<span style="color: #00BFFF">Morys stared at the boy for a moment after the bright light had dissipated. The boy shrugged, making it obvious that the light had been coming from him. Morys raised a brow curiously, then grinned. So the boy was a mage, maybe he could hold his own and protect himself after all. What a relief.<br/><br/>Thinking about the upcoming battle, Morys nervously repositioned his hand on the hilt of the sword. He started squeezing it, gripping it so hard his knuckles turned white. Memories threatened to overwhelm him, but Morys pushed them away. Now was not the time to be lost in his past.<br/><br/>Morys heard the red raccoon creature's question and offered to help her out of the tunnel, glancing over his shoulder to make sure the enemy was not yet upon them. "Some demonic creatures, I'm sure. Perhaps maybe even a myth," he replied, as he knelt in front of the tunnel's mouth and reached his hand into it. At her next question, Morys's hand came back to his side and he moved back from the hole as he thought about it. "No, the best plan of action is to rally some allies. I'll search all of Eltsii if need be." He finally spoke as the red raccoon creature scanned the woods.<br/><br/>Morys stood slowly, grabbing his sword from where he had laid it on the grass. Both swords in hand once again, the Almerkian breathed deeply and slowly exhaled. He saw a light shine through the trees in the distance, and he could sense magic. So that's where the Elf had gotten to, and that meant the battle had begun.<br/><br/>Morys raised his brows at what the older human had to say. Five on horseback? Well, their group outnumbered them at least, but horses would give their enemy an advantage as well. "We should take care of the horses first, and we will take away their advantage," he said, adding in his thoughts, <span style="font-style: italic">I hope.</span></span><br/><br/>~~~~~<br/><br/><span style="color: #FF0000">Laraine found her husband inside their temple and still in front of the altar. His face was unusually pale, giving it the shade of gray of a week old corpse. "Chaos, darling," she said softly, breaking the silence and announcing herself.<br/><br/>Chaos turned to look at her. "Any luck?"<br/><br/>Laraine's eyes fell to the floor, unable to meet his searching gaze. She shook her head.<br/><br/>She heard a growl come from Chaos's throat as he advanced toward her, not of anger, but of something else. When he reached her, Chaos tilted Laraine's head back and took her mouth with his hungrily. "Let's return to our chambers and forget our troubles, least for awhile."<br/><br/>Laraine nodded and allowed Chaos to lead the way. She felt guilty, as if losing the object was her fault. Or that not being able to find it was because of her.</span><br/><br/>~~~~~<br/><br/>The injured horse turned to the Fox Anithrope, now riderless it was moving of its own will toward the one who had stuck an arrow in its flank. The horse reared and kicked, neighing loud and high-pitched as if in battle cry. It came down on all fours and ran towards her, while the other four riders and horses continued towards their quarry.