When RP takes control IC thread

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

Absently the elf looked away from Athyna’s soft eyes even as he felt the warmth of her fingers tracing his lips. His slender hand hooked around the back of her neck, guiding her to him as he lent in to kiss her. His other hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer as his lips met hers. The gold elf’s lips parted slightly, and his tongue briefly danced with Athyna’s as the pair of elves embraced.

Thalryn broke the kiss slowly, hesitantly. His bright green eyes gazed comfortingly at the elven maiden as he held her close. He kissed her delicately on the forehead before reluctantly releasing the she-elf from his arms. A small smile was on his lips as he spoke again.

“This is not the place for such things,” he stated, even as he lent in and kissed her again, this time holding the kiss for much longer.

A grin lit his features as the kiss lingered on his lips in spite of the death that surrounded him. Shaking his head, he entered the hut, leaving Athyna stunned by his actions at the doorway.

“You must tell me,” he began, clearing his throat, “exactly what you perceive happened here.” He gazed past the elf maiden to the others in the background as she entered the hut behind him. “If we have a traitor amongst us, I would know it.”

Now the grin was gone from his face as he pondered darker thoughts.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

Shihou stood, his entire form shaking. Everything had happened so fast, he found it almost too much to comprehend. But surely, there was Lang, his closest friend with the exception of the Lady, dead. He could feel the life return to her, course through his veins once more. His sword dropped from his hands with a seemingly inaudible clang. His friend…now drifting on a boat, following a compass that would only lead back to the beginning.

He tilted his head upwards, and allowed the tears to fall. He had once thought that he was beyond tears, beyond sorrow…but how wrong he was. His heart now ached, continually, constantly. No sound left his throat as those tears fell…then a sudden halting groan issued from him, the sighing of a cut tree. It grew louder and lower, rose and fell as he also dropped to his knees, his hands going to his eyes. Only when his face was covered did the sound grow, muted against those cold white palms.

Huozai had still not left his position on his knees, rocking back and forth with his undulating moan. Harsh sobs sprang from the large man, rasping and tired. The loss was great…Although he could feel the Lady once more, he knew that never again would Lang walk the shore of the living…And it was almost too much to bear, after everything that they had all been through. But mostly, he felt, his tears were for the Lady’s sake. He knew once she awakened, once she knew that Lang was dead, she would mourn his lost for a great time…rending her clothing, smearing her face with ashes. How could such sorrow follow so closely on the heels of such joy?

The kneeing sobs stroked her eyelids, convinced her to open them. Slowly the world came back into view, and she coughed, leaning to the side. A few stray drops of blood colored her motion, and she curled up, rubbing at her throat. “I….” she trailed off, trying to figure out where she was. This had only happened once in her life, and she had felt like she had woken up from a dream, a horrible dream…and was soothed by Lang giving her something warm and sweet….Then she recognized the smell of the servant boy….

“Jasleth….? What’s that noise?” She asked quietly, trying to get up. As she placed her palms down on the ground, she realized that her hands were covered in blood. Her eyes widening, she lifted a hand, and gently licked the blood from her fingertips. Only one person had blood like that….but there was so much of it…Her eyes fell across Lang’s comatose form.

Time slowed as she nearly clawed her way away from Jasleth, rushing across the floor to gather up the body in her arms. The blood flow had ebbed by now, but it still leaked into her suit, painting a cool warmth across her thighs, her arms. Too shocked to say or do anything, she held his head, rocking him back and forth. Curling up, she surrounded his form with her own, burying her face in his hair. Slowly, she brought her head up, studied his cold face, the thin trail of blood leaking from the corner of his lips. Holding him all the closer to her, she screamed, allowing nothing to muffle that sound of absolute loss, of that heartbreak. When the scream ebbed, it was replaced only by her weeping. In rough, jerking movements, she picked up the very spear that had taken her life, and began to hack through her hair, her voice still broken by her tears. Only when ragged tufts, no longer than a thumb, adorned her scalp did she stop.

The curtain of thick red-gold, untainted by the black of her roots [ which was now all that remained ], had fallen over his body. Her eyes red and swollen, she pushed back her hair from his face, pale in the sea of shining red-gold. “I could….not make a more fitting death shroud…” she said, lowering her head once more.

 

[katalynn]

Athyna felt his fingers trail down her neck, seemed like time stopped as he pulled her closer meeting with touch of their lips. Taking her breath away from this action, followed by another passionate kiss that burned, lingering longer than the one before.

Embracing him in return, wrapping her arms around him as he did her. A slight whimper escaped when he pulled away, almost forgetting where they were. Smile crossed her lips as she stood there stunned for moment.

Thalryns' words made her shake her to get some focus back, following him into the hut. She looked around, scent of sex was strong in here. Following the trails and foot prints along floor, telling of some story.

"Men, about three of them stood over here, by the door. Making no movements for sometime, like they were watching. Seems like Skylers footprints, she kneeled right here. Another set right in front her, she was barefoot, most likely undressed at some point."

Her eyes roamed somemore, finding some sort of collar on the ground, smelled it, hopeing it was used for some animal. Again, it reeked of Skylers scent.

"There is no sign of struggle, but it is definatly Skyler and Avrice right here. The three men were same the tracks I saw in the alley leading her away. No struggle there, then there was no fighting allowed in town either."

Handing him the collar she found,

"I don't think she betrayed us by choice, but that is something I can not say without signs of struggle. Also have to remember, she is dead, he could have had control over her as he did before. Whatever he had done to Kryss, he may have done it to Skyler. I can not be certain though. But according to everything here, it was willing, and something sexual between Skyler and Avrice did happen. Beyond that...."

Letting her words trail off in thought, other than the collar hopeing to find something that indicated resistance, but found none. Collar and her being dead is the only Athyna had to go by.

"And judging by how she has been acting...."

Looking back towards Thalryn, concern ran deep in silver eyes. If he has this much control of Skyler, and her vampric skills, she just may be the one that Dominic was talking about... About one of us is going to die. Closing her eyes at the thought, sick feeling ran through her.

"I said I wouldn't say anything, but after seeing all this.... Dominic saw one of us dieing. He couldn't be certain as to who it was, or when...... After seeing what went on here... I fear of who it might be now..."

Lowering head, trying to keep some focus up. Only to cringe at the thought.

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

His breath quickened and his eyes narrowed to slits as Athyna related what Dominic had shared with her. “The vile necromancer has complete control of her. Skyler’s will is not her own. That makes it all the more harder to do what must be done.”

Thalryn turned on his heels to leave the hut, but then spun back around to face Athyna. “While I do this, you must not let the others interfere.” He spun around and strode from the hut, back to where the party was gathered. Athyna was only steps behind.

“Skyler!” Thalryn shouted, his voice clear and steady. “I would have a word with you in private.” He could almost see her pleading with him as gazed into her eyes from across the clearing. The vampire dismounted and walked slowly toward him even as Athyna walked past her toward the others. The gold elf and the vampire were still clearly visible to the others, though only Athyna could guess what was being said.

“We know.” he said evenly as she approached. A mixture of worry and relief shone through the vampire’s eyes as she looked from Thalryn to the hut behind him. “You know I can’t let you continue on with us, for I know had you any power against him left in you, there would have been some sign that you were under his control.”

The gold elf slowly unsheathed his twin blades, though he didn’t fall into his usual fighting stance. “Forgive me, Skyler. I dearly apologize that it must end this way. All I can offer you is the honor of falling in honest battle.”

 

[katalynn]

Athyna tried to reach out for him, but he was already out there calling for her.

damn I knew I shouldn't have said that.

But after thinking about it, it probably wouldn't have made much difference if she did or not. What happened in the hut told more to her than anything. Things tell their own story to elven ranger more so than anyone else.

Athyna didn't know what to do, she watched as Skyler walked by towards Thalryn. Went to make sure that Kryss was ok, and she was as she got back on her horse. Athyna stayed on the ground, watching Dominic, wondering if he would step in or not. She had to say something to him, but couldn't find the words... Not until he spoke out, or asked of what was happening. Either way, she was ready to stop him if needed and explain.

Although, with him knowing that she didn't have choice, might things that much worse.... Again, Athyna was stuck... Dominic relied on her, so she knew she couldn't keep this from him for to long.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I leaned against my horse as Thalryn and Athyna observed the cave. I lit up a cigarette and took a deep puff of smoke.

Kryss said she was hearing voices. Could it be the same voices.... I shook my head. Nah. What would the chances be of that?

I took another drag of the cigarette and traced the scar that went along the bridge of my nose and down under my right eye. I watched as Thal pulled Skyler out into a clearing. I rolled my eyes and didn't say a thing. That is until I saw what was going on.

Slip stayed on my shoulder, reading Thalryn's words and relaying them to me mentally. Then I saw the elf draw his swords.

"What the fuck?!" I yelled, the cigarette dropping from my mouth. Both Kryss and Athyna turned to look at me. I dismounted and began to walk towards the duo.

 

[katalynn]

Athyna grabbed Dominics' arm knowing this was the moment.

"Please... I'm not sure exactly what Thalryn has in mind, but...."

Hesitated a moment, pulling him back. He shrugged her off at first only to have Athynas' hand at his throat.

"Please, I don't wish to hurt you Dominic.... It seems Avrice has control over her now..... I pray that he doesn't kill her, but with Avrice .... She has no control of what she does... We can not take that chance in the middle of battle."

She was pleading with him, her silver eyes stricken with concern for Skyler.

"I don't wish to see her dead anymore than you do. Avrice did something to her... We.... may not.... have a choice at this time."

Not releasing her grip on his neck, wishing she knew of a better way to handle this. But in reality, there wasn't...

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She got off the horse and walked with Thalryn away from the group. She listened as he spoke to her. She watched as he drew his swords and knew he was serious about her not going any further with the group.

She felt a deep anger grow within her being. Her fangs began to extend as she and Thalryn seemed to square off. "Thalrynn you do not know what you are playing with here. I will go with you and I will help you all get to the Frozen Flame." She didn't say she wouldn't let them have it though, that she couldn't say.

She pulled her sword and dagger and prepared to meet the Gold Elf in full combat.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I felt Athyna's hand at my throat as I watched Skyler draw her swords and meet Thalryn in combat. Her words barely sunk in as the effects of what was happening was barely sinking in as it is.

"No!" I shouted out. I struggled against her grasp, but she just held me that tighter. My eyes glazed over. I was angry at Skyler, but...I didn't want her to be hurt...or killed...

I gulped in fright. The words from my vision echoed in my head. Someone was going to die...and it would be at the hands of a teammate.

"Thalryn! No!" I shouted out again, but it came out in a wheeze.

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth & Kyle

Jas had stayed on his knees, mourning quietly. Until his fusion with Kyle, Lang had been a constant in the young monk's life. Always present, his handsome face kind, though somewhat condescending, his melodious voice often lifted in song, even as he stood watch over Zhu. He'd dreaded Lang's reaction to thier returned memories, but he also looked forward to working past it...to standing beside the beautiful man against Zhu's enemies. But that dream had died with the Ocean Prince.

He rose to his feet, padding up behind Zhu. He hesitated, not sure how this would be recieved, but he then reached out and set a hand on both of her trembling shoulders. "I'm sorry Zhu." The words weren't enough to capture how terrible he felt. "I cared about Lang too...he was the tolerant older brother I never had." "I share your grief, in part if not in total." "I...I hope you will allow me to help bear him from this place, when that time comes."

Kyle stood to one side, his face unhappy. He had respected the man's skill, and his devotion, but it was the grief in the others that truly moved his heart. He could feel the loss in Jas's heart, since the two would never again be completely seperate from one another, and could only imagine how much worse it must be for the servants and thier lady. His green eyes regarded the fallen man, noting that he now rested on a bier of marble, a large cloth the color of the sea under the body. His eyes drifted up to the Sages whose heads were bowed with respect and grief.

He remembered the hymn, the one his father had loved so, the one he had sang at the funeral. It was simple, but the truth of its message, the mournful hope it offered, made it seem right to offer now. It wasn't perfect perhaps, but it was the highest honor he felt he could confer upon Lang. Kyle wasn't sure that Zhu, Jas, or the servants would appreciate it...but he felt a need to honor the man's memory in his own way. He cleared his throat carefully, then lifted his baritone voice in the hymn, sad and mournful.

"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch, like me!"
I once was lost, but now am found.
Was blind, but now, I see."

"Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed."

He took a breath, ready for the next verse. When he sang again, the room seemed to come alive with song as the Sages lifted thier voices with his. Thier pitch was perfect, the multitude of voices in perfect harmony, as the hymn rose and swelled around the mourners.

"Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home."

"The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures."

"Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall posses, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace."

"The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God who called me here below.
Shall be forever mine."

The last glorious note died away, and as one Kyle and the Sages again bowed their heads. He had omitted the last verse, feeling it inappropraite to what had happened. As he stood in respectful mourning, his thoughts turned to Kryss, and the rest of his friends. Were they safe now? He whispered a prayer under his breath, asking that they be protected until he was among them again.

 

[katalynn]

Kryss was watching how things were going, even she felt it. We had to get back into focus, somehow. Needing Jasleth, and or even Kyle went without saying. And not just for her, they needed him/them. For some strange reason was thinking of Kyle more than Jas at that moment. Just another feeling she couldn't explain. Dominic had said they were two seprate people now. What does that mean for her? All these thoughts she couldn't get out of her mind, the voice had stopped for now, leaving her in some peace.

This clearly wasn't the place for Thalryn nor Skyler to be fighting, yet, she had heard some of Thalryns words, then Athynas' as she tried to speak to Dominic.

"This is not good..."

Was all she could mutter to herself. Athyna heard her and glanced her way, but Kryss did not see it. With nothing else to do at this moment, while the other two faught making this group smaller... She needed to get her strength back. Falling for Jasleth, or Kyle... Whichever one he was now, anymore she didn't know what one of the two she loved. It just hurt to think that..........

Closing her eyes, palm of her hands flat against eachother fingers flat against their equal, as if she was praying. But in reality she was forcing herself to go into a meditative state. Using this time in finding herself, and her strength once again. Thalryn, Athyna, Dominic, and now depending how this ends. Even Skyler. All needed her to be strong agaiin.
Most of all, she wasn't about to let this Blight take over that quickly. Thinking that she should have done this sometime ago, but she has been too blinded by love to take care of herself as she used to.

Everything around her faded, no sounds except for wind brushing in the trees and against her ear. She was now in her zone. Clearing any fear, any doubt she has had in the past few days, seeing the blue rays peirce through the blackness that has building inside her emotions. Purple rays clearing out any more thoughts that were confusing and without answer, pushing them into the back of her mind and locking them away for now.

Once there was no trace of blackness anywhere in aura, she reached deep down, further yet, seeing the spark if red flame that has been holding onto her strength. Seeing it so faded, struggling to stay awake. Visioned herself, a white silk gown draped over her dark skin, black hair spilling around her shoulders, framing her face, emerald green eyes looking down at the tiny spark. Kneeling down to pick it up in her cupped hands, she blew very, very lightly on it.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

If she had heard the hymn, she didn’t act like it. Her head was still bowed over the Ocean Prince’s, her fingers trailing through his hair, covering him all the more fully with her former red-gold locks. Slowly, painfully, she stood, gently pushing his body from her own.

Shihou and Huozai were at her side at an instant, the former’s eyes colder than usual as he glared at Kyle. He couldn’t help to feel that that idiot was nearly the entire reason for Jasleth’s ignorance, but this was not the time nor the place to say anything on it. The fool could return to his friends, and good riddance if he did. Shihou wiped idly at his eyes, hating how the tears stung. Why was it that Huozai was able to collect himself so easily and swiftly? All of his thoughts remained silent as he helped Zhu to her feet, his arms open for her. Bloodied red looked up into glacial blue, and her face crumpled again. Burying her face in his chest, she began to sob all over again, the only slight break sounding when he wrapped his arms about her. He exchanged a message with Huozai without words, and he took Zhu out of the building and away from the body.

Huozai looked down at the body of the fallen prince, nearly hidden beneath the fine waves of Zhu’s hair. With a soft sigh, he knelt, pushing the hair away from the calm face. “Lang, you always had to be the center of attention…the one always treated wrongly. For one so beautiful, you could be a real pain in the ass…” The words were said fondly, with the heavy burden of sorrow over them. Without a second word, he picked up the prince, careful to keep him buried beneath the thick golden red curtain. He turned to face Jasleth. “We are going to the ocean home of Lang, on the east border. I think it would be best to join your friends until our return. Our Lady needs a period of mourning, and she cannot do that with you around.” His voice was gentle, but his words were firm. “When the time is right, we will seek you out, or send you word.”

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

"Thalryn you do not know what you are playing with here. I will go with you and I will help you all get to the Frozen Flame."

Sadly the elf shook his head. “No, Skyler,” he responded, spinning his blades and falling into stance, “you won’t.”

Thalryn heard Dominic scream at him not to fight even as a feral snarl erupted from the female vampire and she charged him, fangs bared and katana leading high. His long sword batted aside her blade as his other sword swept across his chest to parry her dagger. Skyler feinted into a spin left then stabbed forward with her dagger even as she knocked aside Thalryn’s twin blades with a deft sweep of her katana. The elf launched himself into the air, flipping over the vampire as her dagger nearly found its mark in his chest.

Skyler spun on him as he touched the ground, again leading with just the katana. Thalryn easily parried her strikes, which increased in intensity with each blow and drove both his blades high. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her flip her dagger into slashing grip. The vampire pushed forward suddenly, throwing her weight behind her katana as her dagger snuck inside his defense at his stomach.

Thalryn leaped aside, to Skyler’s left, and the skilled vampire redirected her katana out immediately, and when it got slapped aside, she followed with a thrust of her dagger.

That, too, was parried, and the gold elf turned inside both, putting his back to Skyler. A quick double-pump of his right arm brought a long sword forward and back twice, brought its pommel hard into Skyler’s face; twice.

Staggered, the vampire stumbled backward, her blades working furiously in desperate defense. They hit only air, though, for the gold elf hadn’t pressed the offence. His left hand blade snapped into its sheath and he flung his hand out at the vampire, an incantation on his lips. Skyler began to charge in but hesitated as blue light began to emit from the bronze colored hand. She braced, throwing up both katana and dagger when a ray of frost slammed hard into her chest.

She growled away the icy blast and charged, only slightly numb. Thalryn cursed and quickly drew his left hand blade again.

They worked their blades so quickly that the ring sounded as one long call. Skyler stabbed with her katana then the dagger and got hit with a double-block left and a double-block right, each of her attacks being picked off by not one, but both of Thalryn’s blades.

A slash across hit nothing but air as Skyler ducked. A thrust flew freely as the vampire deftly turned, and that blade got smacked hard on the retraction, nearly tearing it free of Thalryn’s grasp.

He growled and worked his blades magnificently in a sudden series of diagonal slashes, tap-tapping both dagger and katana just enough to make them slide past him harmlessly. So fast did those strikes come that Thalryn was forced solely onto the defensive and into retreat.

Across came the katana, knocking both Entropy and Seldarine aside, and Thalryn went into a spin, right-to-left. But Skyler went to his right behind him, pressing the attack, forcing him to run past or get skewered.

But there was a wall there, Skyler knew, for she had pressed the elf back to the hut, and he had nowhere to go. In the vampire charged, katana and dagger both anxious for the kill.

But the bladesinger was not there.

Skyler’s blades sparked off the bare stone, and she stopped suddenly, eyes wide.

“Clever elf.” She muttered as she figured out that Thalryn had gone right over her, running up the wall and flipping a back somersault to stand behind her.

Before the vampire assassin could spin, the gold elf brought the pommels of both his blades down on the back of her head, and she crumpled, unconscious.

 

[katalynn]

As kryss blew on the barely lit spark, it grew for that moment, feeding off the fresh air. Then in that same moment, it faded even more so. This was her strength and it was diminishing with each passing second that her emotions were clouded. Never in all her life as she seen it this far gone.

Tears fell from her physical body, but neither Athyna nor Dominic had noticed her.

Again, Kryss blew on that spark. This time for much longer period. Putting her own energy into it, red glow gathered around her hands, small swirls poured into the spark. It started to throb faintly, threatening to give out comepletly.

She had to keep focus, had control her emotions. Felt her heart pounding a bit harder, quickly she took in some deep breaths to keep herself calm. Had to give this little spec of strength all she had, all her thoughts.

Another light breath lingered over the spark, causing it grow brighter again. More and more the swirls around her hands were pouring into it. Feeding it with anew flames. It was so small, almost like a starving child on the verge of death. This made Kryss realize how much she was depending on everyone else....... Depending on Jas/Kyle... In no way was she like. She was better than that, hated to depend on anyone. No matter if it's love or not, being helpless was not her way.


Kyle

Just as she thought of that name, the spark became brighter, growing slightly bigger. Yet, she couldn't think of him, not now. For it was just another unanswered thought she couldn't have.

After what felt like forever, that little spark became a small ball of energy in her hands. Flames swirled all around it licking and feeding off the air provided for it. Consuming - and yet at the same time- returning her energy for fuel for it's self, giving her the strength she used to have.

Kryss had no idea how much had gone by, still knowing that they wouldn't leave her either so she continued. Fearing she will not get another chance ever.

As the flaming ball grew, her hands moved away from it, in her visions she stayed kneeling. Sitting up tall on her knees. Kryss has heard of how to rid of the blight. She was still uncertain if it was truly that or not. None the less, whatever was in her, it would not be able to live in the heat of fire.

Her physical body was getting hot again, tears and sweat ran down face. Her hands were of fire once more, flames so hot that they turned blue, she was pouring so much into her vision. It was her only hope, her only chance now to heal herself. The sages had done nothing, the female necromancer had done nothing. In fact it was as if they all had forgotten about her.

And she knew that it took fire.... Which she had. Having no choice but to hope she can heal herself regardless of what she has. Or it will kill her. It was a risk she had to take at this time. Now or never.


Her ball of strength became bigger with each passing second, in her vision she laid down flat on her back hands to her sides, palms up and legs straight out. Closing her eyes in her astral form, the ball of flames had turned blue it's self. Heating it's self as hot as it possibly can.

Kryss' physical hands moved slowly, along with the astral strength of flame towards her abdomen. With no-one really there to stop her, her hands made contact to the dark bare skin of her midsection. Releasing the flames of her hands into herself, the strength into her astral body. Watching and feeling how the flames of both physical and astral consume and cleanse everything inside. No matter what it was, it couldn't not possibly live with the intesity of these flames pouring into both her physical and astral bodies.

The blue flames seeped into every cell, every bone. Muscle and more, being one with her blood stream that ran fast in her veins.
After so long her eyes flew open and she was gasping in fresh air as if she had just awaken from death. Leaning forward along the horse for support as she gathered her senses.

Just in time to see Skyler go down and Thalryn at her back, tears freshly formed streamed down her burning cheeks.

 

[katalynn]

Athyna heard them fighting, the swords clashing, she dared not to turn around. Had to let go of Dominic for her grip was slowly getting tighter from anger and heartbreak. Suddenly there was silence... Still she did not dare to turn around in fear to see one or the other on that ground in their own blood.

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

The gold elf breathed hard from the battle. He had never realized just how good of a swordsman Skyler really was. Looking down at the woman, he couldn’t help but think what a waste the entire battle had been. She was his friend, and it had taken all the strength he had not to kill her. But the simple fact that she indeed tried to kill him was justification for the battle itself.

He was just glad he’d called her out now instead of waiting till they met Avrice in combat. Now more than ever he believed they couldn’t possibly continue without Jasleth.

Then Elistraee’s voice filled his mind.

You must summon my true self, Thal. Then I can fight beside you.

A pained look came upon the elf as he turned back toward the others. Elistraee stood on the saddle of his horse, forelegs propped up on the beast’s neck.

You know I have not the strength to change you.

True, alone you have not the strength, but the spell is elven of nature, and thus…

…a circle could cast it. Thalryn finished. But it is a dangerous spell. I’ll not ask Athyna and Kryss to put their lives on the line in that manner unless it is truly necessary.

You are stronger in the art than you think, and both elf-maidens are skilled in the art as well. I can even join the circle, as center. You must cast it, you know that.

As you say. Thalryn replied as his gaze dropped to Skyler once more. He kicked her blades away from her hands before sheathing his own weapons. Kneeling, he hoisted the woman up over his shoulder and walked back over to the others. He slung Skyler over her horse before turning to Dominic.

“I am sorry you had to see that, but it was necessary.” Somberly he turned to Athyna. “That collar you found, do you still have it?”

She produced the artifact and handed it to the gold elf.

He looked at the item before handing it to Dominic. “I believe this is a collar of commanding, but I can’t be sure. Can you identify it?”

 

[katalynn]

Kryss and Athyna watched as Thalryn carried her over. Athyna turned as he asked for the collar, handing to him slowly.

Athyna was without words, wondering just what Thalryn had in mind. If he didn't kill her and obviously we can't just leave her here alone.
Held her tongue and waited.

Kryss just kept silent, she was feeling much better. Looking better than she has been in the past few days, whether she really healed herself completly was unknown, but at least she was back in more focus than ever.

Finally she spoke softly,

"What do you mean to do with her? Even if that collar is what you think, will it over ride the control he has over her now?"

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

His green eyes met Athyna’s silver. “In all truth, I do not know, but I…” He trailed off looking at Dominic before his gaze settled again on the wood elf maiden. “I couldn’t bring myself to kill her.”

He shook his head and wiped the sweat from his brow. “Short of leaving Skyler behind and coming back for her when the deed is done, I know not what we can do. The collar was just an idea, and we would keep her bound and gagged on top of it.”

Thalryn turned back to Dominic. “I will yield to your judgment in this matter, as your divinations have caused much of this.” His gaze drifted back to the hut and then back to Dominic. “I’m not sure what Athyna told you, but ahead is the place in which Skyler disappeared to when she left the lodge of the sages. There it appears Avrice compelled Skyler to…have relations…with him. I believe she is completely under his control, unless maybe the hit on the head I gave her lessens his hold, but I’ll not get my hopes up. The true Skyler is in there somewhere. There was such pain in her eyes as we fought.”

He looked away from Dominic’s hard gaze to Elistraee, still perched on his horse. His mind wandered to whether or not he could find it in himself to ask Athyna and Kryss to put their lives in danger before they even got to Avrice.

He looked to Athyna, a question in his eyes and on his lips, but he turned away before he could allow himself to ask it.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I winced and flinched at every hit until I saw Skyler go down. My breathing almost stopped for a second. I watched Thal sling her over his shoulder and walk back.

“I am sorry you had to see that, but it was necessary.” He said to me. I didn't respond. Even after he explained everything to me, I still didn't say anything. This was a lot to take in...

"So Avrice controls Skyler..." I winced at the words. So that's what my visions saw...Avrice made her lie to me...God! Why was I so stupid!?

"If she is still there...then it is worth every bit trying to free her of his grasp. But to do that...I think we need to kill Avrice." I closed my eyes. "But we can't leave her here, Avrice might get to her. And we certainly can't-" I stopped and took a deep breath, "-kill her. We need to bring her with us. Thal...I...trust your judgement."

I looked over at Skyler's unconsious form and sighed. Skyler...I am so sorry...

 

[katalynn]

Athyna saw that look in his eyes, a look of troubled thoughts. As if he wanted to speak, instead turned away from her. While Dominic found his focus again, looking over the collar.

Athyna stepped up the golden elf, her fingers lightly trailing a strand of hair from his face, caressing his cheek. Whispering softly;

"Something else troubles you..... We have come to far to hide things from eachother now."

She spoke so softly and full of concern that he turned and met her gaze, holding onto it for sometime.

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

Kryss had gotten off the horse and went to Dominics side, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. He was so shooked up by what just happened that he seemed to need a comforting friend by side right now.

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

His eyes met Athyna’s, then trailed over to Elistraee. After a few seconds the elf nodded in the ferret’s direction.

“That is not Straee’s true form. She was once elven, but that was so long ago my grand sire was in his first century. Her true age is a mystery even to her, but that is not important. A powerful human Arch Mage turned Elistraee into a ferret for his own enjoyment, and she stopped aging once she was put in ferret form. When I summoned a familiar, she came to my call, and she eventually revealed this to me.”

His eyes wandered from Athyna’s to Kryss when she walked up on Dominic. “I have been working on a spell to change her back since I found out. She believes that now is the time for her rebirth.”

Thalryn looked to Straee, Athyna, and Kryss in turn, before settling on Athyna. “The problem lies herein. Elven high circle magic is required for the casting. It is an extremely powerful casting, one that could consume the life force of the circle for the casting should something go wrong.” He shook his head and gazed off into the sky.

“But the casting is performable, and Elistraee was a Songlord in my order of bladesingers. In other words, she is much more powerful than I, and she would prove an invaluable ally against Avrice. I only fear that it may not be worth the cost if something goes awry. Magic of this nature has not been seen for millennia.”

 

[katalynn]

Athyna looked towards the ferret, somewhat surprised but not shocked. Mages have a wicked mind. Reached over and threading her fingers the Elistraees' fur.

"Well...."

Bit her lower lip, was going to say something else, but clearly this was far serious for petty lame jokes.

"It is a shame to bind any creature into such fate such as this. Regardless... if it is a chance to free her, and there is indeed no way she can fight in this form..."

Turning to look deeply into his eyes, more concern than fear laying in hers.

"I will help in anyway I can. I have confidence in you that this will work, and if she feels that this is time. Then so be it, if she is as powerful as you say........ Which I have no doubt...... Then she would know when her time has come.."

Athyna looked over to Kryss and Kryss' nod was more than a response needed. To both Thalryn and Athyna.

"But, one deal at time here. We need to do something with Skyler her before she wakes. I doubt she will be happy when she does, she'll be weak, still, none the less we should bind her now if that is the choice. And I agree, we can not leave her here, she'll just be that much more vulnerable to Avrice if he found out."

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth & Kyle

Jas wanted to argue, to force his way to Zhu's side despite the mig man's words. The truth was that he knew, in his heart of hearts, that Huozai was right. He would only get in the way now. He had raised a hand in protest, but the movement faltered, and his hand fell. His eyes stared the way she had gone, still seeing her in his mind's eye. "I...know that you're right, Huozai." "You always guided me rightly...I'd be a fool not to listen now." His heart was stricken, Jas almost thought he could feel the organ hardening and cracking in his chest. 'I will stay away until you send for me, or our paths cross again." His voice was unsteady, his hands now clenched into impotent fists. He'd found her, found himself again, but more importantly found her...and now she was gone again.

His own feelings didn't matter though...only her well-being. "Houzai...when she's ready please tell her..." His voice finally failed him, and he fell silent. After a moment or two, he continued. "Tell her I love her, and I always will." "I will never forget again, no matter what befalls me." He recalled the words of the Sages, "I am the Arrow of the Queen, and I will go wherever she wills, whenever she wills." "It's why I was born." He bowed to Houzai and to the dead prince, then turned away and left. He could hear the light footfalls on Kyle behind him. "Zhu...I can hardly belive that I'm leaving you again...I want to never be apart from you." "But I'd only cause you pain now." "If...if you decide not to seek me or send for me...I'll know why, and I'll understand." "Find joy again, love." "Lang wouldn't have wanted you to be sad for long."

Kyle kept silent until he and Jas had walked slowly through the quiet town. As before, their passage was watched. Jas was lost in his own thoughts, but to Kyle's eye, there was mixed sorrow and joy in the faces of those they passed. A great good had happened, but the cost had been high.

Finally, he spoke. "Jas...our friends are walking into a trap."

"I know, soul brother!" Jas said, with sudden anger. "I can feel that bastard Avrice too, damn it!" "Damn him...and damn you." "If not for the two of you...this wouldn't have happened."

Kyle bristled, though his voice was calm. "And if it hadn't?" "You and Zhu would have kept your love secret, but he would have found out." "He would have cahllenged you, and you would accept." "No matter who won, Zhu would hate you both for that." Jas remained silent. "We can't change the past, Jas." "I'm sorry that this happened, even more so that I had a hand in causing it!" "But all we can do now is make the best present and future we can...for both our loves." "That future is one without Avrice, and we can make that happen."

Jas stayed silent. Then he started to run. Chi flowed into his muscles, and the scenery began to blur as he pelted through the valley at tremendous speed. After a few moments, Kyle had caught up, matching him stride for stride. "Think he'll know what happened?"

Kyle shook his head. "Not if you push down your chi...he's used to sensing us close together...if one of us is weaker, "not in charge," he will think we're still fused." "I'll take him and his guys head-on, you come around and flank them." "We play this right, and we can cripple his operation if not kill the man himself."

Jas's face was unusually grim. "Fine." "Let's hurry."

Kyle and Jas picked up speed as they ran faster than birds flew to catch their friends. As they did so, Kyle's thoughts turned tot he slender dancer who waited on the trail ahead. "Kryss, love, I'm coming." "Just hold on until I get there."

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

“Indeed.” Thalryn replied. He went to his horse and pulled a thick coil of rope from his pack. He looped one end and knotted it before sliding the other end through and cinching it tight about Skyler’s wrists. He then tied her feet together in the same fashion and tied the end of the rope to the pommel of his saddle.

The gold elf then turned to Athyna. “That should do for now. When she wakes we’ll have to retie her so she can sit upright.”

His brow furrowed as he thought about the casting he was about to undertake. Thalryn turned to the two elf maidens, his voice low but clear. “The spell requires elf blood and clips of Elistraee’s fur.” The elf said as he stooped to pull out the dagger from his boot. Gently he sheared off three clips of ebon fur from the ferret and handed them to the elf maids, keeping one for himself.

He gently picked up the ferret and placed her on the ground before him and the two females. “This casting will take almost an hour. You will feel a great tug on your spirit, and it will feel as if your soul desires to return to its source, almost like a yearning for home. You must fight this feeling, and hold tight to your life force, lest it escapes and you leave this plane eternally.”

His eyes searched Kryss and Athyna. “Do not worry about incantations and gestures, I will take care of that, and Elistraee herself will act as center for the circle, weaving the magic herself until I take over. When we are bound as a circle, you will know what your part in the spell is. Just let the magic flow through you.”

The gold elf steepled his fingers at his lips, looking lost in thought. Slowly he turned to Dominic. “If we are to do this, the casting must not be interrupted unless all our lives are in danger. If the casting is disturbed, all our lives could be lost.”

He looked away from Dom back to the girls. “Are we to do this, then?”

 

[katalynn]

Both the elven maidens looked to eachother, a split second of fear shot through the gaze. Only be replaced by determination. Holding onto the the ferrets hair, the got closer into a circle around Estrae.

"Tell us what needs to be done."

Kryss spoke softly looking up into Thalryns' gaze. There was no fear in either of the womans' eyes as they waited for more instructions.