well, time you guys started posting, and derek will be out of a while so he'll have to pop in at the right time

Joola was sitting in the Okari School of Transformation, in the Kingdom of Sharaai, with the rest of her fellow apprentice-students, listening to Master Okari as he spoke words of wisedom to them all. He was explaining about the drought crisis, and how the kings had decided that the Princess of Trabe was to solve the problem by searching the world for the water with her magic.

"That's a stupid solution." Kikton whispered to her. "I could think of three thousand better ones."

Joola remained silent. Kikton was a good friend, but sometimes she could not stand his constant joking.

"And so, it has been requested that the best warrior from each kingdom be sent to protect the Princess of Trabe on her journey." Master Okari finished. Parri raised her hand. The little girl always had questions.

"Yes?"

"But Master Okari, Sharaai does not have warriors! Who should we send?"

Master Okari smiled in that way elders do when young ones ask amusing questions.

"We do have a warrior, Parri. One who is quite good at fighting, because she trained in the nearby kingdom of Labaras for her apprenticeship."

Joola's face turned white. Her?

"Joola, I hearby declare you promoted to official Transformer. You are to accompany a band of the king's guards to the kingdom of Trabe, to begin your first mission."

Joola was speechless.
"Yes, Master Okari." she mananged to spit out, simply out of habit. She was promoted to Transformer? No longer an apprentice? And her first mission already, so serious!

Inside, Joola was glowing with joy and shaking with fear. So many things had happened to her all at once! Not to mention how far away Trabe was from them. She was dismissed and went home, to begin packing.

Walking along a dirt path nearing the kingdom of Trabe, Malox thought to himself "this better be worth my time". Malox's had recieved orders to guard a princess to put an end to this whole world crisis, he could remember the event clearly



Back in Diatome, near a secluded area where a tent is set up, 2 people are talking while sitting on the ground after training.


"Malox, you know what's been going on havn't you" said Romus, Malox's instructor

"yes, but what does it concern me for?" He said in his deep bear like voice

"Our king has informed me that he wants you to go to Trabe and protect the princess that has the ability to stop this whole mess, but she is not a good fighter, that is why they ask for you".

"I do not wish to go, why do you not go instead?"

"I am to old, and you are close to matching my skills, please, you must, if not for me then your-"

"Quiet....."Malox looked down at the ground "I will go for their sake" Malox stood up hitting his head on the soft interior "I thank you, I promise to succeed in this, for my honor and for my family, with these" he said holding up his hands. Malox walked out of the tent.

*back to present*
The rattling of his weapon concealed under his jacket, combined with his foot stomps made some nearby birds flutter away.

Tasha sat motionless wth fear. She had no idea how to start or where to begin. So she sat. She sat on the third floor in the largest tower of their castle which was made of white stone. Her room was huge by average standards, but she had grown up there and so did not notice it's unusual size, or the riches that surrounded her.
Tasha sighed as she looked out the window. She knew what she was about to do was important, and that she was needed by not only her land, but by others as well. But still she was frightened. The world was so big... and she had never even been outside her castle for more then a days outing!
"But, this drought is killing my people, and other people in other lands! So...so I will do what I can!" She said outloud to make herself feel braver. It was true. The lands in this kingdom hadn't had rain for many many months. Wells were dry, river beds contained nothing but mud, and even lakes seemed to be dissapearing.

Tasha looked to her necklace. It hung on a golden chain, and at the end of that chain was a smooth blue jewel in the shape of a water drop. That necklace had been given to Tasha by her mother just before she had died when she was a little girl. Her mother had said it would be important one day, so she had treasured it. Tasha had always thought it was a silly power, to be able to locate water with a necklace. After all what would she ever use it for? But that had been before the drought. Now Tasha knew what her mother had meant when she had died. She had a mission now to help the people, and she would.

Other then locating water Tasha knew other small magical spells. She had the ability to heal, although it took a lot of energy out of her, and some time to do. Tasha hoped she coud help a little in that way. And like her mother, she had the unique ability of preseption. Sometimes her mother could see into the future, or get a glips of someones mind. Tasha was not nearly as advanced. But her mother had said one day she woud bloom and become just as, if not more experienced then she.
"I hope you're right mother...for right now I can't do anything useful...I can not even hold a dagger properly..." Tasha said to the air sadly. That was why her father had sent for warriors from other lands to accompany and protect her.
Protect me from what? What is it that's out there that's so dangerous? She thought worridy. And suddenly she was aware that she knew nothing of he world.

The warriors from the nearest kingdom should be arriveing within the hour. Tasha waited for her fathers call anxiously.

((Hey Joe. I think I asked you this before, but do I have your premission to add another character to our group? I want him to join later though like not from the begining.))

Joola set out early, almost a full hour before dawn. A trader's caravan was supposed to accompany her, but she hated traders, so she went out before them. She had her master's permission to do this, and so had no misgivings.

Her horse, Mita, was a brilliant black mare. She was fast and nimble, like Joola, and able to easily hide, especially at night. She was strong for a mare, also, and had wonderful endurance. The horse clip-clopped away steadily towards the horizon.

"I wish I were as confident as you, Mita." she said, as she watched the sunlight hit the city in which she grew up. It was a beautiful city, Sharaai, the capital of Sharaai Kingdom. She would miss it.

Two days later, Joola left the little villiage of Habra behind. It was the last settlement in Sharaai, and she would be in Trabe after she crossed the river. Though she had studied the Trabish language for most of her apprenticeship, she'd been nervous about speaking it until she reached Habra and was able to try it out on real people. She was amazed at how well it worked! Or rather, at how well she worked using it. More cheerful than she had been, she rode on through the countryside, just one more day's ride away from the Trabe castle.

(yes natalie you may use 2 characters)


Malox was now at the front gate of the kingdom in which a humongous gate stood before him blocking his path. On the top were 2 posts in which guards would be keep an eye out for anyone suspisious and to control who and what goes in and out.

"Hello!" Malox shouted to the top placing his hand to his mouths side. At first nothing happned, but a few seconds later a guard poked his head out "Who are you and what do you want?" the guard shouted back.

"I am Malox I've come reguarding the job" The guard went back inside. MAlox waited under the suns rays and felt himself getting hot. He removed a white piece of cloth from his front inside pocket and wiped his brow getting all the droplets of sweat off. After returning the cloth back to the pocket, the guard came back out and gave him the okay.

The large wooden gate slowly opened creaking as it did to slowly reveal the kingdom of Trabe.

Tasha had been instructed later that day to not pack. Not pack? Anything? She had asked. Her nurse told her that any baggage at all would be bad for her journey, and that she should pack as little as possible. Tasha tried her nurses suggestion but still could not seem to get any less then two bags. After all she would need at least a weeks worth of clothes, for she'd be away from a washing tub! And she would need money and food. There were many things she was sure she simply needed.
But then her father came in the room to check on her. He went through her bags and started taking things out of them. By the end of it all Tasha found herself left with only one other pair of clothes, her dagger, and a pouch full of money.
"But father!"
"You don't need anything else! The money will be enough to feed you and your group for many years if need be. ANy baggage is hazordous, for you won't be able to run if you are attacked." He said. Tasha didn't understand, and once more began thinking of the outside world. Was it really so dangerous? Before she could ask her father had left the room to prepare for the arrival of the protectors. He had gotten word that one had just entered Trabe's gates. He would be there shortly.
Now more nervous then before, Tasha went to her mirror and sat down. She stared at ehr reflection. She had long blue hair of a medium shade. It was stright near the top but began to wave as it fell down to her buttocks. Her skin ws pale, almost white with a seemingly blueish tint to it. Her skin was as soft as it looked, and she was easily cut by simple things such as paper, or splintered wood.
Her dress was a light blue with transparent green sleeves which fell down to her wrists like bells.
"I...I'm fragile." She suddenly realized looking at herself. How would she ever survive out in this world every one was telling her was so dangerous?!? Well...the protectors of course. That was why her father had called them. Tasha glared at her reflection, for the first time in her life wishing that she wasn't as prim, proper, and frail as she was.

'The girl is our last hope. If she fails in her task, the kingdoms of Granseal, as well as countless others will fall... That is why we need you... I have met with the girl before. She is frail... weak. Without you, she will fail before finding the first drop... You know why we need that water. Do not let me down.'

Zelos stopped in the middle of the path he was traveling. The words of his king rang in his ears. He was to protect the princess of Trabe. He was to secure enough water for his King. Using his materialization skills, he would protect the girl... at all costs.

After his long journey to castle Trabe, he finally arrived. The guards immediately waved him through the gates. Apparantly, Zelos had gained an admirable reputation in this kingdom, as well as his own. As he walked through the gates, he noticed many Trabe subjects staring at him, but keeping their distance. Zelos could never be sure whether it was out of respect, or fear. Either way was of no concern to him. He still had a job to do.
"Do not worry king Gallam. I will not let you down..."

Joola approached the city in which the castle stood. She was, as she knew she would be, coming from the back. She highly doubted they would let her in through the back door, even though she was invited, so she took the extra time to go around the long way and approach from the front.

The gate guards were rather unfriendly, but they let her in. Stable hands took her horse and she mounted the steps to the front entrance. Once there, she was led inside through a very elaborately furnished castle, much richer than anything she'd ever seen. It was also made of stone, which was amazing to her in itself, because everything in Sharaai was made of wood.

She entered the grand throne room. In it, by the far wall, on a great throne, sat a man decorated from head to toe. In front of him stood two men, one old and one young, both obviously the other warriors sent to protect the Princess.

Joola bowed.

"You majesty, King of Trabe, I am Joola Nassono of the Kingdom of Sharaai, sent to protect your Princess on her jouney."

Malox was now inside the castle where red carpets lay ina stright line, expensive looking pottery and old looking artworks hung. "follow me sir if you would please" said a butler dressed in the butler uniform as he turned away and began to walk to where Malox was suppose to go.

"Uh yeah wait for me". Malox remarked. As he followed the butler he could not help notice on how rich these people are and how they got that rich. "I would never be able to afford this in my life time, not that I would like to" He babbled on. "Oh yes" began the butler "this family line goes way back for centeries upon centeries and has always acted as a peace keeping nation amongst the others, I guess you would say we're the strongest." he informed "oh look here we are, right through this way, and I bid you good day" The butler then shuffled away with many things on his mind.

"Hello" Malox barked as he entered interupting some other persons conversation "I am Malox the manipulation artist of the Kingdom of Diatome, I have come on your behalf" He bowed down to one knee as his mastered instructed him to. It was a way of showing respect to the higher aristocrates, though he found it demeaning.

"Ah, Joola Nassono of Sharaai. Welcome to Trabe. I am King Edward II of Trabe. I'm happy to know you have answered my call." He said greeting her from his spot on the throne. "These two fine men are Zelos Reiyard of Granseal, and Malox of Diatome. Zelos specializes in the magic of materialization, and Malox in Manipulation. Gentlemen, Joola is an expert in transformation." He said explaining and introducing the three. He stood up then, rising from his golden throne. He stepped down the five steps that led up to the throne and to the level floor where the warriors stood. At the same level as the others it was revealed that the kind was much shorter then the three, coming up to only about 5'4". Despite his hieght and the roundness in his cheels and belly, he appeared to carry a lot of weight about him, and an air of importance. It was clear he was a king who tried his best, and suceeded in most of his tasks. He walked about the three, purpousfully having gotten off his throan so as not to intimidate them.
"As you know, this mission was come up with by all of the Kings in the lands surrounding mine. It was agreed by all of them including myself that this was the best way we knew how, of bringing the people relief until the Gods find it in their hearts to bless us with some rain." But it was clear the king was not happy. He began to pace.
"As you can imagine however, I am not entirely pleased with the idea of sending my only daughter, my only heir to the throne, and who is about to come of age to marry, off on a dangerous perilis journey. She is very precious to me and I love her dearly. I expect all of you to take good care of her and protect her. For if any harm should befall her...I will be very...very vexed."
He said.
"Daddy! Don't frighten them!" A light and musical voice said. Tasha had come down the stairs while they were talking, her light blue flowing dress flowing behind her along with her darker blue hair.
"Tasha! I did not call for you! I need to speak with the warriors."
"Daddy, all you want to do is threaten them if they fail to keep me safe! And that's no way for me to make new friends. I want to get along with all of them, since we will be living together from now on." She said. King Edward II crossed his arms infront of his chest...his daughter was right. Tasha, all smiles, and her yellow eyes bright walked over to the three.
"Hello! It's a pleasure to meet you all!" She said. She bowed politly, then her eyes simply lit up when she gazed at them all.
"Oh! Joola! I've heard so much about the poison darts from you land! And Zelos, you have a reputation as a very good fighter indeed! And Malox!" Tasha wanted to say something about his reputation as well, but was struck by his seven foot height. He towered over her small 5'5" form. "...why, you're so tall!" She smiled sweetly.
"I'm looking forward to travelling with all of you!" The King sniffled suddenly from behind them all. Tasha looked over. "Oh daddy! Don't be upset! I'll be just fine!" She ran over and threw her arms around her father, planting a kiss on his cheek. Then she quickly re-joined the warriors.
"Y...you three better take care of her!!!" He shouted, trying to hide his emotions but failing.

Zelos brushed his long black hair out of his eyes and looked at the princess from head to toe. A young frail girl who looked as though she'd never left the castle.
'This girl is our last hope? They must be joking...'
Studying his other companions, his hopes for success slowly dwindled. The girl Joola looked young and inexperienced, and Malox, while looking strong enough to complete the journey, seemed as though he would prefer not to go at all.

Nevertheless, Zelos felt the need to approach the situation with a sort of quiet confidence. He at least wished for the king to have more faith in his abillities. He took a step forward and bowed down on one knee before the King and the Princess.
"King Edward, I assure you that your daughter will return safely. I will protect her with my life... Princess, I am at your disposal. The world beyond these walls can be a perilous one... I cannot promise to remove every obstacle from your path, but I will do the best I can."

After his small speach, he rose to his feet and turned his back to both the King and the Princess, and began to walk towards the main doors of the throne room. Now that the formallities were out of the way, it was time to get down to business.
"I've made my preparations. When the rest of you are ready, I suggest we leave immediately."

Joola listened intently to what the King was saying, ignoring the rude entrance by the one called Malox, as did everyone else. She wrinkled her nose when he walked in. She did not like his demeanor. He seemed....frivilous, or like he was there because his mother told him he must go.

As the King was explaining the personal importance of his daughter to them, a blue-haired girl, who was more like a feather than a girl, burst into the room. When Joola figured out that this was the princess they were to protect, she wrinkled her nose again. The girl was more naive than a two-year-old child, and an airhead at that. Plus, she was chipper. Joola did not take kindly to chipperness.

The girl complimented each of them about something. The Materiealizationist was a good fighter? But he was so young! He looked even younger than Joola herself, and she was barely an adult. What has Master Okari sent me into? she thought.

Then the king who had at first appeared to be your standard, strong king, began crying. In front of people. Joola froze her face in whatever expression it had been in, in order to not make an expression of disgust.

The one called Zelos then bowed respectfully, gave a formal but to-the-point speech, and left to begin the journey. At least he had some sense. Joola turned to the snivelling king and bowed to one knee.

"Your Majesty, I also assure you the saftey of your daughter. Only my own death shall keep me from performing this mission." she said in the strange language. She then rose and followed the Materialization boy-warrior out the door. Secretly, she hoped the Princess would blow away in the wind the moment she stepped outside, and save them all the trouble. Then she realized that was not a good thought to have, and banished it from her mind. This was her task. She would accomplish it.

Malox was definatly not pleased with his traveling company, he expected more training-worn people. Being the last one out he had to leave hs assurence to the king as did all the others who were now walking out.

"Don't worry, I'll crush all who intend to harm your daughter using these hands" Malox said holding up his hands with the rings and chains on them to the kings face. With seriousness in his face and the determination of a mighty beast Malox turned and walked out with his thundering foot steps and rattling chains.

The others were still a short distance ahead of him, he decided not to catch up hastily, he'd rather straggled behind incase anybody fell into a trap or something, most likly a hole though, they don't look to aware to him.

Tasha frowned ver so slighty, but not enough for her father to see. She had always been easily in tune with others emtions, and sometimes although rarely, their thoughts. Her mother had the gift as well, and it was said it had been passed down to Tasha. Although her power was not nearly as in tune as her mothers had been. It was easy for any oen to sense that the warriors were not happy with her, and Tasha wondered what it was she had done wrong. Was it because she was so frail? She recalled being dissapointed in herself while looking in the mirror just an hour ago. Maybe teh others were dissapointed in what they saw as well. Saying nothing for not wanting to upset her father, she hugged him quickly, then ran out to catch up with the warriors.

They soon left the castle gates, and stepped out from across the drawbridge that led from her home and into the rest of Trabe. Tasha knew her own land quite well, even though she had not travelled in it herself before.
"We need not worry about my land. I've already supplied them with water a few days ago. This way we can move on quickly to the next people who need help." She said. Tasha was aware of the heavy air around them. Non of them were happy with her, and she could not help but to feel rejected. She had wanted so much to fit it. She cleared her throat then hoping to make some small talk.
"So Joola! It's nice to see a lady who fights along side the men! Is this common in your land?"

Joola stepped outside the castle and inhaled the beautiful, fresh air. The air inside had been so stale! Probably because the inside was so big, the air had nowhere to go.

She turned to say something to Zelos, but then Malox came thundering across the drawbridge and she shut her mouth. She had intended to ask the boy if he also disliked Malox, but she couldn't very well ask that now. Then the feather floated across the drawbridge as well, and the group began walking.

"So Joola! It's nice to see a lady who fights along side the men! Is this common in your land?"

Joola kept her face expressionless, in order to avoid scowling.

"I am no lady." she said. "I am also the only warrior in my land. We are a people of transformers and workers. Some practice the art of transformation, some practice work. I learned how to fight in another kingdom, during my apprenticeship. I do not know why my masters sent me to protect you, and not an older, wiser person." she said. She stopped as she came to the stable hand and told him to call her black horse. Mita came trotting over, looking like the strong horse that she was. Joola mounted her with ease, and then began trotting alongside the other three. They neared the gate.

"Which way are we headed first, Princess?"

Tasha was very glad to be asked a question. And more so, a question she could answer. She enjoyed being helpful, and quickly took out the map her father had given her.
"Since Trabe is far to the west, we should probably head East and hit as many town as we can on the way over to the ocean. This will be the quikest way to reach most everyone. Then from there we should loop Northward to get he town we will have missed." She packed the map away looking at her new protectors. She smiled.
"But you three are much more well travelled and have much more experienc ethen I. So if anyone has a better idea don't hesitate to let me know!" She said. And with that she turned eagerly east. The nearest town was int eh fields just outside Trabe. They should be there within a day if they travelled briskly.

"Hold it" Malox said with anger in his voice "I figured you of all people would at least know what the relations are over in that area". Malox walked in front of the group to stop everyone "Sorry to sound so blunt but I havn't had a good day". Malox looked at everyone in the face once with quick glances to make sure they were paying attention, they seemed aware of him enough

"Over in that region the Kingdom of Zakeru and Rigone are fighting, recently Regone has been hit very hard by the drought and is invading Zakeru who has not been hit quite as hard as them, as a result there is a large scale war between that land and the ocean, so unless you want to come face to face with weapons and soldiers I highly suggest we take an alternate route through the Fein mountains, those are our options, and just so you know that area is famous for it's airborne creatures such as harpes and black hawks, but I would much recommend the longer way through the mountains, I've had my tumblings with those monsters before" Maloxs' face was still covered in his usually look of sterdy anger which is why most people are usually afrid of him.

"Oh how dreadful!" Tasha replied. "But...our mission is to supply water. If we get those lands their water first, they're likely to stop fighting. Yes?" She asked.
"But I suppose...if you don't think it's safe. We could get water to the lands around them...and hopefully they will understand that we can't get to them unless they become peaceful." Tasha glanced at her comrads. maybe they would agree.
"Well what do you two think?" She asked hoping to be cautious and get everyone opinion.

Malox began to speak again before anybody else to rain on their parade, it's time they saw the world through his eyes. "Forget it, you would not stop the fighting even if you give them the water they needed. They have been fighting ever since the whole drought, meaning they have been killing eachother for quite some time since Regone was one of the first ones hit. If you give them the water there will be those who want revenge for their fallen comrades." He turned away from them "besides how would you get that much water to them with out them killing you as well, this is going to sound cruel, but we must leave them there until we can solve this whole crisis altogether, so unless you want them to keep dying, get a move on and finish this whole job" Then he began walking.

There was a long silence, so Zelos sighed in boredom. The journey had barely begun and already there was a conflict. However, Zelos didn't expect their first problem to be a conflict of opinion. Tasha seemed to know where she wanted to head to first, however she was acting very timid. Malox on the other hand seemed very sure of himself. He disagreed with her plan of action, and somewhat forcefully suggested his own.
"Both of you, knock it off." Zelos said, breaking the silence.
"Malox, your plan sounds well thought out, and is very logical. However... It is not for you to decide."
Next he turned to Tasha.
"Princess, this is your journey. We are merely here as escorts. If you need our council on matters such as these, we will be here. But keep in mind, whether or not you heed our advice is up to you."Zelos paused to look and see how everyone was reacting to his words before continuing.
"Now we have two options, we could go off into the Fein Mountains, or towards the kingdoms of Zakeru and Rigone. Whatever you decide, I will follow you there."

"Tch" Malox scoffed at Zelo's remark "You are a body guard correct?, then you should do your job and guard the princesses life, I will not condone a helpless princess to aimlessly walk into the middle of a massecre just becuase she feels right". Malox aproached Zelos trying to use his size to intimidate him "If you have a problem with that, you will have to go through me, anybody that would willingly decide a path that will definatly lead to her doom, is an enemy of me, what do you say...." Malox stared down at him.

Now Malox was starting to get on Zelos' nerves.
"I'm simply saying it is her choice. Never once did I say I didn't agree with you. If she decides to follow your advice, then so be it. But if she decides her own path, it makes no difference to me. Like you said, I am a body guard. I will protect her."
Zelos took a step closer to Malox, so that they were inches away from each other.
"...And just so you know, I don't respond well to intimidation."

Taking up on Zeloses challenge of wills Malox says to him "Tell me boy, have you been in a battle before, this is not chopping up wood in the shape of people or hunting animals, this is real people" Malox looked at him and followed up with "Even if you have been in actualy combat, if we go towards Zakeru, you will be face to face with people on both sides who see eachother as the enemy, if you kill one you will be targeted by the others of his side, you will be killing, not hurting, you have no choice in the matter. You will be murdering family men who you have never met before. They are people only trying to survive, and I wish not to aid them in there end". Malox still stood his ground "I'm not about to listen to some high class girl who never set foot into any real danger or talked to lower class people such as myself, and knows nothing of what lies outside of her land".

Malox took one look at Tasha, then Joola, both who seemed to be unhappy with what was going on, and then back to Zelos for a short while. Then he turned away "Tch" and walked a short distance away from the group and sat down on the ground.

Zelos sighed impatiently. Malox wasnt listening to him at all. He was just acting all high and mighty, and disrespected both him and the princess.
'This guy is completely overlooking the point I was trying to make...'
In anger, Zelos began to use his materialization powers to summon up a dagger, but stopped himself half way.
'No... He's not worth the effort. There are more important matters I have to worry about. Still, I can't let him show such blatant disrespect.'
As Malox turned to walk away, Zelos was about to say something to him, but was interrupted.

(Hint Hint, someone interrupt me... not you Joe)

((woah..people posted! Yay my turn!))

"Stop it everyone!!!" Tasha suddenly yelled. Even her yelling voice seemed soft and fragil, but it did seem to carry a weight that wasn't there before. "Both of you are correct. I DO have the authority to order this party where I desire, but Malox is also right I do not know anything about the world around us. If he sees it dangerous then I want to hear about it! I would be much more vexed if a person said nothing at all and let us walk into danger! So know this, I want your opinions, and I will most likely follow them because there are things I do not know of. But if I see it absoultly nessisary I can and will order us out of danger!" Tasha said, her fat red lips sticking out a bit.
"Now I agree to go over the mountains. So that is where we will head. When the warring lands hear of water in other town they will get the help they need later. Now let's go!"

Joola watched silently from her removed mount on her horse as the men battled for dominance, as men usually do. She pretended not to pay any attention at all, when in reality she was listening quite closely. She agreed with both, and was surprised with Tasha's seemigly wise response in settling the matter with an excellent compromise.

She decided Malox had won that particular battle, but Zelos was by no means defeated. And the Princess seemed to have grown some backbone already. It was true that she knew nothing, but perhaps she was a fast learner. Either way, it was going to be an interesting trip.

Joola studied both of the other warriors as they walked. Malox was very arrogant and it was extremely annoying, but she figured he had the right to brag or else he wouldn't have been sent. Zelos obviously placed a high value on respect, which she had in common as all people in her land were the same. She decided she liked Zelos better as a person, but Malox better as a warrior. That, of course, was only a temporary opinion until they fought a real battle...

Suddenly, Mita reared up on her hind legs. Joola had her back under control within seconds, but the warning was very clear.

"Everyone, silence!" she shouted, and they all fell quiet to listen. Mita was very uneasy. Joola withdrew her poison darts, loaded the spit tube and held it to her lips, at the ready.

((Someone else create the danger))

Malox was happy that the princess agreed with him and quite relieved, he would hate to go through another battle like the one he expeirenced. Suddenly as he was about to get up, he quickly changed his mind about that and remained sitting after he saw Joola's face and reaction quickly change. Malox was ashamed that he could not catch it from before, he could have caught that easily, but it's apparent that anger and arrogence got in his way.

he whispered "thieves" so the others could hear while still paying attention. theives were common around castle outskirts, what goes in and what comes out is usually high priced, and what better way to get those things than to hang around at the enterence and wait for them to come to you. Malox clasped down on his chain and prepared for battle.