How is one to be free from anger and hate when his first sight at birth is darkness? When in the shadows they watch you and shape you for their own desires? How can one cope when it is those same fiends who dare take away all that he has come to love, and those who in turn showed him love? The world of man is cold even here on the plane where the bright orb shines down during the daylight and in the night a wondrous silence fills the lands. Where peace can be found if sought hard enough and it is possible to find love and be cherished. But love can cause more harm then good. It can bring the weak to their feet and strike them down without a moment's notice... It can turn a heart bitter.

Making their way down the winding road the travelers warily pushed on. A large group of human priests followed the dark figure as he led them towards the dark cavern knowing his own intentions.

Loyally the priests followed, with them three slaves carried a cage that held a strange character. As if they knew that there was trouble the animals began to flee the area which kind of worried the humans. But they were promised so much from this dark stranger, and he would help them be rid of something that has terrified them for so long.

Soon a dark stone monument appeared before them. The dark figure held out his hand and stopped them, he then got down from his mount and went to the monolith. He put his hands on the front door, and was quiet for a few seconds.

"Bring the fae kin." he hissed. Obeying his command the slaves ran up with the cage and placed it at his feet.

Making a few strange words the stranger waved his hand before the door and a light emanated from it's core. As the humans fell back the light grew brighter and soon began to dim, but the door was no longer there. Picking up the cage that contained the fairy the stranger walked into the fortress, wary the humans followed.

They entered a room that contained a glass wall, in it was a golden horn.

"Now little pretty, it is your turn." he said opening the cage door and pulling the small sprite from her prison.

sadly the little fairy held out her arms and the glass turned to ice, melting down and dropping the horn onto the floor.

The stranger lifted it up with a horrible smile when the humans ran up to him.

"Destroy it!" the head priest yelled, "You must!"

"Must I!" came the strangers hideous voice as he pulled back his hood and put his palm out, knocking the priests down forcefully.

"You made a promise!"

The stranger turned to them spreading his wings out before he walked out the door, "You are stupid to think I hold any promises human!" he said with a malicious grin, leaving them inside the building.

The priest looked at his kin,
"We need to stop him, or it is our end."

And he was more then right...

After leaving the foolish humans behind the tiefling rushed down further into the catacombs until he stepped into a well lit room, "I've arrived mother, this place.. are you certain Mephistopheles will be summoned?"

Her voice etched within his mind spoke cooly, "Ixian you have the horn and the spell... Spill your blood and call the great Arch-Devil forth, he will come."

"Why do I have to lose blood over this." the tiefling muttered as he raised his fist up, slicing across his wrist and watching as the blood fell from the wound into the sigil dug into the ground. His next move was to blow the horn when he heard footsteps and gave a growl. Rounding the corner the monks came into the room.

"Stop him!' the first one yelled as two of his companions stepped forward. Ixian merely raised his hand up, throwing hellfire into their faces with such a casual grace that even when the men screamed in pain Ixian smiled even more.

From outside the room the last remaining monk heard his companions' fate, as a puddle of blood seethed toward his feet the monk gasped shivering as he turned to flee the temple.

Outside he felt he had escaped the danger.

Then the winds came, and a tall woman spoke of his death...

Not much later...

In the human township of Nesme there was a bustle in the market square. It was such a wonderful day and it seemed nobody was willing to stay inside there homes.

Children were playing in the streets without a care.

Through the commotion on the streets it was quite easy for those with sticky fingers to go on with their duties. But for one young boy it was not to be quite a lucky draw.

He was not an orphan, but his family was quite unwell in their dealings and he needed to help feed him and his siblings. Already with a full coat of stolen items the boy was ready for one more target, a large armor bound warrior who was standing by the tavern flirting with the ladies. With the ladies distracting this large human it would be an easy steal so he made his way towards the warrior.

He thought all was going well until a strong hand grabbed his arm and pulled him out in front of them.

"What do you think you're doing?" the warrior growled holding the boy up by the cuff of his shirt, "I'll cut you for this."

Trying to squirm away from the warrior was hopeless and the boy could only struggle as the man threw him against the wall and held his arm out. As one of his companions held the boy the man reached for his dagger and held it towards the young boy's throat.

"This will teach you." he muttered.

Before he could tear into the boy's tender skin somebody grabbed the warrior's arm fast.

Turning around the human saw standing before him a red haired elven warrior in leather armor, who alone stood almost a foot above him.

As the human's companions went to aid him another darker tiefling stood before them with his hand up, shaking his head.

"Who are you to stop me! This child has to learn a lesson."

These words angered the tiefling, and he took the warrior's throat in his open hand, holding him against the wall. The human was shocked of how strong the tiefling was, he was starting to feel faint from the loss of oxygen.

He weakly tried to regain his composure, "You will pay for this tiefling!"

"Oh indeed I will." Ravnos replied baring his fangs, "This child does not deserve such punishment for his actions."

"And who are you to tell me that?"

Ravnos slammed the human's head into the wall, "And who made you judge and jury? I believe that you will let this boy go, without a scratch."

As Ravnos eased his grip on the human, he glared at the tiefling.

"And if I don't?"

"Then I'll cut you." Ravnos replied backing away from the human to give him space to leave. As the human walked away he gave a mean look to the boy, but left without action.

Seeing a way to escape the boy tried to make a run for it until he felt someone grab his shirt from behind. He was caught once again.

"Let me go! I did nothing wrong!"

"A coat full of shiny items don't help with your innocence." Ravnos replied still holding onto the boy's shirt.

"Alright! What can I do! My family has to eat!"

With a sigh Ravnos reached into his pouch and pulled out some coins, he handed them to the boy.

"Here, these should keep for some time. Stay out of trouble huh. Those guys mean business."

With a smile the boy ran into the crowd and disappeared as Kai'lair walked up to his friend.

"Are you a charity case now?"

"Funny Kai." Ravnos groaned as they began to walk down the street.

The two tieflings made their way through the bustle to the end of a dark street. As the two made their way down the street they heard a slight muffled noise. Stopping Ravnos strained to hear the sound once again.

Once again was the noise, it was someone moaning in pain from the sound of it. Walking slowly towards the noise the young tiefling saw a priest laying in a pool of blood. When he saw Ravnos he weakly took a breath looking up in desperation.

"How did this happen?" Ravnos asked kneeling down beside the weak human to check the severity of the wounds. As he saw that the wound was fatal the priest grabbed his arm catching his attention.

"You must find them before he does." he whispered painfully, "They are the only key."

"Who? What are you talking about?" Asked Ravnos as the priest handed him a parchment, "The twins. They must be protected."

Ravnos tried to bring the priest back but it was too late. Taking the parchment he stood up from the priest and looked at Kai'lair.

"So is he dead?"

Nodding Ravnos walked up to his friend and opened up the paper that was given to him. In it was a picture drawing of two human's and some writing that must have been in some human language he had no dealing with.

"we'll take this to Gremis, he may know this language." Ravnos muttered as the two left the village.

Later that night...

"This tells of a portal to the hells, and speaks of two human twins who hold the only key to eternal darkness." Gremis said as he read the parchment that Ravnos had brought to him to decipher.

"And who are they?"

"Says here they are in the village of Goranda. They are named Shela and Drevan." Gremis replied with a confused look, "Are you going to find these humans?"

"Gremis the human was hurt real bad." Ravnos informed as he stood by the window, "Someone had to have done that maliciously."

Renna wrinkled her nose at the idea. Finding and protecting lost children was not a job requirement that she enjoyed. Kicking some dust the small halfling raised her chin, "Now tell me why are we going to go looking for these human brats in the first place? I mean they aren't anything to us."

"something tells me we should go." Ravnos cut her off with a sharp glare as he grabbed the map from Gremis and began to look it over, "And I always follow what feels right."

"Even when it's stupid."

"You don't have to go with." Ravnos snorted as Myria put a hand to his arm to calm him, to this he merely growled deep before turning his focus back onto the map.

\

Minutes later...

"So what are we supposed to do when we find these twins?" Renna asked as she stopped her small pony mount.

"Good question, oh wondrous leader. What are we supposed to do?"

Ravnos gave Kai'lair an unenthused look causing the other tiefling to smirk and bite his tongue. Sometimes the big guy was moody, well most of the time anyways. Looking back to Myria and Gremis the big warrior turned Ravnos back and the big horse stepped down the street.

"I suppose we will find that out soon enough." was all he said. The city behind them the adventurers rode onward. For days

As the group rode into the town all of the villagers stood and gasped at the sight before them. Some were untrusting of this odd lot of beings, yet others still felt some attachment for the mystifying souls.

Gremis was riding his mount next to Ravnos as he looked around the village, it was much larger and crowded then he could have imagined. This was going to be a difficult task.

"So how are we supposed to find these humans in all of this." the halfling said with a slight bit of hesitance in her voice, "They all look the same to me."

"Bite your tongue Renna.!" Ravnos cut Renna off short, "We are here as good will ambassadors, not to start anything with the villagers."

"I still have my own opinion." Renna whispered under her breath as they stopped in the middle of the town square.

Ravnos himself was beginning to get frustrated, how would they find these humans? There were too many running about.

On they moved through the bustling city streets until they or rather Renna decided it was best to rest for the night.

Gremis was the one to ask for the rooms and when he got what he needed the hobgoblin headed to the table way in the back of the room where his companions sat.

He sat down taking his ale into his hands as Renna finished chugging down hers.

She groggilly looked at him, "So did ya get the rooms?"

"I could only get two." he replied taking a drink and setting the mug onto the table. "That means me and Myria have to share a room then, sounds like you all are on your own." chided Kai'lair with a grin as a mug went to his lips. Renna smacked him in the arm causing him to snicker before she glanced down.

Looking at her empty mug with disdain the halfling lifted it up and stood, "Yep need another. Anybody else need a fill?"

When they didn't answer Renna headed back up to the bar.

"I think she's pretty drunk." joked Gremis as he got up, "I'm going with her to make sure she stays good."

"That's a great idea, you know how bold Renna gets when she's had too much." Myria answered with a smile, "We don't need another of those fights."

As the hobgoblin melted with the crowd Myria glanced over to Ravnos who was sitting across from her, in his hands was the necklace given to him by Leedra long before her turn. He was moving it around examining it.

Myria felt a little jealousy well up within her, yet she knew that he was not officially hers, as she wasn't his.

"So are you going to go back to her?"

"What?"

"That girl. Leedra" Myria replied with curiosity, "Are you going back to her?"

He looked up at her strangely then shrugged his shoulders which wasn't really the answer she was looking for.

"You know she wanted you."

Ravnos put the necklace down onto the table, "I'm not going to lie and say I don't think about it." he told her in a strong voice, "Why?"

"Oh just curious." Myria said taking another drink, she was already beginning to feel a slight buzz.

"I've got something I need to do... Yeah.." Kai then muttered finishing his mug and with a wink in Myria's direction the tan tiefling stood up. His target the two pretty women near a far corner of the tavern. Myria herself stood up and before walking away felt someone holding her arm. Turning she saw Ravnos's claw, "Now your not going to let me go?"

"You've had too many drinks Myria, stay where you will not find trouble."

"I don't need your protection Ravnos." Myria said pushing his hand away, "I just want another ale that's all."

Ravnos let her go, as he watched her blend with the crowd her words echoed in his head, Leedra had said those same things. Was Myria turning also?

Instantly an uproar caught his attention, it was coming from the same place where he last saw Myria. The tall tiefling got up and went over to the commotion there he saw Myria and she was dancing on the floor catching most of the males in the building's attention. Angered he pushed through the crowd and just in time as a young human began to move closer to her.

He stopped when the tiefling stood blocking him, and being almost a foot taller then the boy really was intimidating. Actually they all backed away none wanting to get on Ravnos's bad side, and he saw this.

"Hello Ravnos." Myria said in a singing voice as she danced, "I just love this music."

As she fell against him the tiefling looked down at her, "You've had too much fun tonight Myria, time to rest."

"No, you can't tell me what to do." she told him frustrated, "Let me go!"
With a groan the tiefling rolled his eyes lifting her up and throwing her across his shoulder, as she struggled against him he carried her upstairs to the room.

In the room he laid her on the bed and turned away, still angry she sat up and glared his way, "Don't assume you know what's good for me Ravnos! I have needs you know."

He stopped near the door peeking back at her, "Your needs would have gotten you into trouble, possibly even killed! Now get some rest!" he commanded walking into the hallway.

For a few minutes Myria sat on the bed. She grew angrier and angrier as she thought of Ravnos, quietly she snuck to the door and slowly opened it to look out.

Luckily he wasn't there so as she opened the door all the way Renna moved in her bed causing the girl to turn around, spinning back towards the door Myria bumped into someone.

"I hope you didn't think I would trust your judgement Myria." Ravnos told her with a smirk, "I'm going to watch you."

"Fine!" she hissed going back into the room.

The door to her and Renna's room slammed shut causing Ravnos to cringe. Looking away from the door his eyes fell on Kai and another woman, the tiefling gave a wry grin as he held the woman closer to him, "Ravnos, you really need some help with women."

"It's women who need help." the red haired tiefling enquired rolling his eyes at Kai's predictability, "So I have to assume you found a place tonight?"

"you're right there big guy." Kai said in reply as the woman began nipping at his neck playfully. Not even pushing her away for decensy Kai smirked, "Well I have to help this lady out... See you in the morrow."

"Yeah." Ravnos muttered watching Kai lead the woman down the hallway. Before he would turn away Ravnos glanced back to Myria's door before shaking his head and heading back into the tavern.

Standing outside the tavern the big warrior remained as silent as pitch watching those who came and went. Some would motion toward him as they walked by, in fear or in curiosity though either way Ravnos found this to be rather annoying. Still he ignored them as much as possible. While horses passed the warrior in keeping his eyes low continued to remain in his past, those dreams and those nightmares of the before. Here he would have dwelled through till the morn if a strong grasp upon his shoulder had not have taken his attention away, Ravnos growled looking up into the eyes of not a stranger but an old trusted companion. Gremis himself looked away, "What is it with you tiefling?" he asked, "Why do the women stick to you like honey, I do doubt it's your personality."

"And I ask for this?" muttered Ravnos back moving his head to push some strands of red hair back with the help of the breeze. Gremis just shrugged.

"Whether or not you ask for it, you cannot deny the truth. Ravnos, Leedra was a tragedy indeed. We all loved her.." the hobgoblin closed his eyes, "But you cannot keep blaming yourself for her transformation. That curse is the end of many tiefling, it would have changed her no matter your treatment of her."

A rock was thrown into the street as Ravnos sighed, "I let her down Gremis, turned her away when she needed me most. I couldn't make things right and it kills me."

"Then maybe it was a sign? Maybe you have a second chance to make things right."

Ravnos looked up at Gremis as he furrowed his eyebrows, "Leedra has gone somewhere I cannot go Gremis." sadly turning his head down the warrior gave another sigh but Gremis grunted and shook his head causing Ravnos to look at him again.

"Not her Ravnos." chided the hobgoblin as he glanced up towards the windows of the tavern. Indeed Ravnos caught what Gremis was saying but he didn't think he deserved anybody after his treatment of Leedra and now of Myria. Only loneliness.. What he didn't know was that as he was looking up Myria was looking down at him...

That following morning, the birds were calling and in their frenzy at her window sill they woke the human girl from her slumber. Rubbing her eyes and giving one last yawn she stretched before sitting at the edge of her bed. Hearing snoring the girl knew that Renna had not yet waken so with silence she clothed herself and slowly crept out the door. Down the hall she walked, decending the stairs and entering the now quiet tavern. It was too early for all the ruffians to show themselves it seemed but Myria didn't care not seeing any of her companions the girl stepped outside seeing a different crowd roaming the streets now. Taking a deep breath Myria wandered down the street moving pass vendors selling food and wares, Gremis nor Ravnos were nowhere to be seen and well Myria knew well that Kai'lair was a late sleeper and that his company had probably kept him up much of the night. So to find him on the street this early was not likely. She stopped near a vendor selling materials for making dresses, her small hands sliding over a red silk as she looked about. It was all so beautiful but she had never been in the position to get something nice like this, not that it bothered her any after all those with money tended to be vain and ruthless. As she put her hand on the material for one last feel a shadow loomed over her and Ravnos stepped in behind her.

"Ravnos would look good on you." he said out of the blue causing Myria to smile. She turned around looking up at the tall warrior, " Oh really, you think so?"

A quick smile was all she would get but it was enough as Myria followed Ravnos through the crowd, "Find anything out about the twins?" she asked him. Pushing people out of his way Ravnos shook his head, "No, seems almost as if they don't even exist. Nobody has ever heard of them before, or they don't want to speak about them for safety's concern." Ravnos stopped and Myria bumped into him.

"Well we can't really blame them." she cut in, "If they're as important as you say then I would want to protect them also."

"Yes but the problem is, we cannot protect those we can't even recognize." Ravnos said back to her as he finally reached the building he was searching for. They were gates to a rather prominant house.

Myria was confused as she watched Ravnos fold his arms over his chest as if waiting for someone, "Umm why are we standing here?"

"Waiting for Kai." was the big tiefling's response as he lifted a dagger and began flipping it between his fingers. Still curious Myria looked at him, "Is Kai from this place?"

"No." Mentioned Ravnos with a wry smirk as the dagger flipped about in the air, "he's not from this place, rather he likes to keep regal company."

Myria was still innocent in some ways. She did not understand Ravnos' little comment at first so figuring she'd find out later what it meant she moved on with conversation. Across the way from where they stood near the gate female dancers were entertaining a crowd of people and they were causing Myria to feel a little defensive. Fidgeting about with her fingers Myria looked away, "Ravnos have you ever thought of finding someone else?"

He looked down at her and raised an eyebrow, "Now what brought about this question?"

"Nothing in particular I just wanted to know."

As his eyes faced front Ravnos flipped the dagger down, replacing it to his belt, "I don't know, possibly if the right person comes along." was his reply, while he folded his arms back over his chest the leather of his outfit made the normal rubbing noise, "It's not priority, if that's what you want to know."

"I understand." she came to speak though a sigh left her lips she didn't dare look into his eyes, "if the right person was around, then you would seek their company... Was Leedra the right one?"

Immediatly Ravnos looked to Myria, but before he could speak there was a scratching sound upon the wall behind them. Turning around the both of them came face to face with Kai as he snuck out of the lady of the house's bedroom then out of the entire palace itself.

Ravnos was just about to say something when a ruckous in the crowd turned his attention.

There was a scream and Ravnos looked to find a large creature carrying off a young human female on his shoulders. By the way she kicked and screamed she was being taken against her own will.

Myria felt for the girl, "Somebody's got to do something."

"Myria, you stay here, me and Kai'lair will help her."

She stood there watching with concern as both tieflings moved into the crowd.

Ravnos took one path, the man and the girl never left his sight as he pushed through the crowd of merchants and shoppers following closely his prey. When the man turned down an alley Ravnos glanced around looking for a way to cut him off, his eyes followed a ladder that ascended up the side of a building and he sneered.

With the girl screaming on his shoulder the ruffian thought himself in the clear as he passed down the darker alley way, there was a door ahead of him. All he has to do is reach that door before...

A large figure stepped in front of him, hindering his escape and causing him to almost drop the girl from his back. But the man kept his cool as the stranger glared down at him.

"move tiefling!"

"Now that is quite rude of you!" Ravnos muttered slyly pulling his sword up a little from it's sheath, "why are you taking the girl against her will?"

"None of your business." was all the man would say when he looked over and smiled. Ravnos glanced over to see three larger barbed creatures come out of the woodwork to surround him. Shaking his head Ravnos pulled out his sword, "Why could this never be easy?" he groaned as the man was about to run.

"That is a bad idea stank breath." Kai'lair said as he pointed his sword into the man's back, "Now drop the girl, or I'll make you a stuck pig."

Putting the scared woman down the ruffian turned to attack Kai'lair when he caught the sword in his throat. Wiping the blood from his blade Kai'lair gave an evil giggle.

Ravnos in seeing the other creatures moving their way quickly ran to the frightened girl holding out his hand to help her stand so they could flee. But she was hesitant to take it.

"I don't bite." he tried to reassure her.

She looked from the handsome red haired savior to the creatures and decided that the tiefling would be a better chance so she took his hand. Ravnos lifted her up to her feet, steadying her as she fell against him from lack of balance, looking down at her with bright green eyes the warrior smirked, "Don't worry about them, I've dealt with far worse."

When she nodded Ravnos took her by the waist almost lifting her off the ground with one arm as he ran toward Kai as the other tiefling playfully taunted the creatures.

As Ravnos ran up to him he smiled, "I think we better run!"

"Great plan Kai."

With the girl in his arms the tiefling followed his dark haired companion down the crowded street. The creatures in their devilish haste lunged through the crowd no minding those they would trample who got in the way. People were running and screaming as the devils trudged their path and ahead of them both Ravnos and Kai continued to move fast. But as they rounded a corner they would realize their mistake.

"A dead end, how convenient."

"Kai this is your fault." Ravnos growled as the girl began to tremble and Kai gave him a rude glance. Looking down at the girl Ravnos pushed her back near a darker corner.

"You stay here, it's safer. If anything happens, run as fast as you can." he said to the girl as he pulled out his two swords and readied to fight.

The creatures soon moved around the corner, leviathons of barbed flesh and chains embedded into that very same scaly skin the devils slowly moved down the alley. Placing himself before the girl Ravnos raised his sword up daring the devil creatures to come to him in their language, which was his own. The devils were more then happy to oblige. Her eyes shut tight as she covered her ears from the madness the young girl was so scared even when there were saviors out to protect her.

Myria had been searching the streets looking for Ravnos when she saw the devils pass, knowing very well that both Ravnos and Kai had something to do with that she followed their path. By the time she came to the alley where there paths had ended she saw Ravnos and Kai were safe. "Ravnos, Kai, are you both okay?" she called out to them.

Ravnos pulled one of his swords out of the gut of the creature it was embedded into and wiped the blood clean, "Yeah we're fine Myria all of us.". He then went to the shocked girl who was still huddled in the dark corner. She trembled more when his hand touched her shoulder so Ravnos pulled away, "They're gone. You have nothing left to fear."

Sometimes he knew his looks could be intimidating, and it was in moments like these he wondered just what Myria could see in him beyond the devil.

"Hey look, we got an audience." Kai'lair said slyly as he put his weaponsback and pointing at the villagers that stood beyond the street watching.

Ravnos shook his head at the dark tiefling's attitude, "Great, I love being a star attraction."

With Myria's coaxing the girl stood up and looked up at Ravnos as the other tiefling proudly displayed the dead devils for reasons to impress.

"Thank you for saving me I guess." she said still quite timid, "though I must leave you now, I must find my brother."

"Hold up." Ravnos muttered, "Why are those creatures chasing you?"

She did not know the answer. The only thing that gave her any idea was what her grandfather had told her long ago before he died. She sat down and shook her head, "I don't know. All I know is something that was told to me long ago. My grandfather would tell us long ago that me and my brother were special, and that evil would come looking for us sooner or later. He told us that we carried something important, something that could open a large portal to the hells. One large enough for an entire army to come through."

Ravnos raised an eyebrow as Myria held her hand to her lips in fear.

"Then we also need to find your brother." Ravnos told her, "We have come to escort the two of you safely to some pure place?"

"Yes I know where you speak of." she replied with a nod, "I know what we have to do."

"Good, then let's get your brother and do this thing." Kai uttered as he went to gather the others and their horses.

The female looked up at the handsome red haired tiefling that was her savior.

"I do not have a mount to carry me." she explained to him.

"Then you can ride with me until we get you a mount of your own."

"So this is one of the twins." Renna muttered upon her pony as she sat upon her mount beside Gremis. "Ahh is the halfling jealous?" came Kai's sarcasm as he led both Risen and Brutus to Myria and Ravnos before mounting Drone. Renna waited until the dark skinned tiefling came up beside her before she threw a small bit of strange dust at him, Kai sneezed making the halfling smile.

"You two!" Myria chimed in turning the robust Brutus about but not before one more look was aimed toward Ravnos and the pretty new stranger, could it have been a sneer upon her lips, one of jealousy?

Ravnos did not notice as he pulled Risen to the girl.

She smiled and walked to him, he then aided her up into the saddle, coming up behind her the tiefling uttered an odd word in devilish and Risen trotted to the rest of the party. With the devil's already here Ravnos knew they had to find the girl's brother with haste. He was in more danger then they realized.

At that moment an orc's head fell as a tall winged tiefling licked the blood from his sword with a fanged grin. How he missed the power of his own brethren but after that infernal battle with the celestial army. His dark mistress and her army had been banished back to their homeland but not before the witch was able to send her son after Ravnos, her prize general.

It was in this journey that Ixian was given some intriguing information from the mouth of a strong necromancer, through telepathy he was able to give his mother this information.

The summoning of a powerful lord of the nine, and the death of two celestial born twins could open the portal allowing his brethren to wander this plane freely without fear of banishment. To this thought Ixian smiled, licking his upper fangs as he looked upon the army of misfits who had fallen under his control.

Dark eyes burned like brimstone as the big warrior looked upon them all with hate, they all knew their commands and what would happen should they make any mistakes.

Besides Ixian had a job to do, the orc had given him some bad news, seems Ravnos had somehow come to find the female of the twins. Ixian would have to seek out the male.

"He is alone."

"That bothers me little." Ixian hissed as Leedra came up beside him, already she had tried to entice the big tiefling finding him just as attractive as his own sire. But this one was dense, ignoring her attempts with wild thoughts of power and bloodshed she had to smile at how much he could be like his own father though she dare not speak of this to Ixian.

"So what is our plan then master?"

Ixian growled at Leedra's apparent sarcasm, he could hardly stand the little vampress. Her bold nature did get on his nerves more often then naught, and her attempts at enticing him to bed her only raged him even more. There were times for mating, and times for fighting.

Now his mindset was on getting his army back, and pleasing his mother.

With an unconcerned look Ixian glared at Leedra, "You're like a bitch hound in heat, if you're so willing go screw one of those wretched orcs. They might breed you a fine bastard."

"Would they please me more?" Leedra came back only to catch the tightening grip of Ixian's big claw around her throat. He lifted her up to eye level before bringing her close to him, "I mate with who I want when I want. And when I want you, then we'll see what pleasure you desire."

Ixian threw her down before folding his wings and leaving her. Watching him go Leedra smirked wryly.

The army of misfits surrounded Hellgate Keep, they would hold the fort until Ixian was able to open the portal.

It took them a few hours to find a small cottage that was deep into the woods. The group of horses seemed on edge as they came into the clearing and this brought Ravnos' attention to caution. Pulling Risen to a stop a few feet from the cabin Ravnos glanced around, "The creatures are still as death. Something is here." he warned, both Gremis and Kai nodded in agreement slowly going for their weapons. Brutus pricked his ears up causing Renna's little pinto pony Snap to snort, they were aware of something or someone that the others could not see, even Risen had to snort behind him for them to quiet themselves.

As Ravnos moved to dismount Shela the young woman awoke and seeing that she was home innocently wanted to call out to her brother but Ravnos put his hand over her mouth.

"Shhh." he whispered into her ear, "we nor your brother are alone here."

Slowly his hand slid down as he dismounted Risen. He glanced at Kai to follow him as he made his way carefully to the cabin.

Gremis kept his mount still riding pass Risen and holding his spear close just in case it would be needed, he could feel trembling as his horse grew anxious but the hobgoblin remained passive.

One call from Ravnos or Kai, and he would be ready to fight.

At the cabin Ravnos slowly kept a silent pace as he made his way to the door. He made sure to nod his readiness to Kai alerting his tiefling companion to prepare before opening the door to the house. The door opened with a rather rusted creaking sound, peeking inside Ravnos saw no movement and so with care he put one foot in, slowly he stepped further into the house. One heavy boot at a time until he was near the middle of the small cabin when he felt a sharp sting to his back.

"Best know how to use that weapon stranger if you threaten me with it."

"I know what I am doing thief, now to ask you what your business here is?"

Turning around to face his attacker Ravnos got another blow to his face. As the next blow was about to come Ravnos grabbed the staff from the human spinning it about in the air before bringing it down across his knees. The weapon snapped leaving the tiefling rather pissed as he faced the small human. Scared the boy ran to the other side of the cabin to grab a sharp knife when Kai'lair grabbed him and held him against the wall.

"Ravnos you let this puny human take to you like that?" he joked as the boy squirmed from the tiefling's strength.

Shaking his head and wiping the blood from his lip Ravnos gave Kai'lair a not so enthused look and then gazed over at the human.

Kai smirked turning his head back to the boy also, a snarl upon his lips now.

"That was not nice." Kai'lair told the boy as he held him a little higher up on the wall. There were footsteps coming into the cabin and Shela ran in followed by Myria. T

The girl saw her brother in Kai's grip and panicked "No! Drevan these are not our enemies!" she yelled running to Ravnos, "Please tell your friend to let him go. He did not mean it."

Ravnos turned to Kai'lair, "If he gives his word that he won't try breaking my jaw this time." the tiefling said noting the anguish on Shela's face as he gave a big sigh, "Kai let him go."

As Kai did as commanded backing away from the human he smirked again, "He's still a runt if ever I saw one."

The boy smirked back as he stood beside his younger sister, "Who are you and what are you doing here!?"

Kai about to comment took a step forward but a strong claw pressed his chest to back him up as Ravnos stood forward, "I am called Ravnos, and this is Kai'lair and Myria. Drevon if that is your name, you and your sister are in great danger. Seems the hells are interested in you for whatever reasons."

"And so we are here to lead you to safety and to hinder the devililsh attempts at regaining ground on this plane." Kai interrupted though his helpful comment did not help the angry look on his face.

Drevon with right to hold distrust for these strangers narrowed his eyes and gave them both a wary look, "How are we to know that you aren't the enemy?"

It was then that Myria spoke up, "Listen to what your instincts tell you. We're your only hope of survival Drevon, I have seen the chaos that the devils can cause. It cannot be brought back to our plane."

"they speak the truth." Shela cut in holding her brother's shaking hand in her own, "I know this Drevon, will you not trust me?"

He looked rather upset but with eyes only on his sister Drevon agreed to allow these strangers to aid them. For whatever reason he too felt some safety from them, and felt that his decision had been the right one even though it was not truly of his wishes.

Ravnos not willing to take no for an answer to begin with had already began looking about ways to secure the cabin should they come under attack, "Good then, your decision made lets get this place fortified. Kai, go get Gremis and Renna. Tell Gremis to lead the horses to the back into the trees but do not tie them. Should we come under attack they are in just as much danger as we are, Risen will make sure they are safe and I'll have both Riger and Jerackan keeping an eye out just in case. Myria." he said as Kai left the cabin, "You help Shela gather all the needed essentials for the journey. "

His glowing eyes flickered in the shadows as Ravnos stood next to a dark window, looking back in at Drevon the tiefling furrowed his eyebrows, "You and I will work on securing this cabin."

Drevon was hesitent and almost fell back when two large shadows came from the darkness on each side of the tall tiefling, their eyes illuminated in the moonlight as their pointed ears pricked forward in curiosity of him.

"You don't need to fear them." Ravnos pointed out as both large wolves slipped through the cabin and out the front door as silent as pitch, "they will only hurt those I intend them to hurt, and for now you are not the enemy."

"For now?" Drevon coughed as Ravnos nodded back.

"I have learned that trust is as thin as ice, and for those I first meet the ice hasn't even frozen over."

Drevon was silent.

The place was secured as well as could be hoped for. Kai was busy toying with his dagger near the fire as Renna being the lazy halfling that she was had fallen asleep in a comfy chair. Gremis in taking the other side of the cabin for lookout stared alone out the window, his yellow eyes darting to each and every movement before resting once realization came that no danger was before him. Myria sat at the table in the middle of the cabin reading and Ravnos was across the way taking post near a front window.

Ravnos sat at the window calmly looking out at the darkness. As Gremis he also flicked his eyes over the surrounding forest sometimes spying the nocturnal hunt of a wild owl or the swift grace of a horned buck as it grazed upon the sweet grass in the clearing. His thoughts were of the devils and what could happen should they find the hellish armies treading the surface of this plane.

It would only mean darkness and suffering and Ravnos would not see that come to pass.

In the small area of the kitchen Shela finished washing her last dish and walked over to him. All night she noticed his deep intent to watch for danger and also noted just how capable this group of strangers seemed to be as a unit. All look to have been through hard times and yet they were intent on finishing this mission.

"You should sleep." she said sitting in front of Ravnos with her hands resting upon her skirt, "It's not healthy to stress over things."

"We must keep watch, this cottage is not entirely safe." he said looking at her, "Besides I don't need much sleep to survive."

"Oh." she whispered putting her hand on his face, "your jaw, does it still hurt?"

"Just a slight pain sometimes. But I can manage just fine." he said strongly looking back out at the darkness. Shela stood up, "I'm sorry for my brother's actions earlier. He is just so uptight about our safety."

"As he should be." Ravnos told her, "You should get some sleep, it's going to be a long trip."

"Yeah." was her soft reply as she gave a light smile before turning to leave the room.

Myria watched the conversation closely, growing somewhat jealous of the attention that Ravnos was putting into saving this girl and her brother.

Inside her room Shela took a seat upon the edge of her bed. Her eyes were closing of weariness and a good sleep couldn't do her any harm besides she wasn't in fear of the strangers being here. They made her feel safe, but Drevon he was a different story.

Drevon soon walked in taking a seat beside her, "I don't trust these strangers. They could be the enemy."
"They are not the enemy Drevon. I trust them, I feel that I can. Now get some sleep." she said turning away from him and closing her eyes to show him she did not wish to discuss his fears at the moment. He caught the hint and stood to leave her room.

As Drevon was about to close her door he looked out at Ravnos who was still keeping watch. He turned to his room, "I still don't trust them." he whispered under his breath as he walked away.

Shela dreamed of a large cavern, and how to get to there. She didn't know why she dreamed this, but the dream continued until she was in the darkness and a tall figure was there. He was menacing, large built with a heaving chest and broad shoulders, long black hair fell about his face partially covering the brimstone fire of his eyes and wings large and leathery spread out behind his back. With a hideous grin the handsome being held out his hand revealing his sharp claws that glinted somehow in the darkness around them.

"I will find you." he said with a voice deep with a brutal accent. Shela felt helpless, frozen and as the figure reached to grab her she awoke to find that someone had a strong grasp on her shoulder. About to scream she was until another hand covered her mouth and she looked straight into not fire colored eyes but the soft illuminating green eyes of the red haired tiefling. She calmed in seeing his gentle eyes.

Ravnos put his finger to his mouth and motioned for her to get out of bed.

"There's somebody moving around outside." he whispered running to her window to look out, his sword was out and now rested close to his body.

When she came near he turned to her, "Stay away from the window. Shela you need to get your brother and head for the beneath ground tunnel do you understand me? The horses will be waiting, and so will Myria and Renna."

She nodded as she quickly put her cloak on.

"Good, now get your brother and get out of here." he told her watching the shadows outside for some movement.

She did as told and as she opened her door her brother was there already with a lantern in his hand. He took her hand in his and they both ran down the hallway to the hidden door in the floor.

"Should we wait for Ravnos and the others!" She asked her brother who still tugged to pull her with him. For a few moments Shela resisted her brother waiting at the entrance when there was a loud thud and heavy footsteps. The front door was blasted apart. "Get down here, they can take care of themselves." Drevon yelled pulling her into the room. He fell to the floor, pulling upon the latch to open the trap door. Shela shivering in her fear looked cautiously about the room when a shadow moved pass the door. "Drevon hurry!' she whispered with haste. With an eruption of glass and splintered wood the window in the room they were in shattered as a big foul orc stepped over the crushed glass. Feral eyes upon the girl and her brother. It was in the process of retrieving them when a blur of metal pushed it back.

"Get down there!" came a shrill voice as Kai'lair jumped between the twins and the orc. He lashed his sword at the orc threatening it with death to allow them safe passing to the tunnel. Drevon pried the latch and opened the door, "Shela come on!' he called to her slipping down into the darkness of the tunnel. He caught the lantern and sighed with relief in seeing that the tunnel was indeed empty, after helping Shela down the sharp ladder he took her hand, "Come on, we need to get out of here."

Shela nodded but looked back for a moment, praying to her goddess that the strangers would find safety in this fight.

They made there way down the long tunnel that would lead them away from their home.

In the cottage Ravnos caught the movement of an oncoming orc in the corner of his eye, keeping his senses heightened he waited for the creature to make it's move. The brute was a bit off center in his movements leading Ravnos to believe he had been intoxicated he would most certainly use this to his advantage.

In a moment he was given his chance and the tiefling swung his sword, landing the blow to the creature's stomache area. Another came from out of nowhere and clawed Ravnos across his stomach, then it leaped from the wall and shoved him across the room into another wall. Shaking himself back to his senses the now pained tiefling looked up just in time to see the creature holding it's claw out as it lunged for him. Moving to the side quickly the young tiefling was able to dodge the well aimed attack and lay his own blow to the back of the creature's head.

Gremis was outside, his weapons flailing with well aimed attacks as he tried to keep the majority of the orcs from getting within the cabin itself, Jerackan and Riger were aiding him in his attempts with claws slicing and fangs gnashing through metal and bone.

Inside the cabin Kai in mocking his fallen foe kicked the orc once in the ribs just for good measure before sheathing his weapon. In turning around to leave the room he was shoved back forcefully into the wall. His attacker, a tall brute with wings growled in his direction before raising his fist to summon flames, Kai moved fast as those flames came close to burning him. Circling back he moved to face this new challenge, his enemy had gone and the door to the tunnel was blasted apart.

"Great." Kai muttered putting his blade between his teeth and hopping down the dark tunnel.

Down in those very tunnels the twins were running through their maze. Breathing heavy the two rounded one corner, then another until Shela stopped her eyes wide with fear. "Shela." her brother groaned coming to pull her along when Drevon too heard the noise behind them. The two watched as a shadow formed along the wall, then it took the shape of a large winged being. Shela screamed as Drevon grabbed her arm pulling her along with him as he ran through the tunnel. The dark stranger was close on their heels.

"You can't run forever!" the large being hissed to them as he parted his dark lips with a gnarling smile, when Shela had turned to look she saw the same figure from that in her dreams. He was large, built and covered in scale and chain armor. And when he saw her, his eyes narrowed and he grinned.

"Drevon go!' she panicked pushing her brother to move faster as the tall figure moved ever closer to them, with each stride he seemed to be able to overtake two of their own. And there was madness in his eyes.

Shela and Drevon ran until the end of the tunnel where the cavern entrance was visible in their sights. Drevon pushed Shela ahead and told her to climb out of the cave, that he would be right behind her. As she scrambled away he held out a staff turning bravely to face whatever monster was on their trail.

Ixian coming around the corner was pleased to see the male of the twins standing there before him, the staff was not threatening to the tiefling and he casually stepped forward placing a finger to his chin. Drevon himself realized that the devil was far too menacing for him to handle but he was trapped, there was no way out but fight.

"You plan on using that staff boy?" Ixian growled tapping his claw against his chin as he looked the boy over. A dark tongue slid across upper fangs as he sized up his opponent, thinking of the many ways he could play with this new toy.

Drevon swallowed the lump in his throat, his fingers trembling as they held the staff and his eyes wide, "You...you leave me and my sister alone or I'll kill you." he threatened but the mocking snicker his foe had given him was indication that his threat fell on deaf ears. Ixian dropped his hands, stretching out his claws as he smiled, "Then to make this fair I give you first attack. Hit hard and fast human, I warn you this."

Hesitating Drevon finally sneered raising the staff up he swung it about, the stick almost hitting the walls of the tunnel as he slammed it as hard as he could against the tiefling's shoulder. Snapping in two the staff splintered against the tiefling's skin leaving one piece to fall at Ixian's feet as the other rested in the now uncertain boy's hand.

Ixian smiled kicking the piece away from his foot, "My turn."

Shela tried to climb out, but the wet ground was slippery and she was fighting a losing battle, screaming she fought until something grabbed her. Fearing the worst she shrieked as she was pulled up by the bloody claw.

"Whoa it's just me." Ravnos told her as she stopped screaming. He looked behind her, "Where is your brother?"

"A winged strangers was chasing us! He told me to go ahead!"

"Kai has gone into the tunnels?" Ravnos explained taking her close to his chest for comfort, "your brother will be alright."

Ravnos worried, after all if it were Ixian on the chase. They were all in great danger.

He walked slowly down the tunnel towards the sound of the struggle. Kai wasn't sure who or what this new enemy was but he would be prepared for a fight nonetheless. Peeking slowly around a corner he saw the winged tiefling lifting the boy up by the neck and his eyes narrowed, uttering a sort of prayer of his god he spun around the corner sword out.

"Now that shows some strength, picking on a weak human."

With a rather frustrated growl the big tiefling dropped Drevon looking behind him at Kai before rolling his eyes, "I don't like surprises, just so you know."

"Well that must be a rather boring existence." Kai replied with sarcasm as he challenged the tiefling. Ixian smirked popping his knuckles and motioning for Kai to come at him. Kai'lair was ready for the attack. As swift as Kai was, Ixian was ten times stronger, both dodged dangerous attacks while forcing some of their own but even with his strength Ixian was not fully aware of the ability that Kai held of illusion. Lucky for Kai.

Knowing that he could not win this fight through force Kai'lair reached into his satchel and pulled out a strange little cube, making sure that Ixian was feet away from him the tiefling smiled wryly as his long black hair fell wet from the fight.

Ixian himself was a bit confused and so he stood there with an eyebrow raised, "You have magic little fool?" To this Kai snickered, "Magic oh no, just a few tricks up my sleeve."

The cube was thrown, erupting into a cloud of thick smoke causing Ixian to hiss and lose his focus, and by the time the smoke had dissipated enough for the big warrior to see it was too late. He was alone in the tunnel.

Meanwhile Kai pushed Drevon up the exit of the cave, Shela ran fast into her brother's arms as Kai coughed some of the smoke from his lungs.

Ravnos made sure they were not followed before he questioned Kai about their attacker, closing his eyes with concern when he realized they were being hunted by Ixian.

That night as the group camped out in some ruins Shela saw the wounds on Ravnos's chest. Concerned she walked over to him, "Those marks, they must hurt you so."

"Not that bad actually." Ravnos told her as he looked down at his sword that he was in the process of sharpening. Shela moved closer to him and put her hand on his, she saw how small and petite her hands were next to his.

"I wanted to thank you for all of this. If it wasn't for you we'd both be dead at the cottage right now."

In response Ravnos shook his head and looked into her eyes, "No, I think that the devils were to take you prisoner. The one who is doing all this needs the both of you alive. She...".

Shela caught his odd behavior, "You know the one who is doing this?" she asked him. He was silent for a few moments, ashamed to tell the girl that yes he knew the one who was causing all of this, and that the one chasing them was his own son. It was a fact that he wished to forget.

"Yes." Ravnos told her, "They were of a past I wish to forget."

"I'm sorry." Shela apologised but he just shook his head. "No don't worry, it doesn't bother me half as much as before."

Myria listened to the conversation from where she sat pretending to be busy cleaning Brutus' barding. This new girl was becoming too involved with Ravnos, and it bothered her greatly.

Morning came and it was an early start for the travelers, they needed to move as much as they could. Time was running out.

"So are the tieflings magical or something?" Drevon asked in a slightly harsh way as he rode his horse beside Gremis' big shaggy mount. The hobgoblin looked down at the human and shook his head at the boys ignorance for the ones who had just saved not only his life but that of his sister's.

"Only as magical as the powers in their nature. They both have chosen a different path that forsakes their true blood. You humans seek to destroy what you fear that is the only difference between your kind and them."

"Yes we chose to live in the real of things." Drevon was quick to comment no matter how harsh he sounded, "And we destroy those who we see as a threat, there's nothing wrong with that."

Hearing what the human was saying Kai'lair rode up stopping his mount in front of Drevon's horse, "You humans know nothing of our lives. You choose to believe in things that do not exist! I have lived amongst your kind, you who live in barbaric tribes that would seek to kill all living things for your own profit. Tell me, is that just?"

"We are not all like that, we are trying to survive."

"Then you are going about it in the wrong way in my sight." Ravnos said riding up to break off the fight between the two, "Now Kai, leave the human alone. Sometimes it's best that they don't see the error of their ways." he told the other tiefling motioning for Kai to take the lead for a bit. When the black haired tiefling had gone Ravnos turned to the boy, "Not all those born of dark blood seek to find chaos Drevon, we're not all like that either." Drevon was at a loss for words as the big tiefling tapped his mount and rode on ahead.

For hours they traveled, the sun was beginning to sink into the sky but still they would ride on. Shela spoke in her dreams of a beautiful city, and a fair but powerful women with kindness in her heart.

Silverymoon was the name of the city, and that was where their path would lead them.

Before them lay a grouping of rock canyons Ravnos slowed Risen, he felt a little weary about this place. Something told him to proceed with caution.

"Why are we slowing?" Drevon muttered loudly as he rode ahead of them, "Are you strong warrior's scared?"

"Boy! You're gonna get us all killed acting like that!" Kai'lair growled when Ravnos stopped him.

"He's right!" the red haired male said to Drevon with no obvious discontent in his voice, "We have to be more careful!"

As Ravnos spoke up he heard a humming sound and ducked as an arrow came whizzing pass his ear nicking the leather of his pauldron piece before landing in the trunk of a tree behind him.

"Arrows!" Ravnos yelled turning his mount around to find some sort of barrier. He led the group into the cover of a small grove of trees, looking about Ravnos searched for the wielders of the bow but could not see them.

One thing he did notice was that Drevon was no longer with them, he and his horse were gone.

"Great!" Kai'lair muttered seeing Drevon upon the prairie. With a few more choice words the dark skinned tiefling rode back out to help the boy, and when he reached him Drevon was scared and didn't think twice about getting help from the tiefling.

"Come on brave one! We tried to warn you." Kai said as they turned to ride away. It was at that moment that the tiefling heard a rumbling noise from within the canyon. Groaning Kai'lair rode over to Ravnos,

"I hate to break the bad news big guy. But we've got calvary coming towards us right now."

"I didn't want to hear that Kai." Ravnos said as he looked for the riders. When he saw them he groaned there were atleast thirty riders, armored and well armed from the looks of it. They bore an insignia though Ravnos could not see clearly just who they claimed allegiance with.

"Now what?" Gremis asked as he readied his bow just in case. Renna leaned forward in the saddle causing her small pinto to snort, "I say we run."

Ravnos on the other hand got a crazy look on his face as he pulled out his sword from his back holster, "We have to lead them away from these two. That's what."

"Somehow I knew you'd say that." Kai'lair groaned taking out his weapon.

The red haired tiefling sitting tall in his saddle turned to Myria, "You lead them back to safety Myria."

Not too enthused with the prospect of him killling himself over these two Myria closed her eyes nodding her head in agreement before riding with the twins away from them.

"Then let's do this."

Ravnos clicked his heal against Risen's side and the horse charged forward, the others close behind.

Down below the army from Silverymoon consisting of both tieflings and humans patiently waited for the tiefling and his companions to come close, keeping their weapons ready if needed.

As Ravnos drew near he realized that these were no enemy and with a swing of his sword ordered his companions to rest their weapons and slow their pace until they came to a stop a few feet from the well armored calvary. Parting from the group Ravnos rode Risen out just before the other army, "Where do you hail from?" he called out to them. They all looked at each other before finally a blond human rode away from the rest. He halted his horse right in front of Risen,

"Strange to find such a motley group together in these parts. What brings you up this way?" There was no mistaking the man's concern for Ravnos' apparent breeding but he took this in stride.

Ravnos was quiet for a second the he eased his weapon, "We have important business to tend with, that's all that needs to be known by strangers. Tell me, why do you travel with such a large calvary? Is there a war going on?"

"Not here, fortunately, we are scouting the area for the enemy. After the loss of Hellgate Keep we of Silverymoon have had to keep our wits about us, the devils are all gone but their influence still weighs heavily upon the other dark races who reside here."

"Your army should be keeping a closer eye out, the legends do not always fare true." Ravnos told the commander, "Banishment does not mean defeat in the eyes of hell's legions." a menacing but knowing grin came upon the tiefling's face as he continued, "Are there any sort of shelter ahead. We have a maiden who is tired from travel."

Nodding the human looked behind him and pointed, "Our camp is not far from here. One of my warriors will show you the way." he said, "I wished I could learn more of you stranger but we must keep moving." he said riding away followed by his army. The last soldier rode up to them, "Come this way."

As they followed him Kai'lair rode up to Ravnos,

"Do you think they suspect anything. I mean should we tell them about the twins?"

"No, I do not trust them Kai." Ravnos replied in a whisper, "Until I do they will know nothing."

When they entered the camp the strangers became very aware of the glances that the human soldiers were giving them.

Kai'lair stopped his mount and saw one of the humans tending to another who was wounded. The male held the other close for a few moments and when the life had ended for the one he held, he laid his brother down and closed his eyes.

Turning away the tall tiefling took a deep breath and rode on, humans may have been malicious in ways. But even they had their tender moments.

Ravnos followed the soldier as he led them through the camp and to a larger tent in the middle of it all.

"This is our commander." was all he said as he waited at the front of the tent for the stranger's to dismount and follow him in.

As he entered the tent Ravnos looked around, it was the typical human dwelling, well from the ones he had seen. At the far end of the tent sat a grizzled male with wild hair and aged eyes.

"So, what brings your kind out in these parts?" the elder human said in a harsh voice as he looked the strangers over with disconcern.

Crossing his arms Ravnos walked up closer to the human, trying to get a feeling of what the human's intentions were. He felt no immediate danger from this human, but felt well enough to keep a low aura.

"Just traveling through, I am called Ravnos. And these are my companions."

The human commander leaned back into his chair as though he was relaxing. His gaze went from the big tiefling to the three humans who stood in the back.

"And it seems that humans and tiefling can stand one another after all." the man said with a sly look, "Strange to find such delicate humans traveling with a warrior band of ruffians."

Not able to hold in her frustration any more Renna walked up to the male, "And what is so strange about that fatso?"
Laughing the commander shook his head, "Quite the tongue on that one!" he said, "You halflings still have not learned when to keep your mouths shut."

Giving Renna an angry glare the red haired tiefling put his arm out to stop the halfling and turned back to the commander, "We are not here for conflict, we just need some time to rest. Will you grant us that?"

The human was quiet for a moment, and then he nodded and ordered his advisor to show them the way. As they were leaving Ravnos stopped Renna, "Renna, you have to learn to keep your frustrations in check. It is too easy to make enemies in this world."

The halfling groaned and followed Ravnos and her companions through the encampment.

After a small dinner Shela was sitting by a fire when she saw Ravnos sitting alone by another tree. She got up and walked over to him.

"You seem lonely." she whispered sitting down beside the tiefling. Not really wanting the company Ravnos took a deep breath.

"I must be interesting enough for you to take the time to come over here." he replied quietly.

She smiled despite his rudeness, if there was one thing that she could look beyond was anger in anyone. Besides the temper Shela could see that Ravnos was a caring being "I can see that you can hold quite the grudge for sure." she said to him in a kind way, "But there is never peace going that road."

When he did not say anything to her she put her hand on his shoulder, "There is kindness in your heart, I can see it in your eyes, behind all that pain and anger."

Ravnos looked away from her, she was digging way too deep into him, and that made him uncomfortable. So he shifted his position when

he saw two feet in front of him, he growled as the human almost stumbled into a tree before rolling his eyes.

"Hey girl, you don't need the company of these creatures. There is no pleasure more great then what we can give." he said trying to insult Ravnos.

"Oh, a drunk can give me so much." Shela said back in anger. The man was so bold as he reached down and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her up towards him.

Ravnos cared less for insults but when he saw the man force the girl up all he could see was the moment he attacked Myria, and his eyes shined in anger. He was on his feet in seconds, one fist clenched tight as he took a claw and tapped the man upon the shoulder rudely.

"Let her go now."

"And if I don't?"
Shaking his head Ravnos gave the human an evil look, "Then you will deeply regret it."

Before the man could react Ravnos lifted him up by the neck above his head and held him there, crushing him within his grasp.

"You seem to underestimate your foe human, a fatal mistake as I could take your life so quickly."

It was Myria who ran to Ravnos putting her hand on his arm, before she tried to talk some sense into him.

"Ravnos, please don't. He is not worth it."

That was when she saw the humans surrounding them. Another man, probably the first one's friend, pulled a knife.

Kai'lair and Gremis saw what was going on, sighing they went to stop the conflict.

"Let my friend go or I'll." The man held up his knife as he spoke hoping that it was enough to intimidate his opponent, though it proved not to be. Hesitant the man rushed forward when someone strong grabbed his arm and stopped him. looking up he saw the dark tiefling as Kai'lair smiled and took the knife from him.

"Ravnos! Let him down!" Myria begged again

Hearing her pleas the tiefling soon let the human go. Albeit rather harshly.

"That was going too far Ravnos!" Myria said stepping in front of Ravnos with a concerned look in her eyes, "What do you want, to start a war!"

"Exactly! I want to be the bad guy here! That's all I wait for!"

"The human started this one I assume." Kai'lair said trying to break the ice just a little between the two, "He was protecting the human."

A feeling of guilt warmed over Myria as she seemed flustered.

"Is this true?"

"Yes." Shela said running towards the tiefling, "He stopped them from hurting me. This is not a safe place."

Ravnos looked around and saw the humans were now moving in closer to them, he felt the hostility within the camp directed towards them.

"Where is your brother?" Ravnos asked Shela who could only shrug her shoulders until they both were shocked to see him walking up with the comander of the human army.

"I'm right here tiefling, and I told the commander here all about what you all are about." he said in an evil tone, "Shela come this way."

The female was confused, why was her brother doing this to them? The commander of the army seemed to sway oddly as his features changed, no longer were there human features upon him but rather strange cat like eyes and upward turned paws. It was all an illusion, this was why Ravnos felt the danger.

Backing up and putting her arm around Ravnos, Shela shook her head sadly as she gazed at her brother, "No, you choose the wrong path Drevon. Can't you see that these are not soldiers from Silverymoon, they are the enemy in disguise?"

This angered Drevon, he flashed an angry look her way, "Then we part with no sorrow sister. Leave now with your tiefling. I can no longer protect you from the devil being if you continue to wish his company."

Ravnos saw that this would not end well so he gently turned Shela from her brother's sight, casting a threatening glare in the boy's direction before calling for Risen.

Not saying another word she got into the big horses's saddle. Ravnos mounted the saddle behind her and soon both him, Shela and the rest of the party were riding away from the mock encampment.

As the group rode down the narrow pathway Ravnos noticed that Shela was crying. He felt so bad for her, how could a blood brother leave his sister in that way? With kindness in his heart the warrior put his hand on her shoulder. Shela looked up at him and though hurt she smiled and put her hand on his.

She needed to know that someone was there for her, and he would atleast give her that.