The wound in Astra's leg throbbed angrily like thunder. There was a deep cut abover her knee in her thigh, she was far enough away from Yomeniampa that it was not but a dot on the horizon. She tried to walk but the pain proved to be to great, so she fell to the grass in the dark of night, passed out eyes closed from the dreamless sleep she now lay in.

How Astra had come to being injured was quite the story. She was indeed a witch. And all witches, good and evil had always had conflicts. Astra had one day at the Inn and Pub in Lomendor recieved a letter asking for her to meet in the outskirts of Yomeniampa from a dark witch who was to come to a comprimise wanting to come to some kind of truce. And Just like an idiot she had fallen for it, traveling to the area and found the dark witch much her own age and from the sick smile on her face Astra knew. She knew that this witch ment buisness. she lunged for her and through a mist of cloudy fighting the dark witch fled and Astra was left with a deep lash in her upper leg, passed out in the night infront of a sleeping village.

There was a monk in the small village monistary lay dreaming and through his dream he saw a young girl with long deep brown hair, full arched lips, and a small figure passed out and injured in the out skirts of the village. Immeditaly he woke up and warned the others, in flurry some went to sleep. Others went to prepare a bed, and three went to fetch the girl. However as they opened the door to leave two men of evil faced them and forced themselves into the holy place. They wore frowns on their chizzled faces and black cloaks covered their coat of arms and
symbols so the monks did not know who they were. But then realization came as they smiled.
"We are men of darkness and evil. We will take control of your church so we can
have a place to hide and wait for the destiny to come. If you do not oblige we will kill you all slowly and with no mercy." The strongest of the men said pulling out a sharp sword, his partner doing the same.
In complete fear the monk nodded viggorasly and invited them in. Through the night they began to make arrangement for the new guests. Soon they were well in charge but concield. After a whlie they told the three monks to go do what they were doing before they inturupted.
The monks did as they were told and searched the outskirts until they found the girl. They put the girl on a wooden board and brought her back to the monistary where dangery lay, and they knew it.

Astra woke with her dress pulled up enough for the tight wight bandage to be secure on her leg. She tossed her head and looked around. She was in a dark room with a single bed and table. Cautiously she got up and walked to the door oepnng it up a crack enough for her to see through, monks walked he halls with heads down and arms folded. She was in a monistary. Then she saw one of the men of evil and their eyes met. She closed the door quickly and ran back to her bed to pretend to be asleep hoping that would work.....

(OOC: Hope you don’t mind if I join you)

Aiden walked along the nearly deserted road into the small village nestled in the hills surrounding Yomenïampa. “Of course the only thing I need is on the other side of the continent,” he muttered to himself as he passed a horse and cart on the going in the opposite direction. “One step until I’m finished with my best potion yet and the last ingredient is in Lómëdor. Why am I not surprised?” Aiden trudged along the dirt road as it led further into the sleepy town. He looked up and began searching for a place to sleep for the night before continuing on his way. “There’s the inn,” he said to himself as he began rummaging through his pockets for money.

He despaired as he realized that his pockets were completely empty . . . except for the map that was given to him by his brother for the journey. “Isn’t this just peachy?” Aiden asked sadly, sighing as he began to look for a much cheaper . . .free. . .place to spend the night. He immediately felt better as he noticed the dome structure ahead of him. “I thought there was a monestary in this town,” Aiden muttered, hopeful now that he had found a place to spend the night. He stopped in front of the structure before he knocked on the door, noting the odd fact that light could be seen from the outside. “Monks are up this late?” he asked himself before knocking lightly on the door.

He was startled as the door opened up almost immediately. A short monk with a white robe stood before him, looking up with darting, almost frightened eyes. Aiden squinted suspiciously as he began to suspect that something was wrong. “Hello my friend,” Aiden said, making sure that none of the wariness that he was feeling crept into his voice. “I would love a place to stay for the night if you would allow me. I’d be willing to do a chore or two in the morning as repayment if you want.” It took a few seconds before the monk spoke.

“We only have one room at the moment,” he said, “But you may have it.” Suddenly, the monk looked behind him before coming close to Aiden’s face. The elf could tell that this man was full of fear as he came close. “We’re being held here,” the monk whispered, “Some men came and attacked our monastery, taking control of the building before we could really act, although there wouldn’t be much a small group of monks could do against armed opponents.”

Aiden’s eyes shot open momentarily, then his gaze hardened as he reached for his bow. “Lead me to them,” he muttered softly, ready to fight whatever force was evil enough to attack a group of peaceful monks so close to Yomenïampa . . .

Astra heard no footfalls on the wooden boards in her room. They must have not seen her as she peered out of the door that held her for the last few hours that she had been there. Her leg still ached but they had given her something to ease the pain, it did help but not as much as she would have wished. Still she was thankful for the monks healing touches and their efforts to help her feel better. And for now there was nothing she could do about it.

Curiosity was getting ot her, she needed to know more about the figure that was standing with the monk. The monk of all who had healed her leg. Was he a danger? Could he help? Was he on some great adventure that involved danger, romance, and all the elements of a good adventure? If so that would be very exciting. A great friend to have. But what if he were an enimy that needed to be faught, she obvoiusly had no way of doing so at the time.

Astra never paied attention to the saying 'curiosity killed the cat' so she stood up her leg acing, her dress was torn to reveal almost all of that leg so in appearance she had much skin showing and looked rather mangy at the moment but diregarded it and opened the door with a smile and looked down the hall the two were still talking. Ok she thought, here was the plan I'm going ot go pretend I needed something and ask the monk and with his impecable mannars he will of course introduce me. Astra straightened up, opened the door and limped into the hallway toward the monk.

The monk smiled and held out a hand to the girl. "My darling, you have a bandange on your leg that does not mean you can limp around with such a wound. Why did you leave your chambers...was there something you needed help with?" He asked kindly turning to face her taking her delecate hand in hers.
Astra smiled. "Yes I have something I would like help with...." Astra turned to the stranger. He had light brown hair pulled into a pony tail a few strands falling past his green-blue eyes. He looked to be a head taller than her but he was musclar, quite handsome too. She smiled. "I'm sorry to have inturupted your conversation, it wasnt very nice of me you may continue Its not such a pressing need that I came to talk about. I'm Astra by the way." Astra began to bend her knees for a small curtsie but the pain in her leg became to much and with a small groan instaed she fell quite quickly and with a small thud to the ground.

She had now seen the newcomer, he was handsome and looked to be good and not very threatening, yes curiosity may kill the cat but she ignored that part of the saying and imbraced the end of the saying...'curiostiy killed the cat, BUT satisfaction brought it back.' Now her curiosity was mildly quenched.

Aiden's finger rested on the tip of an arrow as he entered the building. 'Gods please stand with me as I fight,' he thought as he pricked his finger on the arrow tip. Hoping that the slight wound would bleed for a while, Aiden and the monk walked further into the building. However, their advance was interrupted by a young woman who exited one of the rooms. Aiden almost drew his bow, but he was stopped as the monk moved forward to speak with her. 'They must be acquaintances or something,' he thought as he lowered his hand.

<I'm sorry to have inturupted your conversation, it wasnt very nice of me you may continue Its not such a pressing need that I came to talk about. I'm Astra by the way.>

Aiden flashed a smile as Astra did a small curtsy, but then moved forward with concern as she fell to the floor. Both he and the monk knelt by her side as the monk attended to Astra's wound. 'She's in no condition to fight,' Aiden thought as he removed the small pouch of herbs at his waist, 'I'll leave her with the monk and take care of the intruders.' He kept his eyes on Astra as he handed the pouch to the monk. "My name is Aiden, a traveler from Yomenïampa." The elf extended his hand as an offer of help and said, "I can't say that this is the best introduction I've ever made...but it's certainly one of the most interesting..."

(OOC: I'm not sure if you have any plans with this so it might be best if you introduce the intruders (hence the short post)).

Astra felt very embarassed and as though her pide had been knocked out of her as well as the wind when her butt hit the floor. When she had been ready to make her curtsie the man named Aiden had thrown her a rather dashing smile and stood up very straight. However by her fall the moment was damped slightly. With her fall both Aiden and the Monk had gotten to their knees to help Astra. The monk lifted her leg gingerly and fiddled with her dress so he could undo the old bandages and put on some new ones. Aiden had very kindly taken out some herbs from the pouch at his side.

"I'm sure you have met others under far better circumstances." She said taking his hand and pulling herself up. Astra gave a small chuckle. "But maybe the next time we meet I will be better made up and we can talk moer at lenght." She said bowing only her head slightly before turning to take her leave back in her room. "Father, you need not worry about me now, I feel I must sleep thank you for the new bandange." She said limping with as much dignity as she could back to her room.

Astra closed her eyes and the door behind her but when hse opened them she was greated by a very unwelcome sight. A dark warlock. The Air and Black witches had been fighting lately becuse the Black witches belived the Air witches held the key to a new scource of power and it was true. They did. However she would not let him know that.
The Black warlock was very tall, his hair almost white blonde eyes black, featuers chizled and very handsom. Still she kept the frown on her face stone still, and did not let him see her wound on her leg that her skirts now covered.
"Ah, now we have found you my dear Air witch, we have heard that you are the first to be givin this knew source of power that your kind has so diligently found. But now you must give it to me." The man said taking steps forward his palm up.
Astra's crystal or 'new scource of power' was hidden in the bottom of her blue heeled slipper. So she stood her ground. "I will never, you simply must find your own way to find power, rather than steal everyone elses. Leave now." Fear gripped her heart as i tbegan to thud faster.
The warlock put his palm to face her, a black rope slithered from his palm and wound its way around her waist. He pulled her to him, the rope burning her skin. "Give me the crystal NOW."
"Even if I did give it to you it would not work, it wont accept those with black hearts."
"I could care less. GIVE IT TO ME!" His free hand slapped her across the face with a loud smack!
Astra turned through the rope and ran for the door, he quickly reacted but she held fast to the knob and opened the door and let a scream leave her lungs.
The warlock angrily pulled her to him again and held fast to the black rope.

<Father, you need not worry about me now, I feel I must sleep thank you for the new bandange.> Aiden made a short bow as Astra went back to her room. 'Maybe I'll take your offer one day,' Aiden thought, referring to Astra's hope to talk at length one day. As she entered her room, Aiden turned back to the monk and began talking again in low tones.

"Father, if you'll excuse me for being rude, we shouldn't waste any more time. Do you have any weapons here?" Aiden immediately cringed as he thought about how absurd such a request might sound. 'Weapons in a monastery?' he thought, 'That's a bright idea.' However, to his surprise, the monk nodded solemnly.

"We have amassed a small stock of weapons in recent years," the monk said softly, "If you can use any of them, they've been kept in the cellar. I could tell you the way and while you're gone, I could attend to Astra's wounds. Despite what she says, I'm sure they'll need additional attention." Aiden immediately began asking for directions, but before he could make an inquiry, a loud voice could be heard nearby. "That's Astra's room!" the monk exclaimed. Without another word, the pair rushed the short distance to Astra's room.

Aiden pulled out his bow again and this time he smeared his fresh cut across the string. Putting an arrow to the bow, Aiden prepared to kick open the door before it was ripped open by a frightened Astra, who promptly screamed. Aiden quickly took stock of the situation as he peered into the nearly empty room. Glancing at her waist, Aiden saw that Astra was wrapped with a black rope and effectively tied to a mysterious man in a dark cloak. 'Fire now, ask later,' Aiden thought as he took aim. "Rapid shot!" he exclaimed as he let loose a quick volley of five arrows. The first two pierced the edges of the black cloak worn by the mysterious figure while the next three whizzed by his head. "Let her go," Aiden said, eyes flashing and with another arrow ready at the string...

Aiden burst into the room quite some moments later, she was indeed glad she had screamed but ashamed that she could not fend for herself. Astra was sure she looked quite silly. The man behind her held her close to his body so she would not be able to run away. Her breathing was strained and her heart was pounding. Then with a smile he looked at Aiden.
"I'm sorry was this yours?" He said. He said running a hand up her neck. Then he did something that only Astra would realize at the moment. A burning sensation at the base of her neck where his hand was made her flinch. A small pattern with sharp edges was being burned into her skin so the night witches would know where to find her if needed. "But this is mine for now. You see she has something that I hold very close to my heart. And I intend to see what happens when you use it." He said a smile creeping across his face.
The Black witches could not do this, other wise they would have power that would be crushing to the other orders of witches. Air, Water, Fire and Earth alike. And Astra was the only one so far to be givin the jewel that could inhance a witches power, and it lay at the bottom of her light blue slipper.

Astra now pulled something that she did not know she was capable of, she turned to face her enimy then gently put he hands on his chest and with as much force as she oculd manage pushed him backward, got a good grip on his hair and began to pound his head on the edge of the window. The man angrily tightent the rope as it burned into her skin she fell to her knees her injured leg giving out and the pain from the rope burn to much.

Aiden burst into the room quite some moments later, she was indeed glad she had screamed but ashamed that she could not fend for herself. Astra was sure she looked quite silly. The man behind her held her close to his body so she would not be able to run away. Her breathing was strained and her heart was pounding. Then with a smile he looked at Aiden.
"I'm sorry was this yours?" He said. He said running a hand up her neck. Then he did something that only Astra would realize at the moment. A burning sensation at the base of her neck where his hand was made her flinch. A small pattern with sharp edges was being burned into her skin so the night witches would know where to find her if needed. "But this is mine for now. You see she has something that I hold very close to my heart. And I intend to see what happens when you use it." He said a smile creeping across his face.
The Black witches could not do this, other wise they would have power that would be crushing to the other orders of witches. Air, Water, Fire and Earth alike. And Astra was the only one so far to be givin the jewel that could inhance a witches power, and it lay at the bottom of her light blue slipper.

Astra now pulled something that she did not know she was capable of, she turned to face her enimy then gently put he hands on his chest and with as much force as she oculd manage pushed him backward, got a good grip on his hair and began to pound his head on the edge of the window. The man angrily tightent the rope as it burned into her skin she fell to her knees her injured leg giving out and the pain from the rope burn to much.

The Shadow Lord was watching what was happening from the shadows. He watched with amusement as the warlock's head was being bashed against the window sill. Why, he almost even chuckled.

He had heard of the new power that the Air Witch Order had found and had been seeking the one who possessed it. He had now found her and had had been waiting for the opportune moment to strike when that warlock had arrived. Was he concerned about him, no. He would simply take it from his if the warlock managed to get it. Was he concerned about the arrival of the hero, not in the least. He had dealt with stronger foes than the like of him. As for the Air witch, he could handle her.

However, it would all require precise and delicate planning. He would have to strike at the right time. Now was not the opportune moment, however, and so he would let the hero rescue the girl from the warlock. He would let the girl be...for now.

Aiden’s grip on his bow tightened angrily as he prepared another attack. “You don’t get it do you?” Aiden said through clenched teeth as his eyes flashed again in anger. “When I said let her go, I meant let her GO!” Aiden attacked swiftly, again firing five arrows. However, this time he aimed at the rope binding Astra. As the young woman began her counterattack, Aiden’s arrows whizzed by and found their mark in the rope itself, the first two creating a small rip in the magical fibers while the next three further weakened the rope. Aiden saw Astra slump forward as her wounds seemed to get the better of her.

Dropping his bow, Aiden rushed forward to her aid. “Break free!” Aiden told Astra as he raised his fist and delivered a hard punch to the warlock’s face. The warlock grunted in pain as he staggered backward, momentarily stunned. As he fell backward, Aiden threw his arms around Astra’s waist and pulled back. The strain proved too much for the rope which quickly gave way under this savage assault.

Aiden’s pull caused the pair to momentarily fall backward, but Aiden quickly regained his balance and turned towards the monk, pushing Astra hard towards him. “Get her out,” Aiden said, moving in one deft motion to pick up his bow and put an arrow to the string. “I’ll deal with this scum . . .”

(Let me know if this is too much control over your character. I can edit it if it is).

The arrows whized past Astra leaving behind a wind that made a couple strands of her hair blow. The next few seconds went by quickly so she had bearly any time to react. Arrows were vicouisly cutting through the black rope that bound her. Soon indeed it did come loose enough to break, but her leg again shot pain up her body and she fell to the ground again frustrated with herself. She was about to run away from the rope that bound her but Aiden put his arms around her waist and pulled her back the rope then breaking free. The two stumbled backwards at the force and nearly lost balance but Aiden quiclky re-balanced himself while tossing her to the monk, she fell onto him but quickly got up.

"M'lady! You are supposed to tell us if someone is after you!" He said in a panicked voice.
"Well it was not your burdan to bear I did not think they dare come here!" She said back to him.
"Well obviously they have! Is your leg alright?" He asked bending over to look at it.
"I must get to a chamber pot immediatly!" This of course was a lie she really at the moment had no desire to go the bathroom but needed a place of privacy.
The monk looked puzzled bug obliged. "Uhm...this way." He said guiding her to a door with quick steps.
"Thank you!" She said hurridly opening the door to the small windowless room and shutting the door behind her.

Astra pulled off her shoe and let the crystal drop into her hand, it shone a clear white in the moonlight. It was like a diamond but the cut was a teardrop and it was magical. Astra frantically tried to think of places to put it and when she could figure out none she began to hyperventilate which led to much uncomfort because of her corset. Then it came to her, her corset had ties both in the back and decorative in the front. As quickly as she could she climbed out of her dress down to her underskirt and corset. The ties in the front of Astra's corset were tight and close together. Picking up the crystal she placed it deep within the ties of her corset so no bump would show and it would be hard to get to. Satisfied she quickly put her skirts and dress back on and exited the small room.

There was no more noise coming from the abby, all was still. 'oh no' she muttered quickly she fled down the steps and the hallway unaware of someones stalking presance.

Aiden pulled the string of his bow taunt and let the arrow fly as he continued his fight with the dark warlock. His adversary raised his hand a a colored flash issued forth, causing the arrow to vanish in midair. 'It's a trick,' Aiden thought, bringing another arrow to bear. 'He's either using illusionary magic or simply burning so fast that I can't detect it.' Aiden fired off another arrow, then prepared another attack. "Let's see you deal with this," he muttered before shouting, "Rapid Fire!" Five arrows sped towards their target.

"Fool," the warlock said, raising his hand. This time, a large area in front of him flashed with magic as he brought a spell to bear. When the warlock lowered his hand, the arrows were gone, but in their place, Aiden's foot had appeared. The warlock fell back with a loud thud as Aiden punched downward full force.

'It seems he really can't see when he uses that spell,' Aiden thought triumphantly. He had realized that the bright magical flashes would momentarily blind his opponent, leaving him with an opening for attack.

"Why...y-you," the warlock said dazedly as he attempted to stand. However, Aiden's notched bow stopped him mid-action. The warlock almost went cross-eyed as he stared down the shaft of another arrow.

"Talk," Aiden said.

"That's not going to work," the warlock said with a mischivous grin. "Even if you kill me, there will only be more after her power. And there's not a blasted thing you can do about it, no matter how much you try. And the same will happen to you if you insist on helping that girl. More users of black magic will only arrive to kill both you and-" The warlock's message was cut short as Aiden loosed the arrow at almost point blank range. The warlock's lifeless body fell to the wooden floor with very little sound as Aiden returned his bow to his back.

"I'll take my chances," Aiden said as he turned and left the room, closing the wooden door behind him. Outside of the room, he met back up with the monk from earlier. "Where is she?" Aiden asked, "Is she safe?"

"She asked to use the chamber pot young master," the monk replied, which immediately drew a curious look from Aiden.

'Using the bathroom now?' he thought as the monk silently led the way to Astra. "Astra, are you alright?" he called out as the pair approached the closed door. . .

The Shadow Lord was so delighted with the current situation at hand. Why this girl was pratically handing herself to him out on a golden platter. The monk had not noticed her slipping out of the bathroom nor had the monk noticed him slipping behind his back. Fool.

As for the hero and warlock? They were too busy fighting one another. By the time the battle between them is won the girl will be gone.

Now she was alone, the Shadow Lord had been waiting for such a moment as this and now he would strike! First a little spell to make her more easier to handle. He crept up silently behind her when the air witch reached the door at the bottom of the stairway. He silently muttered a spell in Back Speech (using the spell blind) and drew his longsword.

He then uttered in a hissing menacing voice "Hello little dove." Things had just gotten a whole lot worse for this girl.

As Astra was running to the door at the base of the stairs a moment of blue blindless came upon her making her weak and tierd, she fell to her knee's in frustration and fear. She put her hands on her face and breathed slowly in and out in and out wiating for the annoying strike of impared vision to go away. As she waited she heard avoice behind her. It was a hissing sound that made shivers creep down spine. Then the words that left the unseen foes mouth "Hello little dove."

Her heart was beating in her chest with pure fear, the blood pumped viciously through her body. Her breathing became slower and quieter. She stood up and squared her shoulders and put her head up showing the full arched pink limps, and intense ice blue eyes. Her long deep brown hair going down her back. She had no weapon and her powers had not yet matured. In short she was in very much trouble. Ideas to get away raced through her mind but in the end she could not concintrate, and there was only two options hope the door was unlocked and run for it, or run back up the stairs. Neither at the time seemed very sensible. So she stayed standing straight with her head in the air trying to show dignity.

"Who are you? What do you want!?" She said it with as much courage she could muster at the moment which was very little.

"Who are you? What do you want!?" the girl said with as much courage as she could muster at the moment which was obviously to him very little.

A cruel smile formed on his unseen face as he eyed her with his glowing red eyes. He was amused at the pathetic display of bravado that she was displaying to him. He would soon teach her on futile it was to out on a face of bravery against him.

"I am here for you my dear. For the power that you hold." He hissed taking a few steps closer "I would greatly love to possess for myself."

He was getting closer and closer. He then dashed forward to strike the top of her head with the pommel of his longsword and knock her unconscious.

(so, sorry for the shortness. ^_^; )

Astra was very scared her feet barely holding her body up. She could feel his breath on her skin and it made her shrink down in fear. He wanted the crystal which was hidden in her corset, he would not even think to look there. "I am here for you my dear. For the power that you hold." He hissed taking a few steps closer "I would greatly love to possess for myself."

Astra squirmed but held her head high. “I am only a little witch not with the power you so dearly desire.” Her voice had acid in it, and fear. What man lay behind the darkness? Was he one with a cruel face or a magical beauty, was he short tall? Was there nothing at all? Her questions raced through her mind.

Soon however the hard hilt of a sword hit her head and she was thrown into darkness.
Astra woke up her hands bound but in no other way was she impaired. She was layed on her side, she could not tell where she was. She arched her back, sore from being tossed around so much lately. She groaned when she felt the ache in her head. Then looked at her captor.

It went perfectly as he had planned. After knocking unconscious he scooped her over his shoulders and dashed through the church. He met no interference except a few unfortunate monks who tasted his blade, he wanted no witnesses.

He made his way to a clearing in a particularly dark abandoned building. They would never think to look in here, at least not in time anyway. He would have plenty of time to drag the power out of her. He wanted it badly, and nobody was going to stop him from getting it!

He bounded her and laid her in the center of the dusty floor. He himself went over to a dark corner to sit down and wait for her to awaken. He would then question her about this 'new power'. If she did not give it to him, he would then 'persuade' her.

He looked her over with his glowing red eyes and noticed that she began to stir and awaken. She looked up at him as he got up from his corner and approached her. "Good, your awake. Now you can answer a few questions I have for you." he hissed to her icily.

Astra found herself in the middle of a dusty room, when she heard his icy voice she as officially awake, his ice woke her up, her ice blue eyes jumped open and she looked around her beginging to panic, she could not move and he was in power at the moment. She would tell him nothing of this new found power. And she would not give it to him.

The man was only a black cape with red eyes peeking out from under the hood burning into her for imformation. "Good, your awake. Now you can answer a few questions I have for you." he hissed to her icily. He stood very close to her and she pulled in her legs trying in vain to make her skirts cover her knees and upper leg.

"Who said I would say anything to a cape and a couple red dots." She said angrily regreting the words the minute they came out, unfortuantly for her out of nervousness she kept on talking. "Do you even have lips under there to talk with?" She said angrily. There was no man under that cape only air.

(OCC: Just so you know, he does wear black robes as well as a cape and hood.)

The wraith let out a chilling laugh "Fool! Do you not know a wraith when you see one? Surely a witch of all people would know when they see a member of the undead!"

He then bent down and seized her throat with his cold gloved hand "Now tell me, what is this 'new power'? What can it do!? Answer me or I promise by the Burz Durub, I will make you suffer!" he hissed. He would not take any saucy attitude from this girl. He wanted that power. The heavens help this child if she chose to foolishy remain silent. He would not hesitate to show her is terrible wrath.

He got angry and she felt the hand of the man tighted around her through forcing her to her feet. His grip was hurtful and her breathing was strained. But how stupid must he be to kill her before he could even get to the crystal. Or learn how to use it. The man was silly. And she would give him attitude weather hel iked it or not.

"You think you are strong but you are weak, you have to kill me to make a point? What do you THINK it can do? And it is hidden, you will not be able to find it. This thing you search, its no larger than a large rock." She said holding onto his hand her words came inbetween gasps for breath. She tried to glimpse his face behind his black robes, she could see only his red eyes.

Now he was angry. He now hissed like a steaming kettle ready to pop. He threw away from him, and drew his blade "Evidentally, you did not pay attention to my words. I will not kill you if you fail to answer my questions. I will make you suffer. You would be amazed what a person can live through." he hissed menacingly.

"Now tell me. Where is it?" he asked approaching her with the blade in hand ready to to do some damage if necessary. "Where is this 'small thing' that you have so unwisely chosen to hide from me?" he hissed looking into her soul with his glowing red eyes that were now glowing like fire.

Astra winced at his words, yes she knew very well. She had to watch it and the pain of even having to watch still burned inside her heart like fire. Another thing like fire was his eyes as he walked toward her with the knife in his hand the grip tight and the blade sharp and shinning.

She would not let him lay even a finger on her, and it was in her corset it would take some effort to get the crystal out of the ties. "Its hidden in the rain forest!" She blurted out the false information covering her face from the blade. "Its hidden with a tribe in the forest!!!" She screamed it as if it were a sheild.

The wraith stopped with his longsword still in hand. He glared at her with his burning red eyes. He was no fool, he would not be taken off guard by some poor lie. He brgan stepping closer to her again the blade of his sword pointed outward "Oh really? Where is this forest? If there is such a forest?" he hissed.

"Do you expext me to believe that this power lies somewhere as distant as the rain forest." he said menacingly. He doubted she was telling the truth and he knew he would brobably have to do a little damage to her before she would start to tell him the actuall truth.

his steps were slower now, that was a good thing, however the blade was just as sharp. So in the end the change was little but good enough to help stall, she could not contiue with that lie becaus he knew it was false, she would have to think of something better. Or simply give in, but she would NOT let him have this jewel.

"Your right. I lied, I lied because this new power scource is MINE! and YOU cant have it! it was given to ME for a reason, I'm the only person that can work it, that is why it was given to me. Even if I gave it to you, it would not respond to the evil that lies in your soul. It would be a usless diamond to you." She said.

The halted and chuckled "So it is a diamond is it?" He had managed to get something out of her after all. He then thought about what she said about the diamond being of no use to him. It was a possability that what she said was true.

"As for whether or not it can be used by myself is still left to be known. You underestimate my abilities as I have a way of 'tainting things. If I cannot 'taint' this power, then I will study it throught experimentation, until I am able to make one of my own. If you are the power source then that means you and I will be spending alot of time together in the future."

He let out another chuckle as he glared at her with glowing red eyes. "Now, seeing as how it is a diamond, I can probably safely guess that its somewhere on your person. At least thats what most women would do." He hissed advancing toward her again. He then spotted a faint glow in her corset. "SO THERE IT IS!!" He hissed victoriously.

(OCC: ok, I eddited it.)

What she had told him about her being the only one to activate it was true, some even said that the stars carved it just for her. At least the very few people that knew about it said that. So she was not lying. That time. But unfortuantly now he seemed more inclined to see more of her in the near future. The thought nearly made her sick.

As he advanced to her only inches away knowing about how woman kept diamons on them she nearly had a heart attack, then the diamond sensed that and for protection began to glow, trying to speed up her powers through her. That unfortuantly made the bad guy know exactly where it was, a faint glow just below her bust was glowing. She put her hands to it as if to dim it.

"NO! THAT IS NOTHING IT IS NOTHING DONT YOU DARE COME A STEP CLOSER TO ME!" She shouted going into a ball trying to protect herself.

"NO! THAT IS NOTHING IT IS NOTHING DONT YOU DARE COME A STEP CLOSER TO ME!" She shouted going into a ball trying to protect herself.

Well, there was certainly no doubt that was where she was keeping it. He had beaten the girl. Now, he would soon have the power that he had been looking for! His eyes fixed on the glow that was just under her bust.

"WELL YOUR NOT SO CLEVER AFTER ALL!" he hissed venemously as he made his way toward her intent upon retrieving the diamond from her. He then screeched out a little louder than he should have "GIVE IT TO ME WENCH!!!"

(Ok, time for some 'heroic' action from SwordHunter ;) )

((This has been editted.))

(OOC: Sorry for the late reply. I've only just caught up, so sorry for any mistakes)

BinC:

Aiden knocked on the door and said, "Astra, are you alright?" He waited a few moments before knocking again, this time a little louder. He waited a few more moments before becoming both impatient and worried. "I'm coming in," he said. Before he knew any better, the door flew open, striking him square in the chest and knocking him backward. The monk who was accompanying him fared little better as he too was thrown against the far wall. Before passing out, Aiden could make out a black-cloaked figure and the faint color of Astra's hair. 'Necromancer,' the elf thought before succumbing to the blissful darkness.

*************************

Aiden awoke with the monk hovering right above him, concern in his eyes. "You are alive then," the monk said, breathing a sigh. "I had begun to worry you weren't as resilent as you looked. Aiden chuckled as he struggled to get up from the dusty wooden floor.

He suddenly remembered why he'd been knocked down in the first place as he looked to the monk. "Astra," he said, ready to bolt once the monk pointed in the direction of her captor.

However, the monk only shook his head softly. "I do not know, neither does anyone in this monastery. She was taken by that figure who left the bathroom. Who they were or where they went is a mystery to me." Aiden slumped to the floor, bow in hand, as he absorbed this information.

"That's it then?" Aiden muttered sadly. "There's no way that we can help her?" The silence of the monk was the only answer that he needed. Aiden's head slumped as he despaired of the situation. 'I couldn't help someone...again. Forgive me Astra.' The thought was almost too much to bear: the thought of the young woman lying dead on the street or on the floor of an abandoned home.

"We can offer you a room," the monk said, "If you would still like it."

Aiden shook his head as he stood, his eyes full of sadness. "I won't need it now," Aiden said, "I'll just continue on. There's little point in staying here." The monk seemed to nod knowingly as he pulled out a small bag.

"I took the liberty of packing food," the monk said as Aiden began walking in the direction of the exit. "You'll find a horse ready at the edge of the village," the monk continued, "I've done all that I can for now. I wish you the best." Aiden simply raised his hand in goodbye and then left the monastery.

*********************

Aiden proceeded down the street, not really looking at anything around him. The silence of the sleeping village was deafening. Not one of the sleeping citizens would ever know what had transpired under this soft moonlight, at least not as long as Aiden was in the village. 'Which won't be much longer,' he thought as he trudged towards the edge of town. He was thankful that at least he now had something to eat. It was about the only happy thought still left in his mind as he left the village behind...

(I'll need some sort of que from inside the abandoned building. There's no way that my character would know which building without it...at least from what I've read.)

Aiden's head shot up as as he heard the sound of a loud shout that seemed to reverberate along the empty road. Aiden's hand immediately went to his bow as he ran off in the direction of the loud noise. "What in the hell?" Aiden muttered as he ran quickly, not bothering to keep to the shadows as he moved. Suddenly, he remembered a thought from the earlier attack. "Necromancer," he breathed, his eyes narrowing to angry slants. Just as quickly, hope was renewed at Astra's possible survival, although, the scream only signaled that her survival might not be guarenteed for much longer. 'I must hurry,' Aiden thought, not bothering to waste more breath talking aloud. He soon rounded a corner not far from the monastery from earlier. As he rounded the corner, he was faced with row of buildings.

"Which one?" Aiden muttered, slowly catching his breath as he looked around him. As if in answer, a loud screech tore through the night. Aiden's fears of a necromancer were confirmed as he grimly headed in the direction of the sound. "My work's cut out for me I suppose," he said as he ran towards the door of the abandoned building. Not bothering to slow down, Aiden simply tilted his shoulder and ran full speed at the door. The wooden relic easily gave way to the elf's charge, splintering on impact. Aiden's momentum carried him directly into the middle of a large, dusty chamber. Looking up, his eyes narrowed as he raised his hand to his quiver and pricked his finger against an arrow.

"I'd suggest you let her go devil," he said, quickly smearing the blood along his bowstring. Taking aim, Aiden whispered a quick incantation before shouting, "Fire Arrow!" Upon his command, a fiery arrow shaft issued from the bow, blazing a trail towards a black-cloaked figure standing over Astra. . .

argg...short post...

The force of the evil mans cry made her scream and jump back a little, she protectivly put her hand over the glowing spot as if to dim the light but it didnt help, then right when he was close to her she panicked and put out a hand, and out of her hand came a strong wind, so strong the walls of the place they were in began to shake violently, surly anyone standing in the room other than Astra would get severly blown away.

This had never happened before! Her powers were finally coming to her, was it because of the crystal or the rush of adrenaline or both? Either way it helped save her. Astra scrambled to her feet and stood by Aiden and mouthed 'thank you' to him as the two prepared themselves to fight, unfortuanly the evil man had run away from the blast of the icy wind that shot out of her hand.

The Shadow Lord ducked narrowly dogding the fire arrow, but he was unable to dodge the unexpected blast of wind from the girl's hand. He was thrown back against the wall with great force.
He got up and hissed angrily at them. He looked at both of them and weighed the chances in his mind. Beforehand he would not have considered that girl a threat, but after that blast he now had his doubts. Then there was the elve with the bow. He not only was a skilled archer, but also appeared to have a rudimentary knowledge of the magical arts. It was now two against one and both formidable foes.
He cursed under his breath and raising his hand toward the elve he muttered something in Black Speech (using spell blind). He then turned around and ran away. Screeching out of rage and hatred. "YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF ME WENCH!!! YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!!!" He screeched back as he disapeared into the darkness of the night.

Aiden fired off his spell and readied another when Astra let loose a blast of wind that surprised even Aiden. 'Impressive,' he thought, raising his bow again. 'She can fight after all. That's a relief.' Turning his full attention to the Necromancer, Aiden prepared to fire off another magical blast when suddenly, the Necromancer, blown back by the gust of wind, seemed on the verge of retreat. He raised his hand and uttered a short speech in a strange language. "Damn!" Aiden muttered, suddenly afraid as he realized that the necromancer was casting a spell. Before he could utter another word, the entire world went black as his opponent's spell blinded him.

'Stop!' Aiden told himself. He quickly realized that he'd have to focus his remaining senses in case another attack came. Of course, it never did.

<YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF ME WENCH!!! YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!!!> the necromancer shouted before escaping into the night.

Aiden breathed a soft sigh of relief as his adversary left. "Astra?" Aiden called out. "Are you alright?" 'It looks like I'll be able to take that monk up on his offer after all,' he thought...

Astra stood up shakely trying ot push her shoulders back and put her head up in the air with dignity. Her power she now knew was great, but now she was exhuasted. It was far too tiering to fight like this, it took too much energy. Astra walked to him trying to sort through the days events in her mind.

It had all gone too quickly she oculd not focus. Astra smiled at him and let out a hushed 'thank you' before giving in to the darkness of sleep and exhaustion, her small body falling to the ground, the jewel beneith the ties of her corest still faintly glowing.

Aiden could hear Astra walking towards him, but blinded as he was, could do little as she fell to the ground tiredly. He almost rushed forward to help before he remembered he wouldn't exactly know which direction to go in after picking her up. 'Well...she is knocked out,' he thought as he slowly sat down on the ground. He decided to simply wait until the spell wore off on its own. Then he would get Astra back to the monastery where the monks could look after her. 'But after that?' Aiden wondered. The best course of action would be to simply forget about his mission and make his way back to the elven capital to warn his superiors. However...being chased was much more fun. 'But would she come with me I wonder?' Aiden thought silently as the sun rose on the sleepy village.

***************

Aiden walked through the streets of the village as the town gradually woke up. The previously deserted street came alive as shops open and people came into the streets. With the blinding spell dissipated, Aiden was in no hurry to get to the monastery. He gently shifted, careful not to disturb Astra who was sleeping on his back. "Just a little farther now," Aiden muttered, the monastery in sight with the monks from earlier waving eagerly at the elf. Aiden smiled softly as he approached the building which had only a few hours earlier been a silent den of death.

"I'm glad to see you returned in one piece my friend," the monk said, bowing his head gently. "We've already prepared a room, thanks to your earlier message. The person you sent said that you were hurt inside of a building, but I see no injuries. Are you alright?"

"I saw to the worst injuries myself," Aiden replied as they entered the building. "I had just enough bandages and material to rap up any bad looking gashes. Hopefully you can patch up the rest."

"Of course," the monk replied, pointing down the hall towards an empty room ahead. "The bed there has been made already. All you have to do is put her there and we will see to the rest."

"Thank you," Aiden said, grateful that he had been able to get Astra somewhere safe for the time being. "I think we'll be here for a little while if you don't mind . . ."