The Trial Of Dargo

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Fire 5,

*Early in the morning on the 5th of Ascending Fire Arachnia was up and dressed in a tight-fitting bodysuit of black with silver swirls that were superimposed over her tattoos. Before long she was at the door of the room where Dargo was residing and gave it a few knocks, waiting for him to answer*

*Dargo woke up to the sound of knocking wood. He got up. Dressed. and answered the door.*

"Hello?"

*He coughed up some dust*

"How long have I slept?"

*Arachnia raised a brow at the young Lunar and wondered how he was getting dust in his lungs. Mayhaps he should be more careful when he traveled*

Approximately one day. That's how long it's been since you returned from exploring the empire. I hope that you rested up because today is the first day of your trials. Follow me to the manse and from there we will fly to our destination

*with a half-spin the Empress turned on her heel and was quick to make her way out of this manse and to her own*

*Dargo grinned.*

"Well we better get goin' then"

* Dargo followed after Arachnia like a ducking following its mother. There was no immediate relation between the two. But he followed her like this anyway. From one manse to the other.*

*within a few minutes her manse had brought them to the edge of Imperveress. When the door opened she walked past Dargo and out of it, gesturing for him to follow*

The place we're going is a bit of a distance , so take to a bird shape and follow me to the location. It should take a few hours of straight flying, if you feel like you need food we can stop, but I'd rather not if we can avoid it. Don't worry, I'll make sure you're fed, though, little shadow

*the Empress's body began to shift and melted into her snowy owl shape, the faster of her flying shapes. With a hoot she hopped over a couple of steps before launching her feathered body into the air*

*Dargo took Arachnia's advice and took to his barn owl shape. He held out his wings to their full breath and ran, jumped, fluttered, then homed in on Arachnia's route.*

*together they flew for three or four hours outside of the empire before Arachnia banked and descended towards the trees, landing on a branch and then hopping down onto the ground. She resumed her previous shape and smoothed out her bodysuit before placing her hands on her hips. Arachnia looked out over the landscape, her eyes mostly fixated on the small village nearby*

*Dargo decreased speed and headed towards the trees. He hovered down all the way next to Arachnia. and resumed his usual form and panted out of breath standing bent over with his hands on his knees. He looked to where Arachnia was leering at.

"What village is that?"

He asked pointing a finger at the aformentioned hamlet.*

*her stare broke and she turned around to look at Dargo. Her lips curved into a smirk for a moment and then she gestured to the village with a backwards wave of her hand*

That village is being beset upon by a highly intelligent river dragon. I don't care how you do it, but resolve the matter. I'll be watching


*Gulp! Dargo's face went pale. (What?!) he thought. He then stood up staighted and confidently.*

"Yeah. No problem."

*He took to his barn owl shape again and rocketed off to get a better view of the village. A 'birds-eye' view.

*as Dargo flew over the village he would see all of the people in the village scurrying about, some looking a bit frightened and others who just seemed in a hurry. Most of the children seemed unaware of the tension in the adults and were playing outside their homes or in the town's center. A few people looked up at the sight of a barn owl in daylight, pointing it out to their friends but soon those who noticed lost interest in the bird and went back to their hurried work. The town itself was run like a circle with a center and houses on one half of the town and the businesses on the other half*

*Dargo looked to where the frightened people were. He tried to find where they were coming from. Dargo flew to a reclusive allyway to shift to his usual form.*

*the people continued to walk around the alley, paying him very little mind once he was in the secluded hall*

* Dargo slipped into the massess. He then looked for the nearest elderly person to see if their wisdom could assist him. A person who lived here for long would know where the river dragon was.*

*it wasn't long before he found an elderly woman watching over a group of children as they played. She looked up at the stranger approached and she sent a worried glance at the little ones nearby, perhaps seeing the unknown man as a threat. When she spoke her voice was rich and tonal, strong despite her age* Hello, stranger, what brings you to a cursed place such as this?

*Dargo relaxed his posture to look less intimiating.*

"Hello wise madame."

He then gave a friendly smile to one of the younger children, hoping for a returning smile from the child. If Dargo could get the child to return the smile he hoped it would show the others to trust this stranger as friendly.*

*when Dargo looked at the kids they didn't even notice, obviously not seeing him as a threat to their playtime. The woman continued to look at the stranger, and spoke up again*

What brought you here? We only have a few hours before I recommend you leave this village and find a safe place to bed down for the night

"Wise woman. I am looking for a River Dragon. Do you know of such a thing?"

*she looked around when he said this, as though the mention would spring one up right in their midst*

Ssh, young man! Why would you want to know of such things?

*Dargo kneeled down and got closer to the old woman. He whispered*

"I am not mad. I have been sent here to your village to rid you of this dragon. Would you know where i may find it?"

*she moved back a little from his sudden close proximity and she looked away for a minute before looking back at the stranger*

Sent here? No one has sent word of our plight... We were told not to. If you really want to meet that which you seek then wait for another hour and he will come on his own. I warn you against it, though, young man, you still have much life to live and shouldn't be so eager to throw it away

* Dargo got up, went back thru the masses, waving behind him to the old woman.* "Thank you for your wisdom" *He shouted as he was that far from her that it was appropriate. Dargo then went back to the ally way. He shifted to his barn owl form and flew to the top of the building closest to him. Perched on the roof, he would wait this hour to see what he was dealing with.*

*After an hour the people would all have rushed back in their houses and only a man who seemed to be the leader or mayor and a table that was laden with meats and other precious items set in wait right on the edge of town*

*Dargo swooped down low. He sneaked over, as owls do, and hid under the table. He also tried to hear what the mayor or leader guy was saying.*

*at first there was no sound out of the mayor but soon he saw the great shape of the river dragon looming near and he gasped quietly. He gestured to the table and bowed to the beast* Great Dragon, here is all of my town's meat and any gems that we had.. We hope this pleases you...

*the dragon snorted and looked over the offerings with mild interest before looking back at the mayor. It was a moment of silence before he spoke, the sound gravely and bestial* I'm not fully pleased with this, but it is enough for me not to eat you. Make sure there's more meat tomorrow or I'll be taking your humans as a replacement

*the mayor trembled a little as he nodded, a lump in his throat*

*Dargo quickly shifted to his usual form. Laid down and kicked up the table at the river dragon with all his force. He aimed the table for where he thought the sound was coming from.*

TBC (("Will Dargo defeat the mighty river dragon or be its next meal?"))

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Fire 5,


*the kick that Dargo had placed to the table barely missed the river dragon's face and it's original target recognized for what the act was (or at least in its mind): an assault. The dragon raised itself up on its legs higher and growled, sending the mayor scrambling away with a wide berth so as to avoid getting accidentally run over in the process. The dragon searched wildly for a moment for a target to his rage, first focusing on the mayor before finding Dargo* Trying to kill me with a puny outsider?? Feel the wrath of Dragons, mortal!!

*Dargo used Deadly Beastman with his Shapechanging Octopus spirit form to become...The Cthuloid monster. Booming out bizare and creepy moans and roars to intimidate the dragon. Dargo didn't know if he could beat the dragon so he used fear to see if a truce could be met before He'd have to unleash all his might upon the river dragon.* "That table was just a minuscule of my skill. Do you wish to feel ALL of it?"

*if it was even possible the reptile's eyes grew larger and he backed up, his once large and gruff voice now quiet and making a fervent attempt at being respectful. He bowed his head and tried not to look Dargo in the face for fear of angering him further, tremors of fear rippling through his great and scaly body* I'm so-sorry, Great and Powerful Beast King! Please forgive one as lowly as me for angering you!

*The Great and Powerful Cthuloid Beast King stood up straight and proud. He placed his nightmarish arms on his sides, looked up and, bellowed a unearthly heroic laugh* "BWA HA HA! If you wish for my forgiveness then leave this town...FOREVER!!! BWA HA HA!!! This is my town now and all the land and rivers surrounding it! So Be GONE WITH YOU!!! *Cthuloid leaned in close to the whimpering serpent.* "unless you wish to feel 'My Wrath'"

Y-yes, whatever you say, Most Powerful Beast King! *as he spoke he started to back up towards the river, intending to make his escape, still low to the ground and slinking* Whatever you say.. I'm leaving, you'll never see me in your lands again, never again... *his form began to disappear as he continued to grovel and attempt to appease this terrifying beast*

*as soon as the dragon was gone the mayor peeked his head out from behind the building he had sought refuge behind and was startled by a new monster. With trepidation he thought of whether or not this monster would eat him or leave the town alone*

*Dargo chuckled silently to himself.**Dargo called out to the mayor.* "Step forth Mayor. I mean you no harm."

*the mayor stiffened, realizing he'd been seen. Slowly he moved forward and more into the unprotected open area near the beast* Oh, great Beast King, thank you for saving us!

*Dargo, still as Cthuloid, turned to face the Mayor.* "Your quite welcome." *He bowed as a knight would before a king.**Dargo stood back up.* " I was sent to help your town rid itself of the River Dragon. I have done this. Now I must go. So long Mayor." *Dargo headed to the forest. Making sure he was obscured by the trees."*Dargo returned to his usual form.*

thank you, and to whoever sent you... thank you! *the mayor watched Dargo leave and turned tail to tell his village of what had just transpired*

*Arachnia was waiting for him pretty close to where he took off from, leaning against a tree where she had a great view of where he had met the river dragon. As Dargo approached she looked right at him* Stay in that shape and follow me, Dargo, your next trial awaits *her shape melted once more into that of her own owl's and she flew through the air to the northwest of where they were now. After another few towns and a few more hours had passed night was beginning to set in and she landed in a tree next to a different and much larger city than the previous town. It was still bustling in certain places, mostly bars and secret places of the night. The owl shifted back to the sultry woman-shape and a milky hand brushed back an ebon lock as she gestured to the city* Dargo, there is a wealthy satrap in there who has a particular mirror that I want you to take. It has a Moonsilver back to it, that's how you can recognize it. Go retrieve it

"Gulp! Alright. Here I go." *Dargo flew over to the city and perched on the corner of a building to take in the view.*

*the city was too large and complex to see from just one corner of town, but there was definitely a rich neighborhood with large elegant buildings and beautiful views of the area within sight of Dargo the owl*

*Dargo flew down to ground level in an alleyway and shifted to his usual form.* Dargo sneaked towards the street and ever so slightly looked about. He was looking for one of the Bars.*

*the sounds of laughing could be heard from multiple directions, though the loudest seemed to be coming from up the street, closer to the rich neighborhood. There was light visible down the road from a large squat building with people milling about in front of it, some of which were stumbling about in a very drunken stupor*

* Dargo snuck up the street, closer to the rich neighborhood. He looked for someone who looked visibly tipsy.*

*there were a few people, two men and a woman who were quite drunk, one man singing unintelligible songs right outside the door while the remaining man and woman giggled and stumbled and swayed down the street deeper into the rich part of town*

* Dargo walked casually to the man singing unintelligible songs.* "What's that song called?"

huh? *the man looked up at him, his clothing looking like it had been of finer quality before the evening had progressed* i's cawd "wha' ni' to'i' butiful" *he then proceeded to start the song over, the reek and stench of booze heavy in the air around him*

*Dargo smiled. Trying to seem interested* "Where'd you get the drink?"

*the guy tried to focus and squinted right up in Dargo's face before leaning back with a grin and gesturing inside* i' thurr

"Thanks." *Dargo walked inside the bar nonchalantly looking for the Bar keeper.*

*the barkeep was currently bartending, serving drinks and washing glasses. One could almost see the twirly mustache and bald head through the sea of people*

*Dargo took up a bar stool and gestured for a drink.* "Bartender! Please, over here!"

Yes, sir! What can I get for you? *the man stepped over to the newcomer and flashed a winning smile that could only belong to a bartender, the look in his eyes assessing and knowing at the same time*

"I'll have what he's having..." *Dargo pointed to the singing guy from before.* "...Also, I need some information."

One Brainsucker coming up *the bartender started mixing a drink with unlabeled bottles, seeming to know what each one was without needing a sign* So what sort of information can I help you with?

"I'm looking for a satrap, a wealthy one. I hear he's in this city. "Do you know of any Satraps?"

All satraps are wealthy, why are you looking for ours? *he smiled as he set a dark drink that smelled strongly of hard alcohol in front of Dargo*

*Dargo took a small sip of Brainsucker. And commented in a cool monotoned voice* "Tastes like strong alcohol." * He sunk his head down on the counter.* "'all satraps'?!"

That's because it is *the bartender chuckled and studied the man in front of him. There was something funny about him, but he couldn't place it with the little time he'd spent looking at him. He started another drink for another customer and nodded to Dargo, studying him more as he really started to notice the strange animalistic Tell that accompanied all Lunars* All the ones I've ever heard of are. I don't know what you want here, but if you want to talk to the satrap he's probably at his house

"OH yes! Where's his house?"

*he turned to another customer and waved in the direction of the rich homes* Over there, of course. Leave the money behind the counter


"Sure let me just get my coin purse. Oops! I dropped it. I'll have to pick it up now." Dargo ducked down low and sneaked under a nearby table. He shifted to his rattle snake form and slithered in the direction of the rich homes.*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Wood 5,


*a few people started as the snake slithered through their midst, though most just assumed that they were way too drunk and shook their heads with a chuckle. Soon the snake would see the rich homes coming up before him and the biggest one looming up ahead*

*Dargo, the snake, slithered on to the biggest home looming up ahead. He looked to see if there was any opening he could sneak into.*

*there were many doors and windows, though none were open except one. The house itself was a sprawling mansion that boasted beautiful detailing on the building as well as the grounds. There were no lights visible in the house but the stable down the property had a single light glowing in the night. The one window that was open left the opening at the top of it with darkness shrouding the other side*


*Dargo transformed to his usual form. He went to the front door. He check to see how locked it was.*

*it was locked, though from this side it was hard to tell how many locks there were. On the outside there was a handle with a small hole to one side where Dargo could see the bottom end of a pin slid into place*

*Dargo pulled out the pin.*

*when he tried to pull it nothing happened, the pin felt blocked and wouldn't move outwards*


*Dargo looked around for a rock.*

*throughtout the property there were many rocks of varying shapes and sizes, a rock-hunter's dream as long as they didn't care after the quality*

*Dargo looked for a heavy rock about the size of his clenched fist.*

*there were a few in a display around a larger round rock about 50 feet away from the front door*

*Dargo walked over to the display and picked up his destined rock. He then looked for a shrub to hide behind.*

*as with the rocks there were many trees and shrubs of various sizes and colors at advantageous points around the grounds for any aspiring thief*

*Dargo hid behind a shrub. Looked at the door about 50 ft away and threw his rock at it as hard as he could.*

*as the rock collided with the door it made a loud banging sound. After a moment the door opened and a man looked out at the darkness with a scowl on his face. After a quick sweep he ran his hand through his short flame-red hair. His skin had a slight tint that looked as though he were standing in front of a fire and he muttered to himself before growling out to the culprit he believed to be there* You drunks! Go home or feel the wrath of the Fire Dragon Cathak Rogna!

"Another DRAGON?!" *Thought Dargo* "How am I ever gonna get out of this situation?!"

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Fire 5-6,


*the Dragon-Blooded continued to search his property for a few moments longer while he tried to find the hooligans he believed were out there. Despite that he was only wearing a pair of scarlet pants not dissimilar to a particular other Exalt in the same part of the world, Cathak Rogna looked all too willing to crack some skulls. With one last sweep of his gaze behind his shoulder he ended up disappearing into his house and closing the door*

*Dargo creeped out of the bushes and went towards the house again. He looked for the open window*

*the window was exactly where he had left it, in the wall and open from the top. The darkness was still behind it as though no one had been there for awhile and continued to refrain from being in the room that the window led to*

*Dargo thought about what form he could take to fit in there for a moment. Dargo shifted to his raven form. That way he could become part of the darkness.He tried to fit through*

*the raven's body was small enough to fit into the open part of the window, and as soon as he was inside he would be hit immediately by all-encompassing darkness. With a few moments his eyes would adjust, however, and he would see that this place was some sort of bathing area with beautiful marble flooring and fixtures done as artfully as the front property was. Either this guy had a hidden side to his scowling appearance or he had hired competent decorators*

* Dargo thought to himself, "Where would I keep a mirror if I lived here?" Dargo looked for the door. "I've got to find that mirror, and avoid Cathak Rogna in the process." *thought Dargo.Dargo shifted to his normal form. He opened the bathroom door just a creek to check what was on the other side.*

*Dargo tip toed towards the hall. Being as quiet at he could and opened the first door to see what was inside.*

*inside was a sleeping servant, snores loud enough to be heard from the door. They had their back facing Dargo but he could see it was a woman and the clothes near the door smelled like food. He would find that the door moved easily and silently, the hinges well-oiled and properly maintained*

*Dargo tried to put on the food smelling clothes, if they fit he could pass himself off as a servant and be more under the radar of Cathak Rogna.*.

*they fit him fairly well, the man being a little bit shorter in the arms than Dargo but otherwise about the same size. There were a few grease stains and the like that marked him as a chef though the material didn't seem nice enough to be for a chef of any real rank, most likely the sous chef*

*"Hmm" thought Dargo. His inner monolouge continued "I did see a kitchen. I would fit in perfectly there!" Dargo closed the servant's door and walked casually towards the kitchen.*

*when he got into the kitchen he would see that it would look just like any other kitchen in a nice house. The equipment was relatively new and definitely clean and well kept. Whoever worked here definitely had pride in what they did and it showed. Everything was neat and in its place, a section for the food all tidy and accessible. There were no doors to the cabinets, possibly for easier access, and there was another door on the other side of the kitchen that obviously led outside, the window on the wall showing more shrubbery on the side of the house*

* "Well no clues here" Thought Dargo. "Thick I'll check the pantry."*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Fire 5-6,


*in the pantry were various foodstuffs and ingredients of many different kinds. Each type was organized with designated sections in the pantry and in a few of them were more preserved items like jams and things that were in the process of being made such as pickles*

*Dargo grabbed two jars of jam and put them in his pockets.Then he closed the pantry door and left the kitchen.Dargo walked back to the hallway, where he found the servant clothes, and checked the next door down to see what was in it.*

*the next room were more sleeping servants, the door the same style and size as the first one. This person smelled like horses and there were riding clothes in the closet. Farther down the hall around the corner was a large set of double doors with a more ornate carving of Dragon-Blooded slaying the Solars in what looked to be a rather simple battle. The doors were closed and no sounds could be heard immediately from down the hall*

*Dargo rolled his eyes. He thought, "MORE servants? How lazy is this Vizer?". He then went over to the large ornate double doors. He place his ear against it to hear, if anything, what was on the other side.*

*in the other room he could hear the gentle breathing of someone who was asleep, though it didn't seem like there was anyone or anything else awake*

*Dargo walked to the opposite end of the hallway and hid around the corner. He then looked peaked his head out looking back at the large double doors. He then took out one of the jars of jam and threw it as hard as he could aiming at the double doors.*

*the jar smashed and jam splattered all over the doors and onto the floor, creating a sticky mess that was sure to stain the expensive carpets. It was only a moment before the fiery Dragon-Blooded burst through the doors and saw the mess. His face went from simply tired and angry to even angrier. It only took a moment for him to make a decision and he glared around the halls to see if he could find the culprit. It only took a few seconds after he disappeared into the room before he came out with a red daiklaive in hand. He stalked out into the hall and came to a stop just over his ruined carpet. A loud booming voice echoed through the hall* Show yourself filth, and take your punishment!

*Dargo raced down the hall, pretending to be one the servants, to the Dragon-Blooded. Dargo pointed, acting scared, pointing wildly at the other end of the hall "SIR! SIR! Over here! I heard them go run down over here!"*

*he looked at Dargo with suspicion, his eyes narrowing and the red in his hair seemed to leak into his skin. When he spoke, his voice came out as a growl* I don't recognize you, what are you doing in my house? *the way he said the word suggested that he saw his large and spacious mansion as something smaller, almost as though it was his summer home*

"I'm new sir. But hurry! They're getting away!"

*the glare intensified and his eyes went over Dargo's Tell with scrutiny. In a flash, pun intended, his simmering anger flared to a righteous rage and his anima flamed out hot and fierce, scorching his carpets in the process. The red Jade daiklaive was raised and launched at Dargo without notice, slamming into him and knocking him down the hallway. It was as though Dargo had been hit by a truck, and the Fire Aspect took the opportunity of Dargo being on the ground to take aim and begin the plunge of the tip of his sword into the fleshy parts of the grounded Anathema* Die!

*when Cathak Rogna's daiklaive started its descent toward his foe it stopped suddenly and his neck was swathed in a long waving strip of black for a moment before the spot suddenly cleared and bloomed red, blood oozing down a huge gaping hole in his neck. The body fell and the daiklaive clattered to the floor, revealing Dargo's mentor standing where the man had been. She looked up at him and her black eyes glittered, Rogna's blood trickling out of the corner of her mouth and staining her lips with it's vibrant shade. At the sound of hurried footsteps her shape shimmered and soon Cathak Rogna was standing in the same place he had been before, his body kicked behind him and into the room.*

*in a matter of seconds the servants had all appeared on the scene, some showing panic and others fear on their faces. As they took the scene in they shuddered at all of the red, not able to tell the different between the jam and the blood. One of them spoke up, appearing as though it took all of their courage to do so* Sir, what happened here, is everything alright?

*Arachnia as Rogna glared down at them in that familiar scowl, his voice just as growly as it had been a few moments ago* I can't take this anymore. Get out of my sight, you're all dismissed! I'm leaving this wretched town! *as the servants stood stunned another ugly face was shot at them* Leave the mess and begone! Before I make you as a replacement for this jam! *that was all it took and as quickly as they had appeared the group scattered, obviously more interested in staying alive and away from an angry and possibly insane Dragon Blooded than to affectations of loyalty. The moment they were gone "Rogna" picked up the daiklaive and shook his head at Dargo* First, we gather items and then we leave. Once we're far enough away, we will speak. Understood?

[Arachnia of the Hour]

*Dargo felt quite foolish. He looked up to *Rogna* and nodded his head. Dargo then stagged up onto his legs. Some tenticles ploped down from Dargo's sides and shed some ink. Dargo then blushed as this made him more embaresd than he already was. Dargo looked down and took in a deep breath. His tenticles retracted back in giving him his "NORMAL" appearance.
Dargo then followed *Rogna* with a slight limp.

*Arachnia stomped into his room, still keeping up appearances in case any of the servants were to be brave enough to venture forth. She went about collecting artifacts and anything else that caught her eye, once in awhile shoving something at Dargo for him to hold. In the closet she pulled out a chest with a fairly simple lock, taking the key from the bedstand drawer and unlocking it. The sheets were disheveled from where the real Rogna had fallen back to sleep that night. She reached in and pulled out a long and sleek case of rich cherry wood polished to brilliance. Opening it up, Arachnia showed Dargo the mirror she had sent him to get. In her new voice she commented to her protege*

This is what I sent you to get

*with a flourish the case closed and she held it to the side as she pulled out a large egg from Elsewhere and opened it up, packing away the mirror along with the other items she was taking from the dead man's home. The sweep was quick and efficient, and soon Arachnia was leading Dargo out and towards the stables. With a glance at Dargo she gestured towards the horses, the egg tucked away until she needed it again*

Can you ride a horse?

*Dargo snapped his fingers, spun around, and threw his disquise off up into the air. Held his hand up towards Arachnia, gave a thumbs up, winked his eye, and a twinkle came off his smile (surprising as it was night). and spoke low *

"Of course I can ride any steed."

*Dargo then looked into one of the horses eyes with a hypnotic leer. Dargo then looked back to Arachnia.*

"Only fooling. I don't know how to ride a horse. Lull."

*Dargo winked*

"But there's a first time for everyting!"

*the Empress raised an eyebrow at him, the word "lull" not something she was familiar with. He seemed to be content with himself again and she started to saddle up the horses and rope them together, leaving one for Dargo to get on*

Just put your foot in the stirrup and swing the leg over to sit on it


*a quick and graceful motion had her up and in the saddle, the reins in her hands. Despite that it was the dead of night she led the train of horses out of the city*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

*Dargo patted the horse on the back.*

"Such a nice horse."

*Dargo then looked into its eyes.*

"Who's a good horse?"

*Dargo tilted his head to the side.*

"YOU ARE!"

*Dargo then swooped up and got into the saddle like a sudden, yet relaxing, gust of wind. He then lowered his head and raised his shoulders to reduce his air resistance. Dargo whispered into the horse's left ear*

"now let's..."

*Dargo raised out his hand to the vanishing point for the horse to see.*

"...go!"

*The horse raised its front legs and neighed like a horse would do in an exciting Old Western film. They both flew forward, the horse galloping; Dargo "Heyah!" 'ing*


*Arachnia silently spurred her horse into a moderate walk, merely shifting in her seat and prodding the horse with her heels. She wasn't going to bother chewing out Dargo just yet, his horse would tire soon and would probably have to be switched out with a fresh one from behind her. Despite his crazed take-off she led the others out of the city and caught up with her protege. Once away from prying eyes she reverted back to her true shape and readjusted slightly to fit her difference in gender. As soon as he was in earshot she rode up beside him and beckoned him closer*

Dargo, we need to go over what went wrong in there.

*her voice took on a disappointed edge and she kept her gaze away from him, an unconscious action that elders of social cultures sometimes used to make their children realize they had done wrong*

We will start at the beginning of the Trial. The window on the side was open and should have been your first option. There was absolutely no need of you to awaken the Dragon-Blooded who had been sleeping by the door. The lock on the front door could have been picked also, yet you chose to make more problems for yourself. At first it seemed as though you were stealthy, but tonight made me wonder if that was simply a fluke. Once you were actually inside you chose to attempt a disguise and instead of eating the servant you simply pilfered his clothing and then went to the kitchen. Why would a mirror backed in Moonsilver be kept in the kitchen?
When you took the jam I began to wonder if you had a plan and yet you continued on looking in the servants quarters for a valuable object that belongs to their master. Once you found the appropriate room you listened and instead of slipping inside undetected and setting to work you decide to wake up the Fire Aspected Dragon-Blooded for a second time, ensuring that he was thoroughly irate before trying to lie and socially outmaneuver someone who deals with people for a living. After being found out you continued to allow your Tell to flare, just as you had when attempting to con the bartender into giving you information, which was the ultimate faux pas when attempting to deceive someone and make them believe that you are trustworthy and to be believed. For some reason you thought that throwing jam at the Fire Aspect's door would make him happier than keeping his expensive rugs intact, though when I was forced to kill him to save your life it did help hide the bloodstains. Don't even think of claiming that was how you planned it, I am no fool. What part of this did you think would function effectively?

*Dargo was pale in the face. He listened to what Arachnia had said and recalled every step as she review them. He felt quite foolish now that it had all been replayed for him. Dargo gave his best answer.*

"I didn't think any of it would work. But It never crossed my mind that I'd be right. I guess I'm not used to sneaking in houses. I'm sorry."

*Arachnia continued to refrain from looking at Dargo a few moments longer, but broke that to give him a hard look*

Seeing as it is your forte you had better learn. Lucky for you I decided to let you live to go on to the third and final Trial. If you are truly sorry, then show me just how successful a cunning trickster can be in this last situation

*she rode on in silence for a few moments before speaking again, her tone lighter, though no less business, the disappointment now in the background of her tones*

Soon we will meet up with Wise River and she will take the horses. Afterwards we'll hunt for food and then rest before going to the next place

[Arachnia of the Hour]

Ascending Fire 6,


*the next morning Arachnia woke at dawn, her Moonsilver spiders still going through the patrol she had set them on while they slept. The tests for the day filled her head as she brushed her fingers through her hair and smoothed out her clothing. Nudging Dargo with her foot she stood over him until he woke up, though if he took too long she was going to dump him out of his bedroll*

Time to go

*Dargo snapped up, ready to go.*

"It sure is. Lets go!"

*He said with gusto and a smile.*

*the Empress nodded and started walking north of their current location*

Dargo, what do you know about Fair Folk?

*she paced herself so that they walked at the same speed, not wanting to give too much information, but knowing that if he didn't have some there was no way for him to even understand his goal*

*Dargo stroked his chin as if he had a beard and sqinted his left eye. He looked like he was in deep thought. He then relaxed and gave his reply.*

"I've only heard of the fair folk. But I know not much else of these folks."

I see

*Arachnia nodded to Dargo as they walked, having hoped he knew a little more than that, but as most people didn't she wasn 't particularly downtrodden*

Well then, I need to give you some information. Fair Folk is a term for the creatures in the Wyld made from dreams who feast on the emotions of mortals. They can shape the Wyld to their whims and are often great and terrible monsters who can bring great destruction in Creation. They have five parts to their souls which are termed Graces. The Cup, Ring, Staff and Sword. Your final trial is to bring me as many Graces of the Fair Folk known as The End Of Joy And Dreams as you can. We are about to enter his domain and your trial will start. Do you understand your objective?

*Dargo nodded*

"Yes. Bring you the Graces of The-End-Of-Joy-And-Dreams. Gotcha"

*He gave the thumbs up, winked his left eye and gave a grin.*

*this boy's antics... well, she supposed it should make her feel better that he was being lighthearted, though she couldn't help but hope he wasn't just underestimating his task*

Alright, then go do so

*as they approached the area the land grew dark and the trees were barren and the grass limp and a lifeless color of gray. There was a small town within eyesight and a decent thirty-minute walk from where they were. Upon closer inspection the people who lived there were ghosts, and as Dargo grew nearer they shied away and gave him space*

"Ghosts. It had to be a ghost town."

*Dargo didn't like where this was heading*

*their whispering followed him wherever he walked, and soon a man appeared in the distance down the street he was on. His black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, death-white skin stretched taut across his skull. He looked down his hook-nose at Dargo, red eyes blaring like beacons in the dull city. Black leather body armor encased his hard-muscled torso, matching black leather pants tucked into steel-toed boots made of a hide that had been stained a glossy shade to fit his attire. As Dargo drew nearer the man's lips pulled up in a sneer, causing the long scar that ran from his temple to the corner of his upper lip to cringe and dance on his face*

"Hiya! How's it going? I'm Dargo."

*Dargo told the scary man in black armor. Dargo then asked...*

"And what's your name?"

Hmph.

*the man's sneer turned into a smirk an he shook his head at the foolish boy.. At least he could play with him before eating him*

Kro. Life was a bit dull and hungry until you came by

*Dargo chuckled to himself. What a great disquise this Kro would make.*

"How has it been dull and hungry? Would you like something to eat?"

*the sneer spread into an awful smile that looked more like a grimace, exposing yellowed teeth which were all the same length and all ended in sharp points*

I would

*he reached back behind him and pulled out a mid-sized staff of charred wood with a thick knot on the end and pointed it into the air*

Come, hold him!

*at his command a swarm of the once-fearful ghosts of the city rushed out to grab onto Dargo's limbs, though they didn't drag him down just yet, holding him in place*

*Dargo tried to break the ghosts hold.*

*the ghosts on his arms and legs fell off only to be replaced by the line of ghosts behind the ones that fell off. The man with the crozier laughed, a harsh sound that caused the pile of ghosts to cringe*

Foolish Dargo, I have to thank you for offering to be my dinner

*as he spoke he stretched his senses out to reach at Dargo, feeling for any fear his captive might have. He'd put the staff to the ground and was using it to lean on as he leered over Dargo's face, his breath stinking of rotted flesh*

*Dargo, being restricted and about to under go some voodoo-esque treatment had to use his Deadly beastman transformation*

"I really did not want to resort to this but you have left me no other option."

*Dispite the ghosts hold on Dargo, they became harmless like soap bubbles against the Cthulu beast.*

*his eyes widened a fraction as Dargo grew in height and size, becoming the octopus-monster his exaltation had given him access to*

What manner of beast are you? Either way you will fall to me!

*he raised the staff to command the ghosts again, brandishing it at Dargo's chest, which is as far as it would reach. So close to the tip Dargo could see that there was a darkness collecting at the knot as he called more ghosts to fight for him*

*Dargo relized Kro was using the crozier to command the dead, so Dargo lashed out one of his tendriles at the crozier to disarm Kro.*

*Kro cursed as his stick was snatched out of his hand, angry that he was caught off-guard by the octopus-man. He tried to grab it back, but found that he couldn't reach and started for his knife at his hip. The ghosts stopped attempting to hold him in place, the ones called as reinforcements just stopping and standing where they were when Dargo had taken the crozier*

*Dargo attempted to mimic Kro's actions with the crozier. Dargo planted the crozier in the ground, pointed with all his tenticles at Kro, and comanded the ghosts to...*

"HOLD KRO!!!"

*the ghosts did as they were told and Kro tried slashing at them, but the sheer number, particularly as he had just called for more, ultimately proved too much. He glared at Dargo and spat, his fruitless attempts to free himself continuing despite its inevitability* I may have lost the crozier, but I can still kill you! *he took a deep breath and bellowed out one word, his arms shaking with the effort*

KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNN!!!!!!

*Dargo, the Cthulu beast, bellowed out a reply.*

"Whatever."

*Dargo, as the Cthulu beast, reached into the pile of ghosts with the tenticles on his face, wraped several around Kro. And attempted to eat him to gain Kro's form and memories.*

*unbeknownst to Dargo, Kro was no ordinary human, and while he munched Kro screamed in pain. Through the struggling of his prey Dargo would feel an air of the deepest despair begin to engulf and surround them. A new voice would permeate the air, feminine with a definite air of hostility*

Halt or die by my blade!

*Dargo stoped. He than spat out what was left in his jaws.*

*when he turned to look he would see a woman with a large and gleaming sword pointed right at him. She wore a human skeleton for clothing, joints added into the ribs and a hinge on the skull so the outfit would fit. Underneath the bones was bare skin, modesty not something she must have thought of, though rib bones covered her nipples and kept them from view. No hair peeked out from behind the skull, but the breasts straining from between the rib bones and the strategically placed pelvis revealed enough to verify gender* Return the crozier or die!

"HOLD HER" *Dargo said as he planted the crozier in the ground at her.*

*the ghosts started forward with a sluggish scramble, falling to the ground in front of her and crying. Once in awhile they would attempt a feeble grab at her but they missed, eyes swollen from the tears of despair that they wept*

We can't, all is lost!

*Dargo was now to sad as well to keep this up. He gave the crozier to the skull lady.* "Here, take it. Can't blame me for trying."

*Kan, aka Skull Lady took the proferred crozier, a crazed laugh coming from behind the teeth on her mask*

Kro, you fool! Master will see you punished for this! It's good that you only have Staff and I the Sword for your stupidity could have gotten him vexed!

*she turned to Dargo and he could see the a green glow behind the eyeholes*

Now we only have to dispose of you, beast and bring your head as a present!

*about that time a raven dropped out of the sky and onto his shoulder. The voice of Arachnia picked up next to his head, the bird fluffing at him* Was there a reason you gave her the Grace? Now she has two: the Staff and the Sword/i]

*Oh great! THAT was a Grace?!*

"That ain't happening Kan."

*Dargo, the Cthulu best, reached out with his many tenticles.*

"Get in my belly!"

Often times a Grace will take very literal shapes or take the shape similar to the name. Now that the Sword has shown up I will tell you what you can do with it. The only way to get the Heart Grace, the one that gives you power over the Fair Folk it belongs to is to use the Sword Grace to take it from them

*Arachnia shifted on his shoulder as he moved about, not wanting to fall off, though she could fly if it came down to it*

*Dargo tried to grab Kan with the tenticles on his face.*

*Kan shook her head at Dargo and brandished the sword, dismissing the ghosts with the crozier before resting it against her forearm like a tonfa*

That won't be happening, beast!

*her attentionb hit upon the raven at his shoulder and she laughed*

Death is calling you, an omen of my inevitable victory!

*as he ran face-first at her the woman parried with the sword, despair trying to seep into octopus-monster. While Dargo swung around in preparation for his next attack, Kan took a step back to a distance better for her sword and slashed at his tentacles left and right in two quick successive hits, irritated that her free hand was taken by the crozier*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

*Dargo felt a rush of adreniline from all this. He then relized he would need to retreat and replan his approch. With the adreniline rush came a series of daydreams and memories of Dargo's past. Though there was none nearby, he smelled roasted duck, fresh brewed coffee, and flashes of childhood scorched through Dargo's mind in a split second as he was rapidly lumbering towards Kan. His left eye twitched in pain and uncontrollable arggrivation. Dargo quickly retracted his face tenticles like a snail would recoil its eyes. He jumped past Kan to her left side like a quarterback jumping for a football, yet Dargo grabed his head instead and attempted a summersault. Dargo figured he couldn't take on Kan now so it would be best to save what was left of himself to better fight another time.*

*the large salty-smelling beast blurred past Kan and her outstretched sword. The realization that she missed ripped through her in a growl that vibrated through the skull helmet as a strange alien sound. Whatever this thing was, he was stronger than she thought. The thought nagged at Kan in the back of her mind as she looked around at his form and body, looking for any weaknesses she could exploit when she found the right moment*

What do you want here, monster?

*Dargo heard the skull lady's question but could not regester it in his mind as he was in a flurry of thoughts, stratagising and rethinking his plans. Also, he was rolling away from the battle curled up into a large, lumbering, boulder of slimy skin and tenticles. He could not even control his momentum that well, other than escape for now, as he smashed into one of the ghost houses. Dargo then had an epiphany, as rubble and collapsed roof lie on him, he would turn to his rattle snake form and slither away behind one of the other houses.*

*as he rolled away, Kan watched in bewilderment, surprised that he really was leaving the area. A burning rage rose up and filled her bosom, causing her to abandon her speculation and stalk over to where he had crashed into the house. Somehow he had just disappeared, the large ball of beastie now miraculously absent. She started searching through the rubble, using the sword to move aside the larger pieces, grumbling about invisible behemoths*

*Arachnia follwed the rolling ball in the air as a raven, though when he knocked the house down she used the smokescreen of dust to shift and fall down next to Dargo as a black widow spider*

*Dargo the snake watched Kan carefully from the safety of one of the other houses. He then noticed Arachnia the spider.As Dargo realized he made a clean get away, albeit a smashed ghost house.....he then wanted to hear what Arachnia wanted. But he couldn't. As being a snake helped to escape a tight situation, it didn't so much for receiveing sound as he no longer had ears. He then shifted to his black hare forme. Having such large ears, compared to relative size, would allow Dargo the hare to hear the silent words of a spider. Dargo softly sqeaked.*

"Yes Arachnia?"

*Arachnia as the spider just looked at him with her eight eyes, difficult to see under the darkness of the fallen building. She stayed on his scales as he wiggled off to somewhere he felt safe. Once he was settled into his new shape she started in*

As you know, her sword is the key to take the Heart of the Fair Folk who is your target. You managed to sneak away without her noticing, and she should be preoccupied in the search. All you need to do is take possession of the Sword and it's yours. Of course, any and all that you can steal is still your goal. What's your plan for those two Graces?

*Dargo winked one of his big hare eyes. As if to say no worries Arach. Dargo then slowly hopped around the ghost house. He then looked around the other side where he saw the back of Kan, who looked so helplessly confused it was hilarious. But the laughs would come later. Dargo knew the time was for stealthy action. He twitched his whiskers a bit to make sure the wind was in his favor. Though this was pointless as the dust still settling from the caved in house flew away from Kan towards Dargo. This showed that Kan would not smell Dargo that well. Dargo, still close to the adjacet house, swelled up to his beastman forme once again. Dargo eyed the sword. He sweat a bit. He knew the odds were in his favor but like any thief, pesperation comes at the most critical momment. Dargo slowly tip-toed towards Kan. A ghost, having nothing better to do with eternity, might have seen this odd sight of a giant squidish beast sneaking up on a lady dressed in bones and wonder why she could not fathom to look behind her. It must be the helmet the ghost would think; blocks the senses a bit. Dargo was close enough, a couple of meters, he sneak attacked her! The tenticles in one hand wrapped around the sword like noodles wrapped around a fork, while Dargo's other hand wrapped around Kan's thick head and piledrived her skull, both of her skulls, into the porch of the house. It was as if Kan was an ostarich trying to hide, but against her will.*

*the skulls both crunched under the fearsome might of Dargo, blood and gore oozing between his clawed fingers, running rivulets of crimson down to stain her skin and soak into the ground. Bits of gray matter separated from each other, plopping to the earth before she had a chance to cry out. The sword and crozier fell with a clatter and a clang, the metal of the sword making angry sounds on impact*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

*Dargo stood in place for a momment taking in what just happened. The wind blew by a tumble weed that looked like it belonged in a ghost town like this. Dargo's heart was beating fast from the adreline rush of overcoming a foe he was almost best by. He slowly uncoiled his grip and steped back to look at the tragedy before him. Wow Dargo thought. Brutal. Beads of sweat were visible on him and he took a deep breath with a sigh of relief as it was over. He then reached out with his left arm and extended his tenticles to pick up both the crozier and sword. He brought them up to his eyes to examine them.*

*the crozier was a mid-length staff with the skull of a newborn baby on the top, its color yellowed with age. There were ornamental carvings down the shaft, a tribal look to it, yet it flowed as though a mastercraftsman had simply molded the wood instead of clefting chunks out of it. The sword looked like it was made of Soulsteel, though it was too light for such heavy metal. The hilt was encrusted with red circle and tear-shaped gems of hardened and polished blood, in a fashion much like amber except that it was vitae. Though light for the material it appeared to be, it was definitely metal and was thus heavy to anyone who wasn't used to wielding a sword. The blade itself was well-folded and perfectly balanced, glinting softly in the distant dull lighting of the area*

Dargo then put the crozier in his right hand and shifted to his usual form. He then looked about the ghost town. He then raised the crozier and called out for the ghosts. "Ghosts! Come forth and gather before me!"

*all of the dead from the surrounding areas came running, stopping short as they found places in front of him, a mass of about two hundred and twelve. They grumbled to themselves, tired of being dragged around by the crozier. They looked at each other and then back at Dargo. One ghost raised a brow and spoke up* You rang?

Dargo raised a brow back. "I did rang. Can you ghosts dig earth"?

*the ghost man gave a look like he thought he was crazy* Like with a shovel? *a few of the other ghosts snickered but were too afraid and beaten to do anything themselves*

"GHOSTS! GO FIND SHOVELS AND ANYTHING ELSE LIKE THAT AND COME TO THIS SPOT! THEN..." *Dargo pointed the sword at the colaped house ans smashed Kan.* "...DIG A MOAT AROUND THIS HOUSE, THEN DIG OUT THE EARTH UNDER THE HOUSE, THEN BURRY ALL OF IT!!! I WANT NO TRACE OF THIS INCIDENT!!! IS THAT CLEAR?!!!"

*all of the ghosts flinched and cringed at Dargo's shouting, even the one who had spoken up, and compelled partially through the power of the crozier, and partially by fear they did as they were told, scrambling to fulfill their new master's orders. With the number of ghosts it only took an hour for them to complete their task. When they were done they just stood there, intending to follow him around so they weren't pulled away from their business until he was done with them*

*interesting Dargo thought.* "Well done I'm very proud of you all." *Dargo then looked around for Arachnia. He remembered she was in the house next door to the now burried one. He dashed over with a bit of a stumble as he was holding onto the sword and crozier tightly. He then looked about the house. "Arachnia? Are you still in there?"....."I got the sword ands crozier!" He held them up casually.

*at his praise they just nodded, watching him as he ran over to another pile of rubble and wondered if they were going to clean that up, too*

*The black raven from before sat on top of the rubble, apparently she had shifted while he killed Kan and nodded at him* I'm right here, Dargo. Congratulations.

"Oh Hey!" Dargo smiled. "Thank you" Dargo took a bow and got back up. "What is my next target?"

That's entirely up to you, your task was to get as many Graces from The End Of Joy And Dreams as you can. You have two of five so unless you lose them before you end your final trial then you at least pass *in her bird shape her expressions were different, but she still managed to bring a feeling of vague interest through her voice, its lilting not letting him in on how she felt one way or the other*

l: "ALRIGHT!" Dargo had a zest for life and adventure in his voice. "Lets go get two more Graces!" He looked towards the ghosts. "Ghosts! Are you ready?" Dargo knew they were ready but felt like asking them anyway. "Do any of you ghosts know where The-End-Of-Joy-And-Dreams is? (Who we'll call Teojad from now on)."

*the man from before looked like he wanted to say something, but a woman beat him to it* Why would you want to find him? That's the last place anyone should want to go *a child ghost in the back of the group cringed and tried to hide behind some of the taller ghosts*

"How about a grace, ghosts?"

a what? Like, manners? *the woman asked the question, but the man answered her* No, dummy, grace is how you walk, not manners *in the back near the kid another boy, older and taller, grabbed something from him and started running off with it, holding what looked to be a rolled up paper above his head, the red stains of blood in stark contrast to the off-white of the paper. The victim tried to get it back, but was too short. Some of the adults noticed but didn't say anything, not wanting to get involved and find punishment*

*Dargo was not very patient with his undead armada. His eyes jutted to the blood stained scroll. He pointed the head of the crozier at the tall boy ghost. "Bring forth that paper, NOW!"

AGH! *the tall one cried out with surprise at the command and rushed forward to bring him the paper, the smaller of the two boys trying not to laugh at the undue attention his tormentor had gotten*

*Dargo looked about his wave of ghosts.* "Are there any ex-warriors here and or farm hands in the lot of you?"
"You wait right here boy." Dargo leered at the ghost boy that trie dto run off.*

um... yeah? *the voice came from somewhere in the crowd and a few people were pushed out by others who didn't want to be bothered. The kid tried to look indignant but only managed to look constipated*

"Come up front and restrain this boy. I'll need two of you ex-warriors." *Dargo was sounding like a mix between a spoiled prince and war hardened general.*

Um, sure? *two of the ghosts, a man and a woman stepped forward and took hold of the boy, wondering if this man would be just as terrible as Kro or some other variation, perhaps worse*

*Dargo, being unable to use his hands gave another order.* "Now you!" *Dargo pointed the crozier at a random man in the front.* "Open this bloody paper and hold it before me please."

*without saying anything the man stepped forward and took the roll of parchment and opened it, trying to keep his hands steady as he held it up in front of the octo-face, hoping that that was where he was keeping his eyes* Here, s-s-sir

*Dargo tried to read it.*

*it was a map of the surrounding area with a note in Riverspeak that said "Kro, you idiot, don't you dare lose this or I'll kill you myself!" in a harsh, but efficient script. Some of the places were marked and had a word next to each spot: Kro, Kan, Kap, Kri and Lord. Lord was the farthest away and near that mark was the word Death, complete with a skull and crossbones*

"AHH! This will be quite handy!" Dargo smiled "We got Kro and Kan out of the way. Now let us go to where Kap is on this map." *Dargo looked up at the face of the ghost holding the map.* "I'll need you to guard this map for me from now on." *Dargo then looked to the two ghosts holding the boy ghost.* "Release the boy. I'll need you two by my side." *Dargo then commanded the group.* "Take me to Kap." *Dargo looked back at his two new guards.* "Carry me."

*the guy nodded at Dargo, unsure if this was an honor or a second death-sentence. He rolled it up, the paper falling easily back into the shape and tucked it into his clothes for safekeeping. The two holding the boy simply let go and the rest surged forward and carried Dargo to where the man with the map led. It took about half an hour, but they reached the destination and the ghosts stopped, still holding Dargo up in the air on their shoulders. Map-man looked up at Dargo for only a moment* This is the place, sir. *all around were circular pools in the ground, some empty and some full of dead animals and even some with live ones, a sickly variety of cats, dogs, and some livestock. There was a decent-sized house up ahead that had a blood fountain outside surrounded by foliage made of bones both human and animal. A spiky gate surrounded the morose abode, the gate closed by a simple latch*

[Arachnia of the Hour]

*Dargo rose the crozier to the sky.* "Ghosts! surround the house!"

*the ghosts surge forward and surround the house, creating a thick wall of ethereal bodies. They looked around when they were done and waited in case their lord needed to use them for something else*

*Dargo then walked up carefully to the house. He slid the sword carefully into his belt to free up his hand. Fear trembling thru his spine caused his free hand to shiver nervously. He then moved to the front of the door and inspected the latch.*

*the latch was a simple metal one you could find anywhere, just like the one found on the fence. A hook settled into a small circle, more intended to keep the door closed against strong winds than to keep anyone out*

*Dargo sighed a sigh of relief. He then whispered.* "two ex-warriors, come over here by my side." *to the ghosts*

*the same two people came forth who he had used the first time to hold the kid ghost in place. The pair took a place flanking him, and gave each other a look and the girl smiled flirtatiously at the guy but they otherwise stayed where they were*

*Dargo then unlatched the door's cold metal lock. He walked in thru the door, guarded, with the ghosts following from behind ready for anything. Dargo looked around to get a clear view of the space before him.*

*there was a large open space furnished with skeletal furniture and trophies of dead enemies such as skulls, shrunken heads, hands, and various other body parts. Down a short hall was a doorless arch that led to what looked more like a butcher's back room than a kitchen and then another few arches leading into a bath and sleeping chambers for servants that weren't there. There was only one door in the house and it stood ajar in direct view from the front door*

*Dargo gestured to the ghosts.* "Both of you. Go thru that door in front of us and then come back and tell me what you see."

*the two ghosts took each other's hands and walked down the hall to the room through the open door. After a moment a chorus of high-pitched shrieks laced with terror ripped through the house from inside the room,. The gender(s) of the screaming was indistinguishable from the other and the ghosts didn't come back from the room no matter how much time passed*

"This is ridiculous!" *Dargo exclaimed in bewilderment. He then sulked a march back outside. He rose the crozier to the sky. "Ghosts! Stop surrounding the house. Now form a single file line and charge in thru this front door! I want what ever is lurking in there bombarded!"

*some of the women ghosts started crying, trying to get the children to the back of the line as they were all forced to charge in a line to the back of the house. The cacophony of screams and agony rose from the house like a howling wind, the bawling of women and children as the line of ghosts continued on, the numbers slowly trickling into the house until the last one ran in rubbing his eyes. Shouts of "HELP!!" came up from the inside of the dwelling until everything finally fell silent, the lack of sound almost creating a void in the surrounding area in comparison to the previous ruckus*

*Dargo tried to summon more ghosts.* "Ghosts I summon you! Obey the crozier!"

*after a few minutes there weren't any ghosts appearing, and any in range were farther away than a few minutes of running could bring*

*Dargo then drew his sword and charged into the house.* "Come on out Kap!"

*as Dargo charged back in through the house it would be completely devoid of ghosts, as though they were never there. The door would be completely open to view the inside and the man standing there. He was swilling a cup with one hand like someone contemplating worldly thoughts over a glass of wine. The other hand was holding a short sword with an ornamental hilt shaped like a bat with its wings outstretched. When Dargo came into his house the man looked up from his glass and smirked* And here I was wondering if Kro had lost his mind, sending all of those ghosts after me. Turns out it was an intruder, and judging by that sword Kan's pride finally got the best of her *standing at six feet even, the man who could be none other than Kap was wearing a black suit of fine silk, a smoke-gray shirt buttoned up properly with no tie. Despite his surroundings, he was pristine, and Kap's svelte voice matched his appearance*

"Where's Kap?" *Dargo asked the man. Wondering what reaction this confusing question would provoke.*

*Kap chuckled a little, seeming a lot like a normal man of high breeding who just happened to be holding an unsheathed sword in a seriously morbid house. Weapon still in hand he spread both of them palms up, as though welcoming Dargo in* I am he

"Oh. Nice house of death." *Dargo put the crozier in his belt loop.*

I did the decorating myself, you know. So *Kap turned eyes that seemed to blaze black, if that was even possible, onto Dargo's and then to the sword, then the open door behind him* you know who I am, and since you entered my house without permission, I think I deserve an introduction