Into the Dragon's den ~ Closed ~

[LoganDarkHolme]

"You slobbered all over me...."

Markus stiffened at the comment; an eyebrow piquing up and for just an instant his lip twitched up but it was gone just as fast as it had shown. He let himself slide off the banister onto the balcony, Pain had seared through his body as he’d shifted, the bullet wounds still not healing fast enough but he managed to hide the pain well as he straightened himself and watched her walk into her room. With a sigh he pulled her clothing from under his jacket and tossed it on her bed “Here, you forgot these when you took off, I had them with me but unfortunately didn’t have time to give them to you” He hooked his foot on the desk chair and sat down, he needed rest, Transforming into his true form had always been exhausting, it took a lot of power and muscle to move a body that massive.

He watched as she moved to the basin and began to wash, a muscle twitched as he watched her, his eyes falling to her ass as she turned her back, but it was the streaks of red that tinged her body he didn’t like. Getting up he moved to her as she glanced over her shoulder appraising his clothing and the frown that followed “don’t worry about me, im alright, They missed me” he lied, but his voice remained so deadpan she’d never be able to tell one way or the other if he was lying or night.

"I apologize for taking off; I just couldn't sleep here, needed to clear my thoughts. Far too many memories have resurfaced and...."

Markus took the cloth from her and rinsed it, the water was luke warm at best and he sighed. Reaching down he grabbed the picture and poured more water into the basin then set it down “Here” he placed his hand in the water, he spoke not a word but within seconds the water began to steam and heat. He pulled his hand from the water and dipped the cloth in it and began to wash her shoulders, letting the heat of his hand as he channeled his dragon’s fire into his body to warm his skin he helped remove the blood and wash away the dirt.

"My name is Faelyn... you seem to already know my last name, Which, seeing how you are a dragon, it comes as no surprise. You probably knew my parents as well."

Markus said nothing at first, concentrating on the feel of her skin, her wounds. Grabbing her shoulders he turned her around, baring her to his sight fully, and his hand went to her head and the wound from the rifle. He gave an involuntary growl but was quickly cut off as he brushed his fingers over it, Markus fingers tingled as he traced the wound, the bump slowly receding and the pain being drawn away he stepped back and sighed

“I know who you are, I knew the minute I saw you Faelyn. Yes I knew your parents, I knew most everyone. When you live as long as me you make a lot of allys………and enemies….” Markus returned to his chair and sat down, with an exhausted sigh he crossed his legs, his hands intertwined and resting on his stomach his silver gaze watched her.

"I.... I owe you my life, I.... I promise I won't leave till I can repay you for all the trouble I have caused."

“you owe me nothing young one.” There was a hesitation in Markus’ voice but he supposed it was time to tell her the truth, with a heavy sigh he ran his hand through his hair pulling it back from his face and tucking it behind his ear so that for the first time his face wasn’t obscured and she could see all of him,

“If anything it is I who need to apologize to you…” He sat there for a few moments, gathering his thoughts “Your powers, the untrained magic you possess……..is because of me…..”

 

[katalynn]

The clothes he tossed on the bed were the least of her concerns, Faelyn knew he was in pain by the vibe that poured off him. Judging by the holes and blood in his clothes, she knew they didn't miss their target. And it made her gut twist all the more knowing it was her doing, then again how was she to know the hunters would be out there so quickly. Any argument she had was cut short when he approached behind her, watching as he heated the water and took the cloth.


There was an involuntary flinch towards the first contact of his hand, silently cursing at herself because of it. However, it wasn't long before the world around her vanished as the heat from his hands rushed through her, letting the fears melt away in those few moments. Another sensation coursed through her, one that felt similar to what she felt when his tongue moved underneath her. Only this time it became more intense, leaving her slightly breathless.


A slight whimper of disappointment escaped when he turned and sat back down, leaving her with a sense of loss that she couldn't understand. The last thing he said though took her by surprise and struggled to regain some composure before responding.

"You remind me of a dragon I met as a child. Though, I was much to young to remember a lot about his visit. My parents never talked about him after that."

Faelyn finished washing up and dried off, wondering how things were his fault. She grabbed a comb and climbed into bed, looking at him curiously as she started to comb through her hair. The whole time studying his features, trying to recall if she remembers him at all but always drew a blank. The way he looked at her with those piercing silver gaze didn't help in the least, making her uneasy as she sat there putting the focus back to her hair instead of staring at him.

"I fail to see how any of this is your fault though. My magic isn't used anymore because I can't trust it, something happened a very long time ago and..... well.... it frightened a lot of people, including myself. That is my fault though, my fault for running away from it and never learning how to control it."

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

"You remind me of a dragon I met as a child. Though, I was much to young to remember a lot about his visit. My parents never talked about him after that."

Markus looked at her, his silver eyes looking through her as his thoughts rolled through his head, with a sigh he flipped his head forward so his hair flipped over and covered his face, as he sat back up he ran his hand through is hair and it changed before her eyes, going from its raven black to a silver tinged white color, eyes turning from silver to blue, making his Elvish features stand out more against his pale skin, his clothing chaging as well into well tailored silvered Robes of a highbourne Elf and he looked to her, seeing her eyes widen in recognition

“Yes, it was me.” Was all he said as he watched her stammer, he rose to stand, smoothing out the robes he wore. Having not worn this look for Centuries he’d forgotten how well they fit and how smooth they felt. He slipped his hands behind his back holding his wrist and stood with a regal pose.

"I fail to see how any of this is your fault though. My magic isn't used anymore because I can't trust it, something happened a very long time ago and....

Markus held up his hand, stopping her mid sentence. Again he seemed to debate but sighed again, his eyes bleeding from blue back to their silver color. “When you were born, a plague had been streaking through your village, Contracted from an infected deer that was killed and butchered for meat. Normally viruses aren’t transmittable between species but this one was. “

Markus paced, looking through the glass of the patio doors into the night air. “a lot of new born children contracted it, spread quickly through body fluids shared from parents to children, breast feeding mostly, some just enough to start on solid food. I had been passing through the area and stopped looking for a place to rest. Some saw I was a highborne Elf and knew of the magic they possessed and begged me for help.” There was a catch in his voice, the first show of emotion she’d seen “I was able to use my powers to help fight the illness, even eventually cured it through much study and error. Your parents came to me one night, you were deathly pale. Barely breathing, you wouldn’t have survived the night”

He turned his back to the door, the memory replaying in his mind “you weren’t strong enough to be able to live through the night and let the cure help you. Against everything I’ve ever been taught since I was a young hatchling, I used my blood, added to the cure the strength of my magic cured you nearly instantly. It wasn’t until years later that I received a message from your parents. You were…………..” he flip flopped on the phrasing “Displaying side effects I had never thought possible from such a small drop of my blood. But I was able to suppress the magic you had inherited. Intent on returning when you were older and could understand to teach you what you would need to know to wield the power you hold.”

He moved to her, his steely coldness returned, as if he’d disconnected from the moment “Then the raid on your village as the wars began to grow, and I lost track of you. Until recently…”

 

[katalynn]

Faelyn knew deep down she had seen him before, there were things about him that felt familiar, his scent and voice is what mostly caught her attention the most. The features were similar, just not quite the same as she remembered, until he changed his appearance right in front of her. The sudden change took her by surprise, seeing the man from a faded past. At first she didn't know how to respond as the emotions flooded any thought that came to her. When he started to tell the story about the plague, she fell even more silent, watching him at first as he moved to the glass doors, listening to what he had to say.

By the time he had finished, her head was lowered allowing some of her hair to hide the emotions that crossed her face. That was the time she allowed herself to bury, so much had happened during the raids.

"I had to run. Some of them blamed me for so much and at the time I believed them. The fires from the volcano erupted during a fight I was in. I do not know if I was the cause of that or not, but they felt like I was."

The tone in her voice was distant as the memory of that time replayed, remembering how angry they had gotten with her, how terrified the children were. Faelyn couldn't look up though, keeping the focus on her hair that she was barely combing now.

"It seems as if it is you that brought me back here. I had started to have dreams again, dreams that should have remained buried for centuries. A month ago they crept back and you were in most of them, next thing I knew I am back here. I couldn't understand why at first, I never wanted to come back to this place."

She still wasn't quite sure how to respond to all this, with a soft sigh Faelyn wiped the tears that started to break free, shaking her head slightly fighting the urge to let the memories break her down again.

"I still don't blame you for any of what happened. There is never any telling what dragons blood will do to a person. You were just saving a childs life... I can not blame you for that."

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

"I had to run. Some of them blamed me for so much and at the time I believed them.

Markus sighed, rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands, shaking his head in frustration and she began to fill in unknown information. It pricked his own memories as well as he thought back to those days. It seemed like eon’s ago. That he’d buried the thoughts of the day that village fell. Human’s had found it by accident while out hunting food. The old prejudices the humans even to this day still continued to thrive on, they came back in force against the Elves’ who lived there wanting to make slaves of the women. He’s interceded on behest of the Elven council Driving the human’s out, but not before they torched and razed the village.

"It seems as if it is you that brought me back here. I had started to have dreams again, dreams that should have remained buried for centuries. Next thing I knew I am back here. I couldn't understand why at first, I never wanted to come back to this place."

It’s the dragon’s blood you carry. Blood always seeks it’s own. Even a single drop, what I gave you, has such potent ability’s in and of itself, which is why Dragon’s have been sought after for so many ages. Back when we shared our magic and gift of healing with humanity then greed took over. It’s why there are so few left, the others retreated instead of always fearing to be hunted and killed…

He sighed as he rose to stand once more, watching as she wiped her tears away, pained that he’d caused her so much pain over the decades. He moved to her again, cupping her cheek so that his thumb could wipe away her tears, his silver eyes searching hers, his mind reaching out to hers, Telepathy he hadn’t used in years sparking to life as he scanned her memorys, like a fast forward picture, cataloged and compartmentalizing it all for later.

"I still don't blame you for any of what happened. There is never any telling what dragons blood will do to a person. You were just saving a childs life... I can not blame you for that."

His smile softened, “you may not blame me child, but I blame myself. As old as I am, I should have known better. I should have found you and returned you here, raised you myself. I blame myself, Faelyn, for not being there for you like I should have been”

He pulled from her and moved to the painting of her and her parents “I made a vow that I failed to keep, a vow between dragon’s is a life’s vow, you uphold it, or die. I vowed to your parents and the council to help you control your powers and protect you. I and I failed….” He stared at the painting

 

[katalynn]

The silence was left hanging in the air while Faelyn processed everything he said, little did he know, the way he blamed himself like that only made her feel worse. The feeling he created when he held her teary gaze only confused her more, the emotions ran wild within her and the more she tried to tear her gaze away, it only made her realize she couldn't..... Falling into the depths of those silver eyes was something that had a familiar sense of comfort, something she couldn't place right away. Then he broke the spell when he move away, bringing her back to the here and now.

"But you were always there for me."

The words came out softer than she expected, uncertain if they truly did break the silence or not. With a heavy sigh and shaking her head, slightly, Faelyn got up from the bed and went to wash her tear stained face. Again, shaking her head at thought of all these things, speaking to him as if they were long forgotten friends of another time. In reality, she barely knew him as a person, the memories of him were simple faded childhood dreams. A slight laugh escaped unintentionally at some random memory while she grabbed a cloak off the chair, wrapping it around her naked form.


"No matter who is to blame, if there is truly any blame, you were always there. For the longest time you were calling me back. Instead, I ran deeper into the mountains, refusing to return..."

It was here she paused, debating on how to continue and poured out some wine in two cups, offering him one. Looking at the same painting made her smirk a little remembering the day it was being painted and how she couldn't hold still for the life of her, the parents were fussing to keep a hold of her.

"You were always in my dreams, for as long as I could remember. At first they were just simple things, things that a child would most likely dream... Then as I got older..."

Another pause, thinking of the best way to go about this, the blushing that suddenly painted her cheeks giving away the rest. Quickly she turned towards the balcony doors, looking out towards the sunrise.

"To say the least, the dreams became pretty intense."

A slight laugh broke as the words came out, still not exactly how it was worded in her thoughts, but shrugged it off and opened the doors, walking out onto the balcony. For the first time in a long time she felt relaxed, finding someone from her time, knowing just how bad things had gotten with her people. This whole time feeling like she's alone in this world.

"After so long, I had thought about seeking you out, once I came close just to see if you were real or just some fantasy. That's when I decided to live a wild life as the panther and raven. The dreams didn't seem to be so real in animal form, I hid myself from everything....."

Taking a sip of the wine, wrinkling her nose from the unfamiliar taste, looking over her shoulder back towards him, almost like she is making sure he is truly real, in the flesh. Without warning, some flashbacks of those dreams attacked her, making her turn head away quickly shamefully at such thoughts.

".....including the dreams of you."

Faelyn wasn't sure of what else to say, already embarrassed by her confession of the dreams, knowing deep down in the twisting gut, he had to of guessed the nature of those dreams. The heat in her cheeks alone she knew gave him more information that she wanted to share. Doing her best to avoid his gaze, once more watching the sun come over the mountains and sipping on the wine. A smile twitched at her lips at an after thought, taking a sideways glance in his direction.

"I think the look you had before fits you better. You look good in black...."

Turning her gaze back out towards the woods, biting her lip in disbelief that she actually said that out loud. Feeling the heat rush to her cheeks once more, feeling like a fool that just keeps on embarrassing herself, biting her tongue to keep from sounding more foolish.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

"After so long, I had thought about seeking you out, once I came close just to see if you were real or just some fantasy. That's when I decided to live a wild life as the panther and raven. The dreams didn't seem to be so real in animal form, I hid myself from everything....including the dreams of you."

Markus stayed looking out the window. His brows furrowed as he listened to her finally break down, and talk about her past. Thoughts, images floated through his mind. While he can’t say he’d had dreams of her, finding her had been a priority for his people. She was his blood, If by accident, still she was his. Dragon’s had always been attracted to their blood. Survival, strong blood meant strong gene’s to pass on to the future. His shoulders slumped as he sighed. Turning finally to look at her he opened his mouth……then closed it. What did he say? Sorry was pointless now, that he’d caused her this pain, he still blamed himself for everything, wether she did or not was of little consequence to him.

"I think the look you had before fits you better. You look good in black...."

Without thinking his form melted back to the way he’d been, his clothing changing back to his black coat and clothing. His hair however talking on a mix of the white and the black to give it an odd glow.

“Yes I find black to be more slimming as well, hard to hide several thousand pounds in a suit” he gave her a mocking grin. But crossed the floor, taking her into his arms and hugging her tight

 

[katalynn]

The simple embrace sent a tidal wave of emotions through Faelyn, uncertain of what it all meant at this time. She stood there frozen with her face buried in his chest, trying to regain control over the pounding in her chest and breathing. These emotions and memories are suppose to be long forgotten, buried in the past and she wasn't about to allow them break her more than they already have. Faelyn took a deep breath and held it for a few seconds, laying the past to rest once more. The embrace still made her slightly uncomfortable, though she pushed that to side for the time being, forcing herself to accept the kindness.

It took her a moment to break through the many emotions and when she finally looked up to meet those silver eyes, she just smiled, the sadness and pain slipping away. Slowly ran her fingers through his hair, admiring the mixture of colors before placing both her hands on his chest, feeling the guilt he has been holding onto all this time.

"Listen... I have no regrets of how my life ended up. I do not even know that life anymore, I do not know the people in that painting. That is a part of my life that has vanished many, many seasons ago. I do not regret the choice of running away. I live a good life without rules, I never became a slave to the human, I was never thrown into a cage to be abused like many of my people did. Any future my parents had planned for me died in those times. If I had stayed, I most likely would not be standing here right now."

Faelyn didn't know how to take away his pain or guilt of what had happened, the most she could hope for is being able to set his mind as ease about the whole deal. Her hands began to glow a light blue, allowing him to feel the truth of her words and how the past has no meaning for her any longer and how happy she truly is with her life.

"There are no regrets as to how I have lived all these seasons. I have never been so grateful for how things happened. I could have come back, I could have lived among the humans, instead I chose the wild. That choice has made my life a happy one. The past is dead, a faded memory there is no reason to dwell on it and keep it alive."

For a split moment she wanted to kiss him, having the real thing right here with his heat and a scent that had a way of confusing all other senses, never compared to the dreams. Instead of falling further into the mixed feelings for him, she pulled away from him and walked towards the fire, staring into the flames and changing the subject.

"Where do we go from here? Now that you have found me, what happens now? What happens to me?"

Looking back over her shoulder towards Markus with a slight hint of regret for putting him in danger, just as quickly looking down at her thigh, examining the hunters mark that ruins her flawless skin.

"I've never ran into a hunter that was capable of keeping up with me like he did. And this mark clearly prevents me from leaving.I know you are marked as well, I felt the power pouring off each mark. Is there a way to remove them?"

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

"There are no regrets as to how I have lived all these seasons. I have never been so grateful for how things happened. I could have come back, I could have lived among the humans, and instead I chose the wild. That choice has made my life a happy one. The past is dead, a faded memory

He flinched some at her words. To Dragon’s they always remembered everything, analyzed every aspect of an encounter or event in their life spans, always seeking to find new answers, new information. Dragon’s weren’t without feelings or emotion. But over time as their intelligence and mastery of magic grew so did their interest in emotion itself, reaction, information of all kinds, sciences, technology as it changed. They became immersed in knowledge and the power in itself that it gave them.

Where do we go from here? Now that you have found me, what happens now? What happens to me?"

Markus pulled back from her. Cupping his hands behind his back it gave him an almost regal “haughty” look as he cocked his head to one side, an eyebrow peaked as he thought over her question and the events that had transpired in the last 72 hours. “Well………for starters we need to refine your powers, find out what you can and cannot do and what my blood has given you, in essence you will need training, “ Markus lifted his hand, palm facing up the air within his palm shimmered, and a book slowly took form. An ancient tome bound in cured leather, massive in size it was a wonder he could hold it in a single hand. As the book took form he gripped it in both hands and moved to the writing desk in the corner of the room and laid the book down, whispering a soft incantation he pressed his hand over it and the book gave a soft green glow then it faded. Markus turned his head to look at her

“This tome, has been collected over the millennia by my brethren and I, it contains ancient incantations, spells, and the wisdom of all the great races on the planet since the dawn of time. It is a great history of how magic was gifted to all races and passed down through certain bloodlines. It was written in ancient Draconian but the magic I have placed on it will allow you to read it and understand it. Understand your gifts; I will also be selecting a few choice instructors from among my guests to help you with your training as well”

He pulled back from the book and turned to face her again a soft smile on his face as he listened to her question

"I've never ran into a hunter that was capable of keeping up with me like he did. And this mark clearly prevents me from leaving. I know you are marked as well, I felt the power pouring off each mark. Is there a way to remove them?"

Markus shook his head briefly, crossing his arms sighed “The Laughlin blood line, They are famed hunters, gifted the most basic of magic from a pact made centuries ago between a witch and the first hunter to hunt and kill were-wolves who were terrorizing the country side they soon branched out to kill anything and everything preternatural.” Markus side and pulled out the chair from the writing desk and sat down, for an instant weariness and pain flitted across his face before he schooled it back to his normal features. “As of yet, I have not had time to find a counter spell to remove the tracking spell from their bullets, Even with the spells and wards I have still having to expend a great amount of power to hide us from them.”

Markus sighed again, weary at last. “I have killed at least a ¼ of the Laughlin bloodline in the last 72 hours, im afraid my letter to Amaranda will not go over well. It will soon be war I fear, or vengeance.”

 

[katalynn]

....... refine your powers.... in essence you will need training.... These were words she hasn't heard in so long, at first cringing at the thought of actually using those powers again, remembering just how out of control they were. There was a moment when she couldn't tear the gaze she had on the giant book before her, shaking her head slightly in disbelief. The magic she knew was just enough to stay alive, easy and simple, anything beyond that always frightened her. Faelyn looked between him, the book and the picture of her parents, wondering what to do, what to say.

In reality, there isn't much one can say to such things, and deep down it isn't like she had anything better to do to pass the time. One thing is clear though, the frustration and fear of such a request flickered through her eyes. There was a need to protest against, yet when looking at Markus and seeing how exhausted he is, Faelyn bit her tongue and refrained from any argument.

"I only know basic things. Some healing, starting fires, levitation... simple things. Nothing more. My emotions get in the way too much, makes it to where most other spells get out of hand."

Faelyn spoke softly, looking back towards the picture and feeling as if her parents were sitting there judging her. Slowly she reached up, taking the picture and facing it down on the shelf to block them out of sight. With a soft sigh, she walked towards Markus, taking his hand urging him to lay down on the bed. She can see that he needed rest, saw the pain cross his face a few times since they've returned and Faelyn insisted that he get some rest.

"Do not worry about me, I highly doubt I'll be able to sleep anytime soon."

Once more ran delicate fingers through his hair and away from his face, smiling as if nothing else mattered in this moment. This time she didn't hold back, not giving it any thought and allowing her lips to meet with his. The kiss may have been simple, although she used the moment to absorb the pain from his wounds. Faelyn held onto the kiss until she no longer felt the painful wounds, also a small part of her didn't wish to break the kiss, letting it linger for a moment longer before finally breaking away.

Instantly she felt the heat rush to her cheeks and immediately lowered her face to hide the embarrassment. Silently scolding herself for making such a rash move, knowing there were other ways to heal.

"I...I.... It is the least I can do. I caused you all that pain, the least I could do is to remove the pain...... You should get some rest now."

Faelyn turned her back towards him, still frustrated with herself for kissing him like that. Quickly looking towards to the book, finding a reason to distract herself from what she just did, perhaps even distract all the other thoughts and questions that were pouring down on her.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

"I...I.... It is the least I can do. I caused you all that pain, the least I could do is to remove the pain...... You should get some rest now."

Markus was stunned as she kissed him. The soft run of her hand through his hair then her lips on his he froze. It had been so long since anyone had dared touch him that he just didn’t know how to react. His usual was to back away from the touch but seeing as he was sitting all he could do is look at her. His nose flaring as her scent wound around him. As quickly as the kiss came she pulled back, he felt the flush of her desire and the blush on her face as she stuttered and backed away. He watched her go to the book after hiding the picture of her parents. His fingers absently brushed against his lips before he rose to stand.

“ummm…well……..” he cleared his throat “perhaps some rest, I’ll have some food brought up. You will need your strength, tomorrow we can start your training, and I’ll talk to one of the other shifters about helping you master changing forms. And I will gather materials for your beginners class to magic.”

Markus cleared his throat again, even now in his minds eye he was replaying the kiss, the touch, and it aggravated him. She was female, he was a full blooded male there was nothing wrong with them interacting. It was a natural reaction to want to mate, after all, after 3 million years it was high time he relaxed and took pleasure in the flesh…Markus shook his head at the thought and turned towards the door

“I will see you in the morning Faelyn, rest well” with a spoken word he flashed himself to his rooms beneath the castle

 

[katalynn]

Watching as he left the room, giving a slight smile at his reaction towards the kiss, realizing it has been sometime he's had a female in his life. At the same time, she didn't quite know what to do with that tid bit of information his vibes gave, telling her more than he would ever realize. That being her first time to ever kiss someone on her own terms, not even fully understanding her own feelings when he is around. The dreams she used to have kept creeping in, intertwining with what was real wasn't much help either.


start your training.... There were those words she truly didn't want to hear. Having spent her whole just fine without the use of magic and she couldn't understand why he was so determined that she learned. Then there was the helping you master changing forms this one made her smirk, that's all she's been doing is changing forms, she can do it in a blink of an eye. However, she never has been taught how to do it or if there is any other ways of changing. The thought still made her smirk none the less, wondering what more there is to know in that aspect.

Faelyn flipped through a few pages of the book, having to relearn some of her own language that she hasn't seen in millions of years. She tried to find spells that her people knew, curious to see what this book had to say about them. After about an hour of flipping and reading through various pages, Faelyn grew slightly frustrated with the more complicated spells she found. The frustration grew more from the curiosity of it all, curious to see if she can truly learn all this.

Shaking her head slightly surprised by her own thoughts in even considering all of this, the thought of learning magic did intrigue her to say the least. Faelyn opened to the door to her room, just in time to see a girl with a tray full of food startling the both of them. Within seconds after letting the girl in, Faelyn changed into raven form and flew to the rafters of halls. After paying close attention to where her room was, she took off flying to explore more of the castle, watching the people and learning more about this place. Faelyn stayed up above though, not willing to interact with anyone at this time, it also didn't take her long to figure out this place was one big maze.

She didn't know how long she spent exploring the place, noticing that everything people said about Markus, were all good things. Faelyn admired the respect these people had for him and after the last couple of nights, she can understand why. There were some talk about her as well. And a few even noticed her flying around, they were not quite sure of what to make of her just yet, seeing how she avoided those who tried talking to her. Pretending like she didn't hear them in the first place. When she eventually went back to her room, changing into panther form and curling up on the bed, allowing sleep to finally take over.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Markus spent the next 2 days recovering; the poison burned away at last he felt his strength returning. He sent Messenger’s to Amaranda and to other families and bloodlines near his borders. Seeking information, apologies, and confirmations, he’d sent the first of Faelyn’s teachers to her, a powerful shifter who’s been around since the first bloodlines. Showing her newer, faster ways to shift forms, harnessing the powers of the wilderness and earth itself, using it to camouflage herself, even with her unusual fur color she would be able to hide in plain sight. The following week Markus and another Teacher brought books, and tomes encompassing the History’s of the realms, Magick’s in all their forms and the essences they are drawn from.

Much to Faelyn’s chagrin Markus sent her another shifter, a fitness and strength trainer, and an expert hunter and tracker. Wanting to strengthen not only her abilities but her own natural strength and fighting skills. Markus watched one afternoon as they trained in the courtyard, a smirk on his face. He’d chosen this instructor because he gave no quarter, he was tough but he was fair. More then once Markus had laughed as Faelyn ended up on her ass and laughed harder when she’d made some snide or sarcastic comment. But he was impressed with her progress so far.

“I think that’s enough for today Valarious” Markus said as he pushed away from the wall he’d been holding up “I think you’ve bruised her ego enough for a while” Markus cracked a grin as Val nodded

“come, lets have lunch” Markus held his hand out to Faelyn

 

[katalynn]

The week dragged on as did the training which overwhelmed and intimidated her with all the reading they had her do. Both her and the instructors were always butting heads as she resisted some of the training. She couldn't deny that a lot of it did intrigue her, especially learning more about her shifting and how to blend into the wilderness. The only reason Faelyn resisted was because of how strong the powers felt, holding herself back, which in turn killed the spell they were working on.

Between all the books and practicing, it left her little time to herself, keeping her too busy to explore or even go straying off. One of the many books and tomes they had given her reminded her of something her father had, giving her the itch to search for it. It has only been a week though, a week full of information that took time to process. Then Markus tossed in yet another instructor, some fitness and fighting trainer, which she personally didn't think she needed.

To her surprise however, this guy was kicking her ass. This last round made her land hard on the ground and she growled in frustration, blaming it on her human form. In panther form she can take down stags with no problems, having no reason to fight in this weak human form. But this Valarious wouldn't allow her to shift. Both him and Markus insisted she learned how to fight in human form.

Faelyn glared at Valarious as she laid on the ground catching her breath. All this week did was prove just how weak she truly was and with a few choice words, calling him a cheater and stuck her tongue out.

"He bruised a lot more than my ego..."

Taking one last glare at the instructor before accepting Markus's hand, once she got to her feet, she dusted off the black leather pants and vest that managed to summon up. Faelyn was tired and sore from the fighting sessions, even learning how to use magic was mentally exhausting.

"This is all too much to process. Trying to shove years of skills down my throat is overwhelming."

She sighed as she followed Markus, trying hard to not complain or show lack of gratitude towards everything he has offered. As she walked, she rubbed at her wrists and noticing the bruises on her forearms, giving another slight growl towards to pain, disliking how it paints her skin.

"I don't know how to take it all in. Even my dreams are spinning out of control anymore. It's been difficult to even sleep here."

Once she realized that she started to sound childish, she fell quiet for a moment before speaking again.

"I apologize, I do appreciate everything you are offering me..... I am trying to adjust to all this, I really am trying. I'm just not used to this....... way of life."

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

"He bruised a lot more than my ego... This is all too much to process. Trying to shove years of skills down my throat is overwhelming."

Markus smile was gentle, his lip curling up just slightly into a smirk as she railed on. Even going so far to chuckle by the time her ranting was over, he looked over to her as they walked, watching as she checked her arms and the soft growl she uttered. They made their way to the dining hall and Markus took a seat “It’ll get easier hun, I know it’s a lot and I’ve instructed them to ease you into things more gently, but I fear currently that time is a quickly dwindling luxury, two of my messenger’s I sent out to Amaranda have been killed and their headless bodies crucified at Amaranda’s castle. It’s a statement and one that is very clear.” Markus sighed as wine was brought by one of the servants; nodding to the girl he took the carafe from her and poured himself a glass then handed a glass to Faelyn

"I don't know how to take it all in. Even my dreams are spinning out of control anymore. It's been difficult to even sleep here."

“I can give you a small potion to help you sleep, it can calm your dreams” Markus sat back slightly as the food was brought out, two platters of Meat, a selection of fruits and Vegetables from the gardens Markus motioned at the food “please help yourself “

They made small talk off and on as they ate, questions and comments about her training, more questions about their past, her past as well as Markus’ own shadow’d history but he was more evasive about answering them giving her only scant details about growing up and his own family. It was obvious to even a blind man that Markus wasn’t used to small talk, He’d rarely talked to anyone outside of quick hellos and meetings with other shifters and scouts. As the night wound down Markus and Faelyn had walked the grounds of the castle, the gardens, finally as the moon peaked Markus walked her back to her rooms, with a bid good night Markus left her and went to confer with his scouts

 

[katalynn]

Their talk and walk around the gardens was a nice break from all the training, she didn't complain about much of the training, overall she was processing it all fairly easily. A lot of it reminded her of her time with her people, how her parents drove various training into her before she ran off. She had lied when she said the past was dead to her and more often than it showed it something was brought up. Their talk of the past always stung her, her answers were just as evasive has his. Though, there wasn't much to say about most of her past.

For the better part of a thousand years she spent in wild solitude, with the exception of trying to live among the humans for a very short time. It was an experience she thought she would never have again up until now. It is just as foreign now as it was back then. All this kept to herself, it was bad enough that she complained over petty things, but he didn't seem to be bothered by it. Amused seemed to fit his attitude towards her complaints, which she wasn't quite sure how to take.

All in all, she had a good time with Markus and when they came to her room, she was slightly disappointed to end the night. Faelyn had declined the idea of taking something to help her sleep, she knew why her dreams ran wild and it was something she had to deal with. Deep down she didn't even know if was still there, it's been a couple thousand years and her village is nothing but ruins. The dreams kept nagging at her, as if something was calling to her.

Faelyn spent sometime in her room after he left looking over a few pages in one of the many spell books. Her thoughts were straying to much to just sit here, it has been awhile since she really flew. There were a few times where she would fly to the top of the castle, looking out over the valley, it was never enough. She looked down at her leg, seeing some of the marking run over her hip and sighed.

With a shrug and telling herself that if she stayed in raven form, she should be ok, it took a lot to see the marking in raven form. The itch to fly and see what her dreams were trying to tell her was too much. Taking one last look at the door as if Markus would suddenly come in, Faelyn shifted and flew from the balcony.

It was snowing, making it easier for her to hide as she flew towards the ruins. Once she got there, she noticed she wasn't the only one taking an interest in the ruins. A shadowed figured was snooping around the place, Faelyn couldn't get a good look at his cloaked face, but by judging by the built of the figure it was male. At first she figured he was here looking for loot that no longer existed, then she noticed he kept looking back towards the castle. She stayed hidden in the trees just watching him for now. Faelyn fought with a tempting urge to play with him, to try and scare him off knowing he isn't suppose to be here.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

As was usual, Markus rarely slept or if he did he didn’t rest long. The one drawback of his race, their minds were always working, always processing. He’d visited many healers and spiritualists over the centuries. Seeking a way to quiet his mind enough to rest, but regardless he woke up at least feeling rested. A Small consolation he supposed. But as he sent out a mental ping of sorts around the castle to see who was all about. With a sigh he realized while he had been asleep that she’d again taken off, shaking his head Markus rose from his bed and stretched. With a sigh he called a Servant to him to fetch Valarious, while it’d only been a week he trusted enough that this time she wouldn’t be as stupid as she was last time.

Instructing Valarious to go after her and just watch over her he made his way to his private bathing chambers. Using his magic he heated the water till thick steam rose and shrouded the room. Warmth was a blessing, Cold blooded as he was, he truly hated cold weather, but alas, the seasons change unhindered. It didn’t take Valarious long to track Faelyn, She’d returned again to her village, and as the same as last time she wasn’t alone, There was another here trespassing………….again………..Shrouding himself from view he watched, leaning against a thick oak, he’d spotted Faelyn and saw the curiousness of her actions.

“well…….this should be fun…..” Valarious muttered to himself as he pulled a smoke from his coat pocket and lit it, letting the taste of the cigar sooth him as he watched over the area

 

[katalynn]

The longer she sat on the branch watching this fellow pace around, she became more anxious and wanted to play around. It is after all what she does best, play with petty humans. Only this time she knew a few more tricks, mentally she grinned at the idea of this being the perfect time to practice those 'tricks'. Still in her raven form, she paced a little on the branch she was on, pondering on what she wanted to do with this fool.

After watching him for sometime, she soon realized that he was a younger one and appeared to be unsure of himself. The more she watched him, Faelyn had to wonder why he was out here alone like this. It wasn't long before she felt another presence in the air, though she couldn't find where it came from right away. With a shrug, assuming it was Markus or someone he sent, her attention quickly went back to the fool.

Quietly she found a stronger branch that was higher up to support her human form as she shifted and vanished into the shadows of the trees. Within seconds a snowball flew from the air and whacked the fool in the back of his head hard, just as he turned around to find out what it was and who threw it, another snowball in a different direction hit him. Faelyn stifled a little giggle as she kept hitting him with a few more snowballs, making him spin in circles and cussing up a storm.

Eventually her voice rang through air, coming at him in all directions

"Who are you? Why are you here?"

Before he could respond, his pants fell to his ankles and he tripped over them as he spun around once more. With another snowball, she hit him hard on his bare ass just before he fell to the ground. This time she couldn't help but laugh, though like her questions, the laugh came at him from all directions.

"Well, are you going to answer me fool?"

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Valarious rolled his eyes to the heavens as he watched her whip snowballs at the sod, shaking his head he stayed leaning against the tree, watching, wanting to see whatever she would do. More than once having to keep from grinning as the boy worked himself into a frenzy and finally fell to the ground curled up in a fetal ball. With a weary sigh Valarious pushed from his hiding place, his shroud dropping he drew a sword from his side and approached the boy. The boy shouted seeing him and began backing away, pressing himself against a one of the broken buildings holding his hands up, Valarious looked over his shoulder to Faelyn “You can come out now you little Imp…” his attention turning back to the boy he held him at sword point, his cool gaze appraising the worth of the boy before him before he spoke

“You trespass here, what is your purpose….”

The Boy whimpered his head tilting up as if trying to escape the blade at his neck “t..t….treasure…..hidden……treasure……i…i….i…I’m a page…….well…..s..s..servant really……..” the boy swallowed hard his eyes paniced, Valarious nose flared, scenting the air, after a minute he withdrew his sword and sheathed it

“well…..you’re not lying……..”

 

[katalynn]

Faelyn gave a heavy sigh when she realized who had been lurking in the shadows, only to smirk when he called her an imp. A small snowball flew and playfully hit Valarious in response to his request and name calling.

The answer that the fool gave Valarious didn't settle with her, if nothing else it angered her to know that petty fools were still pillaging through the treasures of her people. Faelyn let a low growl fill the air around the boy, indicating she wasn't playing anymore.

"Any treasure that is left is rightfully mine you fool....."

She wanted nothing more than to chase him off, however with Valarious here now she had to come up with another plan. Faelyn allowed another snowball to fly at the boy and hit him hard against his head in anger, though she never did emerge from the trees. In fact she did the complete opposite of what Valarious wanted, shifting back into her raven form and moved within the trees.

"Why can't petty human fools leave the past of my people alone?"

Another low, deep growl filled the air as she moved away from them and towards the ancient graveyard. There wasn't much left of the graveyard after the grave robbers ran sacked what graves they could. She looked back to see if Valarious was following her or not, though he was distracted with the boy and would have to drag him along, at the same time, she knew Markus sent him to watch over her.

Taking another glance over the desecrated graveyard, she found the unmarked grave that haunted her dreams. It was the only grave that had been untouched and it looked as if the ages never touched the stone. This really was her only chance to go into the underground tomb and she knew it, the only conflict she had was Valarious and the boy were close by. No matter what she did or said, a deep gut feeling told her that Valarious will follow her and at this point bring the fool with. She could only hope that the magic that guards it won't allow them to enter, the last she needed is some human fools to come down and desecrate the graves of her elders.

Faelyn flew down to the grave, shifting into elven form as she reached out to the stone, wiping away the snow and smiled as she felt the power behind it. Luckily enough for her, only her bloodline can open the tomb and to the naked eye, it was just a simple grave. She pulled a dagger out from her left boot and cut into her hand, wincing at the pain it caused, then placed her hand against the stone. Within the moments the ground beneath her opened up, snow falling into the open grave and revealed stone stairs leading down. Glancing behind her once more looking to see if they had found her yet before entering the tomb.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

"Any treasure that is left is rightfully mine you fool..... "Why can't petty human fools leave the past of my people alone?"

Valarious growled as he got smacked with a snowball, His gaze turned as he looked right at her, able to see past her hiding he just shook his head, turning he moved to the boy as he was starting to panic, Valarious made soothing gestures as he felt Faelyn fly off. “just head back to the castle young one, Markus was looking for you” with a sigh Valarious had no choice but to knock the kid out, to freaked to calm down he knew the boy would stroke out. Looking back into the treeline in the direction that Faelyn had gone he sighed, “well, one thing at at time, “ Valarious picked the boy up and slung him over his shoulders, grumbling at the fact he could have used a horse and why this kid didn’t have one near by he made his way towards the castle with the boy

 

[katalynn]

Faelyn stayed in the catacombs for quite sometime as she found it peaceful to be in there. She couldn't understand exactly what it was that she was seeking, or what it meant exactly, just simply knew that it was calling to her. For the time being however, she took her time in finding it and paid her respects to what elders lay here. Some she knew and others were before her time and in reality, there were not that many down here maybe fifteen at most. Majority of the time, the elves would leave this realm before they actually went into the afterlife, sometimes one will stay behind till the end of their time to give counsel and support.

It seemed like hours before she finally decided to seek out the gem and leave this place, knowing that Markus will start to worry about her absence. For all she knew he already outside waiting for her, either that it will be Valarious waiting impatiently. However, neither one of them has called for her, or at least not that she has noticed so she truly didn't know if they were leaving her to own devices for a change, or if the catacombs blocked out their voices as well.

She approached the tomb that held the gem and she reluctantly pushed the stone lid off with the help of magic. The gem she seeked didn't match the one in her dreams, but she knew it was the one that has been calling her. It was emerald and deep in color it took on the shape of a serpents eye. Faelyn truly did not want to disturb the dead by taking this gem, but she knew there wasn't a choice anymore as the gem glowed in response to her presence here. With a heavy sigh she took the gem from the skeletal remains, apologizing to the elder in the tomb and replaced the lid before leaving.

When she emerged from the catacombs, she sealed its entrance making sure no one else can find it. At first she hadn't realized that the sun has risen and it appeared to be late morning. It surprised her to think that she has spent that much time down in the catacombs and then suddenly wondered how upset Valarious will be with her for missing her training this morning.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

Valarious had longed returned to the castle, The young boy quickly dealt with Markus had been informed of what had happened. Deciding to trust in Faelyn he went about his business, but as the morning sun's began to peak above the horizon Markus had grown agitated enough worrying that he once more took wing, in the shadows of the sun he flew high, to hide his dragon's shadow from any he may fly over in any number of small villages dotting the edges of his lands. Coming to the ruins he shifted, perching himself on a thick branch above the ground, his back against the tree trunk he listened. His head moving on an owl's swivel as he watched the wildlife, listened for sounds of movement.

It was the scrapping of stone that drew his attention leaning around the side of three he peered through the branches. Watching as the object of his search emerged from a hidden tunnel he'd previous not know about he frowned. Watched as she looked around as if searching for something "Lost child?" he let his voice carry and echo through the woods. Masking his true location he watched her "You obviously know you've been gone all night, and you missed your morning classes" his voice was neutral, but the echo of the woods seemed to give it a slight growl

 

[katalynn]

Faelyn was slightly surprised that no one was out here waiting for her, it had snowed recently so the tracks from earlier faded and nothing was fresh. Suddenly his voice rang through the air and it made her jump a little, the slightest hint of irritation carried within it as well. It was mostly a surprise more than anything as she wasn't expecting it, the fear faded quickly after realizing it was him instead of a possible hunter.

"No, I am not lost and yes, I realize that now. I honestly didn't expect to be gone this long."

She did glance around to see where he might be hiding, though she couldn't find him with just a quick glance around. Her attention went back to the rock that marked where the catacombs hid, washing the blood away with the snow and half assed covering the ground with the snow.

"It has been a while since I've been ..... home. I came here looking for something and decided to just pay respects to the dead. Is there a rule against that?"

Faelyn wasn't snapping or showing her own irritation of being treated like a child, she understood that he was concerned for her. Though she did hold up the necklace with the emerald serpent eye stone allowing him to see it, it seemed to glow brightly in the sunlight.

"It called to me, in my dreams. I've never seen it before, but it apparently wanted me to find it."

She sighed as she looked at it more closely examining it a bit more, wondering if he'll come out of his hiding place.

 

[LoganDarkHolme]

"No, I am not lost and yes, I realize that now. I honestly didn't expect to be gone this long. It has been a while since I've been ..... home. I came here looking for something and decided to just pay respects to the dead. Is there a rule against that?""

He chuckled and shook his head, with a soft sigh he stepped from the branch he’d been leaning on and glided to the ground behind her. Arms crossed he smiled at her as she whirled to stare at him, his coal black eyes taking in the surroundings and the remnants of the hidden tomb even he’d didn’t know was there. With a smile he shook his head again “No, there isn’t a rule against that, But you did ditch valarious who came after you, we thought you were running again, and the hunter’s movements are picking up. We don’t want anyone leaving the grounds without an escort or back up. Its safety”

"It called to me, in my dreams. I've never seen it before, but it apparently wanted me to find it."

He frowned as he looked at the odd stone, his brow arching slightly “

He Hmmmm’d softly as he too studied it

“ive never seen this before, I’d need to do some research, Shall we return home?”