Everyone has a Price

[Jotari]

The outlaw queen made her way stealthily toward Kaori's cave. In her left hand was a large bulging bag of gold and jewels, part of the Grellon's recent prizes. It was time to pay their due. Koari owned these mountains and the Grellon was not about to fight him. They gave him part of their prize and did who knows what to the rest of it. As all dragons, Kaori had a weakness for gold and shiny objects of value. Black Star wasn't stupid. Kaori had watched these ancient oak and cottonwood trees spring from the ground, as he had watched the trees before them. The outlaw could do the math, dragon plus gold equal happy and well hidden outlaws. Not to mention, he could get really grumpy at anything that cut his trees or anything like that so Kaori sorta doubled as a watchdragon.

Black Star moved out into the clearing in front of his cave and heaved the heavy bag onto the ground. Standing straight again she called into the cave, "Kaori? You in there?" Her voice was fearless and her eyes were daring. She knew he was grumpy but she also knew he had a heart somewhere under those hard plates. Impatient as always she banged against the rocks at the entrance for attention, "I have your gold, come on out." Black Star muttered something under her breath and waited, sitting on the bag of gold.

Though she was fearless she did not enter. That would be extremely rude and even outlaws can have a couple manners. Black Star had only been here for about two minutes and already she was shifting and moving. Spring was affecting her brain and she wanted to move about. Not to mention she had a Muratian raid to plot. Magrej had to be getting annoyed and that is what she wanted. It was all part of a well thought out plan to eradicate Magrej from everything. Start small and then move on.

[Taske]

A puff of well roasted intruder filled his cavern. He had recently found lumberers coming into his forest hours ago, as swiftly as any elder dragon could, he picked up the leader, causing his underlings to flee for where ever they had come, most likely to never try to lumber his forests again. With the leader clutched within his large claws Kaori brought him within his cave and just as swiftly roasted his flesh. Now the dragon was left with three choices, he could either eat the man, but that left a bad taste in his mouth; could let the local wolf pack to have the flesh, but that may lead into a wolf hunt if the humans found out, which would also lead to both killing of wolves and humans; or he could fly the body to the village the man came from and drop the body in the middle of town, that would both get ride of the body and leave an example on the humans footsteps.

A large grin filled his muzzle, yes that would make his day so much better! The earthen dragon was about to get to his paws just then when a irritated voice entered his caves. Kaori knew the voice well, it was non other then the human bandit leader he had recently let stay safely with in his mountains. He did not mind the human, but she, like many humans he know, become impatient when they have to wait for anything. He was a old dragon with nothing but time, his kind where extremely long lived, and even though he was indeed old, he still had a long life ahead of him.

The Dragon got to his paws then, his nails scarping the stone under his carefully placed straw, a small gift from a human village close by, in return for giving him fresh straw every year he let that village lumber a small section of forest, but they in turn have to care for that part, and make sure to never over lumber or lumber else where, or they will have a visit from the land owner. For the 10 years this deal had been going, Kaori had no reason to call on them.

Over his life Kaori had made many deals like this, and have broken just as many, it was always the same pattern, the one who first made the deal dies, then the possessors forget the promises. But all the deals he has now are going good so far. Including the one with Black Star.

She and her band had entered his mountains not that long ago, he had agreed to let them stay without a price, as long as they left things as is, the free ride, to say, where given for the mere fact that Kaori hated Magrej's role. But Black Star needed more then that, as she told Kaori, they needed to lumber to make houses, they needed to hunt for food. And well He would have said to bad, but Black Star made a offer he could not refuse, for a cut of all there gold and jewels they could lumber and hunt, something he rarely let done by the same group, a area that lay near the fife mountain.

He moved to thew entrance of the cave, which still smells like burnt human flesh, and smiled at the human female. "Welcome, Black Star!" He huffed a small puff of smoke from his nostrils at her. "I was just about to come to you about my gold." A large grin filled his muzzle again, he was about to pay her camp a visit indeed, but it would not have been a present one for her group. "Come now, you know you and I are friends, no need to wait outside, come come."

He turned then knowing full well that she would fallow with his gold, like always. But him inviting her in will kill two birds with one stone to say, she will see the burnt carcass of the human male and that will reinforce his words, and it will also have her bring in the gold for him, for he was a old dragon and why do something you can get others to do?

[Jotari]

Finally! To her it seemed like he had taken forever though it was barely five minutes. She remained seated until he turned to go back into that dank hole of his. She heaved the bag over her shoulder and followed. Black Star's sharp eyes did not miss anything and she recoiled from the disgusting figure of a broiled human. Making a wide arc she went directly to his treasure room. Black Star set the bag down and then tipped it to allow the gold and gems to spill out onto the floor. She shook the bag, making sure that the last of the payment was there. It was a pretty good-sized pile, maybe even a bit more then usual. The Grellon was flourishing.

Turned on her heels she moved back toward the broiled man and shook hr head. Her eyes glinted in irritation, a strange hue of green came to her eyes. Pushing her hair back, Black Star took a running leap at the wall and with deft skill scrambled up the wall to sit on a rock shelf that put her the same height as his head."It's all there, but did you really have to broil the guy? You may not have to pay anything but we will." Her tone betrayed her annoyance with his act but this was no small prank to her. She cared very little for the actual life, but she did care about what would possibly happen in the aftermath. " Humans aren't completely stupid, if we're the only the only things allowed in the mountains then they will put two and two together and some moron will think that coming and hunting down my Grellon as revenge for the life of their village idiot." Black Star was extremely protective of her small group. " Can't you drop him in Murate or something next time? Please? I have enough heat from Ellsinora royalty right now." The outlaw leader was just a bit stressed today and now this.

[Taske]

He looked over his shoulder as she heaved the bag upon her back and made her way to his gold chamber. Even though she was a thief Kaori still trusted her. He knew she would not do anything to his gold, for not only would her life be in danger but the life of her rag tag band that she cared so much for. He moved to the center of the main chamber watching her tip the bad and dump more then he was used to into his large pile. Ah, they were making good on there missions, good, the better they do, the more gold he got, the more god he got the more tolerant he was to the Grellon.

He watched her do the walk climbing thing that she usually does after she delivers her gold, now they where eye level. Something that made her more comfortable, but he could careless for. He looked her over with his fiery eyes, she looked healthy enough for someone living of the land and theft.

"I never doubted you, my dear." He puffed more smoke into her face then turned to look at the intruder. "You know full well the laws I make for my mountains. You fallow them, he did not, there is always a price to pay when you live off my land, you pay in gold, he payed with his life." He turned his head to fix her with one fiery eye. "Do not worry about your band and intruders wondering in my forest, you know full well I do not let war bands into my land, under no circumstance, all the lords know better, they tend to hid weapons in wagons so I let them pass, but other then that I do not allow it."

He turned again, fixing his eyes on the burnt carcass again, "That village is not concerned with you, they are struggling as is, without the lord of there land breathing down there neck because they knew you where here but never told him about it, if they know at all." A soft chuckle fell from his muzzle.

He moved to the side, his paws scarping the stone again. "Besides, who are you to tell me what to do?" A large puff of smoke lifted from his nostrils, beginning to show his small irritation with her.

[Desperanza]

She had spent some time pondering while she sat upon her throne created solely of the grown wood and branches of a wicken fairy tree from her own home realm and now, she was curious. It is not that it mattered highly as she indeed hold the balance within her hands but the infomation could indeed prove rather important and crucial later and when she sought out information, she rather set to to collect it. Taking a breath, the Queen Titania fluttered from her home realm, the rocks grinding into place once more behind her as the entrance sealed shut once more and she flitted out from behind the water fall once more, lifting into the air as the sun glinted upon her jade wings. Taking a deep breath, she hovered for a brief moment as she gazed out across the curled tops of the trees, green and stretching towards the sky. Nodding in satisfaction, she set to her goal, making her way to Kaori's cave.

She was well aware of the wants and needs of dragons, the soft spot that she held for their desires of shiny and glittering objects however she held only one that she had tucked away among her silks though she had no plans on giving it up just yet. She had certain ways of holding the balance in balance and today, she needed the information she seeked from the dragon. She could feel the tensions of Magrej's dark desires, they tugged at her insides like a sickness or disease and she sighed at the fact as she drifted downwards and whisked through the trees, the golden trail that was left behind her lightig the trees briefly before fading once more, her pace quick as she fluttered about.

Her hands were poised just before herself, her fingers curled slightly. The magic that laced her veins was kept in check for now and yet the plant life around once again seemed to perk up as she graced past them, her mind on her current task and as she shifted from the earthy greens and browns of the forest and instead began to meld into the more rocky scene, she gazed skyward but soon, her look had shifted back towards her true destination. As she glided above the rocky landscape, her eyes took on a vibrant shade of tanzinite, a hint of jade settled within them.

Her pace was quick and soon enough, she had lit upon her destination and within moments, she could detect that someone else was here as well but she paused, just outside of the cave, breathing deeply. She was sure that if he did not already know, that Kaori would realize her presense soon as she outstretched her hands and clapped them precisely three times, lifting her head as her golden tresses fell down her back and a glittering shower of sparks fell from her fingers. She took a small breath and blew against the tips of her fingers as the sparks fluttered from her palms and drifted into the cave instead, knowing that within fairy form that her voice might not carry far enough for him to catch it. She fluttered some feet from the ground, high enough that if the dragon came to greet her, that she would be eye level to him currently, rather not seeing herself as any lower then the powerful dragon but none the less she waited patiently where she hovered, her eyes gazing down the entrance cavern of the dragon's keep.

[Jotari]

Black Star folded her arms and crossed her legs as she leaned against the rocks. Stupid old fart. She didn't give a damn what happened to thick-headed village folk, she didn't need one of them running off and starting some story of cannibalistic outlaws. That would just get messy. Then he ended his little speech with "and who do you think you are..." She retorted, "Consider me as your conscience." But the flicker was fading from her eyes and she leaned over the look at the crispy critter below. For someone who was feared by many she was an inquisitive little snipe, "What are you going to do with it anyway?"

Her curiosity overcame her distaste as she scrambled down to circle the man. It was almost like watching a curious child. Black Star crouched next to it and looked at it's face before whipping around and scrambling back up. Mischief suddenly glinted in her eye, "The eyes are still there, they aren't melted, getting cool?" It was pretty common knowledge that if dragons were about to die from old age their fire started to cool down. She wasn't irritated now, more like entertaining banter. The outlaw had a nasty temper but as long as the Grellon did not pay for this, no reason to start a fight. He would probably outlive her anyway. She lounged lazily and pulled out her dagger, running her fingers across the intricate designs. This blade was far more precious to her then any amount of gold or jewels. What do you do all the time anyway? She kept herself busy being a pain in the rump for Magrej and now perhaps a chance with Ellsinora royalty. Not to mention, the Grellon was a busy little group. She was always working on finding homes for the refugees from Murate. But what about Kaori? What did grandpa do?

Her attention was caught by....glitter? Black Star was a thief and shiny things attracted her just like they would attract the dragon. With rapid and swift movement she scrambled half-way down and then leaped the rest of the way, landing hard in a crouch. Instantly, she faded into the shadows. With silent steps the outlaw leader moved toward the mouth of the cave. No longer was there the playful and amusing child-like banter. Now she was the huntress. But the prey was of a new breed never before seen. A woman with golden hair and a glow about her. Keeping to a deep and dark part of the shadows, she hid well within ear shot. There was no way she was going to miss this.

[Taske]

Kaori snorted more smoke at her, "Well aren't we full of our selves to think that you can give me advice! I am lord of this land, and I do as I please!" He watched her jump form the small cliff and spring to the burnt body. His anger cooled as she poked and prodded at his mess.

"I'm going to use it as a warning to the village, hopefully they head my rules this time around..." He watched her with mild interest, she seemed to be like a child, eying it and testing it. And like any child asking anything that came to mind.

He puffed more smoke, it seemed that every visit she made she always had him smoking like a human chimney. She ALWAYS found some way to insult him in a way he could not get mad at. "No, I left they eyes so they would be able to see who it was. I am as fit as always, I still have hundreds of years left...." He eyed her cunningly. "Unlike you."

The next question seemed to confuse the dragon more then anything, no one so much as cared what the over lord did, They feared him, hated him, tried to kill him, but they never cared what he was or what he did. All anyone wanted was his land...

The dragon puffed smoke in frustration, how to answer this question... "Well I mostly just watch my land, but on my down time with nothing going on, I research, I learn anything and everything, dragons do like knowledge. Why? Why would the OutLaw Black Star care for a old dragon, hummm?" He waited for the answer but was soon cut off by glitter in front of his nose.

Smoke seemed to pour out of his nose, anger flaring. He was in no way happy at this new turn of events, not at all. On visitor was enough, but not only was Black Star here to intrude on his life, but a intruder lumberer, and now THIS. What is it, annoy Kaori day?

He puffed and stomped to the cave entrance, anger flaring in his eyes. The mood change seemed to be sudden but his anger seemed to be building since his roasting, and now that not only one but two people are at his home, it just snapped.

He puffed smoke at her, a fiery, who he had not seen in a couple hundred of years. But he had little need for them, so in fact never noted there disappearance. He blinked at her, wondering what would case someone of her species to come out of hiding if that is what they are doing. His curiosity seemed to burn down his anger and left him with one question. "What brings you here fellow winged one?"

[Desperanza]

Queen Titania smiled, pleased. He had at first seemed angered and she had wondered whether he would dare try and eat her or something of the sort but he paused, to inquire of her a question but she certainly did not mind for she rather had an answer. She gazed past to the cave, curious as to whom his patron was that happened to be lingering among his cave but with a flick of her slender fingers, she waved the curious thought to the back of her mind for the current moment being that she had indeed come with a purpose for this dragon for she often did not come to see him. He was a dragon and she, a fairy queen and she indeed held the balance between her fingers, she was busy and he was busy with his own self driven ways, busying himself with what ever it was that this ancient dragon desired to busy himself with. Though surely, they were not so far off in age, she offered a faint smile once more and outstretched a hand that seemed tiny against the size of the dragon that lingered before her, tapping his nose gently with the tips of her fingers. Her touch was light, soothing, her skin unblemished and smooth as the silk that embodied her. Her hair shimmered with the rays of the sun but the glow that surrounded her challenged the rays of the sun that washed over the earth on the best of days and she paused, gazing into the fiery eyes of the dragon which caused her to smile, her eyes settling back into a molten gold instead now as she gazed upon the sight of the scaled beast, letting the air hang within a few moments of silence for where he was a Lord Dragon, she too, was a Queen. She folded her hands before herself now for a moment, her wings working quickly as they flitted themselves into a blur at her back as she inspected his flame blazing eyes steadily still, the orbs reminding her of the glittering red gem that was wrapped about in a layer of her silken dress.

Finally, after quite a few long moments of silence, she briefly gauged his mood at this point before she finally spoke, "Good dragon, the Lord Kaori, I have come to speak with you. I have an ill feeling stirring within me, something has come amiss upon my canvas," she began, her right hand lifting and floating through the air with an elegant gesture before lowering once more as she continued, "You may not have noticed but I feel a few strands of my precious scale beginning to fray and I have come requesting a bit of your time to speak with me." she stated with a curt nod, sighing.

As she hovered, the sickening weight in her heart lifted slightly and she breathed a sigh of relief, her golden eyes drifting closed before flitting open once more as she gazed upon the sight of the dragon, ever so patient, she fell silent for a moment, rather awaiting whether the creature would quite literally leave her hanging or to invite her in to his cavern and grace her with time to speak for surely it had not been the first meeting she had had with Kaori but it had been a while. No matter, however much time had gone by, he could not have forgotten her surely?

[Taske]

Kaori watched her every move. Now that he looked at her, she did look familiar, in a way, one of those long long ago memories. Must have been before they went into hiding or something, or maybe she needed help with something long ago.... well what ever it was he did know her, and she him. He watched her gather herself, extending her hand brushing his nose then going back within herself seeming to think, something was wrong, and his help was needed for one reason or another.

His curiosity now has drowned out his bad attitude and replaced it with politeness. Kaori waited quietly as she seemed to gather herself, so that she could say what brought her all the way from her home into his, It must be important. When she had finally gathered herself to speak he knew that what he felt also affected her. He was not sure what it was that was amiss in the land, but what ever it was he felt it within his wings and horns, whether it was because of Magrej or not Kaori did not know.

He puffed a small bit of smoke from his nose then replayed to her. "Lady Titania, I have also felt something amiss, but have yet to pinpoint it, so there for unable to do anything about it. Come and enlighten me with what information you have about it and maybe I can help you."

The Dragon turned, being careful of his tail as to not hit her out of the sky. His anger started to rise again, but this time not at her or anyone but who ever was bothering the balance. And it must be a large happening for it to bother him, and it must be truly harmful to her, for she was more connected to the balance them him.

"This way, Lady." He turned his head looking at the spot Black Star has hid in, knowing full well that she would also want this bit of information too, and that he would be able to use her help if he truly needed to. With a large puff of smoke he walked into his him, leading the Lady fairy behind him.

[Desperanza]

Titania smiled lightly, nodding slightly in reply she paused to send a glance back along the rolling sides of the mountainside for a moment, one hand lifting into the air briefly as the sky stirred slightly, greying briefly and shielding the sun for a brief moment as she gazed further, towards the trees before she turned her head, laces of sunlight beginning to piercing the brief clouding once more as she flitted forward after the dragon once more.

Now that the dragon had realized her, and recognized that she had come for an important matter, her mind was once again turning towards the stranger that had not graced her yet with their presence here and yet while they had not come to see her but instead the dragon that lingered here, she still did not want this precious information falling to ears that she did not trust and while she never worried for danger she still rather wanted to know as to who else might be listening. She wondered briefly if there had been a double multiplication of dragons within the area since she had last visited Kaori and the thought that he had some sort of lover made her golden eyes twinkle with amusement, her head shaken to clear away the thoughts as she glided forward after the dragon, drifting slightly higher for a brief moment but the creature was polite and watched where his body parts moved.

She ducked to slip in beneath the roof of the cavern as she followed the dragon, silent for now though she was indeed thankful that the dragon had invited her in and offered his time, satisfied that he too had begun to detect the trouble that lingered within the air. She, breathed slowly, silent other then the soft wind that escaped her flickering wings as she drifted forward, taking a deep breath as she cast her glance among the shadows though she did not peer too hard, her fingers twitching slightly, eager to find who may be hiding. Her features tugged into the slightest of frowns for a brief moment though her features remained serene and beautiful all the same. For her ancient age, she never held any lines of age as she didn't now. She sighed softly, her gaze shifting to the back of the head of the dragon as she followed to where he would lead, "May I inquire as to who your friend is that happens to be lingering here? It was not silent when I arrived and I have sensed there is another form of life here with you." she inquired, her soft tone drifting forward to imply a question back towards the dragon first this time, patiently awaiting the proper moment to inquire as was her purpose for traveling here in the first place.

[Jotari]

She had remained a silent shadow through it all. Kaori and the Fairy seemed to know each other, no doubt as they were both ancient ones. She had time to watch and think about Kaori's question, why did she care about an old dragon? In a flicker of irritation, something she was in a way trying to push away, it was old habit. Every fiber of her was to guard and protect good things. But she still had the freedom to torture those that would do her or others harm. But around the fairy queen it was as if Black Star grew powerful again. Her eyes went strangely pale and then it seemed as if a white fire flickered in the iris of each orb. The fairy was making Black Star strong.

Black Star practically snarled and backed deeper into the shadows. She could not afford to lose control, never ever loose control. It would cost lives. The war would start in full. Magrej would kill everything to get to a simple outlaw. But still flashes of memories, memories that were forgotten, came to mind. Running as a child across the island, first kiss, the fights, then pain. Pain so intense she could almost feel it again.

So she remained silent until the fairy queen demanded direct contact. Black Star had been playful before but everything had changed. She stood full height and walked with a step forgotten or forced away, her poise and step as that of ancient royalty. Once again she was someone else, someone thought to be dead. She was not Black Star at that moment. The strange white fire flickering harsh in her eyes. She gave no sign of respect, at that moment they were equal in rank. Fingers ran across her dagger which was strangely glowing.

A strange look contorted across her face as suddenly the glow seemed forced back into the dagger and the fire darkened but did not disappear. This fairy presence had nearly made her lose control. Nearly make it known that not all of Kai's royalty was dead. "I am Black Star, leader of the Grellon outlaws." Her voice was tense and shook slightly from the effort it took to keep her spirits under control.

Loosing control meant death to thousands.

[Taske]

Kaori huffed some smoke, his anxious building. He knew something was afoot, knew that what ever brought the queen fairy to his home. He wanted more than anything to find out now and go fix it now, so that what ever it is he could fix the balance. But first he needed her information, and before that happens Black Star needs to reveal herself, a larger puff of smoke lifted from his nose again, apparently Lady Titania can rise more smoke form him more than even Black Star, well that is not even fully true, Black Star is apart of his frustrations.

He was about to turn and tell Lady Titania that it was indeed the outlaw thief was hiding within the shadows when she came out on her own, her eyes a pail blaze, something Kaori had never seen in the time he had been working with her. He would feel fear if he was a human, but being a old dragon, he fears nothing that humans could toss at him, that includes what ever Black Star was doing.

Even though Kaori was not feeling fear, what he did feel was caution. He may not fear what ever this is, but he did know that what ever it was it was bad. She radiated power, strong power that almost matched his own. His brows drew in together, Black Star seemed to be more then he first thought. "Black Star, This is Queen Titania of the fairies."

He turned as if he did not notes the change in the leader of the OutLaws, and focused on Lady Titania, "Lady this is Black Star of the OutLaws , she and her band is under my protection at the moment, and today she had just dropped by to pay her dues to me."

He turned to Black Star again, warning in his eye, what ever is happening to her should in no way interfere with the fairies request, this was important, more so then anything that Black Star had ever asked of him. "Now that we know each other, Lady I can assure you that what ever you saw will not leave from mine or Black Stars mouth." He moved to the back of the main cavern then and leaned against the wall, getting off his paws. "Now what is so important that you came all this way, Lady Titania?"

[Desperanza]

Titania's features did not change. As the outlaw queen stepped from the shadows, she lowered her head into an inviting nod, "Then hello, Black Star." she replied, eyeing the oulaw leader for a brief moment, gazing upon the blazing ivory flames that lit within the dark haired woman's eyes and though she was certain she did not fully understand as to what meaning this held, she worried little. She took a breath and flitted forward to perch on the edge of a rock shelf further from the floor and rather quite a few feet in the air, her wings finally coming to be still as she dangled her legs as her silks fanned out to either side of herself and her golden hair pooled behind herself now. She considered shifting into her human form, curious whether it would take the edge off of the outlaw leader but for now, she did not.

Instead, her gaze traveled to Kaori as he replied to her. His infinite respect towards her brought a smile to her face and she nodded slightly to him in reply as she took a breath before she released it once more as she turned her golden hued gaze to the dragon once more instead with a slow nod, "My good Lord, I have come to the matter at hand that here I have within my grasp the lands to the North, Ellsinora, as well as to the South, Murate ruled by Magrej. As you may have perhaps already noticed, this dark ruler has begun to stir. I must say that now more then ever I feel him festering and preparing to spoil. I fear that this may be an event that thus far has been over looked. With the rejoice that is soon to take place in Ellsinora, I can only wonder to the extent of how it is that the royal family is preparing in case Magrej decides to act upon this. He has already created destruction here, but I fear that this is only the beginning, that soon there will be something further and that there will be something that requires far more of a grasp then we currently have now. This is simply posing as the calm before the storm, do you understand?" she inquired, rather trying quite hard to express her concerns plainly and after a few moments, she realized that her soft tinkling yet commanding tone may not be enough, or she feared that Black Star down on the floor would not hear and after a moment, the golden haired young woman sat where the small fairy had been, wrapped in her previous jade sari as she rather graciously smoothed it against her thighs though she hardly doubted that Kaori cared much but now, she turned her gaze to Black Star with a wave of her hand, "My fellow outlaw, though your people suffer you know that I may extend my hand in any way possible to allow your people more comfort. I am unsure on the clarity of your people and your ways though I have vague knowledge and perhaps I too may offer to extend my time for a meeting with you as well? For I would rather indeed enjoy taking some time within your village for I must stress that this matter will indeed include you as well I fear. No one shall rest when the wicked from Magrej's land begin to poison not only themselves but the rest of us as well. If you may control yourself just a little longer and allow yourself to speak to me, I would be obliged." she implied with a nod before once again, her head turned to lift her golden gaze to the dragon once more.

For a few moments, she allowed her words to hang in the air, to allow the dragon to comprehend things before she spoke once more, aware of what was important to him, "Now, my dear Lord Kaori, I return to you. You are a precious beast among many and I pray that this war would not include you anymore then I hope it shall not affect my cove, my people as I am sure all humans hope the same thing but I have come to inquire as to what it is that you shall do when this war does erupt for I feel the poison in my heart. As he shifts and spoils, I fear I feel much sicker and I will not be able to fight. Look at me, my beauty would do nothing more then sweeten the hearts of a few soldiers falsely. I have my people however, small perhaps but they may be of use yet. Still, I must understand what it is that you may be willing to do when this event takes place, Lord. I ask that you reach deep and ponder this steadily for if this does escalate I am afraid that your precious land, your jewels and your stash could all be at risk. If they reach the mountains, they could certainly reach this far. I believe that they will burn our forests and that they will do anything to unsettle the people of Ellsinora and you will be pulled into this whether you like it or not and what information you provide me could be crutial later if things begin to lose control." she finally finished, her head nodding elegantly in a slow nod, sending a glance to Black Star briefly before she lifted her gaze once more to the dragon, her golden gaze now meeting his own flaring crimson one once again, her gaze almost pleading though she rather measured that she would not have to. Kaori had sense and when she had first arrived, he had already had wind that something was spoiling in the air which pleased her, now, it all mattered as to what his decision would be when things finally erupted. You could never be too careful and preparing would only help them to fix things later.

[Jotari]

Black Star listened intently and merely nodded when the queen addressed her. She knew even more then these two ancients what Magrej was up to. Should she not? He thought her dead, that he had little to stand in his way. But that was not so, she was very much alive. Black Star said nothing until the fairy queen was finished. Standing to her feet the outlaw forced herself to breath steadily and keep control. Magrej would know if she let herself loose. He kept close watch for any spike in energy that could possibly be herself. I do not fear or hate you Queen, your own power seems to be feeding my own. Loss of control would be fatal to more then just myself and my people but it could easily start a blood bath. Black Star had kept silent for two years about her identity but these two knew how to keep secrets. My name is Jahanarwa. My Grellon for the most part are the survivors of the island Kai or Muratian refugees that we regularly help escape Magrej's grasp. I know Magrej, his power is the opposite of my own. I have never understood it fully but as Guardian of the Sky Gem I am the good side of this balance thing. I know, as well as my people know, more then most, about Magrej's poison. I escaped from him two years ago and in truth I have been being as annoying as I possibly can. But my Grellon is not an army by any means. Her voice was steady and once again her dagger glowed and her eyes continued to brighten. Two years of holding back? It was getting extremely difficult. A struggle for her to remain hidden. But for the safety of others, she still endured. I would have taken the fight to Magrej long ago but I simply do not have the man-power. Ellsinora? I have watched them. Though they have warriors, they are by no means prepared for Magrej's armies. If Ellsinora falls, then he will have clear access the everything else left in the world. Even you would not be safe, either of you. Dragons can be killed, fairies are delicate creatures. She took a seat again and for a moment she looked haggard. Her shirt was slightly shifted to the left and the clear mark of a brand on her left shoulder gleamed bright. It was the sign of an outlaw but it was also embellished with the sign of Magrej. She was not lying, not telling simply fables to impress her elders. In all truth, the outlaw queen did not know quite what to do next. A war was already here, but where did she fit in? Kai was beneath the waves and Kai's people depended on her to lead them. But Ellsinora was also in grave danger. Black Star simply did not know which way to go and frankly she was tired of hiding and holding back.

[Taske]

Kaori watched and listened polity, taking in everything that may be important. He watched her with all the respect that a Lady deserved. He knew of Magrej rising, but he did not know the extent, he has little interest for other lands other than his mountains, but if the dark lords grip extends much further, well it will not be pretty for him or his land.

He knew that Black Star's people would not be able to fight him off on there own, and them bring under his protection he was obliged to fight there battles. And besides, He loathed Magrej, he hated the blackness that the man brought to what ever he touched, and he would never let that black hand extend to his mountains. He huffed more smoke, letting a long stream escape his nostrils. He was ready for a fight, more than anything, and beside he has lived far to long in peace that it was kinda chafing.

He was about to answer the Queen question to him, to tell her that she could always count on him for anything, that they would be in this together, for it was both of there land and they would fight for it; but she lost her chance with Black Star started to talk. He looked at her, she had become more and more serious in the matter, and he soon found why.

A small puff of smoke lifted from his nose in Shock. He had know about the raid on island Kai, and heard that all the royal family died. But this? The Jahanarwa living under his care all this time!? One of the only ones that may be able to bring Magrej rule to an end!?

He smiled now, a happy puff of smoke lifting from him. This may work, this may indeed work out well. "Miss Jahanarwa, Do not worry your head about me! I am able to fight my own battles and no matter how much you want to protect us, we cannot be saved, the fight can either come to us, or to him, if it comes to us, well that will equal the end of both your people and my land! I say we fight! We gather as many creatures and humans as we can and we take the fight to him!"

"Lady Titania, here is the answer to your earlier question to me, I know as well as you do that we cannot stay uninvolved, that we are in this as much as Jahanarwa is, I will give you and her as much support as I can."

He turned to look at Black Star than, his eyes seeming to swim in fight, and power. "Black Star I hereby break our deal!" He posed letting it sink in. He knew that she must think the worse that her people will be tossed out of his woods for the fact that her real identity was blown, but no, he only worded it that way for one reason, to watch her squirm a bit. "You will be able to stay and live off of my land for free, in fact, you may take my gold for what ever the reason, I have a large stash, and it could be put to good use to outfit your band, and get mercenary, or what ever you need."

He lifted his head, letting out a low rawr, a small challenge for any one wanting a fight from him, he was ready!