Alexis: Your grandfather? But Kimun said that..... *face softens* Oh.

Me: OK, forgot Seymour and Meriak. Oops.

Meriak: Oops?! That's all you care to say? [Flies viciously at Ashrai from the left]

Cassie: [Squeals in delight] Hi, Erronys! [Looks at Hetsila] I'm not sure what that is, but OK!

Aris: It's nice to have people who will look after you.

Seymour: [Smiles] I'm sure if you and Emuna, Gavin, would attack me at once. I might just be too distracted with fending off Emuna.

Me: [To Shawn] Yeah. Shawn and Tynx have a less serious relationship. Jay and Mordir seem to be getting along splendidly, too.

Mordir: [Glaring] You will pay for that. [Looks at Jay] I'm stayin' out of it! Sheesh. But really, if you don't want me doing anything, why bring me up?

Chayn: [Roars in anger] Let her go! [Veers to the right] Any ideas?

Tesmir: You alright back there, Trina?

Chayn: [Is trying to ignore the immense heat]

Tounon: [Looks at Elanhil] Care to duel while we wait?

Cassie: What's goin' on?

Rune: A big dragon war.

Me: The awesome-est batle ever!

Mordir: Funny, I would have expected a writer to use better grammer.

Me: You are in no position to comment, sir.

Gavin: *pauses* You want me to fight along side of a girl? Yah, right!

Emuna: I take offense. *crosses arms*

Brian: Come on! I'm getting hungry back here!

Me: Really, Brian? You're main complaint is hunger.

Brian: Well, I can't very well say I'm dying from blood loss. Can I?

Me: And that's a bad thing?

Brian: It is when I'm the only motivation to get those two to work together!

Me: Good point...oh well...Gavin becomes nice at the end of the book...just not yet.

Gavin: I'm not nice right now?! I'm saving pretty boy, aren't I?

Emuna: No, he's still behind Seymour.

I'm sorry, Hëtsila. My father has also died. Quite recently, in fact.

Me: Oooookay. I am now three pages behind.

Kai: Lazy.

Me: *glares at Kai* You just try doing my geometry, k?

Kai: *looks at geometry* Brave.

Me: Much better.

Kai: @Jay - Oh, no, I'm not cowardly. Just finding a more dangerous place to be. *jumps into fire tornado* Yeehaw! This fun!

Me: head/desk

Cat-Dragon: @Jay - Yes, after this we will resume killing one another. Where may I be of service?

Roel: Yes... this is getting repetitve. *drops to ground, kicks Rahor's legs out from under him, and pins him to the ground with his blade to Rahor's throat* However, I doubt this part is.

Klasina: Can I come back in here?

Me: No. Two characters is about as much as I can handle.

Klasina: But your geometry is done!

Me: The answer's still no.

Klasina: *pouts*

Lakkerfax: Wen already blew the fire away. He decided it wasn't enough fun.

Chayn: Hang in there, Shawn. I'll get you go, and I'm never letting you out of my sight again

Me: Just a wee bit over protective.

Rowen: Don't let her hear that.

Chayn: [Flies at Merashath, ramming into his side.] We can do this the easy way, or I can kill you.

Tounon: She's uh... not one to be messed with, huh?

Me: No, not really. I think it's a general rule that one should stay on any dragon's good side.

Mordir: [Continues to glare] Look, we obviously can't talk to each other without resisting the urge to grab at each other's necks. I promise you I won't do anyone any harm until the girl is safely on her dragon, or however you want it. Merashath won't listen to the others. I might be able to persuade him.

Chayn: [Nods her gratefulness to the geckos, and resumes attacking Merashath]

Kai: You did? Humph.

Cat-Dragon: Certainly. *starts biting and clawing Merashath, shredding his wings*

Elanhil@Whoeverchallengedhim: Sure! I'd be glad to.

Merashath: *Spins around as Chayn rams into him, thwacking her with his tail. He begins to fly away, but...*

Trina: *Jumps from Chayn's back to Merashath. She beats her fist on his back, and then drops below and holds onto his leg, pushing the other one in the opposite direction. She then brings her foot up in a sudden, strong kick to his chest, which finally gets him to let go. Shawn falls.* Chayn! Hurry!

Merashath: You brat! *clamps his jaw down on Trina's leg, and flings her backwards.*

Trina: *Passes out from pain.*

Merashath: *Flies after Shawn*

Thysal - Hmm . . . Think of something guys because if not . . . Ack, there's Trina! Hang on! (Dives down and catches Trina in her claws) Too much, we're going to have to land! Mordir, after we drop her off, I'm taking you over to Merashath. Talk some sense into him! (Lands, places Trina on the ground, and with an effort, takes off again, and circles close to Merashath) Get him, Mordir!

Me - I thought the fire-tornado was blown away by a gecko.

Ashrai - (Calmly fires another crossbow bolt at the Meriak) Erronys, thanks for the ride, but I'll just drop off here. Take care of Kaida! (Flings himself off Erronys in free fall. Moments later, he hits the ground in a roll and leaps to his feet, drawing his sword) Meriak, I'm down here!

Niarah - . . . I didn't know he could do that.

Zanya - Is that all you can say?

Me - Ever hear that cats always land on their feet?

Niarah - I'm a snow leopard, I should know that. But no one survives a fall of that height!

Me - Ananthi training.

Niarah - This is overrated.

Rahor - Nice one. But never stand too close. (Suddenly curls his hind paws and kicks upwards at Roel, knocking him back, and standing up in the same fluid motion) I'm willing to bet that this'll be a whole lot more interesting now.

Zanya - (Casually stands back and watches the whole room) Anyone else wonder how many more pages this thing'll take before we have to start a new thread?

Oh pardon...didn't see this.

Merashath: *everything is the same, except after he thwacks Chayn he lets out a burst of flame at Cat-dragon.*

Trina: *lies limp on the ground*

Roel: I thought I'd won! I had you pinned with a sword!!

Me: <grin>

Roel: That means you're not on my side, doesn't it.

Me: <grin>

Roel: *sigh* Alright, alright. *gets to feet and faces off against Rahor again*

Cat-Dragon: *dodges flames and continues work on shredding Merashath*

Merashath: *Sends out another burst of fire, and locks his claws onto cat-dragon's.*

Cat-Dragon: *fire singes scales, but doesn't harm him. Feet occupied, he chomps on Merashath's neck *

Merashath: *writhes and twists around, preventing cat-dragon from reaching his neck. He pushes off from his feet and flies low and lands by Pirzak and Raczr.* Ok, now I lay off. For now.

Cat-Dragon: *nibbles on Merashath's tail* I have defeated you? *slightly amazed it was that easy*

Mordir: I was going to try and get Merashath to retreat for now. But now that he has. Can you put me down?

Tounon: [Eyes flash with eager fieriness]

Me: Whoa, that's a word?

Tounon: Doesn't matter. [Swings sword] You can go first, if you like.

Chayn: I'm coming, Shawn! [Starts flying down, but gets knocked off course by Merashath, having not seen his tail] Ah!

Tesmir: Wah! [Slips off]

Rowen: It's falling humans! The world's coming to an end! [Launches into the air and catches Tesmir]

Chayn: [Rights herself and continues on her course. She swoops in upside down and catches Shawn safely in her claws, then turns upright again and lands a few yards away from everyone. Once she's landed on her back feet, she gently puts Shawn down on a thick patch of grass] Shawn? [Nudges Shawn's side gently, worry in her eyes]

Rune: Chayn-

Chayn: [Snarls at him as he steps close] Back!

Orrun: That's not good.

Rune: She's a bit overwhelmed, maybe?

Me: Chayn, you gotta let someone get close to make sure Shawn's alright.

Mordir: Make sure? The girl's been through fire and almost fell to her death. Of course she's not-

Chayn: [Roars at him] Rip him to shreds, Jay! He's the cause of all this!

Mordir: Hey, whoa now. I offered to help. I haven't killed anyone. [Looks at the height below him] ....yeah, jumping off might be out of the question.

Meriak: [Catches the crossbow bolt and flies down to Ashrai, then jumps at him, bolt in hand]

Mordir: Oh for cryin' out loud. Aris, can't you do sometihng about her?

Me: Um, I could let her leave. Oh, and bring in the Suragore!

Tesmir: [Trying to remain on his feet after dismounting Rowen] Are you crazy?!

Me: I don't have any Allarian creatures here. It'd be fun. He'd be a villain, too.

Tesmir: Do you have any idea how much flower's blood us heroes would need?!

Me: Oh relax. I won't let him in now. SO just chill. Chayn, let someone help tend Shawn.

Chayn: [Looks up, but her eyes express her unwillingness to obey] If I must...

Me: Do you guys have any idea of what's going on?

Emuna: Umm...no, not really. Should I?

Brian: Have I mentioned I'm still stuck behind Seymour? *glares at Gavin*

Gavin: Why glare at me?! I didn't put you behind Seymour!

Brian: Yah, but you were supposed to save me. Which is turning out to be a totally loss.

Gavin: How dare yo-

Me: Haha...That's cool...I didn't know I could make them silent.

Emuna: Do that to me and I-

Me: *giggles* This is fun.

Brian: ... I'll just stay back here...

Elanhil: *steps forward, and gives a gentle lunge, about 1/4 full force.*

Trina: *blinks awake, wincing in pain. She tries to look around, but can hardly move.* Where is Shawn? Is she OK?

Merashath: *spins and breathes fire in cat-dragon's face.* I am not defeated. A smart person knows when to pull back and strike at a weaker point. --Shouldn't Trina be fine? Damage is immediately healed here...

Me: But this is the development thread. It should be good for development.

Me: Did I miss something with Seymour? [Goes to look] Wow, I did. Second time. Sorry!

Seymour: Dragons wars suck you attention, don't they?

Me: They do seem to. Now focus on your stuff.

Seymour: Stuff? It doesn't have a proper name? [Slices at Gavin] Come, Master Gavin, there is no shame is asking for help. I admire you confidence, but in this session, confidence is among the least important. right now.

Tounon: [Jumps to the side and cuts at his middle] I saw that you beat Kimun, that's impressive.

Aris: [Kneels down by Trina] Shawn's safe now. Chayn's looking after her. Where are you hurt?

Chayn: [Watches Shawn, an almost motherly look in her eyes]

[A large, winged snake glides into the room. It's mostly purple, but its belly is green. It has a sort of 'hood', like a cobra, which is purple. Its head and neck are green, and it looks like a snake's head/neck, but it has visible ears, which are thin and tapering to a point]

Tesmir: I don't like you.

Me: Well just stay away from it. You don't have to go up and pet it. That's a Suragore. Very dangerous and poisonous.

Thysal - (Circles and picks a landing spot) Fine. Off you go, Mordir, and think twice before you anger any more dragons. (Touches him gently with her wing before she takes off again, carrying Jay over to Shawn and Chayn) I know you want to be over here. (touches Chayn) Relax. I believe we won.

Niarah - It was looking pretty sketchy there for a while.

Rahor - (Attacks Roel in a flurry of slashes aimed at his torso) Let me know whenever you get tired!

Ashrai - (Swings his sword and sidesteps as the Meriak leaps at him) I'm still not sure what exactly are you.

Niarah - How'd you get in a fight with an unknown entity?

Ashrai - It's the story of my life.

Zanya - (spots the Suragore. Fearfully the pupils of her eyes dilate into vertical slits) What's that??? (Backs away)

Kaida: *watches people fall from the sky* Would you look at that. I'm a trend setter.

Melany: *sees the unconscious Trina and goes to help* Is there anything I can do here?

Elanhil: *leaps forward, and twirls around, beating Tounon's sword downward.* Apparently it is. *cuts upward.*

Trina: *leans back and relaxes.* Thank you, Aris. Merashath just...chomped down on my leg. I think...I'll be fine.

Merashath: You haven't won, yet.

Gavin: *dodges slice* I don't mind asking for help! *swings sword at Seymour* It's asking for Emuna's help that doesn't fly with me!

Brian: Will you just ask for her help already?! I'm bored!

Me: Brian, you're complaining 'bout the silliest things.

Brian: Like you don't complaint about being bored.

Emuna: Wait...what's wrong with my help?! I am very helpful! Brian! Am I not helpful?!

Brian: Yes, you are very helpful Emuna...that's totally why I'm still behind Seymour.

Emuna: He told me I didn't have to help. And it's not like Gavin couldn't use the practice.

Gavin: I heard that!

Aris: [Gives Trina's shoulder a reassuring squeeze] I've tried that, saying I'll be fine. But we'll have a look-see just in case, OK?

Cassie: [Hopping around with eager anticipation] When can we start?

Me: I guess it's sometimes good to be completely enthusiastic about something you don't know much about.

Rune: Yeah, if you're a child.

Mordir: [Flinches slightly when Thysal touches him] Yeah, I'll keep that in mind. At least, I won't be crossing your path.

Me: You better avoid crossing any dragon's path. I wonder how well our world would react if dragons really flew in the skies.

Orrun: They'd roll out all their explosives, probably. And you fantasy maniacs would flip out with sheer joy and go running to the arrivals.

Me: Um.... maybe... And I am not a maniac.

Tounon: Apparently? Sir, I watched you fight him, I heard about Kai's and Seymour's and Cory's duels with him. coming out as a victor and not on your back with a foot pushing into your ribs is no small matter.

Me: And yet, here you are, fighting the one who defeated even Kimun?

Tounon: Just because you're no good at duels doesn't mean I can't duel. [Brings his sword down to meet Elanhil's] Not everyday I have the honor of dueling a master swordsman, either.

Me:

Seymour: [Pushes sword to the side] Why? Give me five good reasons why you don't want to ask Emuna for help. Give me five reasons why you cannot humble yourself to ask for aid from someone who would gladly help you to rescue a mutual friend.

Me: Don't insult him, Seymour.

Seymour: I'm not insulting him. [Spins behind Gavin and nicks his shoulder with the butt end of his staff] I am helping him.

Meriak: I am a creature of Piensor.

Me: He needs a bit more explanation. Meriak are creatures who live deep in the forest. They have black wings and matching skin (black as night), their ears are like an elf's, but no relation to elves. They feed on the fear of their prey, until the victim basically dies of fright.

Tesmir: Lovely creatures you have, Aris. Truly, very charming.

Suragore: [Growls, eying Zanya]

Me: And, the Suragore is another Piensor creature. It lives in caves, is a fast swimmer, is as blind as a bat, has sharp hearing. And its fangs are poisonous, with a poison called Numm-Cordd. The only antidote is flower's blood.

Tesmir: [Shudders]

Mordir: [Runs toward the other villains] Well, sorry about that delay.

Me: You never give up.

Mordir: [Flashes a smile] Nope.

Gavin: *turns around* Five reasons?...okay.

Emuna: Gavin if you da-

Me: Shh, let him talk! This should be fun.

Emuna:

Brian: I really doubt Gavin will come up with five good reasons.

Gavin: Reason one; she's a girl. Reason two through five; she is Emuna!

Emuna: How does being me change anything?

Gavin: 'Cause you're impossible!

Emuna: Ugh! Just let me help you so you can get the dumb coins. *strings arrow* It's not that hard.

Gavin: Fine! *sits down with sword on lap* Have fun.

Emuna: *scowls* He said help, not do everything.

Gavin: I don't see how this is a two person job...

Trina: *closes her eyes and nods.* Okay.

Elanhil: *Brings his sword into the guard position.* I did take away some of his most valuable assets with the cobha limitations.

Merashath: *growls at Mordir* You are so disorganized. Never abandon a plan, I don't care what is happening to you.

Me: Coming from an immortal.

Kaida: As long as they aren't another one of those races that has no weakness I'd like to fight a fear-feeding forest creature.

Aren: Ah yes, the forest always has been your preferred hunting ground as well.

Derek: *magically appears back in the post boundaries* I feel left out.

Me: You know how it gets in here...

Lightning: *snorts in amusement*

Me: what do you think is so funny?

Lightning: He just sounds like you, that's all. And you sound like your mother.

Me: what is that supposed to mean???

Derek: *glances around* Morgon isn't here, is he?

Me: no, that was a different thread. and you weren't in that thread. and I don't believe you and Morgon... Derek... what've you been doing in my head?

Derek: Calmly waiting for you to get over this horrendous case of writer's block you have and write chapter four.

Me: I've tried, I've tried and I've...
@Lighting: What are you laughing at?

Lightning: You started a thread for talking to your uncooperative characters, and the you persist in talking to them here?

Me: *growls and looks around for other characters lurking in the shadows*

Seymour: Those are pathetic and insulting reasons, boy! Get up! [Gives Gavin's ribs a smart thwack with the butt end of his staff] You will not rest until you have learned. As you can see, doing this all by yourself isn't getting you anywhere. You have to learn to work together. Balance each other, depend that you both will keep the other's back covered. [Grips Gavin's arm and pulls him to his feet] Even if Emuna is a girl, she is able to fight. You might be surprised how well she can help you. Fighting me by yourself certainly isn't getting you any closer to Master Brian.

Orrun: [Goes over to Lightning and Derek] What are your worlds like?

Aris: [Examines Trina's wound] He got you good, that's for sure. With that toss, I'm surprised he didn't sever it completely. [Looks at Melody] Can you find something that would help fight infection? And... show me how to bandage it properly?

Chayn: [Looks at Thysal] Do you think she will be OK?

Zurik: [Walks over to the other villains, glaring at Mordir] What was that?! You back out of a fight, then you team up with the heroes?!

Mordir: I didn't really have much choice now, did I?! I was trapped under a dragon, and I had a blade at my throat. Do you think I was in any position to keep on with the plan?

Zurik: [Waves vaguely in Merashath's direction] He had everything under control!

Mordir: [Leans against a tree for support] No doubt he did. But he was being attacked by a crazed, rider-deprived dragon, who would have kept on attacking until either he or herself were dead. [Looks at Merashath] Look, I'm sorry. But like I told Zurik, that dragon wouldn't have ceased attacking you until she could no longer pull breath. You're important to this rebellion, Merashath. YOu can fly, and only pure good can defeat you. I didn't want to lose you before the rebellion's barely gotten off the ground. [Looks at everyone there] All of you, you're all important. I could.... I could use your help in making us a more organized effort.

Rune: Looks like being held captive changed him a bit.

Mordir: [Ignores] But right now, we should find a place where we can make some sort of structure to hold us all, so we have someplace to go if we need to. [Tries to walk forward, but trips]

Zurik: You alright?

Mordir: I'm fine. The wounds will heal.

Meriak: [Looks icily at Kaida] You challenge me?

Me: She's so violent.

Tesmir: And, who made her that way?

Me: I did.

Suragore: [Roars and flies at Zanya]

Me: Why are my characters picking fights with snow leopards?

Tounon: [Brings his sword in a downward arc, but then spins, using his speed to cut horizontally] His cobha? Like, his magic?

Elanhil: *positions his sword perpendicular, flicking it up as it comes, but still requires Elanhil to duck. When the sword is on the other side, Elanhil performs a horizontal slice at Tounon's exposed side.* Sort of. But not really...

Trina: He tossed me? Who caught me?

Merashath: How about passing on the baton, Mordir?

Gavin: Ow! You hit my ribs! *stands up* That really hurt...

Brian: Please tell me he's joking...

Me: I wish he was.

Emuna: *sigh* How am I supposed to help him, anyways? He's doing pretty well at getting himself beat up.

Brian: *waves to Derek and Lightning* Hello!

I must say, it's pretty funny to watch Brian...

Me: *grins at Derek* At least your whining accomplished something.

Derek: Well...

Lightning: My world is... well... it's my world and...

Me: Very impressive, Michael.

Lightning: Don't call me that!

Me: I'm the author. I can call you whatever I want.

Lightning: Well, it's pretty ordinary as far as worlds go. There are half a dozen northern kingdoms, a big desert and... lots of wars.

Me: Outlaw wars.

Lightning: Who's telling this story?

Me: It ain't a story, it's a description.

Lightning: Whatever. There are a lot of wars; among the outlaws, among the kingdoms, between the outlaws and the kingdoms... and there are two or three different religions who take sides in the war. Their curses are almost as much a part of it as the actual blows on either side. It's a very... dark.. place.

Me: Derek?

Derek: hm? Oh! My world. Well my world is quite ordinary. Fire breathing dragons, impossible quests, maidens in distress, noble kings, evil kings, you know. Typical. How about yours?

Thysal - Of course she'll be fine. She's a strong lass. (eyes the villain group) And I think they'll leave her alone for now. (Nudges Trina with her muzzle) I'm not sure who tossed you, but I caught you, and you'll get better swiftly.

Niarah - I wouldn't have guessed from my cubhood that dragons have maternal instincts.

Me - Zanya's not a snow leopard. She's a felanai, a feline/human shapeshifter.

Zanya - (snarls in fear and lashes out with her claws at the Suragore, then shifts to human form and races away)

Sabre - (watching calmly) She hates snakes. Normally she'd face you head on, but she's been disoriented by this thread.

Me - Hey! I kicked you out, where'd you come from?

Sabre - *shrugs*

Me - (Tosses him out) Jaynin, I feel your pain.

Ashrai - (Watches the Meriak warily, tensed and ready for anything)

Me: Whoops, sorry. So, who all are snow leopards?

Mordir: What do you have in mind?

Suragore: [Hesitates, a bit confused]

Me: Maybe he should talk here?

Tesmir: Um, no.

Me: Um, I wasn't asking you.

Meriak: [stops flying and lands softly on her feet, eyes narrowing as she watches Ashrai] I can smell your friend's fear. But yours.... I smell very little, you do not fear me, feline?

Me: [Hopes she guessed right this time]

Aris: [Washing the wound] Yeah, Thysal caught you. Chayn as busy catching Shawn, and Rowen with Tesmir. Are you hurt anywhere else?

Chayn: [Looks down at Shawn, then at the villains] They better not try anything. [Looks at Shawn again and lowers herself down onto her side, wrapping her tail partially around Shawn, and rests her head near Shawn]

Rune: Rescue work must take a lot out of you.

Tesmir: If you're as close to your rider as she is, it probably does.

Tounon: [Jumps to the side, just barely avoiding the blade. Brings his sword down on Elanhil's head] Still, whatever you did was impressive.

Seymour: I didn't hit you that hard. But come, we haven't finished. [Looks at Emuna, then at me] Help?

Me: Nope. She can help by 'distracting' Seymour, letting Gavin run past. But Emuna should probably attack to distract.

Orrun: My world? It consists of three countries. I live in the southern country, Piensor. It has a big forest that almost runs right down through it all, with mountains to the north. I live there with my eight brothers. [Nods to Tesmir and Rune] There's two of them. [Looks at Derek] That must keep you on your toes, huh? [To Lightning] Why is their so much war in your world?

Derek: 8 brothers? That must be... interesting.

Lightning: Who knows? The gods will it, maybe. That's what some say. Power is the main reason, of course. There is no king strong enough to hold us all...

Me: For being stranded at part two of a seven part novel you sure act philosophical.

Lightning: Need I remind the author that both of those "early" parts begin at the very end of my story?

Me: True, true...

Elanhil: *flicks his blade upwards, above his head, so that Tounon's will slide down it, the blade smashing against the hilt. Elanhil slides his hilt forward, causing the two hilts to clash together. Elanhil twist his sword to the right and then pushes down.*

Trina: I think I'm fine otherwise. *reaches up and touches Thysal.* Thank-you.

Merashath: *waits*

Kaida: *tosses her knife carelessly* I might rabbit. I might, once I determine exactly the limits I have when I'm not in my world.

Me: The looney toons reference may have confused some people, but she's talking to Meriak.

Melany: *hands Aris a healing salve* Here, this might be of some help.

Gavin: I don't care if you didn't hit me that hard! *rubs ribs* It still hurts...

Emuna: *mumbles* Cries like a child with a broken bone... *pulls arrow back and aims at Seymour's arm* Is this distracting enough? *let's arrow go*

Me: This might not end well.

Brian: I'd say that'd be pretty distracting...

Gavin: *still rubbings ribs* I can't believe he hit me...

Brian: Seriously Gavin? You've gotten worse!

Gavin: *scowls*

Tanner: *watches Pirzak then turns to Jay* I got your back if you need it man.

Skooter: *shakes the water out of his fur and bounds up to Shawn* You are safe now!

Seymour: It could've been worse, you could have ended up on her back with three broken ribs, and sprained, ankle, and quite a few cuts. Now, up and be useful. [Doesn't see the arrow, or hear it, until it's too close. He staggers back when it hits, shock in his face] Well, didn't see that one coming.

Rune: Is there any Elf in her blood?

Tesmir: Knowing how weird things can get here, I wouldn't doubt it.

Seymour: [Winces as he extracts the arrow] Good shot, Miss Emuna.

Me: Someone's gonna get hurt-

Seymour: Someone already got hurt.

Me: No, I mean getting hurt like losing a limb.

Mordir: Uh, Pirzak, that's not-

Chayn: [Snarls at Pirzak, lifting her head only slightly, baring her teeth, poison dripping from her mouth.] Back off, villain, if you value your life. [Looks at Shawn, relief in her eyes now, instead of anger. She touches her shoulder with her nose] I'm so happy.... I... I don't know if I've felt this way before... I feel almost, warm... It's good to have you back with me. [Emits a sort of rumbling purr, but more dragony.] Are you hurt anywhere, little one? [Hardly notices the tears that are falling]

Me: Aww, they're awesome together!

Tesmir: Really? Drooling? That's really grown-up. [Gets smacked by Rune]

Mordir: [Looks at Merashath] What did you have in mind, Merashath?

Meriak: [Looks at Kaida] I do not understand your words, human. [Watches Ashrai and Kaida] I grow tired of this talk. If you wish to challenge, you are welcome. But I will, sooner or later, pin you down, and you will not escape.

Mordir: [Can't really figure out how to separate Meriak from the other two] Um... should I just let her go?

Zurik: WHy not? Let her have at it.

Aris: [Smiles] Thank you. [Applies the salve gently]

Tounon: [Loses his grip of the sword in one hand (he's holding it with two), staggers to the side, but tries to counter with a cut] That probably won't go well.

Tesmir: Way to stay confident.

Tounon: You try dueling, then.

Tesmir: No thanks. Last time I dueled, I got attacked by an on-looker.

Me: You have to take in the fact that the on-looker wasn't exactly a good guy.

Tynx: [Pulls himself out of the water after another failed attempt at fishing] Who? Iri? He's fun. [Runs over to Shawn] You're OK!

Chayn: [Watches Skooter and Tynx, then looks at Jay and touches his shoulder with the tip of her tail] Nevermind the mindless villain, little one. Come and join us again.

Mordir: I agree. So long as we can get him away from Thysal. Otherwise it'll be the exact same battle we just had with Chayn. But perhaps less violent.

Zurik: Don't hold your breath.

Orrun: [Nods, smiling] It can be an adventure sometimes. Tilmere, the oldest, seems to hold us all together for the most part. Tesmir's the real trouble maker.

Tesmir: [Snorts] Psh, you're just jealous.

Rune: [Laughs, startling Beron]

Orrun: [To Lightning] Your world has more than one god?

Brian: Well, actually no she isn't elf. But it's interesting you asked because as the story progresses we're finding out that she's actually Lumenian. Which is a race of (lack of a better term) energy wielders...

*as Brian talks Emuna strings another bow and aims if at Seymours other arm*

Brian: But she's actually quiet violent for her kind. You see the necklace she wears tends to make her more angry than usual when pushed too far. Which is why her father is a really bad guy...

*Emuna pulls arrow back as far is can go*

Brian: Though, we're trying to reach the source of her power to keep her from doing this.

*She releases the arrow and it flies shockingly fast through the air*

Brian: So you see....definitely not elf.

Me: I must say...I like how I wrote this post. *pats self on back*

Gavin: Self congratulatory much?

Me: You can't be a writer without smiling at your own play of words every once in awhile. Oh, yah...and did I forget to mention Emuna is a very good archer...odds are she'll hit you at least twice, Seymour.

Melany: *turns to Seymour* I can see to your wounds if you like.

Kaida: *scrapes her knife against her throat absentmindedly* Yeah, that's what they told me about my first Shepao. The whole, never-stops-chasing, never-stops-hunting, good-luck-finding-a-palm-tree-in-a-redwood-forest thing. That was *counts in her head* more than four years ago and I've been well mentored.

Me: *To Lady Aris* As long as there is actually a way to win she'll fight anything. I think in a roundabout way that's what she's asking you before she commits.

Fulgar: *sniffles* What's going to happen to all this love when we go back to our books?

Stellwento: Just promise me you won't leave Gar. *bursts into mock tears*

Lumevita: *glares at Wen and Gar so that light shines slightly from her eyes*

I had to laugh at this.

Me - Erm . . . (Looks over characters) Niarah and Rahor are snow leopard siblings, Ashrai is an Ananthi [think panther]. I'll just give a refresher on the rest. Sylvia is human, Zanya is Felanai [shapeshifter], and Thysal is an ice dragon.

Thysal - (hisses at the villains) Stay away from Jay. Or do any of you want a repeat of Mordir's treatment?

Zanya - (shifts into a feline once more, hackles raised) That Suragore thing had better keep away . . .

Ashrai - (shrugs) I do not wish to challenge you, Meriak, but if you attack me and mine, then you will die. Fear is a healthy gift, but it isn't one I happen to possess. (sheaths his sword and turns away dismissively)

Niarah - (watches coolly) Arrogance will kill you.

Ashrai - Then why are you alive, maiden?

Niarah - I know when to keep my mouth shut.

Rahor - There's a first.

Thysal - (purrs as Trina touches her) You're welcome, brave one.