~Maeghan Aislin in The city of Balah~<br/><br/><div class="floatright">(http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad342/krystal_dragoness13/Nim%20Character%20Pictures/gipsy-sorceress-17446093a7.jpg)</div>The Gypsy Sorceress had woken that morning refreshed and excited about the business of the day.  A couple weeks before Maeghan had been in the Emil Citadel when she received word that the mermaids who lived in Balah had obtained the large Nyree Crystal that the sorceress had made arrangements to trade for.  The Nyree Crystals could only be found in the deepest depths of the underwater section of Balah.<br/><br/>For those who knew and understood the properties of the Nyree Crystal it was indeed quite valuable and Maeghan had paid in advanced very well for a Nyree Crystal that met the list of requirements she had given as part of her instructions as to what she was looking for.<br/><br/>The fact that Maeghan was practically bubbling over with excitement would be completely lost on everyone except for those that knew her well.  That was not to say however that she did did not have a beautiful smile upon her lips as she hummed quietly to herself.  While she applied the last of her make up in preparations for leaving the small inn she had settled into for the night.  If she had chosen to she could easily have used her powers of over the elements to walk about the city before curfew was lifted but there was no need as there were only a few minutes yet left to wait.<br/><br/>Stepping out into the early morning sunlight the Gypsy Sorceress breathed in deeply.  Of all the cities she had visited and lived in over the years Balah continued to be her most favorite place of all.  The small market being one of her most favorite places of all.  While it was true Emil Citadel was the largest city for trade Maeghan had found over the course of her life that some of the most interesting trade made its way through the smaller markets.  Particularly the one located in Balah.<br/><br/>Maeghan still had plenty of time before she was supposed to arrive at the small shop owned and operated by a small group of mermaid merchants.  Her golden eyes were in constant movement as she looked over the store fronts or stopped at one stand or another.  Her smile of greeting was warm and friendly to those she spoke to whether in returning a greeting or giving one of her own.  Then her golden eyes fell on what looked to be an official notice of some sort.  Moving to closer she stood behind a few others who had also gathered around and read the notice:<br/><br/><strong><em>"To anyone brave or foolish enough to comply: Strange events have been reported to unfold in the areas where the elementals duel. The eight pillars have lost their glow, meaning something has obstructed the elementals powers. We are seeking for accomplished warriors and mages that are willing to party and investigate further. The trip will be dangerous and most likely few will survive. There is great rewards for those that do. Both Zelii and non Zelii are welcome to sign in, we will take no responsibility on your wounds or lives."</em></strong><br/><br/><em>"To anyone brave or foolish enough to comply..."</em>Maeghan could not help giggle lightly at the wording.  For those that were truly foolhardy they would see the statement as a challenge to their character and would show up just to spite the officials who had put out the summons.  While at the same time it was sufficient in whittling out those who would not have the internal strength to take on such a journey.<br/><br/>Turning to continue on to her meeting Maeghan pondered the rest of the notice.  The disappearance of the Elementals was truly something to be concerned about.  Had the Elementals vanished of their own accord or was there indeed a force out there strong enough to take the Elementals into their own hands.  This thought sent a shiver down the Gypsy Sorceress's spine.  To say that taking on such a journey would be dangerous was the largest understatement she had heard in years.<br/><br/>Still walking deep in her own thoughts Maeghan arrived at the bench by the waters edge where she was to meet the Mermaid who would be delivering her crystal.  Her golden eyes scanning over the surface of the water and looking down into the depths as far her Kirin (dragon) eye sight would allow.  Which was considerably far but not near far enough to search the depths from which the mermaid would be arriving from.