Good Day Ladies and Gentlemen.

I know this update comes later than usual but around here it is just before midnight so i am still within posting schedules.

To answer two of Bonar's questions (i found them important for everyone): 1) how does Will compare to the other girls in terms of combat skills. - Will, while have very good and well shaped instincts and reflexes as well as an uncanny knack for picking up things swiftly, has little to non combat experience. Against each and everyone of the other girls, yes, even the Wizard Taranee, she would loose in close combat. While Will's instincts would make her a challanging opponent, the others have been trained to fight for some timeand simply are better educated.

2) The dagger Will got from the Stranger in Chapter 1: has she gotten it back? - Short answer: No. Long answer: right now only Elyon even knows about the dagger. Neither Will nor Weira or Zaden know that it has been part of the deal Elyon made with the slaver. With all the crazy stuff happening Elyon has simply forgotten about it. While the weapon holds no power like some other artifacts of Fearun, the dagger and it's sheath ARE a recognizeable item in the right circles so yes, it does play a role later on. Keep the letters on the sheath in mind: they will reappear in different form soon enough.

General reviewing thanks go to XV-Dragon(i got some more up to date info on the race we two talked about, give me a call if you're interested), Bonar and firemind.

and now on with the show.

-----Destiny commands All----

It was three days later that found Will walking next to Elyon down the streets of Metamoora. Just yesterday Weira had informed her of the fact that Will would attend to the same school as Elyon, to serve her as well as protect her and learn. 'Why did they not tell me earlier? I barely could sleep last night and probably kept Elyon up as well. What will happen now? How... how will they treat me....? Will I.... even make it through the day?'

Elyon, who must have felt the smaller girl's distress somehow, placed a soft hand on Will's arm, trying to give her some courage. "Relax Will; I assure you that one of us will always be in the same class as you. We will help you." Will gave her a thankful look, feeling slightly better at this.

Not much later they came into sight of the Institute, the large walls encircling a huge area. The building itself was made of red stone, three stories high and in size bigger than the Ilvaren mansion. At the large iron gate stood Cornelia, Taranee and Hay, waiting for the two Elves to join them. Irma was nowhere in sight but... the brunette had still to come around. "Good morning you two! Ready for a new term of trivial information and sleep spells," greeted Hay them loudly and with a bright smile.

Elyon smiled genuine while Will could barely manage a half smile. The three friends were dressed in very different clothes than the last time Will had seen them, just like she herself had been advised to wear her traveling gear as the Academy would also include physical training for some of them. Cornelia wore something that looked like a full body, two piece Leather Armor in a green-brown color, black boots and a dark green traveling cloak over it. Having learned that Cornelia actually lived in a small Druid's grove outside of the city walls Will had expected her to wear something like this.

Taranee didn't look much different compared to three days prior: a blue colored robe with silver and white trimming, a black leather belt that held a thick spell book to her right side, and a dark blue cape of sorts. A small pendant hang around her neck, a small ruby let into the silvery metal. Besides that Taranee looked not much different.

Hay had made a 180 with her choice of colors it seemed. She wore a dark black, full body Studded Leather Armor, a belt that held several lock picking tools, tools to disable traps and other obviously roguish items. Black, sneaker like shoes that seemed very easy to move in and dark red, skin tight gloves completed the look. But Will's sharp eyes caught some metal glint on Hay's upper arms and she guessed that the other girl had a few throwing knifes on herself.

Will looked to her side at Elyon and took in the changed wardrobe once again. Gone was the flowing, light colored dress and replaced with a whitened Chain Shirt that seemed lighter than the one Will wore for training. A cream colored tunic top, white pants, a white cape with a red chess knight stitched to the back and and sturdy white boots completed the outfit. Will had been surprised to see her mistress in such tomboyish clothes, let alone such an armor when she was just going to school but as she looked around the front yard of the school Will saw a lot of people wearing metal armor. She guessed that the school suggests to wear battle ready clothes to improve the training.

As Will looked around she was very nervous and fiddled around with her chocker, making once again sure that the metal plate was in plain sight. Even during the walk here Will had gotten several dark looks and many peasants had barely been able to suppress their urge to attack the young Drow, only the presence of Elyon and the chocker stopping them. Already she could feel dozens of eyes on her as she stood with the other four and her sharp ears picked up silent whisperings about her from all around.

"Come on girls, first class starts in less than a few moments," said Taranee as she looked up at the sun, gauging how much time they had left. "Then we should hurry," said Elyon as the five slowly walked down the road towards the main gate of the Institute, the four taking Will into their middle. Will was very thankful for this as the closer they got to the building the more numerous the stares at her back grew.

All five could hear the whispering around them as they stood in the large main hall and headed for a huge board that was pinned to the wall next to the stair case that was leading to the upper rooms. Will tried her hardest not to look at her feet, knowing that only a semi-confident look could save her from taunts right now; also it would hide her choker and she NEEDED the other students to see it. "Oh, I nearly forgot: I need to take Will to the office and get her schedule," said Elyon as they read over the large board, trying to find the right rooms. "We'll see you later at lunch," called Hay after the two as they walked into the west wing of the building.

As the two walked down the corridors Will stepped closer to Elyon, fearing the stares and sneers she got. Elyon in turn glared at everyone that looked at Will with disdain and most of her targets schooled their faces in neutrality though their eyes still spoke volumes of their thoughts. Soon the two reached the door to an office and Elyon knocked twice. "Enter," sounded a aged female voice through the door and Elyon stepped inside, Will directly behind her.

They now stood in a large office, an oaken desk ahead of them and a round lady with half moon glasses, white hair and glad in dark violet robes of an arcane caster sat at the desk, shuffling through several papers. Glancing at them over the rim of her glasses the woman addressed the two with an enervated voice, "Just a moment girls." "Of course Miss Knickerbocker," said Elyon respectfully as the two simply stood before the principal and waited.

After several moments and a few muttered words of choice the elderly woman looked up and for the first time really took in the two girls in front of her. "Ah, Miss Elyon. I take it she is your servant that your mother informed me of?" "Yes Ma'am," said Elyon evenly. The round woman stood up and walked around the desk to stand in front of Will, leveling a sharp look at the young Drow. "What is your name young lady?" "Will Ma'am," answered Will with a half steady voice, trying hard to meet the gaze of the principal. The woman nodded as she turned back to her desk and searched through the papers, "Young Will, no matter what I personally may think of your race I will give you a fair chance. Lady Ilvaren has made it clear that you don't necessarily need passing grades to advance with Elyon as you will receive private tutoring as well. You are still required to attend to a set number of classes over the time of the term and you WILL take part in any test."

The woman turned back to Will and handed her a small scroll that Will took carefully and opened. She saw a schedule for the week, taking note of the different classes she would have and the time she would spent in the Institute. "We have arranged for you to be always in the same class as Miss Elyon due to numerous reason but the two you need to know about are: the fact that you are her servant and that the Classes Lady Ilvaren told us to be your own cover the same aspects as Miss Elyon's. And a word of advice: DON'T start anything or get dragged into things that would get you into trouble. Many of the teaching body haven't reacted very well to a Drow enrolling this term. There is ONE teacher you can trust and said one will reveal himself in due time. Also... the other teachers except for me and vice-principal Collins don't know what Classes you hold. It is YOUR choice what you tell them and what not."

The woman looked at Will and the young girl was sure she saw a spark of warmth in her eyes, "You will have it rough enough; be careful who you trust." "I will keep that in mind Ma'am," muttered Will as she looked at her feet. "Very well; then I suggest that you girls get to class." "Good day Ma'am," said the two in one voice before leaving the office.

-----Destiny commands All----

A bit later found Elyon and Will standing in front of a door in the third floor, sounds of activity penetrating from the room. "First class: Arcane Users and their History," muttered Will as she read the plate on the door. Remembering something that Weira had told her Will stepped towards the door and opened it wide for Elyon.

The chatter inside the room died down as the door opened and the whole class looked at it. As they saw a red headed girl with ashen black skin open it many made the connection and a collective sneer developed throughout the class with very few exceptions. Those exceptions were Hay and Taranee, sitting in one of the double banks at the left wall of the room. The other pupils were about to shout a lot of words of choice at the red head when they saw the Ilvaren heiress walk inside, giving a quick nod towards the red head. The red head looked up and now everyone saw choker around her throat. Chuckles and small fires of talk erupted from the class in general as they realized why this abomination was in one room with them.

Elyon waved shortly at her two friends in class before moving the last free bank right in front of the teacher's desk and sat down with Will on her right, keeping her head low. It was something the two had talked about last night. While other students were around Will would keep a low profile and act like she truly was a slave in the service of Elyon. It was easier that way and would cause less questions to be asked. As Elyon looked up she saw that there was already a teacher in the room, a middle aged woman glad in arcane robes of dark purple and light pink, her black hair pulled up in single bun on the back of her head. The woman's eyes narrowed at Elyon and Will, and her distaste was clear, "How considerate to join us Miss Ilvaren." "Miss Toots," answered Elyon coldly, leveling the same glare she got at the woman.

'What is she doing here? She is the teacher for Advanced Arcane, not for this class. Something is not right here,' thought Elyon bitterly as she held the glaring contest with the teacher.

Will was in deep thought, thoughts that had nothing to do with the situation at hand. Her mind was taking her down Memory Lane back to the night three days ago. The night Elyon and her had slept in one bed with both in control of their bodies for the first time.

Flashback

Will had just returned from her evening bath after training with Zaden, once more clad in the red robe from the night before. She was shifting on the spot, uncertain and afraid even. Elyon was already lying in bed, covered partially while lying on her side and flipping through a book. 'What.... what have I gotten myself into? What DEVIL possessed me when I asked her this morning,' ranted Will in her mind as she was get more nervous with every second.

"What is the matter?" Elyon's low and calm voice cut into Will's mind with easy and the young Drow gazed shyly at her partner. Elyon was giving her a raised eyebrow, still lying on her side. Will hesitated, unsure if... if she could go through with this.... Last night had been different... tonight... things were more difficult....

Elyon saw the hesitation and hint of fear in Will's eyes and could relate somehow. She herself was nervous about this but she had accepted Will's proposal this morning and she would go through with it. "Come on Will, tomorrow will not be easy so you need all the rest you can get." Elyon watched with amusement how Will seemed to inwardly jump at her voice before shyly looking at her. With slow steps Will walked to the left side of the bed and lay down on her back, stiff like a board and not daring to look at Elyon.

The older Elf sighed inwardly before she reached for the girl's left arm. Taking a good hold of the appendage Elyon pulled Will closer until she lay directly next to her. Elyon lay down on her back and pulled Will once again closer, putting her right arm around her shoulders and pulling until Will's head rested on he shoulder. She saw the blush on Will's face and she took hold of the smaller girl's right hand and placed it around her own waist. She shifted a bit until she was comfortable before pulling the covers over the two of them.

Night slowly creped into the room as the sun sank lower and Elyon sighed as she snuggled into the warmth of the body next to. "Goodnight Will," whispered Elyon as she closed her eyes to let sleep claim her. "Night," came the shy mutter from Will who was still blushing up a storm. Elyon soon was asleep, holding onto the other girl softly. But Will was far from sleep. She was fighting hard not to cry tears of joy as she finally moved as close to Elyon as she could. "Elyon," whispered Will lowly as she buried her face in Elyon's neck, "I thank yo- "MISS!!!"

Flashback End

Will was abruptly pulled from her memories as a rod slammed down on the desk in front of her. With a startled gasp Will looked up and met the cold brown eyes of Miss Toots, who glared coldly at the girl. "How nice of your mind to join us. Stand up!" Punctuating her command with another slam of the rod on her desk caused Will to basically leap to her feet and looking at the woman with fear. "State your name and your Classes girl," said Miss Toots coldly as she twirled the rod in her hands. "W... Will Ma'am... and I... am a Ranger and... Hexblade," stuttered Will loud enough for the class to hear, drawing several snickers from all around.

"A Drow Hexblade... How... convenient...," hissed the woman as she narrowed her eyes at Will. "You think you're better than us, don't you? Thinking about how to kill as all in our sleep, starting with your 'Mistress', aren't you?!" "What?! NO!!" "SILENCE!!" Miss Toots raised her left hand that held the rod and brought it down in an arc towards Will's head. Several of the class couldn't help but gasp and Will closed her eyes, awaiting the sharp pain.... but nothing came....

Slowly she opened her eyes and saw that a strong hand had stopped Misses Toots in her movement shortly before the rod hit Will. Following the hand she saw a black haired, tall male attached to it, wearing a scowl and a glare leveled at the female. "I would appreciate it if you would refrain from hurting MY students, Miss Nerva Toots." The cold, deep voice sent shivers down many of the girls' spines and a lot developed a huge crush.

The man stood tall, well above 6 feet and he was dresses in a black Leather Chest Armor, black pants and heavy boots. Over the armor he wore a red leather coat with long sleeves and red gloves. His eyes stood in strong contrast to his very slightly tanned skin tone: red iris and black pupils bore down on the shorter female with the force of a Werewolf stalking its prey. The woman stepped back and twisted her hand out of the man's grip as if his touch had burned her.

"You," hissed the woman as she held her wrist. "Me. And unless you wish to continue where we left a few days ago I advise you to leave; now." the force behind the last word was evident and Miss Toots hurried out of the room, glaring at the man that followed her with his eyes. The door closed with a slam and silence reigned in the room. The class watched how the man walked behind the teacher's desk and dropped a small pack onto it that had gone unnoticed so far.

The man snapped the fingers of his right hand, causing his index finger to glow in a slight white before he turned towards the chalk board and started to write something on it. After a few moments he turned back to face the class and stepped aside for the pupils to read what her wrote. In filigree letters the following was written: 'Arcane Caster and their History' and below this, twice the size stood 'Raven'.

"Alright, listen up you hotshots. My name is Raven and you will address me as such. No 'Teacher', no 'Sir', no nothing. Raven, simple as that. You will behave yourself in this class or you will be sorry. I could do better things with my time but a friend asked for a favor so I am here. DON'T for one second believe that just because you're of noble birth you will get ANY special treatment. Either you work for your grades or I throw you out, preferable through the window. Is that clear so far?"

"Yes," said the class in low voices as they were slightly in shock. "Good. Now, do any of you have the books requested by the end of last year's term?" rustling filled the room as numerous students pulled out thick books. "I see.... you, go collect them," he said while pointing at Will. The young Drow quickly stood up and went to collect the books from all around the class. Each student she passed gave her a dirty glare or a dark smirk. Especially a spotty carrot head gave her a very sinister sneer as she collected his book. Ignoring the stares she carried the stack of heavy books towards Raven, carefully not to trip on anything.

Suddenly Raven stood in her path and swiftly took the stack from her hands, their hands brushing shortly. "I take it from here," he said and Will quickly nodded and let go of the books. As she walked back to her seat she noticed a slip of paper in her left hand. Looking at it at the corner of her eyes she read the words written on it: 'Stay after class'. Stealing a look at her teacher Will saw him give her a short wink while his face remained impassive.

Raven dropped the books on his desk, a loud 'THUD' sounding through the room. "These books are so called 'springs of information'.... let me show you what I think if them." Raven suddenly held a sword in his right hand, in size between a Longsword and a Zweihänder, before he raised it above his head and brought it down on the stack of books, slicing through them with easy as well as cutting deep into the desk. Shouts of protest sounded through the class room before, "SILENCE!"

In an instant every noise was gone and everyone stared at the man. "These books are nothing but fake ideas. Hardly anything is founded on facts and the 'author' has based everything on rumors and biased views. I REFUSE to teach false facts of ANY kind so quit your pathetic whining. Don't like it? There is the door." His sword pointed at the door and his face was hard as he eyed the class. No one dared to even move a muscle. "No one? Good." Raven sheathed his sword on his left hip, revealing a blood red leather sheath no one had noticed before. He tapped the knuckles of his left hand against the chalk board and it cleared before he once more let his finger glow and started to write. "Today we will discuss a Class that most people want to forget, pretending it doesn't exist. This is foolish and utter idiocy. Denying something's existence only makes it more powerful. That is why today we talk about... the Warlock."

He stepped back and the name of the Class was glaring at the class from it's place on the board. Silence reigned in the room, most students having heard that Class in the same sentence as very dirty words. "Now, does ANYONE know ANYTHING about this Class outside of what was written in those pathetic excuses of books?" Raven was met with silence as his eyes roamed the class, no one lifting their hand. Until two hands rose right in front of him. He looked at the owners and saw the calm face of Elyon and the shy face of Will. A smirk played on his lips as he pointed at Will, "What do you know about them?"

Will was about to stand up to speak when a discreet gesture of her teacher signaled her to stay seated. Drawing a deep breath Will started to speak in a low, but steady voice. "A Warlock draws his or her powers from outside of this plane of existence. They gain their impressive skills from a contract of either demons, powerful devils, evil outsiders in general or in rare cases from a contract with a celestial being. Due to such a contract they gain access to a seemingly endless pool of power to draw from what manifests in the ability to use their Invocations and their Eldritch Blast in any desired number a day. Their Invocations are categorized into four levels: Least, Lesser, Great and finally Dark. Under these there are more subcategories that define their Invocations: for one the Blast Shapes, which shape their basic Eldritch Blast into many different forms, altering their range, area of effect or number of targets. The next are the Eldritch Essences, changing the properties of the Eldritch Blast in a different way, like making it cause Fire or Acid damage instead of pure magic or even dealing no damage at all but causing effects like installing utter fear in the target. And lastly a very loose category of Invocations, which can take the same effect as some arcane spells like Darkness or See Invisible."

Raven held up one hand here, stopping Will's speech, "Very good Will, you did your studies." He started to walk through the lanes between the desks, his hands folded behind his back, "As you have heard, a Warlock can be a very potent enemy but also a very potent ally. Their Eldritch Blasts can take so many forms that you hardly ever know what one they will throw your way. You have heard how they gain this power but what Will missed to mention is that not every Warlock has a contract with a being of another plane that they made themselves. These contracts carry over to a Warlock's offspring, and can awaken in any generation past the contract bearer. Everyone in this room could have an ancestor that was a Warlock and even though you are not one your children could hold such power."

"How the hell did your slave know all this," shouted a carrot head at Elyon while he stood up and glared at her. "Sit down," said Raven with a low voice while he leveled a glare at the boy. But he ignored the man and raised his voice again, "Why do you give the slut access to such knowledge? She should be killed right no-" He was cut off by a sudden pain in his cheek and let out a small yelp. The class stared as a cut formed on his cheek, deep enough to draw a good amount of blood and let the ones sitting close get a glimpse of pale bone. They looked up and saw Raven stand in the middle of the class room, right hand still lifted as if he had just let something fly. The students drew a line through Raven and the boy and saw a throwing knife stuck into the wall, still quivering with the force of the throw.

Hay sat in her seat, right in the back of Raven and slowly reached for her left upper arm. 'How... how did he...? He took one of my knifes.... and I didn't even notice.....' And indeed, one of her throwing knifes that were hidden in between the layers of her armor was missing.

All eyes rested on Raven, the man glaring at the carrot head that seemed still in shock. "I said, 'Sit down', Uriah Black." The boy now known as Uriah was just coming out of his shock, staring at the blood that covered his hands. Slowly he whipped the blood off on his dark brown leather armor and blue cape before he turned a heated look at Raven. "How dare you? Have you any idea just who I am? I am the son of TORRIS BLACK!" "I don't give a flying fuck boy."

Gasps were heard at Raven's wording and everyone watched as he slowly stalked closer to Uriah. "I KNOW who you hail from young Warmage but that does NOT give you the authority to question me. I am your teacher and you will do as you are told; Is. That. Clear?" Raven's voice was ice cold, threatening and causing everyone to inch away in fear. But Uriah was either very brave or very foolish as he held up his right hand and flames danced around it as he started his chant to obviously cast a Fireball against his teacher.

Before the teen could finish his chant his words were forcefully stopped as a left hand closed around his throat and lifted him a good two feet off the ground. The hand was attached to Raven who glared at him with a force that would sent younger dragons packing. Slowly Raven raised his right hand, his palm facing Uriah and a purple energy seeped out of it, covering his hand. "Do you have any idea of what you just did, boy," hissed Raven as the glow grew stronger and two voices gasped in his back. "It is fully and totally in my right to unleash on you what young Will just explained."

A collective gasp echoed in the class as Uriah clawed at Raven's wrist, gasping for air as the fear of realization settled into his mind. "Yes foolish boy, I am a Warlock, I am what you fear. I hold enough power to kill you and with your actions it is in my right to do so. But that would be no fun." With a sudden movement of his left arm Raven sent Uriah flying over the other students and his back crashed into the wall next to the door. The boy howled in pain as he fell to the floor, his back hurting like it was snapped in two. "Leave, leave and never dare to return to my class. Doing so will result in dire consequences."

Silence reigned over the room except for Uriah's grunts of pain as he tried to stand up only to fail. The boy that had sat next to him shakily stood up and walked around Raven and helped Uriah up and out of the room. In the door Uriah managed to look back at Raven, his eyes burning with hatred, "This is not over yet."

Raven watched with a gaze of steel how the door closed while be muttered, "It was over the moment you spoke up." His attention turned back to the rest of the class and saw many fearful looks, looks of shock and, he shivered at this, looks that clearly stated fan girl behavior. "Class dismissed," was all he said before the students quickly dashed for the door, most of them trying to get away from this freak as fast as possible.

Will was sitting in her seat, not moving a single muscle as she stared at Raven, remembering the small note from before. Elyon was about to stand up next to her when Will grabbed the taller girl's arm and pulled her back down, shacking her head as Elyon leveled a questioning look at her. Elyon sat back down, wondering what was wrong with Will.

Soon the class was empty except for Will, Elyon and Raven who still stood in the exact same spot as before. He gave the two girls a quick glance, lingering on Elyon for a moment before he strode for the door, closing it swiftly. With strong strides he walked back to his desk, leaning against it right in front of Will and Elyon, crossing his arms over his chest. "I see you understood." He glanced at Elyon who gave him a cold look what made him chuckle. "Don't you worry Lady Ilvaren," he said with closed eyes and a slightly mocking tone as he called her 'Lady'. "I mean your friend no harm." "She is not my friend, she is my servant," hissed Elyon, trying hard to act her part as the two Elves had decided.

Again Raven chuckled, "Please Elyon, I know all about you. You're mother was the one who specifically asked for me to teach this class and another. I KNOW everything about you two, from your heritage, over how you met, down to your Classes; ALL of them." The last was added to a gaze at Will who developed a slight fear in her mind. "No need to fear young Will. As I said, I mean you no harm. Weira is an old friend of mine and she asked me to keep an eye on you while you're here. And I plan to follow this request to the letter."

Will looked up at the man, her eyes finding no deception in his own orbs of red. "You... are a Warlock as well...." A chuckle rumbled in his throat, "That I am. And yes, I can give you some pointers from time to time." As he saw the surprised look on Will's face he laughed slightly, "You are easy to read for someone of my experience child." "Why are you really doing this," said Elyon suddenly. "Even if you're a friend of Mom and a Warlock yourself... Warlocks are not known to help each other because of good will; What's in this for you?" "My, aren't you a sharp one? Indeed, under normal circumstances I would expect something in return for my service but... let's just say that I owed Weira a favor and this will get us even."

He grinned before nodding at the door, "Now run along you two; time's ticking and your next lesson is about to start." Both girls paled at this and quickly bolted out of the bench and for the door. Raven watched the two run down the corridor while he chuckled to himself, 'Interesting; interesting indeed.'

-----Destiny commands All----

Elyon and Will were hurrying down the corridors when they caught up with Hay, Taranee and Cornelia. "What was that about," asked Hay curiously. Elyon hesitated a bit but Will looked as if deep in thought before turning to the three, addressing them as a whole, "I... I will tell you after today's classes..."

All three girls sensed a great distress within Will but neither of them acted on it. "Come on girls," said Cornelia with a glance around, "Next class is about to start and we need to get to the fields outside. We're all together in that class so come along." And without further notice the group of five rushed down the corridor, missing a pair of teal eyes watching them from the shadow.

Few moments later the five girls rounded the corner of the Institute and rushed towards a group of people that stood at the edge of a track. They quickly closed in on the group and stood next to other students, forming a group of probably 30 of them. In front of them stood Miss Knickerbocker, reading over a scroll while looking up now and then, mustering the group before her. Behind her stood a few more teachers, five in total but obviously one was still missing. Deciding that they had wasted enough time she looked up from her scroll and addressed the group before her.

"Alright, this is the Weapon Class. You will be divided into groups of five, each group getting a separate instructor for this period. They will handle physical training from now on. If you get training at home tell your instructor and he will contact your trainer there. Now listen closely because I will NOT repeat myself." As the principal began to rattle down names many wondered where the sixth instructor was but then quickly paid attention to their school's leader again.

".... Next we have Elyon Ilvaren, her servant Will, Cornelia Hale, Taranee Cook and Hay Lin. Your instructor has yet to arrive so just wait until he shows up....lazy bastard he is......."

The five exchanged looks and each couldn't help but grin. "Looks like we're stuck with each other," grinned Hay. "Looks like it indeed. I just wonder who our instructor is. So far no one got away with making Principal Knickerbocker wait," said Taranee as she pushed her glasses upwards. "Maybe it's because she knows that said instructor can kick her ass any day of the week," sounded a voice behind the five and four of them felt a shiver of recognition run down their spines. Slowly the four turned and faced their instructor, their eyes growing wide.

Before them stood a lazily grinning Raven, his stance relaxed and eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, by the way: here is your knife; you forgot to retrieve it." The man handed the weapon to Hay who took it with a silent nod and put it back where it belonged. "Do you know him," asked Cornelia as she gave the black/red clad man a look over and the four girls nodded. "Yes we met last period; now follow me." Raven turned around and slowly walked away, his stride leisurely.

Cornelia looked at the other four, seeing shocked looks still on their faces. "What's wrong with you?" "Well...," started Hay, for once lost for words when Taranee took over. "This man named Raven is the new teacher of Arcane Caster and their History... and he put Uriah in his place just before we came... in a pretty violent fashion...." Cornelia gave the back of the man a look, "He did? I have the feeling I should thank him for that." "I wouldn't do that," muttered Will as the five finally started to follow the man. "He threw the boy halfway through the class room and before that threatened him." "Threaten him? With what? Detention?" "No.... he....he....," Will took a deep breath, "He is a Warlock."

Cornelia was shocked into silence at those news and she stared at Raven's back, "Say what? A Warlock? Him?!" "Yes," said Elyon as she sent a glance at Will, "And a powerful one he must be. He handled Uriah like he was nothing and Warlocks are not known for their physical strength." "True as that may be but there are always exceptions from rules," rang Raven's voice from ahead of them, making all five jump inwardly. "Ehehehehehe, I have pretty good hearing, keep that in mind for future references."

He stopped as they reached one of the dueling rings of the Institute, turning towards them with a lazy expression, "Now you five, before we start that I want to know what weapons you use, how long you have trained with them and a small demonstration of your skills." "How shall we do that without our weapon of choice at hand," asked Cornelia dryly what caused Raven to chuckle, "Take a look at the wall."

The five did that and their eyes widened in surprise. Behind him were weapons pedestals, holding every weapon they could think of, even exotic weapons like a Scythe or a Dwarven War-axe. "Pick your weapon of choice and then let us begin," said Raven with a slight hint of enthusiasm in his voice. "If you don't mind me asking Sir," said Cornelia wile taking a step forth. Raven mustered her with an amused look, "Drop the Sir, it makes me feel old; Raven is just fine. And yes I don't mind." "The others say you are a Warlock." "Yes, it is true." "Then what could you possible know about fighting in close combat?"

The four others held their breath, expecting something like earlier to happen but... to their surprise Raven simply chuckled softly. "You will just have to find out, won't you?" Cornelia nodded, the ghost of a smirk on her lips as she walked over to the pedestals and looked around for her weapon of choice. The other four exchanged surprised looks before Will shrugged her shoulders and set out to find a sword.

A bit later the five stood before Raven, each with their weapon of choice in hand. Will had taken a Longsword very similar to the one she trained with back in the estate. Elyon as well was armed with a Longsword. Taranee held a Composite Longbow in her left hand, a quiver of arrows plugged to her right of her belt. Hay had not picked any weapon but instead had pulled out two Daggers from somewhere in her outfit. Cornelia... even Raven did a double take on the Druid's choice of weapon before he grinned. "I think we two will have fun," he said in a light tone as he eyed the Scythe that Cornelia rested over her right shoulder. "Not the perfect choice but I will work with what I have," said Cornelia with a grin.

Raven then pointed at Taranee, "Show me what you can do with that bow." He pointed at the small group of trees behind him and the girls now noticed the small targets in several places all over them. "15 targets, 15 arrows. Do your worst." Taranee stepped forward and drew a single arrow from the quiver before pulling the string and calming her breath. Taking careful aim at the first target she concentrated before letting the arrow soar. A thud later and she saw that she just barely missed the bulls eye. Not letting this get to her, Taranee went for the next target.

A short while later and Taranee had finished and Raven went to do the counting. "13 out of 15, 6 bulls eyes among them; you're not bad but you must start to consider the wind in your shooting." Taranee nodded and stepped back, waiting with the others for the next to be tested.

Raven's red eyes traveled over them before they came to a rest on Hay, "Let's see what our Rogue can do." He stepped into the dueling area and put his hands in his pockets, "I only want to test you so I will not fight back. Attack me with all you have." Hay's eyes narrowed at his words, feeling insulted by his lazy stance and quickly pulled the Daggers from their sheaths and charge the man, her body held low and arms close to her body.

Flipping the right Dagger in a reverse hold Hay took a quick swipe at Raven's throat only to have the man lean backwards and dodging the deadly steel. Having expected this Hay thrust her left arm forwards, aiming a stab at Raven's open side. With a slight grin Raven gripped Hay's wrist before spinning right and pulling Hay along, throwing her off balance as he let her go after a half spin. The eastern girl stumbled shortly before her reflexes kicked in and she spun around, glaring at a smiling Raven, who made a 'Come and get me' gesture with his left hand.

A sneer formed on Hay's lips as she dashed at the man, her right Dagger still held reverse and she flowed into a flurry of swipes and stabs. Raven kept smiling all the time, dodging every attack while deflecting a few close calls. The others watched in awe as they saw how easily the man toyed with their friend.

Hay was once again making a charge, stabbing her left Dagger forward, expecting Raven to dodge to her left and prepared to follow with a swipe of her right hand. But it came different.

Instead of dodging Raven seized her left wrist and did a step into her defense, before stepping around her to the right and making a quarter turn with his body. Going for a desperate swipe Hay aimed her right hand at his head only to have him duck under her arm and twisting his body until her back was against his front. He still had her left wrist in a tight grip and with a quick twist and turn held the weapon at her own throat. Hay froze at the maneuver and realized... that she had been beat.

With a sigh she let her Daggers drop from her hands, signaling her surrender. Raven chuckled as he let go of her wrist. "You're fast Hay, very fast. If it was not for my years of experience I would have been in deep shit half way through this. You must keep better focus on your foot work. A leg swipe here and there and you could have beaten me if I was a couple of years younger." Surprisingly Hay didn't feel as if she just had been scolded. He had praised her and at the same time pointed out how she could improve. With a soft smile on her lips she collected her weapons and stood with her friends.

Raven's eyes landed on Cornelia and he grinned slightly, "May I have this dance m'Lady?" Cornelia couldn't help but return the grin as she stepped closer, "Of course m'Lord." The two stood opposite of each other in the dueling ring, Cornelia with the Scythe still resting on her shoulder and Raven with his hands buried in his pockets. Neither of them seemed about to attack, they just stood there.

Suddenly Cornelia jumped into action, dashing at Raven and bringing her Scythe down in a downward arc. Raven didn't lean back like he did with Hay's first attack but he bent backwards, planting his hands on the ground and doing a back flip. Cornelia saw this with a grin as she altered the arc of her weapon slightly before spinning around herself, her downwards attack flowing into a horizontal swipe with easy. Raven, who just came back to facing Cornelia in a crouched position couldn't help but let his eyes widen in shock. He had not expected Cornelia to be so fast and had only one option.

Throwing out his legs behind him he dropped down to the ground, the Scythe passing just above him and taking some hairs. Cornelia growled in her throat as she went into her next attack with fluid movements rivaling water. With small alternation of her grip on the Scythe she brought in an upwards arc after her back was to Raven and slightly jumped into the air and turned back to her opponent. With a cry she brought her weapon down on her instructor in a perfect vertical swing.

Raven had just enough time to look up and see the next attack coming. He saw the determination in Cornelia's eyes and did once more the only thing he could do. With a impressive show off strength he pushed with his right hand hard against the ground, causing his body to spin around its own axis and towards his left, avoiding the deadly arc of steel by less than an inch.

Cornelia snarled as the Scythe's tip bore deep into the ground just a bit to the left of Raven and she was about to rip the weapon out to go for the next flurry of attacks when she saw a flicker to her left. While she had been occupied with freeing her weapon Raven had quickly jumped to his feet after that spin and charged her head on. Before she could direct the Scythe back on target his right shoulder rammed into her stomach, forcing the air out of her lungs and causing her to let go of her weapon.

With an "Oof!" and a thud she landed hard on her back, dizzy for a moment before a new weight on her stomach and a purple glow brought her back. Raven was half sitting, half kneeling above her, part of his weight pinning her down while she had a violet glowing palm directed at her face. Raven was breathing a bit faster and his shoulders rose and dropped with his breath. "You're good; very good. If not for that short moment of distraction when you missed you would have been able to draw the first blood."

Cornelia sighed and her back softly landed on the ground, accepting defeat. Raven canceled the glow around his hand and swiftly stood up. His hand though remained extended, waiting for Cornelia to take it. Not to be a sore loser Cornelia took it and he pulled her to her feet. "You need to focus a bit more. Your style is very good already, I guess if you had used your Spells you would have been able to overpower me for a short moment." Cornelia nodded, a small smirk on her lips before she did a mock curtsy, "Thank you for the dance m'Lord." Raven smirked and gave her a bow, "You're very welcome m'Lady."

The group stared with blank looks as the two walked back towards them, both grinning. "WOW," exploded Hay suddenly, "That was SO COOOL!!" "Very impressive indeed," said Elyon with a large grin on her face. "Impressive indeed," said Raven with a laugh as he patted Cornelia's shoulder. "Given time and we two will have a real duel." He took his stance in front of them with his arms crossed behind his back, "Now that the testing is done w-" What do you mean done? You have yet to test me or Will!"

Raven gave an angry looking Elyon a small smile, "You're Zaden's daughter, I am sure he has taught you his own style." "Yeah, so what," said Elyon with defiance. "I know all the ins and outs of his style. And with the time I know he has trained you I know just how good you are. Fighting you would be pointless as I could predict your next move by just a shift of your muscles." Elyon had to make sure that her jaw would not drop as she stared at the human male before her. 'He... he can predict my movements and attacks by just seeing my muscles shift?!' "I doubt anyone else has seen as much of his style as you and I have so I assure you that no one else will be able to outdo you like I could. His style is not bad but against me he ALWAYS lost."

Elyon was silent as she worked through this before she scowled anew, "And what about Will?" Her tone was cold and hard what caused the man to chuckle, "From what I have been told she has just picked up a sword and while Zaden was impressed with her natural sense for fighting she has not yet the grasp on the basics as you do. Fighting her would be like an old dog 'fighting' with a pup."

Will looked down at her feet, his words crashing onto her shoulders like boulders. 'I know... I just started but why.... why must he point it out so bluntly...?' "So you will ignore her," snapped Hay with a glare. "Ignore her? Now why should I do that? No, I simply will not fight her just yet. But that does not mean I will not help her with her basic stances and movements." Will's head snapped up as she stared at her instructor who gave a lazy smirk, one eye closed as the sun shone into it. For a moment she could have sworn his hair flickered from black to white but as soon as she blinked it was gone.

"Now Will, let me see the basic stand Zaden taught you." Taken out of her thoughts Will drew her sword and held it with both hands, holding it vertically in front of her body, arms very slightly bent and her right foot moved a bit backwards to stabilize her stance. Raven motioned for the other four to back off a bit before he walked around Will, taking in the details of her stance. "Hm..... hm...... hm.... not bad but could be better."

Suddenly Will's face flushed red as she felt Raven step directly behind her, his body spooning against her own while his hands covered her own on the sword. Elyon and the others tensed as their instructor invaded the young Drow's personal space. The fact that he spoke in a very low and husky voice that only the three Elves could pick up was not helping things either.

"Your balance is off," whispered Raven into Will's left ear as he slowly bent his arms slightly and in turn Will's as well. He brought the sword closer to her body and tipped the sword tip slightly to the left. Will suddenly felt his knee part her thighs slightly and her blush strengthened as she felt him rub her skin through the stockings. His right foot moved hers a bit backwards and then he suddenly stepped back.

Every girl drew a small breath as he stepped away from Will and again walked around her. "How does that feel?" Will concentrated and to her surprise she felt her stance was more solid than before and that the sword was not putting as much of a strain on her arms. "Better," muttered Will as the muscles throughout her body flexed. "Thought that much," mumbled Raven as he plopped down on his rear end and took the Lotus position, his right elbow resting on his knee and his chin rested on his fist. He held an intense gaze at Will as she stood stock still.

He seemed to space out on them for a few moments before a low chuckle escaped his lips that soon went for a full blown laughter. He threw his head back, eyes closed. "AHAHAHAHAHA! I can't believe this sly weasel! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! He really had me fooled for a moment!" The five girls watched him like he had gone insane and Will sheathed the sword again. "What's the matter with you," asked Taranee, "You seem like the victim of Tasha's Hideous Laughter." Hay giggled at Taranee's words, knowing that SHE had not cast said spell, even though she knew it.

Raven seemed to come to his senses again but still chuckled heartedly. "No such thing Taranee. I was just... hehehehehe... it's just the stance Zaden taught young Will.... hehehehehe.... it is the initial teaching stance for something bigger." "What do you mean," asked Will her curiosity spiked. "There is a man roaming the realms, a man using a two weapon fighting style that has grown quite famous. The style itself is know as 'Dance of the Full Moon' and the only known user of said style is a man now know as Dracos. Do any of you know that name?"

"I read it once," muttered Will, trying to recall the memory. "He was mentioned in once breath with the Drow Deity Eilistraee... also know as the Dark Maiden and the Lady of the Dance..." "Very good young Will, very good indeed. I see you have studied up on your past." "What is so special about that style," asked Elyon while the five stood now in a half circle around Raven. The man leaned his head back, looking up into the sky, "What is so special about it? I will tell you: it's special because of many things, most you would not understand without having seen it but this you will understand: the 'Dance of the Full Moon' is as I said a two weapon style and it is only truly efficient with two weapons of the same kind: a Bastard Sword, the chosen weapon of Eilistraee herself. There are rumors that the Goddess herself taught him this style in his youth."

Gasps could be heard from the five, all of them knowing that wielding one Bastard Sword was no easy feat due to it's exotic origin but to wield TWO?! The strength needed to do that was great, not to mention the training time one would have to dedicate to it. And that rumor? If it was true.... that man, that.... Dracos... he was a very lucky and dangerous man. "Zaden must hope you can recreate that style on your own." Will stared at her instructor with wide eyes, "Why would he think THAT?!" Raven chuckled while giving her a meaningful look, "Easy, because you have the exact same Classes as Dracos." Silence followed his statement as Will's mind was swirling with thoughts.

Will started to feel really dizzy and swayed on her feet, one hand on her forehead while her eyes closed half way. "Will," said Elyon loudly as she gripped the girl's shoulder and steadied her. Raven stood up and slowly placed his right hand on Will's forehead. Feeling a burst of magic he pulled his hand back, "Elyon, take her home. I am not sure what it is but something is effecting her. You both have the rest of the day off. I will inform your other teachers."

Elyon looked at the man and nodded, quickly letting Will lean against her as they left slowly towards the Ilvaren estate. The four that stayed behind watched them until they rounded the corner and Raven turned back to them, "That's it for today I guess. Enjoy your longer lunch break." Hay and Cornelia, after returning the borrowed Scythe, left slowly. Taranee on the other hand stayed behind, her gaze fixed on Raven. The man gave her a curious look, "Something the matter?" "As a matter of fact, yes; You." "Me? What makes you say that?" "The others might not have noticed it but I did. You cast some kind of spell on Will. I do not know which one but you did and I want to know why."

Raven gave Taranee an empty look before a spark moved through his eyes, "I did nothing to her that would be bad for her health. She needed rest after this revelation and I could also feel something more than myself at work; I was not the only one casting spells on her. I did what I did as an excuse to send her home early." Taranee studied the man with sharp eyes before she sighed and closed her eyes while pushing her glasses up her nose, "I will take your word for it.... for now. Should I find out that you influence Will in a bad way... no matter how powerful you are, I will see you fall." Taranee glared at the man who only watched with his lazy gaze before he smiled. "You are free to try."

Taranee huffed and quickly left the area after returning the bow. Raven sat in the same spot before he turned to the group of trees, "Have you seen enough?" A very faint rustle of leaves reached his keen ears and for a short moment he saw teal eyes flash. Then he stood up and stretched his arms over his head, "Time to get some lunch I guess." and with his hands buried in his pockets he walked away from the dueling ring. 'That was... a very interesting first day.'

-----Destiny commands All----

Cut. Copy. Archieve.

And this introduces one of the few important OCs: Raven. Strange, weird, cocky bastard he is. We have seen that while not holding a physical Class, he is able to easily beat each of the girls. I wonder what he is up to now......

Also a 'Legend' of kinds was mentioned: Dracos. A man truly shrouded in mystery...... What does HE have to do with all of this?!

Maybe next time you will find out. Until then, stay lively.

- Nelo Akuma