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Dark Forest:Mage's Clearing

Scaype ran over to Earth to see if she was Okay. His inability to save the Glowing one was really oppresing him.

He saw that Earth was Okay and turned at the sound of Waalks war cry in enough time to see the sword decending.

Earth rolled away towards Waalk.

"He is no threat, just a druken man that knows magic. Let him be, he will not harm us."

Waalk looked at her confusdly.

"He is an old friend that crossed me many years ago, as you can see, he is drunk and being drunk makes him vunarable." Earth sighed and looked at the others.

"Dont be upset, but we must find a safe place for him to rest up and then we can be on our way. Again, I am sorry." Earth said as she looked down at the ground.

Katar laughed and wiped his mouth. He walked zigzagedly and fell to the ground.Earth nelt down beside him and checked his pulse.

"He is still breathing. He smells of Tavern beer!"

She sighed, "So, will you help me?" She asked trying to get the druken sorcerer to his feet.

Scaype walks over, "So where are we going to take him? We don't even know where we are."

He looks around at the clearing, and realizes that it isn't as bright and chearful as it first seemed, in fact the forest is closing in.

"Just drunk!!" shouted Waalk in outrage, "This 'Drunk' just killed Jym. Now I know I never really knew Jym, but for the short time I'd known him he'd helped me out of a few tight spots."

With that off his chest Waalk walked up to the drunkerd and kicked him. "You uselss sh*t.". Waalk stomped off and sat on a log. He looked across to where Jym had died. He could still see a few crystals. He gathered these up and put them in a pouch. For a long time he didn't look at Earth or her friend.

High above the water is a kingdom of cloud.

The castle of this kingdome was made of diamond and set in a garden of trees and flowers. Its drawbridge forever down for it did not have chains to pull it up again.

Jym walked toward the castle, dazed. The last thing he remembered was the song that took him over and killed him. He had no idea where it had come from, but it had been over powering.

He was wondering who could have built this castle when he saw a man walking toward him. The man looked familiar and then it dawned on him, "Nathan?"

"Rithlian, welcome home." His brothers arms were wide open and he started to move toward him, but then he felt a sepparation and he watched himself walking toward the man Nathan.

But it wasn't him. He was still standing looking at the two as if very confused, which he was.

"Welcome home brother, come inside," said Nathan looking at Rithlian.

"But what about me." wispered Jym.

Nathan and Rithlian look back startled. They were even more amazed by what they saw, for there behind them was and almost exact copy of rithlian.

"What are you?" asked Nathan.

"I'm Jym."

"Oh, my word, he and I are different. And I always thought that he is just what I called myself when I was a cloud. He is the cloud."

Jym looked at them with sorrow, "What is to become of me? You are dead, Rithlian, So are you I assume Nathan. Am I dead?"

Nathan looked almost philosophical, "The better question is, 'Can majik die,' for you are majik Jym. I though the power of that last spell was more that good ole Rithlian could have pulled off by himself. You are a conduit Jym, you can chanel the majik of an entire worlde to a majik user. You are the most dangerous creature to have ever lived. You could even give majik to those with none."

"What do you mean?"

Nathan replied, "Think back to the time that you and your freind the Half-ling were about to be killed on Lorimar Road. It was his will that controlled the spell. All you did was give him the energy to do it."

Jym immedately saw the seen but from outside. There he was right in front of the Orc. Scopje moved up and there their bodies intermingled and that was when Skopje talked about his majik.

"Did skopje know that he was the one who cast the spell?"

"No, Jym, Skopje never knew."

"So whats going to happen to me?"

At this point Rithlian chimed in, "He's too dangerous to be sent back to the mortal Realm. Think of all of the havok he has already caused."

"Havok? Havok!?! My brother, you caused most of the havok. This good gentleman, or whatever, has been doing nothing but helping his freinds to survive.

"Not only that, but he was, and has been for over a thousand years, the reason you keep getting your human form back. I think the decision should be up to Jym."

He turns to the being called jym, "What do you think, do you want to go back to the mortal realm?"

"So my choices are to remain here, in the apparent bliss or to return to the mortal realm where I will very likely die," replied Jym.

Rithlian chimed in, "You could go back as a cloud, be an eternal observer."

"No thank you, I much prefer a human guise."

"Jym, before you decide, why don't you allow me to show you more of this realm. Why don't you come along also, Rithlian."

They spent a while looking at paradise, but Jym was un-satisfied with it, he wanted to live.

"I want to be human, Send me back."

"Go then Jym, there will always be a place for you here with us. Will you do the honors, Rithlian?"

"My pleasure."

With that Jym disappeared in a flash of light.

There was a bright flash of light, and there was a man standing in the center of the clearing. He was strangely familiar to those already there.

His bright green eyes peircing those he looked at, he started to laugh, a bright cheerful sound.

"I love life."

Earth walked up to Waalk and sat down beside him. Waalk wouldn't dare look at her.

"He is not dead you know, at least I dont think he is."

Waalk tilted his head and didnt say a word. Earth rapped her arm around Waalk and tried to comfort him.

"Magic never dies, either do souls and knowing Jym, he is already here again. Look, I am sorry for not making such a big deal bout his death, but I have lost millions along the way and some how there are no tears left for  anyone,not even myself." she said bowing her head. "Jym will never dies, he lives within us all."

Waalk still didn't look at Earth. No matter what she said, Waalk would rather have a Jym who would help him out of tight spots than a Jym who would live in his memory.

Little tears began to form in Waalks eyes. He kicked the ground and stood up.

"I more that live within you all," said the man from the otherside of the clearing, "I live."

He walked over to Waalk and Earth.

"Paradise was nice,
but living is better,
Rithlian died,
And how is the weather."

They looked up shocked. He couldn't be. The last time they saw Jym he was glowing, but this man appeared to be normal, except for the Bright green eyes...Green Eyes. It was Jym.

"Sorry to let you think that I was dead, but it was rithlian who died."

He found himself looking at a man. The eyes were the same, the voice was the same. "ITS JYM" and tears of joy rolled down his cheeks. He made to hug Jym then stopped halfway. Superheros didn't go around doing that thing.

"It's Jym everyone. He's come back from the dead." and then Earth knew that Waalk didn't hold a grudge against her, that her friend had been forgiven, and everything was well in the world.

Scaype looked at Jym, I dont know what to make of it.  Even Thor couldnt make this happen.  You need a host to make it alive.  I dont know what is going on but Im going to find out.  Haveing a friend die thats one thing but when some idea of a sick joke turns up.... Test, Test, Test.

Scaype forced a smile.  "Welcome back from the dead."

Earth hugged Jym tightly until he forced her to let go. "Welcome back Jym!" Earth said with tears in her eyes. She whipped them away with her shirt sleaves. Trying not to show emotions, she walked slowly up to her drunken friend, as Waalk would call him, but he meant just about as much as as a speck of dirt to her.

Burt appeared in Scaypes robes, Hast hast hast...  Havent I taught you anything?  Scaype make sure that you look deep into your heart before makeing any calls.

Scaype was frusterated, Where have you been Burt?  Im not sure what is going on but I want to know.. NOW!!

Burt appeared in the young priests mind, Patience my young aprentice, patience.

"Is there any trouble here," a strange voice called From the distant forest

"Does anyone need help?"

The voice paused momentarily, seeming reluctant to go on, "I am here as a friend please do not be startled."

The voice seemed to get closer

"I am of stange origion and look nothing of you,I heard yelling and though I could be of help"

Suddenly a stange shape appears from the trees It is a huge arachnid standing about three feet off the gound and six feet around.

"Please dont be startled I have been wandering in seclusion for many years (a slow saddend tone) as an outcast from your kind of people, I am Uriquin"

"I am here as a friend I do not wish to harm you!!"

"I was only wandering by when I heard the yelling it drew me to you," a long silence

"I Know I am odd but I have many talents and strengths, please let us talk and see where it may lead."

Jym looked at the big spider, and then walked over to him, Jym reached out his hand to touch the head behind the compound eyes in a gesture of freindship common to many of the smaller species of arachnid.

Calm, safety, comfort, these and many other thoughts radiated from Jym as he had aproached closer, "Welcome Uriquin."

"I would hurt to ruin the moment, dont get me wrong, I love reunions, but the sooner I get this creep out of my sight the better. If you like, I could ride ahead, for about 2 to 3 nights and find him a place to rest and return here by sundown on the 4 or 5 day, if I ride like the wind." She directed her comments to Waalk, he didnt enjoy the company of the drunken stranger.

"Earth do you need help carrying the mage? I don't see your horse anywhere." Jym had seen her expression when she looked at the mage, 'the sooner we get rid of this guy the better,' he thought.

Earth examined the new companion. "Hi, haven't seen a creature like you here before, but its a pleasure to meet you Uriquin." she said with a smile.

"Thank you all so much"  sigh of releif slips from Uriquin

"I have traveled alone for so long, wanting and waiting for someone to accept me or at least try"

"The last band I ran into wanted to kill me and sell my carcus for money"

"I see there has been a little trouble here Is everything ok"

"Earth would you like company on your journey I travel fast in these woods and know them well"

Uriquin knows he needs to feed and hears a scruffle in the distance. without notice he is gone. Noise from the fight can be heard but brush is consealing the view. Uriquin appears from the brush carring a dear carcus

"Anyone hungry" in a loud and humorouse tone.

Scaype turned back and glazed at the new 6 legged creature.  He reched under his robe when Utha and Dybok casually walked over to the new ally.  At first each had a weapon drawn.  The two ogres stared supeciously at he creature. Then one of the ogres spoke.  It was Atha.  "He funny looking not look like priest-man."  They circled some more.

"Doesnt look like lady or short guy eather" Dybok responded.  Atha finished.  "Listen monster, hurt Atha and Dybok friends and we will hurt."

With those finishing words both Atha and Dybok brought down their weapons keeping them in hand.

Scaype had reached into his robe for Burt the Rune sword, but before he retreived it had listened to the discussion between the spider thing and the two ogres.

Scaype now was concerned of these allies.  Jym was differant and now a spider creature.  He could only wonder.

As the two orges approched Uriquin with wepons drawn. He hunched up as if to attack. but waited and when they talked of hurting their friends he could understand the reasoning behind it.

"I mean no harm" said the odd looking beast.

"I am harmless untill angerd and then even I never know what I will do" Uriquin instructed.

and as the two orges (who were not much too look at them selves Uriquin thought), put there wepons away. The large crature walked over to Scaype. still weary of the two orges behind him.

"I understand that I am odd, But I only mean to share in your adventures and help in every way. I have been wandering alone for so long. I only wish and hope that you can accept me for who I am and how I can help". Uriquins tone becomes boastful, "you will see"

Uriquin leaves Saype's side and walks over to his meal, where he sinks the razor sharp fangs into the deer carcus and begins to drain it of its vital fluids.

Everything was happeningl at once. Waalk had problems keeping up with it all. It all wouldn't have been so bad, but Waalk was still recovering from the shock of Jym's death and then Jym's ressurection.

There would of been a time when Waalk would've charged straight at the stange creature with death on his mind. However, since leaving Seven Oaks Waalk had met many strange creatures and even made friends with a dragon.

So now he stood up and dusted himself down then extended his hand "I be Waalk".

Having got the intoduction over and done with Waalk notices that Earth and Jym are about to take the drunk away. "Hey Jym, I believe these belong to you." said Waalk pressing the gems that he'd once thought of as Jyms ashes into his hand.

Jym recoiled in horror from the gems in Waalks hand.

"Waalk, don't let those thouch me. They are not mine. They are the residue of the spell that Rithlian cast that destroyed us both.

"Think of each of those as a wish, but use them with care, because they are in absolute balance. If you make a wish with one then an equally good/bad thing will happen, whatever is opposite to your wish. since you have touched then they are linked to you forever.

"Be careful what you wish for, friend Waalk, for it will happen."

Waalk looked down at the little gems in the palm of his hand. Something so small having so much power. Truely it was a great gift. Waalk couldn't think of anything to say. He was always a bit in awe of magic and now having something as magical as this in his pocket stunned him to silence.

He bowed to Jym, "Don't do anymore dying."

Scaype could barely hear what the "former Jym" said.  He walked over to the ogres who were still looking at the spider-thing. "Guys, come over here."  The ogres turned away and walked over to Scaype.  "What you want preist-man?" Atha asked.  Scaype lifted an eyebrow.  "Guys," Scaype started, "I know you dont trust halflings, and humans, and dragons, and.."  He stoped for a moment.  "You get my idea. But now you have to make the decisions for yourself now.  Do you want to stay with us or go?"

Atha and Dybok looked a bit confused.  "Preistman you are a funny guy.  Why you think that we leave you and all new friends?"

Scaype was taken back.  This was not in a normal Ogres belief system nor way of thinking.  "Ok, um guys, you know its going to be rough and people may or may not die."

"We know," Dybok spoke, "We stand by all freinds of Dybok and Atha."

Uriquin walks over to Scype and the two Orges

"Have you ever heard of the Crystal of Dragons" Uriquin asked in a hesitant voice, Uriquin is untrusting of the two orges listening in and does not yet know if the preist is someone to whome he wants to bestow compleat trust in. But he continues.

"It is a magical crystal with meny powers only a chosen few may poses it. For if you Are of unclean blood and touch the Crystal your soul will be trapped inside for eternity. But if you are of clean blood it is said to bring meny powers upon he who holds the crystal I have been in search of this crystal for many years."

Uriquin looks up at the preist with his oddly looking eyes and moves a little closer so that he may here every word.

Scaype listened intently.  After the spider-man spill on the crystals, he spoke.  "Sir, I have heard of them but theyve been exstinct for over 500 years if I recollect correctly.  So possession of these things would be a great and dangerous power."

Scaype knew in all his 2000 years he had heard of these crystals quite commonly at first but they were now rare if not exstinct.  If he really had one of the Crystal of the Dragons he knew now to be carefull.

Burt could only agree.

Uriquin even more intent on hearing Scaype speak about the crysttal that he has sought for so many years. Know for a man to actually stop and befreinded him and know about the crystal. Trust or not he must proceed in about his search. Uriquin looks to his side to see where the two Orges are.

"I only wish to find it, for my father died in his search for the crystal and I have continued that search for so many years. know that I am close and I have gained so much knowledge about the crystal that I must find it," Uriquin pauses for a moment then says in a slow saddend voice, "for my father"

Uriquin stops and looks around "Have you ever seen or heard of one called 'Dauntay' it would have been thirty or fourty years ago. It is said that at one time he possesed a crystal that resembled the Crystal of Dragons"

Waalk had only caught the last part of the priests and the strange creature's conversation. Something about crystals. He didn't really understand so he kept quiet for now.

Dracon picked up the Mage at Earth's command and flew off with him.

Dauntey eh,... Scaype thought about the old rogue.  The man owes me a favior.  As for weather or not I am going to collect on a old friend was another matter.

Scaype turned to the spider,  "I will tell you something.  I have also heard of Dauntey and his magic crystal.  The downside is that old lug is over 1000 miles from here or so it goes."  He was telling the truth.  That monster of a man was in the tunnels looking for gold."

As soon as dracon takes off with the mage Jym walks back to the center of the clearing...and colapses.

"I think I'm tired."

Waalk put his hands on his hips and gave Jym a hard stare. He thought that Jym was about to divulge something, like the
meaning of life.

"If you're tired then get some rest!"

Waalk turned on his heel and re-entered the clearing where the strange creature and the priest were conversing.

"What's this about some magic crystals?" interupted Waalk.

Scaype turned to the warrior.  "The spider creature/man wants to know if we've heard of a Dauntey of the 'now' UndreNeath."  Scaype mumbled something about Dauntey under his breath.

"Spider friend you're better off not persuing that character. He is nothing but trouble.  And with that crystal he could be vary dangerous.  He may never use the power but all he needs is a sucker to do his bidding in the name of friendship and its curtains for all of us."

"I'll take care of Jym." Earth said as she walked over to the tired man. She sat down beside him but couldnt take her eyes off of the other three as they rambled on in their conversation about some crystals.

"Jym, dont get me wrong, I like our new friend, but he already has everyone interessted in finding these so called crystals...I just think its wierd. I guess it takes a lot for me to trust some one, a lot." She sighed and smiled at Jym.

"Speaking of trust, anyone seen Rock?"Earth asked curiously,"That fairy! He never listens, always has to have adventure...I hope he is alright."

Uriquin jumped to attention as Waalk came into the conversation then continued seeming to trust these new companions and not knowing to himself why. He barely knew them.

"I am not worried about Dauntay, I only wish for the Crystal, and no matter how strong he may be or not be the crystal will be mine. I have enough time and I will find it."

Uriquin stern with his words then said in a calm voice "I have no need to worry" Uriquin says almost seeming to be trying to convince himself.

Jym put an arm around Earth to comfort her, "I'm sure he is alright. Most fairies I know are practically indestructable."

"As for Uriquin Having everyone interested, he has a natural hypnotic magic. It is part of his defense mechanism. You aren't affected because because of who you are, and I'm not affected because of what I am."

He saw Earth turning toward the spider as if to do something about it but Jym interupted her, "Don't worry, its harmless, and telling them that they are 'under a spell' will only make matters worse. Besides, the spider can't do anything to stop the spell. Like I said, it is a natural defense mechanism."

Jym thought for a moment and then spoke again, "I'm sure that those three are going to be a while. Why don't we go looking for Rock? If he is looking for adventure, then I'm sure he can't be that far from where we are now. 'Adventure' seems to follow us around."

Waalk listened with interest to the conversation. he was born and raised in Seven Oaks. All this talk of crystals was like another language to Waalk. He brow creased with concentration as he tried to understand exactily what was being said.

Scaype turned to the arachnoid and asked for why he was searching the Dauntey and why he would want to face him at this point.

"Men, all they do is look for some way to find and own more money," Earth said angrily.

"Look at that, he hears crystals and a money sign goes off in his head," she said as she pointed to Waalk.

"Why cant he just be interessted in me as much as his fame and fortune," she said in a soft tone hoping Jym didnt hear her.

Earth got up and dusted off her pants.

Unfortunately Jym heard, but he didn't alow any of his own feelings stop him from saying what needed to be said.

He stood up next to her, "You are both young, Earth. If there is one thing I have seen in all of the time I have been floating around it is that if you give young men enough time they will eventually come around. The unfortunate thing is that sometimes the young women aren't willing to wait that long." he said in soft fatherly tones.

"He will come around, you will see. Just remember to care about him enough to wait."

Jym walked over to a tree and sat down, leaning against the trunk.

"Goodnight all," he said as he promptly fell asleep.

Feeling the tension in the air, Earth new Jym was hidding something from her.

"Oh, you thought I meant...oh, no Jym I just meant, he seems to be ignoring me. I meant nothing in terms of love. I.."realizing she was talking to  a sleeping human, she stopped and sat down next to Jym.

She shut her eyes, but couldnt sleep, so much happend so quickly and feelings were talking over her. Of all her life she had never felt more alone at times and others so loved. She leaned her head on the tree trunk and took a deep breath.

"Maybe I cant wait forever..."she whispered.

"It is a long story of why I want to face him, and for the crystal I will feel safer once it is with me. I assure you
my friend we will talk more on this subject, but I think our friends have a wonderful idea I am beat and would like some
rest"

Uriquin then walks off to the surrounding forest "I will be back before dawn, dream well all" he says disapearing into the forrest.

Not yet Fully trusting of his new Friends Uriquin figures it better to sleep off in the woods. Besides the fact that the thick grass and moss in the woods make a better bed than the beaten down area that he was in.

Waalk soon had a small fire going. He noticed that Jym and Earth were fast asleep. Waalk himself doesn't feel tired. His mind is filled with the exotic images of strange and wonderful creatures. He pokes at the dying.

"Eye Waalk, you've fallen in with a group ere. This group is goin places thats for sure."

With these thoughts in mind Waalk drifts off to a pleasant dream where elves, pixies and peculiar flying creatures swoop down out of the sky..

Jym awoke in the middle of the night and realized that Earth was shivering. He spread his cloak over her, "Pleasant dreams, Young one."

For a second Jym's handsome youthful face almost appears to be ancient and careworn, but immediately changes back, if it had even ever changed in the first place.

He looked up at the sky and saw that it was turning grey in the east.

"Looks like another glorous day," he said to himself as he stoked the fire into a small blaze.

"A great day to continue an adventure."

Scaype snaped awake.  He jumped up in terror.  Jym casually looked over.  For a breif moment sensed that old magic.  The type that makes blood boil in ones veins.

Scaype whiped off the cold sweat from off his face and began putting on his preistly breast plate.  He then helped jym with the fire.

I think were in some serious trouble, Scaype thought.  We are not safe here, His thoughts continued.

Scaype turned to Jym.  "Do you feal it", he asked?  "Its in the air.  Danger... I can sense these things."

The rune priest walked over to the ogres.  "Guys, best ya get up.  Its morning ya know."  With that he gave Atha a light nudge.

Turning back to Jym, He uttered, "Jym, if you feel it too just keep it to yourself.  At least until IT or THEY show up."

Jym takes the Preists comment as a good signal to wake everyone up.

"Uriquin, Get up," he shouts into the forest.

Jym walks over to Waalk and shakes him awake.

"Come on big guy, It's time we were moving along," says Jym with a smile.

After he is sure that Waalk is awake, he moves over to Earth.

"Milady, it is time that you awoke," he says as he touches her shoulder.