Riven

Riven still cleaning the mud off of himself, heard the weird beat of the conga line drawing near. With a lifted brow, Riven watched as the everyone 'danced' if you can call it that. Hrm, they have some strange customs at the pen, Riven thought to himself. Not wanting to get anyone muddy, Riven joined staying a few feet from the person on the end. Splurt-Splurt-splurt-splurt *KICK*

Laying in bed, dark shadows danced overhead, frighting poor Sammy. Sammy pulled his blanket over his head, the fuzzies tickling his skin. He laid there in the dark, letting his imiganation run wild, wondering what the monsters were doing. Creeek, Creeeek, Creeek. Oh no, what was that noise? Wondered Sammy. *Flush* Oh just someone using the bathroom, Sammy sighed in relief. *********************** Sitting in the temple, waiting for the moment the dieties will be revealed seems like a lifetime. Then the most amazing sight is shown to me, the colors are undescribible, making my heart skip a beat. The voices around me cry out in praise, the sound sends my soul flying to higher realms. As I bow down, the cold floor reminds me, I am not home yet, in heaven with my bloved dieties, Radha-Krishna.

Hearing the girliest scream ever, Riven dives from the clouds to check out what had caused it. "When did the pen get a dirt pile there? Ack, that's not a dirt pile? It's a golem?!?" Riven tries to get to a safe height as the first massive mud ball just misses him. "Flllllyyy..." Riven is not so lucky when the next giant mud ball is released. Riven comes crashing down to the ground. Thump! At least he landed in the puddle of the booze mud. Minta starts tearing up from laughter seeing the giant mud ball with four limbs and wings.

Riven crosses his arms over his chest, and lets out a huff, "Why do you two get all to have all the fun?" Riven pushes past both Tanny and Stick to head further down the cave. Stick, 'I wouldn't..." Riven *telepath to all* I know you wouldn't...but I would. Riven disappears down the darkness of the cave.

(OOC: There is no one for anyone to know that Riven was scanning the creatures.)

Riven moves closer to Stick to try and make out the intent of the creatures on Stick's shoulders. (Good or evil, any surface thoughts and emotions?)

Please leave comments or feed back. Girald can be used in other story as you wish, since he has millions of adventures to be told. Alzra can be used as well, he is a salesman, he is power hungry and very cunning.

Riven looked up from the book he had been studying at the body of the young boy laying in the glass coffin. "Has it already been ten years, my dear Timak?" Riven sighed to himself as he tossed another book into the corner, the pile not contained hundreds if not thousands of books. Out of frustration, Riven let out a growl as he slammed his fist into the table, the table spilttered, spending pieces everywhere. Riven sighed again and walked over to the glass coffin and stared down into the lifeless eyes of Timak. Riven started to speak to Timak's lifeless body, "I have been able to restore your body, preserve it, I have given you the finest silk clothes and bed. What does any of the matter if I am unable to bring your soul back, my dear Timak?" Tears of hopelessness and sorrow rolled down Riven's face, this had been Riven's quest for the last ten years, for the last five he hadn't even left the tower. Riven embraced the coffin, laying his head on it, "There is nothing I can do, there is no way for me to bring you back." He sighed and looked around the room, he felt like burning it, every inch in it's own way seem to mock him. Riven turned back to face Timak, "I only have a single hope left to bring you back but, the price maybe too high to pay." He shook his head, "No, you were willing to give everything for what you believed in, and for that I am willing to pay any price to bring you back." Riven pushed himself off of the coffin, and with insane determination he readied himself for travel. As Riven slipped into his armor, it felt heavier then he remembered it. It had been five years since he had seen the oldside world, he wondered what had changed, would he feel lost out there, questions such as these ran through his mind. Riven fastened the cloak around his neck, as he headed for the large wooden door. The servent who had been with him for the last seven years stood by the door, "Get my horse ready, I am leaving immediately." Riven shot out his order, "But, Sire.." The servant was cut off by Riven who shot him a look, Riven's red eyes glowed under the shadow of the hood of his cloak. The servant paled as he sputtered out, "Yes S-sire..." With that the servant quickly left to prepare the horse. There was one more stop to be made before leaving the tower, the armory. Riven marched towards the armory with inhuman speed. Riven pushed open the door, a cloud of dust whisp in the air to greet him. The smell of dust and musk was almost overwhelming. Riven pushed past the spiderwebs, home of the only residence of this room. He opened the case that housed his swords, lifting one up he unsheath the blade. He ran his fingertip down the blade, and nodded his approval as drops of blood fell to the floor. He did the same with a pair of daggers. He looked ot the back of the room, there was a special case. Memories of his adventuring days came flooding back as he approached the case. "Ah, my old friend, it has been far too long." He opened the case, he run his hands over his warhammer. He stared at it for the longest moment before lifting it out of the case. A smile creeped onto his lips for the first time in years. Riven quickly got the rest of his supplies ready, and left the tower. He travelled east for three days and nights without a break. His horse could travel no more, so he released it to join a herd of wild horses nearby. He was going to be forced to fly over the mountains that now loomed close. He packed his supplies into a small travelling bag. He gave his wings a couple of test flaps to make sure they still worked. Nodding his approval, he lifted off. He flew over numberous mountains, and valleys. The cold air piercing his face reminded him that he was still alive, a fact that he had forgotten after being locked in the tower for so many years. He flew past the spot he need to land, he shrugged to him. He wanted to enjoy the flight somemore, he had forgotten how much he loved moents like these. He flew for about an hour longer before returning to the spot he was searching for. To someone who didn't know the crop of rocks seemed like nothing special but, to one that knew, they formed a portal to other worlds and planes of realities. Riven shook his head as he remembered the promise he made himself a couple hundred years before about not returning to Morga. Morga was control by a demon lord, it was everything you would imagine it to be, and more. Riven sighed as he began to chant the ten lines of the mantra that would open the portal to the point in space he wished to enter. Each of the ten rocks that would form the portal glowed a different color, the colors swirled together to form a black pool. Riven stepped into the portal. Riven found himself in the middle of Morga's bazaar, it covered a third of the planet and you could have anything you wanted, for a price. The smell of roasted human flesh mixed with the smell of perfume of the whores down the street before reaching Riven's nose. He looked around, demons of all shapes and sizes were here. He frown as he pulled the hood of his cloak further over his head. He would need to be careful, the last time he was here he had killed a demon warlord, the warlord's gang could be anywhere. The sound of sirens' songs in the distant caught Riven's attention for a moment. While distracted, he ran into something, he looked over the form. Whoever it was, was big at least fifteen feet tall. When his eyes fell on the face, he cursed his luck. "Quizz!" The monsterous demon lifted Riven by his neck, "The name's Quizzlain!" The demon growled out at Riven, "You got away from me last time but, I will kill you this time, Riven." With that Quizzlain punched Riven so hard he flew a hundred feet crashing through several of the stalls in the bazaar. Riven causally stood up, brushing the grey dust off of his armor. Riven smirked, knowing the one thing Quizzlain and most other demons on this world feared. Riven chanted a mantra, the holy energy formed a beam that flew from his hand towards Quizzlain, who dodged it in time. With just that single act the entire street had cleared expect for Riven and Quizzlain. Quizzlain looked around for his gang, who had flew with the rest of the demons. "I will be back for you, Riven, and next time I will bring devourers!" He growled out as he spit towards Riven before storming off. Riven felt a hand on his shoulder, glancing to the light bluish hand with black fingernails he knew insteadly so owned the hand. "Alzra, just the demon, I wanted to see." Riven watched the other demon from the corner of his eye. "Yes, I know Riven, I had been expecting you." Alzra was a demon lord, his powers rivals that of the current ruler of Morga, he was a dangerous foe. "So, you have come here for the soul of Timak?" Alzra shook his head, "I see you are still trying to be human. I have always told you to embrace your demon side, when will you listen to me?" Riven growled, brushing Alzra's hand from his shoulder. He turned to face Alzra, "Stop the games, can you help me or not?" Alzra smiled, and tapped his lip as if he were thinking, he loved to torture others, and he could see this was driving Riven crazy. "Of course, for a price though." Riven watched Alzra closely, as he waited for the terms, "My normal fee for a soul is two enemies slain and a contract for the soul of the person wishing to purchase the other soul but, because you are an old friend and worked so well for me in the past, I am willing to give you a bargain." Alzra lowered his head, watching Riven out of the corner of his eye. Riven tried to probe Alzra's head for some idea what his plan was. Alzra smirked a bit, "Don't go playing around in there, Riven. I am not as dimwitted as the other demons on this world." Pulling his mind away from Alzra's, he replied, "I had to at least try, tell me what the price is, Alzra." Alzra broke into a smile as he heard Riven's reply, "I need you to kill a cleric named Girald, he killed my bastard of a father centuries ago. Thus, not allowing me the honor, and no one has yet to be able to give me my revenge, and of course, a contract for your soul at a later time." Riven knew the name Girald, he thought for a moment, "Girald? The one rumored to be a plainswalker?" Alzra nodded, "No longer rumored though, it is a known fact." Riven chuckled at Alzra's request, knowing full well that a plainwalker is next to impossible to kill, even harder then a god. "Alzra, you are sending me on a fool's errand, and how many fools have you sent on this mission." Alzra studied Riven a moment, he knew Riven was no fool, "Thirty or forty so far but, they didn't fit the prophecy like you do. I sent them mostly because they were more annoying then he is." Riven looked puzzled, Alzra continued, "The prophecy that he would be killed by a demon with holy powers,"Alzra, "a demon just like you." Riven shook his head, "See you are wrong, I am only half a demon.." Alzra laughed softly, "That is what you wish to believe Riven...but you are a full demon, both of your parents were demons." Riven was not sure if Alzra was telling the truth or a lie, his mind scan revealed nothing. "Fine, I'll do it but, how do I get to Girald's world?" Riven was starting to tired of Alzra's company, and just wanted this ordeal to be finished. Alzra held out a necklace, "This necklace will open a portal back to Morga from Girald's world, "Alzra snapped his fingers, "and there is the portal to his plain of reality." Quizzlain's voice boomed, "Riven, you are not leaving Morga until we are finished!" Quizzlain and a group of devourers advanced toward Riven and Alzra. Alzra turned to Riven, "Do not worry about them, just get onto your mission." With that Alzra pushed Riven through the portal, the last words Riven heard before the portal close were, 'Quizzlain, you never learn..." Riven stood in the middle of a field. Riven took a seat, trying to remember as much as possible about Girald and his planet. Rumors had it that Girald created this planet between plains of reality to have a place to retreat to. It is also rumored to take three days to walk around the whole thing. Riven feel back onto the grassy field, just letting the sun warm his body, "I haven't slept in five years, maybe I should take a quick..." Before he could finish his words, he was fast asleep. Girald came to Riven in a dream, he was a simple old man in white robes, "I am Girald, Riven, and I know why you have come. You will find me a day's walk west of your current location. When you arrive, you and I will have dinner together and talk, I have a few things for you. Then you will complete your mission." Riven woke with a start, it was now in the middle of the night. He had no idea how long he had slept, images of the dream wondered through his mind as he got up and walked in the direction Girald had instructed him to. Riven walked until midmorning when he ran into the old man from his dream, "I am.." The old man cut him off, "Riven, I know, I am Girald. Come on, you must be hungry. We must hurry we don't have much time." Girald led Riven to a small cottage on the foot of a mountain, "breathtaking, Girald." Riven stood in awe for a moment, "I know, I did create it..come along now, you will have plenity of time to stare at that mountain after my death." Girald offered Riven a seat in the humble abode, "Girald, if you know why I am here, and believe I will kill you then why are you treating me like an honored guest?" Girald smiled at Riven warmly, "Riven, I am old, I have seen realities come and go, I have lived millions of years...I am tired." Girald sighed, "Plus it is fate, I nor any other plainswalker can do anything against fate, she is all powerful." Girald walked to the fireplace,lifted the lid off of a pot, and filled a bowl with stew he had made. Girald placed the bowl in front of Riven, "Eat up." Girald excused himself for a moment as he went into one of the back rooms. Girald came out carrying several books, "I told you I had somethings for you." He placed one of the books in front of Riven, it was sealed with a ward. "Only Timak will be able to open this one and only when the time is right." Girald placed a second book in frotn of Riven, "This one is for you, some spells that you have yet to learn." Girald patted Riven on the back as he placed the third and final book in front of him, "This is the book of my travels." Girald nodded as a question formed in Riven's mind, "Yes, it is a small book but, it's magical so, it contains millions of books within it's self." Riven let out a sad sigh as he thought about the duty he would have to perform. "Do not regret your actions, Riven. Let us tonight exchange stories, and enjoy each other's company, tomorrow we will face each other in battle." The two of them spent the whole day talking, that night Riven was given the most comfortable bed he had ever laid on, and was still unable to sleep. The thoughts of the next day kept him awake all night. The next morning came too soon in Riven's view. He got his things together and walked out of the cottage. Girald was already outside waiting for him, "Sorry, I was just taking a last look around the place." Girald looked to Riven with a smile, "Shall we begin?" Riven nodded gravely at Girald, as he launched into the air. Girald closed his eyes, and began to pull magical energies into his body. Girald sent spell after spell after Riven each one not seeming to have any effect on him. Girald nodded to himself reassurringly, "He really is the one from the prophecy." Riven circled around for awhile, noticing Girald's magic didn't seem to have an effect. Riven drew his sword and with great speed drove towards Girald, Riven noticed the smile on Girald's face and the slight nod as Girald tilted his head to expose his neck to Riven. Without any effort, Riven sword sliced through Girald's neck, removing his head from his body. The head rolled onto the ground, and the body fell as it did, a small particle of light left the body. Riven quickly landed and ran over to collect the head as he did that a voice from the sky spoke, "Thank you, Riven. Trialing times are ahead of you, you may even fall into darkness but, I will always be watching over you." Riven looked over the cottage, taking in the mountains, to him at least they seemed to have lost some of their splendor. Riven entered the cottage to gather his things before heading outside and grabbing Girald's head. Alzra smiled as he watched what Riven had done. He knew once Riven was under his control, there would be to stopping his army from taking over all the plains of reality. Riven took a deep breath, and used the necklace to open a portal to Morga. Stepping through the portal, Alzra was there to greet him. "Wonderful job, Riven." Alzra, placed an arm around Riven's shoulder. Riven shot him a look of disguest but, that was the end of his protest, "Come, let you finish our business, Riven." Alzra led Riven to a dark temple. "Isn't this a little cliche for you, Alzra?" Riven asked with a amused smirk. Alzra shrugged a little, "I don't own it, I am just renting it for our little ritual." Alzra snapped his fingers and four lesser demon carried in the glass coffin that held Timak's body." Alzra got down to business, "Your soul first or his, Riven?" "Mine." was the only thing Riven could force himself to say at that point. "Very well." With another snap of his fingers, Riven was stripped down, and placed on the dark alter. A group of priest entered the room. The head priest stood over Riven with the ritualistic knife. "Just remember, Riven, this is just a contract on your soul, I will be collecting it at a later date." Alzra cracked a smile feeling victory was at hand. The priest started to chant, as the head priest cut a rune into Riven's chest just above the heart. Riven tried to tune out the chanting as best as he could. Riven blacked out at the midway point of the ritual. Riven woke up in his bed chamber. Was the whole thing a dream? He looked around, and next to his bed was a note that read, 'Soon I will be collecting that which you own me. Your eternal master, Alzra' Riven torn the paper to pieces. Riven got out of his bed and quickly made his way to the room he had design for Timak all those years ago, he swung the door open. Timak was no where to be found, Riven yelled at the top of his lungs "Alzra!" "Who's Alzra?" came a familar voice. Riven turned and saw Timak there with a smile. Riven ran and swoop Timak into his arms, "No one for you to worry about now, Timak." Alzra watched the scene unfold, and stepped into the portal back to Morga, waiting for his plans to blossom.

~Physical Description~: Riven is a young man, he at least appears this way, looking no more then twenty years old. A few of his more outstanding features prove he is not human but, something much darker. His dark brown leathery bat like wings are normally folded behind his back like a cape. His eyes are the color of the blood moon, and pupilless. This allows him to scan with his eyes without anyone noticing, which he often uses to his advance. The other inhuman feature is the four inch horns that grow on the top corners of his head just above the his hairline. On right side of his face there is a magical rune. His hair is the color of a moonless night, he keeps its cut short. Standing at six feet five inches, he towers over most humans. His chest his broad, his arms well defined. Proving he is much more then a bookworm but a warrior as well. ~History~: Riven doesn't talk about his history much, even Timak knows very little about his past but, the most commonly know facts about Riven are as follows: That for his first hundred years, Riven looked human and was accept as such, he stopped aging at the age of twenty three. After his transformation, he became a wandering adventure, almost of the time just trying to get lost in the crowd. For at least four hundred years, Riven has been practicing and studying magic, focusing on holy magic mostly, but dabbling in others as well. Fifity years ago, he join as a knight in the kingdom of Dzerka, where he was promoted to Mageknight, and faced the fifty four dragons. Twenty years ago, he became the ruler of Northwind after the events of A Knight's war (A yet to be written story) ~Abilities~: Having been alive for so long, Riven has picked up many skills. He has trained with most weapons known to man, he is most skilled with a warhammer, sword and crossbow. He has learned most survial skills, hunting, tracking, trapping etc. Most everyday skills, farming, sewing, etc. And a few rogue skills, card playing, slieght of hand, and pick pocketing, etc. ~Magical Abilities~: Most of Riven's magicial knowledge is healing and protection based. He has been known to use other schools of magic but, the only other magic he is as strong in as holy magic is nether magic. Natural Magical abilities: Night vision - Even in complete darkness Riven is able to see as if it were day. Empathy - Riven is able to read most surface thoughts, emotions and mind speak with the willing. Detect Good or Evil - Riven can tell if someone's nature is good or evil. Extra human strength - Riven has been known to lift up to 4 tons of weight but, his exact limit is unknown Flight - Not so much magical but, because of his wings. Editted by Katz for Search-compliant formatting.

Riven had been out for his morning flight when he had spotted the army of the undead. Riven swooped down, grabbing a two of the undead in his hands, chanting a mantra, the zombies turned to dust. A zombie grabbed Riven's foot and began to pull him into the army of undead. Calling for his warhammer, it magically appeared in his hand, with a single blow, he crushed the zombie's head, forcing it to let him go. Riven knew if he planned to stop this undead army he would need his own army so, he turned back towards his kingdom of North Wind to ready his troops. "Fool!" Black called out to Riven. Riven stopped in midair to face the person calling him. Riven readied his warhammer for a fight, he senced the vampire was powerful, and not to be taken lightly. Riven was not prepared for a battle, only wearing a tunic and a pair of briches, and no weapons. An ampilified voice spoke to the undead army, demanding their surrender. Seeing the vampire distracted Riven flew at full speed towards the voice, to see if he could lend a hand. Riven landed within the keep, and made his way to where Tanuchan and the others were. "Demons!" Riven readied his warhammer as he began to advance on the other demon, Tanny stepped in front of Riven before he could act. "He is a friend." She explained to him, "A friend?" Riven looked confused, "Yes...here let me explain." Tanny explained as quickly as possibe what had transpired, with that Riven replied, "You have my warhammer and my magic, use them as you will."

The group of adventures arrive at the phsyic-defying lake. Once there Riven steps away from the group for a moment to explore the area, as he is doing so, he chants a mantra softly to himself. When he is finished several balls of light appear in his hands. The balls of light are glass balls with a magicial light source in them. Riven quickly places several of the balls around the room. The extra balls of light, Riven tosses down the four branches of the cave. Riven sniffs the air of each of the branches, "This one has fresher air which means it has an openning above ground."

Yeah, I felt it was a little compressed myself, I have planned to make the battle scene more epic but, I felt it was getting too long. I hope to rewrite this story and fit everything I want into it. And there were 54 dragons, 53 1/2 was just a joke title I made up for the rabbits. I just kept the name so, them would know this was the story behind the joke.

Could someone please give some feedback? It took only about an hour and a half to write, I did make it up as I typed it so, I know there are quite a few things I could improve on. I normally make things up as I am writing so alot of times stuff comes out of no where, I know that is one of the biggest problems with my writing. Another is not giving enough detail. I thought this story was getting a little long that is why I skipped over some of the details in it.

Riven places a hand on Stick's shoulder before he gets to far into the cave, "One moment, my friend. Is there a map available for these caves? Do we at least have a compass? Or supplies to make a map as we go along?" Riven lifts his right hand and points to the ring, "I know we have these but, it would be nice to have someway to track which tunnels we have already explored or if someday in the future we have to return to the caves we have at least a vague idea what the layout of the tunnels are." "Sorry, " Riven looks to the group, "but, I have this thing about knowing at least a little bit about where I am heading plus, we have no idea what is down there so, it might be nice to know in case we have to lose something on our trail."

Congrats!

Riven bows towards Anna, "My dear lass, after this little adventure, if you would like, I will help you focus your magic. Holy magic happens to be my speciality." Riven addresses the rest of the group, "I will join whoever is searching the caves, I think my night vision would be useful in such a place." Riven bows his head and waits for someone to ask him to join them.

Well, after Wyvie broke Wyvernfem's heart, Aurora decided to throw a girl's week out. So, now is your chance to join in the fun. We have room for five more ladies to join on this getaway. So, post below if you want to join and also post suggections for what to do on during this week. Now guys, don't think I forgot about you. If there are any guys that would like to crash this girl party, PM. We have room for five guys only, I will post in the topic when he get our five guys. If you would like to write the guy's side pm as well. A couple of rules for the story The post to join in the story will be open for one week, until 12-6-04. One character per person The week can happen at any place or time (Thanks to Almost Dragonic Time Machine and Space Displacer) You may post more then one suggection for the story Let the posting begin!

Riven steps forward, "Every group should take an extra ring in case they find this Annel." Riven leans on his warhammers as if it were a staff, "And I need to stay with the group that will be in more public areas since Wyvie has yet to give me access to the rest of the keep." He glances around the the people he doesn't know, "My name is Riven, and I am a mageknight. I practice protective magics and healing spells." Riven points to his wings, "Plus, I am a half demon, which means I fly, see in the dark, and have supernatural stregth."

Riven stands from his seat causing all but one of the butterflies to flee. Riven grins to the midnite blue butterfly on his shoulder, "Aren't you the brave one?" Riven quickly makes his way to the rings, picking one an unmark one so his butterfly will attune with his ring. Riven chuckles slightly, "You have a demon looking for an angel, ironic, no?" Riven bows his head to those he knows, "Timak would join us but, he is handling matters of business." Riven holds out his hand and his warhammer magicly appears in it, "So, what is the first order of business?"

Riven stood waiting for a knock at his study door, Timak faithly by his side. "So, you have taken a liking to this girl, Timak?" Riven glances at Timak with a slight smile. Timak tried to think of something to say, yet knew that Riven already knew the truth through his empathic ablities. "I just met her, si.."Timak was cut off by a knock on the door. Riven swiftly walks to door, openning it for his special guest. "Please come in, Tanny, is it?" Riven ask as he glances to Timak, who give a slight nod to confine. "Yes." Tanny bows slightly to Riven before entering the room. Tanny catches Timak out of the corner of her eye, grinning she gives him a slight wave. Riven smiles inwardly as he watches the exchange between the two of them, knowing full well if he was younger he would be attracted to Tanny as well . Riven waits a moment before escorting Tanny to a chair, pulling it out for her, "Please have a seat." He moves back to his own seat across the table from her. That is when Tanny notices the two bat like wings that Riven has. Tanny stares for a moment too long allowing Riven time to catch her, "I'm a half demon." "Oh.." is the only reply Tanny can think of as she blushes a bit out of embarrassment. Tanny shifts slightly being so near someone with demon blood, which in turns makes Riven slightly uncomfortable. Timak notices the discomfort, "It's okay." he nods to Tanny with a slight smile, which seems to help her relax. For a moment which seems to drag, there is nothing but silence between the three of them. Riven finally breaks the silences "So, you wanted to hear the story of the 54 dragons, Tanny?" "Yes." Tanny says with a slight nod. With that Riven waves his hand and the rooms seems to grow darker. Under his breath, Riven says a mantra and several balls of light form on the table between Tanny and him. The balls of light form to make an image of a great hall filled with hundred of knights. Riven becomes a bit grave as he begins his story. "The story begins many years ago when Northwind was still part of a larger kingdom. The king had gathered his knightss because of an attack by a group of dragons." The images on the table seem to change to fit with the story. "Who will protect the province of Northwind? " The image of the king cried out, "Are there no brave knights among you? Are you scared of a few black dragons?" The moving pictures focus on a younger Riven, he glances around him and sees no one willing to defend this poor section of the kingdom. Riven takes a deep breath before standing up, "I will protect those poor people from the dragons." From out of the crowd someone shouts, "I think he just wants to be with his own kind!" Everyone burst out in laughter at Riven. Riven interrupts the story for a moment, he looks up at Tanny," In case you didn't know, black dragons are red dragon infused with demon blood." Riven turns back to controlling the images, there the young Riven bows his head in shame and begins to take his seat again. "Is no one willing to join this brave knight in his quest?" Hearing the king's words, Riven remain standing. For the longest time no one say or did anything, it was so silent in the hall you could hear mice running across the rafters. A voice of a young boy broke through the silence, the boy was one of the servant's son, barely six years of age. "I will go with the knight to fight the dragons." Still no one else stood or said anything, the king became disgusted with his knights. "Where is your valor? Have you no shame? You'd let a single knight and a boy fight this war? How dare you call yourselves knights!" The king spit on the ground towards the knights, storming off, he stopped, saying to one of his servants, "Bring the knight and the boy to my war room." An hour later, the boy, Timak, and the knight, Riven were led into the king's war room. The two of them waited for the arrivial of the king, as soon as he enter, both of them knelt before him. "Please rise, it should be me kneeling before you." The king helped Timak to his feet, he raised the boy's chin to look into his eyes, "A son of a servant, braver then all of my knights. Do not worry boy, you and your family shall never serve again. I hereby make you a squire, you shall be by Sir Riven's side forever more. You should be honored serving by his side, he is one of the highest regarded mageknights in the kingdom." The king turned to Riven, "Oh, most blessed knight, I am sorry I am sending you alone for this battle." "I am not alone, Sire, I have the bravest squire with me." Riven gave a quick wink to Timak. "Ah, yes! Come...I'm having the finest armor made for the two of you. The two of you shall leave in a week's time." The king led the pair to a table where a map had been laid out. The three of them discussed plans, and make all arrangements for the pair's departure. The week leading up to the departure, Timak was trained as much as possible in the art of weapon usage. He seemed naturally gifted with the spear. Riven prepared in a different way for the adventure, locking himself in his private study. He went over his spells hundreds of times, practicing each, knowing full well this may turn into a battle of magic. The week flew by for the two of them and before they knew it, it was time to leave. Riven carried with him several weapons, an axe, sword, warhammer that returned to him anytime he called it, chains and a few daggers. Riven made sure the boy carried a spear, a sword and a single dagger. The king gave the pair his two mightiest warhorses. The pair travelled for a week to get to Northwind. Riven began to speak to the boy as a dragon swooped down grabbing Riven's horse. Riven drove off of his horse, knocking Timak from his horse just as a second dragon swoop down for him. The two of them tumbled on the ground for a moment, before Riven got to his feet, grabbing the boy and ran as fast as possible for the cover of the trees. "You stay here...you will be protected by the trees. You will know when the time is right to attack with your spear, Timak." with that Riven stood up, calling his warhammer to him. Riven quickly flew into the air, caughting the first dragon off guard, he slammed his warhammer into the dragon's head. The dragon fell from the death blow. That caught the second dragon's attention, he turned to charge at Riven. Riven began to chant a mantra under his breath, hovering in place. Riven drew his sword as the dragon flew closer, Riven closed his eyes knowing he had to time this prefectly for it to work. As the dragon's mouth was about to snap, Riven moved with lightning speed, piercing the dragon where his skull and spine meet. The second dragon fell with a thump to his death. "Very good, you have killed two of my dragons, I am most impressed!" Riven turned in mid air to see the liche king, and the remaining dragons. Before Riven had a chance to react, the other dragons knocked him to the ground. Riven glanced to Timak, he could see the boy was about to make his move. Riven shook his head, and lipped the words not yet. Riven regained his footing, wiping the blood from his mouth. He charged the liche king, but the dragons blocked his path. An epic battle broke out between Riven and the dragons. In the end Riven slew all but one of the dragons. It was the biggest of the dragons. Winded and injured, his left arm no long functioning Riven stared into the eyes of the last dragon. The liche king began clapping his hands, "Bravo! Bravo! I haven't seen such a warrior in ages...but it will not save you." The liche king began chanting a mantra, infusing his soul with that of the dragon's. "Now you will face death, you will not walk away from this battle field alive." the liche dragon growled out. Riven knew his magic would no longer work on the dragon. Riven called his warhammer to him, he took a couple deep breaths and prayed to any god that might by listening. "DIIIIIIIIEEEEE!!" Riven charged the liche dragon, but was knocked to the side without any effect by the dragon. Riven heaved heavily as he stumbled to his feet. Riven was covered in blood, that of the dragons' and his own. Riven tossed his warhammer to the side, and drew his sword. "DIIIIIIEEEE!!!" Riven once again charged the dragon, this time the dragon used the sharp scales on his tail to rip open Riven's chest. Riven fell to his knees, he had lost too much blood to continue the fight. The dragon pinned him down with his front paw, "It looks like you will be the only one to die today." The dragon took in a deep breath preparing to use his breath weapon. Using every bit of his supernatural stregth, Riven lifted the dragon up, exposing his chest, "NOW!!" Riven yelled to the boy, who already started running. The dragon let a laugh out at the thought of the boy killing him. Riven began to chant a holy shield mantra, at the same time the dragon let his breath weapon go onto the boy. From where the boy stood the spear went flying through the air, piercing the dragon's chest. For the moment, time stood still for the three combatants. There was a crash as the body of the dragon fell lifeless to the ground. Riven slowly got up and made his way to where Timak had been. He waited for the smoke to clear to see if his holy shield had worked. The moments dragged on like an eternity, each seeming longer then the last one....tick...tick....tick...tick....tick.... "NOOOO!!" Riven fell to his knees as he saw the charred remains of Timak. Riven grabbed the body to his chest, weeping openly for the boy. "Why didn't you take me instead?!" Riven cried out ot the heavens. Riven clinged to the body, not wanting to let go. Riven lost track of time but, finally got himself togather, wiping the last tears from his eyes. Riven wrapped the remains in his sleeping roll, and started to walk towards the nearest town. He knew he could give Timak a knight's funeral there. The images on the table fade, "That my dear lass is the story of the 53 1/2 dragons." Riven watched the confused Tanny as she glances between where the image was and where Timak now stands. "But..if..how?" Riven grin softly, "My dear, that is a story for another time. Now if you two will excuse me, I have affairs of the state to handle." Riven stands up, offering Tanny a respectful bow, "Timak, please see our guest out." Riven gives a slight bow to Tanny and Timak before leaving the room.