[Castalia]

The Market Square is no different than any other small town market. Centered around an elaborate star shaped water fountain, the water shooting nearly 2 stories into the air, it's a main attraction to most who wish to rest their feet by sitting upon the white marble ledge.

All around the waterfall are the shops. Every shop within Elysia. Many single carts, most with food and souvenirs, line along the fountain, trying to panhandle their wares. The Fountain it a big attraction to local wildlife. It's not uncommon to see Therians crowded around, as well at Nymphs.


~~~~~~~
Castalia went through the portal as fast as she could upon leaving the forest. Not looking properly where she was going she stumbled out of the portal near the Market Square and fell on her knees. She got up as quickly as she could and rubbed her knees that now both showed little cuts and scratches where they touched the rough cobbled stones.

She made her way onto the Square as it seemed the best place to get a lot of attention. She had contemplated visiting separate people and asking them for help but that would take much to long. Time was of an essence here and she needed to round up some people as soon as she could. Walking towards the fountain in the middle of the square, Castalia climbed onto one of the stone figures to get a better overview of her surroundings. Then she took a deep breath and started to shout "Hear hear, I need help from anyone who can fight! At this moment a great danger lurks in Fae Forest which threatens all of Elysia. The Aide Chenoan and Ayad Dora are already there but we need more help to defeat this creature. Please come forward if you can help and I'll accompany you back to the forest.". In despair Castalia just kept repeating her message hoping that people would react to it.

[Dazadi]

((cont'd from palace))

Dazadi didn't say anything at first, telepathically or otherwise, but just laughed at Kade in her head.

Phae was catching up fast, no mean feat when Daz'd had a head start, so she put on an extra burst of speed and shot through the portal at top speed.

I won! she crowed giddily, landing gently to one side of the portal, well out of the way of Phae's arrival. She grinned wickedly at the thought of the stir the dragon was about to cause, sheathing her sword, preparing to launch herself at her lifemate and tackle him to the ground right off Phae's back.

[Arkadios]

Just as Dazadi shot through the portal, Kade grinned. Lets show her how Dragons do it, shall we? Kade watched with a grin as Siphae turned her massive head to nod in approval. Within a matter of miliseconds, Phae teleported from where she was to the market. Her landing couldn't be more perfect as Kade looked just ahead of them to see Dazadi back up looking at the portal.

Rubbing Siphae's neck, he urged her forward until her long muzzle gently pushed on Dazadi's back. What took you so long? Kade grinned at her. Technically yes she was here first... but she didn't have to know that.

(OOC: gmod of Siphae with permish)

[Dazadi]

Dazadi stumbled forward at the nudge against her back, whipping around with her hand already going for her sword before her mind registered what her senses where telling her.

Her jaw dropped as she realised... But...

Scowling at them as she released the hilt of her sword, she grumbled, You weren't here when I got here, you cheats. Patting Phae's snout, she moved down the dragon's side to glare up at Kade. No fair!

Poutingup at him, her head tilted back so she could see him, she tried to maintain the pretense of anger but she couldn't help giggling. Lifting into the air, her wings flapping slowly, she maneuvered until she was just out of reach, blowing dramatic kisses at him.

Come on then, love, let's find you some clothes.

((OOC: We, as players, aren't ignoring Castalia. We're just ignoring her in-character. ))

[Arkadios]

Kade laughed when Dazadi turned around ready to slice and dice. Seeing the look on her face only made his laughter increase. By the time she was pouting my his side, his eyes were in near tears from the laughter he was in. Finding it hard to breath, he calmed down, but still chuckled at the scowl she was sporting. He hadn't laughed like this in... ages. It felt good.

Rubbing his eyes, Kade looked up at Dazadi and grinned, a chuckled escaping here and there. Without reaching he knew she was out of range, but if her could, he'd have pulled her down from the air. Do you plan on flying while I walk? He asked, giving a slight pout up at her. Swinging his leg over Siphae, Kade moved to hold his weapons to the side as he slid down. Realizing that nothing was there, he frowned and looked over his shoulder. -zap- He could go back... it was easy with Phaes porting... but he didn't want to leave now. Besides... what could happen in the market.

Standing on his feet, Kade looked up at Dazadi and crossed his arms. Well? Glancing around them, he was glad the market was big enough for Phae to amble around. He disliked sending her home so soon after summoning her. Besides, they could probably take a short flight with Dazadi after their trip around the market. Maybe fly to the place where Dazadi would call on the other Aides.

[Dazadi]

Dazadi giggled as Kade pouted at her, shaking her head. Well I was thinking about it.

Swooping down at him, intending to pat his head playfully as she flew over him, she yelped as something pulled at her back sharply, as if...

Her sword was suddenly fifty times heavier.

Struggling not to crash land, thrown completely off balance. What the hell? Smashing to her knees, she was grateful she'd landed in grass because she didn't fancy hitting the nearby wall of crystals, even she'd find that painful. Flopping onto her back, unable to lift herself, she scowled and muttered furiously as she struggled to yank her arms out of the straps.

Breathless, she scrambled to her knees, leaving the sword where it lay, panting, glaring at it.

[Arkadios]

Looking quickly back at Dazadi as she cried out, Kade ran to her when she fell to her knees. Landing hard on his own, he moved to place a hand around her, but it just glided across her side as she flopped over and took the strap from her back. Frowning as he sat back on his haunches, Kade reached out for her again as she came back up to her knees.

Rubbing her back softly as he looked at her sword then into her eyes. Dazadi? What happened? he cursed at himself in his mind for looking away from her. If she'd had fallen on her stomach, she could have hurt... possibly killed... the baby. Without really thinking about it, his hand went to her stomach, pressing flat against it. Are you ok? Does it hurt? Did the blade cut you anywhere? Glancing over her body, Kade searched for any wounds. His heart was beating fast and his mind racing. Please let it be ok. He thought aloud.

[Dazadi]

Rubbing her shoulder as she glared at the sword, she shook her head, smiling at Kade reassuringly. I... have no idea. It was like I was a fledgling all over again and the sword was too heavy for me to carry.

Hearing the sharp concern in Kade's voice, she cupped his cheek and looked into his eyes, shaking her head. I'm fine, honestly, just... a bit... Pride goes before a fall, and her pride was pretty bruised. She'd worked hard, ignored her instructors and many punishing beatings, to wield that sword, and now she felt betrayed. She couldn't understand why it was suddenly so heavy.

Grunting as she stood up, she crossed to where the sword lay and bent to pick it up. At first, it was no bother and she sighed with relief, about to shrug into the straps again when suddenly, as before, it weighed so much she dropped it and, taken by surprise, was dragged to the ground with it when her hand couldn't release the hilt fast enough.

Her glare kicking up into fury, she scanned the marketplace. No imps to play tricks, or they'd be giggling in the shadows by now. No one watching to see the results of... whatever this was.

Kicking at the blade as if she wanted to be rid of it, she let her foot miss. Even now, when she couldn't lift it, there was too much sentimental value in it.

I think the rotten thing is cursed, she growled, stamping her foot petulantly.

[Arkadios]

Kade let out a sigh of relief when she said she was alright. If anything would have happened... she'd know. Hell... he'd probably feel it. Her reassurance was pleasant to have, and he appreciated it.

Standing up along side her, Kade stayed close, holding her arm until she reached down to pick up her sword again. Smiling lightly as she did so easily at first, his face soon showed concern as it tumbled toward the ground, bringing Dazadi along with it. Rushing forward, this time able to grab hold of her, he held on tightly, his arm around her waist. What the hell is going on? He thought to himself.

Kade could feel a sense of embarrassment as she looked around the market, then the annoyance from not being able to wield it. Frowning slightly as she moved to kick it, he would have stopped her, knowing what the blade could do to her foot, but he was easily that she was going to miss.

Pouting only slightly at her remark, he felt bad for her. It was like... a part of him was feeling the exact thing she was. Rubbing her back softly, Kade moved forward, only hesitating once... then swooped down and picked up the blade easily. He was about to hold it out to her... as he honestly felt no man should wield another's weapon. It was their trademark... their.. other half. He had no right to. Dazadi... lets just... let Phae carry this. Before she could protest, he lifted his hand to cup her cheek, his fingers sliding into her hair, brushing back her bangs, he gazed into her eyes. Without saying a word, his eyes did it for him.

Moving away from her, Kade walked toward Siphae. Smiling at her as she bent her head down low for him to slide the strap around her neck, he smiled as it rest softly against the dragons chest. Reaching his hand up, he scratched her behind the ear... a gesture of thanks. Turning back to Dazadi, he moved over to her and wrapped his arm around her waist. Lets find those shops. He said quietly, starting to move onward.

(Gmod of Siphae with permish)

[Dazadi]

Leaning into his hand, Daz nodded. She loathed the thought that she couldn't wield her own sword anymore, but if Kade wasn't going to carry it then she'd trust no one else to.

Thank you, Phae, she called quietly, smiling at the dragon. She was nervous, and it probably showed, but she truly was grateful. It was probably quite demeaning for a dragon to carry something so... so Elysian, but she'd agreed to do so without complaint.

As Kade wrapped his arm around her waist and led her through the market, Daz leaned into him, unnerved. She was an Aide and more than that, she'd already been strong before Xanth ever knew she existed. She should be able to lift a weapon, even one as heavy as her great sword. So what the hell was going on?

As they walked, she started to feel nauseous again, but Kade was already concerned enough. Stoic, she refused to acknowledge the churning in her stomach and pointed out the nearest shop at random. Oh, look, it's a... a... electronics? Oh! Fones, we could get fones. Although, there probably was no need since he liked to poke into her head so often. Still, he might like to play with them.

[Alieh]

Alieh had been at the foot of the fountain, resting, and wondering what she was going to do. Out of the corner of her eye she saw someone pass her. She didn't look to see who it was, little children often climbed the fountain. However she did turn round when she heard a voice calling out.

A great danger, in Fae Forest? Alieh had to admit, she was intrigued. She had been feeling a bit depressed lately, and this seemed to be something that might help. It had been ages since she the Scorpian Quest, it would be nice to feel she was helping again.

She stood up. "I'll come."

[Niles]

NNiles too heard the call, he had been watching Alieh from a distance, wondering whether to approach her again. He hated being seperated for his sister for so long, and he wanted to end that, but he wasn't she if she would let him.

When he heard her volunteer for the quest, thoughts whirled round his head, what if he were to join too? Maybe that would give opportunities forthe two of them to bond once more.

He grinned at Gwyn, the martin, "how about it Gwyn? You fancy some excitement?" The martin simply cocked it's head at him. He shook him head and stepped out of the shadows. "I'll come too."

[Castalia]

Castalia had repeated her call several times and was starting to think that it was all for nothing when shortly after another two shapeshifters stepped up. She recognized them from the Grove. Smiling at them she said "Thank you. I was beginning to think there would be no one to help out. But you must make sure you're up for this, as it will not be easy."

Looking around she suddenly noticed the ArchAngel Dazadi arm in arm with a man. They were coming out of the electronics-shop. Now thát was an interesting sight...
Although she still remembered what Dazadi had done in the Alps, she realized that she was also one of the strongest persons in Elysia. "Dazadi!" she called out to the ArchAngel "Get over here, we need your help!"

[Dazadi]

Electronics Store said:

Kade watched silently as Dazadi circled the room. From the way she looked at things, he'd have thought she'd just come back from the dead to. Everything around them seemed foreign, it was hard to know what it all was. Reaching out to pick up the nearest object, he felt its texture. It looked like metal... but it was light. Lifting a brow, he set it back down carefully, shooting a sheepish grin at the shopkeeper.

Suddenly a package was shoved in his face, and as Kade struggled to read what it said, he only glimpsed the proper spelling. Before he could view anymore, Dazadi took back the package then read it herself. After a minute or so, she'd seemed to have come to the conclusion that they didn't need one after all.

Grinning at hearing Dazadi's soft voice in his head, he couldn't help himself. Taking the package from her hand, Kade set it down on the nearest table blindly. Taking Dazadi's wrist in his hand, Kade pulled her close to him, wrapping his arm around her waist. Grinning while gazing into her eyes, he let go of her wrist to brush back a strand of loose hair. I love it when you're in my mind.

Leaning in, Kade kissed her with passion, not once caring that they were in public. He was going to kiss his lifemate wherever and whenever, and it didn't bother him one bit. Pulling away, his breathing already a tad heavier, he jerked her closer to him in a playful manor. Tickling her side, Kade laughed, then pulled her out of the store. Why stay inside when they had nothing to buy?

Looking up at Siphae with a rather large grin still on his face, Kade looked around the market. So... where to now love? He said somewhat dreamily while looking into Dazadi's eyes again. He knew he needed clothes... but he was also interested in checking out the weapons shop... which only reminded him he didn't have his on. He felt so... bare.

Dazadi grinned briefly at Phae as they exited the shop, breathless from the kiss and the tickling. She planned to get revenge later - Kade's feet were very very sensitive - but Kade was staring at her with a goofy smile as if she was the only thing in the world.

Picturing the kinds of garments he used to wear and how good he looked in them, she bit her lip as she realised that nothing like that existed anymore. Two centuries was a long time in the fashion industry. Well, they could get him some basic clothes for now and then he'd have time to look around for styles he liked.

Dazadi!

Jerking in surprise at hearing her name yelled across the market, she twisted her head, refusing to let go of Kade even while she searched the market square for the owner of the voice.

Get over here, we need your help!

Scowling at the tone of the woman's voice, Dazadi sighed heavily. She was meant to be spending the afternoon with Kade, not running off to rescue someone.

Recognising the woman as the Matriarch, Dazadi suddenly remembered with horror that she'd trapped the nymph and four cublings in a cave on the mountains during a storm. Guilt hit her like a fist to the stomach and she sucked in a breath, splaying a hand over her belly as if she could press away the emotion, her face draining of colour.

Wishing she could hide, pretend she hadn't heard the call, she closed her eyes briefly then looked at Kade. Opening her mouth to tell him she had to leave, she changed her mind. Sorry, love, I have to go. It still felt so alien to be talking telepathically, even though it was an inherent Anyeli ability, but he was always so pleased when she did.

Reaching up to kiss him, her hand around the back of his neck, she smiled apologetically. I'll see you back at the palace? Not waiting for an answer, since time was usually of the essence, she turned toward Castalia and hurried across the market square, glowering, and completely forgetting that the sword usually tucked against her spine so naturally was instead hanging from Siphae's neck.

[Arkadios]

Kade lifted his head as he heard Dazadi's name being called out. Holding onto Dazadi even as she turned to look for the calls source, Kade frowned only slightly. He knew she had a job, but lately, he was more worried about her than usual. And with god reason too... if he was right.

When the second stream of words floated across the square, Kade flat out frowned. Whoever was calling Dazadi had no show of respect in their voice, and Kade didn't like that one bit. Looking around a bit more, Kade's eyes landed on the woman. Realizing who she was, Kade felt a slight jab of guilt, but it was quickly washed away when he remembered she wouldn't recognize him.

Seeing Dazadi's movements... particularly the one where she placed her hand o her stomach, Kade frowned yet again. Looking into her eyes as she turned to him, telling him she'd have to handle this, Kade shook his head, but Dazadi had leaned up and kissed him. Kissing her back, his heart urning for her to stay, Kade stood silently for a moment, partially stunned. All of a sudden... that was it? No.

Running up behind her, Kade took hold of her wrist and shook his head. Dazadi? If she had to fight, he didnt want her in the middle of that. She might not be at too bad a risk, but it was a risk none the less. Turning her around so she was facing him instead of the nymph, Kade looked into her eyes.

Whatever you fight... im going to be right beside you. Whatever your duty has you doing, ill be right there to help you out. Taking her hand in his, Kade looked at her...then the woman calling for help. Looking back at Dazadi, he pulled her close to him. I don't want to loose you.

[Dazadi]

Dazadi knew instinctively who was grabbing her so for once she didn't come out fighting when Kade yanked her around to face him, smiling ruefully. She should have known he wouldn't let her like that. They both had some issues letting go since he died, and not without reason, but she needed to do her job.

Whatever you fight... im going to be right beside you. Whatever your duty has you doing, ill be right there to help you out.

Dazadi started shaking her head with his first words, knowing what he was going to say. While she'd be glad for his help, a lot of her duties involved killing things and people... even people who seemed completely innocent. She didn't want Kade involved in that, or to see her involved in it - she felt tainted already. Kade had a very romantic view of her, one that... she was very much afraid would shatter if he realised what she'd become.

Opening her mouth to say no, she even spread her wings to take off, because she knew he'd stand there and argue with her all day if she let him. She couldn't afford the time it would take to convince him to let her go alone. But then, he said something she couldn't ignore.

I don't want to lose you.

She knew exactly how he felt. I know, love, she whispered, brushing his hair out of his eyes. Which is why you need to let me go alone - because you aren't immortal, and I couldn't bear it if something happened to you.

And yet, in the back of her mind, she remembered how her sword had become unbearable, and she wondered if she was really capable of dealing with whatever Castalia needed her to deal with.

[Castalia]

Castalia realized her tone of voice might have been a bit demanding towards the Aide, but on the other hand Castalia didn't feel like showing her much respect after the cave-in. She didn't hold a real grudge, but she didn't easily forget either.

Her eyes followed the scene as she noticed Dazadi heard her and seemed to be talking to her male friend about it. Not waiting for Dazadi's decision, Castalia hopped of the fountain. "Just wait here for a minute, I'll be right back." she said to the two Shapeshifters.

Castalia crossed the square and walked over to where Dazadi was standing. "Dazadi, hello." she said, breathing heavily from the excitement of yelling."We have ...erm... a situation in Chandric Forest. I'm not sure you know about the quest that Xanth sent Max and 3 others on? Well Dora and myself accompagnied to questers to the portal into the other dimension. And when the group finally got through, the trouble started here...".
Castalia stopped abruptly, realizing she was quite blunt. Thus she turned around to face Dazadi's friend and extended her hand; "I'm sorry for my rude interruption, Mr ... ? My name is Castalia and I'm the Nymph Matriarch. It's just that Dazadi here is an Aide and the current situation really needs her involvement."

[Chris]

Chris walked through the portal, planning to get a drink at a local cafe she had heard about. As she was walking, she heard someone come though the portal behind her and fall. She turned to offer help, but the girl was already up and running. She watched the girl with slight amusement as she climbed up on a figure in the fountain, and began to yell.

Hear hear, I need help from anyone who can fight! At this moment a great danger lurks in Fae Forest which threatens all of Elysia. The Aide Chenoan and Ayad Dora are already there but we need more help to defeat this creature. Please come forward if you can help and I'll accompany you back to the forest.

Chris started to walk away, shaking her head. Normally, she'd help, but she was just getting settled in the human sanc and didn't think she could handle any quests at the moment. She walked past the fountain, head down, as other people started to step forward.

Suddenly, she stopped, fully processing what the girl had said. Dora? Chris thought back to the day in the weapons shop when she had met Dora. She had been really nice, especially in comparison to the owner. Sure, Chris didn't know her very well, but she still couldn't just stand by.

She walked back over to the fountain, where two people who had just volunteered stood. I'm in. she said, leaning against the fountain's edge. My name's Chris.

[Arkadios]

When Dazadi spread her wings, Kade looked into her eyes with utter sadness and defeat in his own. He wanted her to know he wouldn't let anything bad happen to her... and even though she was an Aide, she was quite possibly pregnant. he didn't want something to happen and her to loose the baby. This was not just about him. But how could he tell her this... when he didn't truly know. He also knew she'd never believe him either.

Still... he tried. Looking away from her, for only a moment, he looked back into her eyes. Could you bare it if something happened to him? His eyes dropped down to her stomach as he said this, and a sigh escaped his lips. Not a moment later, Castalia came up to them and began talking to Dazadi. Focusing on her words, Kade lifted a brow, somewhat interested in what she was saying. A few things caught his attention, but the main one was the bit about questers. Xanth? Sending youngsters on quests? It didn't seem like something she would do. When he was alive... he remembered the type of quests the goddess had. All of which very important, and very dangerious. Only the top of the top were able to attend... and even then, they came back with missing limbs or worse. He didn't know whether or not to believe the Nymph... although his entire time with Suka he'd never known her to lie, or to think that Xanth has really become that desperate. What had happened in the 200 years he was gone?

The other thing that caught his interest, was the mention of Dora and Max. He remembered quite a bit about them from Suka, and the notion that they might be in danger made him feel like he should help. Yes, he didn't truly know them, but Suka liked Dora... the only one he liked as a friend. And Suka's relationship with Max had been interesting.

Hearing the pause in Castalia's words, kade looked up from his thoughts. Feeling a pang od guilt mixed with discomfort, Kade shifted feet, then glanced at Dazadi. Looking back to Castalia... he did the only thing he could think of. Rhea. And yea, I know Dazadi is an aide, she's my life... Pausing, he looked from Castalia to Dazadi and back again. Most people wont understand about lifemates. But they do understand about marriage. She'd my wife. Smiling softly, he looked back at Dazadi and tugged her in close. Daz... this is Suka's... lover. She knows about what happened... and she know's my name. Best to... keep quiet about me... although that wont save yourself. Castalia knew about Dazadi's involvement too. He wondered why she was acting so calmly. Maybe it was the danger her friends were in.

[Dazadi]

Dazadi frowned in confusion but she didn't get chance to ask who Kade was talking about when he said 'him'. Him who? The only 'him' who mattered to her was standing right in front of her - and that was her point in why he should let her go alone. Well, Styx too since he was her friend, but he wasn't involved in this conversation.

Utterly confounded, she didn't hear most of what Castalia said, still looking at Kade even as he turned to greet the Nymph.

...wife... Grinning rather goofily at the way he introduced himself Dazadi finally turned with him, looking at Castalia as if she'd never seen the other woman, still too caught up in the notion of being someone's wife. She wasn't, technically, not by Anyeli law anyway. But she was his lifemate, and that was so much more.

Frowning as Kade's voice entered her head, asking her to keep quiet about his name, Dazadi looked at the other woman curiously. She was Suka's...? Really? She wouldn't have thought the boy could attract a Nymph. Oh the physicalities aside - Dazadi didn't put much stock in the physical appeal of the sylvan race - Castalia had always seemed so reserved. Not what she'd expect Suka to pick for his partner. But, hell, what did Daz know? It took all kinds.

Noticing the three others around the fountain, Daz arched an eyebrow. What happened?