The grey-white remains of the previous night’s fire spilled semi-transparent white smoke into the air as Sorrow sat on top of a knoll, overlooking the calm waters of Lake Aelin. The reflections of the vegetation on the opposite side of the Lake, as well as those of the clouds and the far-off Ered Annon mountains, all seemed to paint a delicate picture in the water. The chatter of hundreds of unseen animals filled the air, creating a pleasant buzz. A small group of ducks swam in the waters, and in the distance, a boat could be seen sailing across the horizon. It was, all in all, a very peaceful morning.

Sorrow enjoyed spending his time in places like this. Such natural beauty was beyond compare, especially from the dirty cities of man. Coming out here, where he could be isolated from the world, seemed to wash away his many worries. His cloak smelled sweetly of pine needles, seeing as how he had slept on a bed of them last night. His stomach was pleasantly full from a meal of fish he had caught, along with some known berries. All seemed to be perfectly content with the world.

His peaceful moment was broken by a rustling the bushes. Sorrow’s eyes narrowed, turning to the side to find the source of the sound. Something large was approaching, approximately the size of a human by the sound of it. Sorrow reached for the staff that laid in the grass behind him, gripping it but not picking it up. Something was approaching the campsite, but there was no reason to assume it was hostile. At least, he hoped there wasn’t.

Deciding finally to air on the side of caution, he moved slowly and silently over behind a group of trees. With his innate elven agility, he jumped up and grabbed hold of a tree branch, hoisting himself up easily. He continued to climb the sturdy oak, until he found an excellent vantage point. He was well-concealed by the leaves of the tree, but he was able to observe with relative ease the scene of his campsite below. Gripping his staff lightly, he waited, and watched.

Dawn had finally come from night, the birds and animals woke up and went about their daily lives. One such animal was a raven who flew swiftly through the trees to a young woman. She stood straight, her hair done up in a braid. She streached out a thin arm for the bird to land. "Arella, tell me the news of the animals. What is the lay of the land?" she asked. The raven gave a few quick caws and one long screech. The woman nodded and pulled a cloak over her shoulders. "So not much has changed in the landscape since we came here." she said as she began to walk.

The woman soon found the scenry to be changing. The trees were thinning and being replaced by bushes which became more and more common. Most of them were blueberry or raspberry bushes which held many ripe and juciy berries. She had eaten some of them the past night before going to bed. The waxing moon gave her comfort enough to sleep on the ground. The crow gave a caw as she brushed in between some bushes,sticky juices covered her arms as she used her cloak to wipe them. "I know, these berries are good but a pain to clean up after. she laughed

She continued to walk down the path till she noticed a smell. She paused, took another sniff and closed her eyes. Without looking up she spoke to the figure hidding. "If you are trying to attack me then you might want to find either a better hiding place that masks your scent or a victum that has a weak sense of smell. I know you are there. Come on out." she said finally looking up at a figure in the trees.

Sorrow looked downwards, making out the figure of a female half-demon. She was shorter than most humans, and had a raven with her. Sorrow did not detect any hostility within her, and yet he was unsure of exactly how to react to her presence. She was most likely just another traveler like he, wandering the lands of Arda. However, she was considerably armed, with several blades. He considered simply staying in the trees and allowing her to pass. Then he noticed her nostrils flaring slightly, as if she was sniffing the air.

"If you are trying to attack me then you might want to find either a better hiding place that masks your scent or a victum that has a weak sense of smell. I know you are there. Come on out," she said, craning her head upwards. Sorrow raised an eyebrow, impressed with this unusual ability. He shrugged, deciding that it was probably best not to support any ideas of hostility. Sorrow jumped down from the tree, falling the ten feet to the ground. He landed with the grace of an elf, using one hand to steady himself and the other to break his fall. His fingertips were all that was required, and he stood stoically, drawing up to his full height. The woman was dwarfed by him, a more than a foot shorter. He turned his gaze downwards, meeting hers.

“No attack intended, mi’lady. I was simply startled by your appearance. One does not expect to encounter many others in such an isolated place as this. I am called Sorrow. Might I have the pleasure of your own name?” he asked. Sorrow tried to be as chivalrous as possible, but he knew that it was entirely faked. He knew nothing about chivalry. Mentally shrugging, he awaited her response.

Walking along the lakeside Jasmine could smell the sea air from the ocean that wasn't that far. After all this lake opened up to the ocean. Glancing up she say only a few birds, mostly seagulls. She guessed there would have been more but she wasn't that close to the ocean. As she walked she looked into the lake. Seeing a few fish, but what she was really looking at was the reflections on the water. They seemed to paint a picture of her sroundings including her self. As she looked into her face she wasn't entirely sure what she saw reflected back. Looking away she began to look away from the water to the trees and bushes. All around she could hear the birds singing all over. She was about to continue on when she saw a figure walk into a clearing that looked much like a camp sight. Standing there for a moment she heard the person speak, "If you are trying to attack me then you might want to find either a better hiding place that masks your scent or a victim that has a weak sense of smell. I know you are there. Come on out." Looking up Jasmine didn't see anyone in the trees but she guessed that this person might have better senses then herself. Soon after a figure did drop from the trees. Walking a little toward them she decided to try and get a better look.

The first figure was carrying several weapons, she was of normal height. Her hair was black and of medium length. The other was much more taller. Almost a foot higher then the other. He wore a purple clock that seemed to large for him. He had also introduced himself as Sorrow. Not wanting them to think she was spying on them she stepped out into the clearing in plain sight. Hi, my name is Jasmine, I'm a Paladin" Jasmine stated as she waited for a response.

Cypher stumbled out of the forest and out into the lake side. He had been travelling for many days and was tired from the long distance he had just covered. Running down into the lake, he cupped his hands and scooped up the water and drank it greedily. He turned around and saw three figures standing on the far side of the river. Curious on who they were, Cypher got back onto his feet and followed the lake side towards the tree strangers. As he got close, he saw that it was two female and one male, each of them seemed to have some sort of crazy history in their past.

After staring for some time, Cypher decided that they posed no threat to him and walked over to introduce himself. Brushing his long dark hair to one side, he casually walked over to the group of strangers.
"Why hello there strangers. What are three characters such as you doing in a palce like this?" He asked smiling. His dark green eyes looked back and forth studying each figure. They all seemed to be warriors of some sort. Good, they were just like him then.
"I am Cypher, house of Avernus. If you have not noticed, I am an ef." He said continuing on. So far so good, at least they were not drawing out their swords and trying to kill him like the savages he emt back in the forest.

Airell flew through the air above Lake Aelin, enjoying the cool morning breeze. The lake was exceptionally beautiful this morning, so clear that he could clearly see his own reflection as he flew above the crystal waters. Airell flew lower, reaching out a hand to touch the cool waters of the lake. A few droplets splashed up, but did nothing to mar the lake’s perfection.

The angel was in a very good mood this morning. He had slept on the other side of the lake for the night, and had awakened to the songs of the birds and the soft light of the morning sun. He had eaten several sweet berries for breakfast. The sky was clear, with only a few wisps of clouds.

As the angel neared the other side of the lake, however, he noticed several people beginning to gather. One of them was an elf, another was a human woman. He frowned slightly as he regarded the next two creatures—a half-demon and a drow. Airell did not much like dark creatures, but these two did not seem to be any trouble, and so Airell let them be, landing smoothly on the other side of the lake.

He was quite pleased to note that the woman—Jasmine—was a fellow paladin, judging from her introduction. He stepped forward, turning to her.

“Hello,” he said, “It seems this is getting to be quite the gathering isn’t it. My name is Airell, by the way. I am, just as you are, a paladin.”

((Sorry…bad post…x_x))

Umbra watched as the figure she senced jumped nimbly down from the tree. It landed in a fancy crouch as she looked at it. The raven gave a caw and she looked at it disapprovingly. “No attack intended, mi’lady. I was simply startled by your appearance. One does not expect to encounter many others in such an isolated place as this. I am called Sorrow. Might I have the pleasure of your own name?” he said in a false chiveralis way. She did not make a comment on how fake his words sounded.

The Raven gave another caw as she saw someone else come by. A female, human by the look of it. Hi, my name is Jasmine, I'm a Paladin" she said with a cheerful tone. Umbra did her best not to freeze on the spot or say something she wanted to about Paladins but said and did nothing more than nod a greeting. She turned and looked past the newcommer at an elf, oh yes there was no mistaking that scent. "Why hello there strangers. What are three characters such as you doing in a palce like this? I am Cypher, house of Avernus. If you have not noticed, I am an ef." She would have given her name at that moment if she hadn't stiffened at the newest smell.

There was no mistaking that scent. She knew it well, a variation of Zeniths but still...It was the smell of an Angel. She turned and saw it. The wings were dead giveaways as he went over to them. She took a step back as if to give him room for a part in the group but she was trying to distance herself as she watched his features. She looked hard at his face as he spoke. “Hello, It seems this is getting to be quite the gathering isn’t it. My name is Airell, by the way. I am, just as you are, a paladin.” he said making the comment to Jasmine.

She sighed as she decided he wasn't among them. "It seems I am the only person who has yet to speak of their name. I am Umbra. And Angel-boy most likely figured it out already the way he is looking at me so I will say it. I am a half-demon." she said looking at the angel with a glance that said "Okay I said it, happy now?" She shook her head, "As for my buisness here. I came to enjoy the day, like most people like to do." she said. She felt uncomfortable around the angel. She had met three before and found them to be great friends but even their friendship would not immediately heal the wounds Akito had given her ten years ago.

Sorrow was critical of all the new arrivals to his campsite. He had come out here to be alone, simply to seek a little isolation from his worries. Now he had been joined by two paladins, a half-demon, and another elf. It was a very strange series of events, and the sudden appearance of all these strangers made him wary. He gripped his staff a little tighter, and made sure to keep all of the new arrivals within his line of sight. For all he knew, these people could have been sent to attack him, especially the half-demon.

Nevertheless, each of the new arrivals promptly introduced themselves and appeared all-over to be a friendly bunch. He did not expect too many hostilities from the Paladins, as their code would prohibit them from attacking unless prompted. However, if they deduced that the was a Drow, they might be drawn into violent reactions if they assumed him to be evil. The half-demon was a mystery; she did not strike him as friend or foe one way or the other. However, the elf was a surprising appearance. Most elves did not tend to perceive their Drow counterparts in a positive manner, and that could make for an ugly confrontation.

“And what a beautiful day it is to enjoy. The simple pleasures seem few and far between these days,” he said, replying to Umbra’s comment. “It is an interesting turn of fate that we have all crossed paths so suddenly.” Sorrow took a half-pace back, and awaited their response.

Jasmine was shocked at how many people had shown up. Glancing around at every one, what began as just herself and two others became herself and four others. Looking at each one she began to think about who they were and what brought all of them together like this. She wasn't aware that gatherings like this were that common. Of the first two that she saw the man was what most called a drow. Jasmine had never seem one in person and had almost no information on them expect that they were like a darker version of elves. The other women had introduced herself as Umbra, a half demon. Now those she had run into on several occasions but none quite like this one. This was in fact the first time she had seen one in a human form.

Of the newer arrivals was an elf who introduced Cypher. Seeing an elf and a drow in one place she thought should be interesting since she had thought they didn't much like each other. The forth and last of the group was an angel. Jasmine couldn't help it as her jaw dropped in aww. Realizing she was staring she quickly closed her mouth and looked away for a second. Then the angel spoke, “Hello,” he said, “It seems this is getting to be quite the gathering isn't it. My name is Airell, by the way. I am, just as you are, a paladin.”

Before she could respond Umbra followed closely by the Drow, "It seems I am the only person who has yet to speak of their name. I am Umbra. And Angel-boy most likely figured it out already the way he is looking at me so I will say it. I am a half-demon. As for my business here. I came to enjoy the day, like most people like to do."

As she finished Sorrow spoke, “And what a beautiful day it is to enjoy. The simple pleasures seem few and far between these days,” he said, replying to Umbra's comment. “It is an interesting turn of fate that we have all crossed paths so suddenly.”

Not sure who to respond to first she decided to speak to all of them, "It's nice to meat all of you, I was just enjoying the day. Pretty soon I'll be heading off toward the Annon Mountains" As she looked at each of them again she began to wonder where they had come from? Where they were going? She only guessed that would speak of it in their own time.

Cypher watched St.Sorrow closely. True that Elves and drow did not have a well past together, but it did not affect him that much. For his people were different from most elves. They were noble people that kept to themselves and only fought against forces of evil. Unlike the high elves of the west who fought against races such as drows and dwarves, his kingdom in the east only fought against wicked men and orcs that serve the dark forces.

He smiled,"Do not worry Drow, one must not hate another because of his fore fathers. Believe me, my kingdom in the East has no feud with the Drows."
He then turned towards the padalin who had just spoken. Cypher had rarely seen female paladins, and seeing one standing before him amazed him. He too was also traqining to become one, but for the mean time, he has not been able to aquire the materials he needed to become one.

"It's nice to meat all of you, I was just enjoying the day. Pretty soon I'll be heading off toward the Annon Mountains" Jasmine said.
"Same here. I for one just participated in the war against evil. So far I am on a short term leave from the army and is seeking for some kind of adventure with anyone. If you wish, I can lend you my sword. I am a skilled swordsman and can be helpful in battles." He winked at Jasmine.

OCC: wow, sorry, so far my posted are really bad, but I have very limited time, I I have Exams next week >.< I will try to be active, but my posts may seem very short and brief. Sorry, I will try do my best :(

((OOC: Airell is a guy...O_o))

"It seems I am the only person who has yet to speak of their name. I am Umbra. And Angel-boy most likely figured it out already the way he is looking at me so I will say it. I am a half-demon." said the half-demon.

Airell looked away. He frowned, not really caring much for half-demons but since this one didn't seem to have any hostile intentions, he decided to let it be. He turned to her.

"I apologize if I have offended you in any way," he said, courteously, "I am generally...cautious...around those of your kind. Once again, I apologize."

He turned to Sorrow, the drow, as he spoke.

“It is an interesting turn of fate that we have all crossed paths so suddenly.” said Sorrow.

Airell nodded, hearing Jasmine say that she was visiting the Ered Annon Mountains. The angel was slightly surprised at this, and was also curious at her reason for going there.

"If you don't mind my asking, Jasmine, what exactly are you planning to do in the Ered Annon Mountains?" he asked.

((Sorry for the bad post...))

"I apologize if I have offended you in any way," he said, courteously, "I am generally... cautious... around those of your kind. Once again, I apologize,” said the male Paladin. Sorrow narrowed his eyes slightly, knowing the unfortunate things that could happen when careless assumptions were made. Even Paladins tended to make too many stereotypes; it was a bad quality that many people possessed.

“It is not good to make assumptions, Paladin. Many things are not as they appear,” advised Sorrow. He spoke smoothly and without much inflection, but his point was still made. Most of the time, keeping an open mind about things was better than trying to shut off the possibility of good in people. Everyone had a little good, no matter who they were.

"Do not worry Drow, one must not hate another because of his fore fathers. Believe me, my kingdom in the East has no feud with the Drows," commented the Elf. Inwardly, Sorrow sighed his relief. The possibility of spilling blood seemed slim, which was always something to be joyful about. He smiled, nodding his thanks to the elf.

“It is good to know that those in the East are not as misguided as those in the West,” commented Sorrow. He turned, walking back around the tree behind him and collecting three fish from his previous day’s catch. The fishing the this lake was always prime; the carp and salmon seemed particularly endless in supply. Sorrow selected the largest and best-looking fish, taking them out and setting them on a make-shift roasting board that he had crafted the previous day. Sorrow laid some more of the plentiful wood onto the fire, using a little magic to get it started again. The sweet smell of burning pine and maple mixed with the aroma of the slowly-cooking fish.

“Please,” he said, “Won’t you join me for a spot of breakfast before continuing on your way?” Sorrow motioned towards the fish as he spoke, and awaited their response.

OoC: (Jas, please avoid writing in black, it makes it hard to read. :))

Jasmine was suprised at how open most of them were. They didn't seem to be hiding anything at all though she knew that most people are anyway. Jasmine heard a few speak, Do not worry Drow, one must not hate another because of his fore fathers. Believe me, my kingdom in the East has no feud with the Drows." Well at least she wouldn't have to worry about any fights breaking out. As she began to walk slowly over to where the tree was another spoke, this time to her directly, "If you don't mind my asking, Jasmine, what exactly are you planning to do in the Ered Annon Mountains?" he asked.

Jasmine thought about it for a moment. She knew herself why she was heading for the annon mountains but she was unsure if she really wanted to talk about it. Almost soon after thought she realized it would be best to talk about it, if at least she could get some more info on them. "I'm looking for a group of people called the Keepers of the Sacred Deed, there sposed to be around there, some have said though that they have disbanded, but even so that doesn't men there all dead there might still be some around" Jasmine answered as she sat down leaning against the tree.

Sitting there looking at everyone Sorrow went behind the tree and pulled out several fish and began to prepare them, as he did he spoke, "“Please,” he said, “Won't you join me for a spot of breakfast before continuing on your way?” Jasmine watched the fish for the moment then he stomach began to growl almost loud enough for everyone to hear. Quickly looking away she spoke, "Thanks, I think i will it's been a while since I've eaten.

"I'm looking for a group of people called the Keepers of the Sacred Deed, there supposed to be around there, some have said though that they have disbanded, but even so that doesn't mean there all dead there might still be some around," said the female Paladin, Jasmine by name. Sorrow had heard distant rumors of the Keepers. He knew of their mysterious leader, who had disappeared some time ago. Most people assumed that all of his enemies had finally caught up with him, that he had been struck down by the very forces of darkness that he had combated for so long. He knew that at least one of their key members, an Arch-Angel by the name of Zenith, had been killed in a battle some time ago. In any case, the Keepers were quickly falling apart. They had made too many enemies, and now those enemies were beginning to chip away at the core of the organization.

“The Keepers are a mysterious lot, they are. You will be hard-pressed to find them, especially in such a place as the Erod Annon mountains. Those mountains are full of evils, and deep within lies Nandgirith, home of the Chaos Goddess Ita. It would not be safe for someone to travel there alone,” he said. Sorrow finished filleting the fish and began to lay the thick strips of meat over the hot fire. They sizzled in protest to their unfair demise as he set them down over the heat. Sorrow poked at them with a stick, adjusting them slightly for even cooking. He discarded the heads, innards, and spines.

“Why would you expect to find members of the Keepers in such an evil place as those mountains?” he asked. Sorrow stood, towering above the others in the group and awaiting her response.

Airell watched as the drow began to prepare fish. His stomach growled slightly as the angel looked on. He had eaten a few berries, but that had hardly been enough for a proper breakfast.

“Please,” said Sorrow, “Won’t you join me for a spot of breakfast before continuing on your way?”

“I would be honored to,” replied Airell, politely. He turned to Jasmine, listening curiously as she began to talk about the Keepers of the Sacred Deed.

“I have heard of them,” said Airell, “Actually, it would be more correct to say that I have heard rumors of them. However, no one has seen anything of them in a while. I, like our friend here, cannot see what any of them would be doing in a place such as the Ered Annon Mountains.”

He had heard many rumors about dark goings on in the Ered Annon Mountains, although he had never been able to confirm them. However, the angel knew for a fact that the Chaos Goddess made her home in the Ered Annon Mountains, and Sorrow’s words only confirmed what he had already known.

((OOC: Sorry for the bad post…))

Sorrow thought over this development as the fish cooked. The pleasant aroma of cooking meat filled his nostrils and seemingly heightened his thought process, allowing him to mull this over with added clarity. So this Paladin expected to find the Keepers of the Sacred Deed, an old and quickly depleting guild, in an evil place such as the Ered Annon mountains? It seemed like such a strange set of affairs, that he would not believe it if he had not heard it himself. Of course, Sorrow, like everyone else in Arda, had heard the tales of Zenith Meria, the arch-angel, who had nearly been destroyed in the mountains. If anything, he would have gone back to the Keepers and told them to steer clear of that dreadful place. It all seemed so very out-of place, and Sorrow could not help but comment again.

“It is especially dangerous if you try and enter the vast network of caves and mines that run throughout those mountains. Untold evils await the unprepared adventurer there. Dragons, orcs, goblins, giant spiders, and even the Meolith, the Cave Demons. They are mighty powerful beasts, and nobody unlucky enough to encounter one has lived to tell the tale. It is a dreadful place, and I would really advise you against going. But, of course, I would not want to interfere with your business, as it is not mine. You do as you see fit, I simply feel obligated to offer a warning and possibly some help if your require any,” said Sorrow. He kept his head down for almost the entire time he spoke, prodding at the fish to make sure it did not burn or cook to heavily on one side. Sighing, he continued to tend to the fish, and waited for somebody to comment or respond.