Ashley's white wings carried her light body in the air, her dark brown hair flowing like silk behind her, her green eyes looking for her destination. Then, she saw it, a building, cathedral of gold and silver intricate drawings that no one could, or would ever reproduce.
Ashley landed on the stairs before the great doors and looked up at them, feeling small. Her armour shone even more brightly because of the colors given off because of the great doors. She wore aurmor boots, gloves, a shirt and skirt, still showing some of her olive skin but at the same time making her look intimidating.

Why she was standing here, on the outside of the sancuary of angels was because she was to meet someone of great power. The gaurdian of Stars. He held great power in the stars, and she had the magic of the cosmos in her blood. So, she held great respect for the man with silver eyes that could hypnotize her and with silver hair.
The two had met before, once, in the celebration of the coming of autumn, several magical creatuers had been their, elves, nymphs, pixies, and one solitary angel, With white wings looking as if it were made of star dust and clouds, her hair brown and thick, her eyes like fiery green emeralds. Ashley. And she had seen him and his beauty just like he had seen hers. The two became great freinds and held respect for one another, her for the gaurdian of the magic she possesed. Him for her angelic wings, and demonic blood.

Ashley called him here because she felt they needed to see each other again, to catch up and to show him her advancements scince they had met, her familiar, and her swords skills.

It was quiet within the specifically darkened room of the sanctuary. The normal hustle and bustle of the citadel monks had been halted by the macabre denizen of this dark abode. He was not normally a fan of company but today was to be an exception; the shadowy lord was expecting a visit from one of the few mortal beings that dwelled upon Arda whom he regarded as a friend.

A tender knock at the doors of his grand chamber was signal enough to him that his guest had arrived but still the monk decided to enter the room to check what the lord wished to do. It was not that the man was evil, cruel or even unkind... but the monk still felt distinctly uneasy in the presence of the Guardian of Stars. He was one of the protectors of light but his demeanour and appearance lent to a very different image. Vaul was an imposing figure; almost seven feet tall and with the build of a true warrior he could intimidate men and beasts alike even without his divinity... but when he appeared in all his dark glory, draped in the legendary Twilight Cloak and brandishing the fabled blade, Tyr Tala, he was awe inspiring in a much more sinister way.

"M... my Lord. Your guest has just arrived." The monk stammered as he approached the table at which the Guardian was seated, then steeled himself for the deity's response, for he knew that he was about to hear the Guardian's most valuable weapon... his voice.

"Show her in. It would be rude to keep a lady waiting." Vaul spoke like no other creature in existence, mortal or otherwise. His true voice was masked behind the collective voices of every star in the night sky speaking as one through him. His voice resonated and echoed through the mind like silk running over skin but with powerful undertones like salt grains being rubbed into a fresh wound.

The little monk shuddered as the deity spoke; this was the first time he had heard the night lord speak but he had been told of its power. The monk did not, however, wait for the Guardian to speak again and rushed from the room to where the young angel girl awaited. If he had any choice in the matter he did not wish to be subjected to the tempting yet terrifying voice of darkness again.

Ashley had told the stuttery little monk of her arrival though it had taken some proding so he didnt touch her wings, or for him to leave her at all. But finally he scurried away into the sanctuary. After only a few moments the man came out, more shaky this time he looked slighlty frightened, he must have heard the deep, black velvet that was the voice of the gaurdian of stars, a voice that could scare or inspire.

The monk opened the door and bowed leaving her room to walk into the darkned chamber of the sanctuary. The sanctuary was fairly dark, only a few candles served as light. So Ashley could see she conjured a little light ball in her palm to guide her way, the ball of light lit her face showing her fiery green, emerald eyes.

Ashley's timber wolf familiar followed her, his feet padding on the hard ground. The unique thing about her familiar was that he had one green eye and one blue, and thier connection was amazing. Is this the man you have spoken of? The one that is the gaurdian of stars? Her wolfs deep voice rang through her mind. The cathedral was still so she didnt want to make noise, she only nodded in response.

Then she saw him, the gaurdian of stars. His silver hair was like light itself, his eyes like the universe and power, his beauty like shinnig stars. Ashley smiled at him, her eyes soft. Ashley curtsied, and let her white wings fold in and she curtsied low to show her respect. Beside her Mist, her familiar, bowed his wolf head in respect also. Ashley came up from her curtsie and tossed her dark brown hair and walked to him kissing him lightly on each cheeck then backing away a few steps. "Lord of stars, it is so nice to see you again, its been far to long. This is my familiar we only found each other recently, his name is Mist." She said crouching to run her fingers through Mists furr while introducing him. She then stood back up, and stood like a strong worrior, which was far from what she was the last time they had spoken.

Vaul watched as the sultry figure of the young angelic woman walked into his chambers. Still as beautiful as the last time he saw her; she was bewitching to the mind. If not for his divinity and resulting forced separation from the mortals of the world, it would have been hard to ignore the lust he felt towards the girl. As she walked Vaul noted the enticing sway of her hips and the way her entire body seemed to flow as she moved. He also noted the wolf that accompanied her.
Vaul spotted the slight nod of her head as she walked which either was a sign of nervousness, which he doubted, or she was communicating with her four-legged partner telepathically. The latter was more plausible as she had never seemed too nervous in his company before.

His desires where no less diminished when she had approached his seat and, after a short curtsy, came close and kissed him on both cheeks. The scent of her hair as she passed across his face was intoxicating to his senses. His urge to kiss her was almost overwhelming but he kept his restraint and allowed her to back away once more as she introduced her wolven companion.

Vaul nodded to the wolf after the introduction out of respect then decided it was only polite to introduce his hidden accomplice.
"It seems we have something in common my dear. Come forth Nova!" In a flash of blue and red chaotic lightning the large figure of Nova, Vaul's lupine familiar, appeared by his side. Though a lupine by definition, Nova had chosen to become more wolf-like in appearance than many others of his race and also sported one large, scimiter-like horn upon his forehead. "This is Nova, my trusted guard and friend. Nova... meet Ashley and Mist."

Vaul stood and smiled at the sweet angel. "Now enough with the formalities, are we not friends Ashley? It is good to see you again. You have certainly grown since we last met. Come... sit with me. How have you been?"

Ashley smiled back, his smile. It was enticing, playfull, and charming. She wished to run her fingers through his hair that was silver, and to stare at the eyes that looked like the universe and for their lips to touch. But with some effort she pushed those thoughts from her mind.

Ashley took his arm and began to slowly walk, their footsteps in sync. Her white wings hung low so they didnt brush against his back. Her aurmored boots clicked lightly on the stone of the floor as the two walked together.
Mean while Mist and Nova walked off in the other direction looking as if they could talk to one another, she saw Mist smile and playfully bark. Only rarley did he do such things with other wolves, or lupins for that matter. But the two did seem to be enjoying themselves.

Ashley laughed. "Yes, we are friends, very good freinds. It has felt like decades scince we've talked. Thats why I felt I must come and visit. To see you again is a great thrill I must say." When the two stood before chairs Ashley let her white wings flow out to their largest lenght before tucking them in again so she could take a seat. She took a seat in a intricatly carved sliver chair that had gold painting. Against her aurmor she looked almost like royalty. "My, their is so much to tell. I have now learned the way to be a strong soldier, and to fight, if you like we can spar, for fun, so I can show you what I have learned. And Mist, well he is a story in and of himself. He protects me with great care. I truly appreciate him. But now we shall remember to visit more often." Ashley took a gentle hold on her wing and yanked out a white feather, white like star dust but soft as clouds and handed it to him, the feather would regrow within the day for she gave it willingly, she placed it in his hands. "Now, enough about me, how are you?"

Vaul listened with care as the slender woman spoke, his eyes watching her soft, smooth lips as they formed each word. She spoke of her new found talents as a warrior which was plainly true because the lady that sat before him was no longer the young girl he had seen those short months ago. In such a small space of time the petite and delicate figure of his young friend had transformed into a full figured, strong woman.
"It pleases me to hear that you are doing so well Ashley. I have often wondered how you have been since we last parted ways." Vaul glanced in the direction of the two wolves, "But I see now that you are in good paws." The normally dark figure chuckled.
"As for myself... I am well as always. My mission continues as it always will; to protect those who need help in the dark. My shrine has been too quiet though recently. Many of my monks are off on quests for me so it has been lonely. That is why I decided to return here."

The Night Lord removed the Twilight Cloak and unclipped the weapons that adorned his body, laying them on the table then moved into the centre of the room, stretching his tight muscles as he walked. The only piece of equipment he retained was the small, Skullshredder dagger that hung loosely in his belt. "I do not actively like company usually... but it is nice to know it is there if I require it." Vaul turned quickly back to face Ashley; his eyes aglow with the colours of the universe. "Now young lady... let us see how prepared for the dark world you are. Come... attack me. I wish to see just how much you have grown."

Ashley laughed we he said she was in good paws, she really was. Mist would protect her with his life. He loved her more than any animal could love any human, but she wasnt human, and their was something different about mist other than his one green eye and one blue. "I really am, I appreciate him."

Ashley watched as he removed all of his weapons, his collection was very large and her eyes became big. He had several peices on the ground, she only had her short sword which hung on her side. "How you are ever alone is beyond me." She said jokingly, they were freinds that could relax together and play games, such as the spar that was to take place in only moments.

Ashley stood and saw the smile on his lips and the eyes that bore into her intensly, She raised her eye brows slightly for a moment and her emerald eyes sparkled. A smile came on her face as she moved to him.

Now, she knew alot about fighting with the sword, watch the opponents hand, it is what decides what makes the next move, their eyes give the game away, and never charge at them recklesely, she had learned that the hard way.

Ashley's footwork was good, her figure almost flowing like water. She circled him for a moment before slashing at his shoulder, she knew he would block it, but never just attack straight at the stomach, it would be a bad move, so she slashed at his shoulder waiting for his next move.

Vaul stood very still as the angelic girl positioned herself for the attack. He did not attempt to reach for the dagger in his belt, nor did he make any move to indicate a defensive posture. All the dark Maiar did was quietly watch the subtle movements of the young girl's eyes, wrist and, most importantly, her shoulder.
Though it was true that an attack could be altered and perfected in the hand... the initial power of any form of sword attack came from the shoulder. Patiently the guardian waited, ready to act on an instant's notice.

There!

Vaul smiled very quickly and subtly as he watched her shoulder tense a moment before the warrior woman lunged; aiming a quick thrust towards his shoulder. But Vaul, even during his mortal years, had never been one to retreat from an attack. Stepping forward to meet the oncoming sword, the centuries of combat hardened reflexes kicked in, allowing him to dip and roll his shoulder at the last moment, allowing him to pivot on his heel and let the sword pass harmlessly by.

The Night Lord chuckled light heartedly as he stopped,; his nose pressing against Ashley's and his eyes closed; he had rolled along the blade using its momentum and stopped well within her defences; her arm extended out past his left shoulder and his left hand clutching her sword wrist.

Vaul spoke in his satin voice; his lips mere millimetres away from her own. "You have the confidence in your attack yet you lack the technique. Do not fret though; technique is something that comes with age and experience."

Vaul stepped back once again, releasing her wrist. "Now, again."

Ashley felt her sword hit thin air, he had moved skillfully out of the way. Ashley let her arm drop but he caught her wrist before that happened, his hands on her skin made her shiver though she supressed it, her breathing becoming more shallow. His nose was against hers, their lips close enough to brush against one anothers as they spoke, his breath licked her lips and she faught to keep her composure.

His voice was like black satain, his eyes like the stars themselves. But he was a gaurdian, she was simply a lady, feelings would have to be kept at a minimum, or did they?

Ashley's mind was blurred when he let go of her wrist and told her to try again, the shoulder was a mistake on her part, to slice is to be easily dodged by the side, but to charge recklessly is very stupid. So, she then positioned herself again her legs spread apart, her sword posed.
This time she stepped forward, and at the same time lunging for a slice at his stomach though she didnt intend to damage him at all, just to show him her abilities, her own skin began to slightly glitter from sweat mixing with her light magic making her shine almost like a star itself.

"I thank you for the compliment my lord, and yes, experiance does come with age, that is something I lack but, it can also be my advantage, I have a naturally devious mind." Ashley said smirking.

Ashley spun quickly moving a few steps forward again, their bodys only a foot away, her green eyes sparkling. Her smile small but inviting.

"I thank you for the compliment my lord, and yes, experience does come with age, that is something I lack but, it can also be my advantage, I have a naturally devious mind." Vaul listened and laughed heartily at her reply. Her natural humour and fire was one of the things Vaul liked most about Ashley, she had an intense drive to prove herself, yet she couldn't help but seem slightly cute when she did it.

As Ashley stepped to attack again, it was evident that she was more eager to prove she could do this and was more willing to take the risk in her attack. This was what Vaul was hoping for. If Ashley had truly chosen the path of a warrior then he would help her all he could because he did not want to see his friend succumb to an awful fate.

This time however, Vaul did draw his weapon. Sliding his dagger from his belt, Vaul timed his movements to match Ashley's. Stepping from side to side, Vaul brought the blade down at the last moment to connect with hers, deflecting it past his torso. She had talent... that was obvious. But he had participated in countless battles across time and space. It was not her fault that she could not connect with the attack; his Maiar abilities just set him aside from most mortals. But it was her passion for the attack that he liked most. With a bit of time and training she would make a fantastic warrior.

After deflecting the blow, Vaul stepped quickly behind her, slapping her playfully on the bottom as he passed. "Much better. You defiantly have talent waiting to be tapped." Vaul chortled.

Vaul could indeed help her to learn combat. He had very nice moves and good experiance, he had faught for ages for the stars, she would have loved to do that. However her star powers were mearly dust compared to his own, he was a gaurdian. And she knew that he would protect her if the time ever came.

Though, she found his playful fighting humerous and charming. He could play and have fun with her like most others couldnt. But she couldnt ponder this further, she simply had to get her head back into the game.

This time he drew his daggar from his sheath at his side, he made sure her sword did not even graze the side of his torso. His little knife pushed hers out of track again. He must have faught in many battles all arround of arda, sacraficed many lives, killed the ones that were deserving and saved those that were in need. She found that a very heroic quality.

Vaul stepped behind her and let his daggar slap her bottom before she could turn to face him. Ashley put her head back for a moment the tossed her dark brown hair out of her emerald eyes. She turned and faced him, a smile on her lips and for a moment she thought she could feel her cheeks going red but she stoped it before vaul could notice. "Thank you again, I fear I could never match to you in combat, but can you catch me?"She said playfully her wings lifting her a couple feet off the ground, she lifted her hand a send a small comet after him.