Nagi pinched the bridge of his nose when the army of devil's appeared before him. They seemed to go on forever, like an endless ocean. Some of the devils towered over others, but other devils spawned minions in the masses,"Do you know see why I wanted to walk here? If we had walked and had taken a more stealthy approach, we could have most likely prolonged this confrontation until after I had gotten hold of the sword." By now, the army of devil's had surrounded them and were closing in on them, ready to kill them at a moments notice,'Well, this could take a while. At least it will be a nice training session. Been awhile since I had to go all out.' Nagi stood up to his full height and looked over at Kaelos,"So, how long do you think this will take, while your in your regular form?" He cocked an eyebrow, waiting to see if Kaelos would accept the challenge.

Livian rolled her eyes. "Men." She mumbled. Then she sighed again. "Damn so I'll assume its not edible." She joked lightly. When the attention of their host was pulled she waited almost silently as she waited for his return. "Knowledge is not important if it comes from books." She muttered to herself. "Real life is the best way to go." She continued before walking to the window. The idea of being stuck in this tower for prolonged amount of time made her uneasy.

"not long" she seethed.

She grinned and in just a moment's time she was in her Shadow Dragon persona, head cocked to the side she bit down on several of the opposing Devil's, sheering them in half, tearing other's apart with her claws and, in again, just half a second more than half of the army was obliterated, she moved forward, making her way through the crowd until one lept upon her back, it was none other than Gideon the Tiefling, she growled and hissed as he slashed at her skin, blood protruded from her body, she shook him off and pinned him under her mighty claw, with a loud snarl she looked down at him. He was a child compared to her, let alone, most were.

She threw her head back when flames jetted from her maw, when she pulled away he was gone she looked down at the others and cackled like a hyena, others began to back away from her while she approached them at accelerated speeds, she cleared a path for him, leaving the bodies of those who had gotten in her way either in pieces, charred or groaning and begging for mercy "well?" she hadnt given him the chance to fight until now. She wanted to see him in action while about eighty-five of the devil's ambushed him. Attacking all at once.

Airan had been unaware of the travelers and Celes, that had graced his cottage. Already after a short moments nap, had made his way to the Ivory Tower.
"Where is she.." Airan pondered out loud in concern, he was un-content without Celes being here and at this dire moment, he was worried something had happened to her.

Deciding that they would hold the Council meeting for a few more moments, Airan passed back and forth. Finally, his mind was put at ease once word got around of Celes' arrival.
"Finally.." Airan sighed in relief, his mind returned to his herbs and the last remaining test that he had done. Success, at last!

When Kaelos turned into her dragon from, Nagi yelled out,"I said regular form!" Just as he finished yelling, he saw the devils that were not even ten feet from him. Each one was getting ready to attack and when they did, Nagi planted his foot in the closest one's face and kicked off of him, back flipping over all the ones behind him. From where he stood at the moment, Nagi could just walk into the tomb and retrieve the blade, but for the time being he wanted to get the joy of tearing devils to shreds with his bare hands. When the group of devils turned around to face Nagi again, he was already charging them. He kicked one devil into the group and it knocked a few of them down, but the rest simply jumped over to flying body and were coming straight down onto Nagi. He jumped up to meet them halfway, with his left claw out in front, and grabbed the first one, throwing him straight into the ground. Somehow the devils that were in the air managed to grab hold of Nagi and continue their descend with him out in front,'Too bad they don't know about this.' Nagi's right hand had a purple and black aura around it as he placed it on the closest devils face, forcing that devil to do his biding. Due to the devils help, Nagi got free of the others grip and landed a few feet away from the group of devils when they hit the ground. Before the devils had a chance to get their barrings together, he had already impaled one with his left hand, curb stomped another, and crushed another ones skull with his right hand. When Nagi freed himself of the dead devils, the remaining ones had surrounded him again,"Oh screw this!" He leaped over all the remaining devils and ran into the tomb, knowing that the devils chased him inside.

Nagi ran and ran until he reached the back of the tomb and saw what he came for. The body that held the sword was perfectly preserved, as if nothing had come into contact with it since it died. The body still wore the clothing it wore when it was a living being. Somewhat long white hair, a red coat the same length as Nagi's, black gloves, a black, medium length shirt under the coat, black pants, and red boots.

Without anymore hesitation, Nagi grabbed the handle of the sword and ran the palm of his hand across the blade. His blood ran down the blade and into the ribcage and skull between the cross guard, where the skulls eye sockets seemed to light up with power. The eye sockets were a bright red light and it seemed that the light consumed Nagi, giving him more power than he could ever hope for. Something forced Nagi to drop the blade and about half of the power disappeared from his body. He looked around, but there were no devils that could have done it, it was the blade itself. When Nagi picked the sword up again, the power returned but it didn't consume him, instead a red aura came around him. This feeling made him smile maliciously.

When the devils approached Nagi and saw him holding the blade, they didn't halt their attack, they attacked even more fiercely. When he swung Rebellion, it sliced through the devil as if they were just air. Another cut, but this time so much more powerful that it sounded like an explosion and at the entrance to the tomb, a giant wave of dirt and dust came flying out. The dirt and dust was followed by Nagi, who was dragging out a devil by it's head. Nagi and the devil were both covered in dirt, blood, and gore. He had the sword resting on his shoulder and it was dripping with blood. The devil that Nagi was dragging was screaming out threats, which Nagi paid no heed to. When he had heard enough of the devil's nonsense, he dropped his head to the ground and shoved Rebellion into the devils chest,"Kaelos, it's time to go." He looked up at the sky, waiting for Kaelos to appear and take them home.

"Yes yes, come in, come in. We were just about to go to the dining hall. I have been well. Just studying the manuscripts, and observing meetings." He welcomed the group into the main hall. The room was a large circle, with two staircases following the walls till they met together at a single door about 20 feet up. The floor was marble, as was the walls. He led the group up the stairs and opened the large doors. On the other side sat a large dining hall. Wider then the entire building should be.

"It's a wonder what magic can do. All doors in this building work this way. The only time you honestly have to climb stairs is in the main enterance. It's height is just for looks. When you go to open a door, the only thing you have to do is know where you want to go. Once you open the door, on the other side will be the room you want." He closed the door before entering. "Lets say I wanted to go to the library," He opened the door once more and before them was a vast room full of books. "You don't have to be a mage to use it, you just have to know how to use it."

He closed the door once more. "But theres a catch, if you don't know where you want to go, it will open a door to outside, and trust me, a fall from this high up hurts... A lot." He closed te door, and once again opened it to the dining hall. The elongated table was full of the finest foods. "Go ahead, have your fill." He said steping aside. "I have to go for now, but I'll be back later." He walked down the stairs and exited the building.

~~~

"Yes, that seams like the best idea. After dinner it is."

Celes exited Bailin's study and entered the dining hall. At the oposite of the hall, she saw the small group she had left earlier, as well as an aditional member. "Looks like all of them are here.. Except Airan."

"Sir Arian, why he's in the lab, would you care for me to get him?"

Celes nodded to one of the young aprentencies that roamed the Tower. "Tell him to meet us in the dining hall." Celes took a few steps into the dining hall, and looked at the group. "Come in all. Feast and drink. We have much to talk about."

"Thank you, Sabin," Barolin said before the elf left. Once he was gone Barolin felt the need to introduce himself to the group. "Hello everyone. My name's Barolin Amorsta."
He saw Celes enter the room and at the promise of food walked towards the table. He didn't want to be rude so he pulled out a chair for Celes, whom he had seen and knew was a member of the Council Nine, and the other two women he didn't know. He would wait for them to sit before seating himself and eating.

Jaenelle woke up later in a bed she didn't know and very hungry. She remembered burning the village and talking with Belbyer immediately, but it took her a moment to remember tripping and being carried back to the castle because she was so tired at the time. She bathed and changed, using clothes that happened to be in the closet, not wanting to be dirty in case Lord Nagi was around. She looked around for her bag but couldn't find it. "Where..." she was about to ask herself before she remember that she left it in the throne room. She had left it there so she could go to the courtyard. She walked out of the room and began her search for the throne room. She didn't know how to get there so she called a servant to her.
"I want directions to the throne room and food when I get there." She didn't know if the servant would listen but he did and immediately told her the way then went off to fetch food for her. She smiled and followed his directions.

Livian looked at the door with a raised eyebrow. "Oh great..." She muttered. "I'm going to have to remember where I need to go now." She said lightly with a chuckle. When told she could eat now that was different. "Only have to tell me once." She said softly when she was told a second time by Celes however she got right to it. She sat down cautiously and looked around her nose going crazy as she sniffed around. She got some food and sat down eating quietly her bare feet curled up under the chair so they didn't touch the cold floor. "mm yummy!" She said with a praisings after a moment of eating. Then she drank some water avoiding any wines at all costs. No matter the form wine was a painful and unpleasant experience for her.


Legacy made it back to the castle, went to her room and quickly showered and changed. She pulled her hair up into a top not and then braided it into a rope. From there she put on a blue skirt that sat neatly on her hips and then a corset top. If she had to be an animal most the time she appeared to like looking feminine the rest. Brushing off her shoulders a bit so no water sat on them she slipped on a pair of matching wrist high gloves and made her way out of her room. Her feet were covered with soft flat shoes that allowed her to maneuver as easily as if she were bare footed. Legacy made it to the thrown room and found Jaenelle on her way. "Oh boy the elf has awakened." She muttered walking into the thrown room and sitting in a chair that sat next to the thrown. She never took his spot because he had very unpredictable returns. Seeing Jaenelle walk in she sighed. "Hello elf, our Lord Nagi has left me in charge while he is away. He should return shortly." She stated lazily. Being she was kind of tired. "Also the village you caught fire has been taken and is now part of our territory but your actions are not condoned so don't be fooled by my calm appearance. If it wasn't for its position I would have you tortured." She stated simply. "Use your head child instead of your emotions. Neither are attractive but at least your head will keep you out of trouble." She stated simply. "But now that I'm done with that I'd like to thank you for making my job easier." She said simply before yawning.

Celes thanked Barolin and took a seat. Her mood seamed cheerier then the first time she was with teh group earlier. Her smiles were wide, and her eyes were bright, but there still hung a feeling it was a facade. Celes simply took a cup and filled it with boiling water, repeating the event that took place at Livians house hours before.

She took a sip of her herbal mix, and stood up once every one was seated. "Before I explain why we are all here, I suppose it would be best to do formal introductions. My name is Celes the Sage. I was born in the country to the west, Narshe, but currently my residence lies where ever my feet are. I am the nineth member of the Council Nine, replacing my departed Grandfather."

Livian watched Celes and bowed her head respectfully. She ate a little but wiped her mouth clean with a towel and sat with her hands in her lap. She listened and nodded simply running her hand through her braids and looking at them with interest. They sat all over and almost looked shaggy since they weren't french braids that sat close to her head but braids that fell all around her head. She shook out her hair and went back to paying attention to everyone else.

Warryck's eyes gleamed brightly as he walked into the banquet hall. He'd forgotten his recent curiosity and began to grab any form of food his hands could get. After he'd finished getting his share of food, he put his plate on the table and started shoveling food into his mouth. He barely chewed his food before swallowing it, basically whole. He slumped in his chair, burped loudly and sighed contently as he was now satisfied with his fill of food. "Ah, that was some good grub. My compliments to the elf who made this." He grinned as he couldn't remember the last time he'd eaten so well. He looked over at Barolin and stared blankly at him, curious as to who he was.

Jaenelle picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. She took an apple from the servant and thanked. She was feeling good until she saw Legacy. Jaenelle rolled her eyes at the good news that Legacy was in charge until Lord Nagi came back and then hoped that he returned quickly. She was completely unfazed by the insult but surprised that Legacy had done something about the town.
"I didn't raze the town for Lord Nagi. You didn't have to attack it. It could have burned and no one would have been the wiser." She took a bite from the apple. "You're welcome, I guess."

Legacy rolled her eyes. "See this is why you are dead weight. You don't use your head. Why waist good land and strong men? Hmm..We need all the troops we can get and you don't make up even one man that we would of lost if I left the village to burn let alone the town worth. First of all. Second if you didn't catch it before we've taken a town tonight, your a new member of our army. One attack is always followed by another and we don't stop hammering them until we get what we want. Now to make this simple for your little elf head, you attack towns randomly it makes more work for me and Lord Nagi to make up for. Keep doing it I'll tie you up by your feet and bake your hide in the sun to far for you to use a shadow to help you. Either use your head or get out of town. We have no room for stupid people here." She stated simply getting up and opening the thrown room doors. "For now I'll see to it that you get some training."


Livian sighed looking at the man across her. "You have worse table manners than I do." She stated simply trying to remember Warrycks name. Her eyes seemed to dance around the room she couldn't keep focuse for some reason.

Belbyer was in bed.. sleeping like a child when suddenly he jumped up in bed. "Great dream." He told himself. He got up and walked out of the room to see what had happened while he had been sleeping. As he walked through the halls he heard voices coming from the throne room. It was Jaenelle and Legacy. He walked in and looked at them. "Hello ladies." He said. "How are things going?" He walked in and sat down. "Wine" he ordered a guard. "I'm glad to see you again" He told Legacy. He looked over at Jaenelle and said "and how are you doing?"

Jaenelle hated the restrictions being placed on her. She pinched the bridge of her nose trying to understand Legacy's point. The town would have been just as weak the next day or even the day after. They probably would have been just as weak weeks later. There was no point in attacking immediately. Also, she was there she saw that only a few people died and they weren't prime candidates for joining an army. They were also already putting out the fire before she even left. Besides that by burning the houses she would have cleared the land and the ash would have made it more fertile. She was going to argue but she didn't want to bother. "Fine. Sure. I'll concede to your backwards logic. Hooray for our victory, I guess. I'll be sure to only attack towns Lord Nagi wants me to attack from now on."
Jaenelle looked down at herself. She wasn't dressed for training. It would be difficult for her put all her weapons in their proper places if she didn't change. "May I change before training?" She ignored Belbyer's question, choosing instead to take another bite from her apple.

Legacy rolled her eyes. "First I'll grant my logic is not always forward thinking." She stated not arguing that point. "Secondly no you don't really have to train not now anyway. You can relax or something, I'm just tired of dealing with you. I hate elves and I hate reckless people and your both in my mind." She stated simply walking back over and sitting down. "Oh, hello Belbyre." She said simply twisting a hand behind her and pulling out a blackened piece of paper. "Your contract." She said simply letting it float off so it sat in front of him. "If there is anything you want changed let me know if not just cut your hand open and let it bleed on the paper. It'll spell out your name for you." She stated simply. Her hair sat over one shoulder in a tight rope as she leaned back lightly in her chair. "Would he hurry up and get back? I hate taking his shift when things are new and stupid." She muttered annoyed. She really did hate watching the castle for her lord. When she came here she had no interest in taking the position that she did. Right hand gal. What an annoying position to be in when the lord often left chaos even in his own home.

Belbyer watched the contract float down onto the table in front of him. "Ah yes.. the contract." He said with a smile. He was only a few moments away from officially being a part of the army. Just what he wanted. "I have to cut my hand open? Isn't that a little painful? I wonder how Jaenelle managed to do that. After all.. as weak as she was I doubt she'd be able to lose any blood." He withdrew his dagger from its case and sliced his hand open. Blood dripped on the contract as he smiled. finally he thought. "You seem to be more annoyed than usual Legacy." He stated in a soft tone as he retrieved a cloth from his pocket and wrapped it around his hand. "I can see it in your face. It's beautiful expression has changed. Anything particularly wrong?" He asked. "Oh, and.. Do you know where Lord Nagi is? I have the need to speak with him." He smiled at Legacy and looked over at Jaenelle. "You didn't answer my question." He told her with a slight smile. "Would you care to answer now?"

Jaenelle left the room before Legacy finished saying that she wasn't going to train at the moment. She couldn't stand to be in the room any longer than that. She walked back to the room she assumed was hers while eating her apple. She took out the clothes she wore when she had arrived and began to wash them. She would have had the servants do it, but she didn't want to get into more trouble than she was already in and she wanted something to do so she figured this was a safe activity. After she cleaned the outfit and let it dry she put it on along with her assorted weaponry. There was a story for every knife and dagger she wore. Not knowing what else to do she shadow jumped outside and up a tree. She sat there remembering the days, which weren't that long ago, when she could do whatever she wished.
She was beginning to realize that her talents weren't right for the kind of war Lord Nagi was fighting. He was being subtle, which she loved, and he wasn't being sneaky. She sighed and tried to think of ways to be helpful to him.

Legacy looked at Belbyre. "She didn't." She stated simply before rubbing her head. "Lord Nagi is away off on some random quest so if you wish to speak to him I shall alert you to his return. For now I have to find a way to bring myself to play nice with the elf so she doesn't run off during his absents. In which case you'll be short and elf and a shifter." She stated in an annoyed tone which didn't seem to leave her voice. "None the less until he returns I'm incharge so if there is anything I can help with please let me know. Also the village you and the elf were seen coming from is now part of our territory. It appears you were both helpful. Unfortunatly it isn't something I'll condone though the lord will probably think differently." She stated simply. Her annoyance going down slightly. "Finally I do hope you read the fine print. It says will die a long painful death if you break said contract. None the less you signed." She said simply motioning with her fingure and having it roll up. "Do you think you can help me with something, I need to find a way to make J--" She stopped she had the hardest time with that elfs name. "Jaenelle's apparent pyro talents useful. I have an idea but I have a feeling ordering her around like a circus animal will just piss her off." She stated simply. "However if I loose her I take the risk of loosing my life and or a large amount of blood. Neither are to my liking. So in a completely selfish act I ask for your assistance." She stated as simply as she could.

"She didnt?" Belbyer asked. "So how is she part of the army? Don't we all have to sign a contract?" Belbyer asked. He turned his head and looked at his hand. Fine print.. thought Belbyer.. "Fine prints do not scare me. I'm not one to break the contract." He said. He thought about what Legacy was asking him. If i help her.. I'll have to be near her he thought. Being close to LEgacy was an honor to him. She had something about her that he liked, but he just couldn't figure out what it was. He faced Legacy and came closer to her. He smiled.. his face a few inches from hers. He looked her right in the eyes. "Help? Well how may I help you?"

Barolin looked around the table. No one was following suit with introductions. He stood after Celes finished her introduction. "I am Barolin Amorsta. I was born in Jidoor but live in Falquister. I am city guard for Falquister and am here on behalf of its king." He waited a moment then sat down and hoped some one else would continue like Celes had asked.

((Sadface to the tiny post. Sorry guys.))

She grumbled softly under her breath when he decided a shortened version of her name was better. Serai'el hated her name being shortened, her brothers had done it all the time to irritate her. Glowering at Warryck though, she raised an eyebrow.
"Trust me the feeling is mutual." She snapped before sighing, attempting reign in her annoyance. Following Sabin, Serai'el made a soft groan when he mentioned having to remember where to go. Her sense of direction when it came to new places wasn't exactly the best. So now she looked everywhere, attempting fiercely to remember each path.

Gazing at the food hungrily, Serai'el started reaching out, taking all manners of fruits, bread, anything that wasn't meat really. While she didn't stuff her face, much as she was tempted to, she did eat quickly, with a faint smile. It felt good to have food in her again. Leaning back in the chair, her gaze rested first on Celes, then onthe new guy, Barolin. He seemed much more polite then Warryck, well, he hadn't aggrivated her yet which was a good sign. Sighing, she sat up a little straighter, though didn't stand.
"I guess I'll go next. I'm Serai'el Arche, a half elf half elemental born in some little village on the edge of the desert. I'm a guide for people wanting to cross the desert and a part time assassin." She said without a hint of embarrassment or wanting to hide her second job.

Airan had been approached by an Apprentice of the Tower, his words filled Airan's ears and at that sudden moment his serious appearance dropped as his eyes had a sudden flash of excitement.
"I greatly appreciate this~!" Airan suddenly hugged the Apprentice, the look on the younger male's face portaged it all. Airan suddenly let go, rubbing the back of his neck with a chuckle as he closed his eyes for a pref moment to regain his composer. Although, that didn't work to well as Airan spring off running with a childish grin on his face.

"Celes!" Airan's voice could be heard from the other side of the Dinning hall, he slowed down as he had wasted to much energy being excited and running over to the hall. Opening the door, Airan was panting lightly, eyes closed with a doofy grin on his lips.
"I'm glad.. To see that you all made it here, safely." Airan nodded, opening his eyes to greet the heroes as he walked slowly over to the table.

Legacy's eyes narrowed. "First she has a contract of sorts Lord Nagi drank her blood to make one of sorts." She said before stepping back to avoid being so close to another person. She was way to vulnerable up close, she couldn't see all hand movements and avoid them properly. "Well you seem like you aren't hated by her so if you could ever so nicely help me get her...." She waited for a moment her hands blackened as she felt around with magic. "Get her out of the tree that'd be ever so nice of you." She stated simply. "I want to see if she and a handful of guards can take or just weaken deepending the town to the west of the one she took last night." She said simply. "You can help her if you like I don't really care but I'll be watching either way." She added simply.

Livian looked at the two who introduced themselves next Baorlin and Serai'el. Also watching as Arian came in she bowed her head respectfully before standing up. "I am Livian Rain, be aware it is not my birth name. I'm a were-hyena and I grew up in a small pack in the middle of the desert. I moved into the edge of the town just outside of here when I was young." She stated simply sitting down. She didn't say what her job was simply because she had no interest in laying out her entire life to people.

When nagi had told the shadows he was ready to go, Kaelos came running from the woods, she was huffing and moving quickly, already have been made a bloody mess. She opened the shadows and pushed him through, her hand left a bloody mark on his back "just go.. i-i'll follow soon" she commanded him, before he could voice any opposition she closed the portal, just as it was closing he would have caught a glimpse of a much higher level Devil grip her neck and hoist her body into the air "now little devil" a voice slithered through "you think you could escape me?" it was a deep, rustic voice. She shivered in his hand, bringing her foot up to his chest and kicked, he stumbled back but never let her go, he laughed and threw her against a tree, splitting it in half, she did not break a bone but she did however grip the fallen plant, and with a grunt she hit him with it, he flew to the side long enough for her to open a portal and make her escape, she leaped into it, when she was completely through another one opened just as the previous one closed, she flopped on her stomach, blood seeping out from her seemingly fragile form, she rolled to her back and stared up at the sky "h..he'll...b-...be coming for...t..the blade" she huffed looking over at him with a bloody nose, lip, and eye.

She didnt dare move, nor did she attempt it, she knew her wounds would only worsen "Gideon isnt one to take lightly..." she grunted, trying to laugh although her laugh was choked out by the blood running down her throat, holes had been punched in her esophagus which, was making it extremely difficult to breathe "just leave me.." she coughed, hoping he would leave her although she knew a good leader would pick her up and carry her to safety.. but Nagi? he was an 'evil' lord, would he really care so much for his soldiers? Especially his second in command.