The battle raged on outside the carriage, swords clashed and men screamed as they were cut down. A crackle could be heard, not the roar of the fire but this sounded like ice cracking, then shattering.

“THE ARROWS TURN,
THE SWORDS REBEL,
LET NOTHING PIERCE
THIS MORTAL SHELL!”

A spellcaster? Was there one present? Was that the reason for the crackling sound? No, they could hear it as he chanted so unless he was very, very experienced or using some sort of weapon or device …

One of the troops in reserve caught Komi's new look, eyes wide in fright first then softened in amusement. He had heard that the Princesss was a spellcaster of some sort, that was why she was hear after all. His attention soon went back to the fighting at hand which must have been getting closer for he drew his sword though waited from where he was.

“For Tyrez! Onward men! Eradicate these fiends! Shore up the left flank. Archers prepare a volley there, take that spell caster out!” The commander was bellowing orders.

The whinnies of the horses, screams of the men and guttural groans and shattering sounds reached their ears as the twang of arrows could be heard to more crackling sounds.

Tyrez, the deity of the Taavar had stood for justice and valor. He was the embodiment of the Romantic knight and chivalry.

As a result the soldiers of Taavar were whipped into a zealous frenzy in the name of their deity. They were fearless in the field of battle but not stupid either knowing when to withdraw but they tended to defend their temples to the end.

There's was a god of mercy and while warfare was they way of life in Taavar, Tyrez embodied such traits as mercy, of justice, of law, but spurned his followers on to champion noble causes and right now the cause was to defend both Princesses.

Ophelia opened the carriage door getting the attention of one of the guards. It was clear by the way he kept looking away that the battle was close.

“Ice Golems and Blizzard Hounds, creatures and creations of the distant south … they are falling readily enough you Highness though our forces have fallen back to minimize casualties and fight with the strength of the offered neighbor and Tyrez's bless -”

The crackle of flame as the soldier let out a blood curdling shriek as he was incinerated before her eyes by a gout of flame from the heavens, an ear shattering roar and cries of concern.

“WHAT THE -”

'WHERE DID IT COME FROM!”

“ARCHERS! ARCHERS! CONCEN -” A scream cut him off in mid sentence as the carriage is hit by something large, the carriage tilting at a 45 degree angle but does not topple. Horses whinny then snort as it was clear that the carriage was moving from the powerful flap pf wings they were now flying as horses fell away from the carriage to their deaths ...

Net saw what happen to the knight and gasped there was a spell weaver on the enemy side and the sudden lurch of the carriage as it gain altitude was more then enough proof. Net looked out the window and could see the spell crafter. Net had to remain calm this time her spell couldn’t go arrive or more men would die because of it. “Light of Right, Light of Might, Strike down my enemies and remove them from my Sight!” Net chanted her eyes closed looking at peace.

Bright light suddenly burst from the sky striking enemy down left an right and a large shaft of light struck down the spell caster, he tried to shield himself with a shield spell but the powerful spell Net had created shattered his spell turning him into ash in front of the remaining men the spell weaver had. There was so few of the enemy now it would have been easy for the knights to clear the rest of them. Net opened her eyes and smiled at her friend Lia just before her eyes rolled up in her head and fell over landing in Lia lap. The spell she cast was more powerful then she had planned and with that kind of power flowing through her drained her of all her energy.

The carriage continued to flap its wings to an unknown destination while Net remained asleep appearing to being in some kind of nightmare dream. Net tossed and turned in Lia lap, mumbling something as Net hand was placed on her breasts then slowly moved down her body and it appeared the destination of her hand would move between her legs. “N-no not there ahh.” Net moaned in her sleep as her hand cupped her crotch.

They were in trouble. Definitely in trouble. The enemy had some form of mystical assistance. While the soldier was claiming that they had everything under control, he didn’t sound very convincing when he was seared by magical flames right in front of her eyes. The desperate commands resounded on the outside, and a blast made the carriage almost topple over. “Iiip…!” Ophelia gave a little shout of surprise as she held on for all she was worth around an edge of the opening to not fall out the other direction. The… the carriage had grown wings. Undoubtedly another safety measure to save the two princesses, just in case. A slightly more effective safety measure than Lia’s bringing the sword. She heard her friend beginning to chant again. By the sound of it, it was an offensive…

Quite rightly, it appeared that princess Llunet of Urik proved her nations magical might. It was… a really powerful spell. Ophelia felt just that tiniest helpless with only her small sword here when her magical friend was able to add so much firepower with a few well-chosen words. … Well, that was why Lia was now being taught by Net, although the process had been slow. The carriage continued flapping as it flew away… why were they not flying like this to begin with…? So, the powerful spell made the magical princess fall, and as the carriage had righted itself now Ophelia caught her friend in her own lap where she sat down, letting the magically exhausted friend rest. … Gee. Don’t exhaust all your magic in a single spell if there can be danger later. Though… Lia could guess it was for the sake of the soldiers they’d be leaving behind…

So, Lia kept her eyes peeled outwards for flying enemies. If there were any, it would now be up to her sword-skills to fend them off. Couldn’t let Net get all the glory, could she? … Though, hopefully it wouldn’t be needed. After all, Net was currently in Lia’s lap and…

Princess Ophelia blushed slightly as she realized what her friend was doing with her hands. She was… masturbating unconsciously? Was that a consequence of using too much magic? Would Ophelia be like this too if she used too much? The red-faced princess tried to ignore her friend’s indecent action and kept looking outwards…

Looking out at the field of battle the Taavar soldiers seemed determined. Their foes were golems of some sort, golems of ice and large winter wolves that spewed frost. There were few in number but powerful but as their commander was struck down the golems seemed confused.

It would not be long, Net hoped, for the Taavarian soldiers to win over the contest. Casualties would be high but they should preserver.

While Ophelia had believed initially that their was some magical effect on the carriage but in fact the carriage was now being carried by a foul red scaled beast, a large fire breathing dragon. Occasionally she could see a flick of it's tale behind it though it was clear that it wasn't bringing to their forces but away.

But the spell caster had not been the only one out their. The Taavarians had one to, a rather weak one but he conjured up a sparrow and sent it after the dragon who had been making his way off with the two Princesses. The commander would appreciate where the dragon was heading.

Ophelia had not seen any flying enemies outside of the dragon which had been about the size of a car if you did not count the tail but attacking it was rather perilous to their health as if it dropped them it could spell the end of their lives unless it descended a great deal though it would probably only descend if coming in for a landing.

Net had found herself entrance in a dream surrounded by hordes of flame creatures on one side and the ice creatures on the other. She was on a small circular island, he brother nearby chuckling at her.

“When father is dead I will be the rightful heir to the crown of Urik. You might as well join me now, sister. Your magic is feeble to my in comparison why you cannot even dismiss the conjured creature.”

The reptile brought a forked tongue against the breast of her nude body promoting it to hardness with those little licks. The scaly green creature hissed, the yellow eyes of the creature blazed with an unnatural intelligence as it comprised of a long body over 2 meters in length coupled with six clawed legs, one of which trailed down lower, lower still.

Her hands shackled above her head as the creature pressed a claw against her softer flesh.

“Dismiss it. Will it away sister, if you can,” her bother gloated. “Join me and I will send this thing away.”

The lizard cupped her sex showing it's hand was more delicate then she had otherwise thought …

With a crash the carriage dropped. They were now on a raised stone large enough to hold a castle. It was surrounded by a dome of magical energy, a small portion of it opening to allow the dragon through who deposited the carriage and flew out of the dome.

They were now in the caldera of a volcano. Magma bubbled down below and a few air ships resided here. In the courtyard several creatures waited to greet them. Dogs of flame, fire giants and one individual in orange red robes and a wicked green, not the summoner of the dragon but for now he was in charge so it was time to greet the new guests ...

Net moaned in her sleep as she tossed and turned in Lia lap unaware that both had been snatched up by a flying beast who was flying them to there captor. The dream Net was having felt so real and her brother was within the dream taunting her. “No you will never get the crown, you betrayed are people and was banished for it.” Net couldn’t tell where the laughter was coming from as she dangled from the chains on the small island surrounded by fire creatures, the creature never advanced but seemed to be there to keep her imprisoned on the island incase she used her magic to escape. “I’ll never join you, ever!” Net shouted back at the laughing voice.

The lizard man had been the only creature who was sentient that was allowed on the island with her, most likely to torture her. Net gasped and moan as she arched her back her naked breast nipple quickly getting aroused by the strange feeling of the forked tongue that was teasing the pink nub. “Ahh get away from me you beast Ngha!” Net moaned as she tried twisting her body away from the creature only to be forced to face it once more as it cupped her sex, its finger didn’t feel as rough as one would think from its kind but smooth as it threaten to be thrust between her soft folds. “Ahh get that hand away from there you monster!” Net yelled at the creature. Net knew she couldn’t will it away, her hands couldn’t move properly to create the right gestures to banish it from her sight that and she suspected if she could the chains wrapped around her wrists that she dangled from had certain properties that would backlash her with the her own energy she gathered from around her.

The carriage crashed hard bouncing Net off of Lia lap as she was abruptly awoken from her nightmare. “AHHH!” Net screamed as she grabbed for anything near her, which was unfortunate for Lia because what she grabbed before hitting the floor was the upper part of her dress before being buried in the hair she summoned up for herself by accident. “What the hell!?” Net yelled as she tied untangling herself from her own mess of green hair. The more Net tried to untangle herself from the mass of hair the more tied up she became “Ouch! Dam this hair Owee!” Net moaned and complained and when she decided to stop struggling she looked even more ridicules then before the way she became tied up.

Wait. Something was off, here. While she had thought that the wings were intended to carry her to safety, something was clearly wrong with those wings. And this direction. And that tail. In fact… Ophelia stretched herself to look out the window, still with Net in her lap. D-dragon. Big red dragon. They had been… taken. That was… too fast. Dragon. She could try to slay it, but that would end with the both of them… or only herself… dropping to their deaths. Actually, was there no floating spell in Net’s arsenal? They could jump, and then they’d throw the spell and they could float down safely… even though the dragon would most likely turn around to get them again…

“Hey, Net, wake up.” Ophelia tried to shake the magical princess awake. But… there was something strange about how she moaned and moved around in her sleep. Was there… something unnatural at work!? “Hey, wake up!” It felt bad to have to depend on her friend at a time like this. Lia was the princess of a martial nation, she should be able to fend off the enemy with her sword. And yet she had to be taught magic… but she wasn’t very good at anything yet. Any trouble she encountered was considered how to solve with a blade yet still. And now… gee, would her dear friend please wake up!?

They landed, with a crash. The dragon must have dropped them, as such it was too late to jump. Llunet woke up with a start, and grabbed for something to steady herself… which meant she got a grip of Ophelia’s dress before falling. Lia herself had been sitting rather steadily, so the crash didn’t budge her too much, but… rip. Before she had figured what had been going on, part of the right side on the upper part of her dress ripped and she was pulled along. Ophelia managed to brace herself in time, landing on her hands beside her friend and now her dress was hanging down and revealed the metal breastplate she was wearing underneath in case of danger… phew. Good thing she was prepared. Or this could have been really dangerous. Yes, Ophelia was usually wearing armor under her dress, just in case. “Gee, Net.” Lia sighed, and drew her blade.

With two rather fast movements, the martial princess had cut through the mess of a hair and given her friend a temporary haircut. Like, two swipes. No, it wasn’t something to present as Lia had no skill in art, but it was better than something to tangle yourself up in. Also, since the dress had already been torn, Ophelia stripped it, revealing the female-styled rather light armor she had beneath. It was styled to not restrict movement while still offer adequate defense. Might as well. “Use some magic to restore your hair, if you can. They are coming.” With that, Ophelia sheathed her sword, left her dress behind and stepped out into the courtyard of the castle in the volcano. A ready hand was on her blade and wary eyes inspecting the enemies outside.

Indeed, Ophelia remarked that it was a dragon that had the carriage in it's scaly clutches. The dilemma was there of course. Slay it and fall to their deaths perhaps or leap using a floating spell only to possible be snatched up in mid descent and be in the same sort of situation only worse with constricting claws wrapped about them the remainder of the trip would be uncomfortable. Ophelia noticed that the thing was far more quicker than she would have guessed too as if magic fueled it to move even quicker than it's already impressive speed.

Net would not wake for Bryne was making direct contact with her unconscious mind, manipulating her dream now able to alter it to his whim. His powerful incantation spanned great distances and while he was unaware of the dream it was his unconscious mind that shaped it now.

The dream was brief or so it had seemed in the dream. Time in them was relative though it was usual days being flashed ahead rather than a slow progression of things. The reptile, the taunting voice of Net's brother, all eroded as the dragon dropped them the last ten feet or so.

Smashed wood and broken spokes reigned out as they were dumped. With a roar the dragon left them to their fate after screeching out a roar and flying out of the dome. The dome magically sealed after it was out though the dragon was the least of their worries with all these fire creatures about.

The environment was nice and warm for them and a man in blue and gold armor approached, a black cloak fanning out behind him. The temperate in this dome had been cooler now. He approached with a small retinue of guards.

Prepared was the motto of most soldiers of Taavar and the Princess was no exception either. Her armor not as bulky but fine minthril make of elven design. It was light yet incredible strong and flexible offering her a full range of movement. It was indeed rare in non elfish hands it was rarer than it was amongst the elves but this suit had been a birthday gift a few years ago although it had to be altered as she grew throughout the years.

As Lia stepped out of the carriage, a hand on the hilt of her sword she notice two individuals, one in thick black armor, his cloak billowing out before him though with the back up of fire creatures he did not seem to fear the Princess. The other was smaller, thinner, dressed in red robes with orange trim along the sleeves and collar. The armored individual spoke first.

“I am General Galt. Until further notice you are to be our guests here -”

“Who died and left you in charge!” A robed individual stated, a scowl on his face, a face that was so strikingly like Aki's only older …

The apprentice gazed at the pair before him and smirked, they were easy on the eyes, probably not virgins so they weren't to be simple sacrifices to appease the dragon. If the were Master would have left instructions on how to sacrifice them and the like.

He had not known that one was Bryne's sister either. That did not matter to his plans. “Who's who? The Princess of Urik? The one of Taavar? It doesn't matter, I wouldn't remember anything so inconsequential. Master wishes for you to see him but unfortunately for you he is dealing with Frost and will not be back for a few days. As long as you are both alive when he gets here I don't think he'll mind us having a bit of fun with you two.”

Net was about to complain about what she did to her hair half was short while the other half was near her normal length when Lia said she could fix her hair with magic, which gave her an idea how to reverse the accidental spell she did at the sudden attack on the caravan leagues away Net could only guess at, since she was under some type of spell most likely to prevent her from free the two princess from the flight to there captors. Net had finally restored her hair and skin color and saw Lia heading out of the carriage and quickly followed after her. Net stumbled out of the carriage and as soon as she was out she notice the two figures coming up to them and wasn’t to pleased to see the one in the robes and the snide little comment it was making, the one in the armor on the other hand seemed more hospitable then the robed figure.

Net wasn’t very good at diplomacy in fact during something important the words would get stuck in her throat, she decided it would be best for her to stay behind Lia for protection and give her what ever support she needed, Net figure the robed figured wanted to know so he could prevent her from using her magic on them, though Net was highly skilled in practice her spells tended to go wrong in a crisis, she tend to get to excited while casting and mix up words if she didn’t focus on what she was doing. Net wanted to speak up and ask who they where and why they taken them from there escort but she was pretty sure she knew the why part, but the who part was the one question and wonder if the dream she had during the ride was the work of her brother who had been banished long ago trying to force the crown from her father hand so many years ago.

Net chewed on her lip as the one in armor proclaimed that they were guests here, but the one in the robe made it clear they was prisoners and playthings till there master returned, this scared Net she knew what was on the mind of the robed figure and the way he said it sounded almost sexual in nature, if net was to loose her virginity she wanted it lost to someone she liked or least wasn’t so evil and mean like the one in red robes. Net wanted to tell them they gotten the wrong princesses and that they was from another country all together making them think they captured the wrong ones but maybe that would have been the wrong course, they end up doing to them even worst if they was the wrong princesses.

Tsk. The armored guy at least seemed honorable enough, although still an enemy. The robed individual was just downright nasty. There will always be one or two of those kinds in any country’s chain of command. It wasn’t any different if talking about a virtual utopia or a nation of demonic evil. No matter what, there will always be those who are worse than the others, and what worse place to meet a such was there than the dark nation of Sorocco? If Lia though that self-centered advisor in Taavar was repulsive, there was no saying what this guy was. Now was a time to carefully pick words, or things could go truly horribly. Lia turned her head and whispered quietly to her friend.

“Stay strong, Net.” Lia herself wasn’t feeling very strong, but… “We can’t show weakness.” That was the martial training of a Taavar speaking. It was the best Lia had to defend herself with right now. Couldn’t… let the enemy feel superior on a mental level as well as the physical one. That would be disastrous. They’d be able to do whatever they wanted to the princesses. No… some respect had to be maintained.

So Ophelia held her head high, turned to the robed individual and stood with honor and dignity. Even when captured, she would not allow herself to crumble to fear. Should she be attacked, her trained instincts would protect her and her friend. No hand would touch either of them as long as Ophelia could have her way. … Which wasn’t long, should the enemy decide to attack, as well Net was considerably more vulnerable as Lia was wearing this elven armor and all… As such, she needed to use a desperate strategy to keep them safe. Though it sure didn’t appear desperate, as she looked at the robed man and spoke with a trained voiced of authority.

“I am Ophelia, princess of Taavar and daughter of (king?) Zeron. This is Llunet, princess of Urik, daughter of (insert name of her father) and sister of the ruler of Sorocco, Bryne.” Now to play this card. Ophelia’s glare hardened. “As I just said, Llunet is Bryne’s sister. Collecting her could very well have been his intention. If you chose to taint his sister, Bryne could get angry. It is true that he might not care, but would you take the risk? We are princesses, the pride of our countries. Are you sure your Master doesn’t want to see us first, and what could be the consequences of not letting him? Consider that for a moment. While you do, I will turn to the one who at least had the common courtesy to introduce himself.” While this strategy was very temporary, it was sensible and it protected them for a while. It felt a bit strange to take advantage of their worst enemy to defend them right now, but… Ophelia’s gaze lightened considerably as she looked towards the armored man again. … At least she assumed he was a man.

“General Galt. Please, continue. I assume you have information concerning us.”

(My apologies I never got a notification and didn't see until today that it was my post usually I post to a thread within a day so if it's been longer than something is usually up)

The robed individual appraised the two princesses before them. “I am Skald.” He appraised the two keenly as if deciding on a course of action. He knew escape for them had been next to impossible even if given the run of castle and the small settlement that was here. They would have to steal an airship but did not have the crew to operate one, only the larger ships had been here so they would either have to stow away one one or wait for a smaller one.

He glared at Lia, as she moved on to address the general though Galt did not answer as he shuffled a gaze at the apprentice as if knowing to answer would get him into all sorts of trouble. Now that he knew who was who, although he would have guess correctly he smirked. Their station would not save them it seemed.

“Master expects a nice warm welcome for the two of you but I will be kind enough to give you a fighting change in the arena.”

In the case of the larger ones departing they would make sure the Princesses were still here before departing, only made sense. “Let's make things interesting ...”

Skald made the order for some of the beasts of flame to join them. He escorted the girls provided that there were no troubles.

“One of Tavaar … as a Princess I would expect you to fight fairly well, let us see how well.” Skald smiled and nodded to Galt who took them into a large building. Skald departed from them then as Galt lead them on.

“Escape is futile.” Galt told them as they were brought into a warehouse sized building. There was a dressing room of sorts that the pair was brought into. Clothes of assorted sizes had been here along with a locked up weapon's rack.

“Get ready. Skald intends on you to fight. Loose and he will have his way with you tonight. Succeed and be spared for the day at least until you loose your first match or Bryne gets back where he will take over. Bryne harbors no love for his family after his exile. Whether or not you can change his mind is another matter.”

Galt looked at the two then turned his attention to Ophelia. “And I am allowed his scraps if I so choose. In this case I just think I might indulge in just that.”

He left them to get ready, returning to unlock the weapon rack when they where ready and the fight was about to begin.

The warehouse had been turned into an arena of sorts. Smaller of course with seating being on the second level looking down from the balcony level. There were double doors on the opposite side of the arena from the dressing room where their opponent or opponents would enter from.

It appeared that the two would be fighting as a team for this one at least. Nor had anyone attempted to disarm Lia or have her remove her armor.

Net chewed on her lip staying close to Lia as the warrior explained things to them of the rules of sorts, this place was so barbaric she thought how could they treat people of noble blood this way and treat them like common harlots. Net didn’t like that Skald much and what confused her the most was her brother behavior, yes he was exile from the kingdom for trying to steal the crown, or least that’s what people said he did, but deep down Net didn’t believe that her brother would do such a thing and even asked her father to reconsider his decision about exiling him. Net felt as if the whole thing was rushed to convict him, all the evident pointed to her brother doing it but he never seemed interested in the crown in the first place, at least not around her.

Net looked at Lia when the General left. “I don’t understand why we have to fight in the first place? We are of noble blood, shouldn’t we be treated with some respect and not looked at as whores?” Net asked, she was completely naïve when it came to the world around her, only knowing that of books and potions and the court life. “This Bryne don’t sound like my brother I knew? Why would he ally himself with such evil creatures?” Net asked her not knowing what to do in such a situation. Bryne may have not been her real brother but he was adopted and thought of him as her real older brother and he was always so kind to her.

Net decided to look around wondering if they was supposed to get into one of these things or not. “You think he was joking about us fighting? I never been in a fight before.” Net told Lia looking worried, all the fighting she ever done was wresting with certain live ingredients for potions she was required to make to pass her examines. “Do you know what I should wear? These things look so uncomfortable to even put on.” Net admitted and wrinkled her nose at the smell of them.

Net picked up an outfit that she thought looked cute and brought it over to Lia, “What do you think about this?” Net asked showing her an outfit that was nothing more then a leather skirt and corset with gold trimming on it. “Least this one doesn’t stink like the others I’ve found in that stuff.” Net said smiling as she placed it up against herself to get an idea what it might look like on her. “Looks like it might fit though the top looks like it might be just a bit snug but I’m sure I can fit into it?” she questioned the thought. “What did he mean that if we lost they would have there way with us?” Net asked looking puzzled about that odd statement Galt had said.

Ophelia held a grim expression as she was told that they were to be given a fighting chance in the arena. As if they hadn’t had such a chance, and he simply had the mercy to give it to them. How utterly kind of him. She had a number of insults she could think up on the spot, but she kept them at bay as it would likely only lead to trouble. So, she let herself be led.

What Galt told them needed not really be said. It had been obvious enough what would happen if they lost. So, Galt left. Lia and Net was left on their own for a while. Lia stood collecting her thoughts as Net started asking questions and checking for outfits to wear. She finally shifted her attention when Net showed the leather skirt and corset…

“It might be easier to move around in that then your dress, unless we cut the dress a bit to allow leg-movements. It works… but it is slightly…” Lia sighed. “… It could potentially look kinky.” She gave the fellow princess a slightly pained look, as she didn’t want her friend to be in this position. But… at this moment there was nothing she could do about it. Lia put her hands on Net’s shoulders.

“Listen to me, Net. We are captured. We are among enemies. Here, our noble blood is worth nothing. In fact, it only serves as purpose for them to humiliate and shame us as much as they can. Having his way with us… most likely means he’s intending to rape us.” Lia didn’t like this anymore than anyone would, but it was best to put the hard facts first. So was always the case back in Taavar. Without the proper information, you could not prepare yourself. So truth and bluntness were often approved of.

“We are going to have to fight to defend ourselves. I am not even sure if he’ll let us be even if we win, but we have to. Who Bryne really is doesn’t matter at this moment, because these people definitely are people of Sorocco. They will do it. So we must fight. Gather up all your offensive spells. I will do my best to defend you while you are casting, but please make sure to escape any dangers coming your way should I be held up. Let me get the enemies attention whenever possible. If the enemy has a spellcaster, take him out first while I distract those that aren’t, as he could neutralize us both without much effort. We are their trophies, they won’t want to kill us, but we still have to keep our wits about. Alright?” Lia looked very determinedly at Net. Hopefully, the less battle-experienced girl would understand her tactics.

… To be fair, Ophelia was not exactly experienced in battle either. Her father and country had made well sure she never saw a real battlefield for her own safety. The skills she had gained were all from her training and sparring with guards countless times. While she was reasonably skilled with a blade, she hadn’t… like… cut someone open. Even though she considered herself skilled… there was difference between real skill and real experience. As far as Lia knew, she could be completely useless in the arena. … But… she had to assume she could hold off whatever physical warrior came at her. Otherwise, there’d be no-one to protect Net…

Bryne was now King of Sorocco though of course the Scorched Lands were chaotic with few settlements and most creatures existing in small tribes or by themselves. The city of Sorocco, the castle which they were now at, was unified with numerous creatures present. It was one of the rare populated places.

In a war the Scorched Lands were tough to deal with because there were few military targets and what existed were in the heart land of the country. It had only made far more sense that there was a measure of magic on that dragon that hastened it's movements as it transported the two Princesses here in little time. An enchantment that they could only hope that Skald did not possess for if he had cast it instead of Bryne it proved that he was pretty powerful.

Net might not have liked Skald but if he possessed such magic then he had easily been her equal. There was no telling what other magic that her brother had taught him though it was obvious that it would have entailed a great deal of fire magic for her brother had inspired legends from the time he was born. The torches on he wall flickered and flared uncontrollably and if he had been born in any other nation save for Urik he would have probably been seen as a demon child rather than endowed with the bloodline of some elemental creature.

The end result was that there was a fire, his family killed and Bryne saved. He was going to be placed in an orphaned but he was the son of one of King Gerald LeBlanc of Urik and the King took the child as his having the wealth to raise such a child to limit death and damages.

The boy was though to have the blood of fire genies, of the Efreeti, twisted genies but Bryne was anything but twisted. He was nice, Llunet remembered how kind he was until his exile after which she heard nothing from him until recently with the whole war thing but to hear how he was behaving now from the big brother that she knew was a cause to be concerned with. Had he been born corrupted from birth and the exile just pushed him over the edge? That didn't seem quiet right either …

But things seemed to be barbaric now. Did Bryne no longer care?

But it was in the back areas of the “arena” where the two girls got to make their prep. Whether Llunet wore her dress or the leathers she found. Ophelia was clear with the instructions though hoping that skill translated into experience when all was said and done. She could only hope that her skill would translate into practical experience today.

In the arena they had been greeted by the cheers of so many things. Children of the flames. Skald gazed down at them, a smile on his lips, Galt now at his side and while Skald seemed to be watching Llunet for a piratical reason in the even that she thought she was going to hurl spells into the crowd well she would sorely be disappointed.

The sister of his Master cut an interesting shape, one that he definitely wouldn't mind topping as she writhed beneath him naked.

Galt being more of a soldier watched the other girl but while he found Ophelia attractive he was more interested in the way that she carried herself in combat. She was a Taavarian, she was of royal blood and he had soon know if their skill was legendary and worth all the hype he had heard.

The doors opened opposite them revealing some sort of onyx skinned creature. It had tusks and long flowing white hair. It's eyes red with a third eye cast in the center of his forehead. He thrusts a powerful red-orange blade into the wooden floor and summons up two smaller creatures that emerge in a burst of flame.

Some sort of demon. Reptilian winged creatures armed with glaives. Umri, the onyx skinned behemoth snatched up the blade though he sat back and began summoning up a globe of flame as the summoned creatures emerged from the columns of flame, red-black fleshy scales, an amber light radiating from their eyes their flying speed was a little clumsy as they streamed toward them, glaives at the ready.

Net decided to use the leather skirt thinking it would provide more protection then the dress she had that was made of cotton and silk, leather didn’t burn as easily as cotton did she thought. “Oh don’t be silly, I’m not that pretty Lia, think the only thing I have going for me is the fact I have long hair.” She told Lia as she quickly got dressed in the outfit, her shape alone made the outfit look sexy but the corset felt a bit tight as it seemed to make the top of her breast look larger. “How do female warriors breath in this?” Net asked innocently. Net had gotten dressed just in time when the back wall started to open on them revealing the arena to them.

Net gasped seeing the doors open, she just barely got the leather skirt on. “Those perverts, cant they wait till a girl gets completely dressed?” Net said and saw what they had to fight and swallowed deeply. “This isn’t fair Lia they have all them against us, its like they want us to loose and not have a true fighting chance?” Net said seeing the monsters they had to fight. Net looked at the one summoning more creatures, and she knew who her target must be first, it was the summoner, she never knew those creatures had the abilities to weave magic. Net wonder if this creature was kind of experimental monster to help fight with the nation of Sorocco to destroy her homeland Urik and Lia home of Taavar. Net got a look of determination in her eyes. “We’ll show these perverts that Taavar and Urik are not a nation to mess with.” Net said not sure if Lia heard her and stepped forward, what Net planned was something she never attempted before and it was a spell she been working on in private.

Net was able to cast this spell without words which was something rare for a spell weaver, Net formed an ark with her finger and from the tips of her fingers it grew as it traveled across the arena taking down anything in its path slicing them in half but the target she aimed this lethal attack was at the summoner who was conjuring up more monsters to fight for it. The spell had hit her target and continued on past it smacking hard into the wall behind it. Even with the spell protecting the wall failed to stop her spell creating a large hole in the wall. The impact of the spell she cast had exploded when it hit the wall and what looked like snow was slowly falling within the arena that had come from the spell. Net felt faint but she couldn’t let them see her being weak and stood firmly as she surveyed the damage of that experimental spell she had created.

Despite Net’s assurance that she would not look sexy in the leather skirt and the corset, Lia was not quite convinced. By her own standards, Net was quite the beauty. And now she was giving a show of herself by her pure innocence. Ophelia momentarily considered stopping her, but this was hardly the place. She just had to make sure that Skald would never get his hands on her, and then it would be fine. It didn’t appear that Net was too bothered or frightened by the situation at hand, which was good. An unafraid and not intimidated fighter was more efficient than the opposite. The both of them were as ready as they’d ever be. Now it was all up to their skills.

… So, that was the monster… monsters they were fighting. A three-eyed tusked reptile-summoning blade-wielding demon of some sort and his minions. Lia drew her blade and prepared her stance, although slightly frightened. But despite her fear, determination shone through. They had to win this. “Chance or not, we’ll win this. We’ll show them. May Tyrez guide our efforts.” Giving a small prayer to her god of justice, Lia darted a small bit forward and then stood with a guarding stance. She needed to protect Net from physical attacks from these flyers. Powerful spellcaster as she was, there was no way an inexperienced fighter like her would be able to stand against these in close combat. So… defense…!

Matching her footwork to be in the way of any flying enemies heading Net’s way, Lia felt the spell Net cast sear past her. The power in that spell amazed her. Truly, the daughter of the king of the magical island kingdom. Though, the attack was aimed for the blade-wielding demon, not for his minions. Which meant Lia would still need to take care of them. Awaiting their approach, the martial princess raised her guard the way she had been taught to, over her head, ready to sidestep any attack and slide her blade through any attacker, just as she had been taught to. It was time to show the fruits of her own training…