Ploay fiddled with a piece of old parchment paper that felt grim from age. She slowly walked with her head forward, never looking down at the paper or up in the sky; but looking at the path that lead her. Twigs and clumps of dirt were crushed under the leather sandals which covers the archangel’s calloused covered feet. Her wandering cravings pushed herself to take a stroll in the grasslands just to pass the time. The paper she held was blank for it was a journal page that she yet to write in. Out of boredom she would tear pages out of her journal just to play with them.

Her eyes were set on a tower, never have been there she decided to go despite the rumors of mysterious guards who killed anyone who saw them stealing from the tower. Ploay felt no fear, nor did she pay much thought to silly rumors that passed throughout time, and as lost the truth. The sound of little bugs filled the area, but the sound of a cricket was the loudest noise.

Slowly, the sky became different colors: red, purple; and even a slight tone of dark blue. And soon there was nothing but a dark blue sky filled with white stars. The stars twinkled so much that the archangel looked up and slightly smiled. She was always fond of the lights at nighttime, most creatures asleep and peacefulness was found at nighttime, well most of the time anyway. She took this time to stop and gaze at the stars, but a few moments later she looked ahead at the tower and continued onwards.

The tower was close to five yards away from her so she jogged the rest of the way can stopped when she came to the door. This tower did look abandon, but that was no reason to stop exploring the inside. Ploay’s craving for wandering reached its peek as she pushed opened the door in excitement. Although her facial expression didn’t s how any sign of excitement, for she always bore an emotionless look with those pale blue eyes. The door creaked as she opened it, walking inside she closed the door behind her. It was so dark so she decided to leave the door open to get a at least the shimming light from the stars. A small drip started to land on Ploay’s head, “huh?” She said out loud looking up, and feeling the wetness land on her forehead.

Not caring too much, Ploay started to feel around the tower until she felt a stairway. Hoisting herself up, she began to climb the stairs. But after a few flights, tiredness sank in so she sat on the stairs and rested. But soon her rest was quickly ended when a sound of a howling voice came above her.

A breeze began blowing the cool night air around. Draco stood calmly in the grass close to the tower. It was a place he had never been to, so that was a good enough reason for him to go there. It was peaceful, and normally a person would be relaxed at a time like this. On the other hand, Draco was more tense. He had no water nearby that he could use to help defend himself if trouble arrived. This meant that he was going to have to use the few spells he had that didn't require water and his swords to defend himself. A silent curse flew into the air, he hadn't been as diligent in his sword practice as he should have been. Oh well, he would deal with that problem if it came up; otherwise, he was going to enjoy his search of the tower. Maybe he would find something interesting that he could take back to his shrine.

With silent steps, and a hand gripping the hilt of his blade, Draco walked smoothly up to the entrance to the tower. Except for the sounds of the forest, silence reigned surpreme. At least, it did at the tower. Very few creatures came near the tower for some reason, so there were no chirping insects nearby. While the silence was welcome, it also created an attitude that he was intruding on something important. With a slight shake of his head, and a thought to stop being foolish, he stepped into the tower.

A howl split the silence, breaking the peace that had filled this place. Hopping a half-step back out of the tower, Draco unsheathed his diamond blade, holding it with both hands. While the tip was pointed down, it was held in a manner that suggested it could come up rather rapidly. A few spells ran through his mind, most were discarded as they would not work indoors, but he kept one ready should he need it. His steps forward were more cautious now, taking as much time as possible to get where he was going. With his sword in front, he entered the tower once again, eyes moving ceaselessly as he searched for anything that might be making the howling noise. He saw the stairs, and decided he might as well start from the top. In a way, it made sense. A tall tower, flights of stairs, some creepy howling noise, a perfect, stereotypical haunted tower. The thought brought a small grin to his face as he began climbing stairs. In a few moments, he came across his first surprise, there was someone else there. A woman was on the stairs, although he had no idea what she thought she was doing. For a few moments, he had no idea what to say.

The howl jot Ploay up, this place seemed like the typical place for a ghost to show up, and of course it had to be night time. At night is when spirts and other undead beings are the strongest, or so Ploay was told. Personally she never met an undead being, except for a few zombies and that was just once in a lifetime encounter. There was something different her though, those wails seemed as if someone, or something was in pain. Ploay couldn’t take that, and the thought of it being a trap filled in her brain too. Ploay placed her shaky hands on the wall of the circling stairs, normally Ploay didn’t fear anything but fear itself, yet those howls were making the brave angel brake down more and more. Taking a deep breath she calmed herself, awaiting for the will to move upwards, closer to the sound in the darkness. Okey Ploay, you can do this, just move, she thought to herself as she looked down at her feet. Her breath, it was white! Ploay’s eye widen, it was warm just a second ago, why was she seeing her own breath in the dim light of the moon?

Then she heard someone coming up the stairs, her eyes widen, was this the ghost just tricking her to think that the ghost was above her? Frantically Ploay ran her hands around her sash in hopes to find the comfort in her weapons, oh gods where are you!? Ploay screamed in her head until she finally felt the hilt of her sword. Ploay took a low sigh and studied the figure that was coming closer. Another howl came from above, but Ploay just cringed, stilled looking at the incoming person. She was relived to find it wasn’t a see though being, it looked like a half-dragon, but the light was so dim it was hard to see. Ploay seen a half-dragon before, there were a lot of them.

“Hello,” Ploay whispered to the half-dragon, not seeing anything too abnormal about him. Although he did remind her of a statue she saw before while going to the air temple. The archangel didn’t want to seem noisy, so she didn’t ask why he was here. On a deeper level she didn’t want him to ask why she was here, how could she tell someone that she goes wherever the wind takes her? Hardly anyone understood that, so with a shrug she looked back up the stairs. There was an opening, there a floor was at the top, a perfect place to go. Ploay was about to take another step when a wail, a closer wail seeped though the walls. The archangel shook her head just in case she was hearing things. Then turning to the stranger she asked, “Is it just me, or are there wails and howls in here?” Ploay spoke in a modest voice, if the stranger said he heard nothing then Ploay would still go up to the top and check it out, if he said he did then she hoped he would go with her.

Ploay was more or less a loner, but this night was different. This night...seemed to be haunting..

Draco watched the woman, who appeared to be a half-angel, as she stood up and faced him. For a few seconds, he was dumbfounded as to her simple manner. Two strangers standing on a staircase in a strange tower, and she said hello? Finally, he managed to stammer out a reply. "H-Hello." He didn't normally have any problems talking to people, but this situation was a little different than normal. After a few more moments, he realized that he still had his sword out. Considering sheathing it, he decided to keep it out. Whatever was making that noise, he would want to greet with steel in his hand. Resting the tip of his sword on the step, he held it easily with his left hand keeping it balanced. Draco received his second surprise when she asked if he heard the howling. "It would be kind of hard not to hear the howling. It is doing a fairly well job of making itself heard." Since she appeared to be somewhat nervous about the howling, Draco smiled at her. After many years of experience, he had found that a genuine smile calmed people a lot better than simply telling them to calm down.

Well, since it appeared that they were going to be together for the moment, Draco decided it was time for introductions. Holding out his right hand, Draco spoke in a clear voice that nevertheless remained quiet. "My name is Draco. Might I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" While the wailing continued, Draco ignored it for the moment. It was a habit of his that had been drummed into his head by his mother. It generally paid off to be polite to people, and she had taught him the manners of everyone from commoners to the nobles that dined with a king. As a result, manners where very important to him, although that wouldn't stop him from blowing up in someone's face, it just meant that when he did, it was a sight to see. Still with the smile on his face, he waited for a response from the angel, silently wondering what she was doing there.

"It would be kind of hard not to hear the howling. It is doing a fairly well job of making itself heard." Ploay sighed in relief, okey so I’m not going crazy, she thought to herself as she forced a smile. The archangel was more shocked that her emotions were coming out in fear, then the curling howls in the night. Ploay reached for his hand then stopped for a moment, there was something different about this man before her, but pushing the thought away she shook his hand. “My name is Ploay.” The archangel paused to find more words that were scrambling in her head, “It is nice to meet someone at a time like this.” Ploay chuckled at the last statement, she didn’t care to be left alone in a dark tower with unknown howling, not now, not ever. With a slow breath, Ploay turned her back to him and faced the stairway that lead to a high ledge. Ploay gulped then turned back to the man.

“Somebody could be hurt up there, I think we should check it out.” Ploay dropped her head to find more words to say, for she wasn’t the one to ramble on so much. Bitting her bottom lip she raised her head and smiled, but this time her smile was real, finally calmness sent in her heart. “Will you come with me?” The archangel said as her hands lowered letting go of the hilt she held tightly. Thank you Draco, Ploay thought to herself as another wail cried throughout the tower once more. But this time she was less scared, and more trusting in her own powers. Still smiling Ploay began to walk up the stairs, leading to the room where the ghostly howls were coming from.

Draco also laughed at what Ploay said, a kind laugh, not mocking. The smile stayed on his face despite the howling that continued on above. "Well Ploay, it is a pleasure to meet you." Draco waited patiently while tried to work out what to say. Except for the smile, his face remained expressionless, not wanting her to think that he might be laughing at her. He wasn't, but people saw what they wanted to see and heard what they wanted to hear. Upon hearing her invitation to go with her to the top, Draco gave a slight bow. "I would be delighted to accompany someone as delightful as yourself." Looking up, he saw her turn and head up the stairs, confidence appearing in her stride. Following her swiftly yet silently, Draco held his sword in his right hand once again, this time keeping the tip up. There wouldn't be much room to maneuver on the staircase, so he wanted the sword ready should he need it.

Since Ploay was directly in front of him, he couldn't help but notice how she looked. She seemed calmer than when he had first met her, and she also wasn't shaking with fear. He also couldn't help but notice that she was very pretty. Her wings were colored silver, and they complimented her looks. It would be nice to get to know more about her when he had more time. After this venture, he would have to hurry back to the temple for a few days. But who knew, maybe he would be able to see her again and talk to her again. With a slight shake of his head, he brought his thoughts back to the here-and-know. He wasn't about to let his inattention cause someone to be harmed. Not really liking the fact that he was behind Ploay, he made sure that he could see in front of her, keeping a spell handy should he need to use it.

Ploay heard the man’s laughter, instantly she thought he was laughing at her, so redness appeared on her cheeks from embarrassment. She did feel slightly silly, being so scared like that, fear was very unbecoming. Fear is the last emotion Ploay wants to express, the best emotion would be happiness, or sadness to show that you could sympathize to people. Although most of the time Ploay often appeared to be an unfeeling, cold angel, but inside her heart was just the opposite. No matter how hard she tried to conceal her emotions, she could never change the angel within her. Slowly she figured that he wasn’t laughing at her, he seemed to kinda for that, and to accompany her at an awkward place like this was flattering. In the side of her eye she noticed her was wielding a sword, it would be complicated for him to use it very well, with Ploay standing in front of him and all. The archangel took slow, soft, quiet steps as she climbed out the tower. Everything was silent, if a small coin dropped on the ground, it would sound like a cannon going off, that was how quiet it was. However the silence broke with another wail, this time Ploay stopped in her tracks and clenched to her ears.

She was only a few feet to the top of the tower, in fact there was a small white light coming from above. Someone was up there, wailing like a banshee, then a thought it Ploay. Is it the wail of a banshee? She thought to herself, squinting her eyes so she could try to see some sort of figure. But Ploay was too far away, and when the wail ceased Ploay turned her head to see if Draco was there or not. Then, taking steady strides Ploay continued up the tower until she finally reached the top. The room was dimly lit filled with a coulpe of papers on the floor, a desk in a corner. Ploay moved to the side to let Draco come up to the rower as well. Then Ploay’s expressionless face was all of a sudden changed into her eyes widening. Not in fear, but rather in shock to she want was standing in front of her...

Draco was forced to stop quickly when the wail began again, unless he wanted to run into Ploay who had stopped. She was very brave, forcing herself to go to the top of the tower even though she was afraid of what she would find. Reaching out, Draco placed his left hand on Ploay's shoulder. "It's ok Ploay, I am right her behind you." Giving her shoulder a slight squeeze, he let his hand drop, waiting for her to begin. He would continue up when she did, and if she wanted to turn around and leave then he would also go with her. If simply for the fact that he too was worried about what was up there, and what it might do if it had hostile intentions. Once she started forward again, Draco continued to follow, his left hand held slightly up should he need to enact the spell that he had in mind. It was small enough that he would be able to get it past Ploay, and it would delay anyone that came after them. In fact, his hand was turning a light blue color as it was covered with a light layer of ice. Whatever was up there was going to be in for a surprise if it tried to get the two of them.

Suddenly, Ploay moved to the side so Draco guessed they were at the top. He took a few steps forward before he also saw what had arrested Ploay. The light was coming from pale, shimmery shapes that were floating a few feet above the ground. Even as they watched, a few of them swirled together, making themselves look like the two intruders. Soon, exact replicas of Ploay and Draco stood there. With a shout, Draco brought his left hand up and released the spell. An arrow made from ice emerged from his hand, headed for the figures. That shout was cut short as the arrow went through the shape with no visible harm being done. Taking a step closer to Ploay, Draco spoke quietly, hoping that she wouldn't panic and lose her head. "Ploay, I think it is time that we left."

The archangel seemed dumbfounded when some of the figures made themselfs look like Ploay and Draco! She snapped out of shock when the ice arrow smashed into the wall behind the figures. Taking a shallow breath, to calm herself down she wondered if wind would have the same affect. Maybe the wind could help, no. If a solid ice arrow didn’t work, then a gust of wind would be wasted energy. Even though Draco’s quick attack didn’t work, Ploay felt happy that he was there beside her. Glancing down at her air sword, Ploay was judging if she should fight, or run, those seemed like the only choice. What are these things? Ploay thought to herself, as she winced lightly in the dim tower.

"Ploay, I think it is time that we left." Ploay looked at him and smiled. One thing was about him that he could make her smile, not in jokes, but in kindness. The type of kindness she used to feel a long time ago, before she had her form sealed. And surprisingly, he was the only person in a long to calm fear inside her. Most of the time she wouldn’t express fear, but that didn’t mean it was there sometimes. True a lot of things didn’t scare her, but one thing on her list were aggressive spirts. The archangel slowly took the sleeve of his shirt, to show him that she was there, and didn’t get left behind when they were going to leave. “I’m with you,” Ploay said in a calm manner, giving the man another smile. The spirts starter to advance them very quickly, and Ploay gripped her hand Draco’s wrist.

A slight smile came to Draco's lips as he thought of another way out. Going down the stairs would take too long, there was too good a chance that the specters would catch them. Reaching out, he put an arm around Ploay's shoulders and whispered to her. "Ploay, I need you to trust me, and hang on." Raising his hand once again, he sent off another ice arrow, this time at one of the many windows of the tower. The arrow flew through the window, shattering the glass and sending it outward into the air. Before Ploay could object, he grabbed her tightly and ran towards the window, hoping that his plan worked. With another burst of magic, he sent a wind howling through the window, tearing loose a few shards of glass that were still in the frame. It wouldn't do for them to jump through a window simply to be cut by the glass. Draco knew that there was still some glass there, but it was too short to be affected by his wind. Right before he got to the window, he wrapped his arms around Ploay to protect her from any glass and leapt.

For a heart-stopping second, they simply hung in the air, then the fall began. However, Draco had already started changing, thanking the gods for his race that allowed him to fly. Wings sprouted from his back as he grew larger and he became covered in blue scales. His hands and feet became clawed and he was forced to grip Ploay as lightly as possible to keep from hurting her. Finally, after having fallen further than he had wanted to, he flapped his wings, driving them furiously to slow their descent. Within seconds, they were slowed enough to where the landing wouldn't kill them, and Draco allowed themselves to fall at a fast pace. He wanted to get away from the ghosts, and he didn't know if they would follow them out of the tower or not. "Hang on Ploay." His voice was a low rumble as they neared the ground, finally coming to land on the ground harder than he had intended.

Air breathed in her lungs when Draco grabbed her tightly, Ploay’s eyes widen in fear when they leaped out of the window. But as shocked as she was, no screams came out, for the man seemed like a half-dragon. Clutching her body like a small ball, she braced for impact, and beginning to doubt he was a half dragon. Then in a big surprise, she started to feel scales, and his hands became claws slightly digging in her skin. The angel winced at the pain, trying not to focus on the fall. And sadly how Draco had a hold of her she couldn’t spread her own wings and fly, she would have to trust him. The speed seemed to slow down with the beat of his wings, but soon she felt themselfs falling again. Her eyes were clenched shut as she prepared herself for the landing, her heart beat so hard it felt like it was going to come out of her chest. The archangel wanted to help slow down the landing. So concentrating on the wind, she sent a small breeze strong enough to slow them down, but not strong enough to send them backwards.

"Hang on Ploay." He said with a low rumble. The archangel nodded as they made a hard landing. When the falling was over, Ploay got up and looked around her, seeing that the tower was a good ways away. The ghost didn’t seem to come after them, as if they alone wanted them out, they were just protecting their home. Ploay then looked at Draco, pondering why a perfect stranger would help her, he was very kind. Also she was amazed at his transformation, she never seen a half-dragon transform in the middle of the air. Ploay lightly bowed her head, “Thank you Draco, I owe you my life.” Her voice showed emotion of happiness, most of the time she would talk in an emotionless voice, but to her friends, and Draco was her friend, she didn’t hide it. A small breeze picked up, swaying her hair back and forth. “Are you alright my friend?” Ploay asked him, looking around to see if he was unharmed.

A relieved sigh came from Draco, they were both safe and they weren't being pursued. That was an improvement on their previous status. Turning his draconic head to look at Ploay, he heard her express her gratitude. It was the first time since meeting her that she had allowed emotion into her voice. True he had been able to tell that she was frightened earlier, but that was because of how she acted. It seemed to make her complete, the show of emotion. His mouth twisted into a slight grin as she asked if he was hurt. That flight had been nothing compared to a few others he had partaken of. While the landing had been bumpy, it was a smooth flight with little trouble after the initial fall. Taking in a deep breath, he smelled something strange and unexpected. Looking closely at Ploay, he was shocked to see scratches on her arm. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to harm you." If he had had a healing spell then he would have used it, but he didn't. With another thought, he began changing back into a human.

Within moments, he was standing on two legs again, a slightly worried expression on his face. It was always an inconvenience trying to carry something while he was a dragon. It was so hard to do without damaging it in some way. "Once again I'm sorry, I held you as gently as I dared." He hoped that nothing would come of it, although he wouldn't blame her if she was upset with him somewhat. He would be mad if someone stabbed him with their claws, even if it was by accident. While he waited for an answer, he glanced around, seeing where they were and what supplies they might be able to find to help sustain them.

An odd look appeared on her face when he said he was sorry, it took her awhile to juggle why he would be sorry. Then she touched her arms tentatively and felt a stinging pain, it was hot and sharp. With a blink she looked at her arms and saw light scratches, nothing too awful, for she had lived though worse injuries. Ploay was the type of person who got back up after light scrapes, and scratches. She was pleased that her new friend cared about her, since they just met and all. The archangel knew a healing spell, but this was so light it would be just wasted energy. Ploay crossed her arms calmly, and smiled at Draco, “No need to be sorry, I’ve ben though a lot worse.” The words almost came out in a chuckle, but she held it back. Then she looked around, once again she felt it was time to move on. Ploay never liked to stay in one place for too long, she was a wanderer, she went wherever she wanted, or needed.

turning back to the tower she sighed, if she didn’t go there in the first place, then Draco wouldn’t have felt bad for giving her a few scratches. But then again if she didn’t go, she wouldn’t have met such a kind person. And Ploay couldn’t place, but there was just something way diffrent about him. How he talked, the way he acted, it was as I he wasn’t who she thought he was. Sure he seemed to be a half-dragon, but for some reason or another, inside he seemed like something else. Shaking the thought away, Ploay looked back at Draco with a small smile, “Well, I guess I’m done journeying in that tower. Once again thank you Draco.” The wind softly blew against her face, and she pulled her hair behind one ear as she kept looking at him.

Draco was slightly embarressed by her thanks, it wasn't often that he received such open thanks. Since he rarely dealt with people, he wasn't used to people expressing gratitude or any other emotions. For some reason, people rarely came to see the shrines anymore, it was depressing in a way. The wind blew across his face, temporarily blowing away the thoughts that had been causing him to sink into a depression. A smile crept onto his face as he looked at Ploay, glad that fate had led him to meet her. "If you want to you can return to the tower, but I wouldn't advise it, I don't think those ghosts would let us escape a second time." For a moment, Draco was at a loss for what to say. The topics of conversation appeared to have been exhausted, and he wasn't normally a people-person. Floating from the depths of his mind came an idea, one he hoped she would like.

"How would you like to come to the Temple of Nature?" If there was one thing he could talk about forever, it would be the temple and what it housed. "I am sorry that I hid it from you, but I am the Guardian of Water, and it would be my pleasure to escort you to the temple." Hopefully she would agree, Draco would greatly enjoy spending more time with her, and if they split ways now then he might never see her again. Besides, maybe she would be able to find something to do at the temple, then he could see her whenever there was a spare moment.

The wind gently fluffed up her hair, as the strains for silver glistened in the moonlight, and instantly felt happy being around a new person. The wind was so comforting, it seemed to always be with her, on the same side, with the same goal. Without any reason, Ploay loved being around the wind, she enjoyed it a lot as it seemed to push her on her journeys. Then the angel noticed the half dragon in front of her, he was smiling, so she smiled back ever so lightly, trying to be polite to this person who randomly bumped into her. He made sense, she wouldn’t visit that tower anytime soon, maybe not at all, a dark feeling came from within the walls. With a nod she felt an awkward silence, like there wasn’t anymore to be said, and like normal, goodbyes would be coming soon. Ploay wasn’t ready to say goodbye, because she was a wanderer, and only if she was really lucky did she meet people from the past again.

Shock hit the angel very quickly when Draco said he was the guardian of water, what an awesome position, he was so lucky he had a job to do, places to be, people who looked up for him for his help. It was consider luck to have any type of guardian position, whether to guardian a town, or guardian your family, it was such an honor, and the thought of guardian an element seemed more overpowering. “Draco, I would love to come to your shrine,” Ploay said with a slight bow of the head. “But I feel like I need to be somewhere else, alone, right now. I promise I’ll visit the temple, and I’ll stop by your shrine.” The angel smiled as she finished, she remembered going there to visit the wind shrine, and she hoped she would meet him again tomorrow. But tonight the wind was telling her to keep going...somewhere...