Of Might and Magic

Keena looked up at the sky, watching the distance of the thunder clouds in the distance. She had about three hours before those black clouds blocked out the sun that was shinning down on her at the moment.

She heard a whimper and turned to the shore of the lake, where her companion; Silver Wind, lay waiting for her to finish her bath.

Those clouds are closer, perhaps you are done now? He asked hopefully through their mental connection.

"Stop worrying so much Silver. Those clouds are at least three hours away, I am perfectly safe from the lightning."

She dunked her head back into the water to rinse her cleaning sand from the long tresses. She enjoyed the feel of the warm lake, she had been traveling for about two weeks now, a new mission for Gaia and had had little time to enjoy a bath. Now she was in the middle of one and would not allow it to come to an end so soon.

"Why don't you go hunting for our supper tonight?" She asked.

And leave you alone in that state? He snorted. I don't think so.

She paused in her bathing once more to look at the large timber wolf. "Silver Wind, I have deffended myself time and time again when the time has come, I love that you protect me however I will be fine while you go get food."

The wolf rose to his feet and shook himself. With one final whimper he took off into the surrounding woods to hunt, leaving his mistress to herself and her glorious bath.

Destiny had stolen her horse from the stables, and now Amara had sent the soldiers after her. She Wasn't sure where she was or where she was going, all she knew was that she was faster than they were, but they were still fresh on her trail.

Destiny had noticed a women with snowy white hair in the water, she didn't know the women but she felt she would be safe if she was near her. Destiny muttered something and her once all white horse was now a raven black with a white main and tail. She placed her hood of the black cloak she was wearing over her head. Her once yellow blond hair was now a lovely shad of brown.

She knelled at the edge with a wooden bowl in her hand letting the horse drink from it. She prayed that the women wouldn't say anything as the men rode by.

Keena dunked down further in the water so that it covered her breats. Her hair swirled around her as she watched the women curiously. She sensed she was a vampire, but could not sense a drop of evil in her so did not worry. However she reconized fear as a large number of men started to ride by. Two of them broke off and came down to where her clothes were and where Silver Wind had just been laying.

"You there woman, have you seen a woman with blonde hair on a white horse come through here?" He asked in a scortched voice.

"No I have not, now if you don't mind I would like to finish bathing on my own." Keena replied with hotty tones.

The man smirked to his partner. "Are you sure you wish to remain on your own? We would be more then happy to join you after all." He said.

"Take one more step near this water and I assure you, you will never be able to join a young lass again."

The soldier's face grew dark at these last words. "Careful wench..." He growled.

Keena raised a brow, but was saved as Silver Wind arrived behind the men, his long sharp teeth glistening as he snarled at them. "I believe you should mount your horses and be on your way."

Both men shook their heads hastily before doing just that and riding off to catch up. She sighed and sank a little more into the water. She really hated being mean, but she hated pigs even more.

She roused herself and looked over that the woman watering her horse. "I don't think they will be back any time soon." She shrugged one naked shoulder. "And even if they should we will be prepared."

She went to the bank not caring about her naked body and dryied off quickly and dressed. After placing her blades back in place and slinging her bow over her hips she went to the woman. "I am Keena and this is Silver Wind, don't worry he is harmless."

Destiny stood up when the men left. She knew they would be back this way considering the castle was just a few towns over "I am Destiny and this.." She pointed to the now all white horse, "This is Winter Sage."

Destiny looked down the rode the men just left, it was a matter of time before they came back, "I thank you kindly, but I must not stay much longer, if I know my men well enough they will be back..."

Destiny looked around for another rode but didn't see one, "Is there another rode that leads out of here besides this one?" she asked looking at the wolf then the woman.

Keena had heard the noise of battle, her skin was crawling and ever nerve was alert.

"Yes, but I am afraid there is a battle going on. Silver Wind and I have to travel that way, perhaps you will allow us to accompany you milady?"

Destiny looked around, then nodded, "But we must hurry." She walked over to Winter Sage and pulled herself up, "Lead the way."

Keena nodded. "Keep up Kindred."

She then began running through the forest with the agility and speed of the wolf that ran beside her. She was apart of everything here in the forest, anything dealing with the earth really. She had been created by the tears of the goddess Gaia to protect the world and those worth it with her life. So far she had done well at that, except for the time she had been enslaved.

She halted near a rock formation with a large cave. She sent herself out into the cave and felt for anything dangerous. Nothing came back to her so she turned to the woman.

"There is a massive storm heading this way, I am afraid even with the thickness of the trees we will not be safe. We will take shelter here for the moment, do not worry. I will erect spells that will make it so none can enter or even see the cave. We will be safe here." She turned and entered the cave.

Destiny could smell the storm, she wanted to stay in it and play. But she knew better, the men would be searching, but she had to go back, or at least allow herself to be caught soon, or Amara would have the heads of these soldiers. But some of them deserved it, She sighed, "Safe? I have never heard such a word in my life."

She climbed off of Winter Sage, and stood next to him, "I shall only stay until the storm passes, Then I must continue on." The horse reared onto it's back legs Neighing his refusal.

She laid her hand on the horses side, 'We have no other choice Sage. We mustn't me caught." He nodded in agreement and followed her into the cave.

Keena built a fire and had Silver Wind gather wild oat stalks for Winter Sage.

"I am afraid I cannot do better." She spoke directly to the horse, there was not a plant or animal she could not talk with.

She rose again and started to the entrance of the cave, "I will go hunting, there are some rather large hares that will provide enough blood for you and meat for me and Silver. I do not know what else this storm brings, but I advise you stay inside."

Destiny looked at her, she had just freed herself but was being forced to stay in a cave. She looked around, "Roomier than home I suppose." Which was partly the truth. But she nodded in agreement to staying, she had Sage to keep her company.

Keena caught this thought. "It is just for now, once the storm is over I give you my word I will take you safely where ever you wish to go." She smiled. "The gods have brought you into my care and I will make sure you are safe."

Destiny nodded again, "go. And hurry." She muttered, she didn't want her to get caught by the men, or the storm.

Destiny caught scent of something other than Winter Sage. She looked around but didn't notice anything. 'I'm not sure what it is.' She thought as she patted the horses side, when she saw the look he gave her.

Siah was the last to step out of the portal, his armour dripping wet from the rain now pouring down. His golems marched laboriously through the forest laying siege to the Elven Kingdom. He smiled as a Dark Warlock approached. Siah spoke with powerful authority, "I will not be in this war, Malalx, I have other... endeavours to take care of." Without so much as a glance Siah left the Warlock to his duties. The war raged on with the golems and Warlock Commanders attacking the Elven Fortresses.

Walking off into the woods Siah smiled... "Where are you, my prey? I know you're out there. I feel you!" He thought as he disappeared.

Keena and Silver Wind ran through the darkening woods, their movements not hindered at all thanks to their night vision. She had her bow notched with an arrow ready to fire when her prey came into site.

A rustle came from a bush and a large hare caming running out. She fired her arrow hitting it in the side causing it to scream. Silver Wind pounced on a second that charged from another bush at the sound of the other's distress.

"Perfect, we have two that should be enough." She told the wolf.

He looked at her and wagged his tail. What are you eating then? He asked.

She laughed, "One of those hares you gluton."

The wolf snorted around the hare and started heading back. She grabbed her own hare and started to follow but something on the wind made her stop. Her brows furrowed as she tried to focus on what it what that made her instincts sing with battle. Then it came to her...she remembered that presence from years before.

How can it be? He is suppose to be banished to his own world for all eternity....

She hurried to Silver Wind. "We have to get to the cave as soon as possible, the others might be in trouble!" She shouted as she raced through the dark and windy forsest, the first strike of lightning lit up the night and the earth shook...the storm was upon them.

Siah felt his prey, he sensed is quarry and his blood boiled. He unsheathed his sword and bowed his head. His armour glowed and his weapon hissed with intense heat as the raindrops poured down upon it.

Lightning struck some trees near to him, he did not fear the elements of the Corporeal Realm harming him, he feared that they would cause him to lose track of his prey.

He lifted his helmed head to the clouded skies and felt about him with his demonic energies...
"Got you!" He raced off into the brush, he was fast! Ridiculously fast even in armour!

Keena felt him draw closer and she ran faster. She reached the cave and ran into its depths quickly throwing the hares to the ground near the fire. She looked at Destiny.

"There is a great danger heading this way, stay in this cave with Silver Wind, he will protect you both and lead you to a place of pure safety should something happen to me." She turned her eyes to the location of the hidden fairy. "You would do wise to stay with them little one."

She then turned and drew her blades and ran off into the storm, she would try and lead him from the cave it was only her he was after.

Not even breathing hard Siah ran all the faster. He shoulderd trees massive trees out of his way and used a levitation jump to leap over others. He ran faster and faster, getting closer and closer.

"She must know I'm here, she'll be ready there'll be no surprising her." His thoughts caused a frown to crease his brow as his legs pummeled the earth performig a giant leap over a copse of trees. He would end her!

Keena came to a skidding halt as she reached the end of the earth before it gave way to about sixty feet a river lay in the bottom of the cavern. She knew he was nearly upon her and she had not made it too far from the cave, she hoped the others would listen. She turned facing the timber line, her swords ready for a fight as she prepared herself for what was coming.

Siah burst out of the treeline. He landed with a heavy 'thud'. Kneeling from the landing. He didn't look at the Celestial, he didn't even acknowlegde her presence. "Some things are meant to be destroyed..." He said in a whisper, "Some are meant to be cherished and protected..."

Siah stood upright looking directly into Keena's eyes, his dark soul egging him on. He kept he sword lowered and took a step forward, not saying anything more...

Keena's eyes were past purple or blue...instead they now glowed a rich amber to rival that of any wolf's. She looked at him, he looked much as he had that last time she had seen him, the time he had nearly claimed her life.

"I see you never change Siah." She said as watched his every move for a sign of attack.

Siah looked at Keena as if he would rip her flesh off if he could. This wouldn't be easy, but he had slain so many Celetsials before, so much blood had bathed his blade... he would make this quick.

A ball of fire, so hot that the torrenting rain had no affect on it, shot towards Keena as Siah charged...