Useless one
(Burning rage of) Jaina Jade

When Jaina got done feeling sorry for herself, she ran outside into the bitter cold. Lunzie would have been shocked -- Jaina had always hated the cold, coming from a temperate to warm world. But Lunzie wasn't watching, was she? And it was all Jaina's fault, in her mind if no one else's.

Light beams bounced chaotically on icicles and snowdrifts as she screamed at the harsh climate. Her skin burned bright, flashing odd colors with no real rhyme or reason. She began to attack inanimate features of the white Hoth landscape.

"I can't protect her!" and a snow pile exploded on impact with her heavy boot.

"I can't help her!" There went a cave wall yards from her companions' shelter.

"I should have known! I should have been there when she needed me!" Each stressed word brought the demise of whatever was blocking Jaina's path, and then she stopped in her tracks.

That feeling. She shut her eyes tightly and tried to feel more, but she didn't have the skill. "But I did feel it," she murmured wonderingly. Vampires, in this wrecked cave? Marshane hadn't been in this spot, she was sure, and Lunzie's would have been immediately identifiable. So the question of the hour was, "What other vampires were here -- and why?"

I really hate cold!
Shalana Elf

Shalana gently cradled Flute in her arms, worried about her, yet unable to detect anything wrong. She sighed as she hoped this was natural for her daughter and then made sure they were both well bundled against the elements. They had been trudging through the cold and snow when Shalana shook her head and rejoined Eleyn and Marshane. "This new place we are to go. Is a portal possible?" She asked knowing that some places had barriers that prevent direct portaling. Shalana shifted as she adjusted her hold on Flute. She was concerned for Jaina, she watch Zara struggle with an apparent internal battle….yet it was Iriana that bothered her the most. What was it about the girl….Shalana continued to study her as she waited for Marshane's responce

A portal?
(Marshane) Lunzie Istari

Of course a portal is possible. . .they don't get many visitors so they never bothered to put up any barriers. He explained as the group trudged along.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Flute Istari

he cold started to recede as the group made their way to Liannelita. As it started to feel warmer, Flute started to come out of her hibernation.

Slowly opening her eyes, Flute looked up at Shalana. "Ami...."

Shalana looked down and smiled. "Finally.... you were starting to worry me."

"Where are we??"

"In a portal."

"Where are we going?"

"To Liannelita. Another planet."

"Oh...."

Welcome to Liannelita
Dragon Phoenix

entisca arrived on the planet befoe the group did. She arrived in a lush forest outside of one of Liannelita's great cities. Now she would wait.

While she waited, she explored the forest she was in. It had tall, skinny trees with weeping, low branches of leaves. The ground was littered with leaves, weeds, and alien flowers. There were bird-like animals trilling and bellowing in the trees. Small, reptilian and furry animals scurried across her path.

Everything was foreign, yet so well-known to her. She had studied Liannelita once, when she was deciding what planet to keep Lantri on. It was the first time she had stepped onto it.

She knew well of its governing system. She could perhaps use that to her advantage...

Sighs. . . .
Flute Istari

The warmth felt soooooo good.... Flute wondered what will happen in this Liannelita planet. Everywhere they've been to so far has been.... well... problematic. Hopefully things will be alright at this Liannelita and Lunzie will wake up.

Flute? Are you waking up?
Lunzie Istari

Marshane kept an eye on Flute as he took in their surroundings. There was no change with Lunzie, and hopefully they wouldn't run into any natives.

The bells were loud. Too loud. The crowed gathered was a sea of noise. Servants bustled around trying to get people dressed or seated or whatever needed be done.

"I'm not ready for this Ciala. I'm too young to get married."

"2,000 is not too old for anything Lu. Besides, I thought you liked Marshane."

"That's besides the point! I'm not ready for this. . .it's a big change. 'Tri and I won't be able to get into trouble like we used to." Staring at her reflection in the mirror Lunzie sighed and shook her head. "This just isn't me. I hate being dressed up like a ragdoll. I wouldn't be doing this except Shedo and the other Lords decided this for us a long time ago. WE, the Children have no say in the matter. I could hate 'Shane and still have to marry him."

"Well, then it is fortunate for him that you do not hate him. Now, come on, you'll be late for your own wedding, and your father will never forgive me."

As the crowd that had gathered finished settling in for the ceremony, Lords Istari, Benden, and Telgar learned that Lantri was missing."HE'S WHAT?!" could be heard throughout the Castle as all three Lords reacted to the news.

"But Shedo, what about Lantri? We can't do this without him!" exclaimed a flustered and confused Lunzie as Lord Istari moved her in the general direction of the main hall, were the ceremony was to take place.

Furlo, Marshane, Moreta, and Fiolla were already there when Lunzie arrived looking a bit frazzled. "Now, Fiolla, since Lantri isn't to be found, you can stay here, out of sight. Let us handle the fuss about there only being two marriages today instead of three." Explained Lord Telgar as the two remaining couples were signalled to enter.

The dream ended as suddenly as it began. Lunzie's mind dimly registered the change in temperature and surroundings.

Fighting the groggyness induced by the drugs Iriana gave her and the dark well of unconsiousness from the pain of her injuries, Lunzie tried to wake up, to warn her friends.

Yappers. . . Awake. . .
Flute Istari

Flute looked at comatose Lunzie and started fretting.

"What's wrong with Lucy??? Is she gonna be alright????"

Snuggling deeper into Shalana's arms, Flute whispered, "Ami??? I'm scared...."

Arrivals
Shalana Elf

Shalana held her daughter close and kissed the top of her head. "It will be alright …it will be.." She murmured quietly as they stepped from the portal into a lush forest. Slowly Shalana lowered Flute to the ground, still keeping a hold onto her hand. Towering above the tree tops, off in the distance , she could see the tops of majestic buildings, and what appear to be a palace.

She watched as Elyen, Marshane and the others slowly took in their surroundings. "I am unfamiliar with the customs here Marshane, how do we go about announcing our arrival?"

Venturing to speak
Jaina Jade

"Are you sure we should show ourselves?" Oddly enough, that rational sentiment came from Jaina. "Unless one of our number isn't voicing their knowledge yet, we don't know anything about this world. They may not show hospitality to strangers, especially to a group as mixed in race, age and gender as ours. I mean, we should just be careful, that's all, until we know what we're getting into."

Suddenly passive, she ducked to the back of the group again. She'd almost been left behind on Hoth before. Her investigation of the strange ice cave that had harbored something vampiric still nagged at her. Some vampire or vampires had been there once, but left shortly before Jaina located the cave. Who? Why would a vampire take refuge on such a cold planet as Hoth?

A thought dashed through her mind, which she quickly pinned down and identified since her thoughts were few. What if we were close to our objective here? Maybe...

...maybe, the inhabitant had been Lantri?

Marshane listened to what the others were
Lunzie Istari

saying. Speaking quietly he explained what little he knew of the inhabitants of this world.

Jaina is correct. The people here do not take kindly to strangers. If they find us, they will either send us to a different planet or kill us. We have to be careful not to be seen.

Forests
Zara Jade

Forests...just like home.

Home.

Home is not here, Zara.

She watched as the others spoke and listened carefully, but remained silent. The vornskrs ears were flicking back and forwards and Zara's eyes danced over the forest around her.

They were being watched.

Finally she stepped up to Jaina, "Aunt Jaina...something is happening. We are being watched. By who and what, I do not know. But we must move quickly."

A Watcher
(Melpomene) Dragon Phoenix

The iridescent eyes peered through the low brush at the alien travelers. How curious. How dangerous for them to choose this planet.

She sat very still, careful to not be seen. She would reveal herself when the time was right. When she knew what the aliens were doing here. Until then, she would watch over them, and ensure their safety.

We're watched
Elyen Elf

Elyen felt his hair stand on end. He was getting a very uncomfortable sensation in the middle of his back. Someone was watching them. He felt it.

"Alright, we move as usual." He looked up at Marshane and Shalana. "Lunzie in the middle, warriors to the side. Non-combatants as close to Lunzie as possible." He had a nagging feeling about Iriana, but dismissed it. They would have to find shelter... Then try to locate Lantri again.

The Watcher and the wantched
Flute Istari

Flute looked around her curiously. She had never stepped into so many worlds within such a short time. The trees and flowers look almost the same as where they had come from.

Smiling, Flute reached out with her mind to the plants that was surrounding her. What came back to Flute was the same feeling as all the plants the other plants in other planets had given her.

Almost instantly, Flute discovered the presence of the watcher. Lifting her head, Flute turned her head towards the direction of where the watcher stayed hidden. Seeing nothing yet knowing that the person was there, Flute turned back, snuggled deeper into Shalana's arms and was soon lost in thought.

Taking position
Jaina Jade

I'll take up the rear," Jaina offered. A tinge of guilt touched her mind. If I had paid attention, maybe Lunzie wouldn't be... She halted the thought and focused on any possible enemies in the area.

"If guests aren't welcome, let's get a move on. Whatever we're going to do should be done as quickly as possible." Not knowing quite why they came here, and not caring much about it, Jaina assumed a fighting stance. The familiar weight in her shouldered satchel told her exactly where her miniature crossbow, silver-barbed arrows and wooden stakes could be found once in battle. Something told her she may very well need those weapons.

The City
(Ventisca) Dragon Phoenix

Ventisca crept along the brush. She didn't realize she was being watched, btu it didn't matter for she was headed right for where the watcher would never go. The City.

Long, spiraling white buildings towered above the trees. This was the city of paradise, where no being but the Liannelsi were allowed.

Ventisca had formed her plan, and couldn't wait to dispose of the group...

A Beautiful Statue
(Melpomene) Dragon Phoenix

Sitting directly in the path of the traveling group was a woman dressed in white, with white skin. Yet, this was no woman, only a marble-like statue. The statue was kneeling upon the ground, the eyes closed blissfully, the rock hair sculpted in waves past the soulders. It would remind one of the Roman statues created in an ancient civilization that inhabited Earth at one time.

Melpomene waited for the group to discover the still form. It offered them no danger, but no doubt they would stop to admire it.

'Shane's eyes never stopped
(Marshane) Lunzie Istari

moving. He walked at Lunzie's side, with one hand resting on her shoulder. We're being watched. I know we are. The others have confirmed it, but where is the watcher? Thought Marshane as he searched their surroundings.

WHERE ARE YOU?! WHO ARE YOU?! He called out silently.

Keeping still
(Melpomene) Dragon Phoenix

Melpomene kept still, waiting for them to discover the statue. They were so close, yet they did not seem in a hurry. She would reveal herself once they came upon the statue.

Continuing. . .
Flute Phoenix

As the group approached the statue, Flute snuggled deeper into Shalana's arms. She didn't like that statue. It had a sort of presence that says volumns as to why it was there.

Just as the group reached the statue, a figure stepped out of the shadow....

A stranger in the road
Shalana Elf

Shalana held Flute close. All in the group were aware of being watched, followed, and that was enough to create an unease along with a slowing of pace as they cautiously continued on. The statue seemed almost out of place, yet with a strange call that had them all pausing to admire its beauty. Shalana drew in a sharp breath and quickly placed Flute down and behind her as she drew her sword.

It could be considered an unfriendly action; defiantly an unusual way to greet a stranger, but then again, nothing on this quest had encouraged her to welcome any with open arms. Silently she waited for the stranger's next moves.

Surprise
(Melpomene) Dragon Phoenix

Melpomene watched the elven woman draw her sword through closed eyes. They had approached closely now, careful and cautious. Now they would meet her.

The white statue opened its eyes, a liquid black that startled any who looked. Melpomene rose from her kneeling position, and the marble-likeness seemed to melt away as yielding porcelain colored skin moved, and sculpted waves of hair and clothing flowed lightly in the breeze.

The statue was alive, and the shadow of a stranger disappeared. It had been an illusion to throw them off.

"Greetings," The statue spoke in a pleasant, musical tone. "My name is Melpomene. Welcome to Liannelita."

Huh??
Flute Phoenix

"Where did the statue go??? Who are you??? What are you doing here???? Why are you alone??? Are you waiting for us??? Why are you waiting for us??? What do you want???"

*pause*

"Ami??? I'm hungry...."

Curiouser and curiouser
Elyen Elf

Elyen lifted an eyebrow as he regarded the not-statue. Elven senses had been fooled. Which is bad. Who is she, and how did she do that? More importantly, why?

The elf moved closer to the prone Lunzie, lowering his hand so that even though he did not draw his sword, he could in a moment's notice. He looked at the stranger. "Answer the girl, if you please."

Marshane was dumbfounded
(Marshane) Lunzie Istari

The people here were said to be quite inhospitable. . .they were nice, but they didn't take kindly to strangers. This one seemed to be a bit of an outcast to her own people if she so readily greeted this odd cacophony of beings.

Marshane's eyes narrowed but he said nothing.

A Friend
(Melpomene) Dragon Phoenix

Melpomene was not surprised by their wary response, though the rambling of the little one greatly amused her, and made her smile.

She looked from the elf with his hand ready near his sword, and the other shocked faces. "Relax. I am not the one you should fear. I deceived you to show you the sort of magic the Liannelsi are blessed with. Mind you, stay wary of stone eyes. There are many on this planet that would not act so kindly toward you. It can be hard for newcomers to notice the difference between a full-blooded Liannelsi, and one such as I."

She paused, letting them digest the information. "I have a safe place where you can bide your time. I noticed you have a slight handicap on one in your party. We may have a way of aiding it."

Fheh!
Zara Jade

Zara snarled and kept herself in check as the statue came to life. Surprises like that weren't usually good for other's health when she was involved. But she managed to contain herself and the vornskrs just stood back snarling and snapping. She kept one hand on her lightsaber as the conversation started.

Everyone seemed to trust this being now but Zara wasn't too sure. She was always wary of things that deceive in the first place then claim to be trustworthy. It was against her nature to trust in the first place anyway.

She stayed at the back and simply watched, letting the others make decisions.

Talk about strange. . .
Elyen Elf

You deceive us, and then you ask us to believe you? Not bloody likely... Elyen narrowed his eyes, but let his hand drop. He would not risk offending the stranger, but he would not risk trusting her either. For now though, she offered aid...

"Wait. The difference between the Liannesi and one such as you? What 'type' are you?" He tilted his head to one side and raised an eyebrow, still not budging an inch.

Who is she, what is she, and most importantly, what can she do?

Threats will be removed.

Iriana closed her eyes in concentration, then touched the hilt of the concealed dagger. When she had the opportunity...

Permanently.

Oooooooooo....
Flute Phoenix

Flute continued looking from Shalana to Elyen to the statue-woman.

Frowning, Flute tilted her head and considered everything. First, Lunzie was hurt. Second, they were planet-hopping (that can't be good in Flute's opinion). Third, Strange women seemed to be popping before them (Flute wondered how they did the popping). Fourth and lastly, she was hungry.

The last thought was very important but Flute supposed she had to wait. Sighing, Flute waited for things to happen.

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