?

Cory: Aris, Seymour's been living alone in his gloriously complex palace deep in the forest for years, without anybody to-

Seymour: No. I don't.... I mean...

Cory: I was joking, Sey. I'm sorry if I offended you.

Seymour: You didn't. I just don't think it's the right time.

Me: Cheerier topic, please!

Ghost: [Wanders over to the geckos.] Well, you all certainly are strange creatures. I've seen humans before, but never anything like you.

Me: She lives in a ghost-populated creepy funhouse.

Chase: Creepy is a major understatement.

Griffin: Uh, yeah, I'm not quite clear on how he landed and swung at me again.

Phillip: Okay, I suppose it is time to call it a draw then. Care to shake? (extends hand)

Ravork: (sidesteps, and swing his axe and Mordir's back as he he goes past)

Akira - I'm a Guardian of the River, and I'm a Canai with blue fur. So, I'm a blue River Wolf.

Me - You can tell that my creativity has died recently.

Niarah - *smirks* Really? I don't believe we noticed.

Thysal - Hey! (Flicks her neck so that her skull smashes into Chayn's chin from below) Leggo my tail!

Sylvia - Great.

Ember - (watching the geckos down below, and signals that he wants to be let down)

Silver - Ohh, this ball is awesome! (runs in circles with the ball in her mouth) I love it love it love it!

Me: *Sigh* Ok. When the Javelin tripped him he fell to the right. So he twisted his body and put his free hand on the floor. Now his back is to Griffin. He sort of hinges on his left foot and left hand to flip over, swooping his sword in a large arc towards Griffin. After that he rolls and stands up. Better? If not I'll be sure to make a vid.

Trina: *steps on to the ground.* That's just as fine with me. -Hey Melany, when you're done with Malcolm could you see to me? *fingers her face* I think I got a nasty scratch from Merashath's tail...

Merashath: *Eyes widen with fury as he continues to fly upward, dodging Tynx's tail.* SCREEEEEECH!!

Imprass: Well I don't see much use of me here seeing that my powers are useless.

Me: It helps me develop you...right now you're flat.

Imprass: Flat? *smiles* How nice.

Me:

Bad. Bad bad bad. Use Chrome or Firefox.



"The vast majority of combat situations anyone will find themselves in will be with untrained, boorish attackers. These find their strength in having the advantage of ferocity, surprise, and brutality. If you can demonstrate that you are not surprised, that you do not fear their ferocity, and that you are ready to meet their brutality with skill, they will lose their strength, and will be easy to defeat.

"There are three elements to accomplishing this. The first is to bluff: present yourself as if you were the world's greatest warrior. This does not mean to bluster, for no warrior ever blusters. The second is to provide an easy way for them to leave without embarrassment: you do not want to force them to continue the fight because their pride was hurt, if at all possible. If you do this they may very well leave you completely alone. The third is to demonstrate your control of the situation by immediately neutralizing and punishing any continuing hostile action on their part. You must show that you will not hesitate to kill them if you need to.

"In all these things, the key is your own attitude and carriage. This is of supreme importance. However, to be able to maintain your cool in a sudden combat situation, you must make the initial steps of action reflexive so that you will do them without thought.

"The first step is drawing your blade. If, when confronted by braggarts intent on hostilities, you instinctively present your blade and meet them eye to eye, even if you know nothing else, you will have gained the advantage. Do you understand?"

Me: Oops! Forgot something.

Hadwin: *reaches his hand upward and in a stocky, surprising strength one finds in a dwarf, he grabs Philips hand and pulls him into a half man-hug.*

Melany: Sure thing Trina.

Me: This battle was helpful. Even though I have a doctor I never really wrapped my head around the idea of bad wounds.

Tanner: I don't think I'm happy you learned that.

Me: Wow, I should've had Kimun teach me that stuff long ago.... Wow.

Seymour: Make sure to remember it.

Cassie: Yes, sir. Don't let them know I'm afraid, give them a chance to leave while they still have some dignity left to them-

Chase: Do you even know what that word means?

Cassie: [Glares at him.] And if they still want a fight, make it clear that you will kill if you have to. But even if I don't know a single thread about fighting, I should make it look like I know a lot. Keep eye-contact, and draw my sword. But... I can get afraid sometimes....

Seymour: [Laughs as he watches Silver] I'm glad you're enjoying it, little one.

Chayn: [Grunts in pain and withdraw her head. She releases Thysal's tail and flies in a small arc up and over Thysal, giving Jay a bump on the head with the smooth, curved part of her talon before spiraling down and letting Ember get off. She nudges the little dragon affectionately, then takes to the skies again.]

Tynx: [Keps flying higher, until he's in a part of the sky where it's freezing cold. But the trapped fire in him keeps his wings from freezing. To egg Merashath on, he whips his tail around.]

Cassie: I.... I think so. [Face suddenly lights up] Oh, I know! It's like Chase, when he has to go and find all the tokens for the sword. It's scary, but it's the right thing to do. And so if he's brave, even when it's hard, he can do it. But, how can I be brave? I've never been in a battle, and i always walk in the dark with my mom.

Seymour: Being brave doesn't mean you need to go off and fight. You need courage for standing up against a certain issue everyone else seems to favor. It's hard, and it can be scary, but it's the right thing to do.

Cassie: OK! [Looks at Kimun.] I see now. I'll do my best to be extra brave!

Cory: If it wouldn't be too much trouble to you. I think it is starting to swell.

Me: See? We told you.

Tynx: So long as you stay close on my back, you'll be warm. We'll probably head back down soon, though. I don't know if the plan's working, after all.

Thysal - (Slowly circles, waiting for something to happen) I'm feeling sore. How're we doing, Jay?

Zanya - You've had him on your back for how long now?

Me - Several pages at least.

Ember - (Goes over to Tanner and gently licks his arm where he was bitten earlier. Then comes back to Kian and stares at him solemnly, golden eyes wide and enigmatic)

Sylvia - He can't speak, but he can stare.

Sabre - Disturbing habit in a dragon.

Sylvia - I'm not complaining.

Niarah - (Goes to watch Kimun's instructions) Great points on courage there, Kimun and Seymour.

Silver - (wears herself out and promptly falls asleep, ball still in her mouth)

Ryan - Sweet relief, she's not going crazy right now.

Tanner: *half smiles at Ember*

Melany: Alright now relax those wings for a bit Malc. What do you need Trina?

Kai: Everyone seems to like the change but me.

Klasi: Uh-huh! *grins*

Kai: And I am INSULTED that Kimun ignores my challenge!

Me: You said it with a grin. You think that he'd believe that?

Kai: Yes!

Me:

Kai: Why are you glad I can't fly???

Me: He's scared of you.

Kai: I KNOW the girl goes first, but you didn't even reply to me!!!

Klasi: *looks beggingly at me*

Me: No. His temper stays.

Klasi:

Kai: I have spare weapons, Jay.

Me: (whispers back to Shawn) No. Klasi dies.

Merashath: *his breath is very visible, and condensation begins to freeze on his wings. Just as the joints are freezing over, it suddenly all shatters. Merashath causes the molecules of his body to begin to flip causing a sort of friction to warm him up.*

Me: Be careful big guy...

Merashath: I know my enemies. I can take these.

Trina: Oh, thank you so much! I didn't realize it up there, but when Merashath's tail whacked me my face started bleeding all over the right side.

Elanhil: Yikes! Trina, let me...

Me: Oh no you don't. Concentrate on your duel.

Elanhil: But she...

Me:

Elanhil: -Kai, once your done I want to show this Kimun who is boss. No-one bests Elanhil with a blade.

Me: You'll have to finish your duel first.

Kai: I'm the best there is. I use a katana and throwing blades.

Me: There were other things I thought, but I don't have the doc up.

Kai: I can fly, Jay. If Amanda let me.

Me: Which I won't. (whispers to Shawn) By that point they were friends, maybe even a bit of romantic interest , so he took it really hard.

Cassie: [Listens intently, then copies Kimun's action. Her arms are bit more straightened this his.] Like this?

Chase: [Slashes at Elanhil from behind.]

Cory: Oh, thank you. [Feels his face.] That's weird...

Tynx: [Turns up and over Merashath and releases all the trapped fire before hurtling downward.] Well, it was worth a shot.

Chayn: I'm still game if you are, dear one. [Flies after Tynx madly]

Seymour: [Watches Silver, smiling softly.]

Melany: Alright hold still, this will sting a bit. *applies comfry salve to Trina's wound* Here, drink this. *hands her a warm, frothy drink that smells like almonds*

Malcolm: *gently licks his wings and back*

Stellwento: *squints* who all is in the sky still?

Fulgar: We could wreak some havoc comrade.

Lumevita: *opens an eye* Do be careful this time brother.

Lakkerfax: *lazily blows fire rings*

Umectra: *swims in circles melting and refreezing the ice as she travels*

Elanhil: *Twirls around and puts his sword up, just a liiitle too late. His right shoulder is nicked, but his slides his blade down and forward along Chase's until the cross-pieces slam into each other. Elanhil twists his blade slightly and then suddenly pushes downward.*

Trina: Thanks. *gladly takes the drink. After the salve is applied she lazily walks around, not heading anywhere.* I hope I never have to fight in the book.

Me: ...

Trina: Oh, no. No you don't.

Me: *shrug* At this point you don't but it may be necessary to develop your character. Just like you wanted to join that fight, you sometimes get a little over-anxious.

Trina: *sits down on the grass.* Whatever.

Griffin: (blocks Elanhil's arced blade by crossing his javelin and sword and stabs at Chase with the javelin, slashing at Elanhil's now turned, because of Chase's move, back)

Phillip: Oof, uh, right.

Tesra: (laughs)

Ravork: Did you ever move after my last attack Mordir?

Thysal - (turns her head to Jay) Wanna keep going? (lands on the ground and stretches her wings) We can keep fighting from down here. (trots over towards a bare place in the thread)

Mordir: I didn't. Sorry about that. [Glares at me before ducking and rushing at Ravork.]

Cassie: [Fixes her stance.] How's this?

Ponkin: [Sleepily begins to wake up.] What's goin' on? I was... so.... warm. [Looks up at Arionwyn.] Oh, hi! You're that pretty elf person, aren't you? D'you have any caffeine-nuts?

Seymour: No, she doesn't.

Ponkin: I wasn't askin' you.

Me: I need to see how Chase responds before Elanhil will make his move...

Trina: *lies backward and falls asleep*

Hadwin: *chuckles* I guess she isn't used to battle.

Me: Yeah, I'll fix that though.

Hadwin: Fractalling?

Me: Um...I don't know yet...

Me: Oh shoot. I keep on forgetting these duels.

Chase: I noticed. [Struggles to push back as the two blade lock. But when Elanhil pushes, he falls backward. Griffin's javelin stab hits him in the side.Chase backs off, pressing his free hand to his side.]

Seymour: Be careful.

Chase: I'm fine. I'm not quitting yet.

Mordir: Fool. You'll die of blood loss before anything else.

Chase: I don't care. I don't quit anything I start until it's finished.

Cassie: [As she copies Kimun's movements, a glow of pride sweep across her face when she hears Chase speak. She fumbles a litle bit, but only once.] I think it's getting easier.

Chayn: [Flies off after Tynx as he comes down. She breathes poison right at him.]

Tynx: Whoa! [Rolls aside, keeping his belly exposed, and Iri protected. Thankfully Chayn;s poison misses.]

Me: One of the weird things about your own characters dueling each other, is that the fight could go on forever.

Cory: What is this I hear that you've been thinking about replacing us here with others?

Me: You sure are nosy. But I've only been thinking about it. And I wouldn't replace all of you.

Cory: Two guesses who stays.

Mordir: Don't act that way. We're just her fave- [Gets a pot to his head.] Nevermind.

Me: Good idea. Focus on your duel instead. But I don't know yet.

Tynx: You should! They all need developement! Most of them are awkward in social places!

Me: They are not awkward. They just aren't talkative.

Seymour: Like All the characters you've forgotten? [Gets a pot to his head also.]

Me: Just because you're mature and smart doesn't mean I can't deal with your smart-aleck moments as well.