Months had passed since Legara's attack on the North. While the wayfaring group of adventurers had gone their separate ways, they managed to regroup at Mechastone, piercing the siege that surrounded it to retrieve their last member, Krunch. Together, they rallied the North and tore through the Legaran ranks. It was at this time that Cale felt that things were beginning to come to an end. As such, he urged his friends to join him on one last quest for allies before returning to Kethenacia to prepare for war.

In the mean time, Ray'd would remain in the gnome capitol with the few remaining Bloodrage, along with the Sisters and the half-troll armies. The once rival races would refortify Mechastone to prepare for the next force Legara would inevitably send, while a messenger went to Kethenacia, instructing them to do the same.

But while war loomed for these cities that opposed Legara, Cale and his band trudged through the forest to a destination only one of them knew... unaware that they were being watched from beyond time.

---------

The old Archmage stood withing the timeless cavern, staring into the conjured image of the chosen heroes before him the wall. A look of concern was displayed on his wrinkled face. With a wave of his hand, the image disappeared and he turned to the many-eyed being beside him. "The time is coming when fate will be decided. When we shall see if our work has been for nothing."

"Thus it was written. Thus it shall be," the creature mused.

Sighing, the robed man shook his head. "It's been so long, my friend, and you still don't quite understand. If we truly believed that what was written could not be changed, then there would be no hope for this world.

"No," he continued, waving a hand to conjure a new image, this one of a desolate land, littered with ancient remains and crumbling cities. "We are working to change what has been written, to undo the future that we have seen will come to pass if we do nothing." The ethereal wall wavered and shifted back to the blonde-haired elf as he led his companions through the forest. "As it is, this one is all that stands between endless conquest and an age of peace. I can only hope that he is strong enough to do what is necessary when the time comes," the Archmage finished in a somber tone.

The Keeper grumbled softly, looking at the display of the elf, before responding. "The prophesies tell that he will be the champion he is required to be and Kethenacia will be strong with him at its head. Thus it was writt-"

"You forget, my dear beholder," the Archmage interrupted, a bit of irritation in his voice. "You forget that we are the ones who wrote those prophesies, to serve our own purposes and get the players where they were needed. While we can influence events to make it more likely that our words will hold true, we cannot guarantee them."

Bringing his attention back to the image of the group he hoped would overcome in the task that was thrust upon them, the Archmage saw that they had begun to prepare for the coming night. "I must go," he said with a sigh, "lest they realize that one of their number is missing." At this a portal of magic opened before him and he began to shine with light.

"Is such a disguise truly necessary," the Keeper asked with several of his eyes askew.

"Perhaps not," the Archmage replied as he began to diminish in size. "But I feel that I should be there to watch them closely and without arousing suspicion, should anything go awry. Besides... I'm quite fond of carrots," he said as he reached a foot in height and hunched over. Suddenly, the light gave a great burst before dissipating entirely, revealing the form of a small, brown-furred rabbit. Its nose gave a few twitches before it hopped through the portal, which quickly closed behind it.

I see the word Gamlon.
Will Tavor be involved?
*watches to find out*

good start so far...

One of the things that I've always felt needs to be done, which is to explore Cale's past. This will touch on my version of it, which is that he is descended from the people that were evacuated from Gamlon.

Tavor may be involved, but if he is, he might not be in the form that you love so much. Fair warning.

Also, I'd like to state now that since I haven't read that much of anyone else's fanfics, this won't have anything to do with those other stories. Pretty well self-contained.

I get the feeling that there were other warnings I'm supposed to put here, but I can't remember. Hmm, we'll get back to that later.

D=
Thanks for the warning.

I love the Archmage's carrot joke.

Welcome to the Fanfic community at last Ronin. Also, a very awesome start to your story, can't wait to read more

Yeah, I knew I wanted to have a joke in there about the Archmage being the rabbit, especially with as serious as the rest of the opening was. Carrots was just the joke that came to mind.

And I didn't want to just be spouting criticism around here without having anything of my own to show off. And I've got a few things planned for this story. It will be more serious in tone, but Richard is always there for the humor portions.

I'll see if I can get the next portion up tonight.

Cool, can't wait.

Cale pushed through the brush, his companions close behind, as he came to the outer edge of the forest. A look of excitement came over his face as he broke from the treeling. "Come, my friends. We're getting closer."

"Hold it, Pinky," came Krunch's deep voice from behind as his heavy hand came down on the elf's shoulder, preventing him from going forward. "The sun is beginning to set, and as long as we're not being pursued, I'd prefer not to be wandering in the dark. We should use this clearing ot set up camp while there's still daylight."

"He's right, Cale," said Benny as she pushed into the clearing and following Krunch's lead. "Besides, you've been running us ragged ever since we left Mechastone. Where is it we're going that has you so excited?"

"Yes, and why is it we're going there instead of participating in this lovely war everyone's been talking about," asked Richard as the bush before him erupted in flame, which he stepped over and into the clearing once it dissintegrated. Behind him was a trail of embers and ash. When the others looked at him and his destruction, the warlock gave a shrug. "What? I'm just supposed to let those bushes sit wherever they want when I need to go by? I think you're all just jealous that you didn't think of it first."

After a brief moment with his face in his palm, Cale addressed the question at hand. "As I've told you, we're heading into the wetlands to look for allies."

Pella appeared at his side, shaking her head disbelievingly. "It be a long way to go for soldiers." As she spoke, the Felbunny slowly made his way from the bushes.

"That's right," Krunch said as he prepared the ground for camp. "And in all the maps I've studied, the only thing I can see for miles is a Legaran fort. There aren't any villages in these wetlands, and yet you're so certain we're going to find somone here."

The elf removed his cloak and laid it along the ground as a makeshift mat to sleept on as he casually responded. "There is a village in there. It's just not on any maps because we like to keep it hidden." He cringed at this moment as he realized he had revealed more than intended. Looking around, he saw the others had stopped their preparations and were staring at him.

Benny was the first to approach, coming up beside him and leaning on her red-gemmed staff. "Who likes to keep this place hidden, Cale," she asked accusingly.

Giving a sigh, the elven warrior brought a hand up to sheepishly scratch the back of his head. "Well, I'd hoped to keep it a secret until we arrived, but... yes. The village we're heading to is my home." The others looked beteen themselves for a moment as if trying to decide how to respond to this information. It wasn't long before they made their unanimous decision: laughter.

Krunch broke through his laughing fit first in an attempt to respond to the despondent look on Cale's face. "Forgive us, Pinky, but... if this is a village as... 'soft' as you were when we first met, then I'm not sure how much help they'll be if we bring them to war."

Cale's shocked expression slowly turned to one of cool determination. "While it's true that my 'soft' nature did not spring from the ether, the same is true of my skills in battle. My people may be pacifists, but each and every one of them is taught to defend justice and righteousness. Ever able-bodied man knows how to protect the innocent and is willing to give their life for a worty cause. The only reason I left was because I came to believe that my home was not a place where justice needed protecting." The laughter of his friends had stopped as the elf looked between them and described their destination.

"Now, I can't say that their number will greatly strengthen our armies, but we need as many skilled blades as we can find for the war we are about to fight. But more than that, they are my people. They were my people before any of you were. They were my people long before I'd ever heard of Kethenacia. And I would like to bring my people with me to the fight against Legara. If that is cause for laughter, then you may laugh, but we are still going to get them." The elf's features softened somewhat after his speech and there was silence for a moment.

Richard leaned over to whisper in Pella's ear. "Since when am I one of his people?"

Soon, Cale regained some of his composure and addressed the others without raising his eyes from the ground. "My village is only a day's journey from here. We leave at first light." And with that, he quietly laid down upon his cloak and attempted to fall asleep. Most of the others silently followed suit.

Soon after, only the undead warlock remained awake, sitting upon a stump and stroking the rabbit in his lap with Sooba laying at his feet. Looking up at the moon, he mused to himself, "An entire village like the elf." His eyes narrowed and a sadistic grin formed, unseen, beneath his cowl. "Excellent."

Oh Richard's last line gave me chills...I can imagine his kind of 'fun'.

Yes, Richard is planning some rather dubious things. We'll see if he gets a chance to enact them, though.

Having either forgiven or forgotten the laughter of his friends from the night before, Cale pressed forward eagerly. Looking back at the others, who he'd left some distance behind and were much less enthusiastic in their pace, he called out to them. "We've made good time. We will be there shortly."

"I should hope so, Pinky," said Krunch with an irritated scowl on his face. "We had to cross three streams to get this far, and you know how I feel about getting wet."

"I apologize, my friend," Cale responded half-heartedly as he turned his head forward again. "You may rest assured that there are none left in our path, however. In fact, Pendrall's wall should be just beyond that... next... hill."

The elf stopped in his tracks as he took in the sight before him. Though the village could not yet be seen, a faint smoke could be seen rising over the hill. "No..." was all he muttered before breaking into a run, his companions quickly following after him.

As the group came over the hill, they lost sight of Cale. Instead, they saw an old defensive stone wall, its heavy wooden gate broken off its hinges. Just a few steps inside the walls, the elf could be found on his knees, looking on at the ashen remains of homes and broken stone buildings, blood staining much of the scene.

Benny gasped as she came up to the broken gate and saw the destruction. Rushing to the elf's side, she put a green, three-fingered hand on his shoulder. "Cale, I'm so sorry." He did not respond, lost in the tragedy of discovery. No one else seemed to have any words for the situation and let the silence stand.

Pella stood beside Richard, who, shockingly, seemed as distressed as the rest of the group. Noticing this, she addressed him in a hushed tone. "Ye seem to be rather upset, warlock. Why," she asked in a confused and almost accusing manner.

Bringing a hand up to his cowl, Richard gave a sniffle before responding. "I'm just so conflicted. On the one hand, this is beautiful work. There's just enough of the village left to be recognized and bring out fond memories," he said, pointing out some of the stone structures left intact, "but the amount of damage easily tells that there were no survivors." Here he pointed out a separate building that had collapsed in on itself, that seemed to be smoldering, and with a few charred remains visible. His voice took an excited tone as he continued. "I can't wait to see what they did with the bodies. And seeing how Cale responded to it all is just icing on the cake."

Returning to his somber tone, he gave a sigh. "On the other hand, I had nothing to do with this. In fact, having the village in this condition before our arrival spoils a good many things I had planned. In the end, I don't know whether I should praise the artist's work or curse him muscling in on what was going to be my masterpiece." He stood there, shaking his head in indecision.

"Ye could always do both," Pella replied as she lightly patted the warlock's back.

Meanwhile, Cale still sat upon his knees, tears welling in his eyes. Benny remained at his side, while Sooba lay at his feet, looking sadly up at his master. It was only as Krunch came up that the elf managed to speak, pain evident in his voice. "They tore this place apart. Who could have done this? And what were they looking for?"

"There's no way for us to know," the Bloodrage softly replied. "You were the only one of us who knew this place. If you can't think of what this might have been for, what chance do the rest of us have?" Krunch paused to give a deep sigh before he continued. "I'm sure we could all guess as to who did this, but without any information, I can't even begin to speculate as to why."

Cale's ears perked at this last comment and he rose somewhat from his saddened stupor. "Information," he muttered to himself, his eyes looking into the ruins as revelation struck him. Seeing that the building he sought was left mostly intact, he rose to his feet with a start. "I can get you the information you need." In a daze, he began to move forward, Benny and Krunch not far behind.

The elf led them to a stone building that looked to be of some importance. he tried to open the door, but found it wouldn't budge with a normal effort. His frustration was quick to grow as he pounded upon the door until he gave a heavy kick which broke through the lock and caused the door to swing wide open. Taking a few breaths to calm himself, Cale looked over at Krunch. "In here.... Pendrall's main hall.... Any secrets we might have been keeping would probably be recorded in one of the books here."

"Just how many books are we talking here, Pinky," Krunch asked as they entered the hall. His eyes widened at the sight of what lay within. High windows and a few large holes in the roof allowed the sunlight in to illuminate the single room with long rows of benches taking up most of the floor. An important looking bench sat on the far side of the room.

None of this caught the Bloodrage's attention, however, His eyes were focused on the bookshelves that lined the side walls, all of them filled to the brim with large tomes. Letting out a slight groan, he turned to the elf. "This is going to take some time, but I promise you, Cale, that I will help you find whatever it is the people that did this were looking for." Together, they nodded and Benny, Krunch and the elf got to work scanning the shelves.

Lol at Richards response to the what happened to Pendrall. May I make a suggestion though, the shade of red you have chosen is kinda hard to see. May I suggest using a brighter shade of red. This one is my personal fave for Richard when I use it in my story

Retroactively done.

And, yeah, one of my earliest ideas was for Richard to see what happened and not be sure how to feel. Kind of, "I like what they did with the place, but I wanted to do it." In the process of typing it up, however, I got the idea of comparing it to a painting, or some other form of artwork and I thought it fit.

I'd been getting a bit worried that no one was reading. Being able to see the page views just makes me neurotic as all hell. Keep thinking that maybe I'm just expected to dive right into the nitty-gritty without any character work, but I do love me some character work, so I can't just leave it out.

Also, the next entry will not have much, if any, real action and will mostly be the characters talking amongst themselves and discussing the situation. I prefer to take my time building up to the big moments. That will not change just because I'm in a forum.

Don't worry, it will most likely start out slow, it did for mine. Even with the backing of Dragon and Sal. Also, thanks for changing the coloring of Richards lines, so much easier to read now. Also, if nothing else, you know I am at least reading and I advise to keep up the good work.

Unfortunately, I am a pessimist at heart, so seemingly innocuous situations just make my mind go hog wild. Just all kinds of issues I'm trying to work out, but I'm getting there.

I'll start on me next section.

I'm reading, but I usually comment on something when it is:

a. extremely funny
b. reminds me of something completely random that I think everyone should know
c. very sad
d. I'm super tired while reading and find some sort of nit-pick that makes no sense the next morning

I hope you got a kick out of this post!

You mean I don't do any of those things?

Just kidding. I understand.

Not as of yet. You just started and as of right now it seems pretty serious with all of the death and destruction at Cale's home. Richard's line about whether he should hate the person who did it or love em gave me quite a giggle.

For the most part, this is going to stick with the serious business. Richard will be used for the occasional comic relief, but death, destruction and a serious tone will vastly outnumber those moments.

Just the way I roll.

A day had passed and many books littered the floor of the hall. Krunch sat at the desk, tomes piled up on either side of him, while Benny and Cale took to the benches. Only the Bloodrage took the time to study the pages before him, though he was obviously in a rush. The others were practically tearing through the pages, barely glancing at the information, agitation obvious on their faces.

Benny's frustration came to a head as she slammed the book in her hands closed. "This is taking too long! Can someone please remind me why the others aren't helping?"

"Pella is better at reading dwarvish than the common script," Krunch calmly replied without looking up from his current book. "If she were to help, her pace would be slow at best. She's of better use keeping watch to make sure no one come's back to check on their work. And as for Richard," he gave a short pause to look at her over the page. "I'm not sure who you're expecting to convince him to sit down and read a few books."

While Benn'Joon managed to cool her temper at these words, Cale seemed to lose his entirely. "No!" Rising to his feet with a start, he tossed a book to the floor to join the many others. "She's right. By the time we find anything here, whoever did this will be long gone." He kicked at one of the book piles, causing it to topple down. "We've no hope of accomplishing anything here."

"Pinky, listen to me," Krunch said, setting down his book. "There is still hope. This situation would be difficult for anyone to deal with. Perhaps trying to sit here and read after discovering this tragedy is not what you need. Maybe you should go outside and pay your respects. Do something with your energy."

"But then all of this will take even longer," the elf protested.

"And if you try to aid us as you are, it won't get done at all!" Krunch huffed and brought a heavy hand to his head, upset that he'd let some of his own frustration show. After getting his own calm back, he continued. "Listen, you're upset, as you should be. But if it's affecting your concentration then you won't be of much help here."

Cale began to respond, but the words caught in his throat as he realized his friend spoke the truth. Breathing heavily, he managed to nod before turning to the door and making his way outside.

Watching the elf leave, Benny rose from the bench, leaving her staff behind, and slowly made her way over to Krunch. With concer in her eyes, she turned to her surrogat father. "Do you think he'll be alright?"

"It's hard to say," the Bloodrage responded without certainty in his voice. "Like I said, this is a difficult situation. We can't expect him to just deal with all of this overnight." He paused a moment in consideration before continuing. "How did you feel when it happened to you? Did you feel like anything could be right again? Do you feel like it can now?"

Benny was shocked at the bluntness of the questions and how he had shifted the topic to her. At first, she thought they were rhetorical, but when he just stared at her in silence, she knew he expected her to answer. Taking a deep breath, she struggled with herself for a moment to find words. "I was... lost... when I saw our home was now a barren crater. Cale tried to comfort me, but he couldn't make the pain go away. All that kept me going was to cling to the hope that not everyone had died. I only stopped feeling lost when we found you in Mechastone."

"And Cale doesn't have the luxury of such comforts," Krunch said as soon as Benny had finished. "This place took great pains to hide itself from the world. We have no reason to believe they had anywhere else to run to if they didn't expect to be found in the first place." He paused, reaching for the next book. "That's why I think you should go out there and talk to him, Gid."

"What?!" Benny acted confused at what he'd asked her to do before attempting to find a reason to stay. "You want me to go and leave all of this to you? No, I can't do that. I'm not leaving your side."

The Bloodrage gave a heavy sigh. "Well, that's another reason." Pressing off the desk, he rose to his feet. "Ever since we were reunited, you've done everything in your power to see to it we not get separated under any circumstances. It seems to to have been your driving force. I just told you that Cale is in pain and that you should help him, and all you can thin about is that it would mean leaving me behind, if only for a short while."

Benny's breath stopped as her adoptive father pointed out her recent attachment to him. Gritting her teeth, she pushed for words as tears welled in her eyes. "The last time I left, I almost lost you. After all you've done for me, I... I don't want to risk losing you again."

Krunch came forward to take her in his arms as she began to cry softly. "Oh, Gid. There's no risk of losing me in a library. I'm not going to die of a paper cut. But there's going to come a time, and i imagine it's very soon, where you'll have to face this fear. And when that happens, you'll just have to trust that I'll be there when you return." There was a silent moment as the two just stood there, him holding her in his arms and stroking her hair to calm her down.

When she finally pulled herself together, Benny lifted her head from Krunch's shoulder, tears still shining in her eyes. "I'm sorry. It's just that you've been my only family for so long."

"I understand," he softly replied as he lifted her chin with a finger. "But you'll have to find the strength, because we're all family now." His eyes went past her to the empty doorframe on the other side of the room. She followed his gaze, turning around, but kept herself in his grasp. "Go on. He needs you now more than I do."

With that, he released her from his arms and went back to his seat at the desk. Slowly, Benny traversed the cluttered room, picking up her staff along the way. Krunch watched her until she disappeared into the sunlight. A smile came onto his face as he pulled up a new book and continued his search for why the village might have been destroyed.

This is a freaking good fanfic. You portray the characters very well.

There is one problem.

There is not enough.

'Mara wants more.

=^-^=

Mara will get more once Ronin actually writes it. And as I said earlier, we're going to be spending a bit of time dealing almost purely with the characters before we get to the real meat of my story idea. I'll push for an update tonight.

Either way I can't wait for the next part of this fic that is for sure.

Benny left the hall and looked around the dilapidated village, but was having trouble finding the elf amidst the wreckage. Before her search could make any headway, her undead warlock "friend" turned around a corner with an excited spring in his step and she stopped him. "Richard, have you seen where Cale has gone?"

He brought a bony hand up to his chin as he thought on the question. "No, I don't believe that I have, but I've been a bit distracted. You see, I finally found what they did with the remains of the villagers, but it was... lacking something. So I've been preparing a few finishing touches," he said with a certain foreboding flair. "I'll have to remember to show everyone once I've finished." With that, he pushed past the green-skinned healer to continue with his plans.

Watching him go, she would have told him not to desecrate the bodies of Cale's people, but she knew her words would be for nothing. It was also at that moment that she caught sight of the elf, sitting upon the broken remains of a stone building with his chin resting on his hands. When she made her way beside him, she saw that he was looking upon an area that had been completely burned to ash. Sittin on the stone beside him, she shared his gaze. "What were they?"

"Homes," he said dejectedly, raising a hand to point as he continued. "As a matter of fact, the third mound of ash on the left was where I lived." Shaking his head, Cale's eyes fell to the rubble beneath his feet. "I just can't believe that Pendrall is gone. The people that lived here. The values that they taught me. Everything about this place... All that's left of them are my memories."

"I remember that feeling," Benny responded softly, nodding her head without looking over at the elf. "Thinking that there's nothing left but what's in your mind." Cale looked to her, remembering the moment they shared after witnessing the destruction of the Bloodrage home, their roles now reversed as she continued. "And it's sad to think that all of the great things about your home will die with you. But that's only true if they don't leave your head." Finally, she turned her head to meet with Cale's eyes. "Why don't you tell me what Pendrall was like?"

Cale just sat there for a moment, staring, before he managed a smile for the first time since he'd arrived in the remains of his old home. "They were the kindest of people. Such kindness was all that I knew for most of my life." He continued on for some time, speaking of life in Pendrall and reliving fond memories.

Meanwhile, Pella stood just outside the village's broken gate. He eyes scanned the horizon, looking for signs of an impending attack from beneath her leather helm. She gave a sigh as another hour passed and her vigilance seemed to be for nothing. "I be thinkin' that no one be comin'," she said wearily in her standard brogue, a touch of disappointment in her tone.

Her solitary duty was soon interrupted as the Felbunny sauntered out of the village, climbing over the fallen gate and toward the dwarf. Seeing this, Pella kneeled down to reach for the creature. "What you be doin' out here? I don't think the warlock would be likin' to hear you've wandered off." Before it could come within the dwarf's reach or she could speak another word to it, the rabbit stopped and nodded its head forward. Its furry head shined with light, which dissipated to reveal 3 green circles above its eyes.

"You?!" Pella gasped as she rose to her feet with a start. Fighting through her shock, she realized what the revelation meant. "I suppose ye be wantin' to talk, then?" The rabbit gave a nod. Though calmer now, there was a waryness to the dwarf's tone as she continued. "I expect we'll be needin' a bit more privacy. Lead the way." Without another word, the rabbit bounded off, away from Pendrall's walls, with Pella close behind.

You forgot your d there. Anyway with that said. 0.o Ooooo, interesting turn Felbunny revealing to Pella that he is the A.M. Curious to see how this plays out. Keep up the awesome work here Ronin.

There was no missing d. You can't prove it (now). >.>

Anyway, the whole thing I'm going for is that this is the start of something very important for the coming war, even if they don't know it yet. So, the A.M. needs to have a word with his operative and there's not much time for making a long game of contacting her.

More on all this later.

After these messages maybe? Anyway, I am very interested to see where you take this fic Ronin. It has the potential of bad assery.

I am filled with forebodeing at Richard's... finishing touches

Talking about his home had done well to calm Cale's tormented soul. Just letting out his memories and offering them to another made them more real and kept them alive. In the process, the pain began to ebb away, even if not disappearing entirely. Looking over at his audience, he gave a weak smile. "Thank you, Benny. I really needed this."

"Don't mention it," the healer replied, returning his smile as she brushed a few stray hairs from her face. Sighing, she leaned on her staff and looked around, almost able to see what the village had once been. "Pendrall sounds like it was a wonderful place. I'm surprised you ever chose to leave."

Cale paused a moment in memory before managing to respond. "It surprised a lot of people. In fact, it never would have crossed my mind, had it not been for one fateful day."

"What do you mean," Benny asked curiously.

Taking a deep breath, he prepared to tell another story of his past. "Not long before I began my journey, I was out hunting with Sooba. We were on the trail of some game, when something began to disturb the brush, alerting our prey and causing them to bound off. When we went searching for the cause, we found an old man wandering blind in the woods, seeming scared out of his wits and clutching a wound at his side. He only managed tomutter the word 'help' before he collapsed.

"I tried to stop his bleeding, but he was already too far gone for me to do anything on my own. I picked him up and began running back to Pendrall, hoping that someone there might be able to aid him, while he half-consciously told me of his home that had come under attack and how long he'd traveled seeking help." Pausing, he gave a great sigh before continuing, "By the time I reached the village walls, he'd already passed." There was sadness in his voice as he recalled this perceived failure.

Benny put a hand to the elf's shoulder. "I"m sorry, Cale. But it's not your fault that he died. You couldn't have been prepared to treat severe battle wounds while on a hunting expedition," she soothingly reassured.

"I know, but..." Cale didn't even try to complete the thought, simply letting the words hang.

Working past the moment, he continued. "I brought the man's body before the village counsel to see what would be done about the matter. I was shocked when they said we would bury him, offer a prayer, and do no more. They said that we would not get involved with the affairs of the outside world." He shook his head in disapproval of the unfond memory.

"We argued for some time, them and I. They said it was not our place to bring justice outside our walls and I asked whose place it was. They did not have an answer. They said the world out there was corrupt and there could be no hope to save it. But I told them that I thought better of the world we had not seen for so many generations. I said that if we could live by the ways of honor and justice and chivalry, then surely others on the outside could as well."

Sighing again, he continued to shake his head. "But still they said we could do nothing. I brought the matter to some of the others in the village, saying that we had preached of our good ways in a place where it did not need to be preached. It was the outside world that needed to be taught of honor, not ourselves. But it seems I was alone in that thinking.

"I grew upset with the inaction of my people and eventually decided that I would perform the task alone. Gather ing supplies, I set off beyond the wetlands for the first time... into the outside world. I was so full of naivete and hope. I thought I would champion my cause and become a great hero. I thought I would rally others to my cause. I thought I would meet many good people who would aid me in my quest to serve those in peril and distress.... And that was when I met Richard," he said sullenly as his head sank. "If I'd known all the things I'd do and see on that failed mission... I might never have left."

Benny listened to his story with interest and felt that she should comfort him after its unfortunate ending. "That sounds like a good reason to leave, Cale, but..." She searched for the right words for what she hoped to say. "From what I've seen, I don't think that you've failed in your quest. You've done many good things, saved many lives, and helped fight Legara's tyranny. Even now, Kethenacia, the city of justice, awaits your return so that you will lead them. And look at us, your mostly loyal companions," she said with a smile, attempting to get him to do the same, only somewhat successfully. "Look at all that you've led us through. Where would we have been without your intervention? And as for Richard..."

She stopped as the warlock came from around one of the upright building, unaware of their presence. He held a sheet of metal before him and seemed to be tracing something on its face with a finite flame spouting from one of his fingers. He turned another corner as the image separated from the sheet. Cale just looked on in confusion. "What is it, exactly, that he's doing?"

The healer went wide-eyed as she remembered Richard's talk about his project. "I'm not sure, but if he tries to show you anything, I'd suggest averting your eyes."

*sigh* Richard...what are you doing? Its probably better not to ask....*walks off*

I have to agree with Sal. It's usually better not to wonder what Richard could be doing, cause once you think you got it figured out he does something to totally slam your theory back in your face.

I think he does it for fun. Has anyone noticed that Richard also breaks the 'Fourth Wall' in the comic alot...its like hes looking right at us....

He's LFG's answer to the Joker or Deadpool, both of whom break the fourth wall in their respective franchises.

And as for what Richard is doing now, I've actually decided to make it relevant to the plot rather than random in its entirety. Get to that later.

I've got some of the next part written, but I'm not sure if I'll get it up before I go on a short hiatus. A short vacation before getting back to school. But, yeah, next time is Pella and the A.M.

I'm curious as to what Richard's doing, but seeing as it'd Richard, I also don't want to know.
And where did everyone go? I was contemplating salmon threats, but no one's here, so it won't work.

What, may I ask, is a "salmon threat"?

A salmon threat is where I borrow the brick/cinder block/lawn mower idea and turn it into a salmon. You don't need it, but some other people do.

You've just explained it and I'm still lost. Shows you how hip I am. (*wink*)

Have you been reading Dragon's fic?

There are so many, I haven't even begun to try.

Aahhhh...
As a joke, Jowy started threatening her with a brick to get her to write. Other people started as well: Designia was using a cinder block, now she's using a lawn mower. I'm using a giant salmon, mostly on Designia's fic.

It also doesn't help that her fanfics doesn't always center around the same group. A couple of em are part of her Cale/Rin series and the others deal with Tavor. She does have em listed in her about me on her profile in order though, should make it easier for you to get em in order if you ever do desire to read em.

For what it's worth, you've just gained a reader.

This fic is refreshingly expansive; I thoroughly enjoy the intricacy and detail employed in inter-character interactions and description. Far more readable than a rushed piece that exists solely to further the plot for the appeasement of an impatient readership or author.

I urge you to continue taking your time over the seemingly insignificant cogitations and articulations of our much loved characters. My kudos to you. Do with them as you wish, I wasn't using them anyway.

Oh! This is wonderfully done. I was getting a little worried, glancing through other's fanfics, that once I got started on mine I would be the only one with detailed paragraphs, serious plotlines, and character development. I'm so glad other people think LFG deserves more than witty dialogue and cookie cutter characters (not that there's anything wrong with those... I just don't like to read them).

I can't wait to read more. Bringing in Cale's home is an interesting idea. There seems to be absolutely no mention of any sort of home in the comic and it seems interesting to me... I mean, we know where Richard came from! Krunch and Pella also have their homes. Benny sort of does... but what about Cale?

I have my own theory on Cale's home ^^ But you'll just have to wait for my fanfic to be written before you can learn about it.

Really can't wait for more. *camps out*

Pella followed the Felbunny as it led her away from Pendrall. It finally stopped withing a brush clearing after passing several hills, to avoid being seen. The dwarf watched as the creature shone with light before shifting into the familiar form of Kethenacia's Archmage. The yellow-robed figure, tall by most standards, domineered over the dwarf while she simply scowled at him.

Familiarizing himself with his natural form, the Archmage began to speak in a rushed tone. "Forgive me, Pella, but time is of the essence. I've-"

"Oh, I think there be time for an explanation," the dwarven woman interrupted, crossing her arms and staring coldly at the man before her. "What be the meanin' of all this? Have ye been the rabbit the whole time?"

Grimacing, the old man moved old man moved over to a rock jutting from the ground and took a seat upon it, realizing that she would not let him continue without answers. "Yes. I needed to keep watch over the group without arousing suspicion. I needed to take a form they felt they could trust."

"But that's why i be here," Pella rebutted, approaching the Archmage who was no much closer to her size. "Did ye not trust me to do what ye asked of me?"

"Your task is different from mine, daughter of clan Breem," the old man explained as the dwarf drew near. "I follow your companions as I do so that I might observe and know what must be done, but not to interfere... at least, not directly. As such, you are here to protect them where I cannot, and to befriend them so you may know what they need protection from."

Pella gave a huff of laughter before she responded, "Aye, I have befriended them, and I've seen nothing they be needing protection from, other than the warlock's fancies." She paused in her rebuttal as the Archmage closed his eyes and shook his head, seeming troubled by some unshared knowledge. Worried, she dropped her joking tone and again addressed the old man. "Ye've not been telling me something?"

The Archmage sighed and idly rubbed his chin. "There is much that I wish I could tell, my child. Not just to you, but to the many I have affected. But to do so, I would risk unraveling all that I have done to aid this world. When all is done I may speak to them, and you as well. Until then, I cannot clearly state what you must do, but know this: there will come a time where your friends may be conflicted and unsure of what must be done, and Cale may not be there to lead them when it happens. It will then fall to you to help them find their resolve."

Taking in these words, Pella's gaze fell to the ground. For a moment, she simply stood in silence before the Archmage. "Ye speak so grandly," she began, still looking downwards. "Ye speak of all that ye hope to do. Ye've told me of the elf and the great purpose ye be giving to him." Her face now rose, a touch of anger in the eyes beneath her helm.

"But ye also speak of how ye can do nothing. Ye say that Cale may not be there to aid us, but where were you when his village was under attack? Because ye did nothing, his home was destroyed and all of his people were killed. What kind of justice be that?"

"It was a greater justice," the Archmage said sharply, rising from his stone seat and mirroring the dwarf's anger.

"And how be that," Pella resolutely responded as she craned her neck, undaunted by the height difference.

"Because if I had truly done nothing then Cale would have been among the dead." The old man's statement was simple, heated, and to the point. However, his stony, wrinkled expression wavered after it left his lips. He took a moment to calm himself, pacing in the clearing, while the dwarf stood in confusion.

"What is it ye be talking about," Pella meekly asked, seeking at least a few answers.

The Archmage only slightly slowed his pacing as he prepared his response. "Cale was uniquely virtuous, even amongst his own people. His good and just nature was exactly what this world needed, but he never would have seen that world while he was hidden away in his village. Disguising myself through magic, I introduced an incident that would convince him that the lands as a whole needed a just example more than Pendrall did. That was the first of many lessons for him: people of noble morals are not necessarily of noble actions."

Pella stood in shock at all of this. "But why could ye not save all of Pendrall? Were they not worthy of your protection as well?"

Shaking his head, the old man gave a sigh as he stopped his pacing. "Pendrall could not have been saved, by me or anyone. The allure of their great secret was too great and eventually armies would have descended upon them to take it."

"What could be worth such force," the dwarf quizically asked.

The Archmage merely stared for a moment. "Soon you will know." He then looked off into the sky to see the setting sun. "Time is short. We must return."

Much raged through Pella's mind as she thought on all that had been told to her, even without sufficient answers. But even in her mix of anger and confusion, duty came to the forefront. "But what was it that ye brought me here to talk about?"

A smile came over the Archmage's face. "There's no need for it. I've said all that I need to... and it seems that you're ready for what's to come without my intervention." His body began to take on a yellow shine before the dwarf raised a hand.

"Wait," Pella said as the old man halted his transformation. "Just one more question. Why did ye reveal yourself to me now?"

"The time is coming where I will no longer need my disguise," the Archmage responded. "Since you are most familiar with my plans out of your companions, it is easier for you to understand than most of the others. Given all of this, I felt it would hav been unnecessarily tedious to excape, chang form, and then to contack you discretely. Wouldn't you agree," he asked.

It seemed that the question was rhetorical, as there was no time for response before his body began to shine again and his form began to change. Within moments, he had exchanged his yellow robes for a coat of light brown fur and now sat much shorter than the dwarf. When the process was complete, he started to bound out of the clearing before a hand reached out to grab him by the scruff of his neck.

Pella lifted the miniscule creature up to her face, looking it in the eyes. "I still not be likin' the deception." Thus, the dwarf made her way back to Pendrall carrying the rabbit at her side.

First reply!

I really love your writing style. I can't wait to read more. This is amazing!!! I love the Archmage's first lesson to Cale. Very cryptic and yet it makes sense. Very masterful...

Thank you for the kind response.

Since the big thing, as I understand it, with the Archmage is his mechanations and getting people where they needed to be, I figured a part of that was getting them into the right mindset. Cale has changed quite a bit since he began his journey, and I'd like to believe that the old coot is somewhat responsible for it.

Now I just need to work on how I want to space the rest of this. I've got the rest of the story planned out for the most part, I just need to figure out how many posts I want to do it in. Given how self-contained this story will be (read: short), I probably won't make it to 20 pages like some of the other fics 'round here. But, then again, you seem to prefer the quality over quantity method.

The biggest reason a lot of the fics here reach such huge pages isn't due to the story itself. It is due to the fact that on top of the story the discussion of said story also takes place within the story thread to keep the board more organized.

Let me put it this way. I've got roughly 10-15 more posts in this thing to get all of this story out. Might be able to bump that up to 20 if I draw things out a bit more. I'd hate to have a single post per page is all I'm saying.

Quality over quantity any day *nod nod* Can't wait to read more! And I totally agree with you on the Archmage issue.