When RP takes control IC thread

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn

As the trio of elves closed in around the ferret, Thalryn brought the dagger across the crescent moon scar on his left palm, drawing a thin line of crimson through his slender hand. As the blood welled up, he passed the dagger to Athyna.

“Make the cut, on your left hand, hold the fur in your right.” He instructed. He then held out his left hand palm down and right hand palm up. “We will start the spell with our hands separated a few inches. When the time is right, we will clasp hands to seal the magic. When that time comes, you will know. All that is left is your focus.”

He watched as Athyna and then Kryss drew forth the blood from their hands. The blood dripped down from each elf’s hand onto the black fur. “Close your eyes, lend me your strength. May the Elf-Father guide us.”

Thalryn watched as both elves closed their eyes, and he immediately felt their bond strengthen. Thalryn then lifted his melodic voice in high elvish for the incantation.

“We are gathered, united in soul as a high circle of the People. Pure of heart are we. Pure of mind are we. Pure of spirit are we. We are one.”

He felt Elistraee’s presence in his mind, speaking through his voice as he lent his strength to her. The gold elf’s tenor voice rang out in a slow, mournful tune as he engaged in the most powerful of all elven magic; spellsong. As he sang, white light began to form between the hands of the circle, and the lights danced about on the melody of the spell. The song descended into a lower passage and a ring of fire leapt up behind the circle, shooting flame high into the air.

Two soprano voices joined in with the warm tenor voice of the gold elf, and as the trio formed, dazzling blue sparks cascaded over the circle, spinning up and swirling over the ferret in the middle.

As the three sang on, the light created between their hands intensified and another bout of flame shot up around the circle, then swirled into a whirlpool and descended on the center.

The spell continued, the three voices blending together in perfect harmony and supremely in tune as the time passed. Every few minutes that passed brought with them a greater intensity of light and another splash of flames. The three voices began to weave to a climax almost an hour later, the tenor steadily climbing to the top of his range with the sopranos arpeggiating over the tenor line.

Suddenly the three voices sounded full volume in unison and the trio clasped hands. Fire erupted again from the circle, shooting high into the sky. Scintillating rays of silver, purple, and green streaked out from the center of the circle. Blue and purple flames surrounded each pair of clasped hands, and swirls of red light seemed to be pulled out of the sky in a black hole centered in the middle of the circle.

Thalryn felt a great pulling on his soul then, like he was desperately needed somewhere else. He furrowed his brow in concentration as his spirit started to tear away from his body. His grip on the hands of Kryss and Athyna tightened, and he absently felt their grips tighten as well.

All the while the three voices continued to rise, as if compelled and unable to stop.

 

[katalynn]

Athyna wasn't new to magic, but she never played with such force, the chanting, feeling of the magic all around her. She had to force herself to keep her eyes closed. Making the chanting her focus point, visions of the ferret played in her mind as her main focus of sight. Her hand gripped onto Thalryns' just as tight when she felt that force trying to take her away. It was so strong, she could barely keep the ferret in her minds eye, but she knew she had to. If the ferret and voices disappeared, so would she. Athyna was much stronger than that...

Kryss had her strength back, it was fresh and strong. If she hadn't done what she did a few moments ago, she would have lost this battle that was trying to rip her from this earth. Now more than ever, she was glad she had those few moments.
Focusing on the flame that held her strength, and the sounds of the chanting being her two focus points. Her hand as well gripped tight onto the other two that held her. Concentrating harder than ever to not let this force take her away, again, Kyle ran into her thoughts for split moment. She had to stay for him and so she shall. No matter how hard or tempting it was to let this force of magic take her into enternal peace. Kryss would stay no matter.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I nodded to Thalryn. They weren't to be disturbed at all. And that meant I would have to be the look out. I walked off a short distance and sat down on a rock and scanned the horizon. Every once in a while, I'd glance back to see what was going on.

When the light show started, I could only gape at what was going on. This was amazing and I couldn't wrench my eyes from the scene. But I felt a tingling sensation in the back of my mind.

I turned around and my eyes widened. Orcs. And they were headed this way. There were at least five of them...maybe more. I turned around. Shit...the spell was still going on.

When I looked back, the orcs had definitly seen me and were headed my way. They smiled as they held their clubs menacingly. I stood up hurridly and drew my sword.

Orcs! Slip said worridly. I HATE orcs! Get Kryss and the others here as soon as possible!

We can't. If we disturb the ceremony, they could die! I told him. We'll have to take them out ourselves.

You're nuttier than a fruitcake! Slip yelled and buried himself into my backpack. I held my hand out and squinted. "HYPNO RAY!" I shouted and a purple beam fired out and struck one of the orcs. He began to flail around wildly, swing ing his club. One of ther other Orcs merely smashed the confused beast's head. I gulped. I was hoping for more of a distraction than that.

I held my hand out again, but by then it was too late. The orcs were already within striking distance. I dodged to the side as one swung his club around. I had to keep them away from Thal and the others.

"Hey! Over here ugly!" I shouted to the one who missed me. I didn't notice the one behind me, however, until he cracked his club alongside my head.

I felt the tremendous force send me flying a few feet until I hit the ground, sending dust up into the air. I coughed and groaned, holding my head. I felt a warm sticky substance and had a pretty good guess what it was.

I rolled over onto my back in time to see an orc bring his club down at me. I held my hand out in a panic. "SLOW!" I shouted. The orc's movements slowed down significtantly and I was able to roll out of the way of his club. I sun to my feet and ran my blade through the orc's side, then yanked it out. I did that three more times, before the orc finally reacted to it and started to fall. He eventually sped up and slammed into the ground.

I flipped around. The other three were still standing there, glaring at me. I gulped. I couldn't take on three at once, not without letting my magic restore. I stepped back a bit. I looked over my shoulder, but the spell was still going on.

SHIT! I thought. Where was Jas when I really needed him?

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She moaned as she started to regain consciousness. The anger at Thalrynn had diminished, now all that remained was confusion. She could hear the sounds of voices, and then the sounds of battle.She opened her eyes and all she could see was the side of her horse and the ground below. She tried to move but found herself securely tied, hand and foot, and unable to move.

As she lay there, she felt the urge to try and free herself. She felt herself being called to,"Now to get loose, I'm coming." With her link to Dominic and Slip still unbroken and her need to answer the summons strong, her thoughts were heard by both. She began to struggle against the ropes holding her. It didn't take long to figure her escape. The thought hit Dominic and Slip just as she started to shift.

 

[Armphid]

Kyle & Jasleth

The orcs advanced toward Dominic, swinging their weapns menacingly. The brutal smiles they wore promised a horrible death. The Oracle stepped back a pace, sword held in a defensive position despite the futility of trying to fight them off without his magic.

"Dominic!" A voice rang out in the sudden quiet of the scene, "Low bridge!" Dom's eyes widened before he hit the dirt. Kyle came flying over the Oracle at head height, slamming a powerful kick into the chest of the frontmost orc. As he did so, a blur of red and blue silk darted in from the side, throwing it's shoulder into the farthest, the toppled creature also sending the third orc to the ground.

As the monstrous humaniods raised themselves up, Kyle touched down lightly, a smie on his face. A moment later, Jas stood next to him with his trademark smirk. "Bad pig boys." "I know you guys aren't that strong, but even you should know better than to gang up on a caster," Kyle said.

Jas nodded. "Especially an oracle." "Bad luck, as you're about to find out." The two monks raced forward at the same instant. the largest orc bellowed a challenge, then Jas's arms blurred, the massive orc twitching as over a dozen punches rained down on him in three seconds. As he toppled over, Kyle's plam strike shatterd a blocking club before sending it's wielder flat onto his back. A fast leap carried the acrobatic warrior up, then down, both feet stomping down on the fallen foe's ribcage. There was a wet snapping sound as teh body jerked once, then went still.

Both monks turned to the last orc, a look of disbelief on his piggish face. Jas shook his head, "See what I mean?"

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I hit the dirt as soon as Jasleth's words hit my ears. I saw him rush in and take care of the closest of nasty orcs. I smiled at my luck. But my smile turned into a look of disbelief when a second Jasleth appeared in front of me.

"W-What the?" I said. This was just like my vision. I had to be seeing things, right? Well, no time to argue now. One Jasleth was great news; two was a godsend. I dug into my backpack and pulled out a throwing knife. I waited until the two monks had finished the nastier orcs, then chucked my knife at the last orc. It struck it in the left eye, causing it to scream and fall over in immense pain.

"Whew..." I said, turning to the two Jasleths. "Thanks...uh...guys. You saved my ass." I looked from one to the other. "Okay...this is really awkward. Just what the hell happened here? Lemme guess...the prodigous youth has a twin? The fantastic lad, maybe?"

I finally felt something tugging at the back of my mind. It was Slip...he was trying to tell me something.

"Slip?"

Oh, good. NOW you hear me. You never listen to me when it's important! The iguana fumed. Skyler's escaped, dammit!

"What?!" I asked, whipping around suddenly. Sure enough, her horse was just standing there, next to a pile of empty rope. "Ah, shit! What happened?"

She turned into a ferret, what do you think happened?

"Man...that's bad!" I groaned. "Well? You've got amazing eyes! Do you see her anywhere?"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

Once she had shifted to her ferret form, she was thankful all the others were distracted with something. She had seen.... Jaslth and, she was guessing, Kyle appear... she would take time later to figure that out.

She slid unceremoniously down form the sadlle as far as she could, before leaping from the horse and landing with a hard thud on the ground below it. She then had to scramble as her new form startled the animal. She raced from under it's feet as it shied and tried to stomp her.

She headed off the original way they were heading for that is where her summons was coming from. She knew who was calling and every so often she would stop to catch her breath and find shade in the desert sands. It was then she would try to fight his control over her.

She wished she had another faster form, but knew she didn't, so she kept running, well bounding such as ferrets do. She couldn't travel fast and depending on how soon anyone noticed her missing, she probably wouldn't get too far. She was growing tired and needed to feed, but the need to follow the summons was too strong for her to stop more thana few moments to rest...

On she ran....

 

[Armphid]

Kyle & Jasleth

Jas's expression was one of slight suscpicion as Dominic whirled around and started shouting. He knew enough to realize that he was talking to that iguana of his, but what was going on? He looked at Kyle who nodded. "Okay, Dom, short version." "We were two people before Avrice got the Frozen Flame." He pointed to Kyle, "One was a player with a strong character who had, thanks to his connections to other players, been all over the game world." "That's why he knows so much about it." He tapped his own chest. "I was a character in the game, also a strong one, in the kingdom where the Flame rested." "Kyle came with Avrice, thinking it just another game quest," there was undeniable anger and disdain in Jas's voice as he continued, "and there we met and fought." "At the exact instant that Avrice used the Flame, and everything changed, we had just thrown our strongest techniques at each other."

Kyle continued, rankling a bit at Jas's continued anger towards him. "Those techniques basically use the warrior's soul, together with gathered power, to strike out." "The reaction of our souls and the Flame's merging the game world with the real one, fused us together." "One being with two minds and souls, all intertwined together." "To make it simple, let's just say that we're apart now, and leave it at that." "Now...perhaps you could tell us what has happened and why you are so panicked?" "Where is Kryss?" "What about Thalryn, Skyler, and Athyna?"

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn & Elistraee

The trio of voices rang out in the final climax of the spell sending dazzling sprays of color shooting away from the center of the circle. Arcs of lightning shot through the circle, and a gust of wind seemed to blow from directly below the casters, lifting their long hair as well as their cloaks straight up into the air. The song diminuendoed to silence, slow and mournful the same way it had begun, and the spell was over. Thalryn, Kryss, and Athyna each dropped to their knees drenched in sweat and exhausted. All that remained of the spectacular spell was a pillar of white light that descended down from the heavens into the center of the circle where the ferret had been.

As the lights subsided, a gloriously naked dark elven female with stark white hair that fell to her lower back lay prone in the center of the other three elves. Her purple eyes fluttered open and a smile fell upon her dark lips. Jasleth, Kyle, and Dominic all walked back into view as the female stood, unabashed by her lack of clothing. She too was covered in sweat, and her hair lay matted to her back. She wiped her brow with her forearm as Thalryn rose to his feet.

Her voice was a melodic mezzo soprano as she spoke to the gold elven male. “I pray you have an extra sword, good master.”

“Straee, you are elven once more. You are released from my service.”

“Of course, Thal. Old habit, you understand.” The female replied with a sigh. “My, it feels good to hear my voice again after all these years.” Elistraee turned and kissed both Athyna and Kryss on the forehead as the pair stood. “Thank you both. I am forever in your debt. You can’t imagine what it means to me to have my body back once more!”

As Elistraee profusely thanked the two elven maidens, Thalryn turned his puzzled gaze over to Dominic and the “twins.” All three of the men had quickly turned their backs upon seeing the beautifully naked Elistraee.

“Uh…” Thalryn started to question the pair, but thought better of it. “Never mind, I’m not surprised by anything anymore, but it is damn good to see…the…two of you.”

With a chuckle the gold elf spoke again to the trio of men. “The spell was a success, Straee has her body back. All of us do need some rest before we continue though. The casting was more powerful than anything I’ve ever…” Thalryn trailed off, suddenly noting the blood that ran down Dominic’s forehead. The elf craned his neck to the side to see a few dead orcs lying some distance behind the trio.

The naked elf maiden walked up behind Thalryn and noted the orcs as well. “I am dreadfully sorry for leaving you on your own like that, Dom.” She said with a look of concern on her face. “Though it looks as if matters worked themselves out.”

A smirk crept across the maiden’s face as all three of the humans turned away from her. “Ah yes, humans always have been uncomfortable with nudity…pity really.” She turned to the two elven maidens, appraising each, then focused on Athyna.

“You wouldn’t happen to have an extra set of clothes, would you dear? I fear I’m making the boys nervous.”

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

"It's Skyler." I told the two of them. "You see..."

Before I could get anything else out, the spell ended and Kryss, Athyna and Thal were released from their binding. There was now a fourth woman with them, Straee I would guess, and she was very much sweaty and naked.

I coughed and turned around. What was with elves and nudity? As Straee moved to get clothes, I began to fill everyone in. "Okay long story short: guys, Jas and Kyle have split and become two people. Prodigous youths, we have just returned Straee back to elf form. Now that we're all caught up, we have a problem here." I crossed my arms. "Skyler is gone. I can't believe I didn't think about it, but Skyler transformed into a ferret, got loose of her bonds, and split. And in that form, tracking her down would be like finding a needle in a bloody haystack." To Jas and Kyle, I added: "We think Avrice has control over Skyler and that he's using her. I thought we may have gotten the upper hand, but as usual, it would appear luck has short-changed us again."

 

[katalynn]

Athyna almost passed out, never in her all her life as she ever, EVER felt so much power rush through her. Falling instantly to her knees, trying to catch her breath. Her eyes were open, yet, all she saw was blackness for a few moments.

Standing a bit amazed that the spell actually worked, she was very beautiful indeed. If it wasn't for recent events, she may have felt a tinge of jealousy, but it never came. She wouldn't allow it to happen like that again.

"Aye, I do.."

Went back to her bags and horse.

"Ummmm We appear to be missing Skyler.... Oh my gawd, we forgot to put that collar on her."

Athyna sighed, giving the extra clothes for the female elf. Turned her attention back to the ground and Skylers horse.

"She seems to be still in ferret form. We better find her fast, doubt seriously she can get very far. Rest may not be an option right now. Now with Skyler going back to her ........... Master..."

Hesitated on the word master, not real sure of what else to call him, he sure as hell wasn't her lover.

"I can still see most of her tracks, and we have Luathas here, he can track down her scent. After all, ferrets have a strong scent, so do the dead. It shouldn't be toooo hard to track her down.....Right?!?"



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


Kryss was close to blacking out, a little too close. The medatative spell she did on herself earlier, and now this. She was definatly drained. Trembling as she stood, faltering in her steps as she walked back her horse. Holding onto the saddle for support, wondering just how she was going to get back on that horse. It seemed like an extremly high climb onto it's back.

Decided to wait a bit before attempting the, at the moment, impossible climb. Something caught her gaze and her heart started to pound so hard, wishing to explode in her chest when she saw both Kyle and Jasleth. Holding onto the saddle even tighter as she almost fell to her knees, feeling weakness overwhelm her. Shook her head and turned her gaze away from both of them as she attempted to climb into the saddle.

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn & Elistraee

“We do not ‘think’ Avrice has control, we know.” Thalryn corrected the oracle. “We know. Skyler tried her best to kill me. I have a hard time believing that in her normal state of mind she would have had the heart to put up more than a half hearted defense.”

The gold elf’s gaze locked with Dominic’s before the elf turned away. “Don’t worry about finding her, Dom. Athyna has the cat, remember. I’m more afraid of what Avrice will lead us through if we follow Skyler, though.”

Elistraee appeared, wearing a pair of Athyna’s leather breeches and one of Thalryn’s tunics, as well as a pair of the gold elf’s boots. She combed out her luxuriant white hair as she spoke.

“It may be smarter not to follow the vampire at all, as she’s sure to lead us into a trap.” The elf grimaced as she pulled the comb through a thick tangle of hair. “Though we do now have an element of surprise on our side, I fear following her directly will prove foolhardy.”

Thalryn nodded his assent as his arm disappeared much farther than it should have been able to into a bag of holding. A puzzled expression lit his face as his hand roamed the inside of the bag. “Where did I…” He muttered. He pulled out a cane, then an axe, then a yarting, tossing all aside on the ground before finally pulling a rune engraved bastard sword. He smiled at the sword before handing it to Elistraee, who swung it easily about her in an intricate dance-like motion.

The dark elf nodded, pleased. “Now to find the scabbard…” Thalryn stated before diving back into the bag.

 

[katalynn]

Athyna looked at the ground once more, Thalryn and Strae were right. If they followed her, that's exactly what Avrice would want and expect.

"What should we do then? No matter what we do, he's out in the desert, there is no ground for which we gain the element of surprise. For it is an open area."

Looked back at Kryss, and the two men that used to be one. Slightly feeling Kryss' pain and confusion she stepped behind her, placing her hands on her shoulders.

"Well, seeing those two, and now Strae, that will for sure be one surprise. But other than that, there is no ground to cover us once we are out there."

Kryss took deep breaths, calming herself down before she spoke, placing one of her own hands on Athynas' as she looked back up to Jas and Kyle.

"And that's exactly what he wants. He wants us to be exposed and vulnerable."

Kryss' words were soft, as she looked at the two men, her words had more than one meaning. Taking her gaze away from them quickly.

This is not the time or place for such petty feelings.

Reached into her bag pulling out a fine cloak she had, finer than the one she wore now. But it was fitting for such an elf as Strae.
Turning towards the elven maiden,

"This is the least I can offer you. I normally wear for courts and such, though, I haven't worn it in ages. I now give it you. As for being in my debt, no worries. Having you free from such a spell is a reward in itself."

Handing her the black feathered cloak, and turning away. Strae was a dark elf, and Elder to Kryss. That alone gave every respect Kryss had to Strae.

She couldn't keep her eyes of the two that she loved. Wanting, needing to run to one of them, but she couldn't. Knowing that one had hurt her, but not knowing what one. If not both of them. Lowering gaze as she closed her eyes, trying so hard to keep her cool..

"Since we can't follow her. What is our next move? To stay here for the night. Or continue a little further?"

Kryss was ignoring the fact that she needed rest, uncertain if she could sleep anyway.

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth & Kyle

The two monks had been stunned by the startling transformation of the ferret Elistraee into the voluptuous elven woman. As a one man, the two spun about after a first startled gawk at her, resolutely keeping thier eyes averted until she announced that she was clothed.

There was a lot to take in. Jas listened intently to the others, though he noted that Kyle's gaze was only on Kryss.

The black haired man's expression was unreadable, though there was a sharp pain in his eyes. Something had happened. He just knew it. Somethng important. He wanted to go to her, to hold her...but he was afraid. He hated to admit it, but he was afraid. Deep down, he knew that it was really Jasleth that she loved. How could he explain what had happened? What would he say?

Jas glared at the man with whom he was so closely linked. He looked to Dominic and Thalryn as he spoke, "So...he's got Skyler under a spell like before, huh?" "That's bad news." He looked back at Kyle, then pushed the slightly older man in the direction of Kryss's horse. "I think that Elistraee is right." "We'll walk into a trap if we follow Skyler directly." "Which is why we should do just that." "An ambush only gives you the edge if the other side doesn't know you're coming." "We know there's an ambush, so we have the advantage." He nodded to the oracle. "Your oracle magic has counter-spells, right?" "If you know it's coming, you can have your strongest one ready, that'll take care of any magical assault from Avrice or anyone with him." "The rest of us can deal with any warriors he's got, including Skyler." Jas glanced back to see Kyle appraoching Kryss's mount, and sighed. "Kyle is the one that has all the knowledge of the Game." "The geography, magic, all that." "He probably knows how we can break the spell...but he's got something more important to do right now." "Let's say we start moving, but slowly, so those who need it can take some rest, but we don't wander into the trap before we're ready for it." "Sound good?"

Kyle's soft shoes made little noise as he approached the lithe dancer that owned his heart. His fingers twitched, the only sign of the tremendous anxiety he was feeling. He stopped several feet away from her and Athyna, his green eyes seeing only the dark elf. "I...I'm glad to see you well." Mentally he kicked himself. That was lame. "You as well, Athyna." "I would have come sooner, but my soulbrother and I...well, something happened." God...why couldn't he have Jas's optimism now? How weak he felt without it.

"Kryss...I know that something happened to you too, I...I can just feel it." "I want to know, but I...I understand if you'd rather not say." His eyes flicked briefly in Jas's direction before he continued. He had almost forgotten that Athyna was there, and in way, he didn't care. He had to say these things now. He couldn't, wouldn't wait. He looked up at her, the adoration he felt plain in his face. "It's strange, not being mixed with Jas anymore, but even when I was, there were parts that I knew were mine." "Those haven't changed...and one of them is how I feel about you." He wanted to say more, but made himself stop. He had to hear what she would say...and abide my it, no matter what it was.

 

[katalynn]

Athyna saw Kyle step up, squeezing lightly on Kryss' shoulder just before walking off to the rest of the group, leaving them alone.

Kryss couldn't look up, wanting to, even tried to force herself to look up at him. But was afraid of breaking again, something she coudln't allow.

"I don't know what happened..... Well, in some ways its obvious. But, I know deep down that one of you, perhaps both.. Lied to me. I can feel it."

Tilted her head slightly to the side, more out of thought than anything else. Closing her eyes while trying hard to keep this under control.

"All I know is I have slept with both of you.... Both of you have claimed to love me. I knew you were different, two different people. And I love you both. Now, I can't but help feel like I have been used, lied to, betrayed of how I felt. From seeing you both, that feeling is only stronger. Only thing is I don't know if it was one of you........... Or both of you.."

Paused a moment,

"I knew I couldn't have you both, and perhaps I loved you both a little more than I should have. Perhaps I loved you more than the other and didn't catch it till recently.... I do know this, I don't like liers, nor betrayal.... Just wish I knew who did the lieing."

Kryss didn't even realize she had said that she loved him over Jas. Not even registering till it was to late, it didn't matter, for it was how she felt anyway.

Finally a tear escaped its prison, streaming down her cheek.

"Lies and betrayal seems to be my only reward as of late. Never expected to get it from the one that was suppose to love me.... In this case from the ~ones~ that claim they love me so..."

All the while she spoke softly, keeping her gaze low.

 

[Armphid]

Kyle & Jasleth

It felt as though Kyle's heart was sinking into his feet. What could he say to help? The truth of it was that she had been betrayed...completely accidently and unintentionally, but it was a betrayal. "Kryss...Kryss please look at me." When she did not look up, he dropped to his knees, so that she would see his face. "I'm sorry you have been hurt...so very sorry." "I can't change that, but I...I would like to make the future better, if I can." "If you will let me."

"I don't lie to people...I wouldn't be any good at it even if I did lie." "I never decieved you, I would never try to do so." "I love you." "I loved you soon after I met you." "I loved you from after the Spiderhaunt Woods, in Garnet Town, in Beoulve Castle, every step of this journey." "That's never faltered, and I never said it without meaning it."

He wanted to tell her about Jas...but would it be right? Would it be as he meant it, the truth or would it seem the act of a lover desperatlely trying to keep his beloved?

"....He's right." Jas's voice came from nearby. The barefoot youth stood off to the right of Kyle and Kryss, his roguish face sad. "There's nothing I can say to make up for what I did, Kryss." He sighed, "I had no intention to lie to you, or betray you...I've never done that to anyone before." "But at the same time, I'm not gonna pretend it's different than it is."

He crossed his arms over his chest, looking out over the desert. "When we were fused together...I didn't remember anything except Kyle's memories." "My real past, and all the feelings that went with it were lost to me." "We fell into a trance in Sanctuary...and it all came back to me." "The real me, the real Jasleth, was given back to me." His voice was thick with regret over the pain he was about to cause her, mixed with pain as he thought of his seperation from Zhu. "I...I felt Kyle's love for you...even when I was in charge of our body...it was so strong that it came into me as well, so that I felt it as he did." "But...the feeling...was...is...his alone."

Jas forced himself to look at Kryss, his handsome face mournful and guilty. "I am fond of you Kryss, you're my dear friend and companion, and I'd give my life for you in a heartbeat...but I do not love you." "Without ever meaning to, I lied to you, and I'm sorry about that." "More than I could ever say." He paused, preparing to turn away. "I know that this hurts you, and I hate that it does, but it's the truth." "Not all truths are nice, I'm afraid." "I still want to be your friend, but I understand if that's not possible." "If you can't forgive me, I understand that too...and though it saddens me, I deserve it." "Don't blame Kyle for it though, I've been in his head and his soul." "He truly loves you, and that is a rare and beautiful thing." "He loves you so much that it made me think I did too, there's so much feeling there...it didn't seem like one person could have that much for someone else." "But he does, for you." Jas turned, and walked back toward The others in the party. Not for the first time, and certainly not for the last, he wished that none of this had happened. Then he wouldn't feel so damn guilty about a thing he was powerless to prevent.

Kyle stayed silent for a few moments after Jas padded away. Then he looked at the trembling dancer, his heart breaking at the pain he could practically feel in her. "Kryss...I..." He got to his feet, taking a tenative step forward. "I'm so sorry, my love." "I want to help...but if you want to me to go for now, I will." "I...I can see why you might not want me around..."

 

[katalynn]

Kryss fell silent, too stunned to move, to talk. Shaking with built up emotions......... Once more. Shaking her head *no*. Finally spun around to look at Jas before he left, feeling everyone looking at her, before she knew it she slapped him so hard across the cheek that it stung her hand. It pained her to do that, least of all to him. But she didn't say anything, couldn't say anything. Her eyes told him more than he needed to know in that moment.

"I am fond of you Kryss, you're my dear friend and companion, and I'd give my life for you in a heartbeat...but I do not love you."

Kryss hoped that the slap stung just as bad as his words did. She was getting tired of getting hurt. First real life crap, then Avrice, this blight shit.. Now Jas... She could only pray that he was hurting on some level, whether if it was from the slap, or if it was truly in his heart or not. She no longer cared.

Turning to Kyle,

"I forgive you, though, right now is not the time for this. It appears I'm the one that needs forgiving. I knew the two of you were different, and yet.........."

Clutched her hands, trying to not think about it anymore. It was clear she was forcing back her tears, refusing to cry or let out the anger.

"I have shed to many tears on this journey, I will shed no more.... For anyone..."

Fighting with hurt and replacing it with anger. Turning to everyone.

"Either way, we should get going. Enough time has been... wasted.."

Trembling a great deal, needing the comfort but refusing it. If she got the comfort she needed and was seeking, she would shed more tears.. It was just better to refuse everything right now. Turning back to Kyle her eyes showed more than she was willing to say right now. Showing how much she really wanted to break down, but she had found her strength and will not *depend* on anyone again.

"I still love you, that will not change. For now.... I do wish to be alone... Please forgive me m'love.."

Spoke softly looking into his eyes as she place her, still stinging, hand softly on his cheek. Just as quickly she tore her gaze away from his, along with her hand and got onto the horse. She knew it was wrong, but she kicked the horse and ran full speed in the direction the trail lead. Needing to get away, she wasn't going to go far, just enough to where she didn't have to see ..... Him.. Once she ran a few paces ahead, she slowed down some to wait for the others, listening for them.

 

[Xenocide_613]

Thalryn & Elistraee

Elistraee gently stroked the soft feathers of the cloak Kryss had given her “If we are to set out immediately, the going must be slow indeed. Though we elves are putting up quite a strong front, we are quite exhausted.”

Thalryn slowly nodded in agreement. “A few hours of sleep would be nice if we could manage it. I realize the need for haste, but we are all but asleep already.”

“Oh, suck it up. You’ve been through worse fatigue than that and lived.” Elistraee commented.

“Aye, but it is not something I’d care to repeat.”

Both elves turned about suddenly at the sound of Kryss slapping Jasleth. Thalryn looked from Jas to Kryss and back, wondering what would happen next. Elistraee exchanged glances with Athyna and Thalryn as Kryss mounted and began to ride off down the path toward the desert.

“Guess it’s decided then.” Elistraee commented as she watched Kryss disappear down the trail.

 

[katalynn]

Athyna watched the whole scene from the side, heard what Jas had to say. She didn't love him of course, but those few word stung her just as if she did.

"If you wish to camp here, I will go get her. And try to bring her back here.... We do need rest there is no doubt that."


Seeing how Kryss got on the horse and took, Athyna was right behind her. One movement and she was down the path as well on her horse and Luathas by her side, she wasn't about to let Kryss go to far and out of sight. Not when she was upset like that. Finding Kryss seriously not to far away. Athynas' heart ripped to shreads when she realize that Kryss was crying.

She sent Luathas back to the rest of the group to let them know that we should stay for a bit longer. Sliding off her horse while trying to coax Kryss off hers.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I could only wince at the mention of Avrice as Skyler's master. The term cut me to the bone. My throat felt dry when I responded to the group. "Well...oracular magic isn't known for counter-spells, but I might be able to come up with something."

My mind was elsewhere at the moment. Fear was eating at me. Skyler was supposed to pretend to still be on our side for a reason. Now that we know...maybe Avrice won't ned her anymore. What if...he kills her? My face started to lose color at that thought. He might kill her...and the last thing I said to her were words of malice and hate. If she died before I could apologize...I don't think I'd be able to live with myself.

Kryss's loud slap woke me up to reality. I saw her slap Jas pretty roughly. Or maybe it was Kyle. Ugh...I couldn't tell the difference between the two.

I got on my horse and rode up to Thalryn and Elistraee, who were following Kryss. I finally got to take a good look at the elf. She was quite beautiful and she had a warm smile, but every time I looked at her, I could only picture her naked. I blushed and looked away a little bit.

"So...Elistraee...you are taking easily to being elf again. I would have thought after being a ferret for a while, walking on two feet again would be tough." I felt something warm between my eyes and I reached up and wiped away some blood from my forehead. "Oh bugger." I grumbled. I forgot I was bleeding. The small streams of blood were beginning to follow the crease of my scar and travel down the side of my nose. I reached into my backpack, hoping to find a cloth of some sort.

 

[katalynn]

Kryss just took one look at Athyna, shook her and took off running again. She hadn't planned on getting that far ahead, but she did. Wasn't quite to the desert, but it was in sight. Suddenly her horse got ansy, scared as it heard the sounds of orcs coming from behind Kryss. Spreading out into a half circle around her.

Just as she turned the horse around, whined while it reared up at seeing four orcs surrounding her. Knocked her off the horse and the horse ran back towards the group.... without Kryss..

She pulled out her daggers, fighting stance. At the same time her hands began to glow with flames just as she let out a frustrated scream, sending fire bolts at the orcs. One hand after another in a continuous motion. She managed to stun at least two of them, getting one a bit more angrier as he kept coming towards her. Kryss didn't care right at this moment, she was far to angry to care. This Orc was perfect to let loose on, her hands were still in flames as the orc made it's first contact. Swinging it's hammer down, barely missing her as she rolled out from under it. In the same movement she peirced her dagger into the other orc that she landed by. Dodging it's hammer as well when it fell to the ground, nursing it's leg as the flames shot into its' blood stream.

Athyna heard the noises while she got back into her horse and took off running down the path again. Luathas ran after her as well. Athyna pulled out her bow and began shooting at the orcs as two more came out of the bushes. Luathas chased one and soon was tearing into its' flesh. Kryss went back to fighting the one that almost hit her, stabbing him where ever her blades landed.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

Her trail was easy to follow in the sand and Luathas was able to follow even easier than the horses were in the sand. Her trail led directly out across the sand.

That great cat could see he was gain in g on the ferret as her scent grew stronger. Skyler ran on and on, the desert heat warming her black fur to the point of almost burning. The shade brush was spaced farther and farther apart.

Skyler had ran for about an hour before she found a dense tumbleweed bush to hide from the sun under. She slipped into the shade the plant offered and lay down to rest, within moments all her running and almost a day and a half without sleep took over adn she fell into a deep sleep.

 

[katalynn]

Kryss was pouring out all her anger into these orcs, rolling, dodging, blocking every hit they tried to make on her. Only to have them rolling in agony from what her daggers were doing to the blood in their veins. It didn't seem she even broke out a sweat, watching Athyna take on the last orc just as everyone else came forward.

Kryss felt so much better, all she could was smile for the missed the fight. Without words, she retrieved her horse and just walked along side of it.

Athyna had noticed Luathas acting funny, sniffing the ground and following a faint trail.

"Looks like he's found her scent. Shall we follow it? I seriously doubt she has gotten far to be honest. We still yet may find her before she reaches him. She has not slept as far as I know... Nor fed properly... Again, as far as I know.. There's no way this desert heat is going to let her get far."

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth & Kyle

He had seen the slap coming, had prepared himself for it, but it still hit him harder than he expected. Even as she turned and fled, he could feel the spot on his face where she had hit him, as if heat were radiating off of it. It hurt, in both a physical and emotional sense. He had reaised no defense, channeled no chi into his skin to toughen it, and Kryss had hit him with all the might of her slender frame. There was also pain because of the tragedy of the situation. Gods, he didn't want her hurt, but he couldn't lie to her anymore either...not that he'd ever intended to lie to her. What a fucked up situation,

Grief and guilt gnawed at him as he walked to where the others were mounting up. "I think we'll have to move, just slowly." "We can't let Kryss get lost out there, even with Athyna after her they could run into trouble." He looked up at the remaining elves. "You two will just have to trya nd grab some shut eye in the saddle." "I'll guide your horses for you, so don't worry about that."

Kyle was still on the edge of camp, looking at the trail Kryss had thundered down, with Athyna in hot pursuit. He wanted to run after her as well, to somehow make everything better, but he couldn't. She asked him to stay away for now...and he would do so. His hands were balled into impotent fists of anger as he made his way back to the others. When he was near Jas, he paused, then firmly took the reins of Thalryn and Elistraee's horses from his soul brother. "You should take up the rear guard Jas." "When we find Kryss...she doesn't need to see you." Anger and frustration lived in his voice as he spoke, as well as flashing in his emerald eyes. "I know the way through the desert, following Skyler or no." "Get to the back."

Jas nodded, "You're right." "You are the Guide, after all." He started to say that he was sorry for what happened, but stopped. There was no point to it. Kyle took the reins and gently tugged, leading the horse forward.

Now back to back in the desert air, the differences between the two men became more apparent. Jasleth was slightly taller and more musculer thant Kyle. Kyle having more of an agile, acrobatic look to him that Jasleth. Thier features were similar, though Jas had a roguish cast to his face, and Kyle a more subdued erudite one. Jas's eyes were the color of red wine, his hair a dark blue that waved slightly in the desert wind. Kyle's black hair was straighter, laying flat more than Jas's locks, and his eyes were a bright emerald green. Jas was dressed much the way he was when he had met the others; loose blue silk pants, secured with a black sash, a sleeveless blue silk shirt, covered by a red vest. His feet were bare, and metal bracers graced his forearms.

Kyle had pants of the same style, though his were black and tied into place with a cord that ran through the waist, His shirt was white, in a Chinese style with the loops of cloth that served as buttons in gold thread, as well as the piping that accompanined each, the sleeves loose and partially rolled back. Flexible, slipperlike shoes were on his feet, and he wore a white headband, whose long tails fell to the small of his back.

They soon came upon the scene of Kryss and Athyna's battle with the orcs. Kyle immediately felt concern surge in him, but he could see Kryss...and she was unharmed. Relief was followed quickly by pride, she fought so well. Again he wanted to race to her side, but he forced himself to stay where he was. "No, I don't think we should." "Not immediately." "Let's take an hour for those who need it to get some rest, then we'll start up again." Kyle looked to the west. "The sun will have set by then, and we will be able to travel faster and easier than Skyler did in the heat." "For those who wish it, Jas and I can use the Chakra technique to speed your recovery as well." "Sound like a plan?"

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

The sound of her wailing voice carried across the sea, rising and falling, undulating and living like the ocean itself. She had forgotten what language in which she spoke, or where she had heard the song before. She just hoped it would help speed Lang’s soul to it’s final resting place.

The flames of a large pyre burned behind her.

She had not cast his body into the flames, but all of his possessions, save for the golden earring that he wore. She had forced the blunted part of the earring through her ear, bearing that pain with nothing but an eye watering. From her still bloodied left lobe hung the earring, mingling in time and light with the silver one that she wore. They had stripped the prince, but didn’t bother with his wounds. Her hands had trembled as she passed them over the old and raw wound in his heart, over the previous scars from a previous life. Scars that had stories that were older than her, that had been gained for her sake and to save her life.

While the blood had still run warm, she slit a vein, pouring the former life fluid into a chalice. Her eyes still red and swollen, she tilted her head back, downing the liquid…and found it bittersweet. For her sake had it been spilled, and for his sake, to remember him, she had retrieved it, made it a part of her own body. There were no rituals in the Art for this, although something nagged at the back of her head that she had consumed his power. No, she had done that long ago when he gave it for her, swore allegiance to her.

Her voice echoed off of the cliff walls, bearing all of her emotion in the lines. Even as all of his earthly possessions burned behind her, the smell of him permeated her body, oozed from the pores in her hands, in her face. She had loved him, and loved him so hard…and now found it all swept away by those blue waves. Until that day that they couldn’t even say goodbye, she had been fostering this feeling, switching back and forth in the childish sense that all young women did. She didn’t understand or comprehend what he felt for her, only until she had walked in his shoes. The betrayal of her love for Jas stabbed her, told her heart and the blue sky to just stop loving, to be lost in that white foam and disappear just like that.

Tilting her head up to the sky, she slowly closed her eyes, letting the tears trail down her cheeks. This was a common story, one that repeated over and over. If only she had done this, if only she had died that day, if only she had been a proper young woman. Why was she made in this way? What was her purpose? Could he hear her thoughts now?

“Please, gods….help me….Show me the way….”

The way out of this emotional maze, the fine entanglements presented in the red thread of fate binding her heart to theirs. She wouldn’t forget - she begged for his forgiveness.

And from deep within, the ocean responded to her.

Shihou and Huozai shifted behind her, slow smiles spreading across their faces. They too, had come to peace with all the events that had surpassed, despite their initial worry over the health of their Lady. She had fasted for far too long, had lost too much weight. Even now, she looked like a mere shadow of her former self, gaunt and boyish in the sudden exposure of her slim figure by the weight loss. Her hair fell in short thick curls about her face, raked up and down by the wind. If it had not been for the white shift she wore, it would have been easy to mistake her for a young man. As the wind pushed relentlessly against them, teasing the high yellow flames, she bowed before the ocean, kissing the sand at her feet.

Jasleth…if you can hear me….He has been laid to rest, and with it, my old self. I know not where I am going now, but anywhere would be welcome with you at my side….I need to see you….

Standing slowly, she took a handful of sand, and threw it out into the wind.

“Please, hear my prayer….”