When RP takes control IC thread

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I broke my silence when she asked if there was anything she could get me. I held onto her hand. "Your company is probably the best thing I could have right now."

I let out a sigh and rolled up my pant legs. "This is called the Blight. It's an after-effect of Necromancer spells. It feeds off of negative emotions and can start to spread." I squeezed her hand. "But it's nothing to worry about. I'm the only one affected by it and the white mage should be able to heal it, at least to the point of near depletion. Avrice just wanted to leave his mark."

I sat up and smiled to her. "But I'm glad you're okay. When Avrice took control of you and the house dropped on you...I was scared you had died. Not even the Blight can ruin the good mood seeing your smile puts me in."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She watched as he rolled up his pant legs. "I can't... well yeah I can believe he would do that. I know he said he did this to you, but he also mentioned doing something to Kryss, just not as obvious."

She smiled then, "I just hate that he used me to fight Jasleth, and that Jasleth did what he could to keep from killing me. I'm sure he could have if it came down to it."

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

"Well, I'd rather not think about you dying." I said. "I'm happy with you being here. As for Kryss...I don't know about her. I don't see any Blight on her, or any of the bubbly stuff I had when I got angry. And she was pissed." I shrugged. "If she has the Blight, then I sure as hell can't see it."

I stopped. "But if it makes you feel better, I'll try and read her future." I closed my eyes and concentrated on a mental image of Kryss. Then of a crystal ball.

There was no clear vision this time. Just a jumble of images. Kryss. A bloody knife. Bloody bed sheets. Bloody Jasleth.

The door to the room opened and I snapped back into reality. "Mr. Dominic?" A man in white clothes walked in. "My name is Cole. I'm the resident white mage. I'm here to see what I can do with your problem." He looked at the black lines on my legs and his color drained. "Dear God! The Blight!" He opened his pouch and began to pull out instruments. "We need to get this fixed as soon as possible!"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She looked to Dominic as he spoke, then watched as he closed his eyes and began to concentrate. She glanced quickly to the door as it opened, startled slightly.

The mage moved in quickly and went to work. She watched carefully, as her trust of others was quickly fading. She knew the white mages had a good reputation, but right now she was wary of everyone.

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

The healing wasn't quite the same as her magic had been before. It burned, the new pain slicing throught he old...yet when it faded, his wounds were closed. He glanced at the dagger wound Skyler had given him...there was almost no sign of it...just a faint scar. It was like the injuries were years old, instead of merely hours.

Jas as about to thank her...when she started to speak again. Her voice was halting, shockingly timid, she trembled as she told him the tale. Gods...the bastard had told the truth. Avrice had Kryss...his Kryss...

"Knock it off, Jas." Kyle snapped at the stunned monk from within his head. Again the two stood in the mist shrouded landscape of thier mind. "We can't afford our wounded feelings now." "Look at Kryss, she needs us."

"And when we needed her she was out fucking the guy who tried to kill us!" "What about that?" Jas felt betrayel...horrible betrayel...and at the same time a deep guilt.

Kyle swore, "Damn it Jas!" "She was there because she was trying to save us!" "We put her in that spot, don't you get that?" "This is our fault...and even if it wasn't, he practically raped her." "Her mental state has rape written all over it, the last thing she needs is for us to get upset and abandon her." Kyle was silent a moment. "Does it change how you feel?'

"........."

"Don't give me that bullshit!" Kyle shook his other self, jerking the monk so he could right in his face. "Answer me!" "Deep down, does it change how you feel?"

Jas bore the intensity of Kyle's gaze for a brief moment, then looked away, into the swirling fog of the mindscape. "No...no, it doesn't." "Part of me wishes that it did...but I love her." "You know that."

Kyle released Jasleth, sighing. "Then act like it." "Our pain doesn't matter now, like you said." "She needs to know we won't leave her, that we still love her." Kyle looked again into his other persona's eyes. "If you're not man enough to tell her that, than I will." "But I'm giving you the chance." "What's it going to be?"

He had been silent for long moments after she spoke, his eyes conflicted. Then he closed them, pulling her tight against his musculer chest. "Kryss...I'm so sorry that you were hurt like this." "I'm not going to leave you...now or ever, if I can help it." He kissed her forehead, one hand wiping away the tears that streamed down her face. "Don't hate yourself...it's not your fault, you were trying to help me, and you couldn't have gotten away." "I'm glad you told me, now, we can get past it together." "Just like we'll handle whatever he...left you with." "Together." He held her close, letting her cry herself out on his shoulder. Jas hugged her tighter, feeling a bittersweet certainty that he had made the right choice.

Jas looked up at Thalryn. "Thal...could you do me a favor and see if the White Mage that went up to see Dom can take a look at Kryss when he's done?" "Then, come on back down...the three, sorry Elistraiee, four of us can eat, and talk of happier things for a while."

Turning his attention back to Kryss, he brought his lips close to her ear, whispering. "Never doubt that I love you, Kryss." "I'll be at your side come Hell or high water." "I'm here, and I'm here to stay."

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

Thalryn had turned away from Jasleth and Kryss as the she-elf told her story. He sipped his wine, savoring the flavor and gazed around the taproom.

Jas comforted Kryss as best he could, then looked over to the gold elf.

"Thal...could you do me a favor and see if the White Mage that went up to see Dom can take a look at Kryss when he's done?" "Then, come on back down...the three, sorry Elistraee, four of us can eat, and talk of happier things for a while."

Thalryn smiled, almost sadly, and raised his goblet to the monk before draining it and setting it back down on the bar. Elistraee climbed up his arm to perch on his shoulder as the elf ascended the stairs and entered the room to find Skyler back in human form and an unknown man in white perched over Dominic.

Thalryn’s hands unconsciously went to rest on the hilts of his twin blades as he spoke to the stranger, who he assumed was the cleric.

“There is another who requires attention when you are done here, friend.” the elf spoke softly. “She is down in the taproom, and we fear for her mental state more than her physical.”

The white mage nodded to the elf, then turned back to Dominic. Thalryn exchanged glances with Skyler, the two silently agreeing that Dom should not be left alone with the man, however good his intentions seem.

The elf started to back out of the room, saying, “We will be down at the bar. You know how to reach me if you need anything.” He glanced up to Elistraee, who had snuggled into his neck.

Then the ferret’s voice entered the vampire’s mind. Should anything happen, I am a thought away.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

The Cleric worked diligently on my leg, casting multiple spells and summoning scripts of ancient languages. But there was no big change. The black lines remained, although they covered slightly less territory.

When Thal approached the cleric and asked his question, he nodded. "Certainly. I'm just about done with this one."

"Done?" I asked. "I can't see any difference."

"The Blight is strong, Dominic." He said. "I doubt any mage could heal it in one go. I suggest you try not to get depressed or angry. Stay happy and exercise it often and it will heal by itself."

"In like what? A few days? A week?"

"Um...more like a few years."

"WHAT?!" I yelled, sitting straight up.

"Stay off the angry emotions!" The cleric said, backing up. "It may take less time, if you stay happy and visit a cleric regularly. But I doubt it will take less than a full two years."

"Ugh." I said and plopped down into the bed.

"Just rest for now." The cleric said. "I'll check on you tomorrow." With that, the man left the room. I turned to Skyler and sighed.

_________________________________________________

The cleric walked down into the main room, looking for Thal. He met up with him and Jas was with Kryss. "Ah? This the young lady who needs to be looked at?" The men nodded and the cleric walked up to her.

"Let's see." He glanced at her. "You look fine from here, besides the few bruises. But if you will come to one to the medical rooms, I'll check you out more thoroughly."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She was more than a little shocked when the cleric said it would tak years for Dominic to get rid of the Blight and that it would get worse if he didn't avoid bad or angry thoughts.

She looked to Dominic as the cleric left the room, "Maybe if we figure out how to fix the game and get back to our real selves, this will only be something that effects you in the game."

She sat next to him on the bed, and placed her hand over his. "I wish there was something more I could do for you." She smiled softly, "It's good to know it will go away."

"I'll head downstairs in a few minutes to get some food and drink brought up for you, and see if they have some good quality bloodwyne here." She squeezed his hand gently.

"Is there anything else you would like me to get or do for you?" She looked to him her eyes meeting his, and she smiled. "I'm glad there is a way to get this healed and you'll be ok."

 

[katalynn]

His silence was killing me, the fear rose deeper than it ever has in all my life. Avoiding his eyes by putting my arms on the table and hiding my face. I wanted to run away, to let him have time without having to see me right now. Just simply run away. Yet, something told me not to, that deep inner part of thats trying to get out, came faintly telling me to stay, telling me that things will be ok. Course I didn't believe it, not about this. When I saw the betrayal look in Jasleths' eyes, it was like someone just ripped my soul out forcing me to watch as they tormented it. Was a feeling I have never felt before, nor want to feel again.

Shaking uncontrolbly at this point, silent tears streamed freely down. Finally after what seemed forever of his silence, as if he was fighting with himself mentally or something, he made his move to only hold me closer and tighter than ever. His words burned deeply into my ripped out soul, he claimed it wasn't my fault, right now it feels like it is. If I could have done something differently, or actually succeeded in the task of trying to set Jas and Dom free by the one that .............

Couldn't stop thinking, couldn't stop hating myself. Over and over I kept saying how sorry I was. Emotionally drained as the tears stained my cheeks. Tried to look up into his eyes, right now couldn't even do that, afraid I would still the see hurt in them. Feeling the comfort in his embrace was slowly calming me down, closing my eyes forcing myself to breath.

"I should have stayed.... Should have just stayed... but I couldn't.... Wanted to see if there was a loop.... something I could use to set you free..... I didn't want to go as far as it did..... That wasn't my intentions....... I should have just stayed in the inn...... I'm sorry.... I'm sorry... "

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

He put a finger to her lips, to stem the stream of apologies flowing from her. "Shhh, no more of that, love." He spoke quietly, the two of them alone in the common room, the only other noise the bustle of activity in the kitchens. "I know all you wanted to do was help me." "I'm not upset or angry with you, not even a little." "Look at me, Kryss." A strong hand forced her face up so he could look into her teary eyes. "Look at my eyes, my heart...there's nothing there for you but love and forgiveness."

Jas looked to the kind looking robed man, "I'm sorry Holy Priest, but can you come back later today?" He hugged the emotionally fragile woman closer. "I don't think it's a good idea for you to see her now."

The man nodded, his face grave. "I was going to say the same thing...this injury seems to be of the heart...and magic can do precious little there." "However, after tending to your Oracle friend, I will need to see the young lady as soon...as is prudent." "If I have not heard from you before noon, I will be here at 2."

Jas smiled. "Thanks, Holy Priest." The white mage merely inclined his head, then placed a hand over Kryss's head, uttering a soft benediction. The priest then walked out of the hostel, his face lined with concern and some regret.

Jas turned his focus back to Kryss. "I know that this just won't go away, but it's past." "Good or ill, there's no use regretting it now." He touched her cheek, his face kind. "I forgive you, I love you but you need to forgive yourself." Not knowing what else to say, he kissed her, gentle and light at first, but deepening gradually, hoping his lips could ease her if his words could not.

 

[katalynn]

Kryss ~


I barely heard him talking to the priest, my eyes never leaving Jas's, once I met his gaze there was no looking away. Every word his spoke, his finger to my lips, touch as he brought my eyes to his. Everything just seemed to disappear for that moment. I knew than that he wasn't going anywhere, that he was for real. If something like this couldn't break how he felt, then maybe, just maybe I could get over this to. With him by my side anything seemed possible.

Jas spoke a few more words, suddenly ending it with a kiss, as if he didn't know what else to do. Wrapping my arms around him, holding onto him as if there was no tomorrow, everything washed away from his kiss. So much love, so much passion and forgivness all at once deep within the kiss. I couldn't believe that he was willing to work this out, willing to stay with me. Still loved me.

"I'll try to forgive myself...... It's still to soon I'm afraid m'love... but...... Thank you.."

Looking back down, leaning against his chest, head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for everything .... I......I"

Wanted to tell him that I loved him, but the words couldn't come out right then, not after what has happened, not after all I had done.

"I think I need some rest... Clean up and a nap... Don't think I can eat right now.. I'm hungry yes.. but food.. just doesn't sound pleasing right now.."

I was pretty much calm now cept for the occasional shivers that ran up and down my spine.

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

Jas touched his lips to her again, briefly. "I know, my heart." "It'll take time...I'm not rushing you, take as long as you need." "I'm not going anywhere." He sighed, more out of relief than anything else. It was a beginning. "Well then, love, let's get a room and a bath ready for you."

He rose from the chair, lifting her easily as he did so. Moving to the counter, a mousy girl bustled back from the kitchen. "How may I help you, sir?" "Oh!" "Is the lady all right?"

Jas nodded. "She's all right, just tired." "We need a room for two, and a bath if you please."

The girl smiled, and foraged under the counter for a moment before producing a key. "There you are, sir." "And so's you know, all our rooms have baths attatched, with magic created and heated water to boot." She beamed with pride, "A gift from the Sages of Sanctaury for harboring thier people here afore they went over the mountain, don't you know?" "There's towels, soaps, oils, and robes in the bath as well, sir, and ye're welcome to use them." "The bath's a marvel, sir, truly." "Just touch the blue gem on the tub to get it to fill, and again to stop it." "It always seems to know how hot or cold you want it...isn't magic a wonderful thing?"

Jas blinked, surprised at such an amenity in this place. Although, if the Sages were as powerful as stories said, such a thing as a few magic baths would be child's play for them. "Thanks." He took the key, then bounded up the steps.

On the way, he passes Thalryn. "Hey, Thal." He paused, exchanging a look with the gold elf, apologizing for bowing out of the promised meal. Thal's eyes flickered over Kryss, then he nodded ever so slightly. Jas smiled, "Thanks Thal...I appreciate it." He leaned over whispering to the tall elf. "We could all use some rest but why don't you come up in eight hours or so with some food and bottle." "We'll all need to eat, and I think it'll do good for Kryss to know that she has friends backing her up other than me." He inclined his head to the bladesinger, then walked the rest of the way to the room.

The door opened easily enough, Kryss unlocking it for him. It was larger than the room they had shared so long ago in Garnet Town. The wooden floor had a large carpet in the center, long drapes hung from the windowed doors that led out to a small balcony. The bed was large enough for two to share, and amply padded with what looked like a handcrafted comforter in purple and green. There was a small firepit and chimeny against the outside wall, a small supply of wood ready for burning. A semi-circular curtained door led to the adjoining bath. Jas looked around for a moment, before entering and setting Kryss down on her feet. "Looks like a nice place...a comfortable place." "Just what the doctor ordered I hope."

Jas shut the door, watching Kryss as she paced about the room, looking things over. She drifted over to the entrance to the bath, looking eager. "Do you want me to stay, love?" "Or should I go bring up the packs and some wine?"

 

[katalynn]

Kryss ~

Practically falling asleep in his arms, not even paying attention to what was going on around us. Right now in my eyes it was just me and him. Almost didn't want the bath, just sleep, but I knew the bath would do me some good. He paused on the way up, heard his voice, but paid no mind to his words nor the person he spoke to. Kept my eyes closed not wanting anyone to see my soul right now.

He set me down once in the room, the room was huge and beautiful, felt like I didn't belong here, it was to pretty for a person punishing herself. Slowly it was washing away though, longer I stayed in the room looking at the magical designs in the walls and floors, colorful vases filled with various plants. The balcony looked over the most, biggest garden I have ever seen, rose bushes, orchids and more.
Walked around the room inching my way towards the bath, looking at the tapistries that hung above the bed. Feeling the silky sheets and thich comforter that laid smoothly upon the bed. Far to nice for me, for my actions.. I was trying hard to let it go just for tonight at least.

Finally walking to the bath, taking out the body sized towels that were extremly fluffy, and the bath robes setting them on the side. Went to the tub, took me a second to realize it was a gem that controled the water. Since I didn't pay attention to the lady when she spoke about it, but I have seen something similar before. Once the water was going, went to grab some soap and oils, among other things for my hair. Finally Jas spoke, I had almost forgotten he was there, being so lost in the beauty of the room.
Looking towards him as I started to undress;

"umm well.. I don't want you to leave no... but my night wear is in the pack.. If I'm to see that priest tonight, I want to be wearing something at least.. Something much more cleaner than this."

Smiled at him, the first time all night, first time since he was taken from me. Taking off the last of my clothes then slinking into the hot steamy water, probably hotter than it needed to be, it was what I wanted. Wanted to get Avrices' scent, feel, anything off me. If it wasn't for Jas being there, I most likely would have started scrubbing myself hard. I refrained from doing so, forcing myself to keep as calm as possible, right now, just for him.

"Wine?"
Thought about it for a moment, not sure if I wanted it or not. Then decided it might be the only real way for me to really rest tonight.

"Sure, wine sounds perfect... Jasleth... m'love.... don't leave me for to long...please.."

Slid underwater before he could speak, then coming back up just before he turned to walk out the door, meeting his gaze, he could see some life coming back within the pain and sarrow.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I smiled to Skyler as she went up to leave the room. "I could use a little bit of food if you can bring some back. That whole ordeal has left me famished."

As she exited the door, I said, "A kiss would be nice too." But I don't think she heard me. I turned to Slip and stroked his scaley skin.

You know, Boss, you kind of spook me with all that necromancer shit. Slip said. I don't know if-scratch me under the spikes-it's healthy for you to-that's the spot-hike up this mountain.

Don't worry about it. I'll be right as rain.

Then why don't you-that's the itch-forsee the future.

I-I'd rather not. I said and ended that current conversation.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She indeed had not heard his last statement as she left the room. She wondered how he still felt about her, after the Seth thing. She kept thinking she should have killed him when she had the chance and none of this would have happened.

She headed down stairs and to the innkeeper to order some food for Dominic, a nice good bowl of hot stew and fresh bread, and some nice cool ale to wash it down. Then ordered a bottle of good bloodwyne for her, she would rather of had the stew as it smelled wonderful, but would do her no good. She remembered to get some fresh smoked meat for Slip as well as he deserved good food now and then as well, even if he was a little snippy to her.

After the innkeeper brought the food, she paid him generously and headed back to their room, pushing the door open as she balanced the tray on her hip.

"Dinner's here, nice and hot too." She smiled as she came in, closed the door and walked back to the bed and set the tray down. "Hope you guys like what they had available, it smells wonderful."

She sat on the edge of the bed near Dominic with the tray between them.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

"Thanks Skyler. It smells delicious." I smiled to her. "I haven't had good stew since SLIP!" I yelled, yanking the iguana away from the tray as he plunged his head into the broth.

But I'm huuuuuuungry.

"I don't care! You don't plunge your head in the soup! You ask nicely for GOD DAMMIT!" I pulled him out again. "I will leave you outside!"

I want stew. He pouted.

"Ok, fine. But lap at it normally." Slip nodded and used his tongue to drink the stew broth. I shook my head and took a bite of the stew.

"Don't mind him." I said. "He may be rude, but I'll thank you for both of us. So did you see Kryss? How's she doing?"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

"Slip I brought you the meat you said you liked. If I had known you would have wanted stew I would have brought two bowls." She smiled and looked to Dominic as she poured herself some of the wyne.

"It's ok Dominic, I should have thought he might like something a little more substantial then the roasted meat." She smiled to him, "Hopefully he'll let you get most of the stew. I can go get more if you want it."

She shook her head, "I didn't see Jasleth or Kryss, so they must have gotten a room."

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

It was a little change but the faint hint of life in her eyes, in that sad smile, made him want to jump up and sing. For the first time since they had left Castle Beoulve, he truly felt like they had won a victory. Maybe only half a victory, but it was a start. Next time, it would be complete.

I won't take long, my heart." He had been leaning against the wall, just watching her bathe. She looked magnificent in the water, dark hair floating on the surface like a black halo, the water flowing off of her midnight blue skin. He smiled, hoping a little humor wouldn't be too out of place. "With you here like that, how could I?" He stood up straight, and bowed to her with a grand flourish before exiting the room.

Jas let out a triumphant howl as he leaped over the railing and down to the common floor below. Thalryn, a bowl of steaming stew before him, just glanced briefly in his direction, a thin smile appearing on the elf's face. Elistraee poked her head up from her small bowl, the young monk had the distinct impression that she was laughing at him.

"Thal!" Jas hopped over to the table, grinning broadly. "She smiled, man." He laughed again, "I know it's not much, but it's a start." Naked relief was in his features as he put a hand on the lithe elf's shoulder. "Brother in arms, I can't tell you what that little smile means to me." "I gotta move though, I can't stay away long."

He tossed off a salute as he snatched up his and Kryss's packs, then vaulted into the air. He hit against one of the support beams, pushing off and hurling himself up again, ricocheting once more until he landed lightly in front of the door to the chamber he and Kryss shared.

A startled yip from the same mousy girl who had gotten him to the room caused him to wheel about to face her. She was carrying a bottle of wine on a tray with two glasses. "Ahhh!" Oh, oh, sir!" "I nearly died of fright, I did."

Jas hung his head, truthfully only a little sorry. "Didn't mean to scare anyone." "Sorry about that."

She sniffed. "Jumping all over the place like a madman, you adventurers are a daft lot." She held the tray out to him, "The healer send word for you and the lady to have this." "Paid for it himself, he did."

Jas blinked, then deftly snatched the tray, balencing it in onehand. "Wow...thanks for bringing it." "If you get a chance, tell the healer I said thanks, would you?" "It means a lot...just that so many people here are so, well, hospitable."

The serving girl seemed to warm to the compliment. "Suren I will, sir." "Though you might tell him yourself, he also said he'd be coming by to look at your friend and your lady again."

Jas nodded, dropping the packs so he could openthe room door. "Thanks again." With that he ducked inside, tossing the packs in with one foot before setting the tray down on a small nightstand. What a differnce from the castle to here! He shook his head, the smell of the oils Kryss had added to the bath water drifting in. He smiled in contentment, until he realized how much he stank in comparison.

First things first. He popped open the bottle, pouring a glass for each of them. Then he sauntered into the bathing room. "Hope I didn't take too long, love." "The white mage sent us a gift," he set the one glass on the tiny table next to the tub. Setting his own next to it, he began to strip off his own grubby clothing. "Feels good just to get this stuff off, doesn't it?" He pulled on a robe, though he didn't bother to close it, pulling up a stool next to the copper tub.

Jas lifted the glass to her in silent salute before taking a sip. As thirsty as he was, the wine, a good but not fine one, tasted so soothing and sweet that only Kryss's lips could be more so. "I think I'll need that when you're done, Kryss...I'm no bed of roses at the moment myself." He leaned his arms and head on the edge of the tub, watching her for a few moments more. "...Feeling any better?"

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

The elf sat at the bar, silently eating the stew. Elistraee lapped at the broth in the saucer the servant girl had offered him when she’d seen the ferret perched precariously on the edge of his bowl. Small wonder his familiar had managed not to fall in.

Thalryn silently pondered all that had happened as he sipped his firewine. Seth had given him quite a run, and his muscles ached from the man’s blows. The elf didn’t know how he’d managed to down the man in the first place. Undeath had suited his abilities well, it seemed.

Jasleth had gone as quickly as he had come, jumping around like an elf maid at a revel, leaving the brooding elf shaking his head at the exuberant monk. Elistraee chuckled slightly to herself, then turned her attention back to the stew.

The serving girl came around just after Jas left, looking a bit flustered as she poured the elf another glass of the smooth liquid. Thalryn thanked the girl, handing her a few gold for the wine as he asked about a room.

He handed the girl a few more gold for the room and headed upstairs, hoisting his pack back up onto his aching shoulders. He entered the decently furnished room and set down the pack again, then immediately started disrobing, pulling off boots and all. He noticed the bath and crystal and muttered a cantrip of magic identification.

Sensing the purpose, he touched the crystal and the bath began to fill with steaming water. Thalryn smiled to himself. Nothing like a hot bath after a long road to wash away weariness. Wasn’t often you could find one in places such as this, and it was a pleasant surprise.

The elf’s long golden hair fell freely about his bronze shoulders as he slowly lowered himself into the water. He sunk in and closed his eyes, loosing himself in the cleansing water and taking the opportunity to slip into reverie.

 

[katalynn]

Kryss ~

Even as he left I still forced myself to not scrub every inch of my skin. If I had started, I would not stop. After he left tears broke free again, only they were not tears of saddness, mostly of how well he was taking this. I have never met anyone that would take something like this that easy. I could feel the anger toward Avrice wanting to rise, then, the water seemed to flood that away. Seemed as if the water itself knew what I needed. Little by little the nights events were passing over, letting me be at peace for once.

Heard Jas's voice as he came into the room, thanking the maid once again. Opening my eyes to watch him as he undressed, wanting to feel him next to me. He came up with the tray of wine, I took my glass sipping at the wine, this once again made me realize how hungry I was. I didn't say anything, not wanting him to leave again. Food can wait. The water was filled with mulberry scented oils, filling the air with scented steam when he came and sat next to the tub, I reached over and kissed him. Kissed him for everything he has done, kiss for not leaving. During the kiss, started to slip his robe off lightly, guiding him into the tub through kisses.

"No. You were not gone for to long m'love..... I love you"

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

Her lips were sweeter than the wine, though the faint traces of it onher lips added a fruity taste to the kiss that surprised and intruiged him. Jas shrugged with the motion of her hands as she pushed the robe off of his shoulders, letting the soft garment fall to the floor. Her hands pulled on him gently, urging him into the steaming water with her.

"I love you too, Kryss." Jas stepped up into the tub, then allowed her to tug him down into the water. The heat seeped into worn, tired, muscles, easing strain he had been trying to ignore. The scent of mulberries filled his nose as he took a deep breath, feeling the magically heated water wash sweat, dirt, and blood from his musculer frame. He sighed with pleasure, the heavenly feelings all rushing on him at once. Jas allowed himself to slide beneath the surface, closing his eyes and just floating for a ten count before he surfaced with a dreamy smile. "...That just feels incredible doesn't it?"

He reached an arm around her, slowly pulling the lovely dark elf to him. He did it easily, but did not yet wrap his arms around her...this was tricky. She might have...qualms...about being so close to a man like this, after what happened. He was allowing her a way out if that was the case, though he hoped not. more than anything, he wanted to feel the rise and fall of her chest against his. "Though you like this, in my arms, feels even better." Jas reached out and brushed a few wet strands of hair from her face, then leaned and kissed her. Firm but yielding, still watching her for danger signs. One of his hands began to toy with the soaked glory of her dark hair, delighting in the soft and silken feel of it.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

"Don't worry about Slip. I'd really rather not spoil the little rotter." I smiled and ate some bread. "Well if Kryss got a room, then she must be doing okay." I smiled to her. "Nothing to be worried about."

I sat up straight. "How about you? How's the whole blood thing going?" I looked to her. "Are you doing alright?"

 

[katalynn]

Kryss ~

His movements were slow and cautious as if he was afraid of me. This did not bother me as much as I thought it would. Then suddenly his fingers were trailing through my hair, wanting the bring me closer, his arm lightly around me slowly bringing me into a loving embrace. My heart was racing, trying to break free from within. Within the kiss visions tried hard to break through, his fingers in my hair was more than enough to relax me, to want Jasleth. Not really knowing what to do, part of me wanted to pull away because faint rememberances of Avrice were reaching out, trying make Jas look and feel like Avrice.

I was fighting with myself, not showing any sign of it, pretending everything was fine as we kissed eachother. My head followed his hand when it stroked it trails through out the length of my hair. Breathing started to pick up wanting to stop, but this is Jas, this is m'love, I don't want to stop him... Not Jasleth.

Sadly enough I pulled away, turning my back towards him in shame and enough guilt to kill the world. I wanted him so bad that I couldn't have him, not without knowing what Avrice left me with, not knowing anything about it. I refused to let Jas get it as well. My love for him was to strong to put such a thing onto him, then again pushing him away would kill him even more so.
After a few moments I turned back around to face him, in one movement my body was pressed against his, my arms wrapped around his neck tightly, yet comfortably.

"I'm scared...... I don't know what to do. Don't want to push you away. I want this to continue...... It scares me to go further. I--I don't know what *gift* Avrice left me with... I do not wish for you to get, if possible, whatever it is...... I'm soo scared."

Never letting go of him as my face buried between his shoulder and my arm. I was sure he could feel my heart pounding deep, fast and hard against my chest, breathing almost shallow with fear.

"I just don't know what to do..... I k.."

fell silent as I caught myself with what I almost said, not wanting Jas to know that visions of Avrice were slowly reaching out.

"Just know that I'm scared...."

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn & Elistraee

The elf sighed contentedly as he fully submerged in the steaming water. Elistraee curiously climbed onto the lip of the tub, then lost her balance and slid into the hot water with a splash.

THALRYN! She yelped mentally, sticking her head up from the surface of the uncomfortably warm water.

The gold elf chuckled as he reached under and easily lifted the dripping ferret out of the water. He gave Elistraee an appraising look, then smirked and said, “You look like a drowned sewer rat.”

THALRYN AMASTACIA! She shrieked in protest. My word!

The elf just laughed all the harder as he set the whining ferret on the ground. Elistraee immediately started shaking of the water. Thalryn reached behind him and grabbed a towel, then dropped it on top of the shaking ferret.

THAL, DAMMIT! She screamed mentally, opening up her thought-speech range unconsciously to the whole floor in her anger. The elf laughed out loud, but reflexively put up mental dampeners to spare everyone from the ferret’s ire.

“Calm down, squeaks.” he used his pet name for her. A name which she hated.

Ugh. I hope you enjoyed yourself. The annoyed ferret responded as she pulled herself out from under the heavy towel. I’ll get you back, elf. I swear I will.

I’m still waitin, love. Thalryn responded mentally as he sunk beneath the water once again. I’m still waitin’

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

"It's all right, Kryss." Jas held her close, one hand strokingher head gently. "I know you're scared...I am too, a little." "Not of you...but of what could happen." "But...that fear shouldn't control me or you." He raised his other hand to trace the edge of her pointed ears, then along the line of her jaw. "I know it can be hard to brave about something like this, it's so much tougher and scarier than a physical danger, but I know you are strong enough to be brave." "You're being brave now, you're afriad, but you're working through it, not letting it conrol you."

He was silent, just holding her, feeling her heart beat against his bare chest. "I don't intend to do anything rash, my love." "You are right to worry about...what he did to you, and I'm touched that you would deprive yourself for my sake." He set his forehead against hers so that his wine-red eyes could look into her fearful orbs. "You are the one to decide how far things go, I only ask that I be allowed to keep you in my arms, and to be able to taste your sweet lips."