Reunions and Reports

A great circle of power lay on the ground. Drawn with white chalk, it had a series of strange letters and words written within the shape, as well as three foreboding symbols. Seven thick candles stood around the circle, completing the image, and creating a rather eerie and rather cultic feeling. Uriel stared at the circle for a moment, before throwing a sharp stare at her elven companion.

"Are you summoning a demon?" Uriel asked. Her voice carried hints of seriousness and sarcasm. "Has that shaman taken possession of you again?"

"What? Of course not!" Mycelia exclaimed. She jerked back, having not noticed the slight sarcasm. "This circle is part of the ritual to seal your powers."

"Ah, of course," Uriel softly mumbled. "If you're showing this to me, then I assume that you are ready to place the seal on me?"

"Indeed, I am, my lady," Mycelia answered, nodding. "Your power may be great, but I should be able to place a seal on you, and quickly if I may add."

Uriel didn't respond immediately. She quietly thought for a moment. "Will there be any pain?" she then asked.

"None at all, my lady," Mycelia replied, tapping her chin. "Fortunately, your body has healed from your injuries. The most you would feel is discomfort, no actual pain. Are you having second thoughts?"

"None," Uriel answered instantly, her fists clenched. "Let us begin. What must I do?"

"It would be convenient if you undressed, my lady," Mycelia mentioned. "This way, I can observe how well the seal is being placed upon you."

"Very well," Uriel accepted.

Without any hesitation or shame, Uriel removed her clothes. Most, if not all, her bandages had finally been removed. Uriel now had a better look at the injuries she had earned from the battle. Most had actually healed and faded, but others still remained.

Her skin had earned a few scars and burns. It may not have been too pretty, but Uriel didn't mind the appearance too much. She had no intention of showing off anyone; not now, at least. If anything, the damage seemed quite tame compared to her old body's injuries. Uriel recalled her old body having a glaring scars across her body. It was a miracle that she survived from such a wound.

Mycelia leaned over and examined a few of the scars. "Your burns have improved," the elf remarked, noticing one on the side of her chest.

"Thanks to your ointments, I have recovered much faster," Uriel grinned. "What must I do next?"

"Lay on the center of the circle," Mycelia directed.

Uriel followed Mycelia's instructions. She approached the circle and laid down. She felt a bit of chalk and dust rub on her back. Staring at the ceiling, Uriel noticed a lot more stains of ash, soot, and other liquids that must have come from Mycelia's inventory. Fortunately, nothing seemed to drip.

"Now, breathe calmly, my lady," Mycelia directed, raising her hands towards the circle. "And please avoid moving too much. It will be over much faster, if you stay still."

The sorceress focused. Power spiraled and focused at the center of her chest. With a deep exhale, the elf released the magic from her fingertips. She chanted a few words repeatedly. Energy poured upon the circle, causing violet light to emit from the chalked circle. Bits of static zapped from the ground.

Although she had yet to feel any discomfort, Uriel found herself nervously swallowing. She had already seen a great deal of magic and rituals, but this would be the very first time that she would have one performed on her.

Anxiety grew a little in Uriel's chest, as a nearby jolt sparked right next to her face. She shivered a little, unsure about what may happen. However, she reminded herself of the person performing this ritual, Mycelia. The elf had helped her in many situations. Steeling her nerves and calming her senses, Uriel placed her trust in the elven sorceress.

Before long, something finally happened. A strong force began to surge into Uriel's back. Although bearable, Uriel could not help but grit her teeth, and clench her fists. Her back arched, as her chest heaved into the air.

Mycelia had told her to breathe calmly, but Uriel instead found herself trying to hold her breath desperately. It felt as if she were trying to push back an enclosing force. Despite the discomfort, Uriel did her best to endure.

The light from the circle grew brighter and stronger, as Mycelia's words became louder and faster. The flames around each candle flickered aggressively. Before long, the candles had already melted to less than half their original size.

Glowing lines stretched across Uriel's whole body. They drew from her fingers, toes and forehead, and traced across her body, eventually spiraling and meeting around her chest. Mild heat ignited in her chest, like the warmth of a fireplace touching an iron pot.

Suddenly, a bright flash exploded from the circle, engulfing the entire room in light. Like lightning, it happened so quickly and ended immediately.

Uriel lay wheezing and panting. Sweat ran from her face. Her muscles relaxed, as she glared at the ceiling for several moments. Wisps of smoke drifted from her body. She didn't feel any new pain or injury, but Uriel felt as if she had just been cooked in an oven.

"It is done, my lady," Mycelia declared. She approached, holding Uriel's clothes in her arms. "How do you feel?"

"Like nothing has changed," Uriel groaned. She sat up and inspected her body. She neither felt nor looked any different. "How do we know if it worked?"

Mycelia extended her arm. "Try pushing some of your power onto me, my lady," she suggested.

"Are you certain?" Uriel asked. "The last time it happened- ."

"I should be able to tolerate it, my lady," Mycelia assured, nudging her arm forward. "Now please, do so. This way, I will also know how much you have sealed away."

Uriel had qualms, but did not argue. Taking Mycelia's arm, she placed a few fingers upon the elf's wrist and gently pressed. She started slowly pouring her power into Mycelia, gradually allowing more power to enter.

She continued until she felt a snag. Something within her began to tighten the flow within her body. Uriel found herself unable to exert any more power. Soon, the flow simply ceased. Uriel did not run out of power or energy. She still sensed a lot left within her, but could not tap any deeper into her supposed endless fount.

Looking at her chest, Uriel noticed a glowing emblem. It resembled the circle of magic on the floor, except much smaller in size. It shined for a moment, before fading away.

"It is done," Mycelia announced, pulling her arm back. She shook it a few times, shaking off the traces raw magic. "The seal will hinder you from using your full power. You can break through it, but that would take a great deal of time and effort to do so."

"I see…," Uriel grunted. She examined her chest once more, before retrieving her clothes. "So, you can undo the seal if necessary, correct?"

"As I mentioned, I can," Mycelia replied, nodding. "A wave of my hands and a single word, and your seal should be temporarily undone."

"Excellent," Uriel grunted, slipping her clothes back on. "Now, let us make ready to leave. Jotun and the others should have arrived at the Chamael village by now."

"Understood, my lady," Mycelia simply responded.

After dressing herself, Uriel left the room to prepare. It did not take her that much time to do so. From the armory, Uriel picked up a pair of gauntlets and metal boots. Rather than taking her breastplate, she settled for a gambeson. It may not have been as strong as metal, but it did take some weight off. Lastly, she took her sword, mace, and a few throwing daggers.

As soon as she had finished preparing herself, Uriel returned to meet with Mycelia. Entering the elf's room, Uriel found Mycelia taking a little more than anticipated. Rather than just a pouch or a small leather bag, Mycelia had with her a wooden chest with a strap.

"You seem to be packing a lot this time," Uriel remarked. She quickly examined the chest and noted its rather intricate design and copper lining.

"Ah, it's just a medicine chest, my lady," Mycelia replied. "I suspect the warriors may have sustained grievous injuries during their travel. If that were the case, then they may need a few of my special concoctions to heal them."

"That sounds most reasonable," Uriel murmured, then measuring the chest with her eyes. "This chest looks rather heavy. Do you need me to carry it for you?"

Mycelia smiled and chortled. "Oh, there is no need, my lady," the elf replied with twitching ears. "It can weigh a little, but I am used to carrying such things."

"I insist," Uriel offered, tapping the top of the chest.

She didn't need to offer, yet something compelled Uriel to do so. This most likely stemmed from the chivalric code that had been stamped in her head, during her early days as a knight. The old ones kept reminding her of their rules and conduct, to the point where Uriel followed it as a rote.

"No, it really is fine," Mycelia replied. She sounded less amused. "You are the Overlord, and I am your servant. It is not my place to have you carry my belongings."

These words made Uriel think a little. Whilst Uriel still found herself a little compelled to do the heavy lifting, but she could not deny Mycelia's reasoning.

Uriel found herself recalling a time when a young noble offered to help her carry a load, for being a woman. As chivalrous and generous as that may have seemed, Uriel strongly opposed. Not to prove that she was capable of doing things on her own, but rather that it was her duty to carry the load, and not the noble's.

"Very well," Uriel grunted, holding back the urge to assist. "Now, shall we take our leave?"

"Yes, my lady," Mycelia responded.

Taking a handful of magical dust from one of her pouches, she drew a large circle around them. Releasing a portion of her magic, and with a few mystical words, Mycelia raised the wall of purple flame around them. The flames rose quickly, and burned for a few counts. Before long, the burning wall disappeared, revealing a large forest. They had arrived.

Uriel looked around. She immediately recognized the location. Not far off, Uriel spotted the spears and impaled skulls that the Chamael use to ward off intruders, as well as draw a border.

"Why did you send us here?" Uriel asked, her eyes continued to look around. "Why did you not just send us into the Chamael Village?"

"I do not think it would be wise to just suddenly appear within their territory," Mycelia answered, as she carried the chest on her back, like a bag. "We might frighten them with the trick."

"I supposed that makes sense," Uriel muttered, remembering the time it took to reach the village, from where they stood. Although not far, they still needed to close some distance. "Let us not tarry then."

Uriel and Mycelia began traveling towards the Chamael village. As they did, they began noticing a number of tracks and footprints. Several of them did not quite match one another. Did the Allosaur or any of their allies attack the village? Uriel bit her lip anxiously.

Suddenly, a few Chamael warriors appeared. Revealing themselves from the trees, they dropped down and landed firmly on the ground. The warriors approached and met with the duo.

"You have returned, Lady Overlord," one Chamael grunted.

These warriors may not have greeted them with smiles and gleeful expressions, but at least they didn't point their spears threateningly. It may not have been warm or welcoming, but it felt much friendlier, in contrast to their first encounter.

"Indeed I have," Uriel grunted. "Have Jotun and the rest of our forces arrived?"

"They have," the Chamael answered. His tongue flickered from his snout, as he spoke. "And much more."

Uriel and Mycelia turned to one another, as if expecting an explanation. "What do you mean by much more?" Uriel then asked, raising a brow.

"It'd be best if you spoke to Chieftain Sonpra," the warrior grunted. "Follow me."

The warrior led them back to the village. There, they found their warriors. Most, if not all, sat about, trying to rest. Exhaustion filled their faces, as their drooping eyes stared blankly forward. They almost resembled the exiles, when they were still in the Shunen Grounds. Aside from their forces, Uriel spotted several other lizard folk that did not quite belong.

Judging from the diverse groups, they all came from different villages. However, not all appeared to be warriors. Several appeared to be either elderly or infantile. A few females even carried eggs with them.

Upon seeing these lizard folk, Uriel quickly understood. They may not have been human, but Uriel had seen similar situations before, during her time as a knight. These lizard folk sought sanctuary. From what? Uriel did not know, but she had a hunch.

As they continued towards the fortress, a familiar voice called out to them. "Lady Overlord!"

Uriel turned and found Ragosh racing towards her. He looked a little different. Like herself, the young warrior had a few new small scars and bruises around his body. Despite his apparent injuries, he appeared quite well.

"Ragosh, you survived," Uriel sighed with relief. She patted his shoulder, and inspected him a second time. "It's good to see you alive."

"Your teachings have paid off quite well," Ragosh replied. "Although, it pains me to admit that we could not defeat the Allosaur and the other clans."

"You all managed to escape, at the very least," Uriel reminded. "There is nothing wrong with falling back, especially when the odds clearly disfavor you."

Ragosh grunted and puffed through his nostrils. "What will we do next?" he then asked. His tail enthusiastically swished.

"That's what we will discuss," Uriel answered. "Now, if you can, please fetch Jotun and have him meet us with Sonpra. We have much to talk about."

"Yes, Lady Overlord," Ragosh snorted. He bowed his head, before beginning his search for the Drow.

"There was a spark in his eyes, my lady," Mycelia noted with a grin. "Seeing you return seem to have lifted his spirit quite a bit."

"Let's hope Sonpra and the others get that same spark when they see me," Uriel muttered. "Let us meet him now."

They proceeded into the fortress, where Sonpra and a few of his elders gathered. They all sat around, discussing matters and the situation of the entire land. The chieftain didn't seem as well off as most of the other lizard folk around the village. His scales had gotten paler. Several leaves acted as bandages for a number of his wounds, which haven't completely healed.

The meeting then came to an immediate halt, as soon as Uriel and Mycelia had approached them. Unfortunately, they did not share the same sort of spark Ragosh had, when seeing her. In fact, a few of them appeared rather worried. Apparently their topic had greatly impact them.

Sonpra grumbled, as he tried to fix his position. He held the side of his chest, while controlling his breathing with much difficulty.

"You've returned, Lady Overlord," the chieftain groaned. Despite the pain in his voice, Sonpra did seem elated to see her. "Thank the ancestors. We feared the worst during that battle."

"I have recovered from my injuries," Uriel responded. "You, on the other hand, still seem gravely hurt."

Sonpra wheezed out a weak laugh. "Those Allosaur live up to the title of Greater Clan," he complimented with a scoff. "Unfortunately for them, this old Chamael still has enough spirit in his scales to bite back."

Uriel turned to Mycelia. "You wouldn't happen to have that potion to relieve pain on hand, would you?" she asked.

"It so happens that I do," Mycelia replied. Opening her chest, she took out small bottle of blue liquid, and then handed it to the chieftain. "Drink this, it will ease the pain."

The Chamael chieftain did not hesitate. Taking the bottle, the chieftain drank the potion, finishing it with a single swallow. It took but a moment for the potion to take effect. Eventually, a bit of color returned to his scales, as his eyes swelled with a bit of life.

"That feels much better," Sonpra groaned, letting out a deep breath. "I do not suppose you have more of that to go around?"

"I can make more, if needed," Mycelia answered. "But for now, I do believe we have matters to discuss."

"Indeed we do," Uriel agreed. "Chieftain, who are all those other lizard folk around the village. Where did they come from, and why are they here?"

A shiver ran through Sonpra. Clearing his throat with a dry cough, the Chamael chieftain began. "The battle against the Five Greater Clans has shifted the balance of the entire land," he explained. "Old rivalries and hatreds are returning, as others are attempting to claim power. Those you see in the village are the victims and defeated of this conflict. They have lost their homes from the fighting."

"I am a little surprised that you accepted them," Uriel remarked, glancing back at the village. "You appeared especially hostile to us, when we first arrived."

"You entered our territory, fully armed," Sonpra grumbled. "These lizard folk came with their offspring and elders. We had no reason to raise our spears at them. We cannot keep them with us forever, however."

"Perhaps they can accompany me back to Nul Hunur with the exiles and Blood Crows," Uriel suggested, then switching her focus to Mycelia. "Would the surrounding city of Nul Hunur be able to hold them?"

"There should be more than enough space for them," Mycelia answered, nodding. "Although, we will require more provisions that what we have."

"The nearby forests should have enough game, I think," Uriel assumed. She then turned her attention back to the chieftain. "If they accept, perhaps you would allow us to take them off your hands?"

Sonpra did not speak for a while. He stared at Uriel, and rubbed his chin. "You're awfully kind," he remarked. It didn't sound like a compliment, however. "Why would you go so far for lizard folk you barely know? What exactly would you have to gain from all this?"

"I've see others suffer similar plight, and I've never had any real power or authority to help them," Uriel answered. "However, as the Overlord who now owns a great territory, I can do so. I may not know these lizard folk, but I do not fancy abandoning families to such fates."

"You are awfully kind," Sonpra muttered. "Just pray that kindness does not become weakness."

"I know when to lay down boundaries, chieftain," Uriel responded with a soft smile.

"Ah, my lady!" another familiar voice called out.

Turning around, Uriel found Jotun approaching with Ragosh and Sidra behind him. Compared to everyone else, the Drow appeared to be the least burdened. His clothes had a bit of dirt and tears, but didn't look the least bit tired or even injured.

"Jotun, you're looking… surprisingly well," Uriel quipped, trying to shift her surprise to optimism. You did extremely well brining our forces back here."

"It wasn't easy," Jotun sighed, crossing his arms. "Those lizards, the ones called Kompos I think, tried picking us off, whilst we were travelling. Though not as strong, they pestered us like gnats."

"Still, you managed to lead them back here, a large force of lizard folk, nonetheless," Uriel grinned, playfully nudging him on the shoulder. "Felt like a captain of the Dark Elf army again?"

"With the Blood Crows depending on me, the feeling never quite went away," Jotun chuckled, scratching his nose. "Regardless, what are we going to do next? Shall we replenish our strength to engage with the Allosaur again?"

"First and foremost, we're bringing the exiles, Blood Crows, as well as these lost lizard folk to Nul Hunur," Uriel answered. "Time to bring you all to your new home."

A soft smile appeared on Jotun's face. For the first time, ever since she met him, Jotun gave a genuine and almost charming smile. Not a single hint of arrogance or sarcasm behind that one smile. It almost made Uriel's heart skip a beat, reminding her that elves actually have a mystical allure behind them.

"A new home, eh?" Jotun calmly repeated. "It actually sounds nice to hear that. The others will especially be thrilled to hear that."

"It's not going to be perfect, mind you," Uriel mentioned. "There will be quite a lot to do before we can truly make it a haven."

"Perhaps, but at least we will have somewhere to stay, besides the wilds," Jotun whispered. "I do believe this calls for a celebration!"

"Nothing too fancy just yet, Drow," Uriel chuckled, patting his shoulder. "Perhaps just another taste of that wine you've made."

Before the conversation could continue any further, a few Chamael warriors entered the fortress. They dragged another lizard folk with them, a Kompos to be exact.

"Chieftain, we found this Kompos warrior entering the territory," the Chamael reported. "We would have killed him, but he called for help, and immediately surrendered, as soon as we appeared."

"You have guts to come here, Kompos," Sonpra grunted, leaning forward. "State your purpose here quickly, before we spill those guts."

"I-it is madness out there!" the Kompos warrior stammered. He shivered on the spot, unable to stop. "T-the Allosaur have gone completely mad with foul powers!"

Uriel could not ignore the conversation. "What are you going on about?" she asked with a frown.

"The Allosaur have been attacking several different clans, and turning its clansmen into their own warriors!" he shrieked fearfully, jumping up and down. "I saw them. They attacked a village. Those not killed were twisted and turned into mindless slaves through wicked magic! Ten clans have already been consumed by them!"

The entire hall fell silent, as everyone looked to one another, unsure of what to make of this news. "How do we know you speak true?" Sonpra then asked.

Before the Kompos could say a word, Jotun stepped in. With his one good eye, Jotun looked straight into the lizard's eyes and glared for several counts.

"He is not lying," Jotun then stated, pulling himself back. "The fear in his eyes are all too real for any deception. Whatever he saw, it has traumatized him to his core."

Mycelia frowned. "It seems that wicked shaman has learned worse tricks," she sneered. "No doubt after all this, he will turn his attention to us."

"Chieftain, I doubt you and the Chamael would be safe here any longer," Uriel declared. "I suggest you take your clan and join us back to Nul Hunur."

Sonpra growled lowly, as he say back. "If I had not seen what the Allosaur had done in the previous battle, I would immediately refuse your offer and stand on our," he grumbled. "However, now having seen how much of a threat the Allosaur have become, I shall accept your request."

"Excellent," Uriel grinned.

"Lady Overlord, what about my clan, the Ovoo?!" Ragosh asked, jumping in. "The Allosaur would most likely attack us as well!"

"Do not worry, I have no intention to abandon them," Uriel replied in an assuring voice. "Ragosh, you and a few of your warriors are to return to your village ahead of us, and lead them to Nul Hunur."

"Understood, Lady Overlord," Ragosh grunted.

Jotun stretched his arms. He gave a loud yawn, followed by a deep sigh. "Just when I thought we'd find ourselves some peace and respite," the Drow complained. His sarcastic demeanor returned. "Well, I suppose we ought to finally settle things with this Allosaur Clan."

"Indeed we ought to," Uriel sniggered, pressing her knuckles. "The Allosaur caught us by surprise when we attacked them. I do believe it is our turn to return the favor."