Blind Passion of a Smith - Hermit of Dragon's Peak

Bevolt leads her troupe toward the Dragon's Peak. The idea of an elusive ancient master Blacksmith enticing the budding smith to go and find their secrets. Her brother Raja too was also a budding Blacksmith, their friend Kaia was along for the ride along with the new addition Eris. Each had their own talents and would probably prove to be very useful to the group in some way or another. The adventure was ready to being.

Everyone knew the peak was a dangerous place. The Rumors were all vague ones at best; the Blacksmith truly was almost like a folk tale. But last the group heard it was a cave that lead toward his final resting place. The group had a vague idea of where the cave was. It was a matter of traversing the land and getting there that would prove to be the first challenge.

Upon entering the land of ice and snow the group was already presented with a challenge. A full on blizzard raged throughout the Peak. This place certainly was not known for its kind weather. The journey head would be a long one, the group just now had to forge their way onward, and toward the supposed location of this cave. What secrets may be discovered?

Growling and shielding the others with her massive wings the giant led her group through the blizzard, with most of her body hiden behind thick layers of fur and armor as well as hooded mask, giving herself enough protection from the cold along with her claws to march forth with fewer obstacles.

Annoyed mostly by the winds she forcefully marched forth deeper into the unweolcoming lands of the frozen north, with her head looking to her back to see if the others were still with her, hoping that her massive size was enough for them to travel without greater issues, afraid of risking anything hpapening to them, willing to go as far as to enter her giant form or create artifical shelter for them to rest in until they would be ready to move on.

stomping and plowing through the thick layers of snow the berserker soon yelled towards the group, wantng to hear from them if they were arlgiht and willing to keep going. "You holding up back there? I am trying to sue my own body as shield so you won't get affected so much by the wind and snow itself but if this is becoming unbarable jsut tell me and we will make a stop as soon as we near one of the cliffs!" she exclaiclaimed, hoping that they were close to approaching the Peak, steadly climbing up, without realizing how far they went so far.
(Bevolt Nagano-Draconis)
Preparing for this sort of weather ahead of time, Raja had brought a nice, thick coat along with his usual armor he managed to get back on for this adventure.

The winds were strong and the snow was coming down hard, but it was bearable. Even if he didn't bring along a coat, he could use his scales and a little fire magic to warm to them keep himself going.

Bevolt was marching at the front of their pack, so she'd be acting as a wind break for everyone close by. With his helemt on, he was perfectly fine. "Ah'm good back here, let me know if you're not doing too hot!"

Jokingly, he'd look towards Kaia and Eris. Kaia had tagged along because she was an aspiring smith as well. So this was going to be a learning experience for the whole lot of them and Eris was probably going to at least see some combat while with them.
(Raja Nagano-Draconis)
The boy managed to tag along with Raja, Kaia, and Bevolt on their adventure! The boy had been filled on their way to what was once Frostvale and is now Dragon's Peak. Eris was filled with lots of anxiety but also excited for such an adventure! He was ready to be of any use to the group in their pursuit of an ancient Blacksmith!

As they ventured in search of a cave where they felt the blacksmith would be located a blizzard raged and caught the group off guard! Bevolt, with her height and large wings, shielded the group from the violent, harsh winds of the north. Eris, coated in thick layers and a thick bloody cloak marched through the thick snow shielding his eyes. The small boy stuck close together to the other two to not get lost or possibly blown back from the pressure of the strong winds.

Hearing Bevolt's worry he assured her that he was holding up back there. "I'm-- good back here!" he said trying his best to not be bested by the winds. Everything about the adventure was entirely foreign to the boy!
(Eris Erimos)
Kaia didn't know quite what to expect once she heard of where they were traveling to, so she stacked layers from thin to thick but enough to keep herself agile enough.

Trailing behind Bevolt, keeping close to Raja and a stranger who looked to be Raja's age, as long as they were here together, she considered them friends. With the two Drakanites asking them questions and assuring them, Kaia only nodded with shaking teeth and her hands clenching her thick and furry coat.

It was harsh and very cold but through it all, the little Sarradian was still excited about what they may find, or fight. every spark of lgihtning would crackle but unheard as the winds swept their nose away.
(Kaia)
It turned out to be a good idea for Bevolt to shield the group. The large woman took the brunt of most of the weather and the younger children's clothing provided enough support from the cold. The small group would continue to journey forth, climbing higher and higher onto the Peak. Luckily for them it seemed that the weather was keeping the nasty creatures that dwelled at bay.

Other than the extreme harshness of the blizzard they were met with no opposition as they made their way toward the fabled cave. Among the blinding ice, and the furious winds it was hard to tell how long they traveled for but it felt like hours.

It wasn't long though before they came across a cave, could this be the one that they looked for? Perhaps because it was instantly clear this cave was unlike any other. A soft pulsing of power could be felt coming from it, a glowing rune sat at the very edge of the entrance, and it was pretty clear the cave could not be entered unless the rune was deactivated. Could the group manage to do so?

Leading the group further they would finally lead them to what appeared to be an enterance to some sort of a cave, surrounded by howling blizzard the giant drakantie held her wings around the younger members of the expedition, shielding them and staring at the rune, sighing as she was tired of the runes from the last mission she was on.

With clear frustration she slowly waved her hand with her mana turning towards the stone on which the rune resided, slowly moving in attempt to break the rune without causing serious destruction to the rune or the structural integraity of the caves enterance.
(Bevolt Nagano-Draconis)
Braving through the blizzard, the small group would stumble upon the entrance of a cave. Simply looking at the entrance they could tell this was most likely the place they sought.

Snow didn't seep into the entrance and it seemed to stop everything from entering. Figuring a few runes might be placed around, Raja would have the bright idea of trying to drain the runes of mana, but instead of managing to do that, he instead accidently wrote the word for flame instead of drain using the angelic runes Batkem had taught him.

So, once he finished writing his runes down that he had intended to say 'Drain', he'd instead make a 'Flame' on top of the rune he wrote and activated. Well, at least he wasn't going to be cold while they worked out how to get past this.

"Guess...stay near the flame if you're cold while we figure this stuff out."
(Raja Nagano-Draconis)
The group would come upon an entrance that would lead them through the moutain, it looked so ominous, the possibilities of what may lie behind this very point. The thought was thrilling, like a scary book, you want to see the next page, the jumpscares but at the same time, you're too scared and get the heebie-jeebies.

Though, the emotions riling up inside the Sarradian would ease as Raja and Bevolt would notice the Runes on top of the entrance, I guess, it was some kind of rune to block or destruct anyone who enters? Kaia only knew that she wanted to learn more about the runes but didn't know anything about them, yet.

Watching both of the Drakanites attempts to break the runes, it was a reminded on how much it was needed to learn the arts. Considering runes were involved in their last expedition with Ancillia to get past the fence, would this one be easier to break? Violet eyes only watched in curiousty for now, awaiting to see what would happen as she clenches onto her thick coat.
(Kaia)
Alas, they made it to the peak and Eris was shaking in his boots despite the layers he had on. The cave looked different from most they passed on the way up here, it must've been the one they had to go through!

Eris had zero experiences with runes so he had absolutely no idea what to do and would watch the others make various attempts to deactivate the rune. The boy stood there near Kaia feeling a bit more useless than he did already! However this made him realize that this could be something he should invest in in the near future.
(Eris Erimos)
It was clear instantly that Raja's runes failed, fire instead of anything useful happening. However it was Bevolt that made the breakthrough. Her mana interacted with the rune and the power emanating from it flickered out, the glow of the rune going cold. The weird feeling of electricity in the air faded. The group was now free to enter the cave proper, inside they could continue their journey, and be free of the harsh weather they faced on the outside.

One inside they see that the cave is rather large. Three paths can be seen leading further into the cave. There is no indication of which path they should take. All three seemed equally inviting however it wasn't like they couldn't eventually travel through all three if they so chose. For now though the expansive cave laid before them, the three paths ever inviting.

It was up to the group now to decide which path to take and see where it might lead.

Raja Nagano-Draconis: So which path do you guys want to take? Could just me being a lefty, but ah say left.
Raja Nagano-Draconis: just be me*
Bevolt Nagano-Draconis: I would say we stick together...places like these aren't especially welcoming...
Raja Nagano-Draconis: Well, yeah.
Raja Nagano-Draconis: We need to pick a direction though.
Eris Erimos: We should go left <*points to the left path*>
Kaia: <*Looks to Bevolt, curious where she wants to go*>
Bevolt Nagano-Draconis: LEft it is then, I will go first to help us.
Raja Nagano-Draconis: Hm...if Eris says left and ah originally said left...changig it to right unless you guys all want to go left!
Kaia: <*Frowns. Make up your mind Eaja*>
Raja Nagano-Draconis: <*Decides left because that frown gonna kill him.*>
Nodding to the rest of the group she begins to walk forth, leadiing them deeper into the caves leading towards the left pathway, slowly rising one of her claws above her head with small bit of her mana leaving it in form of a flame ball which illuminated the dark depths of the path ahead of them. Frowning a little the giant walked first, watching each step for possible traps or drops and cracks that could possibly harm her or even worse anyone from the group.

Unsure of how she was supposed to act or deal with the situation the dragoness simply exhaled while addressing ones that followed her. "Keep your eyes out and if anything happens I will be on the first line to give you time to run or prepare for anything but please...don't play a hero if things will be going south, alright?" she asked, wanting to make it clear that she cared.
(Bevolt Nagano-Draconis)
Kaia: <*Extends her hand as blue energy flames help assist lightning the path*>
Eris Erimos: <*sticks close to both Raja and Kaia*>

The left path was long and winding. It leads toward deep darkness, the only light being offered by the flame Bevolt conjured and the glow of Kaia's lightning. Luckily there were no traps, or none that got triggered at least. A light could be seen at the very end of the tunnel. When they finally exited the path they would find themselves in a rather large room….filled with nothing. The room was bare and there was no other exit except for the one they had come through.

All was not lost however for the room glowed with some light that bounced off their individual magic's. The walls were lined with something. Upon closer inspection the Blacksmiths among the group would see that it was blood copper. Several nuggets were inlaid in the walls.

Perhaps these Blacksmiths in training had been smart enough to bring excavation tools. If so the blood copper could be mined, it seemed to not be a whole bunch but if used properly it could tempered down and made into something useful, or perhaps even used in combination with something else.

Either way it would prove useful to take out of the walls rather than just leaving it.

After deciding to take the left path, the group would find the end of their chosen path and find themselves in a large, empty room. It was dark, but luckily a majority of the people could produce light of their own without having to bring any torches.

Walking around the room, Raja would make a mental note of the blood copper that was lining the walls. A moment would pass before he'd speak up, but in the end he'd decide against mining the stuff up. "There is some copper in these walls, but something isn't sitting right with me. Blood copper tends to be used in some kind of magical devices or equipment that conducts magic in some way..."

Deciding to try and brighten up the room more and fully, Raja would cause the flames he was using to light the area around himself to expand towards the ceiling and try to cover the entire place in a dim, red-orange light.
(Raja Nagano-Draconis)
The path they walked lead into a large wall! However, it was empty but the walls looked like they held something valuable. Unable to extract the minerals himself, Eris looked towards the three blacksmiths with him. They'd have much use for the material and maybe Eris would down the line. Who knows what weapon he would hold in the future so getting this now would be a very good idea!

The boy was really interested in the copper but Raja was against it. The boy was much more experienced than Eris when it comes to this stuff so he assumed that he made a good point. He would stand there quietly looking at the shiny blood copper glint with the light shining on it.
(Eris Erimos)
Inspecting the spacious interior with clear suspicon, inspecting its walls from up close, along with the blood copper formed on the walls, trying to check it for anything that perhpas could be keeping it as bait or source of a trap they could trigger at any moment.

Frowning the drakantie smith shook her head and slowly backed away while tapping her chin, it wasn't what she came here for and she knew the properties of blood copper itself, gringing er teeth as she simply shook her head in disappointment before looking towards the group and soon adressing them.

"Since there isn't anything else we should head back and seek out other paths, I got no use in the blood copper so unless someone else needs it we should be heading back to seek out whats in the other ways." she said while holding her claws on her hips.
(Bevolt Nagano-Draconis)
The blood copper wasn't a trap. It seemed to just have formed naturally within the walls of the cave. But it seemed that both Bevolt and Raja were quite suspicious of the free material waiting to just be taken. However. The group appeared to want to move on. The only path was backwards. So if they moved on instead of mining even after seeing no traps they would wind up back in the entrance to the cave. The large room leaving them still with two paths to take.

A middle path and one leading toward the right. Which would they take? Same as before, no path was more inviting than the other. Nothing indicated what might be beyond the separate ways. All they could really do was move forward and hope that they found what they were looking for.

The age old question thus remained. Which way would they choose?


Raja Nagano-Draconis: Want to try right this time?
Eris Erimos: <*nods*>
Bevolt Nagano-Draconis: If you wish to head there then we shall.
It would be the right path they took this time. This path was equally long and winding and lead into even deeper darkness. Minutes would drag by as the group continued walking down the path. Finally after what might have seemed like forever the group finds their way to the end of the path. What awaits them is not a pleasant sight.

A large room filled with obvious stuff meant for living. Bones litter the ground and blood stains the floor. Something sleeps in the corner of the room. The sound of the group entering wakes the creature. It opens its orange eyes and stands. At first it is hard to tell from the sheer size of the thing, but it is indeed, a cat.

The creature, so large it can only be assumed to be a Koar Yokai, bends down and grabs a large sword off the ground. His slumber interrupted by the likes of these people, there was no turning back. The creature bends its hands, tough it appears to be a giant cat to somehow has the hands able to hold such a weapon.

The creature looks down upon the group an angry scowl on its face.

Hello my baby, hello my darling, hello my home town gaaaaal!~

This song was playing over in the boys mind as they'd continue to walk through the dark cave system  as boredom was setting in. Unlike the last path they had taken, the room they seemed to have stumbled into had quite a few different things inside of it.

They were bones mainly.

One look around the place using his fire magic as a portable light, Raja pretty quickly came to the conclusion that this wasn't exactly a place they should be in. Well, they were there and now a weird cat woke up from its hibernation and picked up a blade, not looking pleased in the slightest.

There was one thing to do right now!

"Kaia, try and meow to calm it down! You're adorable, it looks cat like, it should work!"

It wasn't going to work, but it was worth a shot. Just incase, he'd draw his weapon and hope everyone else would to. If his little joke didn't strike true, their blades were going to have to."
(Raja Nagano-Draconis)
Her heavy steps led the group into the odd room with her cursing under her nose as soon as she spotted the bones pools of blood, slowly realizing what they did step into. Grinding with her teeth the drakanite berserker observed as the owner of this place,, staring at the huge cat kaor yokai, observign as it grabbed its blade before deciding to observe the group.

Her hatred towards the race itself as well as the faint knowledge of creatures nature made it clear that negotiations wouldn't work here, Without hesitation the  berserker growled and slammed her fist into the ground just before allowing the cracked rock to gather around her free claw, swiftly forming into a massive shield which she held without issue, same as she wielded her giant blade.

Without hesitation she stomped forth, aiming to be the one on whom the beast would focus on, giving the others opportunty to fight or...if the situation was dire, to flee to their safety. With everything prepared she took her usual stance, waiting for their opponent to charge in before deciding to move on.
(Bevolt Nagano-Draconis)
The group walked down the path Eris chose and what awaits is not what he expected! It was the complete opposite of the last path! A giant cat, assumably a yokai was awakened as they approached the large room. A shiver ran down the boy's spine as he saw several skeletons and blood scattered about the cave.

Eris was glued in place, unsure of what to do! He as aware of his lack of power in comparison to the other three but he was ready to assist if needed! He kept his vials of blood closed tight in case it would further provoke the Yokai Cat but was ready to use them if need be!
(Eris Erimos)
Bevolt Nagano-Draconis whispers: Stay close to the tree
Kaia would follow the group to the right path this time, though, this time not wearing a frown as she walks close to Raja with her hand extended with bright blue energy flames lighting up the path along with Bevolt's bright red and orange flames. The path was much longer. the deeper they went, the more Kaia felt that this wasn't going to be good but then, on the other hand, that feeling could mean anything, continuing to walk, she'd only hold her tongue and see what was at the end of this pathway, if there even was an end.

Finally, the group would come up to a room, filled with bones and red stuff, beds and things as if someone had been living here. Then greeted by a large feline wielding... a sword? Violet eyes glance to Raja, thinking he actually had a plan in mind but nope, like the dork he is, decides to play around, causing her face to look, unamused.

Though, inside she was chuckling, it wasn't the time to play around as she wields the energy blades in her hands, flickering and fading once more. Reading herself in a battle stance, this feline, wasn't no ordinary kitty cat.
(Kaia)

The cat looks down again at the people, hunger rolling through its body. At least he would have some use for the invaders. He brandishes his Koar blade at the beings before him, a large smile coming across his face, cat like teeth and incisors poking through. Red lightning crackles around his body as the Yokai stares down at them.

"You dare enter the home of the mighty Yokai Dal'mundo. You will regret this choice today mortals" he says simply. His voice booms across the room as lightning begins to rain down around his form, dark Occutlic pressure filling the area as the Yokai readied himself for battle.

His eyes trained on each of the people before him, it was clear there was no talking their way out of this one. A fight was inevitable.

(Dal'mundo)

The Yokai was very powerful, his hellstorm magic proving to be incredibly powerful. He puts up a good fight none the less managing to down all the party in the first round. The Yokai grins mightily as he looks at the group. Which to hurt first. The little Sarradian girl was cute, he hated cute.  "You girl, you pain me to look at. I will make you scream" he says. The Yokai walks over the girl and bends down looking over her tiny body.

He then takes her hand into his mouth and bites, munching just the hand off the body. "That will you teach you" the cat says with an evil laugh. The group wasn't done yet though. Renewed with great vigor they stand again and charge.

This time his magic only takes down one but he is not fast enough to hurt Raja. It is the girl whose hand he bite that gets the last hit. Revenge it would seem. That Koar was now bruised enough believe. He was at their mercy

Kaia.  When you get the chance ahelp and ask for a limb nerf but tell them it half the usual nerf as only the hand got bitten off.

Once the battle commenced, from every which way, lightning, both red and blue along with flames and loud slamming's of Raja's hammer reverberated withing the area. Until Kaia would meet the ground,her arms wobbled in attempt to pick herself up but failed as she drops to the cold cave ground. Hearing the feline's voice as it walked over to her, his voice drawing nearer and near until her hand would be lifted up.

Feeling the tongue and sharp teeth..

Before her hand was bit through, it was not a clean bite either, with skin, nerves, bones baring for the world to see. The overbearing amount of pain she had suffered through, caused her to squirm and let out her first screams and cries that resonated through out the cave.

Once all was done, Kaia was left withour a hand, blood dripping as she grasps her hand and curling up as the wounud still pulsed with pain. Managing to stagger up and onto her feet, her face was quickly turning pale, her body was limp as she eyes the battle between her friends and that.. fucking cat.

A deep hatred for the feline, specifically the one that has her hand within it's throat, she would get it back. Taking  a deep breath, calming herself to focus from the amount of blood loss as she collects her mana, aiming for that cat, her vision was blurry, wanting to get rid of that cat before it would do the same to her friends that it had done to her.

She no longer held such anger towards the cat for her arm but for the damage it was causing to her friends, she pounced forth, dodging and blasting lightning bolts and weak energy beams from her only remaining hand, blood continues to drip as she does so. Now seeing her chance to strike, realizing her friends and allies were down, leaving Bevolt and herself to defeat the cat.

Time seemed to slow for but a moment as Kaia concentrates her emotions of a calm state, her soul vibrating with her intention to release this creature from causing any more harm to her friends as she leaps forth with her bright blue  sword in her hand, no longer was it a flickering and fading dagger but a sword that bruned bright with her heart set on that goal, to send the yokai to it's death. A swift slice to their hind achillies tendons, immobalizing any further movements as she brushes by. With it attention on Bevolt even after it's heel had been cut out, Kaia would push herself back into the battle with her energy sword for a finishing blow through the cat's throat, a clean cut as the body goes limp.

Kaia wanted this cat gone and didn't hold herself back, knowing they wouldn't hack up any kind of a lead for what they may be searching for. The soft blue flames left burning at the cats wounds, as the young Sarradian stands victorious, before falling onto her bottom, breathing heavily as she clutches her hand, covering it with her thick coat.
(Kaia)
The feline figure was definitely not an expected fight, let alone an extremely tough one. It was shockinly strong considering yokai around this level typically were nearing imperfection, but this one? This lazy bastard was just sleeping in a cave off in the mountains of Frostvale!

Blow for blow, the group would clash with the potent magic weilding Kaor. Even with his armor on, each blow felt like a hammer crashing into his bare flesh. The vines in his back were definitely digging into his muscles and flesh and causing his back to bleed.

While trying to keep the feline busy, he'd spot it closing in on Kaia after she fell over and was having a hard time getting back up. Raja's heart would sink as he'd watch the yokai lift the girl up by her hand as it'd chomp down with a disgusting sound. With a clench of its jaw, and a few shakes, Kaia would fall from its maw and she'd fall to the ground with a disheartening cry of pain.

The most sickening part about this was that Kaia was a mute, so to make her actually scream, let along speak was a statement in itself on how much pain she was in. A burning sensation would flare up inside of the drakanites body as he'd watch his closest friend cry out in pain. You couldn't describe the pain and anger that had come crashing down upon his already bleeding shoulders.

For a faint moment, everything sort of went red and sound turned into a ringing in his ears. The anger he felt right now was literally blinding him and his body was acting on its own. Yelling out to his friend, they could probably tell he had snapped and gave up on defense.

"Kaia! You bastard, ah'll fecking kill you! Die, die, die, die, die!!!!"

Boy has it been a long time since this side of him came out. Raja conciously avoided swearing because he felt it made people sound stupid and reflected poorly on how a person acts.

During his moment of blind rage, the drakanite had been charging towards the feline yokai with everything his body had in it. The mana was pouring rapidly into his leylines and slicing into the yokais flesh with his scythe. His body was taking about as much damage as he was giving out, but he didn't care, his own wrath was propelling his body around, numbing the pain so he could get his revenge for his friend.

Sadly though, even with his moments of rage, the numbed damage would take its toll and he'd pass out after cleaving a large chunk of the Yokai's arm off, tumbling into the ground with a heavy thud.

Body refusing to listen to his angered thoughts now from exhaustion, he'd lay motionless on the ground as everyone else, including Kaia would finish the beast.

Finally a sickening sound would come pouring out behind him as Kaia's blade would slice through the felines throat, causing it to bleed to death and hit the floor.

Feeling sorry for himself, feeling horrible that Kaia of all people got hurt because he wasn't strong enough to protect them! A soft crying sound would be coming from his direction as he'd lay there for a few moments longer before slowly stiring back into an upright position on the ground to see the damage that had been done.

The blood in his veins was pumping hard and fast, but it'd slowly calm down as he'd stand and move towards Kaia. She was hurt and hurt bad, he knew this much at the very least, so he'd grab her arm and look at her hand that had been bitten off. "Ah'm so sorry...ah...how could this have happened to you!?"

Knowing they still had more to do on this expedition, Raja felt horrible, but he'd start to rip some of his coat up and bandage the hand. Sarradians didn't bleed like humans did, their blood was special and was an extremly pure form of water that could heal wounds. "This ain't much, but it's all we can do for now..."

For the remainder of this journey, he was going to be sticking close by her knowing she was injured and goinng to be unable to fight as she was before.
(Raja Nagano-Draconis)
The Koar was killed with a showy flash of magic by the girl whose hand he had taken. The boy Raja would bind the girls wound. The only thing left in this room was what seemed to be a box. If anyone looked inside it would be a cache of steel, enough to make an entire piece of armor or even a weapon out of. The box itself would be bad to transport but the steel could be collected into pouches and what not for easier carrying.

There was only one path left to take now. The group would do so; this path would lead toward yet another large room. This one seems to only have two paths in it however. Left or right? There is a scream coming from somewhere but it is so far off that the group could not tell which path it was coming from.

They must now choose their fate.

The fight was tough but it was over now. Eris came out mostly alright, his body felt like complete trash from but he could manage. Kaia, however, lost her hand and Raja lost his cool. But they both pulled through in the end.

With the Koar Yokai defeated, Eris took the time to approach the corpse of the cat. Gazing at it, he lifted his hand and the blood of it weakly rose and it put it into several vials.

Now on to the final path!!

In this path were two other paths. Why were there so many twists and turns in this cave? Eris points the path to the right.

"We should go this way..."
(Eris Erimos)
Cursing under her nose the drakanite tightened her claws, waiting for Raja and Kala to handle her wound around the hand, standing guard and observing the area with her eyes narrowed as she soon addressed the two with tone filled with blame and anger.

"I am sorry Kala, I failed on keeping the beast from reaching you and the others, I weren't careful enough, this wouldn't have happeend if I were careful..." the pureblood exhaled loudly, cursing loudly as she ignored her own wounds, allowing the two to finish tending to the wound before deciding to lead the group towards the middle path, with blood occasionally dripping from underneath of Bevolts armor, leaving barelly noticable path of blood drops behind the group.

As soon the group reached the room the drakantie stared at the tunnles with her eyes narrowed, growling upon hearing the screams and soon looking towards the group from behind of the mask, soon adressing them once more.

"I don't know where these noises are coming from but I will leave chosing the path to you all, once again  will remain in the front and I will do my best to protect you this time."
(Bevolt Nagano-Draconis)
Koru was increasingly late for the whole excusion with the whole thing coming out of the blue.

Koru wanted to come on this adventure to get out a bit more then usual and force himself to explore a bit more places and  get to know a bit more about the world.

Though more then enough, Koru was more then likely here to grab a bit of loot.

Being fashionably has  both downsides and perks. WThe downsides eing that if the party goes too far ahead, it would be pointless to join, though it also ment that most traps would be triggered. Plus sides were that lots of the dangers such as minor ones would be out of the way.

Koru wasn't much of a runner, though he was able to make it to the group with ease due to the lessen obstcles ahead of him.

When Koru arrived, it seemed that the group was rather beaten up. It was odd to say the least, though Koru saw that Kaia was missing a hand. It was sad to say the least.

When Koru followed the group, they were led to a fork in the road. A path to the left and one to the right. Koru heard a scream though Koru began to decide which sides to go into.

"It seems to come from the right i think...."
(Koru D. Hoshi)
Flinching when someone grabbed her wrist that had no hand attached, for a second, she had thought the Kaor was going to bite her whole arm off. Her energy sword quickly formed in her right hand as she was prepared for another battle, until she saw it was Raja. A sigh of relief as the energy blade despersed as she looks up at the Drakanite, he was everything but calm.

After tending to her wound, the two stood up, Kaia was shocked and nervous, remembering that she had screamed not too long ago, hoping it wouldn't be brought up. As the group would walk back and into the remaining pathway, kaia walked close to Raja, comforting and reassuring him on the venture. She worried about everyone except herself at this moment, they all seemed upset for her and she didn't want that. Though, for now, all she could do was stay silent as the group pushed forward, everyone on their guard.
(Kaia)
The group would take the right path. They would move down it until they could see a bit of light. The closer they got to the light the louder the scream would become. The group would find themselves in yet another room. This one was clearly for living. Clothes strewn about and what not. A figure sat in the corner. It was a little girl. She looked to be no more than fourteen years old, she wore nothing but a dark dress that seemed to shift and sway.

She was huddled in the corner crying, not even paying attention to the group. The source of the screams seemed to be coming from the darkened wind that flowed over her form. One thing was very clear, they could feel it clear as their own heart beats. Depravity slipped off her form, it filled the very air around them.


The group could feel the tension of her sadness, the scope of her pain, and most of all the dark energy around her filled their minds with sorrow. What was this girl? And what was wrong with her?

Bevolt blinked as the group made her way through the hall into the right corridor in hurry with her plated greavers echoing within the alls as she marched forth. only to stop all out of suddeny as she spotted a girl in a room to which they reached after a good a moment.

Her eyes stared at the girl with her expression turning into shock and confusion as the waves of depravity hit her out of sudden. Affter a moment the pureblood cleared her throat before addressing the depraved girl before them.

"Whats going on, why are you crying what hapepned here? Please tell us."
 the drakanite asked while trying to sound concenred though still holding her guard, just incase.
(Bevolt Nagano-Draconis)
The group proceeded down the right path, Eris in a back near the stranger who joined. He exchanged no words with the person because of how tense it felt, but kept close to the stranger and kept an eye on Kaia though she was close to Raja. Eventually, the path ended and they found themselves in another room and the screams grew louder and louder. Eris looked around the room and his eye caught sight of a girl a bit older than himself.

Something was off about her. Not the fact that she was living in some cave in Dragon's Peak but also because there was a very strange aura leaking from her. Eris never felt anything like this. It was strong-- very strong and it made Eris feel very conflicted inside. His mind felt invaded by darkness and he grew very tense.

It was obvious this girl was a threat. The boy stuck behind the others though he didn't cower but stood his ground with several vials of all sorts of blood ready. The young magi was going to do much better this time around to mak sure everyone was fine and got out of this uninjured.
(Eris Erimos)
With the group deciding on to move to the right, Koru looked at the chest. It wouldn't be bad to check though right?

SO, Koru looked into the chest to find a few ingots of Steel, though it wasnt much, Koru decided to take a few and placed them in a small sac, though he left it for now to grab on his way out.

On the way through the cave, Koru saw a bright ight that seemed to glow brighter with every passing moment. When they finaly made it through it seemed that the group was led into a larger area, that seemed to be a living quarters.

"W....What is this place?"

Koru thought to himself for a moment, until he saw the irl right before him. She seemed to be crying, but he couldn't help but feel something going on. It was simiar to when he visited the Illusive forest as he fet bad intentions around his being and he began to sufficate. Would the same happen again?

Koru looked out toward the child and spoke out, though he didn't draw closer.

" Are you ok miss? Do you need help?"
(Koru D. Hoshi)
Worry was all over his face about Kaia, but he knew it would do no good to let it weigh both of them down. The girl was just like him in the sense they didn't care about their own state of being as long as their friends were fine.

Much like when Kaia had heard Quazla was dead, he tried to comfort her back then too and it seemed to annoy her more than help. She was stronger than most people gave her credit, but it did bug him at times when she did the exact same thing he would do in her boots. Seriously they were too alike in that regard.

Following yet another path through the caves, somewhere along the line the latest member of their original planned party would show up. Tossing them a slight glare for showing so late, he'd quickly drop it because at least they had another capable hand to help them out. (No pun intended)

Entering a different room now that seemed to be the source of crying, their group would see a room filled with clothing and a girl crying as occultic energy flowed from her form, but depravity filled the air as well.

"Be careful, don't know what we're up against, especially after that yokai back there." Keeping a hand on his weapon, he'd prepare himself to fight if needed while they others checked why they were crying.
(Raja Nagano-Draconis)

The girl looks up staring at the group with dead eyes. "I presume you come here=seeking his secrets. I cannot allow that to happen" 	 she says simply. Her voice is as hollow as the wind that surrounds her. The girl stands and dust her dress off before moving forward. She draws the staff on her back, the depraved wind around them picks up.


"The life you seek brings nothing but pain and torment. Turn back now or I will be forced to make you turn back" she says galring.

(Hallow)
Bevolt blinked while staring at the girl, listening to her words with growing frown on her face, sighing loudly the drakanite rolled her slitted eyes just before deciding to address her with same calm tone she used before, hoping to learn bit more to seek out the reasoning for her request for them to leave.

"I need to know why do you say it brings nothing but pain and torment, please help us understand what is wrong so we can decide if truthfully should we leave, we seek no violance so allow us to understand and what is happening." the drakanite requestes, hoping for the girl to shine some light on the matter, though still being prepared for worst case scenario.
(Bevolt Nagano-Draconis)
Raja Nagano-Draconis: We're not here to fight, we're looking for a smith that was said to be up here so that we may learn his techniques to help more people.
Hallow: I know why your here.
Raja Nagano-Draconis: Then could you take us to them...if you aren't them?
Koru D. Hoshi: *Koru sad nthing and looked at the child worried*
Hallow: Beat me in one round of a fight to prove your worth and then we will talk.
Bevolt Nagano-Draconis: All...tgoether or one of us?
Raja Nagano-Draconis: Simple enough...guessing it wont be though?
Hallow: All fo you.
Bevolt Nagano-Draconis: *Sighs* Are you sure of it?
Hallow: <*Nods*>
Bevolt Nagano-Draconis: Very well...I hope this won't go too far...
Koru D. Hoshi: Lol
The girl fought hard the power of her wind hitting strong and fierce. But the combined power of the group was almost too much for her to handle. She goes down in one wave of magic from the group after a hard fight. The girl gives a loud hmph and then stands up brushing herself off. "Fine I will take you but you will not like what you see" she says simply.

Before they move on the girl moves into a corner and pulls out a book. She would head toward the oldest one there, Bevolt. The girl hands Bevolt the book and sighs. "Inside you will find the ancient secrets of Frostvalien Blacksmithing techniques, don't waste the vast knowledge held inside" she says.

With that the girl would lead them off through the cave, the path they had ignored and into a very separate room. Inside there was a table, on the table laid a man. He was sleeping, but one might think he was dead. His breath came out shallow. "You must figure out the secret to awaken him" the girl says pointing to five potions that lay before the man and a sheet of paper that read as.
"Only those with true smith knowledge may awaken me. For I am sleeping awaiting the day I can pass on my life work. However some of my secrets are very dangerous.A test of knowledge to see if you are worthy to weld my secrets"
There are five potions before you
Two are twins that harm
One will awaken the dead from slumber
One will do nothing but stray your eyes away
One will harm in ways that cannot be imagined.
The Twins taste the same but do not hold the same type of bottle"
The bottle on the far left is a large round thing filled with a pink liquid
The one next to that is filled with what appears to be a brownish sludge.
The third is a small flask filled with a clear liquid
The fourth is also a flask but filled with a light pinkish liquid
The fifth and last one is a bottle that looks the same as the first but is filled a deep red liquid.

When they were done reading the girl was already gone.


Bevolt Nagano-Draconis: Any of you got idea how to solve this?
Bevolt Nagano-Draconis: *approaches and tries to see if she could use her alchemical knwoledge and sense of smell to determine the ingredients of each of the potions*
Raja Nagano-Draconis: Think the two pinks are the twins so they are bad...
Koru D. Hoshi: yea
Koru D. Hoshi: THough one doe say that one will tray our eyes away
Raja Nagano-Draconis: So...clear, sludgey brown, and red...
Koru D. Hoshi: So if we can find out which one that is it gives up a better chance..
Raja Nagano-Draconis: One strays the eyes...
Raja Nagano-Draconis: All three catch them though...
Koru D. Hoshi: So its a 1 in 3 chance to kill him, nothing, or wake him
Kaia: <*glances between each person*>
Bevolt and Raja with their combined knowledge of poison and alchemy and nature and everything else would be able to tell that the two liquids that were red and pink were the twins. The brown liquid seemed to be just mud, confirmed by opening it and pouring it out. This only left a few choices. Though quick deductive reasoning the two could tell that it was the flask holding the clear liquid that would awaken the man.
With a faint smirk the drakanite moved to ruffle her siblings head in gentle manner as if to show her gratitute just before moving to grab the vial with clear liquid inside, jsut before sighing and uncorking the lid before moving towards the sleeping man with one of her claws slowly moving on the back of his head, rising it a little to make the drinking easier before slightly separating his lips and pouring the content into his mouth.

From there watching the results, hoping that she and her brother made the right choice and didn't accidentally ended up killing the smith in their attempt of awakening him, knowing how devastating the result would have been to the entire expeidtion.
(Bevolt Nagano-Draconis)
So this shows, Raja decides to take the pink and red potions for later, shoving them into his bag before Bevolt gives the correct one to the old man who appears dead.

Watching her do so, he'd smile and pray that it was the correct one after all their investigating.
(Raja Nagano-Draconis)
The man was awakened once the potion entered his system. He looks over at the people before him with a large smile on his face. He jumps down from the table and waves hand through the air. "So you've past all my test. Good job, I see you even managed to persuade the girl to show you my final location. It is clear that you all posses' great potential. You managed to wake me up. If it is my knowledge that you truly seek however you must pass one final test. A test of body. Defeat me and I willingly give you everything that you seek. My life's work, and even my final collection of Arcanium tat rest here by me" he says.


The man points to a box and then turns back to the group. He seemed to be old and very wizened. Weary to hand out his secrets to just anybody. The group knew what they must do. Earn his respect. A simple enough task.

(Haroshi)

The battle against the man was fierce and hard. His power was much stronger than the things that had been thrown at them earlier in the quest. His HolyFire and holy magic kept him up and fighting despite his old age and years spent asleep. He manages to down the team. The old man wasn't evil but he had to prove a point. So he would walk over to the young boy Raja and stick his hand out holding a holy flame to the boys arm giving him quite a nasty burn that would eventually heal.

2 ic years of a -10 vit nerf

The fight raged one once more as they went at a second round. This time the team manages to beat him.  Third round ensures once more the man falls. He stands. "Alright guys you win" he says simply.

As promised the man concedes and heads to the table. He grabs a book and hands it to them. "This contains my life work. Inside are crafting secrets that one would never dream of before. Made by both me and my old order. Speaking of inside you will also find a map marked with the locations of others like me who will give you their secrets. I warn you many challenges lay ahead if you follow this path" he says simply.

The man then points to the box of material. There was enough there to make a weapon or something out of but no more or less. With that the man simply waves. His work here was done. He would head off somewhere and probably just die, but his secrets had been passed on to those he deemed worthy. It was a good life and now Bevolt and her crew	 had a new mission. If they could find these other smiths the amount of knowledge they could gain would be immense.

Panting and groaning the pureblood stared at the old smith with her body barelly standing from exhustion. Her eyes locking on the book he offered do them, faintly smiling as she got ahold of the book with her shaky claws, finding it hard to imagine what she saw and heard.

It was more than she could imagine as she stared at the result of their expedition, smiling faintly before bowing down towards the smith, looking at the map itself, along with the steel and arcanium ingots. With this she felt like her first part of the journey came out successful with many more to come, if the time and life were to allow her to journey out to them.
(Bevolt Nagano-Draconis)