Welcome To Freedom of Magic!

[Haniaethol]

Dearest Vala,

I am pleased to hear that things are going well for you. Soloryn and I are camped just north of Eurath, and his studies continue. His knowledge grows, as does his profound curiosity; such an inquisitive person I never have met. He misses you dearly and often speaks of you in his sleep. I believe that it would bring you both great pleasure to see each other again, and if you could pull yourself away from Zandar's watch for a few days, I would much like to see you as well. I have not told Soloryn of this plan yet as I do not wish to disappoint him if it fails.

In your son I have found new life and motivation, and for this I thank you deeply. I do hope to hear from you soon.

Yours,
Arathelle.

Upon signing her name, the elf rolled up the letter and pocketed it into her large, forest-green robe. The early morning skies above Eurath on this day were clear, although the frigid air kept most of the sunlight at bay. Her crimson hair blew in the gentle breeze as she shifted her position on the branch that she sat on. Shifting her eyes to the ground ten feet beneath her, she scanned the surrounding area for the topic of her letter. Finding her mark, she sighed with relief. A few yards away, a teenage elf sat amongst the foliage with his back against the rough bark of a large oak, resting his eyes.

Arathelle grabbed the rough bark of the branch she was perched on, lithely swinging to the ground with a muffled thud, her black messenger bag landing neatly beside her. She picked it up and shouldered it, also equipping her thick black staff to a slot on her robes where it hung to her right side. As she did so, she saw a small rabbit scurry off into the dense green vegetation around her. She inhaled the scent of the forest, listening to the sounds of the birds and smiling peacefully. At a time like this, it is easy to be happy.

Soloryn awoke upon hearing Arathelle's sigh. She had taught him to be alert even in the deepest sleep to avoid ambush or worse. This was just one of the many tactics he had worked long and hard on under her careful supervision. He strove to please her, and he knew that her knowledge was vital to his success. Not to mention, it made her feel more secure about his safety. He opened his eyes and stood, stretching his feathery black wings behind him. The leather binds that held them were a nuisance, and he was glad that he would not have to strap them down for this supply run.

"Would you kindly call for Malyn?" Arathelle asked him as he stretched. "I need her to deliver a letter for me."

"Is it to my mother?" Soloryn asked, trying to hide his excitement. He knew that they were traveling very close to Kylpa, and had already sensed Arathelle's plan. He whistled, and a small black Steppe Eagle landed on his shoulder.

Arathelle strode over to him and began to tie the letter to Malyn's talon. "Yes, child. No more questions about that. We travel to Eurath, home of the Shiftlings, upon Andrista's return," she replied softly, tousling his dirty-blond hair. The eagle took off lightly, her wings barely caressing the air.

Hoof beats could be heard to the left of Arathelle, accompanied by a wary neigh. She judged the animal to be about a hundred yards away, but Soloryn had sensed the unicorn's approach before her and had taken off into the wilderness. Soon enough, a large, strong white unicorn emerged, her purple eyes dancing around excitedly. Soloryn sat upon her back, laughing.

"Ah, it seems that you have found our valiant steed," Arathelle said with a calm smile.

Yes, finally, Soloryn thought eagerly. He was excited to get to town and talk with the people there, people who were like him. He didn't have to hide his wings just to keep out of trouble. "It isn't as though I could lose her, she's brighter than the sun in the sky," he said with a laugh.

Andrista pawed the ground in anticipation, her thick muscles rippling beautifully beneath her silvery-white coat. She sensed that something new was coming, that they were leaving. Always leaving, always on the run. This was the unicorn's lifestyle, and she was eager to sleep in a warm stable with plenty of feed.

"I suppose so," Arathelle replied, patting Andrista on the neck. She admired the Amethyst setting at the base of her horn and sighed, momentarily captured by her memories. Rodrik, darling, where would we be now? she thought to herself. Biting back the pain, she cleared her mind. I must not allow myself to become vulnerable because of what has passed.

She turned her back to the pair for a second, gaining control over her emotions. Turning back, she said with a weak smile, "Eurath awaits."

[Evanesence]

Skylar flew through the vast and endless skies above Rethein, home of dragons and shilers in the southern mountain ranges. She enjoyed watching the giant beautiful creatures soaring with such ease. To them she was as insignificant as a mere sparrow. Her great wings to a human, or elf, however, were not insignificant at all. The black wings were large and could be sized up with a shiler's. The black feathers were silky and shimmered as she flew in the sunlight.

Skylar happily flew circles in the air, mimicking the tricks the dragons preformed. She learned much of her flying manuvers from watching the great dragons. After a little while she felt a tinge of hunger and decided she would head on home. She had recently bought a temporary home in Eurath, home of shiftlings. She had been there visiting many times before. She was admired by a few young shiftlings she came across.

When Skylar had asked an old friend if she knew of any homes being sold or rented out, the lady helped her buy her own home. It was built specifically for shitlings. door frames were large and everything was more open. There were no stairs too the second floor, all she ahd to do was fly up to her room. As Skylar thought of her new home she took off in that direction. She flew low, just about the canopy of a forest not to far from Eurath.

All of a sudden a Steppe Eagle emerged from the trees, catching Skylar of gaurd. As it flew past her, she saw a message attached to its talons. Someone much be down there. She steadied herself and lowered herself below the canopy and rested on the nearest branch. Peering far down she could see a shiny white object but couldn't quite place it. A horse? Skylar waited on her branch to see if the people were traveling. She got a strange feeling in her gut. the same one she had when she was around other Shiftlings. Shiftling? Do I know them?

Leaning over, she nearly fell of her perch. Needing to catch herself, she used her strong leg muscles to launch herself above the canopy again. She spread her wings and circled the area, wondering if she should just head back to Eurath.

[Haniaethol]

Malyn surveyed the newcomer with ease, her sharp, eerie yellow eyes immediately adjusting to the bright sunlight above the canopy. She dove down a few feet and unfurled her unusually large wings, catching a wind current. Hovering a moment, the young Eagle emitted a single warning screech, which bounced around on the trees below. She circled once, admiring the newcomer's shiny golden hair before turning North to Kylpa. Within seconds, her powerful wings had propelled her out of view.

At the sound of the screech, Andrista's ears swiveled upward and she shifted nervously, her indigo eyes once again dancing toward the sky. Malyn was a bright young bird, and had been trained very well to scout out areas. Used to this warning system, Soloryn and Arathelle were alert within seconds after, the former having a brief translation. Arathelle grabbed her staff from it's place and leaned on it casually.

"There's a female above the trees," Soloryn told her in a low voice. "Malyn doesn't think she's dangerous, though. She liked her hair."

Arathelle scoffed. "Malyn should know, as should you, that to judge one without having been in their situation is both rude and unfair. The only good way to find the nature of someone is to speak with them." She smiled slightly and tapped her staff on a nearby tree.

"Do you think she would come down here?" Soloryn asked, not bothering with a weapon. He hated fighting, and if things got rough he knew that Arathelle would send him to Eurath on Andrista. Even he couldn't keep up with the huge, dexterous Unicorn. Could it be another Shiftling? We are very close to Eurath... This thought overjoyed the boy, as he had never met one of his own before.

"The girl will choose her path as she will. Remain calm and level-headed. In new situations, emotions are a weakness." Arathelle replied. She stood and held her staff by the ruby dragon on the top, gently leaning on it and watching Soloryn. He was still seated upon Andrista, and the mare herself had calmed and was now staring curiously into the sky.

It was still clear, and the morning chill had started to give way to a warm, sunny afternoon. The smell of the dew evaporating was omnipresent, mingling with the flowers and heavy scent of freshly-fallen pine needles. I wonder whose destiny has crossed us on this day. The outcome should be interesting, Arathelle thought to herself, her anticipation growing.

[Evanesence]

Skylar decided curiosity had the best of her and she would find out who it was down there. The situation could go two ways. I could find some unpleasent people, and I would fly or fight, or I will find some rather friendly people. Skylar knew it was a fifty-fifty chance but she was betting on the feeling she got that told her there was a shiftling down there.

She noticed a gap in the canopy a little further up the forest path where she could easily fit. She glided quietly to the gap. Slipping beneath the canopy once more she grabbed onto a branch. And pressed her wings close to her back. They still protruded a few feet above her and in width. Skylar was never ashamed of her wings, she absolutely loved them. Swinging her self on the brach she jumped down onto the forest floor.

Skylar found that her entranced tended to be blunt and very forward. She didn't beat around the bush, she jumped right in it. She straightened out and relaxed her wings. Looking down the path she finally saw the source of her curiosity. Well, they definitely dont look like Nirvian Soldiers. She saw a woman holding a staff, a unicorn, and sitting on the unicorn was a shiftling boy.

Smiling, Skylar nodded to the travelers. She was a good six-seven feet away but looking at the boy, she could tell he was a year or so younger. As for the woman, she looked very much of an elf. I wonder if she is one of the few that actually like shiftlings. Or at least don't hate them.

"Hello, sorry to interrupt your travels. I saw your bird as I was flying past. Curiosity had the best of me." Skylar didn't know how friendly they were, but was prepared none the less. She couldn't remember the last time she lost a fight, wether it was a with a blade or with her fists.

[Haniaethol]

Soloryn nearly gasped with excitement once he saw that the creature in question was indeed a Shiftling, which earned him a sharp look from Arathelle. He immediately calmed himself, although he was eager to see how things would turn out. This is the first of my kind that I've ever seen, and she's gorgeous, he thought to himself, admiring her smooth angles and deep emerald eyes. Andrista felt his excitement and snorted, eying the newcomer skeptically.

"There was nothing happening to interrupt. No worries," Arathelle said coolly. The sun was now blazing, forcing its rays down to them. "We were just as curious about you. Our Malyn seems to have taken to your hair... she likes shiny things, as birds do."

The wind picked up, and Arathelle leaned her staff against a tree to tame her unruly hair, her eyes never leaving the newcomer. The girl seems friendly enough, but I have enough experience to know that things are rarely what they seem. Mind your manners. This thought she sent to Soloryn, who showed no sign of receiving it, as trained.

"Are you going to Eurath?" Soloryn asked her innocently. He began to fiddle with Andrista's mane, growing nervous.

[Evanesence]

OOC- Just so I dont get mixed uo, when one charry communicates telepathically use bold and italic and when they are thinking to themselves just use the italic. Makes life easier lol


Skylar grinned at the mention of the bird. "Actually I was on my way to Eurath when your eagle surprised me. I noticed a message attached to it's talons and figured someone must be down here." She shrugged, eyes moving between the elf and shiftling. Part of her said that it was ok to trust these people., but her instincts told her absolutely not.

She often got into trouble with Nirvia's soldiers and she learnt not to trust people so easily. Especially if they were associated with Nirvia. Skylar tended to feel pity for kids, human or other wise, who were bullied. It so happened that Soldiers liked to bully, therefore she got into trouble for standing up for the kids.

At the moment she was quiet relaxed and she always liked to make friends so she decided to introduce herself. "My name is Skylar." Her eyes flickered to the Unicorn and she admired it's beauty. She wondered how such a combination of people and animals came together.


-BADDD post >.<

[Haniaethol]

[OOC: xD I never thought of that. Sorry. ^.^ Sorry it's kind of short, I don't have a lot of time tonight. I'll make up for it later. ]

Arathelle smiled at the girl. She has a good aura, she thought, relaxing her grip on her staff. The wind had calmed, stilling the forest around them and making the sounds of the forests' inhabitants audible. A creek could be heard to her right, and she automatically noted it.

"I am Arathelle Blythe of the elves. I greet you warmly." She bowed, her crimson hair falling into her face. Straightening, she fixed it.

Soloryn dismounted Andrista and bowed as well. "Soloryn Blythe, Shiftling. And this is Andrista." At the sound of her name, the Unicorn neighed, shaking her head and stomping her hoof impatiently. Soloryn patted her neck and she nuzzled him in return.

"Do you hold residence in Eurath, Skylar?" Arathelle asked, gesturing vaguely to the south. She was wary of the girl, but she knew that it was good to have allies. It was definitely worth a try.

[Evanesence]

"Its a pleasure to meet all of you." She watched the unicorn nzzzle the boy and Skylar smiled. Turning to Arathelle she replied, "Yes. Its only temporary though. Do you go to Eurath often?" Her black massive wings opened wide casting a shadow, before Skylar tucked them close again.

"Can I assume that you all are headed towards Euarth as well? If so, would you mind if I accompanied you? " They hadn't mentioned if they were heading in that direction or not, but if they were, Skylar certainly wouldn't mind company. It had been a great while since she traveled with anyone. Over five years at least.

She glanced at Soloryn curiously, wondering what his story was. Skylar knew that every shiftling had some sort of story or a tragic past. In her case, it was more of a difficult past rather than tragic. None the less, she was still curious.

[Haniaethol]

Arathelle smiled at the girl, her oddly-sharp canines glinting in the sunlight. "I visit no place often, but prefer to travel to all places as I please. I have been to Eurath, but no time recently. I find the Shiftlings a very good people, accepting and intriguing in nature." She admired Skylar's strength; it emanated from the girl's being. Much of her time had been spent reading people, and she could tell a lot about someone just from a quick glance. "We are going there now to acquire more supplies. I would much enjoy your company."

"I've never been to Eurath, this is my first time even meeting another Shiftling!" Soloryn nearly shouted. Despite his calm demeanor, his voice was high and awkward due to the beautiful creature in front of him. He shut his mouth immediately, and accepted a rather amused look from Arathelle. Turning bright red, he refocused his attentions to pulling burs out of Andrista's silky silver mane.

The Unicorn herself turned her intelligent, quixotic purple eyes back toward the girl, seeming to take in the situation. She was thirsty, and growing quite impatient with the humanoids and their trivial babble. Snorting, she stepped away from Soloryn and toward Skylar, bringing her soft muzzle down to level their eyes. After a moment of staring at the girl, bowed her head and retreated into the direction of the city.

"Andrista does seem to approve of you, if only to get us moving more quickly," Arathelle said with an easy laugh. "Shall we go?"

[Evanesence]

Skylar chuckled at Soloryn's response but her attention turned to the unicorn as it approached her. She stayed very still as the Unicorn seemed to inspect her. Adrista apparently approved of her as she made her way towards Eurath. Skylar grinned at Arathelle's comment and replied, "Well, Then we should not keep her waiting."

The walk to Eurath wasn't very long and the conversation was light. When they arrived at the town entrance, Skylar took in the spacious streets and buildings. Shiftling walked or flew all over the place. Wings were all different colors, shapes, sizes, textures. Skylar liked being around the shiftlings but never stayed one place for very long.

"Soloryn, Welcome to Eurath." Skylar smiled at him, watching his face for his reaction. "How long do you guys plan on staying?"