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War was a chaotic thing, sparks flew as blade met blade, a dusty wasteland was filled with bright colored light as two opposing spells clashed and from every corner of the battlefield there were growls of determination, cheers of triumph and the agonized screams of the wounded and defeated. It was easy to get lost in the throng of clashing bodies, most of them sweating, bleeding and eventually dying. War on Magesc was unending, brutal and hectic.

Still, war on Magesc had rules, a sort of unspoken upon set of standards all the races generally upheld regardless of their determination to win. Most important amongst these was that non combatants were not to be targeted. Those not carrying weapons should not be attacked or harmed unless they clearly meant you harm. People of different races were not still trusted or welcome on the other continents but this rule prevented there from being random bloodshed constantly on Soudul and Serenia as well as keeping ferry captains who knew how to navigate the celestial vortex from being kidnapped so opposing armies could invade the Dovaa's homeland.

For centuries there had been relatively little fighting on the main continents, with Eowyn having become the accepted battleground and certain areas of it dotted with the semi permanent camps that allowed each race to keep up a front line presence.

Now though the rules had been broken and a war which had ebbed and flowed in the background of people's lives had been brought to the forefront once again.

Aevah Avi, stood in the midst of the Orderite's camp in Eowyn, a hot dry wind blew stinging sand across her skin and tugged at her pale hair. She had greater concerns though and fierce determination shone in the high priestess' blue eyes. Serenia had lost the majority of a small town two days ago, it's residents all swiftly falling ill and dying shortly thereafter. When poison was determined to be the culprit the townsfolk were quick to check the local reservoir and found a note stuck to one of the water tanks reading.

There is no refuge from Soudana's wrath.

Aevah had been forced to strike out for Eowyn to exact some form of vengeance when Draco had denied involvement and claimed that the Orderites were killing their own for sympathy now.

Marcus Ysaride paced back and forth inside the small circle his advisers had formed around him. He had never taken to the battlefield before and had tried so hard to keep his people out of the worst of the fighting. There could be no more avoiding outright conflict after the events of this morning however.

The Celestial Vortex had opened, only to spill out the dying bodies of two dovaa who were quite obviously not fighters themselves. Clutched in one man's hand were feathers that were clearly Orderite in origin. His dying words were a raspy sounding " Ambush, wouldn't.. let... surrender."


There was a deep sense of unease in Marcus's stomach as he turned his eyes to the East and caught sight of the the battle already underway. Already there was so much needless death being carried out, if only the Orderites had been as righteous as they claimed and not stooped to such despicable levels.

Draco Verrano was carefully adjusting his armor, snapping at his soldiers and in general not pleased. First Aveah had had the nerve to accuse him of ordering her civilians killed because of some note that anyone could have written. Then he'd gotten the unsettling news that an oblivionite orphanage taking in those now parentless due to the war had been attacked and it's administrator brutally savaged. The marks on their body were undeniably from a dovaa's claws and the old woman swore she'd heard her attack say " Abronaxus' patience has run out."

The ancient Oblivionite leader had forgone any pretense of political niceties and ordered his personal battleship be readied to take him to Eowyn immediately. He would see the Dovaa army slaughtered in Soudana's name and then he would march on the celestial fortress and burn it to the ground for this offense.

As Marcus, Aveah and Draco prepare to take their places on the battlefield, the loyal armies of each race have already begun to spill each other's blood. The recent happenings have only solidified most soldier's will to be victorious.

Erionda

Rio lifted one leg and swung it around. Hopping off Uassae's back with a soft thunk in the volcano rocks below her feet. Lanzecki trailed almost effortlessly behind, his size having grown significantly since hatching. She had been woken early from her slumber by the sound of clashing metal and explosions.

It wasn't like noise was ever a problem on Eowyn around Rio's home. Kiandri often ventured close, before remembering the swift slaughter she had caused them. They would often turn back without causing her any grief.

Touching the side of her shoulder armor a small white snowflake pattern bloomed and disappeared. The only signal Erionda had re-instated the ice like protection against the hot sun. She was starting to really hate Eowyn and all it's troubles. As soon as her fathers home was found, she would move. Move far away to Aisko to where she was more likely to tolerate the weather.

Erionda snorted and started walking again, slow enough for Lanzecki to stay in step with her as she headed for a better vantage point. "I figured, it was war. I had no idea it was Orderites. What in the frozen water fueled the flames to this battle? They haven't been this close to my home before." she remarked tightly.

Lanzecki stopped when she did. She looked like she wanted to say something more but wasn't sure how to bring it up. Opening her mouth, she suddenly snapped it closed again as her head turned, the light of suspicion dawning in her gaze. "Unless they are hunting me?"

Fairly big party to be hunting for you. Something else must be going on. Should we get a closer look? Uassae offered.

"I'm not helping them." Erionda replied reaching a point she found reasonable to oversee the Orderite camp below. "It's not like they have been all that welcoming before. Heck I'll watch them be slaughtered. Just cause it's part of my blood doesn't make them part of me."

Junjie

Eowyn was a lot louder today then he was used to, wasn't it? Sure there were times it could be quite loud, normally when he was dealing with those Firani Dragons that seemed to have the worst temperaments he'd seen, but this was different. The two of them, Junjie himself and his Keindred Abellio, slipped along the sand dunes toward the sound and realized that it was voices, a lot of them, "Too many to just be a merchant caravan." That much he was certain of but that was basically all that he was certain of at this point and when he finally came up over the last of the dunes he spotted a rather large party of... Dovaa? He blinked a couple times before he caught hold of his hood, pulling it up over his head and tucked it under his twisting horns, letting his eyes close for a moment as he willed his wings to remain where they were, which was hidden.

"We should go and check it out." He murmured to Abellio who seemed to be against the entire idea. They could go back out into the desert of Eowyn, go back to hunting Firani and collecting their orbs as the Sage wanted them to do, "We will, I am just curious." He'd only ever seen Dovaa one or two at a time, never in these numbers, and to not go... well that was just silly, right? He just get in, figure out what they were up to, and then he would get back out again! Easy as that! He giving a glance over at Abellio, adjusting the cloak that the Drakein was wearing he said, "You can stay here, take cover, and wait for me if you prefer." He knew it was what the Drakein preferred to do when dragons were a round. It was something that was met with a very negative shake of the feathered Drakein's head. He was going it would seem, not wanting ot leave Junjie all alone.

Using his staff as a walking stick he started down the dunes and toward the Dovaa Camp, curiosity filling him that much more. What was it that they were up to? This was way too many of them to be doing anything that came to mind first... and the weapons they carried, this was no normal hunting expedition, it felt different like... a warband. The idea sent a chill up his spine, making him wonder if he was wrong in approaching. Maybe he should turn on his heel and leave? It was a tempting thought, one that Abellio encouraged, but as he considered such a thing he knew that if it were indeed a warband, if they were fighting against the other races, there would be injured men and women. He may not want to raise arms against anything but the occassional dragon but it would be selfish of him not to use the powers he'd been granted to given aid to those in pain. Not to mention if he were to walk away from injured people his mother would make short work of him. Wincing at the thought he continued forward, his brightly colored eyes scanning the crowd, wondering if any of the few Dovaa he knew would be here. Surely not his mother... but maybe Burrom? Maybe the Sage? Would Arick be here?

Humming at the thought he continued forward, giving pause when he heard some others chatting, and his eyes went the size of dinner plates as they mentioned that Marcus was here. He recalled the name from his childhood, Esmeralda talking about the great man who led the Dovaa, and he recalled how much as a little boy he'd wanted to even get a glimpse of him, "Maybe it was a good thing to come here, Abellio, maybe we can actually see him." He said in a hushed whispered, wanting to jump up and down in excitement but forced himself to relax. He didn't want to draw attention to himself after all. Best that he just remain someone walking by in the background until he saw someone in need of his powers, then and only then would he step in.

Agniri

Free from the almost constant watch of her parents as a keinling, Agniri had taken to becoming a keindred with great glee. She had finally grown enough in strength , size and wisdom to be given a little more freedom. The Firani drakein's curiosity and thirst for adventure had quickly lead to her overhearing about how the magescan races were ramping up their fighting again. Not only did they kill drakeins and raid their nesting grounds for eggs but not they seemed to be killing in the other races nesting grounds.

The very idea of such a thing made the keindred uncomfortable and she had been off like a shot to go investigate. Pink feathers didn't exactly make one blend into the desert enviroment but Agniri had no intention of making a target of herself. She was still young yet and while she could take on some of the local fauna she had learned the hard way she was no battle ready warrior yet.

For now Agniri was merely traveling with other Eowyn drakein, traveling towards an unoccupied section of land overlooking the battlefield and a reasonable distance from the bipedal being's camps. She did her best to ignore the looks some of the older drakein were giving her, like she should still be in the nest or something. It wasn't her fault she was hatched smaller than normal. Besides, if this was boring she'd be back in her clan's territory by nightfall.

Kilian
Kilian had stayed in Taliuma after his last failed dragon hunt. He had needed time to himself and also felt he needed to get Erionda some room. The last thing he wanted to do was crowd her or push her away. He took a deep sigh as his hand gripped the jeweled necklace in his packet. He had yet to give her the trinket he'd picked up the day he'd met up with Kavanna. Was it nerves? Second thoughts? He wasn't sure. Maybe he'd give it to her today.

Kilian set out, Amadia in tow, that morning. The city was busier than usual. A much more chaotic bustle to the thriving desert city than what there usually was. Strange. Kilian thought. He shrugged, though, not giving it much more thought.

Something's wrong, I can feel it. Amadia informed Kilian. His gaze wondered about as he headed through the crowd. Whispers of war and treason swept through the crowd. Kilian shoved his way through the throng of people. Now that he looked closer, more and more fighters could be seen in the town. He cursed, wondering what it could have been that he'd missed while out dragon hunting and then resting.

Kilian sped up his pace, heading for the desert and intending to head for Erionda's house. However, he was bombarded by other Oblivionites before he could make it past the camp. He clamped his mouth shut, lips forming into a thin line. This was not a situation he was going to be happy with. He just knew it. They informed him that he was to report to the Oblivionite camp and prepare himself for battle. Don't cause any problems. We don't need them knowing about Erionda, you know that. Amadia said as she sat still next to Kilian.

He gritted his teeth. I know, I know. Kilian said as he looked out into the desert. Resigned to his fate, for now, Kilian sighed and looked out in the direction of Erionda's house. He hoped that she was far away from what was going on. He had a sneaking suspicion, though, that she'd end up right in the middle of this whole mess somehow. So many pure bloods would not bode well for a hybrid. Kilian followed the directions the other Oblivionites had given him and was soon in the camp.
Word Count: 390

Araceli
Araceli was awoken from her dreams by the scurrying around of her parents down below. With a groan, she rolled over and sat up. She rubbed her eyes, trying to rid herself of the sleepy feeling of having just been woken from a dream. She yawned and headed downstairs. "What's going on?" She asked her parents as she reached the bottom of the stairs and her mother shot by her.

"Oh! You're awake." Niyol said. "I was just going to come up and wake you. Quickly, you must pack." She said as she rushed out of the room, leaving her daughter standing there, dumb struck by all the rushing going on.

"Dad!" She snapped as her father went to rush past her. Rhett stopped in his tracks and looked over at his daughter. "What's going on?"

Rhett frowned at his daughter's insistence. "I guess since you can't wait to find out. We were informed that we must make a trip to Eowyn. Our assistance is needed. Your mother and I are needed as healers and you Ara." He let out a deep breath. "You're needed for battle. I refuse to get into anymore detail at the moment Araceli. Do as your mother said and pack your things. Just the essentials."

Araceli turned numb as she headed back up the stairs. They needed her? Why, though? She wasn't very good at fighting. Every dragon hunt she'd ever gone on had been a complete failure. As she entered her room she closed her door. Grabbing her suitcase, she opened it on her bed and began filling it with things. As she did so, a tear escaped down her cheek. She was scared. "Battle. Actual battle?" How was she going to do this without getting killed?

When she was done packing, she stared into the mirror for a few seconds, willing the tears that were slowly running down her face to quit. She had to be strong for her parents. For herself. With a deep sigh she headed down the steps. Her parents were at the door waiting for her. They embraced their daughter, knowing that this had to be hard on her. Soon, they headed out to Eowyn and the Dovaa camp that was there.
Word Count: 375

Esmeralda



It had taken a few days to settle down, but Esmeralda had done it. Not only had she been able to change into more air clothing, she`d also met up with Junjie whom she hadn`t seen in forever. The Kiandri dragons had been easy enough to find, but had required she take other measures to investigate them. Esme didn`t feel like any of the earthy tones dyed into the clothing suited her, but the light fabric made it easy for her to hide away in the sandy dunes and not feel so hot trying to observe them. Granted she could only stay in the sun so long before she returned to her room in the inn.

Almost a week after she`d been on Eowyn two letters came for her. One was from her parents, how they`d found her she had no idea, maybe they did care for her more than Esmeralda admitted. The letter told of the events that had transpired in Astral city, and what was going to happen. They also told her in the letter what they were doing about it, Seritas was going out onto the battle field and her father was following behind her providing armor and weapons to the Dovaa warriors. Her brother would remain with the elders of the family while her parents went out. Esmerelda was now afraid her little brother would grow up without parents, that she would lose them and that through losing them she would be tied down to Astral city taking care of her brother.

The other letter was from Erisi, an old name she thought she would never see again. He was the old Dovaa who had taught her everything she knew about her Peisio powers and how to heal, he was the very reason for why she`d chosen her clan. Erisi was requesting Esmeralda`s assistance with healing, while he knew she no longer was a warrior, her healing abilities were being required. He was asking her and not forcing her to rise up to the task, but she knew far too well what he was doing. Erisi knew her need to save people and this war was going to cause far too many lost lives. Esme didn`t know how they had found her, but she was already packing her things for the day after she was joining the Dovaa camp.

There were no words to describe how Esmeralda felt when she finally reached the Dovaa camp, where dessert stood before there were now tents on every inch of space. All the Dovaa were warriors, and Esme felt out of place amongst them. Her first stop was finding her family; it was easy to know where the blacksmiths had set up from the black smoke rising up into the air. Cephcer was easy to find, he was startled by the appearance of his daughter at his door and her dark skin looking more like his own and his wife’s.

After exchanging a few words, Esme was on her way to find her mother, and she found the warrior woman just about leaving their tent fully armored. She too was surprised to find her daughter here, but quickly pulled her in for a silent hug before walking off. Esme settled her things into their tent and was out again. There was only one other person she needed to see, and from that point on she was going to be more involved with the war than she wanted to be. She knew though, that there was no choice. Esmeralda could not keep running from the war anymore.

Erisi was well settled into a spacious tent, as an elder of great power of the Peisio clan he was able to sit around and simply handle giving out orders.

“Esmeralda Vorperian, I have not seen you in a long time.” Erisi looked up from the papers, taking off his glasses and leaned back in his chair. “Come closer child, so I can get a good look at you.”

Doing as she was told Esmeralda got closer and sat down across the chair from him. “You know I never wanted to be part of this.” She regarded him with a neutral face, hiding the storm of emotions rolling inside of her.

“How you have grown…”

“Let’s cut to why I'm here, I know you did it on purpose.”

All friendliness from Erisi's face left him, and for the first time Esmeralda saw him for the powerful being he was.

“It looks like the world has done you some good Esmeralda. Knowledge is power after all, and you’ve been cultivating quite the interesting knowledge bank. I had great hope for you; you would have been quite the powerful Peisio. I found out too late that you had backed down from being a warrior, I would have tried to stop you and helped you.”

“You’re going to ask me to return to the battler`s path.” There was no going back for her Esmeralda knew this, felt this. She got up then, but not before Erisi grabbed onto her arm and pulled himself up to tower over her.

“Don’t think I don’t know who you’ve talked to and where you’ve been,” He hissed at her. “Those same people have pulled us into this and we`re walking blindly into a war. The Dovaa are the strong ones and we need to stay strong, you need to fight too Esmeralda.”

She was quivering from head to toe with anger, she wanted to cry and hit the other Dovaa. Esmeralda settled on ripping away from his grasp and glaring at him.

“I'm not going back, my priorities have changed.” Esmeralda stormed out, but his last words made her pause only briefly before she moved on, she knew he would find her if needed.

“I know about him.”

Shrugging off her odd encounter with Erisi, Esmeralda wandered the camp. Her mind as racing, she wouldn’t be allowed on the battle field because she was no warrior, but she’d be here at camp helping with the warriors who returned injured or worst. Erisi knew that she wouldn’t want to just stand here and wait, he was making sure she would go out on the battlefield. She would prove him wrong though, and not get into more trouble than she ought to. Right now, she just wanted to get the dark thoughts out of her head and prepare for the coming battle.

The cloud hanging above Esmeralda head faded as soon as she spotted a familiar face, one she never thought she would see on this side of the fence. The Peisio Dovaa took in a fast breath, seeing Junjie gave her mixed feelings, and if anyone found out he was half Orderite they would skin them alive. She wrestled with her emotions, not knowing what to do. In the end, she took a running head start straight for him. She was going to try and tackle or drag him to the ground so no one spotted him, because if he hadn`t heard what happened then he was in trouble. Junjie was a friend and she wouldn`t allow them to kill him, because he was also Dovaa in the end.

Kilian
Kilian sighed as he stood in the middle of the Oblivionite camp. Though he was surrounded by his race, he felt completely out of place. Everyone around him seemed to be preparing for battle while the only thing on his mind was how he was going to get out of this mess. It was the last place he wanted to be. We'll figure a way out. Amadia said to her friend. In truth, the Keindred was worried about their situation as well. She just didn't want to show it to Kilian. One of them at least had to pretend they were confident in this dire situation.

He was so lost in his own thoughts that Kilian hadn't moved from the spot he'd been standing in since arriving. He grunted as a body ran into his. He stumbled back a bit before catching his balance. Amadia growled slightly at the intrusion of their private conversation. Even if the Oblivionite didn't realize he'd interrupted anything. "Ah. It's alright." Kilian said as he rubbed the back of his head. "It really is something, isn't it?" He asked of the other Oblivionite as his gaze trailed around the encampment. The closest he'd come to seeing anything like this was when he'd been training as a child. Kilian had tried to stay away from any battles dealing with the war. This, though, seemed that it was unavoidable.

Kilian looked back at the other Oblivionite and really took in his appearance. His eyes strayed over his body and caught at the stitches placed carefully around his body. Amadia, have you ever seen such a thing? Amadia gave a slight shake of her head. No. "Nervous, huh?" At least he wasn't the only one feeling slightly off about this whole thing.
Word Count: 294

Kilian tried to show no emotion as the other Oblivionite talked. How was he to know how he felt about this situation they were in? It'd be best if he kept his opinions to himself for now. No use getting himself in trouble so soon into the battle. His gaze wandered over the various Oblivities milling around the camp. Most were bustling about, preparing themselves even further for the upcoming battle. Kilian couldn't make himself move, though. His heart was not in this. It never would be. He liked hunting dragons as much as the next Magescian. When it came to killing others though? He wasn't sure he was up for it.

His head snapped back to the Oblivionite's direction as he began talking about the Dovaas. He let out a deep breath as he heard no ill will in his voice. HIs thoughts went directly to a certain hybrid that had Dovaa blood running through her veins. "Yes. Yes, I know what you mean about the Dovaa." He would not let on, though, that his closest friend was a hybrid of Dovaa and Orderite origin. That would not bode well more than likely.

Kilian looked down at the man's extended hand and let out a sigh. He shook his hand while introducing himself and Amadia. "I'm Kilian. This is Amadia." Amadia sat down and glared at the pair before them, not happy with having to deal with strangers.
Word Count: 239