Day 5, Amazing as Always.

The Author: Rhia frowned some at Dom's teasing tone. She lifted her staff upright, and once again gracefully pulled herself up to her feet. "You're incapable of being serious, aren't you? No wonder you're a thief." She brushed herself off a bit, then raised her free hand to rest it on her hip. "Riding on your back would probably be best.. Carrying me in your arms will get tiresome." She glanced over at Alex, eyes softening a bit. "You'll be alright, Alex. I'll make sure of it." It was priority that he not lose his mind in the process of becoming a Necromancer Lord...if he did...then that amber may find itself with one more imperfection.

Donnie Darko: Responding with a grin, while proving Rhia right, was still what Dom did. "I could take offense to that, you know. I know at least one thief who cares about everyone else." Rigging his sword harness to his belt, he attactched both his swords underneatth his cloak and picked up his shoulder sack, tossing it to Alex. "If I'm carrying her, you can carry my pack. And, we should swap half way there. I might need some strength to fight off a.. bear. Yes. A really scary bear." Feigning seriousness, he blinked a few times before turning back to Rhia, hunching down a little. "Come on then. And I swear, if you are heaver than you look, I'm leaving you here." He would too.

Xan Torez: Alex caught Dominic's bag then swung it over his shoulder, slinging his Staff over too and holstering it to his back. He frowned at Rhia's comment about him being 'alright', not understanding her entirely, but decided not to persue it as he looked out over the landscape. The road could just been seen, and in the daylight, small figures were movign along it; people from Karatham coming to the City for the best market deals, and people returning home as well. He prayed that a fight wouldn't break out on the road with all those people around. If it happens, Alexios, you cannot avoid it. You will learn to accept death as your brother soon enough.' If Rhia was still open to the Mana Streams around her, she'd be able to here the Voice still.

The Author: She paled a bit at that voice, but did her best to shake it off, that sense of nausea coming back to her at the mere thought of more people dying. She instead paid attention to Dom, rolling her eyes at him. "Don't be such a baby. You'd regret leaving me here when those Magi are shooting fireballs at your ass." She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned against his back. When he lifted her up, he'd find she was even lighter than she looked, not that much heavier than his pack. "Let's just get on with this.."

Donnie Darko: Dom flexed his legs a little, clearly testing whether she was as light as she was. "Are you even human? You weigh as much as most bread rolls." Confused he began to walk towards the road, towards all those returning home. Hal of them probably left disappointed since they'd misplaced their wallets. A small smile of satisfaction. "And just so you know, fireballs I dont mind so much. It's those damn water mages, they think its funny to soak you then freeze your feet together. soooo funny." Bitter words from bitter experience.

Xan Torez: Alex followed along side him, listening to his words but keeping silent. In his mind, he asked a question, one of the smallest of the millions going through his head right now, 'That portal thing that you came here using.. is that.. a Necro lord spell?' 'It's not a spell at all. It's something that is only available at the temple. The Dark Mana streams here are so concentrated, that it's possible to rip them open, and travel as one, then travel back. That's all I did.' A slightly dissatisfying answer, but an answer nonetheless. Next question, 'Are my parents still alive?' The voice stayed silent. 'Damn it..'

The Author: She chuckled faintly at Dom. "I'll have to remember that. Maybe I'll conveniently ignore a couple of water mages." Teasing, obvoiusly. If he was her mode of transportation, then she'd be best off protecting those feet. "And yes, I'm human... Magick's a pretty resourceful thing." Idly, she glanced over her shoulder, at the staff resting across her back. She would have to keep thinning out that line between her and the King...she only hoped the Magi weren't smart enough to look for it... It was nearly indistinguishable from the rest of the Mana Streams unless they followed it straight from the King. That would mean someone would have to keep an eye on it constantly... She really hoped it didn't prove a problem.

Donnie Darko: Soon enough all three of them were travelling towards Karatham, almost indistinguisable from the few others. Vibrant clothing and staves were common enough to go unquestioned. In about six hours the worlds dark would turn itself on and maybe they could find somewhere that wasn't grass to sleep. The sleeping bags they carried, while acceptable, still did not beat a warm bed with freshly washed sheets. Dirt track under foot, Dom stared out at the long road ahead, which bent around the forest and passed by a mountain. They'd probably see the towns highest point when theyd traversed around the forest. "Oi, Alex. You didn't tell us what you were thinking about when you vanished. We could use a little conversation."

Xan Torez: Alex shook his head, "I think I'll keep that to myself." He kept along side, watching eveyrbody carefully as they passed. His heart jumped when, for a brief second, he had been sure he'd seen three men walking ahead with the colours of the Imperial Regalia. There were Mages, about 20 meters ahead, walking infront of another group of people. It seems they were not interested in anything behind them, or in front for that matter, but Alex wondered if any of them had seen the wanted posters in the City, or if they'd been sent out here to look.

The Author: Before they got to the road, Rhia would untie the blindfold from around her eyes, blinking a couple of times. She may have been physically blind, but the sun was brutal on them. But, keeping the blindfold on was a bit of an eyecatch, and her being carried drew enough attention on its own. During the day, she'd keep her eyes closed most of the time, head bowed down against Dom's shoulder. By nightfall, she'd be quite glad for the darkness, returning her attention to scanning the people around them. She was good as a pair of eyes at night, since it might as well be day for her.

Donnie Darko: After almost three hours of walking in total silence, Dominic was going a little insane. Apparently, walking and talking weren't acceptable together. So he stopped walking. "Alright. Now the silence can end!" He let Rhia down and stretched his arms, most of the bones cracking. "We haven't said a word for too long, and I swear, if we don't play I-spy RIGHT now, I'm gonna kill something." Agititated, he raised his voice a little too loud. Shouting, more like it, so loud his voice echoed from the base of the mountain. Not too long ahead of them, two figures turned around, hearing his voice and their curious natures made them begin walking towards it. They wore the outfit of Imperial Guards. "I spy with my Goddamn little eye.." 'Deep breaths, come on. Calm down. They just don't travel much'.

Xan Torez: Alex watched the outfits carefully, then smiled and put his left hand out a little towards Rhia and Dom, "Actually, I know one of them. I think we're going to be okay.." Confidently he walked towards them. One of them narrowed his eyes, then flexed his hands a little. Not a good sign. The other, however, grinned and walked up to Alex, offering his hand to shake. Alex took it happily and smiled, "You're not allowed out often, Rhyann, what's the deal?" The Imperial guard grinned, letting go of Alex's hand and stretching, seemingly having not a care in the world, "Ah! You know me! thought I'd take a stroll outside!" "C'mon, we both know they wouldn't let you out in a million years! What's going on? Trouble in Karatham. If there is, you'd better get there quick and sort it out. I want it to be spick and span when I get there." Both men chuckled, then Rhyann sighed, ".. what've I been hearing, Alex? Word is, you threatened the king, broke into his quarters, damaged government property, then killed a group of BattleMagi. Please tell me I was right to say you didn't do any of that?" Alex felt a lump in his throat grow with nerves, but he shook his head, "I didn't break in, I never threatened the king and I didn't hurt her; she drained herself with a spell.." ".. and the BattleMagi..?" ".. I.. may have hurt a few on my way out, BUT you've got to understand! The Magi council are corrupt, Rhyann! They were trying to stop us from getting out and proving that they're not working with the good intentions of mankind at heart!" Rhyann sighed, scratching the back of his neck, "How can you say that, Alex? You spent so long trying to get INTO the Mage's guild. How could you think this?" He looked at Alex's robes, "In fact, I don't want to know. Word is, you're turning into a Necromancer now. Is it true?" "I'm just learning about them, with the hope of finding the truth about the Magi in the Necromancer ranks." Rhyann closed his eyes and whispered something, moving his head to face the sky. It was already getting dark, the sun setting now behind the mountain itself. After a few more seconds, Rhyann moved looked back at Alex and smiled a dissappointed smile, "You know, I've been ordered to kill you, but I refuse to do it. I'm going to have to take you into custody though. The Magi want you, and the other two, back at the City. Please, don't make this any harder for me than it already is." Alex closed his eyes and took a step back, "I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that, Rhyann. Please, just go back to the city and tell them that you never saw us." With a chuckle, Rhyann shook his head, "You know that's not possible. The Magi's council have ways of seeing through lies. Please, Alex, don't.." But Alex slipped his right foot round to the side to get a firm stance, before unclipping his staff. Rhyann's eyes widened and he stepped back a little, unclipping his own staff. The other Magi followed suit, taking a firm grip on his own and standing beside Rhyann. Alex felt mortified. He was actually about to fight a life long friend.

The Author: Rhia's eyes widened as the situation escalated to one she wanted very much to avoid. This especially...they were friends...she couldn't allow this to happen. As difficult as it was, she dragged herself to her feet, letting out a bit of a groan as she did so. "Stop!" The word was so commanding, that even the wind that was blowing stopped, the birds in the area silencing. She glared over at the guards, standing herself up straight. "I have express permission from the King to be here, as does Alex. The orders to bring us back are superceded by the King's. If you harm but one hair on any of our heads, you will be in direct violation of the King's orders, and I will be forced to take the appropriate action." She used a little of her influential power to at least make the guard doubt his actions, if not make him see the truth in her words. She only prayed that the Magi Council hadn't forced the King to make the orders to have the three of them brought in or killed.

Donnie Darko: Dominic shook his head in bemusement. A few steps to the right allowed him to be out of firing range of any spells that might go a'flyin. If he kept sighing like he was, he'd just become depressed. None of these people seemed to realise that words were not the answer, and his point was proven but a moment later. The guard who flexed his magic maker spoke out, "You're here on the Kings orders? Oh! Then we should just leave you alone, let you kill as many -respected- Magi that cross your path and let HIM.." he pointed rather rudely at Alex, "..become a Necromancer." The sarcasm in his voice did not cover over the anger. He flxed his fingers again, glaring at Rhia. "If you think that you are going anywhere but back home, then you are sorely mistaken. I know what you're capable of, and believe me, dead or alive, you WILL return. Killing the states Magi is unacceptable and one of the highest laws. Necromancy is forbidden. You are all under arrest." He paused, his eyes scanning for any hint of movement. "TELES--" A sword shot past Rhia's ear at a scary speed. The sound of metal carving through flesh was dimmed only by the crumpling of the Guards body. Dominic was short one sword. "Sorry Rhia, but I am not going anywhere." The fun was lost from his eyes, the childish smile all but evapourated. Right now he was a murdered, one without remorse and a conscience. It would eat at him later though.

Xan Torez: The sword had killed one soldier, and in reflex, Rhyann span his staff, charging towards Alex. Alex too moved forward, the two staves colliding with tremendous force, each parrying the other's attacks. The attack/parry switched sides, each swinging their weapon skillfully, neither managing to get a hit into the other. 'I've no intention of killing him' he kept telling the voice, but he knew well that he was only trying to reassure himself. One Guard was already dead. He prayed to God, if there was one, that he wouldn't be the murderer of a good friend. Rhyann spoke, "Alex! Don't.." he dodged one of Alex's blows and parried another, "..make this harder than it should be! Just come back with me! If the King really has.." he dodged another, throwing his own attack, but Alex parried, "..sent you here, then he will get you back too!" Alex didn't respond, his attacks becoming more and more fierce, until one blow pushed Rhyann back onto the ground. Alex stood, panting and glaring down at him, "The Magi are controlling him, Rhyann! that is why we're here! We're trying to restore balance to the Royal system!" "By killing innocent men?! Alex, what has gotten into you??!" "Leave, Rhyann. Tell them you were attacked by us. Tell them not to come for us again. Or, come with us. I will show you the truth!" Alex relieved his battle stance and rested his staff by his side. Rhyann panted a little and closed his eyes, "My allegiance is sworn, Alex. You either come with me, or kill me." The words were like a dagger in the chest, and Alex shook his head, "I can do neither.." Rhyann struggled to his feet, using his staff to pull himself up, then clenched his fist in pain against his chest, "Then, what kind of a Necromancer are you?! Fiiré!" He threw a point of his hand in Alex's direction, an impressive sized ball of fire launching itself quickly. Alex didn't even think as he pushed his hand out infront of him, and the fireball flew into the grasp of his own Telesis spell. It dragged him to the side a little, before he launched it back. It wasn't until it had left his magic grasp that the horror of what was happening hit Alex dead on. The ball of fire struck Rhyann full on in the chest, burning through his robes, and quite a dangerous amount of his chest. He immediately collapsed and Alex dropped his staff where he stood, running to his best friend, "Oh jesus, oh God, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry!" Rhyann twitched a little in pain as he looked up to Alex. Even his eyes had been burned, and it looked as though he couldn't see his so-called-friend at all. There was no emotion on his face as his head dropped slowly back and his body fell still. Alex continued to hold on to him though, screaming out, "JESUS NO. Please. RHYANN!" There was nothing. The road was deadly silent here and the sun was almost gone, the lights of the town ahead almost the only illumination. 'What you intend to do, is not always what is right..'

The Author: Her eyes widened as the sword zinged past her ear, blood running cold as she watched the Light Stream abandon the second guard. She was too shocked to do anything about the battle that pursued. Perhaps if she hadn't been so stunned, she could have cut that spell off before it hit Rhyann. She was a Container, after all. It wasn't until she saw the last the Light Stream leave him that she realized what had just happened. Considerably weakened by those events, she sank to her knees, staff rolling out of her hand. She should have been able to do something...how had this happened...? Perhaps she, too, had been corrupted... That thought, joined with the witnessing of those two deaths and the sound of Alex's screams, was just too much. She lifted one hand over her mouth, dropping her face down to her knees. Was she doing the right thing..? She was -bound- to do the right thing, so she had to be...right?

Donnie Darko: Dom's sword still skewered the guards chest, but he did not retrieve it. Both of them were on their knees, but he didn't care. "What the fuck was that?! The King SENT us out here? THEN WHY ARE WE BEING CHASED?!" He was yelling so loud his throat started hurting. Angrily storming towards the dead guard, he yanked his sword out and cleaned the blood off with the guards robes. Sheathing it, he ducked his head.. "You two are in this so deep. I thought we were runn-- you know, I don't even know I why I ran with you. To learn magic?" his eyes stung holes in Rhia's.. "I swear, whatever the Hell is it you two are doing, from now on I want in on your little magical loop." More deep breaths. Calming actions. "Alex, get your ass up off the ground. Someone is bound to come along here soon, and we aren't far from Karatham." Turning, he set off again, towards the little lights, but he stopped after a few steps. Closing his eyes, he un-tied his cloak and walked back to Rhia, wrapping her in it. Not because he was a gentlemen and the breeze would make her cold, but it was the only way he could show he didn't hate her, and that this situation wasn't her fault.

Xan Torez: For a few more seconds he stared at Rhyann, then glared up at Dominic to see him give Rhia his cloak. Rhia being on the floor didn't do wonders for his situation either, but with a silent resolve, he rose to his feet and lifted the body of his friend, carrying him to the road side and into the grass. With the body here, it wouldn't be hidden for Search parties, but innocents travelling on the road would not have to endure the burnt carcass of Rhyann. Alex by now was crying quietly, but he walked back to his staff and picked it up, placing it on his back. Hew knew that at this moment, he should give up, turn around, and go back, but a new part of him that became stronger every time he killed was telling him that all the deaths that would follow in Alex's wake would be righteous. he turned to the other two, narrowing his eyes at Dominic a little. The way Dominic had spoken whilst Alex had been in such a state of messed up emotion had triggered a small tension within him. He'd had no problem with Dom so far, but his comment was a little too far. There was no point getting into another fight here though. Besides, Dominic had known this would happen. His eyes had said it back at the camp, "Let's move. We need to get into the town. It won't be long before they send everybody out to search."

The Author: Rhia slowly lifted her head when she felt that cloak rest over her shoulders, glancing up at Dom. With a great deal of effort, she reached out for her staff, righting it and using it to help her up to her feet. She stiffened her jaw, clenching her teeth in a vain attempt to hold back the pain, and the sob building in her chest. Too much death... She managed to hold back the sob, though her own silent tears were streaking her cheeks. Whether those men knew it or not, she'd watched each and every one of them grow up. All of them. She knew from the time a person was born by the look at their aura if they were magick users, and it was part of her duty in looking after the city to watch over each of those users, as they grew up, and even after they'd become a part of the military. So while she may not have known any of them personally, she still knew each of them very well...and that made this that much more painful. She lifted one hand to hold the cloak closed around her, as she was beginning to feel colder and colder as they continued, though it was a chill unrelated to the setting of the sun. She started to walk in the direction of that city, not saying a word. She didn't trust herself to speak. But she wouldn't let either of them carry her, no matter how much her body screamed in protest at the excercise. Though she'd felt light to Dom, to herself, she may as well have weighed as much as three men with the state of her muscles.

Donnie Darko: Unforetunately, one silence led to another and the latter was a lot more uncomfortable. They walked another two or so miles without even breathing heavily. Dom glanced between them now and then and was a little uneasy about they looks they had. Rhia's eyes were hard and glazed over which meant she was in a lot of pain, physically or mentally he couldn't tell. Alex, well, Alex just looked like he couldn't resign to the fact he'd just killed a friend. Then again, if Dom had just murdered Juno he'd be a little off. The lights of the city got closer and the sun was practically set, it's little yellow tip peeking over the trees, the sky was a vibrant pink with flecks of orange. A beautiful sunset for not such a day. Perhaps the night would hold more for the uneasy trio. They didn't pass a single other traveller on the roads, and yet there were a dozen or two when they left Hopelite City. The city gates were maybe another mile or so. But they couldn't enter through those. Dom stopped walking. "We have to cut into the forest now." His voice was quiet. He felt a little awkward breaking the silence.

Xan Torez: Alex nodded a little and began looking for a cleering, when suddenly he noticed three silhouettes walking behind them. Quickly he turned to face them, trying to identify any signs of guard or royal insignias, but he could see none. All three wore robes, each carried a staff, and they were all hidden under the darkness of hoods. They kept a steady pace and distance at about 10 meters behind the group and Alex carried on looking forwards again, whispering to Dom, "I think we might be being followed. If we move into the forest, we'll be setting ourselves up for ambush. What do you suggest?"

Donnie Darko: At least he had the good sense not to turn around. When Alex said they were being followed, Dom listened for other footsteps that were not theirs, and voila. Three sets of feet, all very close to them. "We cannot stay on this road any longer. Maybe a quarter of a mile more and they will see us. The guards at the front gate were given a spell to see the road leading in at night. We're criminals with yours and Rhias face everywhere. If we don't stop, we get caught. If we keep moving, we get ambushed. Goddamn I hate this adventure." Slowly, Dom's hands went for both his swords, brushing the hilt slowly. "They should have done something by now.." Dom looked into the forest. "The cover of trees is our best bet, Rhia can see them in the dark."

Xan Torez: With a frown he looked to the side at the trees, then back at Dom, "If it comes down to it, grab Rhia and run. I can hold them off on my own, and she doesn't need to see any more death." An English-accented voice by his right hand side made him jump and he stopped, ducking away. One of the three characters had snook up silently, and now stood, his face covered with a hood, holding his staff with both hands, "Nah mate, none of that's necessary. We aint 'ere to rob ya'. We're 'ere to get you in!" The other two characters, were somehow now infront of them. HOW they had managed to do that Alex would never know, but right now there were bigger fish to fry, "Who are you?" The man laughed a little and pushed back his hood. He was young, with long black hair, some over his eyes and he flicked it out of the way with a grin, "Ekeil, and these 'ere are mi siblings. Eilross," another dark robed man flicked his hood back and nodded. He looked a little foreign, and had a stern look on his face, "and that's Erica." the third and final figure removed her hood. She was a pretty little thing, shoulder length blonde hair, petite face and bright blonde eyes to finish off the picture. They were an instant give-away of her casting type. She was an Aquamage. A Dark Aquamage. Alex never thought they existed. He looked back at Ekeil and frowned slightly, "Do you know of an entrance into the town? I need to meet up with a Necromancer in there." Ekeil rolled his eyes and laughed, resting his staff across his chest as he folded his arms, "There's HUNDREDS in there. The town is run by them at night! I assume you know, WHICH one you need to see?" "No. I need to collect some training book." Ekeil's facial expression changed to a knowing one and he flicked his staff up in the air, grabbing it, then pointing it towards the front gates, "I know which one yer on about. Reight then, let's get going!" ".. wait.. through the front gate..?" Ekeil, who was in mid step, comically stopped and turned on his heel, "Well, yeahhhh, that's what they're for..." "But.. what about the guards?" "G.. guards? HA!" he started to laugh, and Erica joined in too. Eilross just shook his head and grinned, "you've obviouisly never been to Karatham at night before, have you? Don't worry, there's a first time for us all. C'mon! Just follow me." and with that he started walking ahead at a confident yet casual pace, muttering and chuckling to his brother and sister, "Guards.. ha! Gotta love the new'ens, 'a'nt ya?" Alex stood for a second before he looked back at Dom with a slightly dissappointed look, then at Rhia, "Can I offer you a lift, Madam?"

The Author: She glanced over at him, brow furrowed slightly from the pain. But the thought of giving into it now made her even more woosy than the effects of those Necromancers. She lifted her free hand and rested it on his shoulder, her grip tightening without her really meaning it to, a clear sign of how weak and uneasy she was becoming. "Just let me lean on you... I'll be fine..." She kept her voice low, something about letting those three know for sure that she was in a weakened state hammering at her pride. Not that she had much pride left... Even Alex's calling her 'Madam' seemed wrong just then. She leaned on him the whole way, using the Staff only to steady herself, never placing her weight on it, as seemed a usual habit with her. She kept wary eyes on those three, then the 'guards' standing at the city's gates. She had bad feelings all around with this whole situation..

Donnie Darko: 'Oh, okay'. So maybe the guards were slightly corrupt, and just possibly this town was one of the safest places they could be right now, but that still didn't stop Dom from frowining and hanging his head. He couldn't even bring himself to check out the cute chick. "I ain't no damn newbie." he muttered, laughing at his own disappointment. To be fair, at least Alex and Dom were new to this and somehow, Rhia didn't seem too hardcore right now either. "How long until the market travels through this area? I'm guessing a week or two, since business is booming in the city. There's someone I need to talk to." He asked the woman, trying to initiate a conversation. He always felt a little more confident talking to women. And yes, his eyes did drop for a few seconds. She -was- cute.

Xan Torez: Erica didn't look at the thief, keeping her eyes ahead. Her walk was seductive and playful, yet she held the staff in a way that said, 'don't take me on. You'd be dead before you know it', "The market travels through here in about a weeks time, the posters are all over the town." She didn't mention any other posters. As much as Alex knew he owed it to Rhia to do as she asked after he had already killed more guards, her leaning on him was still showing that she felt a little weak, and after a few more seconds of the thought, he finally stopped and turned, taking her staff, attaching it to his back, then lifting her into his arms, "Don't bother arguing with me, I know you probably already hate me, but as much as you don't like to admit it, Rhia, you're not fully recovered. You NEED rest, and I aint letting you down until we get you to a hotel room with a good comfy bed for you to relax on, got it?" he didn't give her chance to answer, "good." Of course, he meant it all with the very best of intentions. Besides, she was hardly heavy. Her staff probably weight more than her..

The Author: She grunted a bit when he lifted her up, frowning a bit at him as he spoke. A wince passed over her face when he made the statement that she probably hated him, and swallowed hard to hold her tongue until he finished speaking. She lifted one of her arms up around his neck, so she could keep some physical contact with the staff, resting her fingers against the wood. She then turned her eyes to Alex's face, the frown lifting to a look of concern. She kept her voice quiet, in the attempt to keep the conversation between them. "I don't hate you, Alex... My insides are just all twisted around right now.. And I'm worried about you. That's all.." She looked away as she finished, gazing up at the stone on the staff. How much closer would she be to death after this little adventure of theirs was over?

Donnie Darko: Dom turned to see Alex carrying Rhia. It looked strange. "Isnt she the one that should be carrying you?" he chuckled, turning back towards the town. In a weeks time, Juno would be regailed with one of the best stories he'd ever heard. Dominic couldn't wait. And by that time, he'd know a little magic too. Absently, his hand stroked the books within his cloak, more than eager to have a good nights rest and practice some of the spells. "Oh.. damn.. Alex, can you throw me my pack? Theres something in it I need." Walking backwards now, he hoped that a wall wouldn't just appear. That wouldn't be funny.

Xan Torez: Alex frowned a little, suddenly confused as to how it was possible for him to manage this and not drop Rhia, before he had a bit of a thought. Gently he opened his right hand underneath her, then lowered his arm. She didn't move down with it however and he grinned at her. Carefully, he then shuffled his arm so that the bag fell loose and slid down his arm. once the strap lay on his hand, he tightened his grasp on it, then put his hand against her again to hold her properly, "Yeah, come get it". Ekeil approached the two guards on watch now. Alex expected them to halt the party, but much to his surprise, Ekeil held out his fist, and the guard on the right tapped it with his own. Just how corrupt WAS this place?

The Author: She watched that little display, and yet another thought occured to her. If they did disband the current Magi Council, would places like this swear their allegience, whole-heartedly, to the King? if they didn't...and there was no longer a Magi Council...the King, the whole country, would be very vulnerable. She'd better recover her strength, and soon, or else this little adventure could very well spell the destruction of the kingdom. Wonderful. Another doubt in her mind about this whole thing. She closed her eyes, tipping her head down so she wouldn't have to look at everything around her, just trying to keep her stomach settled.

Donnie Darko: The gates creaked to life and the forecourt of the town was nothing more than another street. No grand temple or fountain or even a welcoming comittee. What kind of town doesn't have a welcoming comittee for the future Necromancer Lord? 'Clunk' The gates opened fully and two men stepped down, standing either side. "You're late. Come on in so we can close up. Don't want any O those Imperial Guards showing up tonight. Although, we were supposed to be receiving some today." "Wonder where they got to.." Dominic whispered to himself, not smiling. Wrapping his cloak fully around him he followed the little group inside the town, instantl;y met by two long, wide streets. Where the market would set up. The street ahead of them was more of a dingy alley. "So.. uh, take us to your leader?" Dom grinned and turned round to Alex, nabbing his pack from his hands. "Thank you." Sliding it on, he wondered what exactly they were supposed to be expecting.

Xan Torez: "Welcome to Karatham," began Ekeil, stretching his arms out. As he did, two balls of bright blue energy above his palms shot into light and he spun once, quite obviously enjoying himself, "by day, a peaceful, Magi run way-town for the so called 'City of Hope'. 'ope my ass! By night, this city has one of the best night lives you'll see around. Clubs, bars, more clubs, gambling rings, some more clubs," he began pointing at certain buildings now, "more clubs, that one's a strip tease club, prostitutes," he grinned and pointed at 3 scantily clad girls who all talked on the corner of the street. They all giggled and waved back. Ekeil was the street-king of this place, and he damn well knew it, "pimps, pushers, druggies, gamblers, assassins," he turned, now walking backwards, raising a eyebrow playfully at Alex, ".. necromancers," he turned again, ".. dark mages, Normal Mages looking for a crafty nigh' off after work, we've got the LOT! Not QUITE got the thug's town feel of Garan'kho, but we're getting there, and who'd have thought it with it being so close to the Magi Center, eh?" he carried on walking forwards as Alex called from the back, "We're not here for a good night out though, we're here-.." he was cut off, ".. You're here for the book, yeah yeah, I get it, but here's how it works," he turned back, "you don't get the book, till I know I can trust you, reight?" As Ekeil faced forwards again, Alex sighed and looked down at Rhia, speaking quietly, "Never trust a thug, eh?" and to himself, 'Is this what happens when you use the Dark Mana Streams?' 'No. This is what happens when you get over confident..' 'Yeah, that was my second guess..'

The Author: She glanced up at Alex, smiling just faintly. "There are many degrees of trust, my friend." She let her gaze drift over to those other three, stretching her arm a little further behind him so that she could take a tighter hold on the staff. The last thing she needed was to be seperated from that lifeline in a place where her life could very easily be snuffed out. She really should stop thinking... Now she was frightened, her heart beating a little faster. Imagine, a Container, frightened... What was this world coming to, anyway? Maybe she'd been cooped up in that castle as the Council's Pet for too long.

Donnie Darko: Dom's heart fluttered just a little when Ekeil pointed out the clubs and the bars. This one street had everything he loved, even bar fights! Someone had just fallen out a door with another guys neck in his hands a little way to the right. A rather large splash of water that nearly drowned them stopped it though. Diving into his bag he pulled out his new deck of cards, taking off the packet and shuffling them non-chalently. "I don't think I could be any happier right now." His eyes fell over Erika again and he smirked. "Well, maybe a little.." chuckling he started walking down the street, still shuffling. "Gonna make me some money.. tonight.." he sung cheerily for a guy who'd killed a few people in one day. One door was open and music was pumping some good music out and like a moth to the music he swerved at the door, stopping with one foot inside. "Don't you two even dare tell me you aren't joining me." He turned to Erika again, the same smirk on his face. "And I'm buying you a -drink-." Tasteless jokes always worked.

Xan Torez: Alex shook his head a little and smiled, "Actually, I've gotta get Rhia back. She needs rest, believe me." He turned to look at Ekeil who grinned and shook his head, "Not a chance, boy. Hotels don't open around here till about 2am, meaning, 'get your ass in there for next few hours'." Alex sighed then looked down at Rhia. "Do you think you can put up with scantily clad women, loud music, beer and a drunken Dominic for a few hours?" Erica glanced at Dominic with a playful grin, before walking towards the club door. As she did, she raised a hand, as if to strike Dom's cheek as she walks past, but instead a swirl of blue light slowly drifted down her body from her hand. As it passed her clothes, they changes from a slightly dark-looking long robe, into a white short skirt and whit tank top the majority of her flesh obvious for the world to see. Her hand never even touched Dominic as she walked into the club. Eilross walked to Ekeil, whispering something, to which the Street-King nodded and clashed fists with his brother, before Eilross walked away into the town. Then, Ekeil bowed and pointed a little towards the door, "After you, 'My Lord'".

The Author: Rhia frowned uneasily at the thought of going into that place. "I guess I haven't much choice, do I? I'd probably just find myself in a worse situation if I stayed out here..." She glanced around at the various less-than-honorable people occupying the streets. This was not her scene...she was a high-class, moral, usually feminine woman...this place was for those nothing at all like her. "Maybe I can enchant my ears..and nose..and get some sleep..." She wrinkled her nose at Erica's little display, quite a bit disgusted by it. What a waste of magick..

Donnie Darko: Dom's smirk was wiped off his face when Erika walked past him. Watching her with wide eyes, he shook his head in disbelief before he turned to Alex and grinned like he'd never grinned before. Following her inside, his glee almost tripled when he saw the prices of the drinks. "Hey!" Walking up behind Erika he placed his arm around her waist, guiding her to the bar. "Now, I have a little secret to confess; I am totally and completely broke. Not a single coin.." she shot him a mock surprised look but it broke into a tiny smile. "BUT.. with these.." He waved his cards a few times. "We can both have a little fun tonight." He leaned in and whispered something over the music into her ear and then darted off into the crowd towards a Poker game near the back of the club. She watched him all the way. Alex and Rhia, just for an hour or so.. didn't exist.

Xan Torez: Finding his over confidence quite amusing she headed towards the bar. She had no interest in newbies around the town. She had very little interest in anything in this town, other than its unusual Mana Stream Densities. Alex slowly let Rhia to the ground, then spun her staff off his back for her and gently handed it over. "We'll spend as little time in there as possible. let's just make sure Dominic keeps himself out of trouble." He motioned over his shoulder to the two men brawling in the street and smiled. Ekeil lost patience and rolled his eyes, "Jeez..". He darted straight inside.

The Author: She chuckled lightly, slightly amused by Ekeil's weak patience. She took the staff delicately in her hands, before lifting one of her hands to Alex's shoulder, just so walking would be a little easier. "Just so long as all I have to do is sit in there... If they ask me to do anything...unsightly...I'm leaving." Her smile faded while she said it, saying that last part only half-heartedly. She knew she'd do anything if it meant fulfilling the wishes of King Justin..she just didn't want to think about it. She'd head inside with him, wincing immediately as the loud music and vile smells attacked her, sighing heavily. This was going to be a long, painful night..

Donnie Darko: "Excuse me, gentlemen. Do you have a spot for one more?" Leaning on two separate chairs, he smiled at the three men who were quietly playing poker. They sized him up pretty fast and figured he was a swindler, and in effect, thats what he was. "Get lost, we don't need another." "Go find another table." They glared at him and he held his hands up in peace, backing off slowly. "Alright, alright. I'll go lose my money somewhere else." Disappointment number one, but the night was young. Turning, he'd lost sight of Erika and frowned, letting her flow out of his mind.. slowly. And then there it was. Cheering errupted from a corner near the door' arm wrestling. He tried to fight his way over there but in a somewhat bizzare set of circxumstances involving him, a stray chair and a table full of drinks and very drunk men, he ended up trying to avoid swinging fists. The bar! Run!

Xan Torez: Upon walking in, Alex looked around and sighed. The inside was surprisingly sophisticated, but underlit, and what the hell was that?! For a second he focused on something, like a cage hanging from the roof. Then another flash of a light moved across the cage, and to his surprise, there was a woman dancing inside. He frowned deeply, watching closely. Her hands were alight, a bright blue. She was a naked, dancing Mage. What WAS this? With a frown he looked back at Rhia and leaned over to her, speaking into her ears over the music, "At least I can't hear the voice in here.." On the stage was an even more impressive spectacle. There was a band, playing heavy music, but one of the mana guitarists was in fact, a rotting corpse. And yet, there he stood, his dreadlocks waving as his head banged up and down to the music, his fingers skillfully hitting every note correctly on the board. Alex took a step forwards, as somebody spoke into his ear. Another woman. A female mage it seemed. She had a staff, and a cute smile, "The Necromancers summon him! He was one of the best guitar players in the world, died tragically.." she grinned at him as Alex looked shocked and mouthed, 'No way!'. He began to wonder if it was the Necro he needed to see who had summoned him. Did that mean he was close by..?

The Author: She smiled weakly at Alex at his mention of the voice. "I wouldn't mind the familiar distraction..." When she..sort of..saw the corpse on the stage - it wasn't like looking at anyone else, who channeled the Light Stream.. It was instead just an empty void within the Stream. Her hand pulled away from his shoulder and lifted up over her mouth, taking a few steps back. "God.. I can't do this..." She glanced towards Alex with a pleading look, as if begging for him to think of some way that she could stay out of this place. Right now, all she wanted was to be back by her little fire, in her little, magick-less house...

Donnie Darko: Pushing people out the way while running from something dangerous seemed very familiar to him. Somewhere he'd made a wrong turn and he was heading for the door now. He spotted Alex and gravitated towards him, the grunting sound of a good beating had also got lost in the club. Straightening up in front of Alex and Rhia, he ran a hand through his hair, smiling sheepishly. "Just getting to know the locals, you know. Can you believe they dont like poker? Maybe they do elsewhere." Looking at Rhia he could surmise she wasn't in the best frame of mind to be in a place like this. Maybe Alex was right and she needed to make herself sleep. What the heck was wrong with her in the first place? She just seemed.. weak from the minute they'd left the city. "Rhia, I think I'm going to go for a walk find a.. uhm.." he sighed a small sigh.. "quieter part of town. You can come if you want.."

Xan Torez: Alex listened to Dominic before nodding, "You should go with him Rhia. I'll find you both later, okay?" He smiled softly at Rhia, staring at her for a second. He couldn't help but wonder why she was so weak, and feeling bad about everything that had happened, but he knew that she'd have nothing of his apologies. With a grin, he stood back by the side of the girl who had spoken to him earlier about the summoned creature, "So, do you know the NEcromancer that summoned him here?" "I don't," she spoke, bouncing to the music, "but Ekeil does! Ask him!" Great. Just great. The one guy he didn't seem to be able to get through to. Something was drawing him to the crowd in front of the stage however, and slowly he found himself moving to it. A lot of people looked at his strange dress code. They wore leather, black, or light stuff; all trouser/shirt. Alex was wearing a robe and had a staff on his back. He had noticed that there were one or two others in with staves however, and he figured they were guards. Although 2 of them caught his attention now. One of them was sat on a leather couch, a girl sat either side of him in his arms, and he talked to another robed man. The second wore a shoulder mantle similar to Alex's, and his robes were a deep red. He looked Necromancer enough, and Alex began oushing his way towards him. They saw him and sighed, leaning back, as if they were prepared to be fired 20 questions by an over enthusiastic newcomer.

The Author: Rhia nodded gratefully to Alex, and quickly headed outside ahead of Dom, gasping in the fresher air. The staff leaned against her shoulder as she hunched over a bit, willing her stomach to relax. By the time she stood again, Dom would be at her side and she glanced over at him. "Even if you didn't do this for me, thank-you.. I appreciate it." She ran a hand over her face with a slight groan. "So long as you don't damage those books of mine, I'll call us even.." Apparently not counting his carrying her half the way here as a favor.

Donnie Darko: Waving her off, he started to walk at a slow pace away from the music making sure she could keep up. "It's nothing big. My liver could probably use the rest, and I have all week before we have to move on." 'Liar! Why are you even taking her anywhere?' 'Because she's the ultimate force in magical prowess?' 'Good point, oh, and you're arguing with yourself. Idiot.' 'Youre an idiot'. "If we can find a quiet cafe, a cup of coffee laced with whiskey would go down nicely, especially after earlier.." another little sigh. What the hell was with all the sighing? "I don't think right now Alex needs us. Seems that Ekeil guy wants to play with him as much as teach him anything."

Xan Torez: Alex approached them and bowed his head a little. The song changed to a very heavy one, and the crowd sang along whilst the 'pit' before the stage grew ever wilder. He opened his mouth to speak, but the Necromancer pointed another direction. Alex turned to look, and couldn't see anything at first, but then realised the man was pointing at Ekeil, who was standing there with a cheesy grin plastered on his face, as if he knew what was happening. Alex cursed under his breath, before starting on his way to Ekeil. He had no time for games!

The Author: "Heh.. I imagine you're right about Ekeil... And coffee sounds pretty good." Minus the whiskey, of course, but she'd keep that to herself. She kept up with him fairly well, the butt of her staff making a steady clunk on the road as they walked. Her breathing was steadily becoming more clipped, though it never became heavy or laboured, having incredible self control so as not to draw too much attention to herself when she wasn't in danger of being severely ill or dead...