Swating yet another mosquito Phoenix began to wonder how he was ever going to make it through this without being eaten alive by all these bugs. Reaching into his pocket for a small rag he whipped his forehand of all the sweat that had already began to appear. Though it wasn't really all that hot it was the humidity that got to him. Making it difficult to breath and his cloths stick close to his body he knew that the journey through this forest wouldn't be a pleasant one.

He sat upon an old fallen tree, waiting on the outskirts of the Taurerosa Rainforest. He had arranged for several other people to come along with him. As he looked to the horizon he wasn't sure how many of them would show. He only hoped that some would as he doubted he could survive the dangers of the woods alone. With yet even more small insects to sting and bite, poisonous plants and other things, and not to mention that he had heard rumors of small groups of humans running around these parts. It was these rumors why he had wanted others to join him. He had never seen these people himself but as the rumors said these people hunted other intelligent beings to offer as sacrifices to their gods.

You would think that nothing would be worth having to go through all that. And to others he might seem crazy in doing this, but he had his reasons. The goal of this little outing was to find a rather famous pair of Naga Weapon smiths. That in it's own right was a rare thing as most land naga's worked alone having a strong distrust toward one another. He had seen these two before a number of years ago in Ondolond at some sort of event when he was little. He couldn't quite grasp the cause for the event but the two things he could remember were that it was the first time he had even seen a land naga, yet alone two of them. The second was the weapon they had crafted for the event. Most likely one of a kind even on his darkest days he couldn't forget the weapon.

And now he would travel through this most dangerous place in the hopes of getting that weapon. He knew that this would be no easy task however. These two land nages would likely no bet the only ones in the forest and he had no idea how to tell them apart. They would also most likely be hard to find as well. Though they had come to Ondolond others would have thought it best for them to leave the forest again and get the weapon them. He however didn't want to wait that long. He also had serious doubts that they would come out again. What with the problems in all in the world now a days he expected that they would want to avoid contact with other people.

Checking his equipment once more he knew that more then anything he would need all of it. If anything he wished had some sort of possession that could keep these damned bugs away he thought as he smacked another bug away. Already he had been stung a few times and they were beginning to itch. He would try however to not let it get in the way of his goal. With both his long sword and masterwork katana in place he reached for his long bow which was on his back. He didn't have any extra bowstrings so he would have to make sure this one lasted otherwise he would lose the ability to use the weapon till he found another one.

Looking yet again to the horizon he began to wonder if anyone would show up. After all he was beginning to realize that this was a pretty crazy thing to do. He only hoped that the people in which he had asked to come along were as crazy as he was. No longer wanting to just sit there he began to pace about the small clearing. Everywhere else around him grass grew expect for this small patch of dry dirt. He figured this would a better a place to wait. He didn't know much of the rainforest yet but he assumed that by the name that alot of the area within would be flooded.

All that was left to do was wait, he knew this would take quite a while in which case he prayed that the Keepers would not have need of him, for he didn't like the feeling of letting them down.

Acacia was so lost. Again. She hated being lost, and sadly, was frequently lost. Though the fairy's knowledge in all the different plants and animals of the wilderness was abundant, she was still surprised to find out that every forest was different from the last. The Mystic woods which was warm and loving and magical, was completely different than The Misty Forest, where she had been forced to live for many weeks. And the Misty Forest, which was dark and mysterious and always full of surprises, was completely different to this rain forest; which was also dark, but much much wetter than that of the Misty forest. Indeed, it was almost always raining in the tropical jungle, and as much as Acacia loved water; she detested getting wet. She hated it. Being wet to her was one of the most uncomfortable feelings in the world. Her wings stuck together making it difficult to fly, her hair became droopy and unlively, and she was cold. When you wore as little clothing as Acacia did, you hated being cold.

But the rain wasn't the only bad thing about this lush, green hell. The bugs were the size of dragons. Huge, monstrous, six-legged freaks that came in infesting clouds. Now being a nature-based, flower fairy meant that she was blessed with a strong resistance to those kinds of things. The insects, some as big as her, didn't bug her too often. Indeed, there was an unspoken mutual agreement with her and most of the forest. However, sometimes a behemoth of a mosquito would do something incredibly stupid, like fly too close to her or attack her small figure. It's needless to say that the creepy crawly met it's end is a very unfortunate, very painful way that typically involved Acacia using an insect-eating plant of some kind. Stupid bug.

Another ridiculous riddle of the forest, was the radical natives which regularly were seen running about the jungle. Whenever they were around, the graceful fairy made sure to hide herself in the thick shrubbery of the rain forest. They were an odd folk, shaped very strangely. They were so strange that Acacia actually did not know whether they were Man, or something else. Strange people in a strange place. What was interesting though, was that the few times that she had encountered them, it seemed that they were either searching for something, or someone; and they always went off in the same direction. Now whatever they were up to did not immediately concern Acacia, so, being the self-interested fairy she was, shrugged it off and thought nothing of it.

Currently, the pixie was sitting on a leaf in one of the many trees, and was quite drenched. Holding out her hands with carrot-orange strands of her own hair in them, she twisted, wringing out her hair. How she wished she was at home with the other fairies! Sitting by the warm magical fires, talking and laughing amongst her friends. Well, those whom she considered her friends anyway. They were always arguing amongst who was prettiest. Every pixie knew though, that it was Acacia who was the best and prettiest and most charming and most glamorous and most stunningly beautiful fairy in all of the lands. A smile sprout on her face, like a growing daffodil, and she got lost in her thoughts about home and wanting to be home.

Her smile faded quickly when she noticed a man coming into the clearing. The nature fairy's body changed position as she tried to bring down her soft-green twinkle, which all fairies had. Keen, raindrop-sized eyes watched the man carefully. He was golden haired, with piercing blue eyes and a golden armour which went well with his hair and strong, yet mellow face. Acacia didn't like Men, and that was a fact. Though she looked at her situation. She was miserable in this hot, wet, place and perhaps, she could get some help from him. And then a thought came to her. She could force him out of the forest, and follow him out. Then maybe, she could stow-away in hich clothes or something. See, she was afraid to travel alone, as there was much danger in a pixie traveling alone. But with him as her unknowing body-guard, it would be much easier for her to get to the Temple of Nature. Once they were out of the forest, she could force him to take her.

Standing up and lifting her arms up, she arched her back an gave herself a nice, much-needed stretch. Then, only a second later, she was in the air. Her damp wings gave her some trouble at first, but she was able to regain herself and glided down quickly to the man. She stopped in front of his face, hovering. He didn't look dangerous close up, but you never know. Before he had a chance to do anything, she zipped forward and kicked his nose forcefully. She had to make sure she had his attention.

"Hey you," she said with an authoritative manner. "What are you doing here?"

The boar ran rampant through the thick undergrowth, cutting a swathe in the foliage, leaving a smear of blood on anything it touched. It ran past a huge clump of gorse, the thick needles not even scratching its thick hide. It ran through the bush and off into the rain forest. Everything was silent. For a moment.

A second later Artemis charged along the route just taken but the boar. She dived head first through the gorse, not caring for the countless scratches, pricks and tugs that she received. She dived out the other side and rolled to her feet, breathing hard. She listened for a moment, waiting for the rustling sound. There! Artemis charged off again in the direction of the noise. She drew her bow on the fly and notched an arrow. Her first had caught the boar in the shoulder, just a few centimeters off target. Now, it was a hunt.

The trail twisted and turned, the boar obviously panicked and wild. It was not easy running in the cloying, steamy air. Artemis's clothes and face were already soaked with sweat, the moisture in the air condensed on her making the effect seven-fold. She was positively dripping, thick rivers of water running off her chin or collecting in her boots. It was not a pleasant feeling. Up ahead the trail took a sharp left, causing her to grab a tree for support as she cornered. The ground underfoot was muddy and boggy, slowing her progress by some considerably amount.

By contrast the boar was making good speed. His rutty little hooves only sank a short way into the mud, allowing him to almost skim along the surface. The arrow still stuck in his shoulder was not causing him much trouble either. Sure it hurt, digging in a little deeper with every stride, but it was not causing much blood loss, nor hampering his ability to flee. Behind him, just out of sight, Artemis continued to give chase. She was just waiting for the moment when the trees would clear enough to allow her to make the shot. This time she would not miss, for she had had quite enough chasing for one day.

As she blasted along her stomach groaned audibly, for she had not eaten in over four days. This was the only reason she had decided to hunt such a large target, for the boar would last for many meals to come. Saliva collected in her mouth as she thought of the meal to follow. Spit-roast hog; beautiful. But she had to catch it first.

Up ahead the trees started to become larger, more spread out. She was entering the vary heart of the forest now, where the oldest denizens of the world resided. But Artemis did not let her surroundings distract her form her quarry. Any moment now the trees would open up enough for a clear shot... any moment now. As the boar ran out into a small clearing, she let fly. Once, trice, thrice, arrows flew impaling the beast and relieving it of its life. Three small gouts of blood plumed out from where her arrows had struck; major arteries on wither side of the neck and one in the spinal column.

Smiling slightly Artemis slid her bow back into its quiver, resting it among her arrows. It had done well, the meal to come would be delicious. But the dead boar was not the only resident of the clearing; a man stood with a slight blur in front of his face. Unsure of what to say she called out to him from the edge of the clearing.

"Hi there. Uh, sorry to disturb you." she said, slightly awkwardly.

As Phoenix continued to wait what seemed like hours none of who he had asked had showed. Though he didn't have anything to tell the time he knew how to tell approximately by the positioning of the sun. It was already a few hours past the time in which he had specified for the meeting. It would appear that he had not gotten through any of them. If he were to get this weapon now he would have to go in alone. Rechecking his equipment for what seemed to be the third time he knew that going in alone wasn't the wisest thing to do but at this point he had come to far to turn back cause a few people weren't as crazy as he was.

He was about to do just that when he turned around to face the forest and found himself face to face with some sort of little bug. His first thought was to swat it away but he resisted the urge. He tried to back away a little to get a better look but whatever it was soon kicked his nose rather hard, probably as hard as the little thing could. It wasn't enough to hurt or anything, an annoyance at best. As he began to realize what it was however he knew it couldn't be a bug, most bugs didn't have legs. Rubbing his nose he backed up so it wasn't right up in his face and he would be able to see it more clearly.

It was some sort of little fairy thing. From the look of the small thing it had spent quite a while in the forests being almost completely drenched. With small wings that wet and weighed down it must have made flying much more difficult. Small enough to fit on his palm he hadn't seen one that close before. Soon after the incident it spoke, "Hey you, what are you doing here?" it said as if it were trying to be the one in charge.

He wasn't sure what to do. He knew close to nothing about these little things. Gathering his thoughts however he finally managed to answer the little fairy's question, "Whats your problem?!" He paused for a moment to think about what to say next. He wasn't sure but he didn't think that he would get much help from her. "I'm just about to go looking for a pair of land naga's in the forest" he finished as he looked around in the hopes that perhaps one of those people he had asked to come with him had just been late, but no such luck.

As he waited for a response he continued to think about what he was going to have to deal with in the forest. He knew of most of the problems but if this little fairy thing choose to follow him around he had no doubt that it would get rather annoying rather fast. If anything that was one of the only things he really knew about them was there ability to get on others nerves pretty quickly.

He wasn't given much longer then that to think as their was another disturbance, this time from the forest. As he looked to the forest edge a wild boar erupted from behind a few bushes. It was running as though it's very life were on the line. And as he watched he learned that it was as three arrows followed it shortly and it dropped to the ground, dead.

Soon after a lone figure emerged from the woods. This time at least she appeared to be human. They way she was dressed he guessed she was some sort of ranger but then again he couldn't be sure. As he looked again to the boar he noticed that he aim had been quite good. Much better then he would have done with his longbow which rested upon his back. Again it didn't take long for his new arrival to speak as well, "Hi there. Uh, sorry to disturb you."

He seemed to be blessed with some odd sort of luck, he had ran into several people but neither of them had been of the few he had asked to come. But then again perhaps they could help in the others place. The Fairy would have information on the forest that no human sized person would have and from the looks of the ranger she knew her way around as well.

Raising his hadn't in greeting he began to head in her direction, "Not at all, in fact I'm quite glad I've ran into another. I'm planing on heading deeper into the forest, would you like to accompany me?" he asked, after all it wasn't safe for anyone to travel alone, no matter how skilled they were.

Acacia hovered in the air, letting her knees bend and sit gracefully while her arms remained crossed and her tiny face stayed stern and supreme. Leaf-green eyes examined the noble face of this moron who was pathetic enough to make his way into the jungle too. He protested the kick to his nose, and backed away a bit from her, clearly afraid and wanting to keep his distance from the great and beautifully powerful Aacia of the Flowers. And he was right in doing so. Should she be upset or angry, the wrath that would be brought upon this poor fellow would be mind blowing and he would be sorry to the end of his days. At least, thats what Acacia liked to think.

Then the silly yellow man spoke. Problem? Yes, Acacia did have a problem. Her problem was that she was still lost and had nowhere to go and wanted this yellow man to get out so she could follow him and find her way to the Nature Temple. Her problem was that he was still there, looking stupidly at her. He was not going yet. Indeed, he was her problem. Then he said that he was looking for something in the forest. And what a foul mouth the yellow man had! The orange-haired fairy didn't know what he had said, but it had sounded very cruel and mean and unpleasant. She didn't want to help him look.

"Land Nagas? Mind your language," she told him, maintaining her bossy tone, which radiated off her being with aide of her stone-like stance. "I don't know why you are here, but get out, before I--"

Whatever she was going to do if he didn't follow her orders was lost, because at that moment, before she could finish her sentence, her delicate ears picked up the sound of a struggle that was hurriedly making its way towards the two. More instinct than anything, the tiny pixie zipped higher up into the air, making sure she could be a safe distance away from danger as well as watch all that went on. Her flightpath was traced with a glittering shimmering pixie dust that drizzled down, while she was a small green glowing light that seemed to float in the air. A second later, a wild hog burst through the bushes opposite to the yellow man. The boar screamed and cried for its life, pain and agony filled in a terrible cry that could almost be that of a suffering human. It almost made Acacia want to weep. And then-- its voice silenced; its life ended; by three arrows: Ruthless. Savage. Murderous.

Arrows shot from the bushes. Acacia's eyes went from the deceased and mutilated boar to the shrubbery. Emerging from the shadows, a devil-woman emerged. Acacia's careful eyes saw the bow in the quiver and knew instantly that she was responsible for the homicide. Anger surged through the small pixie like lightning and she clenched a fist. It was almost as if with her anger, the mellow light green glow of her aura became a vengeful, deeper red of hate. The change was subtle, but it was there. The enemy then talked to the yellow man. They are in it together! she concluded. They are both trying to kill the forest, and its creatures!

They would not get away. She would not have it. Acacia first wanted the yellow man to go, but now she wouldn't let him leave. Her fury fueled, she called to the forces of the plants that surged around her. Such a dense rain forest; vines hanging, poisonous plants, giant trees-- they would feel Nature's wrath.

Acacia brought up her left hand, and with it, the closest tree to the two evils straightened up. It was the very tree that the yellow man was leaning against before. It was in a perfect position to squash them both. In a powerful, horizontal and diagonal stroke, the fairy's small hand came down. At the same time, the monstrous trunk of the tree quickly and easily bent down, swinging one of its thick, massive branches at the two. Though in case their skills were more impressive than she guess, she didn't stop there. With both hands which were now just below her waist, she spread apart her fingers so they were firm, and brought them up in a sharp, quick movement. As she did, there was a shifting in the earth. Then, the underground roots of the tree quivered, and swiftly shot out of the ground. They were now like sharp spikes, flinging out at any random point in the earth, bent on impaling any unfortunate thing caught in it's way.

The fairy, all the while hovered high in the air. A puppet master controlling its tree of a puppet. Acacia had never killed or hurt anyone, and she didn't intend to either. She was just in such a fit of rage that she had to do something. She saw the board be slaughtered in front of her face, and truly she was angered. The pixie didn't care about the reasons of the evil girl. She didn't know that even a ranger has to eat. Acacia was, simply said, ignorant of the subject. As is one of the many flaws of this particular fairy.

((OOC: I'm sorry, this is not my best. I went to a concert last night and it ruined me :( ))

IC:

Artemis stood warily where she was, watching, waiting for even the slightest hint of attack. Her hand itched to reach for her bow, but she wiled herself to stay still and remain calm. No point antagonizing the man, she was the one who had - rather rudely - barged in on him. Then again, what the hell was he doing alone in the middle of a giant rain forest? Weird. As the man walked toward her she crouched just a little, giving her the spring she might need in case of attack. But he just spoke.

Artemis looked the man up and down for a moment, trying to decide if he was serious or not, sizing him up. He was a rather hansom fellow, more tough-manly than boyish, one who was obviously well experienced in combat. She thought on his words for a moment; "deeper into the forest". Did he have a death wish? Did he really know what lurked at the heart of a place like this? The man was obvious--

Artemis dived aside, pulling the man with her. She landed heavily on her side, grazing herself on a few overground roots. The tree had taken a swing at her! The damn tree was att-

She didn't have time to finish that particular line of thought , for before she knew what was happening the roots whipped up and slashed back down in an attempt to kill her! The tree! Trees didn't attack! Artemis moved quickly to avoid the slashing and flailing roots and the sweeping branches, ducking and diving desperately trying to find away out of the maelstrom of carnage. Unfortunately for her, the tree was just a little bit quicker. The great limbs bent again in a great sweeping arc, knocking her off her feet and onto the deck for the second time in so many minutes. Dazed and winded she struggled to get to her feet just as the tree swept for her again.

Just as soon as the opportunity arose Artemis dived out of the way, rolling to make sure she was well clear of the crazy tree. She was breathing heavy, great rolling gulps of air filling her lungs. Blood slowly trickled the length of her right leg, spilling from a fair-sized gash. It stung like hell.She could think of a few expletives to describe it, but decided not to - what good would cursing do?

Looking back up she could see the tree still going crazy, its limbs and roots flailing desperately in an attempt to hurt her. This was no Ent, this was the doing of a magic-user; a witch or warlock of some kind. But where? She gazed around the clearing, looking in every nook and cranny between the trees for the perpetrator. But she could see no one. There was absolutely no one here aside from herself and the other man.

"Most likely, the coward has fled." She said to the man, So, as you were saying before we were so rudely interrupted..."

Phoenix stood there and listened while the little fairy hovered about ranting on as if he had insulted the little thing. She seemed to believe that the word land naga was some sort of foul word. She seemed the type to know of such creatures but to think the name of a creature was a foul word must have meant she did not know of it yet. He also heard he shout at him to leave but she didn't finish her statement due to what had occurred in the forest. She flew up high to avoid being seen and once she did that Phoenix put the little fairy out of his mind.

As he walked in the direction of the woods and the woman. It looked as if she were thinking about something, but then the next thing he knew it she had dived to the side and pulled him along with her. A few things crossed his mind as he scrambled about to try and get to his feet. Had he somehow misjudged this person? Would this person turn out to be an enemy instead of an ally. He already knew by example that she was good with a bow but he hadn't seen any sort of melee weapon on her. If a fight were to break out now he might have the advantage seeing how they were so close ranged weapons would be close to useless.

As he finally managed to get to his feet however he saw what had happened. The fallen tree that he had been siting on before coming across the fairy and the woman had somehow fallen upon where they had been standing. It completely blew his mind. How could something that large move like that. It was almost as if it had a mind of it's own and had tried to hurt them, but that wasn't possible...was it.

That question was soon answered however as the ground began to shack. He could tell that whatever or whoever was doing this it wasn't the woman as she was being assaulted by this unknown force as well. As the ground split apart beneath them a number of roots shot up at the two of them. These didn't seem to be normal roots however as they came up they seemed to almost be sharpened. Jumping about to dodge the roots he saw the woman do the same. She seemed quite skilled even after taking a hit. He must have been busy watching here as one of the roots shot up and shot right past his arm. As the assault seemed to calm his eyes looked around quickly for the cause of this. He knew that the trees wouldn't just attack without the aid of a magic user. He didn't see any nearby but by then they could have been out of sight and gone.

Looking to his arm he noticed that the root had sliced through his cloths and left a nasty cut. It stung and hurt like mad, though he did his best not to show pain. Looking over to the girl he wondered how bad she had gotten it. It seemed that her right leg was hit but he couldn't quite tell how bad the wound was.

The tree that had attacked continued to struggle to get at them but the length of the roots and branches wouldn't allow it. After another few minutes it began to slow and then became calm once more. Brushing himself off he girl spoke. "Most likely, the coward has fled, so, as you were saying before we were so rudely interrupted..."

He thought about it for a moment. He was a little out of breath and was having a hard time calming down. "I believe I was asking if you wished to acompany me further into the woods? I happen to be looking for a rather famous pair of land nagas. he stated as he held out his hand to shack hers. He quickly added afterward, "Are you all right?"

As he thought about it he had completely forgotten the fairy. It was much higher up then they were and would have been able to perhaps see more. Looking up in the directing of that fairy he called out to it. He doubted it would help after it had wanted him to leave but it never hurt to ask did it. "Hay, fairy, did you happen to see who did this?"

Acacia was truly not a fairy of fighting. She believed in peace, and the greater good. She believed in getting along with others, and though she was feisty and rude, she tried to avoid major conflict, as she wasn't the best fighter. Surely though, every rose has its thorn. And hers would be magic abilities. Though in melee there was not much that she could do in a fight, with the magic of Nature though, Acacia was a force to be reckoned with. She could cut, manipulating plants and with such varying plants that dwell in the forest, the tiny fairy need not be underestimated. She was a weapon herself. Though she could defend herself with the forest, she would be more or less powerless if hit. A simple blow could take her out, so this is why the pixie needed to rely on her agility and awareness. She needed to be able to dip, duck, dive, dodge any attacks in her direction, and stay away from danger. High in the air, with the help of her wings. Then she could use plants to smite her enemies below. though she would not kill. She would never kill, and it was in this unfortunate fit of anger that Acacia forgot about her small no-kill policy. She would need to calm down, and think straight. But as things were going, that would not happen soon.

Oh they were cunning. Quick and soft, the brutal slaying huntress dodged the initial blow and was able to save her comrade as well. A difficulty. Though they both did not unscathed, the fairy noticed. Indeed at least one of her onslaughts connected, which she should have been pleased to see, though she got no satisfaction out of the harming of another. If anything she found herself feeling guilty. No matter. The feeling was too small to make her doubt her actions. Besides, she knew she was right in attacking. These strange angry folk were brutally killing the animals of the jungle. Acacia looked around quickly, seeing an exotic pink flower. Perfect.

Sometimes, the deadliest things could the the prettiest things. This flower, a rare and wild one at that, was very peculiar. It wasn't particularly large, nor was it intimidating on appearance. But oh it was so beautiful. A dark green steam and leaves that looked like they were gracefully weaved onto the flower. Petals a bright brilliant pink that increased in beauty as it went up the petal, until, in it's peak, it reached the golden glamorous sparkle of the tips. When closed and just a bud, the flower is harmless. It is only when it's pretty petals open, and show the true flower itself, that one can see the true essence of elegance. Though unfortunately, it is usually the last thing that one sees from this beautiful flower. For it far more deadly as it is radiant. A poisonous flower; a danger to whomever comes near it.

Strange really. That such a gorgeous thing that can prove to be so fatal. Due to its extreme rarity, as other animals find it as a tasty treat, the flower has developed an interesting self-defense. Shooting deadly, poisonous needles. And my, deadly they are. Potent and poisonous to whomever is unfortunate enough to get into the path of these needles, the poison works fast and is so very painful. It begins with working on one's muscles. They more or less shut down and slowly stop working all together. With no use of one's limbs, an infected victim can only lay, and wait for a slow, painful, inevitable, oncoming death. The poison can be cured, of course. A basic antidote will do the trick, and there is talk that kingsfoil can counter-act the poison; but when one is struck by such a needle and does not already have such items, the end is bitter.

The yellow man began to talk to her again. It seems that he was completely and utterly clueless, to the fact that it was the little fairy that was attacking them. How stupid they were!

"What are you? Idiots? It is I who is attacking you," she said with a scoff, flying in a little bit closer-- though continuing to remain a safe distance away. "Do you think it's fun to kill innocent creatures? The forest can fight back too!

With that, the little furious fairy looked towards the deadly flowers. Quickly she pointed at them, a slender and precise index finger extended out. It was as if she was dictating to the flower. She was a captain in a war, and she was sending her soldiers into battle. Giving them commands, telling them what to do. Nature was her army. Without hesitation the pixie took her extended pointing hand, and then flung them into the direction of the intruders, now pointing at them. The deadly flowers faced the yellow man and then slayer girl, bloomed, and then shot out their deadly needles all in a moment's notice. There were not many flowers; only five. Though each flower carried four deadly needles. The black spurs flew out, whirling through the air in attempt to sting a deadly sting. The two would have to prove their cunning if they wanted to survive.

Oh bugger. Ohbuggerohbuggerohbugger. Nope, no more time for oh bugger's. It looked to be the end for Artemis, not for the first time. Unfortunately for her, she did not have a huge fire-breathing dragon to save her this time. Oh bugger. The needles flew toward her at a rate that almost unthinkable. That pixie was crazy! She was going to die!

But something inside her would not let her just get turned into a human pin-cushion. Something would just not let go. Not yet, anyway. Now, where was she? Ah yes, the needles. There was no way she could dive aside to avoid the well-spread cloud of death, which meant she had but one option left...

With the needles almost upon her, Artemis made the only move left to her. She took two giant bounds toward the oncoming needles, bringing her feet together on her last bound and pushing off the ground hands above her head in a graceful - if desperate - dive right through the oncoming cloud. If the pixie had made one mistake it was this; she had spread the needles too thin, leaving the gap that Artemis had spotted at the last moment.

It had all happened in slow motion, right up until the point that she hid the ground. A thud, a smack and a yell of pain later and Artemis lay on the ground, clutching at the right shoulder. It hurt like hell, a burning feeling deep in the muscle. Fortunately it seemed not to be broken; she couldn't begin to imagine the difficulty that would cause. The fall may have hurt her, but Artemis wasn't done yet; for rangers are made of tougher stuff and humans yet tougher. Gritting her teeth against the pain she rose unsteadily to her feet, drawing an arrow from its quiver with her uninjured left arm. Holding it by the flights she began to swipe at the air in an attempt to swat the infernal creature. He rage was such that she found herself screaming an incoherent string of obscenity's. After a moment, with the fairy still out of reach, she calmed herself a little.

"So scum" she spat with real venom in her voice, "Do you wish to finish me off? Or have you caused enough damage? Why don't you come a little closer and I'll show you what a ranger does to one who is so rude."

She flung the arrow at the little green thing like a dart, hoping to impale the malicious little creature.

"Do you object to someone trying so hard not to starve? Have you ever tried hunting? Have you ever been close to starving, because the deer had been though the area and eaten all the nuts the berries and EVERYTHING! Well? Do you?" she was beginning to get angry again.

Desperately she tried to calm herself once more.

"Tell me; why is it that you rage against myself when you manipulate the forest for your own gain? 'tis not just the slightest hypocrisy?" she indicated the tree behind her as she spoke, standing there with its smashed limbs and ruined foliage. "Hmm?"

Phoenix continued to watch the little fairy as she once again began to throw even more valuer insults their way. It was quite obvious this little thing didn't like them one bit. It wasn't still she claimed credit for the assault did his jaw drop in surprise. He knew that he didn't know much about fairies and even less about this one but to suspect that such a little thing could do so much damage was hard to believe. But he wasn't here to get into a fight with a fairy, nor was he here to pick a fight with the forest itself. But how was he to convince this little creature of this.

He was about to open his mouth to object their treatment and that they one no way had come to harm the forest when the little thing pointed at something toward the forest. He wasn't sure what she was doing but she still looked plenty mad so it couldn't be anything good. Looking to where she pointed he couldn't see anything worthy of notice, a few unbosomed flowers, some more bugs, and other usual forest things. He had expected some sort of creature to come charging out from where she had pointed but nothing happened.

Looking to the other it appeared that she didn't seem to know what was happening either. Would the little fairy try and pull something off similar of what she had all ready done or should they expect something different. All this was racing through his mind as the little thing gestured again, now pointing at the two of them. What ever happened would be happening soon, and he did his best to prepare for whatever would come.

He didn't even notice the flowers he had noticed before bloom all of a sudden. And as they did a number of small needles shot out of them. He had no doubt what so ever that these little weapons were poisonous or the fact that this was just another assault from the little fairy. But there wasn't any time to think of the little thing at a time like this. The needles were coming in to fast and he knew that he wouldn't be able to simply dodge them this time. Looking around he was still standing near where he had waited for the others to arrive. And close to his feet had been the basket of fruits he had been snacking on before the arrival of the two. Reacting before thinking he kicked up the basket into the air as all the assorted fruit went in every direction. He wouldn't want to eat them any longer but first he would have to make sure he lived to have that choice in the first place.

As the basket few into the air he grabbed it with his hands before it went to high and used that basket as a sort of shield to stop the needles. And as the needles came closer he shoved the basket forward. The needles aim was perfect as the ones that had been aimed at him collided with it. He flinched a bit as they impacted, even though he didn't feel the hit. Slowly opening his eyes he checked himself over to see if he had been hit himself. He let out a sigh of relief when he found he wasn't. Looking to the basket he saw the tips of the needles had gone halfway though the basket but then stopped.

Now that the danger had passed he felt another emotion, and in a flood of blind anger the threw the empty basket at the little fairy. Almost as soon as he threw it however he regretted it. He knew why the little fairy was trying to stop them, and if he had been in her shoes he might have done the same. But sinking to her level didn't solve anything. And he knew that it would only cause more problems.

It seemed though that the other was quite as angry as he was and he wasn't the only one to have a small outburst of anger. He didn't blame her either as having ones life on the line for something so little often had that effect. When the woman finished her half ranting half conversation he continued his way toward the woods.

Looking back he knew that this fairy would more then likely try again but he wouldn't let such a little thing stop him. " Were not here to harm the forest or you. I'm going deeper into the forest, if you feel you must follow to continue your assault go right ahead, but there are worse dangers in there then us." he stated and waited for a responce.

((OOC: SORRY YOU GUYS!!!!! I can't begin to tell you how busy I have been lately. Real life is a drag sometimes. =/))

The fairy thought she had won too early. She watched flabbergasted as the evil girl tumbled and used some sort of nimble acrobatics and aerobatics to avoid death. It was quite impressive, even the pissed off fair had to admit that. Surely though, her next onslaught would not fail. Whatever it should be. She still didn't know, and was running out of things to attack with.

Acacia was just about to attack with more needles as well as whipping vines, but in an eye's blink moment, the ranger girl had drawn her bow and fired a well-aimed arrow towards the fairy. The missile whirred through the air, it's head spinning and spriling; aimed directly and the pixie's stomach. Acacia's reflexed were to bring up her arms and try to shield herself, so that's exactly what she did. Her little scrunched together as she waited for the oncoming pain, and her life to end. Her life would end just like the boar's. By the same weapon. By the same killer.
Acaica waited. No death. She was still alive, she knew it. Slowly, as if afraid to, she opened her eyes. It was amazing. The arrow, which surely would have impaled and killed her, was stuck in a branch. Indeed, the nearest tree to the girl actually bent down and over getting in front of Acacia as if trying to shield her from harm. It's bark and thickness was like a perfect armour. Whether Acacia subconsciously commanded the tree to shield her, or the tree actually moved on it's own was unknown to her. Though she knew perfectly well that trees could move on their own, and speak to one another if they wished. It was not the time to ponder such a thing, however, as the Evil Girl was addressing her.

The flower fairy's slightly pointed ears perked, and then twitched slightly. She listened to the angry and harsh words of her former enemy, before coming to a realization. It dawned on her like the very dark deep mist that devoured the forest. The Evil Ranger Girl was generally right. Generally exsisitng in the previous sentence, only because Acacia was stubborn and rather thick, and could never be wrong. Sure, most creatures had to eat. Even fairies, though like the elves, their food intake wasn't as constant and as needy as that of Men or Dwarves. They ate less frequently, though she didn't like Evil Ranger Girl, Acacia could at least understand and comprehend the basic principles of what the girl was trying to get at. Then she mentioned her plants and trees, pointing. The fairy's orange hair tussled slightly as she looked to the smashed tree. Not wanting to accept her wrongness, Acacia noted that it was a fight. the tree gave itself to help aide in the battle. It's loss was grave, but Acacia was no hypocrite. Stupid Ranger Girl.

The pixie lowered her fists, and stopped calling to the forest. With her easing body and mind, it almost seemed that the jungle itself relaxed. It was clear that the two of them meant no real harm. Even so, Acacia did not like either of them much at all. Acacia stood hovering in the air for a little while, thinking of a thing to say. Then, very quickly, the small light green glowing winged girl zipped down to the two of them, glistening pixie powder in a trail behind her.

"You should become a vegetarian," she said to the ranger, flying in really close so the ranger could see the attitude on Acacia's face. "I guess I'm sorry for trying to hurt you."

But not really, she thought.

After addressing the the Evil Ranger, the Yellow Man spoke again. It seemed that he was actually a good man, and wanted peace. A stupid man though, because he said that if the fairy wanted to continue fighting, she could. Acacia predicted that this man wouldn't live much longer because of his stupidity. He might walk into a pit of quick sand or something. Well if that was the game they were playing, sure, the pixie figured she'd join.

Flying into the center of them, she made herself easy to see and her. Placing hands on her hips, she hovered and spoke authoritatively, as if she was now running the show. And in Acacia's mind, she truly was.

"I'm Acacia of the Children of Flowers."p/color] It was a crafty title. One that was always changing. [color=lightgreen]"This is my jungle and you have trespassed. I will aide you both on your quest; but only if you swear to leave after."

It was then that Acacia, in a single swift movement, that she shot and stood atop the Yellow Man's head. She stomped her foot, trying to get his attention if she didn't have it already. "Hurry up. Let's go."

She shot a terrible glance at the ranger. One that made all those who looked upon it know, that they were carefully being watched.

Artemis listened to what the fairy had to say. She seemed almost reasonable, maybe it had just been a slight misunderstanding between them? She felt her shoulder again, it was burning, but she could live with it. She rolled her arm around in an attempt to stretch the tendons and ligaments, reducing the stiffness and cramp that had built up. She would just have to try and rest it for now, possibly visit the elves and see what they could do for her. Having no magic of her own, Artemis was at the mercy of her environment, she had only what nature provided. Speaking of which…

Artemis gazed longingly back at the boar. It had taken so much energy and effort to kill the damn thing, if she were to follow this man there would be no time to eat. As the fairy stomped on the man’s head she dashed over to the boar and slit its throat with an arrow head. After the blood had drained a little she slid her hand into the incision and clung onto whatever part of its throat she could get her hand around, her fingers slipping a little on the slick meat. She dragged it over to the pair, fully intending to take it with her. There was no way in Loths name that she would let a meal this good go to waste. Not after that. Standing up fully Artemis turned to face the pair. But the look that the fairy shot nearly made her duck again. There was pure, unadulterated malice in those eyes that spoke of ill wishes and pain. It seemed she would have to be very careful around thee fairy, at least until they were clear of the forest.

“Well, are we going to do this then? If we are, I’d like to know your names, if only to give you both headstones.” She said warily, eyeing the fairy.

“And where exactly are we going?” She asked the man, looking him dead in the eye “You said deeper into the jungle, but you did not specify a location or a definitive point. What is it exactly that you wish to gain from this little excursion? And why were you all alone?”

Artemis knew she was being a little forward about it, but she really did want all the facts before she set off with these two. She had to have a plan, if only so that she could re-work it to her own devices. If the man was intent of gaining some sort of evil weapon, she could not allow him to leave with it. Who knew what kinds of untold evils had been produced by the Naga’s. They were not the most innocent of creatures after all. She gazed around herself, taking in the beauty of the forest, the colors, the shapes, the way the light slanted in from above like green spears from the heavens above. There was no way she could let any harm come to this place, or any other for that matter.