The scream of the raptor was drowned out by the cheering crowd. Combatants waited on the sidelines watching as each match happened, carefully taking note of each others flaws. The troll in the ring swung his lance out and opened himself up to attack from his opponent. With a wild cheer the crowd watched as he was knocked off his mount and nearly trampled by the larger kodo.

Shuna sat quietly in the crowd, absentmindedly twisting her wedding band on her finger. Every so often her fingers would tap against the letter in her lap and her jaw would clench.

The noise of the crowd drew her attention back to the ring below. With a deep sigh she watched for a few more minutes before she stood and made her way to the stables. A large brazier stood outside warming the chilly area. She paused there and dropped the parchment into the blaze. Her amber eyes watched the flickering flames before she turned and made her way to the large tent to the south.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

“That troll wants to fight you again.” The elven trainer said as he passed a lance to the smaller female.

She frowned and nodded. “She’s very fierce. I haven’t beat her yet.”

“That’s probably why she chooses you.” He said as he adjusted her armor. “Try not to fail this time.”

She sighed and went to mount up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shuna watched the elf enter the ring and smiled slowly. The beast within her growled slowly and her legs tightened around the raptor she rode.

“Dis one goin’ down” She muttered and she lowered the lance.

The raptor tensed under her and with a command they charged the smaller foe. The elf managed to almost get her shield all the way up but didn’t deflect the whole blow. Shuna wheeled and lashed out quickly, her more muscular body managing to twist and slam the lance into the elf, before she rode away.

The elven girl winced as she adjusted her lance and chased after the larger troll. Shuna snarled quietly and turned to face her. Her mind went back over the contents of the letter she had received and with a hiss she thrust out at the elf. She dodged and turned away to try and hit Shuna with her own lance.

The raptor jumped away and with another mighty swing Shuna slammed her lance into the smaller girl. The Elf gasped and felt her arm going numb. With a louder growl Shuna dug the lance deeper and with one last push, knocked her off the bird she rode.

She stared down at the elf that was struggling to pull herself out of the dirt. It took all her willpower to not jump out and go hand to hand. Instead she gave her a fierce smile and whispered “See ju tomorrow”

The elf sighed and flopped back onto the ground.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She limped back to her tent and blushed at the frown of disappointment on the face of her trainer.

“That one has it out for you. Have you done something?” he asked

She shook her head and dusted off her armor. “I don’t know. Maybe she just doesn’t like us.”

“Perhaps. Leave your armor on. If that untrained troll can beat you then it is time for more practice.” With that he left the tent.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shuna ran her fingers through Zyb’s fur and watched the water below her. Part of her felt bad for picking on the elf but most of her didn’t care. She sat down and glanced at the rings on her fingers.

“I suppose its time” she muttered. Zyb nudged her with his nose before laying down.

She glanced behind her at the jungle. The temple rose up out of the trees and the sweet scent of home filled her nose.

She rubbed her face for a moment before removing the golden band from her finger. A bowl of salt water sat at her feet and she reached for it. She dropped the ring in the water and swirled it around. Sighing slightly, she stood and walked back to the temple. A priest stood there and with a little nod he took the bowl from her hands.

“It be over soon” he said as they walked into the darkened hallway. She nodded back and let him lead her to the altar.

“Over” She thought “Den ‘e can feel free to carry on with ‘er and I can bury da ‘urt.”

“Are ju ready Princess?” he asked.

She stood up straighter and nodded. “Ja. Ju can begin.”

The body lay sprawled in the grass, partly hidden by the wagon wheel. She stared at it for a moment before kneeling and setting the torch against the fabric. It had been an orc once; its green skin showing through holes in the armor. The fire was slow to spread, but eventually it began to eat its way across the flesh.

She sighed for a moment and then moved onwards. The battle field was large and she knew there were many who needed some sort of last rite.

“Better dis den leavin’ dem to be eaten” she told herself once again.

She felt stretched out, like the deep well inside her had been emptied. Zyb brushed up against her leg and whined quietly. She patted him and then shook her head.

“Enough of dis. I t’ink its time to go ‘ome.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She placed her cloak on the hook and sighed as she set her weapons down. The house was empty and from the dust on the table it had been empty for days. She knew Kala had been staying in the city with Tati and who knew where Kael had hidden himself.

The need to sleep tugged at her mind and she drifted upstairs to the bedroom. Not even bothering to undress she flopped on the bed.

The ceiling was plain and she peered at it as if it held the answers to life. Kran had been gone a long time now. She knew he was alive, she had run into him a few times in the city. Part of her cried at the lonlienss, but another part of her shrugged. She had been alone for quite some time and so it had become normal.

“Normal” she muttered. “Normal dat I never see my family or my ‘usband. What’s wrong with me?”

With a slight grumble she wiggled out of her boots and kicked them across the room. The thud they made as they hit the floor made her roll over and peer to the corner. She eyed them; two innocent boots sprawled on the floor. There was a time when she would have gotten up to move them. A time when she would have worried they might trip Kran as he slipped into bed in the dark. Now she just stared at them and then rolled back over to stare at the ceiling again.

The ache of missing him had been bright and burning when she thought he was dead. It had fueled her passions to have him at any cost when she found him alive. It was dull now, hidden away deep in a corner of her heart. She knew he was never coming home again. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but she had begun to accept it, to see that it wasn’t the end of the world.

He had his work. It had come between them time and time again. She knew that sometimes the Beast took over and the man she loved became an evil and twisted killing machine. She understood his enjoyment of his own hunt. Hell she had joined him in killing sprees in the past.

“Whats different?” she asked the empty room.

There was something… Something that had grown between them in all the long lonely nights. Something that slowly pushed them apart until now they were nearly strangers. He had tried to change for her. She had tried to be understanding and less demanding. In the end though, they couldn’t fix this thing between them.

She loved him still. She was fairly certain he still loved her. Yet, they lived their lives apart.

A noise made her raise her head. Dusty scrambled onto the bed next to her and purred. Shuna smiled and pet the kitten gently. A tear slowly worked its way down her cheek.

She remembered the day he had brought the kitten to her. The spot on that lift in Thunder Bluff when he had dropped to one knee. The resigned look on his face as he gave in and let the cats take over the house. A million memories of years together spread through her mind.

Months ago they had made her cry. Now they made her smile. They were happy memories, and nothing would ever change that. Nothing could take all the fun, the passion, the thrills, any of it from them. Life had changed and they were different now, but they still had that.

“Maybe dis goodbye won’t ‘urt so much” she mused as she slid the ring off her finger to look at it. “I know we’ll still be friends, and we’ll still ‘ave each other’s backs.” She nodded and sat up.

The huntress moved around the room gracefully. Gently the rings were wrapped in cloth and placed in a bowl on the dresser. She tugged her hair free and let it flow down her back like a dark cloak. She paused at the window and looked up at the moon.

“I’m learnin’. Slowly, but I still am. T’ank ju for ‘elpin’ me remember ‘ow to cherish da memories.”

Then with a soft smile she slid into bed. It shifted slightly and the purr as Storm curled up around her mistress lulled Shuna to sleep.

Edge of Honor put on the RP Parade last weekend. It was alot of fun! We visited all the leaders of the Horde world and walked the whole way.

Tati got hit on by a few different gentleman, which always gets her flustered, but she started talking about Dot and it was ok. One guy was very upset though and cried, and then kicked Fentor since he thought Fentor was my date. Which makes me giggle since Fenty doesn't really rp and was like "wtf"

I'm lazy so instead of reposting the pics I'll just link to my website.

http://geeksong.com/Sparkle/index.php?topic=395.0

((I require that site addy! :D ))

I am not one to often put my thoughts down. They swirl and change depending on the spirits mood too often.

I know all too well how easily lives are moved off course or how easily they are sucked into a whirlpool. No life is plotted out perfectly, and that is why there are rules. That is why I can't simply tell someone where they will end up. It can all change in an instant depending on a choice they make.

The spirits have been restless for far too long. Too many big changes swept through our world all at once, like a flood gate was opened. The time lines were slowly settling down after that... moment in the caverns, but they had not yet settled.

Perhaps this is simply what happens when one changes time.

I have hidden myself from the world as I contemplate all this. My hair has grown dark like the night sky as my power grows. The spirits have demanded more and more of me and gifted me in return, but sometimes I wonder if it is worth it all.

I have not see my mate in far too many moons and I fear I will not see him again. When I glance in the glass I see my path is walked alone, except for the rare companion to help me to a goal.

This is the life of a seer.

I was warned, but ignored it in my youth. Those with power, those who are slightly apart from the world... we are doomed to walk it alone.

I fear that others will be forced to be alone as well. The strands of fate have grown thin for some. Too many others have interfered in their time lines and they have been worn down. This is the price of when one plays with things they do not understand.

There are others with powers, others who instead of following the rules break them when they can. Those who hurt and control, who try to play gods. These beings are the ones who break hearts and in an attempt to rule the world, simply break it.

I can feel the growl in the back of my throat as I think of this. I do not like to stereotype but it is generally the long lived who dabble in these plots. The Forsaken. Ah yes.. and let us not forget my own people. We too have made our fair share of messes.

The stars continue to shine outside my window. The world continues to go on. Yet I can see in the shadows that change is coming. Somewhere out there, someone builds a plot that will change the lives of many I know.

And because I follow the rules I can do nothing more then warn them. Although there are moments when I am tempted to protect them all. I am mortal after all.

Sparkle will be hosting its Valentines Day Ball on Feb 12, starting at 7 pm!

Join us in Desolace at the tower (ethel rethor, by the AD guy) to dance and be merry. Bring your fireworks, rose petals and yourself!

Hope to see you all there!

This is open to both factions, I just ask no flags please.

((I realized I never posted these here... I have been "journalling" with tati on the sparkle forums, so here's a few to catch ppl up on the Dot/Tati thing :P. ))

We had a beach party tonight. It seemed to go quite well. My new friend from the Undercity brought several of his friends and it was fun.

There was a troll there who seemed to really like me. I had to explain that I have different tastes but he said that it was ok, we could work around it.

I don't know really what he meant with that. While it was nice to have someone pay special attention to me, I really don't know what to do with boys. They are all....several scratched out words appear weird I guess.

I told him I didn't know what to do with boy parts and the whole idea is kinda scary. I mean really I know it works for everyone else but I don't see how it could work with me.

( Flip the page.. )

The tavern was brightly lit and bustling with activity. Both horde and alliance were existing peacefully as they drank and laughed with their friends. Tati hummed to herself as she slipped through the crowd smiling at everyone.

She blushed slightly as a pretty human dressed in very little turned and hugged the troll. Kranik caught his sister’s gaze and smirked at her. Tati turned pinker and gently hugged the smaller girl back and then wiggled away.

“Making friends?” Kran asked with a naughty grin.

“I.. she.. shush. It was a hug.” Tati said as she got flustered.

Her gaze slipped through the crowd to find Dotson sitting quietly at a table watching everyone. He smiled at her and she giggled as she waved to him.

“Let me escort you through the crowd to your boyfriend so no other girls distract you.” Kran said with a wink.

Tati stuck her tongue out at her brother. “I’m not distracted. She was pretty yes, but I am more then happy.” She took his arm and then muttered “dork” under her breath.

He snickered quietly and the twins made their way over to the table. Dotson grinned at the flushed troll and winked at her. Tati sighed and sat down next to him.

“Its getting louder in here I think.” She said over the noise.

Both men nodded at her and she giggled as the rogues simultaneously turned to eye the crowd. Tati saw their eyes wander over the drunken alliance and she shook her head and said “Behave.”

“Why don’t we go find somewhere more quiet?” she asked as she turned to rummage through the pile of cloaks on the table. Finding hers, she yanked it out gently.

Dot nodded and they slipped out into the darkness.

They wandered the streets up towards the portals. Tati snuggled into her cloak and bounced along happily. Dotson kept his eyes on the dark shadows.

“Are you alright?” she asked. “You’ve been quiet all night.”

He giggled a bit and nodded. “I's been t'inkin' 'bout when I should give ju chu's gift.”

Tati giggled back and snuggled close to him. “Whenever you like!”

He smiled and kissed her hand. “Not yet.”

Tati smiled at him and then stepped through the portal.

*******************************

The jungle was quiet as they slipped through the shadows. Dot grinned and led her up to the top of the waterfall. The moonlight sparkled on the water and Tati shrugged her cloak off her shoulders to spread it out on the rock they stood on.

With a happy sigh she sat down and patted the spot next to her. Dot sat down and glanced at her quickly before looking out over the water.

“It was a good night.” Tati said as she smoothed her skirts around her. “And this is the perfect spot to relax after dancing.”

Dot nodded at her and tangled his fingers with hers. “Da’ts because dis is our spot.”

She blushed and smiled as she nodded. “It is ours.”

Dot stared at the rocks for a moment and then gave a nervous giggle. “Maybe its time.”

Tati raised an eyebrow and smiled as a small box appeared in his hands. He handed it to her carefully and she shook it gently.

“Did you want me to open it right now?” she asked as she teased the red ribbon with her fingers.

He tensed slightly and went back to staring at the water. “Wheneva’”

She giggled and patted his arm. He had told her earlier he had never given anyone a Winter veil’s gift before so she decided to stop teasing him. “I’ll open it right now, ok?”

He nodded and his fingers tapped nervously against the hilt of his daggers.

She carefully tugged the ribbon free and folded it up. Then with a smile she peeled the paper off the box. She looked at him for a moment and he let out a small breath. She grinned at him as she tugged the lid off the box and then looked down.

The twinkle of a diamond in the moonlight caught her eye at first. Then her eyes saw the band of gold. It took her brain a moment to register that they were joined. She blinked and then pulled the diamond ring free of the box and slipped it on her finger. A blush began to spread across her cheeks and she looked at Dot in surprise.

“Its.. its.. very sparkly…” she managed to gasp out.

“I don’.. I nevah wanna be wit’out chu.” He said quietly.

A nervous giggle escaped her lips and she wiggled closer to him. “You won’t be. We’re family now.”

He reached down and pulled her hand to his lips. “Ju all da’t impo’tant to me. Chu my lifemate.”

Tati nodded shyly and leaned forward to rest her head on his shoulder. He pulled her close and smiled.

The ship rocked slightly as the waves gently rolled past. Mycha was used to the motion and moved with it gracefully. The troll next to him was not as graceful, but she was learning.

“Is she there?” Lithi asked. Her accent had slowly disappeared the more she spent time around the elves.

Mycha brushed his hair out of his eyes and shrugged. “She could be. Or it could be another false lead. Her letter warned of that plague so we must be careful.”

Lithi nodded and slipped away to go back to work. She knew the Captain was more worried then he let on.

He turned away from the island and began to issue orders to the crew. With a smile he ran a hand over the gleaming wood and looked up to the sails.

“Alright beauty lets find our Darkness and get home safely.” He patted the railing again and walked to his cabin.

***

Blood poured from the wounds on the orcs face. Mycha nodded and his crew held the orc down.

“I shall ask you again. Is she here?” Mycha flicked some dirt from his sleeve and waited.

The orc snarled and tried to break free. The large tauren standing next to Mycha reached forward and slammed his fist into the Orc’s gut.

“Captain, asked you a question.”

The orc grunted and shook his head. “No, your bitch wasn’t here.”

“Tsk tsk, language good sir…” Mycha said as his crew made the orc howl in pain. “That is a pity. We all know how good she was at her job. I suppose I’ll have to let one of the boys play with you. I assure you they are much sloppier then her, but they will get the job done.”

With that he walked out and closed the door on the scream of pain that came from the room. He walked down to the beach and paused. A hand went to his sword and he peered into the dark jungle around him.

A sleek shadow stepped forward and purred. Mycha relaxed and held a hand out to the large cat. Whisper rubbed up against him and made a sad sound.

“So she was here…What happened old man?” Mycha asked the cat.

The panther growled and Mycha’s head snapped upwards as an alarm from the Jade rang. Men poured out of the hut and they all rushed to the small boat.

“Whats ‘appenin’ Capt?” one of the men asked as they rowed quickly towards the ship.

Mycha growled and shook his head. “I don’t know. Get us there now.”

***

Rain flicked the letter open and frowned. Blood stained the edges and it smelt of smoke. She gasped as she read it over and she slammed a fist into her desk.

Kaiie came running in. “What is it?” she asked.

Rain shook her head for a moment and Kaiie paled and sat down. “This is not good.”

“There are days I am pleased you can pluck a thought from my mind.” Rain mumbled as she stared down at the letter in shock.

Kaiie’s eyes glazed over for a moment and she trembled. “She is… still alive.”

Rain closed her eyes and a tear slipped down her cheek. “It would be better if she was dead already.”

Kaiie nodded and Rain stood up slowly. “Alert everyone. I want the best. He must die as painfully as possible.”

With that she walked out of her office and down to a small unused room. She pushed open the door and fell to her knees in front of a dusty altar.

“Light, I need to save her….”