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As she exits the cave, the brightness hits her in the face. Squinting her eyes, she peers around surveying this new town. “Narrow Haven, this will be my new home.” Endless possibilities were here, she could feel it. She pulled her cloak around her shoulders securing it. There were people hustling around everywhere as her lips curled into a lazy grin. This time she could control herself, this time she would remember. Today, she vowed not to be chased out of another town, she refused to again be hunted. But for now, she only needed one.

She walked around the strange town imprinting the buildings and people into her mind as she carefully rebraided her hair for the third time. This is it, the well. Two were sitting on a bench, absently cuddling. They were not paying much attention, it was almost perfect. Yet, she only needed one. Her sister was wounded, was her claim as she feigned distress and confronted them Oddly enough they were suspicious right away, Damn them. Yet at this point she was committed.

She continued to express concern, trying to get help for a rescue. Neither one seemed to budge, simply glancing to her then each other. She glanced around nervously, soon more people would be present and this would not go well for her. As she predicted soon enough there were horses and vendors with carts. A few warriors come back from a hunt were also passing by, some dragging their newest catch. Her body betrayed her as she started to shift nervously, this was not good. A few of the crowd even paused, lending her their ear and contemplating. She only needed one.

Finally she found some interest, a young looking elf, and one appearing to be a knight. The elf was eager and exitable, he would be perfect for her. The knight, his eyes were light blue and his gaze as frozen as ice. Just looking him over made her cringe. He would be bad for business, she could tell. “Please, I’m sure the beast can easily be taken by this one,” She says to the knight. “It only takes one, I don’t need two.” She could feel him judging her every word while watching her movements, almost as if he already knew. How could he know, already? Finally sighing in defeat, she turned and started to lead the way, both men in tow.

She walked, taking the ferry to the north island, then again north to get off. Her movements were slow and calculated as her mind spun in overdrive. How can they be separated, and without suspicion? Many moments later she realized she wasn’t sure where they were anymore, quickly having been enveloped into a forest minutes ago. Soon they would grow suspicious. Soon it would be too late. She quickly paused, going with the first plan that came to mind. “S…she was here! She was right here! There was a wolf, maybe he’s taken her?” She followed after them, as they started to run around worried. This is how she can get one.

“We should split up! To cover more ground, what if she’s dying?” The two men looked to each other, the knight suggested a three way split, but she would have none of it. Feigning no battle prowess and weakness, she was able to travel with the elf, the knight mounted his horse and took off west. Finally, here was her chance. Turning in the opposite direction, she ran through the forest as fast as she could, running about as far as she dared. Weaving through trees, she ran to the mountain, and walked around it, until she found a hidden cove. This, this would be perfect, though there was only so much time, before the knight would return.

Her eyes slid over his form, curious that an elf would so eagerly help one of her kind. He was quite handsome. His hair was long and several parts braided, with bones or fetishes in the braids. His cheekbones sit high, with his pointed elven ears sticking just so from his mane of hair. She watched him battle the snakes, and look around desperately. He called the name, that she had claimed was her sister’s, he was looking, so hard. Yes, he would be perfect. Her lips curled into a devilish grin as she quickly stepped forward pressing herself against him burying her head in his robe to hide her smile as she trembled with anticipation. His hand softly touched the top of her head, his attempt at comfort, yet sealing his fate.

Her hand snaked up his robe softly touching his face, as she focused, touching her mind to his. She quickly and expertly sapped his energy, leaving him dizzy and drained. She wrapped her arms around him as if in comfort, to steady him as he stumbled. Perfect, now finally she would get what was hers. With a final thought she clamped her mind over his easily; whispering one word, “sleep”. Such a funny sight it was, a young girl catching and carrying a full grown man as she pulled him into the cove, into the shadows. She sat down carefully maneuvering him so that he lay against her, with his head in her lap. She pulled off his bear mask and stroked her fingers through his hair. The picture was perfect, of a child with her doll. He was beautiful, and he was hers. As she caressed him she carefully dug through his memories implanting some of the beast and her sister, all vague. Along with the new ones she also stole some, of her being close, of everything since she touched him, also making the trek a bit bleary. With all the harder work done first, so she wouldn’t forget again, she now, could finally enjoy herself. She carefully removed his arm guards and his gloves, licking her lips as her excitement grew with every motion.

((there is more to come soon it is a work in progress))

The soil erupted with the sudden movement beneath. A hand emerged from the depths of the earth soon followed by the form that bore it. There was no denying the feminine aspects of the body despite being covered in dirt, bugs, and various other flora…

As Dhaune Sit in the throne room,”she ponders to her self” Seems i have grown
soft,ever time,Dhaune closed her eyes all she saw was citys burning,the smell of
flesh creeped thourh the air Dhaune thought it was funny to watch them burn
Yet things were not the way the should be,Times people look at the drow as weak
* the cryes of infants called out to her as if they were tearing at Dhaunes very soul.

The voices deep within her head seem to grow louder ever passing Moment She thought
about how the Suface was rich and the Shund Her cause she is Differnt then the rest
She Started to Like the pathetic Rivvil’s, as time passed on Dhaune soon realized ever
surface creäture from the Surface drow to the elves to the Rivvil,they all had to die
Thoughts of Murder filled her mind, Pictures Of Rivvil Hangging In the The doorways
Young Kids watching their Parrents Murderd cause of their own greed,The surface
Blood will spill,and flow Like the rivers, Dhaune Cherishes the thought Knowing she
has fallen weak, She knew she seek help Form forces unseen.

Dhaune called Zyn to the throne and told him to sedate Her for she must enter a deep
sleep Zyn Did as he was asked and grab the vial Of Sleeping Mushrooms Crushed it
into a fine yellow Liquid Dhaune begins to take a drink, She laughs as she looks at zyn
One final time before Posin takes into her system, Zyn speak Tulsharess Why
the Surface Has mocked Me for the Last time “she smiles to zyn before taking a drink”
the time is almost near,Dhaune “laughed as she Knew ounce this was over she would feel
Chaos at her fullest, She screamed out right before she passed out, She cursed the
name of all the People of the Surface for When the demons are done with her soul.

The Surface Burns…… as Dhaune Leaps into her Long Slumber Hands of fire Tears at
her flesh.

Burning soul.jpg

In one weeks Time hell Is unleashed

– Few small changes to public moongate
– Fixed save on shift stone
– Updated mining cart
– Fixed language bugs
– Skill ItemID: From 100-120 skill can now identify ALL items in a container at once
– Auto rez potions can only be used by one person at a time
– Added flipable image to weapons barralows
– Added flipable image to tool & weapons rack’s
– Crafting Over Time! This has been on the live server for some time but some how I completely missed it!?! We love you Trance ;o)
– Added: Gem Bag, Gem Case, Potion Bag, Potion Case, Reagent Bag, Scroll Bag, Scroll Case, Powder Bag, Socket Gem Bag
– Added new black market vendor
– Fixed a small fishing bug that didn’t have the names show up
– Added ‘Nivad’s’ custom hues! (will show up on next files update)
– Added a mirror of preview, preview different clothing, weapons, and armor. Note: More items will be added to the list
– Added 40 paintings to the shipwreck loot table
– Modified Tree Stump reward to give proper logs
– Added ‘Full Spellbook Scroll’ to inscription tool. Requires 100.1 to 105.0 Magery & Inscription to craft.
– Skill Chivalry/Necromancy: While in a necromantic form any cast chivalry spell will inflict 5-15 points of random damage to STR, DEX, & INT.
– Other

Hell fire and darkness

Duco was like any normal kid growing up,His pa a great orcish cheif,
Would tell Him storys of how he is different as a boy i never knew what
He ment the storys amazed me He would tell of a great battle to come.

as the boy turned 14 his pa sent him to learn Of who and what he is
You must do lots of training You will be gone for ten years If you live
You will know your true Potiental the Young boy thought his pa was full of it
Just laughed off the young boy could sense there He was very different He had no
Idea of the Horible events that would soon take place,

The young Boy comes to a cavern molting Lava ever where, as the young Boy approaced
the he soon noticed a dimaond setting it a grooved circle shaped hole int his stone
a large dimaon sparkled ” the boy thought to his self as he stared at it I will no longer
be poor mylife changes here” as he reached for the diamond a mouth opend where the wall was
the young boy stepped inside his life was about to change.

Inside the room was treasures layed about all over the floor a voice echoed thourh
the room WHO DARES DISTURB MY SLUMBER, * the boy spoke* I am Duco the great orc cheif
sent me on a mission here i am. the boy has a strange sense as if he had seen this
palyed out* You may take one Treasure do not touch the egg.

The young boy Grabbed the egg *the ground beigns to shake* out of no where His body changed
His eyes grew Red the storys His pa had told him about had fainaly came to Pass
He knew he had the Demon blood running thourh him the long awaited Journey had come to and end.

[oocly im hopeing he can be orc with Chaos demon Blood running thourh him]

chaosdemon.gif

Journal of a Paranoid Succubus
(OOC; This journal, written in tiefling, will be hidden somewhere in game and one could find it if lucky enough)
______________________________________________________________________________

To Malachite,

It now has been almost sixty years of your absence and still, I can’t seem to find a potent way to erase my single -but deadly- mistake. I’ve tried working alone, like we used to, together, but things only worsened. How could I possibly achieve anything without you? Did you only think, for one second, what would happen to me, once you would be gone? Even the best of us make some “faux pas”, it seems… I am tired. My efforts have pulled me a long way from my life outside society, but never pushed me closer to a solution to my problem. I’ll admit, I’m growing out of patience and even desperate. Since you are not there to level me back, I know I will over react and the consequences will probably be devastating. To hell! What can I do?! I know, I even managed to lie in my writing… but I know you understand my lies.

It has already been done. I’ve found a potential way to bring you back, or at least assure your well-being. I’ve signed a contract with Hatred, and at the end of it, you shall be saved. He’s despicable and backstabbing, but I trust in the nature of the contract. It has to be fulfilled on both sides, just like the ones I seal with my victims. The price is high, but I deserve to suffer for what I have done. I fully accept the problems that will come out of it. Family being Family, and you being my only true one, this is the only rule I will live and die for. Others don’t understand and I don’t expect them to. You, you already understand…

***

Oh, yes, I have met two other tieflings! You remember our aunt we were unable to track down and suppress? It happens she had a cursed child, just like us, a little girl. Sadly, or fortunately for her, she seems “trop gentille”. It reminds me of the other tiefling too, an older man who thinks he can tame the demon within. I suppose they will both simply hush their nature down until they think it gone or well harnessed. They are living together after the man left me for unknown reasons, he says. I am not blind, brother, I always know when people think of me being flawed by my nature. I’ve heard reproach, and I feel betrayed… You were right, all those years.

***

Yesterday, I was walking in Narrowhaven, quietly, and I stumbled on a little crowd of people arguing again. I don’t know what rushed into me, at that moment, but I felt as if it was just plain enough. The two were still together (yes, I still dislike feeling rejected) and I didn’t feel like joining anything around them, so I walked by without a word. All those city troubles should be concerns for me, but I simply don’t care. I know that if they all knew, they would just yell and demand for my death, like they have done for you. They only deserve to suffer for it…

So, I went at the bank and decided to throw away items overloading my chest, just hoping time would pass by. It’s at that moment, he opened the door. A man wearing the strangest head dress and bringing along the smell of nature. I don’t think I could describe him to you, so I will draw his portrait, next time we meet. I had never seen him before and wondered where he was from. I couldn’t tell exactly what about him reminded me so much of you… Perhaps his self assurance? All I know, is that it had been ages since I had not felt this strange spark in someone’s presence. My curiosity was so excessive (I know, one never changes) that I directly asked him the most silly question that was on my mind: “Can I go visit your home?”. Asking such to a complete stranger, I wondered myself what got into me… but I think I understand more my behaviour, now that I’m distanced from it. I felt as if I was asking you to bring me home. As much as it pains me to notice it, it proves that the hole you left behind cannot even be filled with time. Nothing, and no one could ever replace you.

*At this point, in the middle of the fourth page, the handwriting changed drastically, seeming harsh and irregular, nothing close to the previous fancy rounded shapes of it.*

He agreed to take me to his home and I followed him in the streets, avoiding all people and making sure NOBODY followed us! Since they were all looking at me, I couldn’t know! So, I kept glancing over my shoulder, and almost running behind Erik (it’s his name), because I couldn’t seem to catch his fast pace. In a matter of a second, I was lost. We were both in the sewers and I can’t even recall where and how we got there. I heard a thick stone wall close after me, once we entered a secret passage, and next thing I knew, my body was flush against the stone wall and fighting my way out would have been hopeless. It seems as if he was suspicious about my true intents which, for once, were not evil. And then, and then, and then *A long line of red ink traced until the end of the page, leaving to imagine the table under must have suffered its continuation* I got scared and thought I was a prisoner of my own Family and the Town, you see? Choosing to be alone on this day was a bad decision, but you used to take them all for me… and he reminded me of you. You must have led me there Malachite! I’m sure!

So, Erik did not kill me yet and brought me through the mountains, from an underground passage, right to his “Den”, he called. Once on the spot, even if I would have had any bad intentions, I couldn’t remember where I was coming from. East or North? Which was which? I never could find my way on any map and it was not about to change. He entered first, and when I did, there was no one. I walked around the place, just able to hear faint noises that seemed to come from all around me at once. I honestly thought I had imagined -all- of this. It wouldn’t be the first time I would lose my mind over memories and false hopes… Pure madness to enter such a dark place, without anyone to protect me. Pure MADNESS! *Red scribbled lines were circling the word madness, putting a particular emphasis on it*

They appeared all at once, growling and dangerous, behind me, dark and large wolves! I ran in the opposite direction, where I could see the faint light of a fire. There was no exit. Just a round room! I thought this was my end, eaten alive by animals, alone of course. In dark smoke, all stopped and they were gone, so sudden. I could only hear my own nervousness constantly echoing back to me. This must have been a trap! Someone had sent him to destroy me forever… how did they know… nobody knows a lot about you, Brother…

I don’t know if I just didn’t notice him earlier, but Erik was sitting on some kind of throne, I believe, watching at me in amusement. My mind must be frosted, because after, he was something I had never seen before and I still don’t know what I saw exactly. And then! He was back to human? Was he? *A long line of red ink traced again until the end of the page*

Do you believe in nightmares becoming true, Malachite? This, was one. He asked me about my nature, he wanted to know it all, and I knew it couldn’t be reality. Or if it was, someone had betrayed me, again? I had the choice to speak or die, so I spoke. I even showed him the worst, expecting he would throw me in flames right away, but he surprisingly did not. I was and am still confused. He seemed more intrigued and almost admiring. I told him about the Perfection I was seeking, and had walked there with silly hopes, despite knowing “hope” is not something I should ever think about…

*The handwriting changed back to the previous fancy rounded shapes*

For the first time since you died Malachite, I felt -happy-. Perhaps it is true that you led me there to show me a different side. The best ones are always hidden away. I know now, because you were, back then. I don’t know how this alliance will end up, but I trust it can be a little different, this time. After all, they share the same opinions I have on so many levels, especially about Perfection.

She’d been practicing so hard trying to control her outbursts of flames. It only happened when she was scared, or angry, but she couldn’t keep just blowing things up, either. So many things scared her, or made her angry. “Things” generally being people, and people generally being around Narrowhaven much more than when she was so secluded in the forest. Her seclusion had protected her, as her love for her mother, and her mother’s understanding. Twice, now, she’d heard how fortunate she had been, but she wondered about that. Perhaps being secluded had it’s own set of problems. How many times had she heard the word “innocent” and “naive” the last month? As if it’s a bad thing, or something very good. She couldn’t decide, and so decided it just depended upon who was saying it. Then she dismissed it as irrelevant. So many things were irrelevant to her.

The Drow was not irrelevant. She had been harassing Astra ever since she’d come to this place. And it wasn’t just her, she’d noticed. That Drow was a potential danger to everyone, and doled out her harassment to anyone who came near the bank, or went around the well. Right in the center of town! That could be anybody, but Astra cared less about “anybody” than she did about herself. After the row that night, when Astra lost her control when the Drow kissed Fenrir (she didn’t get why he didn’t just smack her for it! something about being Duke and political stuff that would bore Astra to tears) and she had attacked her for it, she had decided that, perhaps, the best thing to stop her from losing her temper was to simply avoid it all. She’d have to continue practicing, of course, and she knew little to nothing of magic, but there you have it. The only way to keep herself out of trouble would be to simply do all she could to avoid that Drow.

And perhaps Samael, but that might be harder. She didn’t tell Fenrir about that at all. No use him getting upset over things, especially dealing with Scarlet, whom Astra felt she had to protect because she was her only family, ever, next to Mother. She couldn’t protect Scarlet from Samael, because that would mean Scarlet either getting more hurt, like the other day at the house, or Scarlet not getting her part of the deal. So, perhaps going to Scarlet’s house was out of the question, and then Samael would leave them both alone. He didn’t want Astra, or Sasha, at Scarlet’s. That would cure that problem, with no one getting hurt in the process.

She did feel a bit of pride about burning Samael, and burning the Drow. She couldn’t help that. Astra may be “naive” and “innocent” but she certainly wasn’t defenseless!

Would Scarlet be mad that she was kissing Fenrir? Astra considered that. She had told Scarlet a while back that she could have Fenrir if she wanted him, but Scarlet had said no. Fenrir had said he loved Astra, when the Drow had been being mean to her. Loved! She knew the Drow scorned the concept, and she was pretty sure that Scarlet did. Sasha did as well. Was it naive to think that anyone could love her? Was it naive to think she was in love? Maybe, but kissing was very nice, and she was pretty sure she was in love with Fenrir, too. She’d have to think about that. Scarlet may get mad, but Astra had told her she could have him back first! Anyhow, Scarlet and Sasha had kissed a lot of people. Astra figured kissing just one was perfectly fine!

Fenrir said it didn’t matter what race you were, that there were good and bad in everyone. So far, Astra hadn’t seen too many good Drow. She had seen demons, that night, real ones, bigger than the black one in Narrowhaven. Fenrir said there were those even bigger than what he’d shown her. It was a good outlet for her anger to kill the demons and dragons who were bad. But the demons upset her more than she let Fenrir know (though she suspected he did know, anyhow). They had horns like she had, and tails like she had, and that was very upsetting, indeed. They also had wings.

She knew who else had wings, and she thought those were pretty! Could she get wings, too? Fenrir said they’d be hard to hide, but others who had them appeared to have no problem hiding them. How did they do it? She would have to ask. Wings were pretty, at least on some people. Maybe not so much on the demons, and frankly she didn’t want to be like the demons, at all. She’d be good. She’d work really hard to control the fire – even if it meant staying away from others until she could.

“Sixty years ago, my sister’s house burnt down! Sixty years ago they chased our family out of town with torches and swords! Sixty years ago our family was virtually destroyed! It was then my husband brought us here to raise our family in safety and anonymity. Now, my own granddaughter repeats the sins of her ancestors! How could you, Carmella?”

“Well, you can stay here until this bastard is born. Then we shall see.”

Nine months later.

“No!” She screamed, clutching her newborn infant to her breast, backing away weakly from the birth-bed.

The infant continued wailing as she ran, barefoot, in her bloody birthing gown, down the cobbled stones and out towards the furthest end of town, into the moonlit forest.

Three years later.

It was a hovel. A small, one room shack with a broken hearth that she had found deep within the woods. A hunter’s abandoned lodge. She had fled through a moongate to a new land. No one would find her here. She was dead to them. As she watched her daughter playing innocently at the creek as she washed the child’s clothing, she didn’t regret her decision. Who would want to kill such a precious child? Astra’s small tail had grown out, and her pointed ears betrayed the blood of demons. She turned her golden eyes to her mother and smiled, sharp baby teeth glistening white.

It would be hard for the child to leave the house, she knew. She would lock the door carefully behind her, and leave their boar hounds on guard, inside and out. The dogs would keep Astra company for the three hours she would be gone. Perhaps she was even tired enough for a nap, Carmella mused.

Four years later.

“You have to be cautious with me, when we go in. Keep your hair covered, and mind your skirts! Here, let me help you with your gloves,” Carmella fussed over the growing child, who rolled her eyes as she replied, “Yes, mother!”

Carmella shook her head sadly, “Yes, I am.”

Five years later.

Astra had nabbed the bread and apples lithely from the market stall, and sneaked off into the shadows. There were so many people around, this early in the morning, that no one noticed one wayward waif. She was good at hiding. She was good at walking in the forest and even the animals wouldn’t hear her footfall. She tucked the small bag of stolen articles away, and adjusted the cowl around her face. Her tail tried to sneak out of her skirts, but she quickly pulled it back in, again. Then she dodged towards the ally behind where her mother worked. There, she settled herself into a large wooden crate, hidden from both the sun and the view of others, but still able to hear the water thrashing softly at the piers. The bread and apples had joined the dried fish that she had wrapped in an oily cloth. It would be a good lunch, and even dinner. Her mother would be proud of her.

As she screamed, something happened. It was as if someone had opened up a blocked dam inside of her, and she felt as if she would burst from the release. Now, the men around her were screaming, instead, and she found herself suddenly on the ground. Her tail hurt from the fall, and her hood fell back, revealing the small nubs of horns which had begun recently to emerge above her forehead, through her hair. Now the men were fleeing, some of them with their cloaks and coat-tails aflame. One of them had knocked himself out on the wall on the other side of the path, and was being consumed by the sudden fire that had ripped through the alleyway, catching everything it could consume aflame. People were yelling, and the back door of the tavern flew wide as people emerged with buckets of water. In all the kerfluffle, Astra was able to run off, terrified and unseen, pulling her cowl about her face again.

Two years later.

“All right, you practice your fire while I’m gone. Stay by the water, like I showed you. I’ll be back when I’m able to find what we need,” Carmella was leery of leaving Astra alone any longer. Since she began her physical womanhood, she had lost all control. She flew into rages, which sometimes left things frying, melted or simply ash. The rages were over as soon as they had begun, but Carmella had never been able to take her into town again, after the first fiasco. She had not lost her job, but had quit, afraid of what might happen to her daughter if she were left alone in this tenuous time. So, now she was back to having to steal again in order for them to survive.

Astra was aware of all of this, and the guilt she felt was sometimes overwhelming. She didn’t know what made her get angry, or what set her off. It had just been a bad patch of years. But she was utterly certain she could learn to control this, whatever it was. Magic, her mother had told her. Magic. “I will, Momma!” She replied as she traipsed, barefoot, towards the path to the river, carefully holding her skirts up so as not to get them muddy, the tip of her pointed tail swishing softly at her ankles. Carmella shook her head and smiled. She adored her daughter and never regretted one moment of leaving, fourteen years ago.

Four years later.

She thought it very strange that Astra still had no interest, or questions about boys. In so many ways her daughter was smarter than she was. She caught onto things quickly enough, and was able to read and write, and even do math, which boggled Carmella sometimes. The stolen books were worth a world to Astra, and she devoured them like cake. She was growing into a beautiful young woman. But where were the questions? In some ways it seemed her daughter’s mind remained that of a child, as if she were growing slower than most young women her age. Astra was often dreamy, now that she had passed the hard times of starting her womanhood. She didn’t care about things that were going on around her. She rather would laze by the river with books than head into town, which she only did when she needed help Carmella procure things. Astra was quick to hide when she heard men about, stomping through the woods on a hunt, or traveling on horseback. She understood perfectly the dangers of being seen. No, Carmella had no worries that her daughter was dull witted, like some children, she just seemed to not care. She’d rather play with the dogs, or go out hunting for rabbit. It puzzled Carmella greatly, but on the other hand she was relieved – one less concern about her daughter. One less concern about ever being alone.

“If I don’t come back, you know what has happened. If I don’t return, you run, Astra. Get out of here, as far as you can go, and don’t let them catch you,” She warned her for the millionth time as she set off into town once more.

A year later, Carmella never returned.

Adair turned to Fenrir walking out of the healers hut, “You know sometimes it surprised me Fenrir.”

Fenrir turned from the window as Adair dressed himself and said, “What’s that?”

Adair replied a bit embarrassed, “How you are supposed to be the dark one and I’m supposed to be the light one?” For that neither had an answer.

Earlier in the day there had been gathering at the Inn, and Adair in the midst of his depression some how found himself in the middle of a meet and greet. Adair turned to the man speaking about greatness and bottle in hand Adair answered some of his questions. At first it was fine. People could witness that something was certainly wrong with their king, his sadness could almost be felt in the air. Adair turned up the bottle, pressed against his lips, and told the man how he wishes he could raise the dead or turn back time. Neither of these things a real possibility, not for him. It was shortly after this moment that the man started speaking on wealth, that’s when Adair had just about enough.

A man called out in the background, “The Greedy King!” Adair was outraged. At this point his filter was gone, thanks to the bottle, his anger fumed out of every pore. ‘I’m the greedy king?’ he thought to himself, ‘After everything I have sacrificed!’ His outrage grew and before he even realized it he was standing over a dead body. Adair had no real idea at what had happened in that moment. The citizens then became outraged at his attack. Adair fended off the angry citizens leaving nothing but injured bodies on the ground. He thought they might be fine but didn’t know for sure.

“Anyone else?” he asked before turning to the door, “I didn’t think so.” Adair had then started walking towards the manor tossing his honor aside for the day, and who knows what else. He sat down in his office chair, his throne by any other rights, and sank further into his sadness. His mind slowly started to recall the events, ‘You know what they used to call me’ a flash of himself leaning in ‘the mad king.’ Adair Cringed as his mind processed what had happened. The rest of the night went by much calmer. People either honored or admonished him for his actions. Public out roar followed by a spirit summoned by Adair’s own grief which had come to take his life.

However as he laid unconscious on the floor he felt a certain peace that had been gone from his life for the last few years. Everything was easier and done. No having to be king, no having to lead and build a city, no having to protect people when you have no power to. He was finally done. Only to have his spirit sucked back into his body. This would have made a fitting punishment he acknowledged to himself.

His mind continued to slip back and forth between madness and sanity. The king was ill of mind, and needed something no one could provide for him, peace. Then he did something unexpected Adair began to walk towards the healers home to find something for himself.

Delia still felt weak after her strange collapse at her house, with Fenrir, however she knew she needed to get up and out of her bed. Perhaps Adair would worry if he didn’t see her about. She certainly couldn’t tell her parents about it. If she did, they’d insist upon her returning home, no matter what. So, she pulled herself together, put on her most comfortable robe, and headed towards the Narrowhaven keep to check on things.

When she arrived, the keep was empty, as it had been so often, recently. She wondered about Adair, and where he was. He was gone so much, and she missed him. Thoughts of the upcoming auction and debutante filled her mind once again. So many things to think about. Scarlet was home and safe, thank the heavens, but Samael was still on the loose. How did Scarlet get free? Did he release her? Where had she been? These questions also danced through her mind, along with her myriad other concerns. Engale, what had he been doing at her house, and how did Michael Reignes even know where she lived, much less get into her flat? What had caused her collapse, in the first place?

Her head spinning, she sat, putting a small hand to her forehead. Too much to think about, too much to think about…

She heard the double doors opening, and she leaped to her feet, grabbing for her staff which had fallen aside. Who was it now? Samael? Michael Reignes? Had Adair returned home? Had Lucius returned? Could Lady Nymahel finally have come back? Her nerves were as shattered as Scarlet’s, any more. She didn’t know where to turn next, and every little sound set her off.

It was Scarlet, and she looked ragged. There were circles underneath her eyes, and her expression was grim. “It’s just I…” she said.

“Oh, gods, I am so glad to see you!” Delia breathed in relief, a smile beginning to caress her lips, “I swear, I’m becoming as paranoid as you these days!” Then she took in Scarlet’s countenance and her brow furrowed softly. Something more was wrong. What else could go wrong?

“What’s wrong?” Delia asked, stepping over to Scarlet in concern.

Deep worry lines creased the tiefling’s brow, and her expression remained serious, “Don’t worry, it’ll all soon be over,” she attempted to reassure the young woman, “I’m offering you a gift, today.” Delia was confused; since when did a gift come with a frown? And what would make it “all over soon”?

“A gift? What gift?” She asked, suspiciously.

Scarlet paused, as if trying to buy time, before replying, simply, “Freedom.”

“Scarlet, what are you talking about? Freedom? I don’t understand.”

“Freedom, before I die.” She lifted her hands, pulling Delia close, as if needing her, and Delia wrapped Scarlet in her arms in return, her eyes widening in fear, “You’re not going to die!” Oh, what was that Samael up to! He had to be behind it! What could she do? What could she do against him? “I’d kill whomever tried to harm you, Scarlet! Why do you think I wish to kill Samael? I love you!”

“Oh, some say we feel our last hours…” She frowned sternly. as if in effort to control herself, control the situation.

“You’re -not- going to die.” Delia looked over Scarlet’s shoulder, as Miluda stalked into the room. “Who is going to die?” The Drow asked, but Scarlet went on, pulling Delia’s attention to herself. “Just kiss me and everything will be fine,” but Scarlet didn’t look as if everything was going to be just fine.

Delia pulled Scarlet in as she would have a concerned child, “Everything -will- be fine, Scarlet! I promise!” She quickly and gently kissed her on the lips, trying to reassure her. As she did, the world seemed to spin, and she felt herself fainting. She fell back upon the chair, as Scarlet gently let her go. Delia put her hands to her face, trying to hold on to herself, while Miluda just watched her, and Scarlet’s crimson gaze set upon the floor.

After several minutes, Delia slowly looked up through her fingers. Where was she? Ah, the keep. She looked around. How did she get here? Then she saw Scarlet, standing nearby, her expression almost mourning. “Scarlet? What are you doing here?” What day was it? What time was it? She looked around and saw Miluda, that Drow that followed Scarlet about. She didn’t like her, didn’t trust her, so she looked back to Scarlet again.

“I don’t know. I just woke up from a nightmare,” she said, as she wrapped her veil around her face, not looking at Delia, trying to hide her emotions from the girl.

The young medium’s brow furrowed, softly, as Miluda commented, “Again with her nightmares…”

Delia’s hand lifted to her brow again, disoriented and confused, “I feel odd…. faint.”

“Perhaps you truly have caught something Delia…” Scarlet remarked, still looking away.

“I think,” Delia struggled to find words, to orient herself. The answers felt just beyond her grasp, “I think… maybe it’s the…” Then she simply fell back into the chair, futily. She just couldn’t recall. She tried to think of the last thing she remembered; that would be that Scarlet had been made Duchess, and she and Miss Nym were Baronesses. The thought went through her mind that she was going to see Adair. Yes, she loved Adair, of that she was certain, but everything else was a blank. She struggled to find the words, then simply gave up.

“I can’t -remember-…”

“You should have some water perhaps. This summer is way too warm oddly,” Scarlet offered, motioning to Miluda, who stood up, grumbling as always, and head out towards the stairs to the kitchen. She returned in a few moments with a glass, handing it to Delia, before turning to Scarlet and pronouncing, “Anyway, I’m going,” before turning and leaving abruptly again, as was her way.

Delia sipped at the cool water, still puzzled and trying to figure things out. “I think you’re right. Maybe it is the heat,” she commented, looking up to Scarlet again, “Maybe you should sit if you’re not well, either.”

“I don’t know, my mind runs these days,” Scarlet stretched open her sleeves, as if in letting some heat escape.

“Have you seen Miss Nym about?” Delia asked, trying to latch on to some memory.

Scarlet shook her head, “It has been a while. I used to see her quite a lot.”

Delia frowned, “Strange. You’d think we’d meet more often.” That was why she was here, clearly, they must be having a meeting of some sort, Delia surmised. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Everything is fine, of course.”

That was when Delia caught sight of something moving on the floor to her right. Rats, she assumed, looking over, then creasing her brow in surprise, and turning a bit on the chair, “Something is leaking.” It was a strange, bubbling pile of black goo, which, as she watched, slowly began to rise and form. Delia leaped back from the chair, not noticing how Scarlet had suddenly calmed. It rose into the form of a man. His robes were black, he had curling horns sticking from his hood, and the only thing she could see inside the cowl were glowing red eyes. “Ahhh…” the figure sighed, as if in apparent relief.

Delia looked quickly over, “Scarlet! Move! This doesn’t look good!”

The red eyes turned upon Delia, then, “Don’t worry, it’s just me.”

Delia stepped back further. “Who are you!?”

“Interesting,” the figure said, as he looked to Scarlet, and she moved closer to him, as if pulled by strings. He reached out for her, to Delia’s dismay. She had no idea what to do about it, but stood there petrified, dropping the water on the floor, hearing the glass break as Scarlet was turned in the being’s arms. Her back was towards him, but his eyes were on Delia. Scarlet simply looked resigned, perhaps even relief in her eyes as he wrapped his hands around her throat. With a supernatural quickness, Delia saw him pull on Scarlet’s head. Her head snapped to the side, unnaturally, as the light was extinguished in her eyes and the figure caught her body.

Delia let out a scream and fainted, crushing the shards of glass underneath herself, the water soaking into her robe.

It was some time before she awoke. She pushed herself up, as if from a sleep, confused. What had she seen? Had Scarlet truly been there? How did she get here, in the keep? She held on to her staff for support as she walked over to where the nightmare had happened. When she looked to the ground, all that was left was a bit of crimson cloth. She lifted Scarlet’s veil from the floor and peered around the room madly. She had to get help! Where did she get help from? It wasn’t just a dream! The proof was clutched tightly within her hand. Delia ran out the doors, trying to get the guards’ attention, then frantically made her way into the town square.

Bastiaan, she knew Bastiaan. He had a woman in his lap. There was blood. Why was there blood? She tried to tell them, but they seemed so lost within whatever was happening with themselves. Delia was lost, too. She had no idea what to do next. She turned from them and slowly made her way back towards the keep. What was at the keep? No, no she had to go home. Her father would know what to do! She dematerialized and head towards her parent’s house for help.