The Return

[Rainbow Dash]

The calm echoes of the forest tickled Mammon's ears as he slid off of his colossal dragon, Baal. Mammon had stopped in the forest to bathe the grime off of his body that had unexplainably built up across his body. Mammon slowly undid the leather clasps that held his ancient armor to his body, he carefully ensured each piece fell to the ground and took no damage. Mammon stood still for a moment, he gazed at the plethora of scars that randomly fell across nearly all of his body, memories of wars long passed. After this momentary pause, he removed a single wool fabric from Baal's saddle pack and began his way towards a small waterfall that his sensitive ears had picked up on.

As Mammon made his way to a small clearing, he would pause to ensure no one was around, not due to a self concious tendency, feeling confident that no one was there to ambush him without a weapon or armor, he proceeded towards his bubbling fount of cleanliness.


The cool, soothing streams of cascading waters sent sparks of pleasure through the body of Mammon, it had been almost a century since he last had seen the woods of Du Weldenvarden, his homeland. As he slowly washed away what little specks of grime clung to his pale skin his mind flickered through age old memories, those of him being a small child and playing through these very woods, or the first time he rode Baal over the canopies of the massive trees. In a way he missed those moments, the care free feelings of bliss, the ability to enjoy life without worrying about the consequences of an action or a reprocussion that could be traced back to him. Mammon knew that those moments were all bittersweet, for in each and everyone of them he was weak, powerless, and foolish all of which were traits he currently lacked.

Mammon had ensured this through the near millennia of life he lived through the practicing of the darker arts of magic. He had grown to extreme capabilities, capabilities that some would argue was borderline Shade, Mammon agreed whole heartily with them. Mammon however was no fool, there was a fine line between practicing the dark arts and being possessed by it's pawns, a line Mammon often flirted with but knew better then to completely cross.

Mammon, someone approaches. The thick voice of Baal echoed into Mammon's well guarded mind.

Let them. Mammon's soothing voice reverberated in reply

Mammon didn't even bother to cover himself as he continued bathing, after all men, elves, dwarves, werecats, and urgals alike were born as nude as he was. To Mammon being ashamed of this made no sense.

[Trinn]

The flight from New Bromsland had taken Trinn and Thora only a couple days. The path they had taken had led them into the great elfen forest of Du Weldenvarden. Trinn walked silently through the trees now, as Thora soared somewhere above. There was no reason for her to be on the ground, really. She simply enjoyed walking through the forest and letting the peacefulness of the trees and woodland creatures wash over her.

Gradually, the tranquil sound of splashing water met her sensitive ears, and Trinn turned toward the source. It was not far off her path, and she enjoyed the crystal pools the forest guarded. Not long after having picked up on the sound, Trinn emerged on the shores of a beautiful glade, where two small waterfalls poured into a turquoise pool. Unfortunately, she was only able to appreciate the beauty of the spot for a short second. Standing in the shallow waters was a man. A strange yet familiar man. Trinn noticed with indifference that he was nude. She had seen worse things than the bare skin of a man in her long life. And this man wasn't at all bad to look at, though he was scarred, and his skin was an oddly pale.

At that moment, Trinn should have walked away. The man wanted his privacy, and she should allow it. But there was something that kept her rooted to the sandy shore of the water. It was the eery familiarity of the man that was trapping her to the spot. A familiarity that made her long for the hilt of Vanta. She refrained from reaching from her sword, though. This man was unarmed. "Forgive me for intruding." she said, unabashedly staring at him. He seemed not at all bothered by it. "I shall just take my leave..." Trinn turned to go, though in the back of her mind something told her to stay.

[Rainbow Dash]

Mammon heard the chime of a female voice, the tone held an air of familiar sound. However, he couldn't place where he had heard it before. A decision was made, he would entice her to stay, Mammon channeled energy into his eyes, clearing the whites of his eyes and creating the illusion of emerald green irises.

Nonsense, stay, it has been quite sometime since I have enjoyed the company of someone, other than myself. Mammon said, his voice holding a tone as clear as the waters that surrounded him.

Mammon turned, the change in eye color would create a slight difference in his appearance, and more often then not it was those small changes that counted. Mammon walked towards the middle of the small pool of water, the water rose up to his waist, enveloping and obscuring his "private areas" in their depths.

Come, there is no reason to be shy, we were born screaming into this world bare, why should we be ashamed of living as such? Mammon asked a polite smile sitting upon his lips.

Mammon extended his right hand, as if to invite the woman to join him. It was a bold move, but Mammon enjoyed brazen, bold moves, perhaps this woman would bite at the offer.

[Trinn]

There was something enticing about the way the elf spoke, something almost hypnotic. Despite her more reserved nature, Trinn felt the need to go join him in the crystal waters. The fact that he was an elf made her feel less embarrassed about entertaining the ideal of stripping and jumping into the water with him. Elves had different views on the body. Where elves reveled in being alive, in being created as they were, humans were humiliated by their nakedness and chose to cover it up. Yet there was a restless feeling in the back of Trinn's mind that told her this was not just an ordinary playful elf. There was something more to him. Perhaps that was why she chose to stick around.

Trinn... Thora warned in her deep tolling voice. But Trinn was already stripping down to her undergarments. It was there she stopped. No matter how long she had been bonded, she would always have a human mindset of humility when it came to the naked body. When it came to removing Vanta, Trinn did hesitate. Should she leave the sword, or take it with her into the water? Glancing back at the elf, she again noted that he was unarmed. Besides magic, of course. But she had that trick up her sleeve as well. Carefully, she removed Vanta and placed it atop her clothes.

Trinn stepped into the water, which she found was delightfully warm. She had expected the waters to be a bit chillier. Magic was always at work here in this forest, she thought wryly. Trinn waded towards the elf, but stopped a safe distance from him. "Who are you?" she asked, staring at him curiously. That feeling of familiarity would not leave her.

[Rainbow Dash]

Mammon was not surprised by Trinn's inquiry of his name, he knew he couldn't lie in the ancient language but simple stating a name wasn't technically lying, the beauty of loopholes. His illusionspawned green eyes met Trinn's eyes, he searched her eyes, memories flooding back into his mind for a brief moment something inside him screamed to stop, he subdued that thought. With a smile still perched on his lips, his hand still outstretched to clasp her own, as a gentleman would do a lady at a ball, he spoke.

Many pardons, I am Hvitr'skölir, or Light Shield in your native tongue I believe. You will have to excuse the temperature of these waters, I have been in the Northern regions for quite sometime now and the chill of the water reminded me of the harsh environment there, thus I slightly increased the temperature. Rest assured the temperature change wasn't enough to harm the fish that dwell within these waters, but enough to help relax some of my aching muscles and aleeviate some of pain of these age old scars. Mammon replied, indicating towards the scars that littered and crossed their way across his body.

Mammon allowed himself to enjoy the sight of Trinn's body, she had grown to become a beautiful woman, not many of the riders from their time could boast such things, seeing nearly all were dead. Mammon moved his outstretched hand a little as if to encourage her to grasp it and continue into the crystalline depths with him, his left hand laid limply by his side, the palm with his Gedwey Insignia facing the side of his leg in a manner that wouldn't raise suspicion.

If you would honor me with a swim and perhaps a talk, my lady?[/color] Mammon asked in a humorous tone as he bowed lowly, obviously mocking court manner.

[Trinn]

Trinn eyed Hvitr'skolir's outstretched hand. She surprised herself in wanting to take the elf's hand. It had been such a long time since she had indulged in a little fun. Her life as of late had been nothing but training young riders, war, training herself to be even better, and more war. How nice it would be to just relax and enjoy this beautiful day and the equally beautiful water. I smell something familiar below... Thora said then, halting Trinn's decision making for a moment.

What? she asked, though her eyes never left the elf's captivating emerald eyes.

A dragon. Trinn immediately came on guard. Was there another dragon rider in the woods? Or, perhaps, was this mysterious elf a rider? She nonchalantly examined his outstretched palm again. No gedwey ignasia there. But what of the other hand? Going against her better judgement, Trinn reached out and grasped the elf's palm. The touch left her feeling warm. "I would be delighted." She said, and curtsied in an equally mocking court manner.

[Rainbow Dash]

Mammon clasped Trinn's hand within his own, a smile sat upon his face. This smile wasn't the same he had given her earlier, it held a darker undertone, his eyes peered into Trinn's own, it was a look a wolf guised in sheep's clothing would give. This look faded as quickly as it arose, Mammon wanted her to be on edge, he knew her dragon Tora would be on guard and so would she.

Come, let me delight you in a short dance. Mammon stated in his faux kind voice.

His free hand would lightly touch the small of her back, allowing the short glimpse of silver through the illusion that masked the insignia. He would gingerly pull her closer allowing the hand that clasped her own to take the prominent leading position.

I would assume you understand how to dance? Step lightly on my feet if you would. Mammon requested, bits of his voice leaking through his guise.

As Trinn drew closer Mammon through the use of magic would weave the story of his life through the dance. Every movement and twirl revealing more detail of his life, his voice would soothingly reveal more to her as they moved gracefully through the water.

Do you remember me Trinn? I remember when you first joined the riders. That was centuries ago, you were so young then, so naive. I remember many things from the time before, mainly how foolish we were. These people, these denizens of the land don't want freedom Trinn. No, they are bred to have a ruler, to make decisions they couldn't possibly understand or grasp. They do not need a king, but an emperor who will not only rule them but guide them and safeguard them. Mammon explained lightly before twirling her.

As he brought Trinn back into his arms he would dip her backwards and drop his illusions, revealing his true identity to her. His face holding no emotion, it was cold, placid, unreadable, slowly a small wry smirk appeared on his lips. Then he would lean forward, place his cheek to hers and whisper into her ear.

They need us to rule over them Trinn, as Emperors and Empresses. They need our infinite wisdom to guide them eternally, for only the Riders can see things in a eternal scope of things, not a mortal king or queen. His voice cooed temptations into her ear.

[Trinn]

"I know how to dance." Trinn replied, and kept her feet to herself. There was something very strange and alarming about the elf, and it disturbed the inner peace she had worked so hard to have. Allowing him to lead her, Trinn stepped along lightly, wading through the shallow pool effortlessly. The water lapped warmly on her thighs, lulling her back into a sense of safety. As their dance commenced, Hvitr'skolir began to speak, and Trinn found herself nearly hypnotized by his voice.

At last the dance came to an end, and Trinn new that the man who held her so close was not Hvitr'skolir, but Mammon, a very old acquaintance. The plan he laid before her should have set outrage in her heart, if not fear. Instead she was allured. The land would hold so much more order, so much more peace, if it were ruled strongly by a great ruler. No freedom would mean no chaos. Trinn! You must come back to yourself! He is a trickster and a tyrant! Thora suddenly roared into her head, snapping Trinn back to her own thinking. With something like a hiss, Trinn deftly dislodged herself from Mammon. She studied him from a safe distance now, and though he still appeared a benign elf, she knew him for what he really was.

Thinking a phrase in the ancient language, her emerald rider's sword came quickly to her hand, arching through the air towards her. She snatched it from the air and moved into an offensive stance. "Greetings, Mammon. I must ask you to abandon your plans of rule or suffer my blade. This land had one tyrant king already. It will not suffer another."

[Rainbow Dash]

Trinn's outrage surprised Mammon, out of all the Riders he always had thought it would be her who saw the truth in his words. Mammon didn't flinch as she drew her blade and threatened his life, he didn't falter as he stepped towards her nude and armed form, his voice didn't quiver as he spoke once more.

Trinn, we both know what a waste of time striking me down again would be. Look upon my body, the scars, some of these strikes would have slain a mortal man...I am no longer mortal Trinn. Mammon spoke calmly as his gait brought him slowly towards her.

As he said those words his illusions would continue to peel away from his body, revealing the ancient scars on his fair skin. There were indeed numerous scars that should have been fatal, in fact they were, but Mammon had found a way to cheat death at the cost of a portion of his mortal soul. Mammon continued to speak honeyed words to Trinn as approached her, his voice barely above a whisper and showing no signs of madness inside it.

Trinn listen to reason, the Queen you protect, she will one day die and her children will one day die as well, it is the way of things. But you and I, the Dragon Riders, we are eternal, our wisdom reaches beyond a single generation. If we led the people here, not with an iron fist, but through our centuries of wisdom, there would only be prosperity. Mammon explained.

Mammon? Now? Baal asked through there mental connection.

Think about this Trinn, think with a balanced mind, with clarity. More importantly, think the only way we ancients can, with the long term in mind. Then come and find me with your answer. Mammon requested before dropping a single ring in the pool.

Yes Baal, now. Mammon responded.

A sudden burst of energy would be felt as the massive form of Baal exploded from the ground. What would have appeared to be nothing more than a giant mountain would suddenly take flight and within a flew strokes of it's powerful wings land behind Mammon. A mighty roar escaped Baal's maw, he threatened the dragon that stood nearly his size, and her rider which vainly threatened his rider. Mammon would stand unmoving as the beastial warning caused what felt like a gale of wind to kick up.

Think on my words Trinn, the ring will aid you in finding me, seek me out! Mammon yelled over the bellowing winds produced by Baal's roar.

With that Mammon would turn, mount his massive dragon Baal, and disappear into the blue skies. Only the slight flickering of his sword and armor leaving the ground and tracing their way to him would be seen, other than this the ring was the only memento of Mammon's return. The ring itself held a dark hue and inside it contained many memories of Mammon, some of his time spent as a Dragon Rider, others far more recent including the location of one of his many liars.