When RP takes control IC thread

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn rose from the chair, respectful of the cat’s sacrifice of the bed, but hopeful that Athyna had not been awoken. He leaned over her, gently caressing her pale cheek before climbing into bed.

He stretched out, reveling in the forgotten comfort of a nice bed. Within seconds of closing his eyes, he drifted into reverie.

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Thalryn stood atop the monastery at Beolve castle. He gazed down at the castle courtyard in horror as the lifeless bodies swung on the limbs of the great tree…

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Seth swatted at Thalryn with his broadsword, driving the gold elf back with each powerful stroke. Aided by the magic of undeath, the swordsman was much stronger and faster than he had been in life. Despite the elf’s natural speed and grace, he was barely holding off the undead knight’s attacks…

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Thalryn grabbed for his crescent moon amulet, drawing forth its power as he prepared to go mind to mind with Avrice. Perhaps he could distract the vile necromancer enough to release his hold on Skyler and turn the battle in their favor. The gold elf banished his spell of invisibility and engaged Avrice in will battle. The evil of the Necromancer swept over him as the two minds connected. Thalryn pushed with all his might, but Avrice was stronger. Futily, the elf drew out the full powers of the amulet. Avrice slowly peeled back the gold elf’s mind, and as the Necromancer dominated the elf, laying bare his mind, the amulet flared and melted away…

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Thalryn sat straight up in bed, unconsciously clutching his scarred hand. Panting hard, he absently wiped the sweat from his brow. A nightmare? He glanced down to Athyna, but the wood elf seemed to be lost in reverie. The gold elf slowly lay back down. Hesitantly, he closed his eyes and tried to find the solace of reverie. After countless minutes, he again slipped beyond the veil of the conscious realms.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She looked to Dominic as he hurried about the room, “No time for that, I don’t need a blade to cut your skin for me.” She stood and walked towards him, there were several things fighting for dominance within her, love, fear and above all hunger and that conflict shown in her eyes.

Once she was near him she reached for his hand, knowing it safer than taking any blood from his neck. She knew she could feed quicker that way though and get it over with, but it would be impossible for him to get her away from him if she couldn’t control herself and not stop.

She looked into his eyes, and then spoke softly, “Dominic, I thank you for this.” She raised his wrist to her lips and then kissed lightly, and then spoke again “I won’t hurt you… I love you.” Then he felt the pricks as her fangs pierced the skin of his wrist, a pleasurable feeling soon replaced the pain as she drank from him.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I gasped as she drew the blood from my body. The pain faded quickly and was replaced by a familiar pleasant feeling. It was almost sensual. I reached out and placed my hand on the back of her head, stroking her hair. The room around me disappeared from view; all that I could see was her.

God...I wanted her to drink more...

I began to tighten my grip on the back of her head, holding her face to my wrist. I let out a moan from the depths of my throat. It felt so good...I didn't want it to end...

 

[Armphid]

Kyle

Really, what he wanted was a little time to himself. He could still feel Jasleth back in his head, resting now. The split of his mind, the existence of both of them within the same body was something he needed to address. Soon. However...he saw the eagerness in Kryss's eyes, in her movements. He smiled at her, then looked away. "...Sure, Kryss." "Let's go and see what Sanctuary has to offer." He gave her an apologetic glance, "I'll be glad to spend some time exploring, but I...may need some time to myself soon."

The two of them began to move back out the doors of the courtyard into the town. He really should tell Kryss about it...about the two of them. "There's...something that happened to me that I need to work through." "Whether I'm Kyle or Jasleth...many things." As he stepped intot he light, he felt something unusual...a vaguely familiar dark power floating through the valley. That power...it reminded him of Avrice...a necromancer. "Although...maybe there's something to exploring the valley...."

 

[katalynn]

Kryss noticed the desperate look in his, the confusion of what is happening to him. She understood, part of her could feel happening to, just doesn't seem to be like it is with him. She stopped in her tracks, facing him, then kissed him softly with so much love and understanding.

"If you need time alone, don't let me stop you m'love. We have all the time in the world to be together. For as much as I .... hate to say it, I think I could use sometime alone as well."

Those drums were calling me harder and harder, they seemed so close, yet so far. There was a darker feeling from somewhere for a few moments, but just shrugged it off not wanting to think about it right now.

"We are here to take care of ourselves, and I guess, in away, become healthy.... for as strange as that sounds right now.... Anyway, go take care of what you need to do. I'm not going to far."

Embraced him once again with another kiss, waiting for his response. It did seem like a good time to have some alone time, didn't want to addmit that, just suddenly, it felt like the right thing to do. I had my own thoughts and guilts to sort out.

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Athyna felt Thalryn taking the cats the place, it did wake her a little as he got settled. After listening to him breathing next to her only made her smile as she drifted off into her secret place once again. Like before when he kissed her, she felt him stirring in the distant. Part of her wanted to wake up to see if he was alright, then part of her couldn't snap out of it fast enough. It was more of a meditative sleep and something that had to be eased out of.

By the time I came out of the trance like state, he had seemed to be sleeping soundly, seemed to be anyway. She slowly and carfully got closer to him, draping his arm around her. He own hand lightly on his chest, though she didn't drift off as easy this time. Wondering what could have disturbed Thalryn, added to her own thoughts. Yet, after what seemed like hours, only to be merely minutes. She finally found her rest once again, the warmth of his embrace and body, adding to his breathing was so soothing to her.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

Her boot heels clacked steadily on the beaten dirt of the path.

So far, no good. Nothing of any interest was in this town - no magical items or anything. Not even decent jewelry to be had. She was tempted to throw off her causal white garb and cause some havoc as a necromancer. Oh well.

Shihou and Huozai had departed from her. The former to an old library of sorts, and the latter to a bar. She wasn’t too worried about them - she knew they could pass for mortals as long as no one touched them. It had been tempting to want to join Shihou in the library, but how much knowledge could this town hold that she didn’t already know? Lang paced beside her, occasionally resting his head on her shoulder. He was the most affectionate, and it seemed [ to her ], the most loyal. Who knows how those things worked out. Either way, she was glad to have his company.

“God…” she said at length, pausing to tug at the edges of her shirt in a desperate attempt to fan herself. Lang glanced down at her curiously.

“It just gets to be a royal pain in the ass wearing that suit under here, especially when it’s this damn hot out here. Maybe I should go for the more abbreviated one.”

“And you think by doing that you’ll get more men?” Lang asked, his gaze going to the sun’s zenith. He had the ability to stare directly at the sun uninjured due to, well, him being dead. She glared over at him, pulling her shirt tighter around her body in revenge. “It has nothing to do with that. Maybe I’ll just cut my hair so I’ll be cooler…”

Lang squealed. Her hair was as much his pride and joy as it was hers. Today he had taken the time to arrange it in an elaborate and fetching whorls of braids, placed just like so to bring out her eyes and facial structure. He knew if he left it to her she would just wear that damn head wrap all the time and not even bother. “You cut your hair and I will go marching right back to my grave and you know it.”

She laughed lightly, and touched her cheek to his. “There’s nothing to worry about….However, there is nothing to do. Let’s call in the folks and head back to the inn. Maybe then we can just sleep until it gets dark. Hopefully things pick up at night.”

Lang yawned, and nuzzled into her affectionately. The little attention whore. Patting his hand, she turned around and headed back towards the inn. Shooing Lang off of her for a moment, she placed her fingers to her lips and let out a shrill whistle, followed by two softer and more musical ones. The garnet in her hoop shimmered for a moment.

In the library and in the tavern, their golden earrings caught light, and Shihou and Huozai sped back towards her side.
____________________________________________________________________

She opened the door to the Inn.

The young woman had been replaced by an elder man. He glanced up to them, and quickly looked away. Zhu sighed. She supposed it didn’t really look all that GOOD that she was the only woman in this “party”, but Gramps would just have to get used to it. Producing her key from somewhere as yet unknown, she whirled it about on her finger tip, proving that she had a right to be there. They fell into position as she started up the stairs : Huozai in front, Lang at her side, and Shihou behind her.

Reaching her room, she took a quick glance up and down both ways of the hall. One could never be too safe. The flyaway lines of her eyebrows quirked upwards for a moment, and then she entered. Shedding her outer garments, Lang loyally picked them up, trying to assure that they didn’t get wrinkled. Wriggling her body out of the glove like under suit, she tossed that to the side as well, leaving her with nothing on but her infernal headwrap. Hopping over to the bed, she lay down on top of the covers, removing her headwrap. Her hair, now free of the braids, fell to about a half-foot beneath her waist, wild and curling. With her headwrap removed, the edges of her slightly elven ears parted the seas of her hair. Glancing back to her servants, she shrugged lightly.

“It’s okay if we all take a rest. Take whatever you need from the wares to make yourselves comfortable.”

At that, she turned to her side and allowed her eyelids to drop. Not like there was anything worth keeping them open for anyway.

 

[Armphid]

Kyle

He felt her own desire for privacy. Kyle inclined his head, returning her kiss gently. "Go and take care of what you need to, Kryss." "I'll see you soon."

He watched her go, her easy movements pleasing to the eye. Then he sighed, and closed his eyes. That strange ki he felt...that dark energy...as much as he wanted to sort through his mental state...he needed to find the source of that power. Seemingly blind, he followed the ebb and flow of ki, buoying him along as it flowed through the valley and town.

Odd...these skills and abilites had always been background in the game. Yet now he could use them almost instinctively. ALthough this level of awareness, of attunement with the world around him was something he had always wanted. Was his will somehow shaping things? Making him who he wanted to be?

A "ping" in his ki sense brought him to a halt, his eyes opening. In front of him was a large, expensive looking Inn. Emerald green eyes scanned it, making mental notes as to the best ways in and out from what he could see. Very unusual...the only ones who entered Sanctuary were those who passed the test, and most of those stayed...hardly enough to keep an inn like this running. Yet another question. Hardly surprising at this rate.

Kyle entered, smiling at the old man behind the counter. "Well met, friend." "I'm looking for someone...someone unusual, who may be danerous." "I don't suppose you can tell me anything?"

The old man squinted at him. "Hmm....well, what an honor." "The Man With Two Lives." Kyle blinked. "There is a young lady staying here with her servants." "She is our only guest." "That is all I can tell you."

Kyle frowned. "Okay...let's back up to that "Man With Two Lives" bit."

The innkeeper shook his head. "Oh, no." "That is for the Sages." "I cannot say anymore."

Kyle knew that with the Sages magic, he likely truly couldn't say anymore. The magic would prevent him. "Fine." Leaving the old man to his business, Kyle mounted the stairs. He passed doors until he felt the dark ki behind one. He paused...Jasleth's approach would be to just barge in and force answers. Not the best way to handle this. Kyle was in charge now...right? He rapped on the door twice. "I beg your pardon, but I would like to speak to your lady, if it pleases her."

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

She hadn’t resurrected fools.

Huozai had been aware of the young man’s presence before he got to the door, and he had roused the other servants. From the dull dawn filtering through the dark drawn curtains, their eyes glittered with an inhuman light, refracting the same ruby as their mistresses’. They discussed the matter while she lay sleeping, and Huozai, with his bulk, took it on to answer the door.

When he opened it, his large frame nearly took up the entire doorway. The elegantly drawn eyebrows over stitched shut eyes raised, and he ‘looked’ down at the man.

“She is sleeping, and made no call for visitors.”

As if reacting on an unsaid cue, from the faint shadows cast in the hall moved the other two undead. Shihou stood to the man’s left, a small dagger in hand, and Lang stood to his right, his spear point aimed at his throat. Their eyes were cold, and the glimmer from their gold earrings was dulled. They had shed their usual loose black clothing in favor of suits similar to Zhu’s, except with golden buckles here and there.

Huozai cleared his throat calmly. “Do with him as you wis-”

“I don’t think the Inn owners will take kindly to bloodshed in their halls,” came the sole female voice. She stepped out from behind Huozai, clad in her usual white get up, whatever figure she had lost beneath the billows of it. At her arrival, Shihou and Lang pulled back, bowing. She touched each of their heads, prompting them to stand.

“However, you do have a point. I made no call for any sort of visitors.” Her ruby eyes glared directly into the young man’s, freed from the undead’s arms. “And this is a most unwelcome intrusion. What should we do with this snoop…?”

“Run him through, m’lady,” said Lang, his head still slightly bowed.

“Send him back in pieces to whatever party he is from,” offered Shihou, looking up at the ceiling.

“Huozai?” She asked, her hands draping by her side. He was the voice of reason, usually.

He was silent, considering his options. Like Zhu, he knew that the man was probably up to some no good snooping - had caught wind of the necromancer and probably wanted to dispose of her without even bothering to do any sort of background check. Yet, there could be something learned from this man - but from the looks of him, not much.

“His blood is not worthy to stain our hands…” he said at length, “And I doubt there is anything to learn from him. He is probably used to the reputation of other necromancers and came here with the pretext to do you harm. For that I would kill him, but the final judgment is up to you, m’lady.”

“Precisely.” With a deft twisting of her hand, the white outfit was cast off to the side, revealing the second-skin black leather attire beneath it. Clad like this now, she seemed older, more menacing. With a black gloved hand, she ran her index finger along the man’s jaw line. Black painted lips parted. “Let this be a lesson to you - the next time you get involved or jump the gun, make sure to have backup. You’re lucky I’m a nice sort of girl who won’t go about killing without due cause.”

As she stepped back, the wide arch of her flame eyebrows arched upwards, curving from their black origins. The freed torrent of her hair swept evenly about her waist, the black roots giving it more of a shocking look. However, from beneath all of that hair, the tips of those slightly elven ears made themselves seen, the left holding a burden of a silver hoop. The dark frame of her eyelashes cast small shadows across the deep ruby of her eyes, the red pools lightened as she tilted her head upwards to call back her loyal servants. Shihou came first, close behind him trailing Lang. Lang glared back at the young man before entering the room. Huozai looked down at her.

“Will you be needing of my services, m’lady?” Only he had failed to shed his outer garments in favor for the more combative outfits of the others.

“No…” she held up a gloved hand. “Calm down the others. I’ll be in shortly.”

He nodded, and turned to go back into the room, closing the door behind him.

Leaning against the closed door, she stared at the young man, wondering what his problem was. Most folks were such assholes to necromancers [ and most times it was uncalled for! ], prompting her to wear other clothing over this preferred suit that seemed to scream “yes, I like dealing with dead people!”. Folding her hands behind her back, the appendages were lost in the ongoing wave of her hair. From the corners of her sharply made eyes, she looked to the man, and took a breath.

“I’m not one to jump to conclusions, but I will say that this looks exceptionally bad for you. Tell me what you came here to know.”

Her voice and posture seemed now odd, coming from this leather-clad super vixen, when only a moment ago she appeared like any other on the street. Looking up, her narrowed eyes took him in. There was definately an air of otherwordliness to her...if it was caused by her attire or her practice was left to the unknown.

 

[Armphid]

Kyle

The undead guards were good. Their stances were sure, and he knew very well the strength that such creatures had. Not that it would have saved them had they attacked. Even without the magic of Sanctuary, he has confident that he could have taken them apart. His face had been impassive throughout the experience, not registering surprise at the guards brandishing weapons, the woman's appearance, or her change to the more revealing garb that stated her calling so plainly.

Kyle inclined his head, his oddly spiky hair seemingly in the way of his eyes. "I appreciate the advice, My Lady." "I came alone because I assumed that would better express my peaceful intentions." "I would like to point out that it was your servants who were ready to attack me." "If I wished you ill, I would not have announced my presence so politely."

He straightened, his emerald eyes never leaving her for a moment. He wondered if she could feel the power in him. The skills and "magic" of a monk came from his ki, his life force. Training and mystic arts increased the ki, granting greater power. At this point, Kyle had as much ki as a small army might. "In return for our advice, let me offer my own." "You haven't been told of it, but in this valley all violence is prohibited." "This edict is enforced with magics nearly as old as the world itself, and stronger than even the gods." "Those who try to commit such acts are thwarted, and punished harshly." He shook his head from side to side. "You should tell your servants, if you value them."

Kyle crossed arms of corded muscle across his chest, taking the sight of the necromancer. She was beautiful...and strong in her craft as well, he could the darkened ki that swirled about her. He had changed out of the worn silks that had brought him here. A sleeveless red silk shirt of Chinese style covered his muscular chest, loops and knots of silver keeping it closed. A pale blue sash wound around his waist, contrasting with the dark blue of his loose pants. Flexible black shoes, almost slipperlike, were on his feet, a far cry from the boots of most adventurers. The bracers of Courage and Justice still adorned his arms, and the white headband whose tails fell past his waist had the rune for "Wisdom" upon it in gold ink.

"My Lady, I came here because I felt your power." "I have encountered a necromancer before and it was similar to his power." "I had hoped that you might have heard of this man, and been willing to tell me something of him." "He has made himself my enemy, and sought to take my life for reasons unknown to me." Kyle kept his voice respectful, neither pleading nor requesting. "I also wished to ask you about whether or not you know of a way to expunge the Blight from one infected by it." "Since it is a necromantic effect, I believed there was a chance you may know of it, perhaps even a cure for it." "I am of course, willing to pay for the information, though I have little money." "I am willing to trade my service as well as my funds, if you would be interested, My Lady." Now to see what she said. Even if she told him nothing, the trip was worth his coming here.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

Her eyes idly traced his form from head to foot.

Hardly a drop in the handsome bucket compared to that elf. Mmm.

“Well, if he’s trying to take your life for some reason beyond you, don’t you think that you should figure that reason out?” she mused, pulling her hair back away from the nape of her neck. In that small motion, she also pulled on her ‘normal’ outfit with abnormal speed. The minute he blinked, she was the ‘normal’ girl once more.

“And there aren’t many necromancers around, and then on top of that, strong enough to cast Blight. Well, with the exception of myself and some other guy I’ve heard of. The rate of his power seems to be growing rapidly…And that intrigues me. So I seek him myself.”

From behind the door, Shihou growled. “She’s telling him EVERYTHING!”

“No she’s not,” came Huozai’s grumbled reply. “She’s trying to see what he has in mind, what party he belongs to.”

“I don’t think either one of you are right,” sniffed Lang, “but if you’re not quiet then we can’t hear where this is going.” Sensing some wisdom behind Lang’s words, the trio lapsed back into silence, while Shihou kept his ear pressed to the door.

Outside the door, the day was edging into night. She glanced up at the man, trying to gauge his reaction. She wanted to let him know from the get-go she was only interested in furthering herself - it made for an easy image to maintain and kept loyalty to her at bay. “I know of Blight - I’ve caused a few cases myself.” She chuckled lightly to herself, shaking loose strands of hair away from her face. “And I can also cure it. However, I have little need of your money or your services…If I even sold my talents. And I also don’t know you well enough to…how would you say it…care, about your party member.”

The trio pressed against the door exchanged looks.

“Oh…and for the record, my servants know ways about the Rules. How can one punish the undead?” She smiled faintly, and her hand found the door knob, turning it slightly. If she left him to wait, then the price could increase. Not like she was serious about selling her talents - it was rare when she did something out of the ‘kindness of her heart’, and usually those were special cases. Blight wasn’t an easy thing to cure, either, and she had no idea how strong this necromancer was. If she was to gain anything from the experience, it would be a more effective power gauge…and perhaps a calling card.

From the crack in the door, three voices heralded her.

“I think you should go with your thoughts,” they chimed, Lang’s voice the highest.

They did have a point.

“However….” She slowly began to close the door once more behind her. “If I do nothing, I can at least tell you where to go for the cure. But I go nowhere without my friends,” she purred, opening the door fully. From the shadows of the room, the three made their way to their eternal places at her sides. Huozai closed the door behind him, locking it. The key was dropped into her now ungloved palm. Glancing up to the young man again, a small smirk crossed her face.

“Are we ready, monk-reject? Time is usually of some importance in the case of Blight, unless he’s too busy enjoying the favors of some woman to even care about his state, and then, why should I care? People. I much prefer them when they’re not breathing.”

 

[Armphid]

Kyle

Kyle found her manner remarkably frustrating, but he could bear it for a time. He idly wondered if it was an affliction of all necromancers. "My Lady, I would repeat my warning about the Peace again." "Your pride in your power, and in undeath notwithstanding, the penalty for violating The Peace cannot be avoided." He paused briefly collecting his thoughts, "This valley, and the Peace were made with the world, by the universe itself." "If one attempts to violate The Peace, the universe itself intervenes." "The attack fails, no matter what power or weapon is used." "The offender is removed from existence." He raised a finger to illustrate the point, "Not killed but made non-existant." "Nothing of them remains, physically, spiritually, they cease to be." "Complete oblivion." "Test it if you will, but do so with your least valued servant." He bowed, though his eyes never left her or the zombies. "I thank you for at least coming with me." "If you will follow me please."

The small group left the Inn, the wizened innkeeper bowing deeply to Kyle as they passed him. "Fare well, Man With Two Lives." "We shall not meet again, good luck to you." He straightened, inclining his head to the necromancer. "I shall have a fine dinner ready upon your return, madam."

Kyle wanted to stop and question the old goat...but it wouldn't get him anywhere. Besides if he got too frustrated, he might try to shakle the information out of the fool and he truly valued existing. "Thank you, sir." "Fare well." He led them outside, guiding them through the few streets of the town toward the four story pagoda that had been made for the party. The artful depictions of the party's adventures had changed somewhat. There was now a representation of his meeting with the strange quartet that followed him, as well as a plain representation of Skyler with her teeth sank deep into Dominic's palm.

Kyle stood at the threshold, taking in the change of the mural. "Lady, this is the home that my party and I have been given, within is the one I would have you treat." "Before I do so though...I may have some information that would interest you." "A gesture of good faith."

He walked to the side and pointed out a section of wall that depicted the events that had occured in Beoulve Castle. "This battle took place a week ago." "We clashed with a powerful necromancer calling himself Avrice." "He caused the Blight, and possibly cursed another of our number." "Though we all struggled against him, I alone fought him directly in combat." "I can't imagine that there would be another as strong as him in your art."

Though he knew it might cost him, he decided to bring another thing up. "Lady...at risk of losing your assistance, I don't deserve your scorn." "I have treated you with courtesy, and I would appreciate the same." "If not, at least do not loose your venom on me." "I have been tried in many ordeals and battles, and my art is very strong." "I honestly do not care about your approval, but I would ask you to be civil."

"If you still wish to see my comrade, please follow me inside." As they entered, he rang the bell that hung by the door, announcing their presence. "Dominic," he called, "Skyler!" "We have an important guest that may be able to help with the Blight." he then turned and indicated that the others follow him. "If you please, My Lady." "You servants may come or stay in the courtyard as they wish."

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

The elf drifted lazily from reverie at the sound of a bell ringing. He gently slid out from under Athyna and strode to the door clad only in his breeches. To his surprise, there stood Jasleth followed by the vendor and her servants.

“Well, this is indeed interesting.” He said with a slight smile. “I didn’t realize returning the gold meant so much to you.”

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

Before she could even open her mouth to respond to the short manner in which she had been spoken to, Lang did.

“How dare you speak to our lady like that?!” He stepped forward, fists clenched. Shihou and Huozai also moved forward, reading themselves. Feeling their presence move closer, she couldn’t help but to sigh. Such friendships among the living were rare…if none existent. She placed her hand on Lang‘s chest, holding him back. A slow smile crossed her face.

“Well, if he insists on speaking down to me, then we should leave. After all, we got what we came for, did we not? A name was all I needed.” As if true to her shifting nature, she turned to leave. After all, she didn’t need some ungrateful bullshit to mess up her own vibes. “Apparently he can find the cure to Blight himself, if he speaks to someone skilled in that art in such a rough way! His travels and his trails,” her voice had this low type of sarcasm to it, as if she was deciding between sounding sultry and using a dry tone of voice, “have more than likely taught him more than my years of service to the dead! Well, I never!” She clapped her hands together, as if to emphasize her point. “He insults me, and my servants, and my art all in one breath, one thought. My friends, what do you think I should do…?”

“I think you should leave his friend to ROT,” came the uncharacteristically harsh voice from Lang. He had taken those comments earlier to heart, and it left his fingers itching to draw his spear and send it through the throat of the man. “You come here to do him a favor and the entire time he acts like he’s better than you because he’s still got air in his lungs! Mark my words, m’lady, if we were outside of this valley, I would make his life forfeit! Telling you to act civil when you actually LEFT your home to come and help him without any charge! I will NOT have it, m’lady!”

“Shihou?”

Silence from the middle man. His stitched lips twitched as his vivid eyes went to the darkening sky. “I agree with Lang. You recovered the information that you wanted, and he has treated you in a disgusting manner, and it doesn’t seem characteristic…unless he distrusts you.” His voice didn’t come from his permanently closed lips, but seemed to materialize from all about them, filling them, buffering them with his calm voice.

“Huozai?”

The eyebrows lifted above the rag doll closed eyes. “He boasts of his strength against the necromancer…but yet, he returns unscathed while his friend is suffering from Blight. If he is this strong, then he should be able to cure it. But the final answer rests with you, m’lady.”

“That it does….that it does…” her voice trailed off. Weighing her options, her first line of thought was that she agreed with all of her servants. There was more to this than met the eye, and she, for one, thought it was odd. Too odd, really. And she didn’t SAY she would cure his friend, did she? She would direct them TO a cure…

Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the elf. Her sharp eyes turned, ruby orbs going to his handsome splendor. As hot and mouthwatering he was, his appearance would do nothing to stave off the words from the reject monk. “Shihou, return his money.” And he was shirtlesssssssssss…..

“As you wish, m’lady.” From the wide sash of his pants, he produced the bag of coins, and tossed it to the elf.

“Keep it, and consider it a…leave well enough alone payment. Gold means not so much to me as honor and proper treatment. I did not give my word that I would CURE your friend, but I did say that I would direct you to one. I will tell you that much, and nothing more, since you seem powerful enough to handle the necromancer alone. And for myself and my servants, we will stay right here in this courtyard. It seems the only place where we are welcome as a whole…”

Come to think of it, adding to her own relucance was that odd name that the innkeeper had called this man. A deep twisting in her stomach let her know, reassured her, not to trust this man any farther than she could throw him. Even though the elf companion was handsome beyond all belief, that could be used to muddle her judgement as well. It would be most..devestating if she lost her way this time. There was something that could be achieved, possibly gained here, but only if she kept a healthy distance. She looked behind her to her trio. As if they knew her thoughts, they nodded slightly.

"Yes....I would much prefer staying out here."

The trio chuckled lowly behind her, the sound seeming to rise as if the earth was humming.

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

The gold elf cocked his head, silently questioning Jasleth as he absently caught the bag of gold. Puzzled, Thalryn slowly reassessed the situation.

“I am deeply sorry if my companion here offended you, M’lady. He is…ah…much better left to fighting than talking.” Thalryn’s eyes sent Jas a silent warning to hold his tongue as he spoke. “If you’ve any information that could help us heal our friend of the blight, we would be most grateful.” A warm, disarming smile lit the elf’s fine features. “If there is a way you could heal this disease, we would be forever in your debt.”

Thalryn’s emerald eyes met her ruby orbs. “You have been most grateful for coming here. You and your servants are welcome.”

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

Oh, that smile was enough to make her knees weak.

Before she could swoon, the ever vigilant Lang pinched her arm, hissing in her ear. “Don’t let that pretty creature get to him. I had double his looks when I was alive,” he sniffed. As handsome as he was now, such an assumption wasn’t too far off. “ ‘Forever in our debt’,” mocked Lang from her side. What did that damn pretty boy have? Well, one thing was for sure - he was going to make sure that she kept focused on her job rather than trying to get into those breeches of his. They were probably enough girls doing that already - stupid common gutter trash girls, and his lady was much more classy than that.

Huozai remained silent. That name…Avrice. It sounded familiar to him. His eyebrows knit. He had been with her longer than the others -her servant since childhood, as she was one of the lasting members of her family-, and knew much more about his mistress than she did. It tugged at the back of his mind, demanding to be acknowledged. He wasn’t for sure now, but he could only hope to see this man. Shihou, feeling his friend’s doubt, turned to him, startling blue eyes questioning. Huozai smiled a little, passing it off.

“Are you going to stand and stare at the elf, m’lady, or do what you set out to do?” called Shihou. She flushed, and frowned.

“I’m sticking by my word. I am staying out here where my servants and I are truly welcome.” And where they could make a quick getaway if needed. “If he was walking around with the Blight for a week, he should be strong enough to come out here,” she scowled. They WERE wasting her good lurking time. She crossed her arms, careful to take a few steps back from the elf. It would be better if she were to keep her distance, although she was surprised that the drool wasn’t running from the corners of her mouth now.

 

[katalynn]

Athyna felt Thalryn slowly get out of bed, followed by the noise that everyone was making. Bell went off at the door, soon voices of another woman was there, and what sounded like Jas. Sighed heavily wishing to not be disturbed, it felt so good being in his arms. Almost like the first time on the roof, only now it seemed a bit more than that. Now that she has been with him in the past few days.

She rose out of bed sneaking up behind Thal without a sound as he talked to the strange woman. Avoiding her sight for the moment, Athyna kissed between his shoulderblades, then lightly ran her nails down his back as she peeked over his sshoulder.

"Who do we have here?"

Whispered softly into Thalryns' ear, she knew he wasn't entirely his. But she wasn't about to let the chance go that easy.
Another dark elf. Great! A necromancer at that. Bad enough they had Kryss, now this one. The servants around this one gave her away, wasn't very often you see people such as them. Plus she had strong powers all around her, hard to avoid.

"I do not trust her.... Something is amist."

Spoke softly obviously not wanting her to hear, staying close to Thalryn. Athynas' silver eyes glared at all four of them, specially the way the woman was looking at Thalryn. It was of hunger or lust, she wasn't quite sure.

Athyna knew that Kryss had the blight as well, hearing where the conversation was going, yet bit her tongue to speak of it. Knowing Avrice, Kryss wouldn't have gotten away that easy. Also, she can sense things like that. Besides, if she was still going to take care of Kryss, it would be her pleasure, not someone elses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kryss had found the drums, it was a sight she would never forget. Dancers all around, drums of all sizes out in the field just beyond the city streets. Everyone was so happy, without a care in the world. Instantly took her in the dance. The drums pounding with her heartbeat, scarves twirling every which way, her eyes were closed most the time taking her into her own little world. Everything that has happened came rushing at her.

Kryss' anger rose with the drums when she visioned herself with Avrice, tears streaming down her face at what she knew she had done. They were tears of anger for letting herself be in that position, the drums seemed to be pounding out all that anger, all that hurt. Yet, the blight that was within her only made the anger rise to a point where she couldn't hold it in. The flames within her started to show around her form, each flame dancing with the beat.

The drummers around her knew what was going on, as if they have seen it before. Or could sense what was going through her mind, body and soul. They were near a lake with nothing else around for the flames to reach. It was like they had been waiting for her and knew exactly what would get her attention. They were pounding on the deep bass of the heavy drums, watching her every move. Knowing when to step in if needed.

Kryss had stopped dancing, her eyes red as the fire surrounding her form as she stared straight out into the lake. Though, she wasn't seeing the lake, it was the courtyard. It was the same thing she saw in the test, same people and position that it was when it actually happened. Only this time, she wasn't able to control herself, the sounds of the drums were driving it out of her. Pushing her to her limit and possibly more.

Finally letting out all of her emotions, the love she has for Kyle, the anger against Avrice. All those times feeling helpless, hidden emotions that she didn't even know she had. All came out in a stream of flames directed to the courtyard she was seeing. The lake for a few moments was nothing but fire, boiling under the intense heat as the flames slowly died down with the beat of the drums. Shortly after Kryss had fell to the ground from the intensity, one of the drummers came to her side to make sure she was alright as she woke.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

So there WERE women about.

How….unsurprising.

She was glad that Lang had been there to help her keep her professional air. However, her fingers itched. She hated being around so many…living people. She shrank back to the protection of her servants.

“Look, m’lady, there’s a whole peanut gallery here, and among them all, not one competent enough to cure Blight,” stated Lang. He really didn’t give a rat’s ass what people thought of what he said, or if he was sparing anyone’s feelings. He studied his nails, before tilting his head back to shake his dark hair from his eyes. This sort of thing was ridiculous. And look at that little elf hussy. “M’lady, I do think that this place is as ill suited to you as that elf wench’s clothing. We would do best if we left now.”

She glanced over to Lang, biting her lip to stop from laughing. Her eyes betrayed her though, as they glittered with her mirth. Even the stoic Huozai chuckled softly, looking down at the ground.

“For your information, elf wench, my mistress is not one of your kind. She wa-”

“Fortunate enough not to know either of my parents,” she finished for Lang, suppressing another laugh. This little girl was insecure, and was bound to take it out on her. It was no fault of her own that she happened to be beautiful, confident, and powerful beyond all believe. “But I am not aware that either one of them were elves. Elves tend not to dabble into the Dark Arts, and I’ve found more of a family in the dead than I have in the living.” As she spoke, she reached back to run her fingers along Lang’s jaw line. “But I do declare, I don’t think we’re welcome here. What should I honestly do….?”

“Leave, m’lady,” came the answer from all three servants.

She ran a now gloved hand across her dark chin. Imagine, being called a dark elf. The very idea. Silly pale-skins - they thought they knew everything and everyone. It’d be their own downfall. And the fact that they were treating her like this, even though SHE had come out to treat their friend, was really really rude. Beyond rude. She had said she would cure him, free of charge, and this is how these ingrates repaid her? Although her servants were growing more enraged by the moment [ Lang had his hand on the collar of his shirt, prepared to whisk it off for battle ], she was better at masking her feelings.

“I wish that I could, my darlings. Although with how bad I have been treated, I should just forget my word and leave. I said I could not do nothing, then I would direct them to a cure….Actually, I never gave my word as a necromancer or as a lady that I would help them. I may have just thought that out of the kindness of my heart to help these people. But it seems as if my kindness has no meaning to them, and I know the name of the one I seek. Come, I grow weary of this.”

She tightened the wrap about her hair, and turned her back on the growing party. This was insane, and so far it had been a royal waste of her time. If the mouthwatering elf was as rude as they were, then she had no business dealing with him to begin with. She almost wished she could take back the calling incense she had given him, but she knew it was against her character to take back things that were given freely.

“I’m sure Avrice would be more appreciative of your skills, m’lady,” murmured Shihou as he placed a guiding hand on her shoulder, keeping her from looking back. Lang paced over to her right side as Shihou took his place on her left. As she started to walk away, Huozai lagged behind, his sightless eyes running over the group one last time. He didn’t know what his lady had planned, but he knew that she was probably tired of the ill treatment, as anyone would be. But he doubted if she would walk entirely away - she was also notorious for being as soft-hearted as Lang was smart mouthed. Perhaps if the others left and if she saw the man suffering from Blight on the street, she would cure him..

Now what was he to do? They had gotten a good distance away from the inn already. “My Lady did say that she would at least direct you to a cure, and lest her words be proven a lie, I will direct you to it myself, although I don’t know why I should. Your behavior towards her has been atrocious, and death would be too kind for the lot of you. Honor goes beyond simpletons, though.” His words were dripping with thinly disguised disgust. He didn’t even know why he was doing this. Oh, that’s right, he did know - Avrice. That necromancer had taken an interest in this little ragtag group, and was bound to send his minions, if not come after them himself. Avrice could wipe out these fools and then, him and his lady could meet the man unhindered. “Either way, here is how you can cure him - have him pose as a homeless beggar outside of the inn tomorrow. My lady will heal him as long as she is unaware of who he is, or who he travels with.”

Without a second word, the large man turned and paced off in the direction of his own party, and back to his lady, mouth tight. He knew that name…Avrice. But only when he saw him, would he know if his assumption was right…

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She could feel his pulse begin to race as the pleasure of her bite overtook him, she knew she would have to stop before it would be too late. She knew she could cause him no harm here, the magic of the place would keep that from happening. She heard his moan and she could feel her pleasure grow at the sound of his.

The feel of his hand on her hair made her feel good, she loved to feel his touch any of it, even the simple caress such as now. She felt his grip on her hair tighten only slightly as he held her to his wrist. She pulled back slightly, not wanting to drain him too much. She looked up to him her blue eyes clear even in the half dark of the room.

She had to stop, she could feel his strength slipping away, if she didn't stop soon it would be too late, she would have no choice. She began to pull away, all the while she looked to his face......

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

The gold elf listened absently to Athyna. While she talked he kept his gaze fixed on the necromancer and her servants. A puzzled expression found his face, and he shrugged in resignation.

Thalryn turned, motioning for Athyna to follow him back into their room. Once inside, he quickly pulled on a green tunic and pulled the incence and the lyre from his bag of holding. He noticed Athyna’s glare and turned to face her. “I met her briefly in the marketplace and purchased this lyre from her. She refused to give me her name. Now she turns up yelling at Jasleth about his behavior.”

A grin spread over the gold elf’s face. “Imagine, chastising a monk for poor courtesy. Its like trying to poison a wyvern!” He chuckled to himself a bit. Athyna failed to see the humor.

“Anyway, as I was saying. She is indeed a necromancer, but you must remember, fair maiden, not all necromancers are evil. You are right in saying something is amiss. Nothing in this fair valley is as it seems.” The gold elf pensively studied something invisible on the wall.

 

[katalynn]

Athyna watched as she walked away, knowing that she didn't say anything to upset the woman, or even posed any ill threat against her. Knowing Thalryn this long, it couldn't have been him she was talking about.

"What did Jas do to upset her in such a fashion? I didn't even speak to her and she accuses all of us for talking ill of her, just what did he do this time?"

Athyna did find some humor in his words, but thoughts of a necromancer being upset is never a good thing. After all, she was around Avrice long enough to know.

"Well, if she does indeed know how to cure this blight. Suppose we should make amends with her. I personally do not wish to have a necromancer, of any kind, having ill thoughts against us."

"Though, I do not accept her calling me an elf wench. If it was anywhere else..."

She tilted her slightly, closing her eyes at the thought of what she would have done. Whether she succeeded would have been a different story, but the thought was pleasant.

"It matters not. I'm still debating if I trust this place in general, and to find a necromancer here is the last thing I' would expect to find. Also, she spoke, well her servant, spoke of Avrice? That alone does not settle well with me."

Athyna began to get dressed in her leather outfit, sitting on the bed to lace up her knee high boots. She wasn't angry, her words were simply of concern, almost emotionless. Always had away of hiding her true feelings.

"I do agree that not all necromancers are evil, and I will give her a chance if it is what you wish. And if she truely can cure Kryss and Dom, though, she didn't seem to know about Kryss having it.... I will behave, I don't really like to judge people without really knowing them first."

After she was done with her boots, she looked to the golden elf and smiled as she started to braid her hair back.

"But it doesn't mean that I have to trust her right away....."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kryss slowly opened her now ruby eyes as she looked at the strange man smiling at her.

"You did well Kryss, I know how hard it had to be on you. Though, it was needed for the first time."

Having this confused look on her face, realizing that this was meant for her. Just wasn't sure how, no wonder no-one else heard them. Magic in them made it specially for her. He helped Kryss to her feet, she seemed to shine with all that locked up energy gone. There was something different about her.

"I'm afraid I do not understand, but I do feel better... Somehow.."

When she spoke, her voice seemed to have this pleasing spark to it, like nothing can upset her. As if she had seen another world or something. Just something happened and she liked it, she had no anger, whole new confidence.

He only smiled down to her, knowing her confusion. Yet, it was to soon for him to explain, this was just the begining. A shamanic type healing, it wouldn't cure the blight, but it would make her soul and energy keep it tame. With all the emotions she had locked inside, the blight was getting worse.

"I know, and you shall have answers soon enough. For now, you need to go and rest. You deserve a peaceful rest. The drums will call you when the time comes again."

With that she hugged the man and took off running for the inn. Passing the necromancer and the servants, Kryss had slowed down a bit while passing them, feeling their power like never before. For once it didn't scare her, she simply smiled at the woman and soon found Kyle.

Running up to Kyle and practically jumping in his arms, giving him a pleasing kiss. Even her kiss seemed more alive, more vibrant than it has been since everything happened. He could feel the new found power just pouring off her.


"I love you sooooo much m'love.."

She smiled warmly just before another, more tender kiss was placed on his lips.

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

The gold elf grinned as he turned to the wood elf maiden. “Ask you to trust her? Of course not! Trust is always earned. But our lady necromancer is slow to trust as well. Unless one of us opens up to her, we’ll never get anywhere.”

Thalryn walked back out to the courtyard to find the necromancer gone. One of her servants arrived and relayed his message about how to heal Dominic. As the undead servant left, Thalryn turned to Athyna.

“Hmm, it would seem Jasleth sought out the necromancer. I am a bit surprised that he would do anything that would offend her. All I know is that he awoke me when he rang the bell and I emerged to see her yelling at him.”

Thalryn pondered the situation again, and the corner of his mouth rose with the slightest hint of a grin. “Ah…I must apologize for the lady necromancer about calling you an elf wench. She seems quite taken with me, and seeing you emerge behind me likely set her off again.”

 

[katalynn]

Athyna only smiled at him, apologizing for someone he hardly knows.

"Well, this is Jas we are talking about. So far all the monks I have met are like cats. Curiosity kills the cat, and someday, I am sure it'll land him into trouble."

The whole wench thing was nagging at her, that woman doesn't even know me. After all she has three so called MEN with her, one would assume.. well.. Even if they are dead.. but necromancers are strange people...

"I have to wonder though, I did not speak of her kind. Yet, her servant was trying to explain that she isn't an elven kind. I know he was of the dead, but I didn't think they had such powers to know what one is thinking?"

Started to think back a little further at the conversation, it was only a thought. She seems like an elf, and her skin is dark. What is she then?

"Oh well, just mere thoughts....."

Wasn't to happy to wake up with these feelings and concerns about someone she knew nothing about. Let alone that person accusing her of things she did not do nor say. Yet, Athyna wasn't about to go out of her way to make amends, for she has done nothing wrong.

"Are you hungry at all? I am going to go see what this place has to offer, maybe something for ...hmm...Pouncer?!? .. here to eat as well. You are more than welcome to come...."

Sudden thought kind of hit her funny, he had said that the woman was taken with him.. Perhaps... Athyna smiled teasingly, trying to hide the possible true feeling behind it. She had never been jealous before, wasn't quite sure why she was now.

"Less, you are taken with her as well, and wish to seek her out for possible.... options..."

A faint little smirk escaped her, she didn't know why she was feeling like this. He just had a way of making her feel... Wanted? And she didn't wish loose that feeling. Least of all loose it to some necromancer that is seeking out avrice.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

The entire time she walked back, she was seething.

Everything that came in contact with her bare hands flocculated from dying to crumbling into the dust of decay- her power escaped her in leaps and bounds. Why had she even come to this valley? She had been a great many other places where she was treated with kindness, where she could be kind…Well, hindsight is 20/20 - just her additional luck to have wanderlust.

Her servants trailed along her, each keeping silent. It was rare for their mistress to be this upset about anything - and it was something best left alone to weather it’s course. However, given the fiery temper of their mistress, such funks usually disappeared in a large explosion, usually resulting in the death of something. Shihou gestured to his friends, and with his fingers, did the count down. 3. 2. And….1

“ARAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

Somewhere in the distance, a tree, consumed from the inside out by dry rot, crashed.

“Who the HELL do those people think they ARE?! Treating me, a person who deals with life and death like some common gutter trash?! WHO!” A booted foot kicked angrily at a large trunk. The tree didn’t move. “I hope that case of Blight worsens! That he rots while he still lives! And that they ALL get it! May they all BURN!” Another scream, another death of a tree. “Wolves are more honest and beautiful…”

She sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. Figuring that she was done, Lang carefully put his arms about her shoulders and hugged her tight. “Ah, my little Zhu…Come now, forget about them. The Fates are cruel to people like that, you know.”

“But it takes so longggggggg for them to suffer! Couldn’t I just do a little something, like make their ph-”

“M’lady, that’d be most unwise,” said Huozai. He paused, crossing his arms. “And it doesn’t suit you. I didn’t raise you to be so vindictive. That would make you no better than any of the other women in the world, and especially that little elf wench. Don’t you see that she was just insecure and protecting her territory? Women are silly like that. Pay her and her team members no mind…”

“And if THAT wasn’t bad enough, did you see what she had on? I could only imagine what the other women looked like. Honey Zhu, you don’t need to associate with anyone like that. Trust me, we all raised you to be better than that. You are not any sort of girl. You are a woman,” purred Lang, cupping the sides of her face in his cold hands, “and you need to remember that. And that’s not even mentioning the way she was glaring at you. I wish I could have gouged out her eyes and fed them to crows…Actually, I wouldn’t want to make such noble animals suffer by eating such rot. So maybe I would just…step on them for a bit.”

He stopped, trying to gauge Zhu’s expression. Sure enough, a smile had stated on her lips.

“Is that a smile I see?”

“Nooo…” she said, trying to twist her face free from his hands. As if that was a cue, he pulled her closer and began to tickle her. Squealing with laughter, she tried to squirm from his grasp. “You can’t hide such a beautiful expression from me, dearest!”

With his own laugh, he let her go. Wiping at her tearing eyes slightly, she smiled. Times like this, she was glad that they were her constant companions. It was nice to know that at least they would always accept her for who she was, and what she did. Common folks all too often just didn’t understand. She sighed, her shoulders slumping again, but this time in relief. The three men watching her smiled.

“Well, since it’s been decided that the living are not worth our time here, let us see how the dead are…” said the long quiet Shihou. Lang clapped his hands. “That’s a good idea! No yelling, nobody looking down on you…And interesting people! I wonder if life has always been like this here….Oh, please, Zhu, can we?”

She rubbed her chin, her lips curving up. It DID sound like a good idea, and no one could throw a party like the dead. She loosened the collar of her shirt.

“Sounds like a good idea, boys….” The white garments were shed, leaving her in her leather clad elegant beauty. Hair was taken down and shaken out. The hilt of her normally hidden rapier shone like the moon it reflected. Her gloved fingers ran along the plush outline of her black painted lower lip. “Thank you all for cheering me up. Seeing that silly little girl was enough to remind me why I hate women so much in the first place.”

To prove her point, she tilted her head back and let out a howl that issued from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. The sound was nearly identical to a wolf’s - long and undulating. As she finished, she slapped her hand between her breasts, and crowed. Her servants smiled.
__________________________________

The next hour saw her perched on a gravestone, swinging a bottle of wine [ courtesy of Huozai ] back and forth as she sang a bawdy song with two other members of the yard. In the middle of the graveyard, her servants had started a large bonfire, and now several of the dead were up and dancing. Skeletons, decaying, freshly buried - it didn’t matter. They all joined hands and sang, with Lang being the ring leader. Shihou sat on the edge, careful to look out for any mortals to enter the yard. Now was the time that the dead would have.

“You know, my kids were such BASTARDS,” slurred the harlot at Zhu’s side. “They might as well have just dug a hole in the ground and dumped me in it! I left money for my funeral, and they spend it on themselves!” The woman tried in vain to straighten out her long faded eye makeup. "You have such lovely skin, dear, I just have to tell you that..."

“That’s horrible,” said Zhu, her eyes going wide and slightly teary. “I didn’t know my parents, but I would have given them a proper burial! And you think so? Most people think it's freakish," she said, twisting a bit to see her hands.

“You’re a sweet girl, Zhu,” said the harlot, taking the bottle and following up with a long drink. “I say you shouldn’t worry about the fools around here - take it from an old woman who has seen the best of both worlds! And yes! It's flawless, dear - you can tell you live an honest life!"

“Yeah, I guess, but it still hurts. I like to have a good time just as much as the next person, but the only folks I find it easy to talk to are the dead ones - they’re the only ones that get it. They’ve lived long enough to understhand, you see what I mean?” slurred the young necromancer, tottering on the edge of the stone. “I like having this little hootnannies, though. I think itz good fur everyone, with the danching and all…! And a kinna honest life, I got Huozai, Shihou, and Lang to thank fer a lotta it. Ash I said, I ain't got no parensht."

“We’re going to go back to sleep when the dawn comes, right?” asked the man on Zhu’s other side. He had had a bit too much to drink, and was tottering between wakefulness and sleep as much as a dead man could. She had heard his story earlier - married, had kids, his wife cheated on him, and then poisoned him to keep her sin silent. She had agreed with his very vocal point of women being disgusting and stupid. And fickle!

“Of course, of course. I ain’t gonna keep ya from yer afterlife because I’m sad and lonely. I figgured I’d have a quick party, ish all. Even the dead need someone to listen to them, and most humans too stupid to hear or even care.” She looked up at the night sky. It was true, though, it really was. Most people were too concerned with life - they forget their dead once the dirt covered them. That’s why ghosts existed; they wanted someone to listen to them, to care. And that’s what she did.

“You got that right, sweetie,” said the harlot. “Your type should come here more often.”

“Ain’t it the truth?!” shouted the slightly tanked Lang from the fire’s edge.

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

The gold elf scoffed, but he saw the ploy for what it was. “Yes…I suppose she was rather cute. And I’ve never been with a half elf before…could be interesting, no?” Thalryn instinctively dodged the slap Athyna had sent his way.

The gold elf couldn’t help but laugh as he watched the wood elf’s fair features gain a bit of color. He easily caught her wrist as she let fly with another slap, though this one was much more playful.

He yanked on her wrist and twisted, pulling her close into his body so he could keep her hands at bay. He laughed heartily as she struggled to escape, but her effort wasn’t what it could have been. Thalryn smirked slightly at her half hearted attempt. She liked being held close, and he knew it.

“As for the undead servants, she could have imbued them with any number of powers,” the gold elf softly whispered in her ear.

He lightly pushed her away, then grabbed her arm to turn her about. “Now, about getting something to eat…”

 

[katalynn]

Athyna felt a alittle better when the gold elf started to tease her, giving him a sly grin as he dodged her first slap. Blushing mainly because of how silly she felt all the sudden when he caught her second slap.

The way he held her close and tightly brought her even more comfort, smiling as he whispered softly. The silver wood elf still teased him by *trying* to escape his grasp. But, it felt to good to actually do it. Athyna wanted to kiss him so badly being that close, feeling his breathe against her ear as he whispered in it. Instead, the elven lord pushed her away and spun her around causing her to laugh.

"Aye, I suppose you are right, though still should seek her and make amends. I'm guessing you already knew that though......"

As for foood, suddenly she was hungry for something else. Bit her lower lip to not say anything, if things were meant to happen, they will in time.

"Yes, food sounds perfect right now. I'm hopeing they will have something for Pouncer over there, I highly doubt they will allow him to go hunting here."

Giggled again and smiled brightly at the elf before her. This time she couldn't resist. Leaned in and kissed him lightly on his soft lips.