When RP takes control IC thread

[Armphid]

Kyle

Kyle gave her hand a squeeze, then drew her closer. "As you wish, Kryss." "Your pain is mine, let's heal the both of us."

Slowly, not wanting to set off her jangled nerves, Kyle slipped an arm about her waist, draping the one he held over his shoulder. His emerald eyes gazed into hers for long seconds, making sure that she was okay with his touch. Then he leaned in, pressing his lips gently to hers.

His lips were eloquent in ways he could never hope to be. They spoke of boundless love and patience, of surcrease of sorrow, and promised joy.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I watched out of the corner of my eye as Athyna put a muzzle on Skyler. I continued to cook the deer, but kept an eye on Skyler and Athyna. I felt a rush of emotions, watching Skyler get tied up like a wild animal. I groaned and just wished it was over, and Avrice was dead, so it wouldn't be like this any more.

When Athyna returned to the fire, I let out a sigh. "Is it really necessary to muzzle her?" I asked, in a pained way. "I mean...I know we have to keep her restrained, but treating her like a wild animal..." I sighed and continued to cut the meat up. "I'm sorry, Athyna. I didn't mean to sound like I was blaming you. I'm just on edge."

 

[katalynn]

Athyna lowered her gaze, it pained her even more so that Dominic spoke as if she was the evil one. In some way, it appeared that way.

"It was needed I'm afraid. Luathas is only cat, he can only do so much to prevent Skyler from biting him. I don't think he wishes to hold her in his mouth the entire time. If she was to bit him, she would be getting that taste she craves. If she changes from that taste, with Luathas being the only one near her......"

Paused for a moment,

"I don't wish to treat her in such ways. It pains me a great deal. But, we can't just sit here and eat in front of her while she starves. If she wishes to remain weak, then..... Sadly, aye. It was needed to muzzle her. Other choice would be to put her in a cage, I personally don't wish to see her locked up any more than being bound."

It was clear by her tone that it did pain her, her words faltered, seeking to find the right ones. Knowing there was no right words for this kind of situation.

"I'm sorry Dominic, truly I am.... I can only hope you.. And Skyler.. can forgive me when the time comes... I just don't wish to take anymore chances. I seriously don't wish to kill her, and if this is the only way to prevent that.. So be it.. For that I am sorry.."

Athyna had a sudden loss of apetite, only picking at her food now. She ended up getting at much of as she could though, it wasn't a huge deer, but a lot of it will be going to waste sadly. At least the wolves or something will come along, so that went for something...

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

Kryss wasn't sure how to feel at this moment, hopeing that the kiss will spark something within her. Something she had lost through the betrayal. Kyle almost felt like a stranger in that moment, nor did she stop him.

The kiss was of true love, it was not heated in lust like all the others have been. This was more passionate, slower, like that of a lovers first kiss. Kryss did feel that spark, felt the truth of Kyle flood her mind. His love and everything she loved about him. For as much as she would have wanted to take further, this was not the place nor the time... Also, she wanted to take it slower now. Really did not feel all that grand about herself right now in general, though, she did not speak of it.

Kryss only smiled up to him when the kiss broke, reluctantly.

"We should perhaps get something to eat... It's been a very long day."

She leaned in and met his lips once more with hers before they went back to the group.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

As she lunged for Luathas the cat moved quicker than she would have expected and before she knew it he had her grasped by the scruff of her neck and was holding her firmly in his teeth.

She squirmed and thrashed trying to get loose, but it was no use as the cat held her for Athyna. She looked to the elf a moment wondering what she was up to, the question was answered soon enough as a small piece of leather was afixed about her muzzle and tied behind her head.

The cat then carried her back towards the hut they had passed. It wasn't far from the camp but far enough that she could no longer smell the deer meat or blood. As the cat set her down and backed away and blocked the door she began to settle down some, the hunger that drove her to attack the big catno longer a driving force with the smells basically hidden from her.

She watched the cat, the muzzle bothering her tremendously, she let her attention drift from the big cat to the muzzle upon her face. She began to use her front feet to work on the muzzle. It didn't take long to get free of the contraption, ferrets being known for their abilities to get into and out of many different predictaments easily.

Once free of the muzzle she looked to the big cat, who had been watching her diligently. She looked about, there was really no other way for her to escape except through the front door. She lay on a rug near a table and lowered her head, she let out a soft sigh, hoping that this big cat would not be her guardian for long.

Oh Dominic, I am so sorry. If not for Avrice things would be better. She kept her thoughts to herself worrying about how Dominic and her would get through this, since she had been abducted and returned by Avrice, it seemed her and Dominic's relationship had been strained.

She was about to drift off, knowing sleep was better to keep her mind off her hunger, when she was assaulted by a strong urge to leave. She had her mind open now to Dominic hoping if she could contact him if she needed to... the assault was so strong that it flowed through her senses and effected Dominic as well.

She opened her eyes and saw that Luathas had relaxed somewhat, but not completely. She knew she could not leave. The summons pulling hard at her, wanting her to do anything she had to get away. "Dominic, please come.. please help me." Her voice was clear in his mind, but it did not sound urgent or panicked.

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

Jas stood on the shore where he had found his love, yet he was alone. He felt less weary, yet there was a biting chill in the air, and he could sense that this place welcomed little life. He took a deep breath of the sea wind, the smell of brine filling his nose. After long moments of silence, he spoke, "I can feel you out there, whoever you are." "I know you want to talk to me...and I don't mean to be rude, but if you're not going to be quick about it, I have the wonder of all worlds waiting for me in the waking world."

The wind blasted harder at him, and he got the impression that he'd pissed someone off. From over the sea, the spray whipping off the waves gathered, a shape gradually forming in the water. It was man shaped and size, turning in the waves that crashed together to form it. Then it looked to the beach and Jas felt its' eyes on him. In that gaze he felt anger, even a flicker of hate, envy, and a great relief mixed with great sadness.

The sea surged, and the waves began a mad rush landward, carrying the watery figure atop thier foamy crests. The waves were now walls of water that towered over him, threatening to fall. Jas couldnt move...something rooted him to the spot. THe figure atop the walls of water raised a hand and beckoned him forth. Jas could only watch as the waves began to topple toward him with body crushing force-

*****

Jas's eyes snapped open, then squinted against the daylight. The sun was...setting? How long had he been asleep? He smelled the scent of roasted fish, and his mouth began to water. Sleep? How long had it been since he had eaten?

Then his eyes fell on Zhu, and thoughts of his needs were pushed aside. She was really here...he hadn't dreamed it. His eyes were shocked and alarmed as they gazed upon the familiar curves of her face. So gaunt now...and so sad. He reached out a hand, his fingers not touching her, but only barely as he traced the line of her jaw. He wanted to speak to her, to hear her voice. More than that, he wanted her in his arms, close to him so that he could smell her scent, taste her skin....but it looked like she needed sleep more than he did. Sighing he laid his head back down on the sand, eyes warm as he watched her slumber.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

“So you’re awake,” came the cool baritone of Shihou. On his outstretched palms rested the roasted fish, wrapped securely in still-green leaves of seaweed. “Here, young master, have this. It’ll restore your strength.” Kneeling down in the sand, he placed the fish in front of Jasleth before he stood up, and paced back over to the new fire that Huozai had started. In a strange deluded way, Huozai knelt to pick up a handful of sand. Muttering a word or two over it, he threw it into the fire. The fire blazed upwards, sending long curling tongues into the sky, grasping for the pinpoint lights of the stars.

Shihou’s cold eyes drifted over the pair side by side, and he tilted his head up to look at the stars. When he was younger, he had made it a sort of game - to count how many stars that he could see. He always started north of the brightest one that he saw. No matter how much he would try to pick up in the same place, he knew it was a sort of futile thing, but no better way to lure himself to sleep. Huozai watched the blonde before adding another handful of sand to the fire.

“Come, young master. Move closer to the fire, and bring Our Lady with you. The warmth will do you both good.” The large man smiled, the corners of his eyes turning up ever so slightly, despite the stitches in the flesh.

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

Jas started a bit at Shihou's voice. He listened, then nodded. "Of course, thank you." "Both of you." He rolled softly to his feet, his strong arms easily lifting Zhu from the sand. Gods...she was so light. He moved over to the newly refreshed fire.

Jas took a seat, setting Zhu next to him, resting her head in his lap. He gazed down at her face before taking the offered fish. He tore a few slivers of roasted fish free, then rewrapped it. "It smells divine...but I will take just this until she's eaten her fill." He chewed the few scraps, savoring the rich taste of the meat. As his master said, hunger was the best sauce. He had never tasted anything so good.

Jas returned Shihou's smile, then his face becaem serious. "I would like to ask you something." "I...I know my re-awakening caused Lang's death." "I know the three of you were closer than brothers." "I don't intend to leave Zhu's side again, unless she bids me go...but I would like to know where I stand with the two of you."

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

“Our Lady has eaten, young master, so eat now,” said Shihou with a smile. That was a good sign - he knew that the boy was starving, but yet he would put his own desires aside for her. Yes, he was worthy of her…He just hoped that it would remain this way for as long as either one of them lived. The Lady wasn’t one to have a faltering heart - she loved who she loved and that never changed. That’s who she was.

“What Lang did was of his own volition. We had no control of him as man has no control over the sea. I do not bear you any ill will, young master. I am glad that you have returned to Our Lady, although I wish that it could have been a bit sooner,” said Huozai with the faintest of a chuckle to his voice. Shihou nodded his agreement, shaking his hair back from his face. “I have no ill-will against you as well, young master. I just ask for you to be by her side at all times, like Lang was. If you falter in that, then we will know that you are not worthy….”

Zhu sighed in her sleep, snuggling closer to him.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

"Athyna..." I said slowly. "No, don't...I understand. You don't need to apologize. You are looking out for everyone. I'm being selfish here. I appreciate you doing this and I'm sure Skyler does too." I sighed. "I just haven't been myself lately." I stared down at the meat in front of me. "Or maybe I have been myself. Maybe that's the problem."

I noticed Athyna lost her appitite and I couldn't blame her. I wasn't feeling very hungry myself.

"Dominic, please come.. please help me." I heard Skyler's voice echo in my mind. I nearly dropped my plate in surprise. She...needed me?

I cleared my mind. This could be a trick. Avrice is using her to get to me. Yes, that's it. Avrice is using her to trick me. That had to be it.

But what if it wasn't?

My conscience chewed at the edges of my mind, feeding on my paranoia. Eventually, I made up my mind and stood up. "I-I'm not very hungry right now." I told Athyna. "I need to go for a walk." I pointed to my bag on the ground. "If my ungrateful lizard comes out, you can give him something to eat, okay?"

I ran a hand through my silver hair and walked off into the forest. I could feel Skyler on the end of my mind and it told me the way to the hut. I followed the feeling blindly until I ended up at the hut.

I saw Luathas lying by the doorway. I don't think he saw me, but he probably already smelled me. I walked up and held my hand out. "Hey Luathas. It's me, Dominic. I'm just checking up on Skyler." The cat allowed me to pass into the hut, but kept an eye on me.

"Skyler? Where are you?" I called out.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She looked up from where she was along one of the walls in the dark. “Dominic, I am here. He is calling.. I can’t stay here. The collar burns.” Some of the pain she was feeling inside from fighting the summons was overflowing into her thoughts.

”Please if we go to him, we can fight him, together. He won’t expect it, not you coming with me.” She had no idea that the words were not fully hers, all she knew was she had to get to Avrice and soon before the pain increased.

 

[katalynn]

Athyna was no fool, she watched Dominic closely as he walked up the path. She was hopeing it wouldn't come to this, but she was running out of options. It was something she would use herself when she couldn't sleep well enough.

Walked to her pack, wondering what was going on with Slip and why he hadn't come out, now that she thought of it really. Leaving some food next to the bag for the iguana, hopeing he'll come out to eat. Stood back up and looked at everyone else, seeing that Kryss and Kyle had come back.

"We will be leaving soon, so lets gather our things and get going. Skyler will be taken care of in a min or so."

Athyna grabbed the potion and an empty sack with a draw string then walked up the path. Upon reaching the hut she saw that Luathas let Dominic inside just when she reached him. Cautiously she went inside also, Skyler was frantic and scared in the corner, can't imagine what she was going through.

"Dominic, may I speak with you outside for a moment. I have an idea that will help her iin many ways."

Athyna spoke softly, she had left the bag outside so that it wouldn't freak Skyler out all the more. The potion was still in her hand, but it was out sight from them.

"Please Dominic, trust me on this one..."

 

[Armphid]

Kyle

Kyle felt more than a littel confusion as first Dominic then Athyna left the small campsite. He looked down at Kryss, "I get the feeling we've missed something important."

Still...there was food to be had. Kyle felt his appetite keenly, and was more than happy to take a share of the meat that was now roasting over the cook fire. He nodded to Thalryn and Elistraee. "That smells great, I hope it finishes soon." "A hot meal will make things easier, and we may not have a chance for another one for a long time." "I expect we'll want to stink to rations once we hit the deep desert." Kryss sat next to him, and he looped an arm about her waist. "How do you guys feel anyway?" "Better?"

*******
Jasleth

Jas smiled down at Zhu, laying one hand on her stomach tenderly. "You have my word, Shihou." "I'll only leave her by her command." "I will from time to time...The Sages called me the Arrow of the Queen." "Which sounds as though she'll launch me at a target from time to time." He sighed. "Not that I want to leave her...I'd lose limbs first...but I'm hers to command, for the most part."

He eagerly tore into the fish, being assured that she had eaten. He tried to show some restraint, but having run so far, for so long, he couldn't help but be somewhat messy as he practically inhaled the meal. He could feel the two other men's amused looks, but pain them no mind. Not while a scrap of fish remained. Finally, he cast the bones into the fire, having eaten the seaweed as well (upon discovering it was edible). "Thank you both so much...Gods, I was hungry." "I'm still not sure how far or long I ran." His eyes were warm, soft, and somehow vulnerable as he looked again at the sleeping girl. "I'd do it again though...and go twice as far."

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

“Our Lady would not command you unfairly, nor would she willingly send you from her side unless it was of the most importance. I think she understands that two merged as one fare far better than one would think,” said Shihou, his voice measured and melodious against the distant purr of the ocean.

“Would you like another?” asked Huozai from the fire, preparing to stand. “I know that you’ve traveled a long way, and your hunger must be strong.”

Shihou stood up, and stretched. “So how was the state of the party when you left? And of Avrice? The time has been slowed. It speaks softly, telling me that it is just not ready for us to rejoin. When we are solidified in our power, that’s when we will be able to join them once more. That is, if we chose so. We are unsure of what they plan to achieve, but if they are trying to take over or establish a new kingdom, placing one of them as the head, then we will stand against them.”

Huozai said nothing, tending the fire with a calm hand. Sticking his left hand into the curving flames, the fire backed off, as if it were frightened, then moved to caress his palm as if it were a doting kitten. Slowly the blind man smiled, sighing softly. “Shihou and I will watch tonight - the undead have no need for rest.” He sighed slightly, his voice seeming to grow weary. “I long for the day that this will be over….and everything will be as it was….”

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

Jas looked to the large man with sympathy. "For all your tirelessness...it must be very wearying." "The day will come, Houzai." "As it has for Lang, you too will be at peace, a peace well earned." He would have spoken further but a loud rumble from his stomach silenced him, bringing a flush to his face. "Ah...I think that if there are more fish to be had...I might do with another."

"As for the party, they were preparing to go into battle with Avrice." He looked to the south, wondering where they were now. "They were at the edge of the Desert of Bleached White Bones." "Avrice is waiting to ambush them, the they know of his plan and intend to reverse the trap upon him."

The young monk turned his gaze to Shihou, for a moment seeing the man as he had been when alive. His eyes were serious as he spoke, despite the pleasure of the memory. "As for thier intentions...all but one of them started out in the Other World." "Their stated goal is merely to wrest The Frozen Flame from Avrice, and use it's power to allow those from the Other World to return home, if they wish to." He ran a hand through his dirty hair...he needed to bathe. Brushing that thought aside, he continued. "I do not think that will stay as it is though." "At least half of them favor their selves in this world to the Other World." "They will want to stay, and I do not know who they will put in power once they gain the Flame."

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I closed my eyes as her words echoed in my mind. I couldn't stand to see her in pain. It was one thing in battle, but here, alone in a hut, it was too much to bear.

I was about to give her my answer when Athyna entered the room. I turn to look at her as she spoke to me. I must have been easy to read; she knew where I was headed.

Skyker...please just hang on. I will speak to Athyna, and I will see what she says. If she can help you, then I will be for it. If it doesn't end your suffering, then... My thoughts trailed off as I tried to soothe her with my mind. I won't let you be in pain any longer. I promise.

I turned to Athyna and stepped out. I crossed my arms and shifted my weight to one leg. "Following me?" I asked. "I guess that is what you're good at." I rose one eyebrow. "What's on your mind? What do you think we can do about Skyler?"

 

[katalynn]

Athyna waited till Dominic stepped out first,

"I don't mean to follow you persay, I'm just concerned. I know how you feel about her, what would have happened if she attacked you? If she was to bite into you? You have let her. I'm not accusing, I just see it in your eyes."

She paused a moment, thinking. Her words may have been a bit harsh just now, but it was a good chance they were true.

"Anyway, I am not here to start an argument. That is the last thing we need right now. This, this is a sleeping potion. It is something I use when I have troubles sleeping.

"Few drop is strong enough for a full day. I'm suggesting we give a good amount, let her sleep a few days. Hate to say it, but we should also keep her in a sack. It is big enough she won't suffocate, it's leather so she won't be able to rip through it easily and it has a draw string that can be tied."

Athyna looked away, ashamed of what she was asking. It was hard for even her to believe she was saying such things... Abot Skyler, a friend. It also made her sound like a bad person, someone without compassion, but in reality, she was really thinking about Skyler.

"She's in trouble Dominc, only way to ease her pain is to make her sleep. This will make her sleep for a good amount, if not all, of the trip."

"And if she sleeps, Avrice will not hear our plans. See where we are, all that will not be in her mind as she sleeps. We have no idea how much true control he has over her. Please, help me give this to her, I wish, with your help, to give a decent amount that will not kill her, just simply make her sleep."


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

Kryss watched how the two walked off, leave up to Athyna to get into someone business... But, perhaps in this case it was a good thing.

"No, it is you that missed something I'm afraid.... While you and Jas were.... Finding yourselves?!? ....... Avrice somehow got a hold of Skyler. So now she is under his control. She's been trying to get back to him for sometime now."

It for some reason felt strange to have his arm around her like so, nor did she stop him. This was something she had to get over, she knew Kyle. He seriously haven't changed... Still, it all seemed so different.

Sighed softly and ate what she could in silence. It was a good meal and he was right, there's no telling when or where our next will come from.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

Shihou paced out to the edge of the sea, and returned shortly with a large fish. Expertly gutting it, he placed it on the fire, and went back to the ocean to clean his hands in the foam. Huozai listened to Jasleth with an intent mouth, lips becoming thin as he pressed them together. “What comes to pass will be whatever - but you know our position. Perhaps when they’ve all returned, we can get some peace and resurrect the kingdom-”

He cut himself off as Zhu began to stir, clenching to the fabric of Jasleth’s pants. Slowly her eyes opened, focused. Looking up at him, she smiled, and sat up. The ridge of her spine rubbed in an uneven flow against Jasleth’s hand, painfully prominent. “How long have I been asleep?” As she caught a whiff of the fish, her stomach rumbled as well, causing her to grin a little. “It seems like there’s food just in time….Tell me, is there enough for the both of us?” she asked, her eyes becoming brighter. Shihou smiled a little. “Depending on the appetites, but just to be sure, I’ll catch another.” His icy blue eyes darted over to Huozai, as if sending him a message: They need time alone. Huozai grinned slightly. “I’ll help. The fish on the fire should be fine for a while - I wrapped it in seaweed.”

The two men paced towards the sea, becoming black figures in front of the moon.

Craning her head to look at Jasleth, Zhu ran a hand down the side of his face, her smile luminous. “You make a good pillow…”

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

"The least of the services I offer," he replied. He pressed his face against her hand, eyes half closing. Her touch was magical, so soft and so warming. His face was a study of adoration as his eyes opened again, though there was a mischevious twinkle in thier depths. "Though I would rather be a mattress." He ran his hand along her spine once again, her smooth skin delighting him while he felt a twinge of worry over the prominence of the bones. "I watched you sleep and felt more rested and at peace than I have since...since before all this happened." Jas rested his other hand on her waist, noting how much smaller it seemed. "It put everything into focus...where I should be, what I should be doing." "Here with you, giving you all that is within my power."

Without warning, he shifted sideways under her, the hand on her hip going under her legs. Jas easily lifted the skeletally thin girl, pulling her onto his lap. "I'm sorry if this is a little crude, but I...I just need to hold you." He pressed his forehead to hers, holding her close. "It felt so long...and I missed you so much." His voice was low, and think with emotion. "When I saw you again, there on the beach...I thought my heart would burst with joy and sorrow." "I was so happy to see you, to be near you even, but you are so thin...so frail do you look and feel that I feared I had come too late."

 

[Apollo Wilde]

She smiled faintly, and snuggled closer to him. She felt that she was right at home in his arms, like they were made just to hold her, just like this. Resting her head on his collarbone, she took in his scent, not minding the overwhelming smell of sweat. They had been like this so long ago…and even now, like this, it felt like that they had just seen each other, done this, yesterday.

“I am very much alive,” she said with more of a note of sorrow than joy, more sighing than laughing. “It’ll take a lot more than fasting to kill me.” Her hand rubbed over his, as if trying to reassure him. “As long as you are with me, I know I can’t die yet.” She smiled faintly, but yawned again, as if talking this little had drained her. “But I won’t lie - I feel really weak. Obviously,” she said, with a soft ghost of a laugh. “I guess I’ll have to stay here until I begin to look a bit more like my former self. I’m really in no condition to travel now.” She leaned back into his arms, listening to the ocean.

Leaning up, she kissed his throat. “I love you.”

 

[Armphid]

Jasleth

Jas flushed at her kiss and her words, such delight in them that it shoved aside the concern he felt, if only for a moment. "I love you, Zhu...my queen." He gently tilted her chin up with a finger under her chin, before embracing her lips with his own. The kiss was tender, warm, with the sweetness of love and the promise of joy. There was passion in it, more than Jas would have liked for thier first kiss in so very long, but he could not fully restrain it.

The lovers held the kiss for as long as thier weakened bodies would allow, Jas savoring every moment, every sensation that his lips brought back to him. Finally, they parted, Jas's wine red eyes practically glowing. "We'll get you strong again," he whispered. "Then let all the world marvel at your coming."

He sighed, lifting the roasted fish from the fire. "But first, I must let another caress your lips who can more quickly speed your recovery." He set the fish down, unwrapping it a bit before tearing free a strip of the hot meat. Lifting it in two fingers, he held up to her mouth. He brushed the very edge of it against her lips, "Will you allow me to indulge you?"

**********
Kyle

Kyle brushed his hands off in the sand, swallowing hte last of his share of the meal. Emerald eyes peered intently at the growing shadows of the dune. "Night is passing...and night is when we must travel in the desert."

He shifted into a crouch, looking at the elves that say with him. "We must move soon if we want to reach the next oasis I know of." "Thal, Elistraee, let's get the packs loaded on the horses." "Kryss, please see if Athyna and Dominic have Skyler secured." His face was sad as he looked in the direction the Oracle and the Ranger had gone. "I know it's hard, but the sooner we get to Avrice, the sooner she can be free, and we will be whole again."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She paced her wall in the room, she knew there was no way to get past them and dart off into the darkness. The summons was growing stronger as was the pain from the collar, if she only knew the pain was not caused by her wanting to leave, but by her fighting to stay.

"Dominic, please hurry... the pain is worse, I need to go I can't wait." She moved towards the door and in her urgency to get out of the room began to dig near the door. All other thoughts at the moment were gone, her sole thought now was escape.

 

[Apollo Wilde]

Zhu and her servants

She flushed, then smiled, holding a laugh behind her hand. “If you must,” she said with an exaggerated air, before moving closer to him to engulf him in a hug. However, she took the fish from his fingers in a quick little movement akin to a puppy taking a choice morsel from his master’s hand. Snuggling closer, she parted her lips, teasing him with her tongue. “Aaahhhh….!”
___________________________________________

Shihou looked out at the sea. Kneeling, he picked up a sand dollar and skipped it across the waves. It cut in silver lines out to the ruins, out to a once majestic place of pearl. It was hard to imagine Lang being from this world, from these surroundings. The sea seemed to be the one of sorrow, rather than the joy that must have filled it when all was right in the world. As time went on, he knew that inevitably the sea would reach up and embrace the palace, embrace the cliff, and bear it away from this cold shore of memories.

Picking up a small shell, he rubbed its smooth surface before looking down at the fine sand. Tossing the shell out into the sea, he smiled a little. He remembered Lang telling him about the different oceans here, although he knew the prince was probably just making it up as he went along. The sea of hope, the sea of sorrows, the sea of time, and the sea of love. They were all the same in the end, weren’t they? From the same place and returning, arching, in large circles into the sky.

He looked up at the night sky, feeling it’s immense curve surround him, engulf him in the pinpricked black mantle. Nights like this reminded him of his home, when the moon hung down so low and golden that it seemed like it was asking to be touched. Tearing his gaze down to the earth, he looked over at Jasleth and Zhu, in the process of feeding each other. He smiled faintly, then looked off to Huozai. The man was standing a fair distance away, his blind eyes seemingly locked on the horizon. What went through that man’s head was a mystery - out of all of them, he was the one that kept his lips tight, and his past was as dark as the sky. The only thing that Shihou knew that was at one point in time, Huozai had a family of his own, and a daughter…who had died, but…no one knew of what. He didn’t talk about his past, but Shihou knew that these things had a way of revealing themselves….

Just with the sweet premonition of time, the divulgence of the future.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

I closed my eyes. My head was starting to hurt. I tried to listen to Athyna's words, but Skyler's tortured words were echoing in my mind.

"Sleep." I repeated. "Y-yes. Maybe sleep...will lessen the pain." I nodded to the elf. My heart was torn; no matter what my decision was, I was betraying someone. I couldn't make a decision yet and I hoped to merely postpone it.

I followed Athyna back into the hut and took the sleeping potion. I moved to Skyler and knelt by her. "Here...this will lessen the pain. Please take it Skyler." I held the vial to the ferret's lips.

Drink it. I told her in my mind. Just for now. Then, when everything cools down, I will help you escape the pain. I told myself that I was telling her this just to get her to drink the vial, but I if I actually meant it or not, I wasn't quite sure.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Skyler

She stopped her pacing as Dominic approached. She sniffed the liquid in the vial it had a pleasant, relaxing, and sweet smell. She took a tentative taste, it was sweet as well. She didn’t hesitate to drink all that Dominic offered, she trusted him.

It didn’t take long for the potion to take effect on her, she may have been a vampire, but right now she was a ferret and the potion affected her quickly. She lay down on the floor and drifted to sleep.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Dominic

"She's asleep." I said, standing up. I turned to Athyna and let out a deep breath. "I don't know what's getting into me lately. I'm so...paranoid. It's that damned vision...the fact that someone will die. The memory is echoing through my mind every second. It's driving me insane!"

I lowered my head. "If I knew things were going to be this way...I would never have chosen to be an oracle." I sighed. "We should get some rest too. We'll probably leave in a few hours, and I need at least a little sleep. If only just to clear my head."