Topic: The Lost Journey

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-02 23:12 EST
It was the day that made her think of the past. How long had it been? A century or more. The sea was calm, not a cloud above, the air was warm and filled with song. Behind her, the crew, her crew whistled and snag as they chased after another ship. It was a mile a head but they could still see it. The ship ahead was a flame from magic and fire doused arrows. Its sails lined with hot red flames, and smoke.

Ravenna had been out at sea chasing pirates a long time. It was work she loved. These were not good men and women she chased down. No these were wicked men who'd taken captives at the last port. These were true pirates, ones who stole what ever they dared please.

Yes she too had an eye for treasure but she knew what was hers to take and what was not. The Dark Raven sailed straight and true to coarse. She looked ahead through the spy glass. The other ship was slowing, the flames taking in the canvas. "She's to be ours lads!" A rightful cheer went up, as they gained speed and got closer.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-02 23:14 EST
"Ravenna go run !"

"Ravenna, no let me go..!" The voice often woke her from the night mare. But it was more true than false. Her mothers voice screaming to her. The sight of her father as he dashed away through flames in to the city. His sword drawn. Her mothers lifeless eyes. They haunted her. The faces of the men who killed her mother.

"An elfess.."

"A pretty little elfess." They had come in to the town, they had broken down the walls. The boys and men had gone fighting. The women fled with the children. So few survived that raid. Half-orcs and goblins, giants and trolls. Undead things too. Those who had killed her mother took her from that place. She was only seven.

She was a slave, one among many they had taken. She served them, cleaned for them. In the darkness under a tall mountain she served them. For years besides those she had known from her town. Elves were a long lived race. But only she and two others made it to their teen years.

When the armies came in, the arrows flew. The fire burned, and the orcs and demons shed known for so long lay dead and dying. She did not find freedom then. No, she and the few slaves that had lived through the battle were taken out in to the light. It blinded her eyes, and the sun burnt her fair skin.

These were men. A massive army of men. Humans from the city beyond where the monsters had lived. They had risen up and taken out her captures, only to capture her for them selves.

Back breaking work, cleaning and cooking, mending clothes, and what ever other duties she was assigned to do. She worked in a forge beside men, hammering out swords and tools. She mucked horse stalls, and was a maid for many houses. She slept on a bed of hay, wore a simple brown tunic with green leggings. Her long raven hair always dirty, kept up and out of her face. She could have passed for a human, if not for her pointed ears.

Days, months, years passed. Those she worked with died and aged, where she did not. Time did not touch her as her teen years slipped past. She was a woman now.

For so long she had worked, toiled under masters both demanding, cruel and now kind. Though they worked her hard the humans never beat her, nor staved her. When the woman and her family in which Ravenna had been given to were all dead she was taken to the market to be sold to a high bidder.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-02 23:50 EST
She stood there in her plain clothes, dirty and unwashed. As the group before them bid on slaves. Men and women bid. And young elves, Drow, and hobbits were sold. Ravenna saw even a few young dwarves there. She listened as the bidding went on, waiting in line.

"Two dozen crowns for the urchin girl!" A man cried out. The auctioneer looked out at them describing Ravenna's talents, which were many. "Four dozen." A woman cried. The bidding went on, and on for what felt like a very long time.

"Six hundred thousand gold coins." A deep voice rang out and all the bidding stopped. The man who had bid was tall, her wore simple clothing. Dark tones with a light jacket.

The auctioneer smiled. "Six hundred thousand, going once...going twice...sold to Mr. Aubron." The man walked through the parting crowd. "That's Lord Aubron to you." The auctioneer nodded. Ravenna was handed over.

And Lord Aubron led her away.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-02 23:58 EST
They walked for a long time in silence. She had been taught not to speak unless spoken to. He looked over at her. "I do hope you'll not think ill of me. I am not a cruel man, I will never lay a finger upon you. We shall go to the manor, get you cleaned up. I will have some of the other ladies attend to you, you'll have your own room. And freedom, this eve we shall dine and I will lay down all your duties." Ravenna nodded along.

They walked on past the edge of town where a lovely carriage awaited them. "Good day Lord Aubron."The driver greeted him and hopped from the seat, he was an elf. Or at least partly. "I see you found someone."He looked to Ravenna. "Yes Goron, this is miss Ravenna." The driver bowed to her. "Hello." Ravenna offered him a slight smile.

Up in to the carriage they went for a long ride.

It was dark out when they arrived at the large manor. Lord Aubron led they way in. Ravenna was quiet always just nodding or shaking her head. When they were inside the Lord bent down to her level.

"You need not be so worried now. You may speak freely to me. " "Mae govannen Heruamin."She bowed her head now. The lord chuckled. "Well met to you too. " He clapped his hands and a few ladies came rushing in, all dressed in simple yet lovely dresses. "Ladies, please take Ravenna up stairs, and get her clean and dressed for dinner."

"Aye My Lord."They all answered as one and moved off with Ravenna in toe.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-03 00:04 EST
The water was very hot and filled with suds. The smell took her back to sitting in her mothers garden. One of the ladies had remained with her to wash her body and hair. "Hows the water dear?" Ravenna smiled. "Its very nice.." Her voice was low. "Your rooms being prepared and a few things laid out to wear, Clarissa will help you dress. " Ravenna nodded, "My name is Ravenna.." The maid nodded, "aye dear, I am Miss Jazelle. One of Lord Aubron's servants." Jazelle was maybe thirty human with short dark hair and chocolate toned eyes. " He has a few maids, ladies to help, some cooks and a chef. A butler and a driver."

"Goron." Ravenna replied. Jazelle nodded. Jazelle washed Ravenna. Scrubbing every inch with lovely soap. Her hair was washed four times and then Jazelle dried her. They parted the bathroom and headed in to Ravenna's room. Jazelle nodded to the passing maids. "That's Maere, Amie, and Fin." They all smiled to Ravenna as they went on their way.

Inside the room another maid waited. "This is Clarissa, she will help you dress." Clarissa was young, younger than Ravenna herself, her hair was long and blonde, she was dressed in a light blue dress. "Hello, you must be Ravenna." Jazelle smirked, "You two will get along fine I bet, I'll leave you to it. Dress her for dinner with Lord Aubron." Clarissa nodded and Jazelle left the room.

Only now did Ravenna see how large the room was. It had a massive bed made with fine sheets, a large dresser and Armour, a vanity with mirror, on the vanity was lotions, perfumes and a set of brushes. The large windows were covered in deep blue curtains.

"Lets get you dressed miss." Ravenna walked over and slipped out of the little slippers Jazelle had told her to put on after the bath, then out of the robe.

Clarissa moved to pull up the soft off white under dress. "Hold your arms up please." Ravenna nodded and held her arms up and the under dress went on. As Clarissa moved to tie the dress in the back she let out a little gasp. Ravenna knew what she saw, long lines, long ago healed from a whip. Jazelle had seen them as well. "Oh my, do they hurt?" Ravenna shook her head. "No, not any more." Clarissa tied up the dress and went to pull up another from the bed. "Red,blue or purple?" Ravenna looked to the colors of the fine dresses. "I don't know." Clarissa smiled, "I think you'd look lovely in the blue, it would complement your eyes."

So the blue dress it was, it was long and full with a nice neck line.

Ravenna had never been so pampered. Clarissa dressed her, did her hair, nails and make up. When she was done Ravenna hardly recognize the person she saw in the mirror. Clarissa smiled, "You look like a princess now."Ravenna blushed. "Now up you go." Ravenna rose and looked down to her feet in the nice blue shoes that matched her dress. "I feel as if I might fall."Clarissa snickered lightly, "heel toe, heel toe. And you'll be fine. Head down stairs, and to the right."

Ravenna left her room and headed down stairs then to the right.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-06 23:41 EST
She entered a room with a small round table and two chairs. The fire was a glow and the window curtains open to show the night outside. Lord Aubron was standing with his back to her at the fire. She crossed further in, walking heel toe heel toe, but she felt like she made more noise than an elf should when walking.

Lord Aubron turned and smiled. "Ravenna, you look lovely." He crossed to her he wore a dark gray suit with an off white button up under it. She saw him more clearly now than she had in the hours after he had bid for her. He was tall, with dark hair the color of rich cocoa, his eyes were blue, the fairest of blue shed ever seen. And now did she only notice he was Elven. His ear had been well hidden before. "Thank you my lord."She curtsied. He smiled and walked around to take her hand.

He led her to the table where they sat.

"How do you like your room?" Ravenna smiled, "Its lovely." He leaned forward. "Jazelle told me about your scars on your back." Ravenna looked to him, "They are long since healed." He nodded, "How did you come by them?" "Orcs.."Was her simple answer, their wine and first course was served to them then.

They ate and drank but they didn't speak. She kept her eyes on her food and wine.

When the plates were taken away he leaned forward again to look at her. "How long were you a slave Ravenna?"She had lost the track of time. "Since I was seven." He looked in to her eyes, "And by my eyes you look perhaps twenty. Young for an elf." She smiled to him, "Twenty-two, my lord." He nodded to that. "Would you care to guess my age?" She looked to him, thinking it unwise. "I do not know, my lord." He chuckled.

The next course came and they ate in silence. But she studied him more now. He was handsome, as many Elven men were. He was taller than most she'd known, his frame less lean, as if he'd been honed for battle rather than to be an archer or mage like many males.

After the second course he smiled to her. "How about a trade?" Her brows rose at him, "You guess my age, and I'll tell you my first name." She blinked at that, "I don't wish to offend you by guessing to high." He chuckled to that sitting back sipping his wine. "I'll not be offended. Guess."

"You look about thirty." He let out a chuckle then. "Oh my dear lady, your far too kind. I am over two hundred years old." She gazed at him again, time had been good to him. "You do not look it, if I may be so bold to say, my lord." He smiled, " Issac." She looked to him again, her brows risen. "My name, Lord Issac Aubron. " She nodded to that.

The final course came and they ate till they were full.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-06 23:44 EST
After dinner was done they sat by the fire. " Your not a slave here Ravenna. I have many servants, as you've seen, they all have rooms here of coarse. But they have homes outside with families, whom I know well. I pay them all well, and I think I am a good boss. I never hurt any of them, I only wish to help them all. When I saw you, or I should say when I first saw you. You were mucking the stalls. I could tell you had done much more back breaking work before. I searched around and found out who you were staying with. " "Miss Munn." He nodded, "Her son had found you in the orc caves, I think if you'd been a little older he might have taken you for himself. But he gave you to aid his mother. And aid her you did. As well as any others she sent you to aid. "

"Miss Munn was never mean to me." He smiled to that. "I know, salt of the earth woman. I heard of her death. I knew you'd be put up for auction with her son gone, so I came down."She blinked at him.

He smiled. "Perhaps I should not lay all this on you this eve, you've only just come to stay here." She looked tot he fire then back to him. "I am strong enough to handle anything my lord." He nodded to that. "Very well, you wont be another servant, not a maid nor anything like that." "Then why am I here ?"

He looked to her again, his gaze softening. " I hoped to have you be more than that."

"Oh..."

Now she understood, she blushed.

"I am not going to rush you, who could love a man who bid on her" But I will hope that you'll stay on here, have breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinners with me. We can see the sights about the manor. I can take you any where you wish to go, buy you anything your heart desires. In time perhaps you might see me as more than the man who bid on you. Your not mine to own. You are your own woman Ravenna. You'll have freedom here, to do as you please, you may go any where in the manor you wish, learn from the ladies, the men, anyone you see fit to learn from. And you may always come to me, for anything, at any time, no matter what." She gazed in to his eyes, knowing he meant every word.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-06 23:53 EST
When she woke the morning after she woke to dim light coming through her window. The drapes were pulled back more by Clarissa and Jazelle. Ravenna rose from the cozy bed and as Clarissa started to dress her for the day Ravenna let her mind wander.

The eve before had been grand. Shed never had such wonderful food, or for that matter never been treated so well in a long time. She looked out the window as Clarissa laced up her shirt. Her clothes today were not what she expected, form fitting ridding pants of black, tall ridding boots that were soft, yet sturdy, and a dark green top that laced up the back. "You'll be going ridding today."Clarissa explained as she brushed Ravenna's hair. She braided the long dark locks in to a soft braid. "Lord Aubron is down stairs awaiting you."

Now dressed and ready for the day Ravenna let Clarissa leave before looking back out the window. After dinner and dessert last night shed sat by the fire with Issac. Which she only called him in her mind, for never did she call him that out loud. But they sat by the fire and he asked her many questions, and she told him the tale of her life. It brought tears to her eyes, and to her amazement to his as well.

"So many years in the captive of Orcs and goblins, they beat and tortured you. Jazelle told me of your scars. I can't imagine the torture you went through. " Ravenna nodded, "They hurt for a long time, but no longer." He looked to the fire thinking, "After Miss Munn's son saved you, you lived in the village for six years. Fifteen years as a slave."

They talked by the fire for hours he told her of his past. "So you were a captain then?" He shook his head, "A pilot would be more fitting a name. My ship was made not of wood but of metal, and its course cut through the stars and sky not through the water." His words perplexed her and she knew held seen that odd look upon her fair face.

He then told her more of his life before coming here, before he was the Lord, of the small village of Luac. He told her of the wonderful woods, of the ships he piloted that cut through the sky, of wondrous magic he called technology.

When he left her outside her bed room door she was left with more insight on him. That night for once in fifteen years she did not have nightmares, she dreampt of wild forests and strange new lands found by floating metal ships.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-06 23:56 EST
She left her room then and headed down stairs to meet him for breakfast. He was dressed for ridding as well. Breakfast was set before them a fine spread. "How did you sleep?" He asked as he sipped his coffee. "Wonderfully, my lord."

His smile grew at that, they talked and ate and enjoyed the early morning.

When they were finished they headed down stairs and to the stables. She met the stable hands, who all greeted her with a smile. Lord Aubron brought out a lovely horse to her. "This is one of my mares Mist." She looked to the lovely mare, she was the lightest tone of gray, her mane and tail was off white and her eyes they were blue as the sky. Ravenna loved horses shed had many dealings with them. She let Mist sniff at her before running her fingers through the mares mane. "I knew she'd like you." He winked and walked off.

When he returned he led a very handsome stallion by the reins. The horse was tall, black as night, with a chocolate colored mane and tale his eyes were also brown, rich and deep. "This is Merrick, my fine stallion. He's old as I am...Can you tell?" She starred at the horse he looked young and spry just like Lord Aubron. The lord chuckled, "I brought him with me from my home he was just a colt then...we've been through a lot together. "He mounted up and Ravenna mounted Mist.

They did a little run around the manor, but soon Lord Aubron found that was not needed. Ravenna was a wonderful rider, as if shed been doing it her whole life. They rode away then, towards the massive wood that flanked the back side of the manor.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-07 23:20 EST
They rode fast and true till they came tot he wood, then slowly side by side they trotted. Ravenna looked over at him smiling, she felt so free. He pointed out his favored spots int he wood, told her of the village. "It was once a place of sorrow, many years ago before I came here, Orcs swept through and took many children. Much like they swept through your home and took you. The people were beaten back, many died. Then an uprising came. My journey in the stars was over."He looked off. "I had lost my first and only love. We had met in a port, in a little dive bar. She was beautiful, she was also human. "

Ravenna starred at him. He dismounted and she followed suit they walked with the horses to a small dell were they sat down to have lunch. "Her name was Diana. She was a pilot too. I was a young elf then." He grinned at her. " She fell in love with me, and I with her. We spent our life together. Sailing the skies. She died."He said softly. " I watched her age, and never did I leave her. Her once fiery red hair, turned gray, her smooth skin wrinkled, her body frail. But I loved her still. Until her last breath. I buried her, and left, never to return. I landed here in Luac. I started out as a servant. mucking stalls, hammering armor, doing odd jobs for people. I came in to the service of the Lord then. I worked for them for many years till again with the passage of time they died...they had no sons, no heir for this manor. So before he died the Lord dubbed me. For one hundred years after that I ruled here, my people were human and I was not, I helped them, loved them. Watched them die. Fought with them in the wars that followed. "

He gazed out. "When I first saw you, mucking stalls. I knew you were one of a kind. I hardly ever saw another elf. Now and again, merchants, warriors, minstrels and the like would come through town. But none ever stayed made it my business to find out who you were. And so I did. When Miss Munn died, I knew you'd be sold. Her son had left, he was dead I knew. So I came down to bid on you. I could not have you go to some man who would.."He shook his head and looked away.

Ravenna listened to him. She softly placed her hand on top of his then. He gazed to her smiling. They ate lunch and watched the birds fly by.

After lunch they walked through the woods as the horses nibbled on grass in the dell. "I am grateful to you, My lord. " She said at last when they were alone in the wood. He looked over to her smiling softly. "You saved me from a life I've known very long." He stopped and turned to face her, his hand rose to her cheek and she did not recoil. "I have been a servant, I know what it is like. But you were a slave ...tortured and hurt by monsters. I can never know what that was like. I only wish to give you a taste of freedom. " She nodded to him, his hand rose up through her hair and over her pointed ears. "Oh should get back soon."

She nodded but did not move. He looked down to her, it seemed as if he might lean in to kiss her. But he did not, he with drew his hand and took her hand in his and they walked back to the horses. On the ride back he told her a bit more of him self.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-07 23:25 EST
The ride had been wonderful. She knew more about him now. She gazed out the window then down at the book in her lap. She awaited Clarissa now who would dress her for dinner. "Hello miss."Clarissa came in after a knock. Ravenna rose and Clarissa went to work dressing her in a fine dress the color of Elven silver, with fine decorations upon it. After she was dressed, her hair and make up done Ravenna headed down stairs.

She found Lord Aubron in the same room they had breakfast in this morn. The room with the fine fire, the massive windows and plush couches. When she crossed in to the room the doors behind her were closed. Lord Aubron was dressed in a fine suit, he looked rather dashing in it she had to admit.

They ate and drank in silence, not discussing what happened in the wood.

After the plates were cleared the other doors were closed. Leaving them alone in the big room. " You look lovely Ravenna. That dress suits you," She blushed to his complement. They sat by the fire for a while, not speaking. He would look from the fire to her then back again. She would do the same. It was odd this feeling she felt, bubbling up under the surface.

"I had a wonderful time today ridding with you my lord." He looked over at her, "Issac.." Her brows rose. "When were alone, like this when no one can hear us speak...call me Issac.." She bit at her bottom lip, "Issac." He smiled to hearing her say his name. " I had a wonderful time with you, Ravenna. " He moved a touch closer. His arm went over her shoulders, then his hand eased down her back. She leaned closer to him, her eyes on his for a moment then on the fire.

" Ravenna.."He leaned in closer whispering her name. "Yes?" She looked to him, so close now. His other hand came up to cup her cheek. She closed her eyes, her heart fluttered, it felt like everything in her body fluttered. She didn't know how to explain any of this, she hardly knew him.

He traced her lips with his finger. He leaned in closer and kiss her cheek softly. He would not rush her. He rose to his feet. "I wish to show you something.." Her dark brows rose at him and she rose to her feet. He took her hand and led her away, up stairs again and again till they came outside a locked door. "With in this room I keep treasures of my past. things not all of gold, or silver." He took the key from his pocket unlocked the door and led her within. The room was dark one moment then light filled it. There were massive book shelves full of books and scrolls, there was indeed true treasure of gold and silver, cooper and mithral here and there in coin, weapons, or chalice. He walked along to a small desk, where he took what looked like a rolls scroll out.

"This was Diana, not long after we met. . " He unrolled the scroll it was a painting. Ravenna starred at it, the woman was lovely, fair features long red hair and green eyes, she wore odd clothing. "She was unlike any woman Id ever known. I was very young then...younger than you are now when I met her. I told you how we met...a dive bar. How I watched her die....I kept this, and my never dulling memory of her...all this time."He let the scroll roll back up and looked away out a thin tall window.

"I am so sorry Issac.."She had not known what to say when he first told her of his past beloved ....but now...now she felt she needed to say something. He looked back to her and nodded, " I have loved few since then..dated ..a few. But never fallen in love." He gazed to her for a moment.

Then crossed to her. Ravenna looked to him , " I am sure she loved you as well, but shed want you to live your life...if I may be so bold to say...If I had loved someone and died...ill ld that is what I would want for them...to live and love...again." He smiled to that and again ran his fingers through her hair. "Your very wise for an elf so young.." "Comes from the hardships of life.."

He nodded and soon they left his treasured room and he led her back to her own room and bid her good night.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-07 23:44 EST
Time flew by. Days to weeks, weeks to months. A year slipped by. She dined with him every day at breakfast, lunch and dinner. They went ridding, and in to town. She wore fine clothes and was treated better than shed ever been. It was unlike any time she had before. Thought he wounds...the scars of the past could never be truly healed, she had begun to live her life again ....no longer in fear.

With every passing day, she got to know Issac better. He was a good man, a true man. He did so much for the people of Luac. No matter where they went she heard nothing but good praise for him. She often wondered how hard it was for him to rule In a place that the people would age and die, but he would remain, long after they were gone.

"Its not easy,"he admitted when she asked him her question out right. They had no need to speak in secret, she freely called him Issac now before his staff. To the world she spoke to him as Lord Aubron. But here in his home she always spoke to him freely. "I have lived a long time here now, watched the people grow, marry, have children, age and die...and the children and grand children...and great grand children.." He sipped his tea looking in to the fire.

She had spent so much time with him, she had gained knowledge in everything she had ever wished. And more as well. When the snows settled in she could snuggle close to him by the fire while he read a book, or told her more of his wonderful home. The place he had grown up In and flown away from...the place that was long gone now. Much like her own home...so distant in her memory.

They went ridding int he snow, bundled in warm clothes, they tossed snow balls at one another and laughed. The year was filled with wonderful times. And she no longer thought of him as the high bidder who'd saved her life ....though he was that. But he was Issac...a man shed come to admire, and yes she did care for him. When winter broke at long last and the new year settled in. He proudly announced his birthday. "Two hundred and thirty-one.." He looked at the cake his loving servants had done up for him. They had all celebrated and eaten all too much.

"Not so old for an elf." She smirked at him. "Well you say that...your only twenty two." She snickered at him. "Twenty three in two days." He grinned at her, ""Oh then we shall have more cake than we can stand.." She giggled to that, " I need no large party." "Nonsense...what would the cast here say if I said...oh were going to ignore Ravenna's birthday...they'd all knock me down...they adore you." He winked.

In two days time they did have another massive party, with more cake and more food. It was a whirlwind of a new year.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-10 23:20 EST
She sat by the window looking out. A knock came to the door. It was late long past time for her to be asleep, but she could not sleep. Shed spent another day with him, today in town where they walked and talked he bought her things, pretty things, but all she wanted to do was spend time with him. As she had truly begun to understand her new feelings for him...she felt like a silly girl crushing on some boy...She day dreamed about him, often dreamt of him in sleep. There were nights she wished she could go to him. or that he would come to her. She was sure he how her attitude had changed. She felt giddy around him, so nervous... A knock at her door jolted her from her bed.

She rose to her feet and padded to the door. "Jazelle..Clarissa?" She called out before opening the door. "Its me.."came Isaac's voice. She opened her door and looked to him, forgetting all together what she wore. A simple yet elegant night dress of the finest cloth, soft blue. He stood there barefoot, in silken pajama bottoms and no shirt. She had to catch her breath and keep from staring. She almost pinched herself to make sure she was truly awake. "Whats the matter Issac?"

He took her hand in his , "I need to show you something." She nodded and he led her away room her room. Down the hall they went then up the stairs, then down another hall to stand outside his room. Shed been inside it before, once in the day light. "What do you need to show me my lord?" He opened the door to his room and led her inside.

The room was dark lit by only the low fire. He closed the door behind him when he came in behind her. He gazed at her in the light of the fire, in that light he could nearly see through her nightdress. She saw his gaze and blushed softly, stepping from the light. He moved to her placing his hands upon her shoulders. "This, this is what I need to show you." He leaned down slowly. His lips met hers in a soft kiss.

She returned that kiss. He withdrew slowly, only to go in again and kiss her once more with more passion. She was lifted from the floor by his strong arms. She returned that kiss as well, letting her self go, letting the feelings shed had for him be known. She truly hoped she wasn't dreaming now, or if she was that it did not end...

He with drew from that kiss and settled her to the ground. "Stay with me tonight.." She blushed at that. "I wont ....we wont...unless you want to. I just want you here beside me."

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-10 23:21 EST
When she woke in the morning she was amazed to find it all wasn't some dream. He lay there beside her awake looking at her. "Good morning." She blushed and sat up, "good morning.." He leaned in and kissed her.

For a month this continued, they'd have dinner and retire to his room. He became a little more brave letting his hands wander over the form of her body while she was in her nightdress. The ladies came to dress her in his room, and he found it hard not to peek at her like some teenage boy would. She found her self even more giddy, her nerves often getting the best of her whens he saw him.

They spent days together walking talking, ridding in the wood, in the village. With very passing day he fell more in love with her, and hoped she loved him as well.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-12 23:41 EST
The thunder rocked the manor, the lighting lit up the sky. The manor was empty, he'd sent everyone home to their families before the storm got any worse. It was just them two.

They sat by the fire playing cards. The thunder rolled and the lighting struck.

They played on. Shed won him six hands to two already. "I see you've learned this game well." She smiled to him, "You did teach me." He chuckled to that. Another bolt of lighting hit this time rocking the manor. The wind blew in the doors and he rose up quickly to close them, the rain poured down.

Together they got the doors closed but now were both soaking wet. "Well,"he shook out his sleeve, "this wont do we will catch cold.." She nodded her dress clung to her. Up stairs they went to change. She'd been staying in his room so long that she had a few items there. He walked in behind her ,then past her to lock and secure his windows. He then lit up the fire and shed his shirt. He saw her cheeks flush,he moved to grab a few towels from his private bath. "Here.."He handed it to her. She looked to him and died her hair with it. "I have no ladies to do my laces...would you?" She turned her back to him. He went to undoing her laces.

The wet dress fell off her,her under clothes clung to her body. She wrapped the towel around her. Yet she still shivered. He padded over to her and took her hand. Lightning stuck outside rattling the windows. Shaking the manor. She yelped at the sound, the shaking rocked her and was suddenly in his arms. "Ravenna...your freezing.."He wrapped his arms tightly about her. "I do not like this storm so far." She shivered more.

He nodded then took her hand sin his. "Come on.."He led her to the bed. "Under the covers...and off with that wet under dress." She blushed softly. "Go on.."He turned his back.

She went up on tot he bed and under the covers and took off that wet dress and wrapped herself in the towel and covers. "All done?"

"Aye" He turned and nodded. "Good.."He shivered a bit. "There's room in here for you.." He looked to her nodding, and she turned her head away and closed her eyes. Though something in her wanted to peek. He quickly undressed and wrapped up in a towel and climbed in beside her.

When he was in she turned back and snuggled in closer. He smiled to her and wrapped his arms about her. "Much better. Warmer?" She nodded and pressed her fingers to his chest. He looked to where her hands lay then in to her eyes. He ran his fingers through her wet hair. Then suddenly he just kissed her, deeply and passionately. And even when he felt her cold fingers behind his neck he did not let her go, he pulled her closer, his fingers searching for the edge of her towel and finding it, unwrapping her like some glorious gift.

She blushed now, moving her arms to try and cover herself. But he stopped her. His eyes looked in to her own. "Your beautiful.."He pulled her in closer. She shivered a touch, but not from the cold, shed never done anything like this before. Her fingers pressed back to his chest. His fingers ran over the curve of her ear, then down the back of her neck then slowly over the long lines over her bare back. Her eyes closed to his touch. "Forty lashings.." She nodded softly. "I tried to escape."

He kissed her softly again. When he pulled away he tugged the covers over her. " I would not rush you Ravenna...I love you..and my desires...sometimes overwhelm my ...senses...forgive me." She tugged the covers away and moved in close to him again, her fingers finding his towel and undoing it. " After all this time, do you not know me well enough to know that I love you.." That I desire what you do.."

She saw that her words shocked him. So she kissed him softly. " I am not na've Issac...though new to this I am.."Her fingers traced over his jaw. He chuckled lightly, " You seem to have found your footing on this...new place as well as any other.." She giggled and kissed him.

That kiss led them in to the night. As the storm grew outside, the passions in the dark room grew. When the storm outside was over and the night gone quiet many hours later, they lay sleeping side by side...in a relative state of blissful calm.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-12 23:43 EST
The day light filtered in. The storm long gone. The memory lingered in her mind, she wondered still if it was all some dream. If shed wake in her own bed. But the smell of breakfast had her opening her eyes.

Issac was there coming in the room with a tray of food, dressed in only his pants. He saw her and smiled. " Good morning." She rose up wrapping the sheets about her. "Good morning." He padded over and sat beside her setting the tray between them. "I made us breakfast, would you like some juice?" He offered her a glass and she took it.

They ate breakfast side by side and she blushed when she saw him looking at her. His fingers rose up over the curve of her ear and he offered her a soft kiss. "The village is a mess after that storm. I offered to go down and help." She nodded, he was so giving. "I'll go too, I only need to dress." She rose from the bed with out the sheets,she noted at first he looked away as if to offer her some privacy but as she dressed her moved with the tray to go down stairs, she saw him look back at her.

She felt different. Giddy and wonderful. Once she was dressed and he had finished dressing they headed out to the town.

He had been right about the mess, homes had been flooded, trees had fallen down. No one had been hurt, but there was a muddy mess to clean up

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-14 23:15 EST
They spent the day cleaning up the mess helping villagers of Luac. They ate lunch with them The villagers all adored Issac, and they adored Ravenna now too. Anyone could tell the two were in love. They ate, laughed and enjoyed their day.

When they arrived back at the manor it was still empty. "The staff is still gone, till tomorrow."She nodded, she needed no staff no ladies tending to her, just him and a warm fire.

They sat by the warm fire snuggling together talking, whispering of their day. His fingers brushed through her dark hair.

"Ravenna.."He whispered and she looked to him. "Amin mela lle." She smiled and blushed, she knew he loved her, and she loved him. "Amin mela lle...Issac." She snuggled in to him her head resting to his lap. His fingers going through her hair.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-14 23:16 EST
The memory was not lost on her now...as she watched the ship go down in flames and her crew cry out. Another ruthless pirate down, those that he had carried away from their families would be returned safe and sound . The Dark Raven was a lovely ship, fine crew , captain and fine rooms even for those who were sick of sailing. The captives, now free were shown the way around...and Ravenna could lean to the helm and remember more of the past.

A past that the flames were so bright in. So many lost to fire...to ruthless creatures.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-14 23:18 EST
She was in love. Issac would have given her anything, anything she desired. Yet all she desired was to be with him, no matter what they were doing. Young love for her, yet not so young for him. Not that it mattered, age was just a number counted on by humans less by elves.

He opened up his world to her. He told her more of technology, and showed her drawing that he had kept of devices. Some of them seemed silly, motorbikes and cars, instead of horse drawn carriages or ones own feet. He drew out what his old ship looked like, and she was amazed and dazzled. He showed her a watch, though broken now, it no longer told the time in large numbers. "It used to glow, and tell the time here."He pointed to the face. Ravenna had seen clocks before, ones with hands for telling hours, minutes and seconds and numbers but nothing like he showed her now.

He told her about weapons that she couldn't imagine.

He filled her with all his knowledge. And anything he couldn't impart easily he would read to her from thick books in his most treasured room. He spoke of things she knew too, of magic, true magic, the art of fighting, which he intended to help her learn should she ever need it. " You'll never be defenseless , I'll bring in the best trainers for each skill, you'll be a master swords men...woman in no time."

So she learned combat, how to shoot an arrow, how to block and parry with a sword, dagger and even her own body.How to move...which was the easiest thing, she was light on her feet. She studied magic and learned a few slight skills.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-14 23:20 EST
She chuckled softly alone at the helm thinking back to those times. She was a master of combat now, in all forms. She wasn't weak, in fact many people feared her. She had a sharp wit, and a sharper sword. Yet she was so easy on the eyes, so fair and delicate. Her hair raven black full and lush, even for a woman of her years, even all this time at sea.

She hadn't known back then that Issac was getting her ready to leave Luac. She was eager to learn. Oh how she loved him. She looked out to the blue waters, so still so easy. Then up to the slowly darkening sky, shed seen a lot of things, been many places that she couldn't ever speak about. Or if she did it was to a few people.

Every time she saw the stars...she thought of Issac....the words he uttered, the wish she had still in her heart...that shed been wiser and had said to him "Let us stay in Luac...let us stay and marry and have children.." But no...It was to late for regret...and she had a score to settle. It was what she lived for.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-16 23:57 EST
They sat by the fire after a lovely day of riding. They had shared a nice picnic and a wonderful moment within the deep forest. His hands were combing through her hair. "Ravenna...?"

She looked over to him softly. "Yes.."So comfortable, she dared not move from him . " What would you say to going away with me?"

That surprised her, they loved the village, their manor, the woods.Why would he want to leave" "Away where?"

"Away from Luac." His voice was even, as though hed thought about this. "Why' Where would we go?" They had everything here...or so she thought..."I want to show you the stars,I want to share that with you. " She knew he longed to get away some day she figured they go with their children on some grand voyage.

"What of the village?" She loved it here. Every last inch. "I love the people, and the village. I would find someone suitable to be a lord in my place." Always pragmatic, he'd never leave the people leaderless.

"And your servants?" She had come to adore them all amd they loved her. Her family...her second family.

"They would be free to go as they wished, I could not take them with me.., I need only you." She smiled to that, how many times had she said that to him when he offered her something lavish.."

"How would we get there?"

"I can build us a ship, I can import the parts...you could help me, you'd make a fine co-pilot. You learn things so well. We could see places I've spoken of, travel, see stars and planets...different sorts of creatures, there's more than elves, orcs and humans...You'd be able to see things I've only been able to loosely describe or draw for you.."

She smiled and kissed him.She would miss the manor, the village, her second family...but all she desired was to be by is side. " I would love to."

He looked over at her smiling and kissed her deeply.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-16 23:59 EST
The course was straight and true. The water was black as ink, but the moon light reflected off and the star light ....it almost looked like they were sailing through the stars. Almost.

The Dark Raven was a two master schooner. Fast and true with lovely speed, and large canvas that filled with winds even when they were the slightest. It was the most perfect ship....at least on the water.

She'd known a few fine ships, star ships and cruisers. Lightning fast rockets that shot you across the many worlds.

Looking to the fluttering canvas she sighed. How different things would be if Issac was still alive.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-17 00:00 EST
It had taken three long months to get the imports in and make the ship.Not made of wood but of metal.It seemed so heavy as it sat on the launch pad behind the manor. Issac had worked on it every day for those long months and Ravenna had helped him. Learning the tools of the trade as they worked.

Star Trials, that was the ships name. Now with it done and ready Issac set forth to find someone to dub Lord. He told his staff goodbye, Ravenna did too. They could stay on at the manor with the new lord. He found a man, of good standing .A warrior, a scholar. He had a lovely wife and two daughters. He happily took the job, and kept on Issac's staff.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-17 00:02 EST
After the shock of lift off, and the poping in her ears she settled more easily in to the seat and looked out the large window. A sheild as Issac called it. She looked back at the world they left behind Luac long gone. Before them new worlds, the stars and the black ink of space. It was amazing.

The worlds were all open to them and she was surpised to see many more ships there floating around. How long had this world been here and she'd never known?

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-17 00:04 EST
She watched her crew disinbark across the dock and in to the town. Those that had been captives before were now free to go where they wished. The night settled in, the darkness settled in the lights int he town glowed, the fires .And she looked down the dark dock to see if there was a ship there.

A ship she chased a long time. Its name was the same though now it was made of wood and not metal, and its crew was different. The Assassins Wolf. An odd name, true, but it was the ships name.She knew it, she knew its captian. A man of some power but at sea and in the stars. He was old,older than most humans could ever become.

Hed sen as much as she had, maybe more. Shed been chaing him a long time, trying to settle a score. And there they were, int he same port town. Two days south fromt he city and Realm of Rhydin. Shed chased him around a lot...for the last few years...decades.

She could count her years in her mind. She'd spent 102 years in the stars, doing business with thugs and bounty hunters, she hnted down pirates then as she did now. She was now in her 80th year as Captain of the Dark Raven. She had many new crewmen over the year only a few were fellow immortals and knew of her course in life. That course had followed the Assassins Wolf through the sky to the sea. She was 208 years old, not so old for an elf. But old enough . Shed gained power, some feared her.Only those who should.

Serge was the name of the captain of the Assassins Wolf. She'd known him these long years, he was old. Maybe odler than her, there was no way to tell. Maybe hed been born human.He had looked human when they met...so many years ago.

He was tall, dark haired with eyes that resembled souless pits. But hed been just a boy when they met.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-17 23:39 EST
Issac had landed Star Trails at a space port. For so long it had been just them inside their lovely ship. But they needed a few things. It had been a long two years, but wonderful none the less. And Ravenna was now well evrsed in technology, she understood it all.

Even wore a watch like hed shown her so long ago. She carried a data pad and a laser gun, along with a classical dagger. She wore the clothes well, tight like a second skin, that zipped up around ehr form. So different from the clothes in Luac. But she wore anything well.

They met Serge there at the Space Port. He was barely a boy, who stood there with his father. His father was a mencing man. Issac spoke to Serge and his father, but the whole time Ravenna got the impression that he didnt like either one of them.

He introduced her as his wife. Which shocked her. They'd spoken of getting married,settling down, but they had yet to do so.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-17 23:41 EST
Later Issac explained why he had introduced her as his wife. She had posed the question. " Demetri...and Serge. Father and son, so much alike even though the boys not yet a man. Demetri is in the slave trade. Thats why people fear him, why he has so much power and money. Why if he greets you, you greet him back kindly. If I said you were just my girlfriend....or lover...hed take you from me...in every way possible." Ravenna nodded she understood.

Issac took her close and they shared a lovely night together. Ravenna understood that Serge was in the same field.He was a slave trader, a boy not yet a man that was evil as his father. They had power, where others did not.

"They take what they want, who they want. Demerti has connections. Serge one day will have them as well. Never trust him, or anyone he calls his ally or friend....never." Issac's warning...Oh how it came true.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-17 23:43 EST
The years passed.Sailing in the skys amoung the stars. Seeing palces and meeting people and creatures shed never imagined. She made many friends, and they amde a few eneimes. Her greatest friends where made in Las' Belin. A lovely town full of al types of people and creatures. They stayed with a lovely woman Alissa and her Six older brothers in a fine country side home.

Demetri died and Serge took over his fathers empire. It got worse from there. People feared going out alone, mostly women and girls were taken. No matter where she went Ravenna never went alone, Issac went with her, or he had someone go with her.Hired guns, or in Las Belin one of Alissas' six brothers, sometimes all of them.

Issac feared for them all. But hed sworn to Ravenna that shed never again be a slave, and he wouldnt let Serge have her. No matter the mans power. He would do everything in his power to keep her out of Serge's hands.

That night there in the country house he lay beside Ravenna.Watching her sleep. He ran his fingers through her hair and over her ear. He whispered her name to her and that he loved her very much. She woke smiling at him, snuggling in to him. "As I love you." She told him.

"Marry me.." The words shocked her. But she couldnt contain her excitement. "Yes" She kissed him.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-17 23:45 EST
It was the best time of her life. They'd been together ten years. And now they at last would be married. The whirlwind of preparation followed. Where to have it, who to invite, what to eat, what to wear.

~~~

Starring through the blackness at Serge's ship she wished it would burst in to flames, that she could make it so. It would be such a fitting end. For his ship, his crew to go down in flames. To hear their screams, to see Serge burn....yes that is what she wanted...if she only had the power to make it so.

She had sworn she would seek out Serge and make him pay. She had sworn it on the day Issac had been killed. If it took her ten thousand years she would see Serge dead, by her hand.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-17 23:48 EST
Everything was set, the would have the wedding there in Las' Belin amoung their friends. There at the country house, it would be the most perfect day. The date was set.

Until fate....Cruel Fate. No it wasnt fates fault it was his fault....Serge..

Issac had no choice.Serge had pulled the strings, he was a puppet master.He had connections and money and he wanted Ravenna alone. So he ahd Issac drafted for the war being waged worlds away.

"Star Trails will be under your close watch.I am leaving on Lone Star,with some of my old buddies.This war...they need men like us. "He cupped her face in his hands. "I love you...I will come back to you, we will be married. "He ksised her.

"Stay with Alissa, she'll make sure your looked after. Watch out for Serge...dont go out alone. I will be back. I swear it."He kissed her again. "Stay safe.I love you." She didnt want to let him go...but had no choice.

He then left.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-22 23:09 EST
They kissed goodbye...and he left...walked out of her life.

She stayed in Las' Belin with Alissa and her brothers at the country house. She never went any where alone,always with someone else. Serge was not to be trusted. The war news came every day. And Every day she breathed a sigh of relief. Every day she dreaded shed hear Issac's name reported in the losses, or those missing. So many dead, so many missing. All for the sake of money,or land. It was foolishness.

Anytime she left the country house and Alissas estate. Serge watched her. Alissas estate was beyond Serge's power, ruled over by a good man who was fighting the good fight. He had many sons,so the power of the land would never be Serge's.

Ravenna never went any where alone. Always with a guard,or one of Alissa brothers.

Alssia was a lovely woman half elven she beheld much beauty. Short with rich locks of deep mahogany and eyes of the deepest blue. Her brothers were all very different from her. Wade was the eldest and the one that most often accompanied the women about town. He was tall,strong, a man who'd seen much battle in his early life. He was already in his first century of life as a half elf, he'd lived a long brutal life. But he was handsome, his hair just as deep as Alissas own, yet his eyes were also that deep rich red-brown color.

Elijah was the next eldest, he was short like Alssia with hair of copper and blue eyes. He was a mistral and played the most lovely music. Kalev and Alian were twins, the same height and build yet Kalev had copper hair and Alian had golden toned both had dark eyes. Balun looked much like his sister as well, short with dark blue eyes yet his hair was unlike his siblings, t was stark white. Everett was the youngest brother, yet he looked much like his eldest sibling, tall with dark eyes and hair. He was a sweet heart under that fierce demeanor.

If all six brothers did not accompany the ladies out to town Wade and a guard would go. They never went alone outside the estate boundary.

Ravenna hated every moment of it. Though she love Las Belin and her dear friends here, she felt rather trapped.

Alssia told her much about Serge , many things that Ravenna had suspected long before. The one that atuck with her was Alissas words on Serge's mortality.

"Hes not mortal, oh he was born mortal as was his father. But they gained power through dark places. That made them more than mortal. Hes a demon."

That made sense, when Ravenna had met Serge he must have been about sixteen. He would be in his thirties now. But he didn't look it. No since his fathers death he looked much younger.

Ravenna could not wait till the day Issac came back.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-22 23:09 EST
A full year passed. The war the worry. Finally it was over. Issac was coming home.

They could be married, settle down have children. Alissa and her eldest brother Wade joined Ravenna to the space port where they waited for Lone Star to pull in. The ship and its crew had been lucky, only two lost in the whole fight.The ship she could was a little worse for wear .

Serge was there...watching the ship move in...no watching beyond it...Ravenna looked out in to space..

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-22 23:10 EST
Closing her eyes Ravenna leaned hard on the railing.The dawn was coming.On the horizon tones of soft blue and red. Soon her crew would be back and they would be off again, this time for Rhydin.

She held back the tears that the memories brought. The man she had loved for eleven years was dead. She had never loved another. It had been a long two hundred and eight years. She had looked,liked what she saw.Flirted now and again. But every time she saw the night sky, or a cup of hot chocolate she thought of Issac. For his hair was rich brown like the rich sweet drink.

The night held the stars and moons...and above beyond places unknown and unseen by so many. A palce shed never go again. Never back to Las Belin. Nor any other port.Shed seen many ports in he rlife at sea and in the stars. Rhydin would be the last.

She would bury Serge there or die trying.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-22 23:11 EST
The Lone Star was pulling in. Her lover , her fiance was on that ship. The man had longed to see. They would be married not long after he got off. Her dress awaited her at the country house. It would be the most perfect wedding. They would settle down...She looked to Alissa then to Wade...Then back tot he ship as it pulled in to dock.

BOOM! The whole port rocked with the force of the blow. Fire filled space, it blasted against the shield that Ravenna looked out. The Lone Star was a blaze..

"Issac!"She screamed and started to run towards the boarding tunnel but Wade stopped her. "No ..Ravenna...don't" He held her firm. She fought him kicking but he lifted her off the ground. "You can't go out there..!"

Fire ships came in and started to put out the flames. And in the middle of it all, Serge smiled....the grin of the devil he was.

No one survived the blast. They found the burned bodies of every last member.

And through it all Serge grinned,looking out past the burning ship in to space..Then his eyes shifted to Ravenna...heart broken...easy pickings. So he thought.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-23 23:04 EST
Ravenna slammed her fist to the railing. The railing broke a little and splintered in to her hand .The pain...was all she had.The memory, the sorrow, the pain. And revenge. Serge had done something hired some thug, some assassin to blow up the ship, to make sure no one lived. Just for her! Just to try to win over a grieving, heart stricken woman.

He wanted her...and wanted her badly. He tried after Issac had passed and had been burried.Serge tried to woo Ravenna. Cards, jewles,every lavish thing. But she would have nothing of it or him. She ignored nearly everyone save for Alissa and her brothers. They were her only friends...the only thing she had to hang on to.

Months passed. She lingered in the room she and Issac shared. She lingered in all their memories. In what she had wanted, needed. What she should have had.Finally she could have nothing more of the memories. She convinced Alissa and her brothers to come away with her on Star Trails. They sailed away....It was her only way to escape...though the ship reminded her of Issac as well, out in space she could give ehr self up. Become someone else...

Anything she dared to become :bounty hunter,pirate, adventure, reckless. She killed for money, she killed for pleasure. Death seemed to be her very being for a long time. She finally broke down, letting her self truly grive for all she had lost.

She was a changed woman. But her mission was the same. She went about doing busienss, saving people from evil men, evil creatures like Serge. A hundred scars, so many broken bones, so many dead, but so many free.

How many had she set free" How many had thankd her for saving their lost sons,daughters,wives,husbands,lovers and friends" How many had she saved from Serge himself, from the slave trade and a life of horrid torture"

Would it ever be enough' Could she ever feel free herself"

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-23 23:07 EST
When Star Trails could no longer run Ravenna sold it. Alissa was gone, her brothers as well. Gone years now. She built a ship of her own. Sky Shooter. She was the pilot of the fine ship for 103 years, dealing with bounty hunters, pirates and scum of the skys. Scum she knew well,shed been one of them in her darkest days. She came out on the other side of her pain. She made a name for her self.

Some feared her, some loved her. But she couldnt love anyone. She had friends, co-workers, men who adored her, women who adored her. But she wanted no one. The hole in her heart was too deep. And the man who put that hole there would pay.

Serge was alive....in his ship....sailing the skys,selling slaves doing bad business that paid well.

When Sky Shooter crash landed .She found she couldn't go in to a civil world.She felt like a true outcast, living above the worlds so long. She knew where they were, the Realm of Rhydin, a few miles from the main city. But she didnt want to be around anyone....She knew Rhydin was a city of many different people, she wasnt worried about fitting in. They knew her name well enough in the Space Port. But she was truly lost again...within herself..

She wanted to seek out evil and destroy it. So she sold any thing everything she could. Holding on to only a few things....she bought a sailing ship, refined it to her liking and named it The Dark Raven. The skys had given her everything they could...now shed find some sort of solice on the high sea.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-27 23:44 EST
Eighty Years, chasing down pirates, setting free slaves and captives.

Dozens and dozens of crew members through those years. And now and again shed see the man she hated.

Serge was alive, he should have been dead long ago. It been centriues....he looked a little older but held all the wickedness he always had.

He had power still, money still. But Ravenna had power and money too. She did good things with her power and money.

One day she would see him pay for all the things hed done....one day he would burn and she would at last feel that hole in her heart heal..

Ravenna

Date: 2011-02-27 23:45 EST
It was time. Long past . The ship was beyond repair. The crew gone, all off to thier new lives in new places. Rhydin would have to welcome her. She'd been there before, but that was many years ago.

She looked not a bit older, her hair dark and lustirous for a woman her age. But the years had been good to her. The sun had tanned her skin, but had never weathered it. She was sad to see the Dark Raven go. To watch the men take it apart bit by bit. The coins and gems in her pocket were just tokens to her. She had amassed enough wealth in her long life to never go broke.

She would miss the sea, as she missed the sky. But she would find her place here, amoung Rhydin.

She said her goodbyes and headed in to town.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-03-03 00:27 EST
A little over a decade amoung the people fo Rhydin.Working her way along, not for the money but just for the work. Shed gone on adventures in to the mountains, through the woods,in the new palces, and back again. On to ships across the waters, then back to Rhydins docks. She worked with technology as well as old world craft. Gun slinger, smith, pirate, assassin, dancer, city guard,rogue,bar hand,messenger, maid, a sword for hire always, ale and mead tester. Shed tried out so many jobs, some of them she liked, others she loved.

But she made few friends. Only those on her crew had she ever trusted.She worked well with people,that was easy enough. But frienships meant heart break, through death or some disaster. So she worked hard, and bothered few.

She earned good coin for her beloved ship. It would be sold either as a whole or in pieces.It wasnt hers any more. The name was striken from it,that was hers to have. She watched days later as they took it apart piece by piece.

The Assassins Wolf was there. Down the dock. The crew was gone. The captain would be alone.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-03-03 00:28 EST
She waited,passing people by on the dock.They paid her no mind, she was a sailor like them. She walked on till she stood in front of The Assassins Wolf. The gang plank was down. No onw was looking. Swift and soft on her feet she boarded. There were no look outs, no one calling out that she had not been welcomed aboard.

Her hand slid along her belt to the dagger there. She wished she had her gun now, her old laser gun sold way back when. She had gone back to the old ways when she became a pirate. Knives,daggers, swords. A pistol or two which she had at her place. A dagger to the heart,or a slice to the neck" Or would it be more fittng to try to seduce him, so she could cut off his most favored apendage" Perhaps some combantion of all three.

She creapt about light as air, not making a sound. In to his cabin she looked. He sat his ehad down facing the door. Looking over some papers there. She wouldnt be able to get in un noticed..and she did not have her bow with her. She damned her bad luck, and slipped away.

She tried again twice more. But neither time panned out right. She had to go about this another way, she thought about just setting his ship a blaze when he was on it and walking off. But that was not the way she wanted to end it.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-03-06 23:47 EST
The deal was perfect. Serge couldnt pass up a good deal. She arraiged to have him meet her. Well not her, shed written a letter and sent it to him. "Dear Lord Serge, I have something for you. I heard you were looking for a girl, or young woman. Tall dark haired, very pretty.Name of Ravenna. I have her in my possesion.Captured and caged. I would like to make a trade of coins and gems for the girl. Meet me in the wearhouse on the far west side of the dock."

And she signed it Jasper . Which was the name of a known bounty hunter. Jasper was dead, shed killed him long ago but Serge didnt know that, no one knew that. To all accounts he was off some where in the east. But really his body, or bones now as it would be were rotting on some god forsaken little isle far to the south. His ship gone, sunk,his crew dead.His riches were her own.

Ravenna dressed in a males clothing, shadowed her face and body with a cloak. As was Jaspers way and went to the wearhouse early to set it up. She set up a clever device.In a cage she rigged a maniquin with some cheep motors so it would trash the cage, as a captive would. She set it up so when she, posing as Jasper kicked the cage the maniquin would stop.

The place wasnt well lit, and the stage was set. Now all Serge had to do was come in,make the trade and shed stab him.Shed take on any body guards he had after the fact.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-03-06 23:49 EST
The stage was set. The night had fallen, there was no moon. The only light was the flickering one far above. Ravenna stood cloaked and hidden awaiting Serge. Behind her the cage rigged with the maniquin.She stood as Jasper would leaning slidelong on a crate. Anyone who saw ehr would mistake her for a man.

She wore mens clothing under that long dark cloak. Under the shadow of the cloaks hood shed shaowed on a look of a man who'd not shaven in some time. a shadow of a beard easily done with the proper makeup. The hood was pulled down low,so only the glimmer of her eyes would be seen if anything at all. Shed not showered, and had had half a sniffer of nramdy then half a pint of beer.

She walked through the streets of Rhydin in those clothes,through the gutters and along the bad ways. No one ahd called out to her,every one had avoided the "man" in the cloak.

Ravenna felt a bit better knowing she had daggers and knoves along her belt. But Serge wouldn't come alone. That didn't matter, he could bring a score of men, even if she died in this deal. She would have her ending.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-03-09 23:03 EST
It was hard. To watch Serge walk in first. To not kill him then and there. He had four body guards with him. Men that would not be easily dealt with, but Ravenna was no novice. She could make the deal, and then slice Serges throat. It would have to be fast, the guards carried weapons.Modern wepons. Serge had traded up and down witht he years,arming his men witht he times and fashion.Rhydin was a vast wash of weapons.

You could own anything in this city and no one would look at you twice . But you could buy,sell and trade them. The four coming in carried guns, simple wepaons shed dealt with before. Serge seemed unarmed, but she knew that wasnt the case.

They walked in looking around, checking to see if it was a trap no doubt. Then Serge stood not two feet from her.

"Jasper...how nice to see you." Ravenna merely nodded, she could look like man,walk like one, hell fight like one but not sound like one. "You have my slave?"

Again a nod as she edged for the cage the maniguin thrashed and kicked and shook the cage. Serge smiled and nodded. Ravenna kicked the cage and the motions stopped.

"Well I trust shes unspoiled?" Another nod a gloved hand held out. Serge parted with his gold. This was her chance.The gold went in to her pocket, her fingers around her dagger.

But then, light invaded the space.The ruse was seen by all eyes. Serge growled.

"What sort of trick is this?"

"Everyone....on the ground this is Rhydin Guard...!" The guards men broke in to the room dozens of them from ever angle. Ravenna looked to Serge. The guard grabbed them all and as they took her away the hood fell showing that she wasnt Jasper.

The guards men dragged them all away.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-03-16 00:48 EST
Two days in lock up. The moment she got out Serge was waiting for her. Hed come alone.

"You had your chance. You should have taken it." He looked to her smiling, like the devil. "Those clothes dont suit you Ravenna. Though I am sure Jasper would not have minded you in his pants." A smirk.

"Bite your forked tongue. "

Serge chuckled. "All these years you've hunted me, and I've followed you. Were destine to be together Ravenna." She took two steps and slapped him hard.

The slap left its mark. "Still angry' After all these years." "You killed the man I loved, murdered him and got away with it..." She leveled her gaze on him. He chuckled "Issac. Hes been dead a long time. "

She growled at him and went to slap him again but he caught that hand. "Mark my words Ravenna, you will be mine. A lovely servant to me.."He pulled her closer and she kneed him hard in the groin. He gasped and knelt over and relased her form his grasp. "I'll die first." She spat at him and left him there gasping. "And before I die, you'll die, in a million little pieces...I swear to you." It wasnt a treat she meant every word.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-03-16 00:50 EST
She moved out of her newly bought place.Taking everything she had with her. And it wasnt a moment too soon. Serge was looking for her. And hed find her, have her dead or alive. With three bags she looked out at the docks, then back at the place shed bought, that was set ablaze.

She didnt have to wonder whod set the fire. She didnt stick around to see him.

She would take a room up at the inn. Figure things out later. He put out a warrent for her.To arrest her. She wasnt guilty of anything so she ripped down those flyers and watched her back.

Serge had some power, but not as much here in Rhdyin. He could put out his flyers, send his men after her. They all ended up beaten up in some alley way, or locked up by the city guard. Sure she ended up brusied, but she had worse.

She had many a "meeting" with Serges men, thugs, thives, cons...She knew the lot of them. They would try to capture her. They followed her around, tried to jump her at night. They all ended up coughing up blood, or for a few dying there in Rhydins lovely cobblestone streets.

Everyone that was left alive sent Serge a message. Which was plain...."I'll kill you before your thugs can try to kill me." Oh she had her battle scars, broken bones, bloody this and that. But she always walked away from every fight. Her mind set on one thing....avenging Issacs death.

The years were spent with plans and meetings.Trying to burn down the man whod killed her beloved. Her time was spent on the docks, in taverns and inns, on the street.Amassing any help she could find. But Serge proved a man of many talents.

He finally left Rhydin. And Ravenna could not have been happier.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-03-16 00:54 EST
That was until she saw his goons, his lackies, his men. Those he paid to do his dirty work for him while he sat somewhere likely with an amassed harem. Shed put a bloody end to a few of his goons, sent him a message that she wasnt going to stop. She meant whats he had said so long ago. That even if he had the chance to kill her, she would kill him first. Take him down with her at the vey least.

Many times she met with his goons in alley ways.Those "meetings " always ended the same way. One dead, the rest injured and Ravenna still standing, battered brusied but smiling as the goons got carted away. She couldnt help but smirk from the shadows as the Rhdyin guardsmen did their job. Sure by dawn the goons would be free again, but they would think twice before crossing Ravenna again.

Sometimes they had her.Out gunned, out numbered. But some how she always survived, she never left the alley ways or dark palces in chains or knocked out. But she was begining to think her luck may be running out.

Serge wasnt bluffing on his part. He wanted her, as his slave. Hed do anything to get her, even if his goon had to beat her up,take her over in some alley way. She always knew what would happen should she loose her balance or loose the fight. Sed end up in some cage, gilded as it might be, with Serge leering on.

She often found little wanted flyers posted about the bad sides of town. She kept her face hidden behind her raven hair or she kept to the better side of town, closer to the inn and far from west end. It was hard to keep from the docks since she worked there. But when at work she wore a broad hat and clothes worthy of a sailor.

But still she felt as if maybe her luck was running out.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-05-11 02:31 EST
"We've not seen them in days Capt' "

The memory lingered as she walked the docks. The ships there were not as nice as the Raven. Not in her mind.

The ship they had been chasing. The ship that had been enar listing from its many many holes was gone.And she hoped it was miles under them. But there were no signs of that. No bodies, nothing floating in the water. They were miles from port, from any shore line. There was no way any ship witht he dmange they ahd delt those god forsaken slavers....would ever float the two days worth fo sea to port.

" They are out there...keep a look out."

The ship had been out there. As memory served, theyc ame upon it the following day. Capsized over. Those on board had been slavers set out to get a new stock. No innocents had been lost. Bodies floated on shards of wood. Other had sunken to the depths. No one was left alive. The wreak would soon sink so it would take no other ships down with it. The dead done...more to follow.

~~~

Shed spent the other night brooding over her past. Up reading Issacs words.Wishing like hell her data pad hadnt broken. Shed heard his words and penned the ones that werent written down. But her hand writing wasnt as nice as his had been.

She wa sliving in the past. Whens he should live in the now. Serge needed to die. And now she had another job to do. A job for friends she hoped to keep.

Shed lost so many already. Crews, men and women whod been like fmaily for the long years after Issac was killed. Some who shared her bloodlust, some who merely wanted the freedon of the sea or sky.

Yes, she knew. She would end Serge soon. Even if she came to her end while doing it. The slaver, the murderer of her beloved would die...by sword or pistol, magic or brute strenght. He would die.

And if she happened to find the others, anyone who dared cause any trouble for her on her missions.They would not likely live to see day light.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-05-24 00:53 EST
The docks of Rhydin. Not so different from all the other docks shed been to over her 220 years, at sea or int he sky. Though Ravenna had to admit sky ports were much nicer and usually held less slime.

It had been quiet for a few nights now. Her work here never seemed to be done. It kept her mind busy away form traveling old roads that led to dark places in her mind. After killing the one thug, slime what ever he was after he had seen too much. She kept her ear to the ground for more murmurs of an elfess who had lived through her trip to the harbor. As well as any news about Serge.

He was here, she knew that much. His ship The Assassins Wolf was docked there, though the ship was not as she recalled it. It had been a glorious space ship. Long and sleek, almost befitting its name. As a sailing ship it had been a two masted beast. Larger than most of the others. Crewed by the worst of men. Shed been inside it a few times, seen its brig ....it was more like a prison than a true ships brig, the bars were thick, the locks unbreakable, the guards cruel.

Now it seemed so small. Its rigging and sails torn asunder as if it had sailed through the eye of a storm. Its deck filled with holes one could only assume were from cannon fire. How it managed to stay afloat she could only imagine. Perhaps the holes did not pierce the hull.

The men of the ship were different. She saw no faces she knew. She had known them all once. She made it a habit to know everyone that worked with Serge. Some had known what a devil he was, some had not until it was far to late to do anything about it.

These men were not hardened sailors, nor even a pirate among them she was sure. They were young, their eyes wary. None had been sailors or pirates but now they were, bound to the ship and captain that they served. She could pity some of them. Serge would work them till they could work no more, and then. Well, shed met friendlier masters in her time. even the orcs she had served were far less cruel.

Sitting on the roof top looking down at the docks, she mulled over the days ahead. She had work to do for her friends. Shed never had true friends before. But she had vowed to start over again, to make friends and keep them. Working under cover was no hard task.

There was also work to be done for herself. For Issac. At the thought of him she gripped the edge of the roof and flipped down in down in to the alley way then made her way on to the docks.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-05-31 01:50 EST
The sand was so warm. The sky so blue. The Dark Raven was tied to a little dock,not far off. That was what told her first off that it was a dream.

The Raven was gone,scrap sold to the highest bidder. The other thing that told her it was a dream was the man laying in the sand beside her.He was tall even though he lay side long curled through the sand. His hair was longer now than it had ever been when shed known him. Hed always kept it just below his elven ears. Now it reached past his shoulders, a dark rich cocoa brown veil.

His eyes were closed, but she knew they were the fairest blue. Lighter than the sky at the highest of noons. He was over two hundred years old, two hundre and thrity one.....It was a dream. For now she was two hundred and twenty. Hed been dead over a hundred years now. Shed gone a short time at his side, eleven years. It been longer since he was killed.

This was home. In her dream. This was not Luac,or Las Belin. Those places had been her homes. The ship shed called home with Issac was gone, the ships shed called home for so long were all gone. Sold, crashed down,nothing but memories.

She lay there in the warm sand on their perfect beach. "Issac." She spoke his name softly, but he had heard her.His eyes opened and he smiled at her. He didnt speak,though she could recall the sound of his voice so well deep, with a slight accent. Where it had come from shed never asked. She always figured that his home land, or world was some where wonderful and green.Like the stories shed read about elves.

She remembered everything, every moment with him. From good to bad. He had told her everything about his past, and she shared her life with him. He had once told her of the woman he had loved and lost to age. Diana. After so long together he told her he hoped to live out the rest of his days with her.

They would have been married. They would have settled down some where. She could see their children in her minds eye. They would have been beautiful.

She wondered if he was in heaven now.Or an elven heaven. Did his spirit have peace? No she doubted very much his spirit was at peace. He had hated Serge, and his father before him. Issac had protected Ravenna from their power. But Serge...was worse than the devil, he played out his hand,sent out his minions and murdered the man she loved.

She wished she could think of this dream as his spirit telling her he was at peace, some where on some lovely isle awaiting her. Perhaps he had found Diana again.

She wanted so badly to lean in and kiss him, to taste his lips upon hers. To feel his hand upon her cheek, or brush through her hair. It was not fare.

The dream was gone then and she lay in her bed above the inn. It was not yet dawn and no one was down stairs yet. The dream was lovely, but it left her in tears. She had known many men. Friends, brothers in arms, captains,kings,masters...shed knwon them all. But shed only ever been in love with one man, only ever let her self be with Issac.

She let herself cry. Let the sorrow seep in. Shed been fighting it for so long. Issac was gone, her home was gone....yet Serge was alive and well and in this very city.

"Damn him..." She swore and rose punching the wall.

That was it...it was the last straw. "I am going to kill him..." She stripped off her night wears and dressed for the day ahead. "I wont stop hunting him till hes dead..." She dressed in her darkest colors slipped on her jacket and slipped out the window.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-05-31 16:06 EST
Death was always apart of the gig...

Doing things that she didn't always like, that was apart of the gig too.

But it would be worth it.

Those she killed weren't good men, they were Serge's men. And no matter how young or old, how experienced or green they were. They would all sooner or later become corrupt, just like Serge.

Some were more easily paid off than she had expected. They wouldn't come back, they wouldn't rat her out. And any how, even if they spoke a word of her. it would be as Ravenna. No, it would be as Raven. A for-boding Elven male with a thirst for blood that could match Serge's own. That alone might keep them quiet, as the could retire on the gold she gave them alone.

It was all apart of this gig. This wouldn't, this couldn't be her life forever. No, eventually shed be able to wash her hands of all the blood, all the loss and pain. But not tonight...no not for some time to come.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-06-01 01:33 EST
She didnt have to prove herself. She had worked down at the docks long enough for crews, captains, habro master,dock chief....and all the rest .At least the ones who knew her,to respect her. She'd done every sort of job down there,from the slime ridden to the best . At least during the day,sometimes shed work the ships at night, loading or unloading,doing paper work,keeping watch. Some times it was back breaking work, the kind of work that roughened your hands and made you sweata s the sun beat down on you. But it was good work, honest work.

But as of late her nightly business was far from the life of a dock worker. She had dawned her darkest clothing,hidden her dark hair under a wide brimmed hat ,more worthy of a pirate. There in the little warehouse she put on the disquise. For no one who saw her at night could be able to pick her out in the day. That was the price of being an assassin. She kept her ear to the ground for her freinds in this disquise. She also hunted down Serge . Going through his men,one by one,rank by rank. Oh he find new ones, but new hires meant he had to train them.

And the further through the ranks she went the longer it would take him.

Looking at her reflection in the broken mirror that hung on the wall she was satisfyied. She no longer looked like Ravenna...No shed wrapped her self tightly,hiddingher female form. A white button up shirt with dark pants that hung a little baggy on her, but not so much that shed be held back by them . They hid her shapely hips and long legs. . She dawned boots more befitting the days shed spent at sea and left her clothes there in the box. No one used this warehouse.This was her safe place. No one came in here, not even the Rhydin guard.

There was good reason for that. It had once held a small coven of vampires. The were all gone now,some had died by her hand.Others had been easily paid off to leave. Yet the smell of blood lingered there. ood, the smell of kills long gone. Blood and the ocean air. It could burn tat the nose and eyes.

No one knew the vampires were gone.None dared to find out. The rats came in, sniffed about for food,or nesting spots. The rats kept people away too.

Ravenna never did mind that smell. She ran her hands over her face. It was a simple spell something shed used before. It changed her face just slightly,made it more masculine. Her full pouty lips lessoned, the shape of her jaw broaded.

She smirked. She looked the part. Shed had tried this before looking like a man,walking like a man. But before shed never taken magical measured to finhish the job out.Now she did. If someone took off her hat theyd find her dark raven hair was still long yet less well kept. And many men at sea had long hair. Her face looked masculine even close up. As she made sure looking at herself in the mirror. She knew with enough magic she could change her full appearance to look male.

But she didnt much worry about it. No one got close enough to feel anything. She still looked elven,but more dangerous. If she spoke the spell that had been set forth to last till dawn would deepen her voice.

She mused to herself that if shed ever had a brother that he might have looked like this. Tall,forboding,dangerous. A dagger,sword and pistol hung off her belt. Leaving the name Ravenna behind her shed adopted the name Raven. It was close enough to her own name that shed answer right away. She had no last name as this assassin.

Few rogues bothered with a last name, some had no name at all just reputaions. And that was what she was banking on, shed spent enough time down here to know how to build up her rep. Shed gotten in good with some of the slime already. Word of mouth always helpped when you were a hired killer.

Shed killed in this form, as Raven. For herself and also for her friends she was bound to protect and serve. But tonight was about staking out the man who had killed her beloved. Yes tonight she intended to go through Serges ranks.The lower levels had been wipped out.Ithadnt taken long at all to kill or pay off those low lifes. But now she had the higher ranks to deal with, they werent as easy to kill, nor as easy to pay off.

Heading out of her warehouse and down across the dock she went. She had no difficulty walking like a man. As she passed the ships docked she got a few looks. Those who were wary backed off.Others merely watched. Yes they knew that form, they knew Raven. Some might whisper the name as he/ she passed. Others didnt really look, they were to scared. Fear , was good.

"Ah theres the man." From the shadows a man stepped. He was just slightly taller than Ravenna.His hair was short,his eyes a bit wary and dark under the rim of his hat. "Raven, your early."

Raven nodded. "So you have my information?" It still surpised her how her voice sounded. It was deep,baritone. "Yeah I got your info. You got my money?" With a gloved hand Raven handed over the pouch of coins.

" Word is, that there is a new guy here on the docks...Serg...something. His men have been disappearing, ending up dead or just gone. Hes lookin for some new hires. " Of coarse Ravenna already knew that. "Anyway...I got us in with meeting with his main inforcer or whatever.Lookin for some low level guys to do some dirty work, that be us."

A nod. Ravenna honestly didnt want to kill him now. Ronny wasnt a bad guy,not really just in the wrong town doin the wrong business. "When and where?"

"Tomorrow night, here on the docks on that ship." He pointed and Ravenna didnt even bother to really look,she knew what ship. "Good work Ronny. Why dont you use this night as a night to celebrate, some mighty fine ladies down at the bar." Women always got Ronny out of major trouble. "In fact here." She handed over another pouch. " Buy yourself a few drinks.."

Ronny grinned like hed been given the best gift ever. "Really Raven thats great..you know how to spoil a man.." Ravenna grinned, " see if theres anyone there I might like." Ronny nodded and headed towards the dock side bar.

Ravenna watched him go down towards the bar. Hed meet a girl or two get blasted drunk and never show at the meeting. That was her plan. Shed show up meet Serges head inforcer get in good with him, meet the other high ranks then kill them off.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-06-02 15:13 EST
It was a hard morning. The meeting with Serge's informer would be harder. She felt the after effects of her healing spells. She didn't regret a moment of it. Shed do it all again. She knew the day to come would be full of work. Work for Ravenna and work for Raven. The meeting with Serge's informer wasn't till after midnight. She had time to recover. She could put off her work on the docks for the day, but she needed to see if anyone was looking for her or Raven. If she found anyone Raven would have a 'meeting' with them.

She had the motorbike hauled off the street and taken to a little shope. After Kassie and Andrew had settle din for the night.

"I have to say Ravenna, you've looked better." Liam was a good guy, cute too. He worked as a mechanic, dock stocker and he loved to tinker with other technology. She smirked at him. "Long night.." He had the bike hauled off to his shope. "It will be a week. And this squares us off yeah?" She nodded, "Yes, were square. But I amy come back to you again." He smiled and chuckled, " Darlin you can come to me any time.."

Laying in bed she sighed and flopped the pillow over her eyes to hide the glare of the sun, She hoped that Andrew and Kassie got some rest. Ravenna always called her magic, parlor tricks. But she had more power than she wanted to admit. Issac had known it, he always told her not to be ashamed of who she was. But she was no healer, and hoped they were both feeling all right this morning. She felt like someone had hit her across the head with a deck plank.

Rising from bed she crossed tot he window and peered out in to the day light. It was later than shed normally stay in bed till, but the night had been long.

Getting dressed and ready for the day ahead she gave a stretch and a yawn. She knew shed never hear the end of it. Andrew felt like he owed her. she hopped he got it through his thick skull that he didn't owe her anything. Nor did Kassie.

"Ahh youth." Snickering she slid on her jacket and headed out of her room and down stairs, through the empty inn and out the back door.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-06-03 00:28 EST
The fire crackled, and the ice wrapped up in the little cloth melted a bit more down her arm. It wasnt really cold outside but the fire felt good on her bared arms. But she only sighed and looked at the bruising and the few cuts along her forearm.

Shed had better nights, better 'meetings'. In her hand she held the cloth and melting ice. Both were tossed to the fire before she sat up. It ususally didnt hurt this much, to go through the motions of the gig. But even masquerading as Raven had its fall backs. Now that the enchantment had worn off, the pain was more noticeable. Enchantement or not, it was always her body that was getting beaten and bruised,no matter if she wore the quise of Raven or not.

Whistling as he slipped into the hall, with his hands clasped behind his back. While using the heel of his right boot to nudge the door shut. Pausing to look around the room, before moving towards the bar.

Her head snapped over to hearing the door open and close. Was this an omen of the night past' She watched, waited. Had someone followed her" Or rather Raven" Did someone know her most coveted secret' She slid her hand down along her belt for the dagger there. If someone had figured things out, shed never get to that meeting with Sereg's informer. Shed be dead before the night was over. Unless she got the drop on who ever might have followed her there.

She knew it wasnt safe.Serge was looking for her.He could have hired anyone..more than just those few shed run in to already. Turn of his head as he looked to her a moment, as a brow rose. Intesting...She looked just like the poster he was shown earlier. A shrug as he continued onto the bar. " There were a few men looking for you. "

She watched him, carefully. His goons had printed up flyers of her"That made her laugh. It wouldnt be the first time nor the last. " A few huh?" She tucked a few stray locks behind a pointed ear. " Your welcome to show them in, if their about. I'd happily end their poor existances." She had ended a few of their lives already. A few more to the body count wouldnt much matter.

" Worry not...I told them I seen a woman matching you heading south away from the city " Wave of his hand to her offer for him to send them in as he moved behind the bar.She rose up to her feet, and crossed for the bar. "Hmm, nice of you. I havent seen you before."She looked at him, shed remember him if shed seen him. He was handsome, she always did like the dangerous looking ones. Or maybe it was the slight familariity to his face. Dark hair blue eyes...yes some of her greater weaknesses.

A glance over his shoulder as his hair shifted a bit to reveal one slightly pointed ear. " I'm a bodyguard...Not a bounty hunter. So it wouldn't do me any good to turn people in. " And elven to boot. She took up a perch at the bar side. "Sometimes it pays to do both. But thank you. I'd buy you a drink but they are all free in here."

A chuckle to that. " Saying I should of turned you in" " Now turning to face her as he held a bottle of water in hand. Then lifted it for a sip. She shrugged. "You could of tried." She wore a few bruises on her arms with her jacket off slung over the couch arm, and some long thin cuts from a dagger,or knife perhaps. "I wouldnt blame you." Blue eyes looked at him, " But you dont look like the type to do that. " No he didnt look it. But looks were deciving. You couldnt always go by looks, not in this town.

" You would be correct. " He then nodded to the cuts and bruises on her arms. " Want that looked at' " Sipping from the bottle of water.She looked to the cuts and bruises. She would heal fast, they did hurt though, rather fresh. " I'll live, thanks though." She had worse in the past weeks.And shed have worse in the days to come it her plans worked out.

He nodded lightly. " Perhaps you could use a bodyguard...That way you have someone to watch your back. " Shrugging as at the moment he was looking for work.

She looked at him again, thinking about it. "You offering?" Her brows rose. "Dangerous, you dont know whos out there looking for me, nor why. I could be a wicked woman." A smile, highly unlikely, she was a fair business person on most any given day. But she did have a few scores to settle, and didnt mind doing some dirty work, even if it got her pretty face printed on wanted posters. Of coarse the rhydin guard wasnt looking for her, it was Serge...all privately funded.

" Currently looking for work, and it never bothered me if the job was dangerous or not. " A smile in return as he bowed his head to her. " Dacomas Aldurus. At your service. "

He was offering, how interesting. " That makes you a good body guard. " She lowered her hand to the bar. "Ravenna Ducarte. How much do you charge?" She might take him up on the offer. It might be nice not to work alone. She had consitered a few offers . But never taken anyone seriously, it was too risky. In fact shed turned down her friends ..tose who would gladly string up those who did their best to harm her. But she wouldnt put any of them at risk.

"A pleasure to meet you, Ravenna. " Polite smile as he moved onto his price. " I'm flexible on that. " Her brows rose a touch. "Give me a ball park figure." She tapped her fingers on the bar, shed never consitered hireing help before. The work wasnt easy,nor fun.Watching her would be a hard task.She was good as sneaking off. And she hoped good as playing the part of Raven.

" How's fifty gold a week" " Shrugging as he wasn't one to value his services to the point to try and bankrupt people.She thought about the number. Not a bad price. " Sounds fair, never had to hire a body guard. Always been one to hold my own, but it be nice to have someone watching my back. Your hired." She didnt know if she should hire him, if she could trust someone else.But she didnt have to let him in...he just had to watch her back, that was when he could, when she allowed it.

He nodded lightly. " Very well...So I start tonight' " Another sip of the water.

" If ya like, nothing left to do tonight. "The thugs, goons and others alive would be going off to get drunk, shed deal with them in the days to come. "Very well. " Light nod as he moved out from behind the bar to th patrons side. " Where are you staying?"

She rose from her perch and wandered back to the couch and leaned down to grab her glass of wine. Half empty, she gave it sip. "Right now, I have a room at the good ol Red Dragon, I had another place...but its not safe. The inns...annoying sometimes ,busy, but it suits."He nodded to that. " I see...and I know where it is at. " Not a surprise there, as he watched her a moment. Taking note that she held a fighter's grace to her steps.

She took back up her perch. "I Dont mind it too much the room is small, but i've never needed much. the noise buzzes in my ears now and again, but you get used to that." A sip. "I'll find some where better soon enough.." A home of her own..

Another light nod. " Guess that means I'll have to get a room there as well then. " " I'll pay for that." Another sip and she reached behind the bar for the bottle and refilled her glass. He looked to her on that. " As you wish. "

She nodded smirking softly. Looking him over, she didnt know if she trusted him, he could be working for Serge. But Serge didnt have standards, his goons were no good tricks, thieves,and low lifes...He didnt seem the low life type. He was too well groomed,to well spoken.

He smiled back at her. " Like what you see...or are you trying to gauge if I'll betray you? "

She smiled at him swirling her wine about in the glass before taking a long sip to finish it off. She did like what she saw, she wasnt blind, hell even a blind woman would enjoy his features, that tactile experience. "Both."She admitted, she could usually tell when someone was a rat, shed known a enough of them. But People in Rhydin were harder to gauge.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-06-06 00:46 EST
She didnt bother to tell anyone what she was planning. They would all just worry about her. Hell theyd send in some help .Theyd get themselves hurt or killed. As powerful as her new friends were, she wasnt risking them, nor their safety. She had slipped by her new body guard. She had to admit he had talent. But he couldnt be apart of this. No one could.

She waited workin on her walk,her accent,her clothing. For this meeting any all that would follow she would go to the extreem. Use magic,potions anything to be as male as possible. It was an odd feeling not to have her curves,to fit more easily in to the clothes shed picked out.

Now she was Raven. If they had her strip down there'd be nothing female to hide. She looked vey much like any normal elven man. She could almsot hear Issacs voice in her head. "Its just a mask Ravenna..But a damn good one."

She waited out the day eating,planning. How to sneak past her new hired body guard.He was cute and good at his job. But he needed to stay out of this, at least tonight...and maybe she could keep ihim ata rms length till Serge was dead. Business and Pleasure never much mixed. Many days could go by before someone came down looking for her. If they came at all..They wouldnt find her...and her clothes , her female clothes were so well hidden there in the warehouse,it take magic or a good blood hound to seek them out.

After getting used to her/his new body he/she headed out on to the docks at midday. She got a few wary glances, a few nods from respective captains. Stopping by the bar she/he peered in and saw Ronny passed out in the far booth. Hed be out for hours. Just as Raven had planned. He didnt deserve this life, ni he eneded a good ladie to set him right.

He/She stayed out on the docks for the rest of the day,putting ehrself to work.The normal work that Ravenna would do. It was good to feel the sun on his/her back/ Though odd in her mind.She could never go topless as a woman..or not if she wanted any respect.

The day passed with back breaking and hard work.But it was honest work.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-06-06 00:51 EST
The Assassins Wolf bobbed up and down in the little tides that pulled in to the harbor. With out a moments pause Raven ehade dup the gang plank and on tot he deck.The deck had been fixed at the very least.

"Wheres Ron?" The voice came from above by the helm. "Hes left town,run off with the bar wench. "

The man came down the steps and on to the deck. Ravenna nearly lost her wits at that very moment. It was Serge. He was the same as she recalled him. Tall, well built, with long limbs.His hair was shorter now,showing signs of grey in the black. His eyes were the same black soulless pits. He wasnt a handsome man,but he wasnt ugly. He had a slim face with a hawk like nose,and he was somewhat pale though she knew what he was, a demon, hell worthy in her mind,he looked very much human.

"So your Raven.."

"yeah I'm Raven. I hear your looking for a few good men." Serge nodded, " you know I'm in charge just by lookin at me, thats good. Yes I am looking for a few good men, a few of mine have gone missing."

" Well here I am."

Serge looked the man before him over. "How do you feel about killing women?" Raven shrugged, "I've killed men,women ,children, old young,all types it dont bother me. Pays the bills keeps me fed." In all truth Ravenna had never killed a woman nor a child.And she would always avoid doing so.

Serge nodded and handed pver a paper. "Find this woman for me." Ravenna wasnt startled to see her face, her feamle face sketched out on the paper in amazing detail. " Who is she?"

"A run away slave. I want you to find her, I know shes in this town some where.I think shes behind my missing men. Shes got a few connections. Seek them out,kill them if you have to ,but get info about her. And when you find her, bring her to me."

Raven nodded and glanced to the paper. "And how much ye payin for all this work?"

"You'll be paid when you bring her to me. I want her alive, but apart from that I dont care." A chuckle was given to that. "Shes right pretty."A glance back down. "Maybe I can woo my way close to her."

Serge nodded. "Get to her how ever you can just get to her."

"Got ya." Tucking the paper away Raven nodded. "So After this lassie is brought to ya, do I meet the rest of ye crew?" Serge shook his head. " There is no one else." This shocked Ravenna..."No one, so you think that lassie had all your men killed off?"

"I only brought ten men with me, enough to crew my ship, and they are all dead,or missing. So Yes that woman...Ravenna...had them killed. So when you bring her to me you'll get a sum of gold, jewels, women, what ever you want. " A nod to that. "Very good sir, very good.I shall find this lassie for ye. " A tip of the hat and off she/he headed off the ship and back on to the docks.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-06-13 01:41 EST
Alone in her warehouse with the enchantements worn off.Ravenna looked down at the sketch of herself.It was very well done. Shed seen ones like this before of herself, but this one. Though there was no color in it it was errie how it looked back. Shed have to be carefull now,she wouldnt be able to work on the docks as herself not until Serge was dead. No shed have to work on the docks as Raven. And when out as herself shed have to be very carefull,she doubted very much that Serge a man with power and money had just one person looking for her.

Shed stick to the inn and the close surround as Ravenna. And venture out to the docks as Raven. Shed bide her time bringing Serge news of herself...nothing that would have it easier for him to catch her, but tid bits to keep him thinking while she worked out the plan to end him.

That was the way things had to be. "Its this or nothing.."

Work, both normal and non had kept her away as well as the lovely posters of her getting closer to town....Serge was at the very least predictible. Raven wasnt the only man out there looking for her, shed run in toa few already. Dacomas had proven he was good at his job adding ina helping hand, not that she midned. She could care for her self but it was nice tow atch him beat in a few thugs. Paid for his work or not. of ehe, at least not yet. Or if he did he hid it very well.

Raven was her most covited secret. No one could know that she was Raven...or vice versa how ever that worked. The magic was taxing but it would get easier...it had to. She could hold it out for a few days with only a little draw back.

But the closer she got to town as Ravenna she saw more posters with her face on them...and sooner or later Raven would have to do some dirty work to prove 'his' metal. Death....was a hasrh part of this life, she didnt choose it...and shed sworn when Serge was dead shed atone for anyone who shouldnt have needed to die.

So far Raven had only killed a few low lifes...no one innocent. Those people Ravenna saved, got them out of town any way she could. Money was no object to her. Serge would not ruin anyone elses life.

Alone there in her warehouse or outside the inn, or in her room...or even in the inn surrounded by other patrons, friends and familair faces, and even those unknown. She felt safe...even with he unknown factor, those few could turn her in for the nice profit, Rhydinw as a world...a city of people...elves,humans, others...looking for an easy buck...coin...or credit..

It hadnt yet been a week, shed give it a week...but play it safe...for her friends sake more than for her own.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-06-19 00:39 EST
Namaarie....farewells..

I never got to say all that I wished to tell him. I said good bye. kissed him, and wished him well. Never knowing Id never see him again. Would I go back and say to him, don't go' Or if I had gone with him...Serge wouldn't have killed him and all those innocent men.

Issac...was it your fate to die" To leave me with the ghosts of our past, what could have, would have...should have been"

With her data pad cracked and broken beyond repair shed never hear his voice, so clear and recorded upon that little device...Only in her mind or her dreams did his voice appear, and it was ghostly, a pale comparison to the real thing.

Love ....it had lasted only a short while. A blimp in what her life would be. Elves could die, shed seen it happen. But in all rights they were ageless beings and she felt doomed now to walk this world, Rhydin, or where ever she ended up alone.

The sight of love was slightly painful, but joyous nonetheless. There was much love about in Rhydin. Lovely ladies and handsome men...fine couples...and great mates.

"Perhaps...when I find you peace, I will have it as well."

She had left the inn...she had left a note for Daco. He'd not find it on the bar or under but under his pillow when he woke after waiting up for her again. "Your pay is in the cabinet. Your good at your job...sorry I have to ditch ya again.."

Shed avoided him for a few many days now in the mask of Raven. Oh shed seen him on the docks looking for her tearing down the posters of her lovely face as he went. Raven had avoided him. Careful in case. She couldn't risk anything now...Serge was getting closer, yet so was the end..

peace of mind, if not spirit.

When Daco found her after she told him to stay away for his own good they'd had it out. She didn't tell him about her double life as Raven...who was in fact a man. Where she was a woman...but how to explain magic" She had yelled at him, and told him to back the hell off, even though shed hired him to watch her back.

How crazy was she"

She had left him there looking at her like shed betrayed him. He'd only been looking out for her. Like her other friends who now knew that Serge was looking for her. Gaelira and Dyhren knew, had seen that lovely little portrait of her. By now after Tehym's party Illissa and Andrew knew as well. It wasn't that she didn't trust them, she did. More than she had trusted any one shed known since Issac had been killed. But Serge wasn't to be messed with. He enjoyed the art of killing too much to be messed with. And no matter how good they all were at their jobs, Serge was somehow always better.

She hated to think of them putting their lives on the line for her. Yes, shed do it for them, any of them in a heart beat. But she didn't have much to live for...A job, friends a life slowly building here if Serge was out of it. They had love, family..young. Serge wasn't above hurting the young, the weak and helpless, women...men children. That made Ravenna cringe.

" I may have to figure out a way to say good-bye. At least till Serge is dead...or us both."

Ravenna

Date: 2011-06-20 23:07 EST
So this is what she had been reduced to' Hiding. It wasn't running, but she felt like scum. She couldn't have lied to Gaelira. And she trusted the elfess to tell Illissa and Andrew what ever she felt she needed to. Ravenna trusted her and her rogue.

It could be weeks. Or months at that. Living on dock food, masquerading as Raven. She wouldn't be able to go in to town, or on to the docks as herself. Only as Raven. If she went in to town she would have to stay off the streets. That was easy enough, roof jumping was not the issue. The issue was she felt like she was leaving her friends, her newly made friends with no word. She knew this would eventually happen. Someone would see her, follow her. And where there was one there were many.

Shed have to step up her time table now, work faster as Raven and harder. Drop more hints and clues. The idea of weeks turned in to days. days to work out a new plan of action.

She sat there in the dark warehouse, night had settled in. Normally she might head tot he inn see who was about but now, she dawned the clothes of Raven, and muttered the words of magic that made Ravenna look like man in every way. She never had to double check not any more. It was time to drop some more clues get Serge working harder to find Ravenna ....the harder he was working the better, then he wouldn't see when Raven slit his throat.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-06-30 00:58 EST
The mask of Raven was gone for the night. The day had been long working in the heat of the docks, dropping little hints about herself. Ravenna chuckled softly. She would have never pegged herself for someone who cared if theyw ere alone or not. But She was alone now, she couldnt go see anyone she cared for,couldnt dare step in to town as Ravenna. Not unelss she wanted to be captured. She wasnt about to give Serge the satisfaction.

Sitting on an empty crate she sighed. The week had only begun and she had a long time left ahead of her.

She missed her friends, she missed the inn. Hell she even missed Dacomas. Shed left him witha simple note and enough pay for three months. Shed cleared out of the inn, so hed not find her there.Sometimes shed see him in her mask as Raven wandering the docks tearing down the posters of her lovely female face. She would see Gaelira, and even her rogue Dyhren. But she only saw them under the mask of Raven.They wouldnt know her like that as a man. Though she had to admit as Raven she could be her own brother. The idea made her chuckle.

Serge was still in port,but he was getting a little more heat fromt he guards, and a few others, she wodnered if that was Gaelira's doing.The elfess had pull with people as did her rogue.

Raven had been working hard on the docks during the day and hunting at night. Taking down anyone else seeking out Ravenna. Seeking he rout, it was an odd double life. If Issac were alive still she knew she would not be here in Rhydin they would have sailed the high skys...or seas together forever..heath willing.

She thought about him a lot more now. The sound of his voice, his dark rich hair flowing in the wind, his blue eyes. It was like a waking dream now, she could hear his voice almost see him standing there looking at her. She had looked better, the magic took its toal as the day did. But more over the lonelyness took hold...what had she once told him, that if she had been the obne to love and lose that person to death she would want the other to love again..s whats he told him Diana would want for him. Did he want the same for her"Was this vengence not worth the price she was paying"

Ravenna

Date: 2011-07-05 00:34 EST
The blood washed away. The cuts and brusies would heal. The sweat of the day was gone at long last. Having a shower installed in a warehouse wasnt a waste she found out, many of them had them.Posing as Raven the men installed the bathroom in the back of the warehosue,where an old one had once stood when the vampires lived here. They asked no questions as they got paid up front and a good amount too.

With them long gone now Ravenna was happy for the heat of the shower, and the cold too. It bit at her various wounds,cut through the sweat,blood and grime of both jobs.The honest one, and the one she did to save herself, but also to protect those she cared for.

Laying along her cot she sighed, the warehosue was mostly still just empty boxes,crates that lovely new bathroom, a wall leght turn of the century mirror and her cot. Her clothes for Raven put away for now, she lay in a long T shirt, her legs bare, showing all the signs of her days toils.

She didnt sleep well here, if at all. Itw as secure enough, she didnt worry about that. It was Issac's ghost, it was haunting her it seemed. She could hear his voice, see his dark eyes...even in the darkness of this place.

"There will be no rest for the wicked, is that what your trying to tell me Issac?" She spoke to to open air, the darkness.

Still flyers and posters with ehr lovely elevn face were all over the docks. And some filtered in to town. Raven saw them. He also crossed paths with Daco,Gaelira, and her rogue lover. Andrew didnt venture tot he docks nor did Illissa which Ravenna was happy for. He was far too young and brash and would get hurt, and Illissa had her children, and Tehym to worry about.

But Ravenna missed them. They had become her friends,people she trusted and confided in.

It hadnt been long enough yet...Serge had clues dropped by Raven. He woudl ran sack empty homes,or run in to the guard. Raven didnt take any of the blame of coarse...it as all Ravenna's fault she was one step ahead of them.

That made her smile now. Another week maybe, and it would be time, time to lay old ghosts to rest and to end Serge...send him back to hell..

Ravenna

Date: 2011-07-25 23:46 EST
The mask of Raven. She had fallen in to it. Her disguise. The magic would face yet she would find her self walking like her male counter part. Or was Raven really just another level to Ravenna? She couldn't be sure. She had dared to venture in to town a few times under cloak and hood. The posters were fading, Serge was getting more and more frustrated.

Time was running out. She..or rather Raven had killed anyone who was looking for Ravenna.As those assassins and paid hands got killed Serge got more and more mad. Raven played it cool. As any rogue would. "They are careless, getting arrested, killed. I am the only man you need .I have almost got her, she's slippery that one but I saw her the other night,she wont escape again."

That was two nights ago. Tonight was the night. The moon was low, and full. The forest and city stirred with life,magical life. Those things that truly went bump in the night. Ravenna left a few notes in her things in case she should die. For Daco, his payment and hope that he could forgive her for ditching him and going MIA. For Gaelira and her rogue, wishing them luck and love, and maybe if they wished it some day many lovely children.

For Illissa, and Tehym a note telling them how much she loved them both,Illissa the motherly elf and Tehym the only child Ravenna had ever gotten close to. She added in to Illissa note a hope that her sons would both find much love and peace...She wished them health and happiness too. And for Andrew and Kassie. She hoped they would love a life times worth, that they would keep each other safe. And on that note for Andrew and Kassie she tapped down one of the feathers from her Beltane mask and added. Thanks for the dance, and a kiss of lip stick. It was nothing romantic just her final thanks should she die...

They likely woudlnt find anything...but she felt better going in to this last battle with those notes settled.

Dawning the mask of Raven again it was time.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-07-28 13:57 EST
Confidence was Ravens strong suit. He was a rogue, a bloodied assassin who didn't care what anyone thought of him. Of coarse it was nice to be feared, or loved.

Tonight there was a goal. The time had come to end this masquerade. The only thing at stake was her life. Ravenna knew that. She had accepted it.

Away from the warehouse she had come home, in the mask of Raven.

Down along the docks, the docks were Raven and Ravenna had worked a good job a hard and sweaty job, but it was work .Honest work. Helping the crews and captains of the many ships often docked or come in to port. Hauling this or that, cleaning ships from deck to hull. Things Ravenna saw as good work.

At night Raven had worked along these docks as well, paying off people in Serge's pockets or killing them. Making the disappear. And saving those who needed saving. But tonight would be the last night, and the only blood shed would be Serge's own.

Raven walked along the docks under the pale moon light. The ships in port bobbed slowly with the tide that came in and rushed out. The smell of the ocean,fish,, and assorted alcohols floated in the air. It was the scent Ravenna and long gotten used to. And by all accounts of looking at the mask of Raven, he was a sea dog, a man who knew his way around a ship, a dock and a pistol.

The Assassin Wolf sat there bobbing up and down, still in mid repairs. There was one lamp on. Serge was always awake at this late hour awaiting news from his newest assassin.

Raven headed up the gang plank and over the deck. "Ahoy there Capt. " A tip of his wide brimmed hat. "I come with good news."

Serge stood in the shadows at the helm. "Did you find her?"

Raven smirked. "Aye I did, I captured her."

"Why didn't you bring her with you, you fool she could escape."

"I highly doubt she'll escape Capt. I chained her behind a cell door with heavy iron chains. Magical proof as well. And no one she knows even thinks she's alive by now, she's been hiding. found her sleeping in the woods. She was runnin scared. " A grin. "And I anit no fool, I want my money first then I will lead you to her."

Serge grumbled but came down from the wheel and looked Raven in the eye. "Fine, I will give you half now, and half when I see that she is alive." Raven shook his head, "all of it now, and I have the proof you need."

Serge was moving in to his office, the captains quarters under the helm steps. "What proof?"

Raven dug out a little machine from his deep jacket pocket. "This place is full of technology, and I am no novice. Look for yourself." He tossed the little gizmo at Serge who caught it. He gave it a look over, it was a data pad and capable of doing many things, and one of them was video taping. There on the little screen he would see a caged Ravenna behind iron bars with heavy iron shackled on, her hair a mess, her clothes tore and dirty, she looked like hell. In the back round you could hear a mans voice taunting her. Any time Ravenna moved too close tot he bars she would get shocked with electric waves.

Serge watched smiling. Raven stood there. The data pad had not been easy to come by, nor had it been easy to stage her self being tortured. But Ravenna was no novice at technology.

"Oh this is very nice. " Serge pocked the device. "Alright then,the whole sum now." Serge walked behind his desk and fished out two large bags. "Your promised amount, and some extra, for I intend to keep this little data pad. " He dropped the bags on the floor.

Raven eyed the bags and nodded. "Very good that ends our agreement."

Serge nodded. "I'll call on you should I need any more help."

Raven grinned. "Very good." As he moved to lift up the bags of gold,and gems. He slipped a dagger from his sleeve. At that moment a bunch of thugs Raven had paid had started to toss bottles at the Assassins wolf. Serge heard the bottles crashing to his deck and went to go investigate.

The demon moved out the door past Raven. As he stepped out on tot he deck to yell at the thugs that dagger slid in to Ravens hand.

Serge took three steps. And before the last one landed in full that dagger slid over the demons neck. Through the flesh, and muscle. Ravenna had been awaiting that day, she had kept one thing beside the data pad that was linked to Isaac. His dagger, it was old elven, made of mithral the blade was thin yet strong,he had carried it every day till the day he left ..on that day he gave it to her. "Keep this close, it will keep you safe."

Over the years she had it enhanced with many magic's ...demons were not mortal and many could not be easily killed. So as it cut through flesh and muscle it sent out pulses of magic.

Serge reached up to grab at the dagger but Raven was faster the dagger was already gone the wound bleeding. Blood seeping to the deck over Serge's clothes, Ravens hands were covered in the demons blood.

He tried to speak but could not, he glared at the assassin. Raven merely shrugged his shoulders. "I think I'll keep the girl, the money and your ship."

But then Serge did something Raven did not expect, he thrust out his hands a blast of magic hit him. Flying back the assassin went till he hit the wall of the captains office. The magic burned at the mask of Raven, it tore apart the illusion and gave the assassin a deep gash along the side like a wound from a sword.

The mask of Raven fell apart, the magic on magic burned.

As Serge sunk to his feet dying he saw Ravens hat fall off and long raven hair fall forward, and those eyes look at him. Ravenna's eyes. The men's clothing hung loosely on her frame, the magic mixing left a long burn mark on the deck and burned through the arms of the shirt she wore. Blood welled at her left side, and she gripped at it with her hands. " Even if I die here, you will die first."

Serge gasped, blood and foam came out of his mouth as he took two steps forward, staggered then fell face first on to the deck he died there in a violet burst of flame. The demons body burned away leaving only blood and bones. The deck was on fire now, but Ravenna couldn't move. The gash in her side welled with blood, the magic Serge had tossed at her made her feel so heavy. The days of using the mask of Raven and its magic left her unable to even cast a simple spell.

The thugs Raven had paid ran off as the ship started to burn.

Ravenna lay there propped up against the wall, her blood going through her fingers on tot he deck.The fire was spreading, the smoke floated up . Sooner or later the guard would come put the fire out, but it wouldn't be soon enough.

"I did it...Isaac, he's dead. The bastard is dead. "She took a deep breath and coughed, she could taste blood. "I wonder if I will see you...or if I have sinned to much now." She leaned back heavily, closing her eyes.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-07-29 19:22 EST
As the ship continued to burn brightly, a voice echoed over the roaring of the fire. "Rosa maral" Suddenly a heavy rain storm appeared over the boat. Slowly putting out the fires as a cloaked male, made his way up on to the ship. Pausing to look around as he make sure the ship would hold his weight.

Once that was made sure of, he turned and moved towards the form of Ravenna. Shaking his head slightly as he neared her, before kneeling down t check her pulse. Seeing that she was still alive, his other hand came up to push his hood back. Letting the woman see, if she opened her eyes that it was the very man she had thought about hiring as her bodyguard.

"Dos ph'natha dubo iwaotc ulu zuel harl. Dos ph'crealo nindel Usstan inbal tlus veldrinin dos whol reiyal fol draeval." Smirking down at her as he hadn't even realized at the moment, that he was speaking in drow. Clearing his throat for a moment, as he carefully moved her hand from her wounds.

" Hold still. " He glanced at her as he placed a hand over the wound, then closed his eyes. "Tanka tel' taurnin" Murmured as he let a burst of magic course through his body, then around the wound to slowly close it up. Not moving his hand or stopping the spell, till each wound she had gotten was healed.

Slowly opening his eyes once the spell had faded, and before she could protest him showing up out of the blue. Or before she could curse him out for healing her, he would carefully scoop her up to be cradled in his arms and moved down off the ship. Taking her away from the smoke from the ship, which was just now starting to draw attention from the guards.

Upon reaching a spot far enough away, he would carefully lay her down on the blanket he had laid out for his camp site. He then turned as got a fire going, before sitting down. Not seeming to mind that he had gotten her blood on his clothing while helping her. He then looked to her to await what ever her reaction would be to his interference.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-07-31 21:39 EST
Her eyes were closed, sure to feel the fires grip at any moment. Then suddenly it was raining" Or was she dead" Was it the spray of the sea that she felt' She could smell the smoke of the fires as they were doused by the rain.

She held her side faintly. "Issac.." She whimpered and coughed. Her eyes fluttered open to see the rain, the smoke and the man . She knew his face, but couldn't be sure. Maybe it was grim death come to claim her. She couldn't really make anything out with the smoke,or the rain and she was too weak to keep her eyes open. The faint voice in Drow, she didn't know many of the words. Something about being hard to track down and shadowing. But that was all she could really make out as she came and went from being conscience.

Her body was still as stone, but she felt the greater heal take place. The elven words she could make out with more ease than the words spoken in Drow. She no longer felt her own blood seeping through her fingers, nor the burns from Serge's demonic magic. She felt light and she could breathe with out coughing up blood. She didn't protest,nor speak a word. Though healed it seemed she was out cold now. Her eyes closed , yet body healed.

The warmth of the fire and its glow woke her some time later laying on a blanket. She felt as if she had battled for days on end with out food or sleep. And in all truth she had used great magic's to mask around as a man. She looked to her clothes still Ravens clothes, baggy pants and her shirt, the sleeves had burned away there was blood on the side not wet any longer. She had that dagger at her side, still tainted with Serge's blood. But this was no the Assassins Wolf. This was a camp site. She lifted her head, and looked around slowly.

The smell was too much Rhydin for her to be dead. She recalled the man in the cloak, and his face blurred by the smoke and rain. She knew now who it was that had come to her rescue. " Dacomas Aldurus. " She sat up fully and raked her hand through her hair. "I thought I told you not to come looking for me." She had written him a note and left it with enough pay for another three months of guard duty. Though she wasn't expecting to live that long when she left the note. Merely pay him for his time.

"How long did you know it was me?" Meaning how long did he know that Raven was her, that shed used magic's to mask her self as a man. Idly wished she had her own clothes now, all stored away in that warehouse. "Did you know the moment you ran in to Raven on the pier or before that?"

She looked around, the sights and smells of Rhydin came back to her eyes. The sand underneath the water black still. The ships yards off,the clouds thin now, holding no rain. " bel'la dos." She uttered the Drow words slowly, it was not a language she knew much of or spoke often. But she wanted to thank him she could have said it in elven or common but chose Drow. She looked tot he fire then to the sky. Serge was dead...She felt that pressure come off her shoulders. No longer would he haunt or hunt her. She looked up at the stars and hope Issac was at peace.



She looked p for a long while, feeling weak,hungry and dirty. Maybe it was the blood though dry upon her dagger,clothes and body.Maybe it was the fact that to pull off Raven she had not shwoered in ehr normal ways for some days now. Though the waters off the beach looked black, she knew they might be inviting even if they were cold. But she would ahve to wait till she had her own things to change in to.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-01 18:00 EST
He glanced over at Ravenna when she said his name, before chuckling lightly at reminding him about the note and pay she had left behind for him. "True you told me not to come look for you, but I wouldn't be a good bodyguard if I were to just collect money and not do my job." Turning to set a plate of food beside her, guessing that she might be hungry.

"I've known since I ran into you at the docks. As I normally don't get the once over from many guys around here. So that kinda tipped me off that it was you." Just said to tease her a little bit, before he moved over to one of the packs he had at the camp.

"Here. I figured you could use these if I found you before you went and got yourself killed." Picking up one of the packs, that she would note was her's. The one that had her clothes and the rest of the things she carried on her person inside. Seems she had hired a pretty good guard and a good scout.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-02 16:16 EST
She eyed the plate of food then him. Then took the plate closer. She was hungry, she was starving. She took a slow bite, so not to be too eager. She chuckled then at his remark. "I did not look you over." Thinking back tot hat day, maybe she had, maybe the mask of Raven had slipped a little when she saw him. But then again he had been doing a gallant deed tearing down posters of her lovely female face.

She recalled it all how they ran in to each other. Raven had spoken a word. But inside behind the mask of magic Ravenna noticed how very good her body guard who she had ditched was. Maybe that was what he saw in the second that their eyes locked. But Raven had played it off cool, or so she thought. She had written it off later, there was no way he could have known who she was under the magic. For Raven looked one hundred percent male, there was nothing about the magic that had faded in that second of contact.

He had been doing his job all along. " And maybe I was trying to keep you out of it. I left everything behind, the friends I had made, everything. " And in the end it was worth it Serge was dead, but she had nearly died as well. She looked down tot he pack, it was hers.How had he found it' Had he really been tailing her that long that he knew of her little warehouse home"

How else would he have found her things" Though there wasn't much she carried with her. two changes of clothes,a few weapons were in that pack. She had carried the rest on her as Raven, the daggers that Dyhren had given to her, the set of brass knuckles Gaelira had loaned her. Her own dagger, and the magic mask of Raven that came with a price.

"I'll hand it to you, your good." She continued to eat, it felt good to have food in her stomach, something more than Ale, and stale bread or fish. She looked d inside the bag to find her few personal items there. Shed been on the hunt and in hiding so long she had given up having to many things tie her to the world. She finished the plate of food and sat it aside. It would be nice to change in to her own things. But she felt rank, in need of a good bath.

With Serge gone, she could sell the warehouse she had made up for her little comforts and maybe buy a small house or apartment. She could go back to the inn and not be in hiding under cloaks hood. She could walk freely in the streets and on the dock and know she was safe.

Looking back towards the docks she could hear and see the guardsmen running up and down. Calling out orders and rounding up the usual suspects. The Assassins Wolf was still there she could see the crows nest,though it was leaning heavily. She knew the fire had likely ruined what was left of the deck,the damn ship had been listing before the battle.

To bad it wouldn't go up in smoke. But as she watched she saw the main mast with the nest fall to the side. She heard the splash of the mast hitting the water and the faint gurgle of the water over taking the ship as it sank. It wouldn't have far to go. But she grinned tot he idea that the demons ship was gone ...sinking in to the waters near the dock.

She heard the guards men shout and saw from the distance flames. She rose slowly, rocking back and forth still a bit uneasy. Where the fire had come from she could not know. parts of the demons ship that remained would be gone with day break, burned in the waters just off the dock.

She stood there uneasy for another few seconds then tumbled back, then forward on to her knees. Her eyes left the burning ship by the docks tot he fire before her. Maybe she had set out to be killed. Maybe it had been her hope that in the last battle she would die along with the man...the demon that took away her love.

But she was alive. "Did it ever occur to you that I might have been setting out to get killed?" She stayed on her knees her head bowed, her hair dirty and greasy and slightly wet still hung down over her face. For the last decade she had been waiting to attack...no it had been longer than that. Since the day Issac died she had been waiting to find the way and means to kill Serge. Now it was done, her revenge over. She thought surely she would have died. Maybe a part of her wanted to, to see what it would be like.

In those few moments where she lay there her blood seeping through her fingers on to the deck. She had felt the burn of the magic's Serge used, the falling apart of the magic's she had used to be Raven and the pain...all of it.

Then the rain, and the feeling of magic's, bright and new,healing her. Her wounds were healed but her soul felt tore. She knew what Issac would say to her, the giving up was not her style, that his death was not her fault and that paying back with her own life would be no justice.

A sob broke free. As she leaned there looking down to the sand. The demon was gone that had haunted her and hunted her for all these long years. But it was all she had left...that fight, the hunt for justice. Vengeance.

With Serge gone, Issac's death settled in.All this time she'd been holding on to his ghost,seeking out the man who killed him. But now it was done...and she was left alive. "You should have left me there." She whispered not looking up.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-02 21:59 EST
He looked back to Ravenna as she started to eat and speak, just flashing her a smile. Letting her speak her mind as he moved to fix her a place to sleep at the camp site for the night. Listening to her as she seemed to be fussing at him, getting him to shake his head.

"I told you before that I tend to do my job when paid. And seeing how I still have a month to go. I'll leave it up to you if you want to hire me for a longer period of time." Coming to a stop as he turned to watch her, as she mentioned something about wanting to die. Then to him saying he should of just let her.

Slowly moving to his feet now as he moved over to her, where he would haul her up to her feet and give her a good hard shake. "That's enough. You killed the man that caused you a lot of harm during your life. You have a choice now. Continue to cling to a past that will never return, or look to the future." Said firmly to her as he gave her a shove backwards.

"You hired me to be your body guard. And that means it is my job to keep you alive, even if you try to get yourself killed. I'm betting that whoever that man killed was close to you. And he'd agree with me. Getting yourself killed is not what he would want. Am I right?" Crossing his arms as he waited for her to answer.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-03 00:08 EST
She didnt look up to watch him set a place for her to sleep. She wasnt sure she could sleep. Suddenly she wa son her feet and he gave her a hard shake. If she hadnt been so out of it she might have hit him,no one was usually that way with her. She starred at him her tears gone but the marks they left ran dwon her dirty cheeks.

She fell back in to the sand after that shove. The fighter in her wnated to get up and tell him to back the hell off. Or to fight him, just to get it out of her system. But she sat there in the sand and her brows perked to his words.

She knew the answer right off. Issac would have been angry at her too, for going off half cocked and nearly dying. He wouldnt have wanted it that way. " He'd agree with you. "She used the back of her hand to wipe off her face. " And I am not holding on to the past....Serge was the last link I had to it...everyone else is dead. " Maybe she felt she had nothing to look forward to...what would she do tomorrow and the day after? "I have lived through this hunt...for so long. Its been decades...since Serge killed Issac, all I wnated was revenge. It took me a long time to find the power and the means to kill him. It seemed only fitting that I would die too." She didnt look up from the sand.

"I know I hired you to kee me safe and alive, to watch my back. And I did pay you in advance for another month so...its only right I stay alive . "She ran her fingers through her ratty hair. " It just feels like...the weight isnt there any more...the weight of any of it. The fight, the hunt,Issac....its like his ghost left me the moment Serge was killed and now...I am alone." She had always been alone though. She cas her eyes to him,still wishing she had the strenght to maybe hit him,but he had been right and she knew it.

She looked tot he black ocean waters then to the place he had set for her to sleep. "I dont think I can sleep, not feeling like I do...dirty and rank. "She rose to her feet still a bit shaky, she lifted her pack up and slung it over one shoulder. "Thanks for the save..." She looked to him. She wouldnt stay there, she couldnt. So she walked off back for the docks. Her footing was a bit shaky for the first few steps but she found it again.

She had needed that shake up, it was like a slap to the face.

She didnt look back to that little isolated camp of his. He had enough coin to stay any where in town with whats he had paid him yet he choose that little out of the way spot. She couldnt dwell on why now.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-03 00:36 EST
It took her a little longer than usual but she made t back to the warehouse she claimed as her own. She went inside in tot he darkness and walked through it. There were no monsters there, no ghosts hidding in the shadows. She walked till she reached the little space she had commised a bathroom to be made. She pulled open the door and flipped on the light.

She dropped her bag at her feet and turned to look at her reflection in the mirror. Those bolue eyes starred back at her, underneath them were purple bags almost, as thoug she hadnt slept for days and days...or years. Her hair was a matted mess,ratty and tangled, filled with water,sand and blood. Her clothes were that of Ravens, a baggy shirt its arms burned away.She undid the buttons then tore the rest of the shirt off. It wasnt going to be saved not witht hat assive blood stain on the side.

She looked at herself, she looked a bit thiner , her body was dirty, bloody but there was nothing left of the wound that Serge had given her. She tore out of the boots and baggy pants. Hre and tired, and above all dirty.

She padded to the shower opened the glass door and turned ont he water, mostly hot. Then stepped in to the spray.

She scrubbed away the blood,and dirty.Away the rank smell in her hair which she washed a dozen times at least till the bubbles came rolling down her back and legs. She stood there letting it all wash away, her blood, Serge's blood. Her tears and all the pain.

When she shut off the shower and stepped out in tot he fog she padded to the mirror and wrote Issac's name on it. "It seems odd that I would want to die...I have fought so long to stay alive out of the hands of that man, but now hes dead...and in hell I hope. But I longed to see you again..." She closed her eyes, the fog was fading from the room, and Issac's name from the mirror. She saw her own face, clean, looking better.

She wrapped up in a towel and went to drying then getting dressed. It was nice to have her own clothes on. She left Ravens dirty, bloody clothes ont he floor, his boots as well. She would ahve no need of them. She slung her pack over one shoulder and double checked the warehouse, picking through anything she needed to take with her.

In the morning shed come back and sell it tot he dock master. Tonight shed find some where warm to sleep. She slipped on her boots and slipped out of the warehouse one bag over her shoulder the other in her hand. It would be easy toleave town if she didnt feel tied here...joined to those few she knew who she hadnt seen.

She left the smell of the docks behind for one of the smaller inns. It was cheep yet cozy. She had her own room with a view. She settled her things to the bed and took a place by the window.

She would have to make things up to Dacomas. And maybe hit him for good measure, just so he knew who he was dealing with. Ravenna was not so soft...but she had felt it, so weak. Maybe it was the magics leaving her, or the after math of the fight. Or maybe it was the part of her she denied.

He had shaken some sense in to her. And she had felt oddly comforted by it. She looked out tot he shaodws beyond the window sill and wodnered if he had shadowed her here. Or if he had taken her cue and given her abit of space. She felt cleaner now,more like herself...but les slike herself too. Weary, lonely...she shook her head and went to the bed.

She moved her two bags to the floor and lay there....curled up holding the pillow. It was a side she didnt show..

~~~

When day broke and she opened her eyes she sat up forgetting for a moment where she was. Then recalling everything that had happened. She ran her fingers through her hair and rose to her feet. Walking to the window she peered out. "You must have done this every day after she died...for years you must have felt this pain. Then fate..or what may have you led you to me...and we loved for what felt like so little of time. "She spoke to the window, tot he air, to the ghost she knew was not there.

" Now I must live with out you here, with out any of the things that I had left. No more vengence. "She leaned there. "No more love..." She sighed and shook her head then went to gather her things. A bag over her shoudler, and one in her hand she left the little inn room, paid her fee and left the inn for the docks.

She didnt have to wait long for someone to buy her tricked out warehouse. She got a good amount for it. She hoped maybe that it would be put to good use. As she walked the docks she saw that The Assassins Wolf was gone, nothing was left, not a plank of wood. Nothing. She stood there for a moment before heading on down the dock.

It might have been dark, and she had been out of it for the mostp part but she found her way abck towards Dacomas's little isolated camp. The fire was gone, the rocks still there. But that was it. She looked up and down the beach, expecting him to be shadowing her.

But she didnt see him there. Eventually hed turn up. Back down the beach, and away from the docks she went. It was far past time to find a palce of her own...now that she could settle ..it might as well be here.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-06 12:40 EST
As she moved further down the docks, she would finally come across him. Leaning back against one of the pillars, with his arms crossed over his chest. As if he had been waiting for her, which was probably the truth of the matter. His eyes would open, before he glanced towards her with a bow of his head.

"Was wondering when you would turn up." Smirking at her before lifting one hand, asking her to wait on speaking. He waited till she done as asked, before he looked out towards the sea. Seemed there was something he needed to tell her.

"There is something that you need to know." Not looking to her as this bit of information would probably shock her. "The man that you killed was once my brother in arms, a long time ago. I was his second in command. and they didn't always kill for money or the thrill of it." He paused to let that sink in, then continued.

"Things started to changed towards them being nothing more than hired killers, and because I refused to change along with them. They tried to kill me, so to keep my presence from being noticed. I disappeared, taking jobs here and there. So they wouldn't find me." Another pause as he looked to her, with a faint smile.

"That was until I started to work for you, and they found out. So while you were pretending to be a guy. I followed you, while keeping any interested followers from figuring it out. One more thing I am sorry for the pain and suffering that they caused you. If I would of been there, I wouldn't of let it happen. For what it is worth. I am sorry for what my former brothers in arm have done to you." Now bowing his head to her, and waited for her reaction.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-10 00:14 EST
She paused as she saw him leaning there about to let go with some witty quip before his hand went up. He had something to say, so she would hear it. She crossed her arms and played as if she was zipping her mouth shut so he could speak .

She stood there and listened to ever word. Usually when soneone began talking with, there is something you need to know, she didnt like what followed. But she let him tell his peace. When the words Brother in arms escaped his mouth she wanted to explode. How could anyone be a brothe rina rms to that demon, to the foul soult hat killed her beloved. But she calmed a bit, rationalizing as he spoke. Serge was old. Older than his father had been when he died. He had likely live many a year before coming in to her own life. She was letting the words sink in.

She had her arms crossed that look in her blue eyes could have been deadly, but it was soft, as she listened to the tale. She smirked at his commoent of her pretending to be a guy.It ahd been no game, it ahd been ful on magics that made her in every way a man. She could attest to that, but was still silent.

"You where not there in Las Belin when Issac died, when Serge's minions blew up his ship. I would recall you if you had been and youd be dead, so you have nothing to be sorry for. Brothers in arms you once were, but he was not the man he used to be. I am sure, he might of started off as an assassin or merc, killing for the pay, or what may have you. I would have had no issues with him then, or you in those days. I have killed my share of men. " She took a pause and looked to him . " He is dead, and that is that. I can not and will not hold it against you. And further more, the mask of Raven, the male...was no game, no mere me dressing up to look like a man, it was deep and some whatd ark magics I did to gain that form, and I was Raven, all male in every way. That I can assure to you. "

She unfolded her arms. "Issac is dead, and has been for many many years now. Serge was my hunt, my revenge. An eye for an eye, thats how I trained for this. But what you said was right. Issac would not want me to linger, not in the past. His ghost is gone, and I hope at peace. Serge I hope burns in what ever hell spat him out. As for you. " She gave him a look. " We've all done things in our past, known people who turned out bad, or killed for money or pleasures. I am no better than that myself, so I hold it not against you that Serge was once your brother in arms. I also wany to thank you, not only for coming to my aid and healing me. But for knocking some sense in to me. " She held up her own hand as if to stop any quick witted quip he might have.

"Your a good body guard, with Serge dead, and all of his minions paid off or dead. I may not have much need of a body guard. I intend to stay in Rhydin. I have a few friends here, one who may help me find a house to my liking. But I wanted to find you and thank you again...and now I have."

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-11 14:06 EST
It was his turn to listen to what she had to say as he glanced at her. With a smirk to her cutting him off before he could make any comments, so he would hold them until she finished. Once she did, he turned to face her before moving towards her.

"Trying to get rid of me so soon' Very well then, if that is what you want. I'll stick around till the final month of our agreement up. Before that day comes." Suddenly pausing as he grabbed her by the shoulders, as if he was going to give her another good shake. Instead he done something clearly out of the blue, or perhaps it wasn't.

He leaned down to her, pressing a slow, deep kiss to her lips. Quickly shifting his hands with one sliding up into her hair, and the other on the small of her back. Dipping her as he keep that kiss going. Oh he knew full well that it was a dangerous move to pull on her, but he done it anyway.

After letting the sudden kiss linger for what seemed like minutes. He brought her out of that dip. "I plan on doing that to you again." Murmured to her as he leaned back from her, yet his hands remained on the small of her back, with his other hand joining the other there.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-11 15:20 EST
She shook her head at him. Maybe she was trying to get rid of him. Or maybe she was being honest, bluntly honest. She wouldnt have need of a body guard any more.

When he took her by the shoulders she fought back against him. She wasnt going to have him shake any more sense in to her.Not this time this time she was on her guard. He kissed her" Why in hells name was he kissing her" She tried to pull away but his hand was in her hair the other on the small of her back, and she was in a dip. She let it linger but didnt kiss him back. She let it be one sided. When he pulled back from the kiss his hands on her back. She cocked her head to the side eyeing him then.

He might have seen it coming. The swift move of her right hook, that caught his jaw. Then her legs, so not swooned with his style though it wasnt bad .He had guts to kiss her like that...or at all. She swept his legs from under him after that punch landed.Landing him on his ass.

She then pulled a dagger from her belt as he was now flat on his ass before her. "Do that again, and I will cut you from nose to naval. "She promsied, it was no mere threat. "Then I will gladly releave you of your manhood.." She made sure to make her point by stepping on his chest with a firm boot. She then spun the dagger slid it through her belt and walked over him away, the way she had been going before.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-11 15:32 EST
She had caught him off guard as she clocked him in the jaw, and as he staggered from the punch. She swept his legs out from under him, causing him to land on his ass. Next thing he knew, she shoved a boot into his chest and drew a dagger on him.

He smirked up at her to her threat, before he moved to his feet. He then started to dust himself off, before turning to move towards her. He wasn't about to give up that easily. He then moved to grab her by the shoulder again and spin her around to face him.

This time he was on guard in case she threw another punch, which she did but he caught it. With a twist, he had that arm behind her back, then producing his own dagger and held it to her neck. Then leaned to her ear. "You'll never do that to me." Daring her to try it as he twisted them both again to trap her hands and arms against his chest, with another dip and even longer kiss.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-11 15:51 EST
She had taken a few long strides away before he pulled her back by the shoulder. He caught her left hook, and there went her left arm behind her back twisted. Her right hand came up and he stopped that one too. Now she had a dagger to her neck. Not the first time, nor likely the last. He twisted her arms hard against his chest. And she smirked at his words. "I would gladly show you..." But her words were stopped shot again as he kissed her. This time it was deeper, rougher even as he held her at bay. She could easily lift her leg and knee him in that manhood she promised to rid him of. But she wouldn't do that, he was no attacker who had her on the ropes.

She had to admit he was a good kisser, and she didn't much mind being so close to him. So she let the kiss happen again. But it wasn't so one sided any more. Her arms against his chest her hands in fists one moment then the next they took hold of his shirt. She was in a dip so she took advantage of that she leaned back in to it, pulling him with her back towards the sand . But she wasn't about to be the one on the bottom in that sand, no in mid fall she made sure it was him on the bottom and her on top, maybe giving him a run for his money with a returned kiss of her own.

She let it linger,a few moments. Let him see that she was a wild thing, not so easily taken before she pulled from the kiss and sat there on top of him. "Your bold I'll give you that much." She looked down at him. " But you have no idea what I can and will do. Gladly , happily with a tune in my head and a dagger in my hand...so don't push me unless you want to get pushed back."

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-11 16:03 EST
He didn't mind at all that she was kissing him back, which had him distracted. Because the next thing he knew, she had twisted and caused them both to fall onto the sands. With him serving as her landing pad. And once she pulled back from the kiss, he smirked up at her at her words.

"That so' Then I guess I'll just have to keep pushing you. That is if you can keep up with me." Moving his hands up to draw her back down closer towards him. "Because with you...I don't plan on taking no for an answer." Smirking slowly up at her as he waited to see if she'd push back, or dare him into continuing this dance with her.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-11 16:19 EST
She smirked at him and leaned down closer to him "I can keep up." She whispered and hed feel the cold flat side of ehr dagger against his ear and neck. If he wanted to push her and have her push back oh he had landed him self in some deep shit with that.

"You dont plan on taking no for an answer." She rose up a little still liking this her on top him under her. She flipped that dagger idly from one hand to the other. " Your a bold man...or perhaps very very stupid. I could leave you on this beach, your guts out for the sea birds and vultures that would come...oh youd be alive long enough to see them come for you, to feel them pick at you. "

She slid that dagger back through her belt. And then she leaned in again, "I wonder if you can keep up body guard. " She smirked at him and ran her fingers slowly down his chest. "I dont think you can honestly handle me. I could kill you at any given moment..." She looked down at him. "Or perhaps give you something you dont bargain for." She didnt say what, but that smirk and the flicker in her blue eyes might have told him what she was thinking. She was no navie little girl, no innocent women he could charm with his brash ways...though she didnt mind them. She leaned down as if she might kiss him again, but just lifted herself up and looked at him.

"Tis a dangerous game of cat and mouse you've started.."

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-11 16:30 EST
He continued to smirk up at her, as most guys would of been scared of her. Yet he seemed to enjoy playing this dangerous game with her, shifting his head slightly, just enough to press his neck into that dagger. Still keeping his eyes on hers.

"Then prove that you can keep up with me, boss. And I'l prove that I can more than keep up with you. That is if you have it in you to play this game until one of us gives up. What do you say?" Shifting slightly under her to bring his own dagger up to the back of her neck.

"You are forgetting one thing. I could roll you over, right here on this beach and do the same thing to you. Leave you laying on this beach, with death closing in on you like it was back on that ship." Now leaning up to close that gap between them even more, as he carefully ran the tip of that dagger along the back of her neck now.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-12 00:52 EST
She didnt move or shift when she flet his dagger at the back of her neck.So easily placed he could leave her there for dead. "I'll gladly prove that. I am not about to give up. "She smirked and looked down at him, no she hadnt forgottent hat he could easily roll her over and kill her, she wasnt dumb.She knew who she hired. "You could, easily lay me low on this beach, kill me, leave me dead like I was nearly on Serge's ship." She arched her neck just slightly.

" But you havent, perhaps you like the view" She was there over him. "Or perhaps youd rather not see me dead,laying low on the beach for the birds to pick at...but...laid low on silken sheets.." She leaned forward her fingers walking up his chest. Her other hand was free and she could easily reach one of her weapons or even his own, but she didnt she slid it behind her to his hand that held that dagger to the back of her neck. She ran her fingers down the blade to the hilt and over his fingers that held it there. "Unless you plan on ending our little game now...sending me to death?" She leaned in closer to him. She didnt fear death, she usually sought it out.

"But I dont think you will. " She looked down at him . "But I can think of a dozen better things to do with that dagger...you have to my neck. Things I would think a brash rogue would know. " She leaned down so she was right against him. "So either kiss me or kill me..."

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-12 11:32 EST
He smirked up at her as it seemed like they were at a stalemate on their game of cat and mouse. But that raised the question. Who was the cat and who was the mouse" It didn't matter to him at all, as he watched and listened to her taunts.

When she leaned down closer, he picked that moment to make his next move. Rolling them both over to place her on the bottom, with him shifting to straddle her hips. Smirking down at her as he now hovered over her, that dagger now resting with the tip pressed lightly against the front of her throat.

"I can think of a few things to do with this dagger as well. Like cutting the very clothes you are wearing now from your body, but not here." Murmured down to her as he again ran the tip of that dagger along her flesh.

"That idea about you on silken sheets seems more interesting, but I wonder. Is this just a spur of the moment thing for you, or do you wish for this" You being close to me for as long as it lasts?" Sheathing the dagger as he shifted down to lean closer, lips just an inch from her own.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-12 15:41 EST
Now she was in the sand. She should have seen that move coming. But she just smirked. She looke up at him and titled her head up slightly at the feeling of that dagger. She was hardly defenseless, but she wondered who was the cat and who was the mouse in their little game. She watched the dagger moe and her brows rose to his words. " Spoken like a true rogue..."She snickered to him then. " I knew that would get your attention. " She looked at him as he shifted closer. She pondered his question.

She could be very spur of the moment. But she wasnt usually so spur of the moment with most men. One long dead beloved...and a broken heart left her a bit ,ore protective of that said heart. She did have to admit she liked his style, he was dangerous...and maybe she wanted or needed that danger in her life. Myabe she liked the idea of being close to him, she hadnt been close to anyone in a long time. " Is it spur of the moment perhaps, I barely know you. Yet here I am. I dont find myself like this often." She gave hima quick peck on the lips. " How long do you think this little...thing will last' Till one of us kills the other" Or till you get bored ...or I get bored" You dont seem the type Dacomas...to want to be close to anyone least of all me, a woman you hardly know for as long as it may last." She reached up and grabbed that dagger by the blade. It didnt matter if it cut in to her hand.

"Once your month is up you'll be gone, the cash flow will be over and that will be that. So why not just end it now.." Whats the point?" She gripped that dagger harder. " So does it matter if it is spur of the moment or if I'd actualy like to keep you around? " Then that dagger was pulled from her grasp and sheathed. She pushed her hands against his chest the one was cut. She wasnt about to say she might like the idea of him around, nor did she kiss him which went through her mind.

"You'll be bored of it all before the end of the day.."She shoved him back and lifted her head from the sand.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-14 23:24 EST
He looked down at her as she spoke, with a smirk at the stolen kiss. Not saying a word to answer her questions, or making another move just yet that might hint at his answer. Letting her ponder on what he might say or do, before looking to her hands when she pressed them in to his chest.

He then leaned back as he took her cut hand in his, and shifted it to place a kiss to the top of her hand. Closing and healing the would, without leaving a scar behind. He then slowly moved to stand up, with helping her to stand with him.

"You want my answer?" Suddenly pulling her in close as he looked down into her eyes, as a slow smirk crossed his lips. He then leaned down to her ear. "Then I guess we'll just have to see how long we'll last." Murmured as it seemed he was willing to see how long it would last, if she had it in her to do the same.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-15 23:34 EST
She didnt flitch when his ahnd took hers. She sorta expected him to do somthing like that. Go and heal her. She rose when he offered her a hand up.She shook her hands through her hair, shaking loose the sand. Her eyes narrowed at him slightly. Then she was against him again, cuahgt off guard for the second time.

She heard his whipsered words and just smikred at them before pulling away. " I am not gonna bet high." She was going to have the last word this time. She walked away quickly so he wouldnt be able to stop her.

She didnt look back.

~~~

Sometime later

Alissa's voice was clea as a bell in her memory. "Dont you worry, he'll be back." She had said that again and again about Issac. Bt when they stood there in the port at Las Belin,looking out the glass window as the ship expoloded. When Wade Alissa's oldest brother had to hold Ravenna back...there would be no next time, no coming back.

Ravenna wandered the marketplace. Past the little shop shed gotten her beltan costume at, past the shops shed gotten Tehym and Andrews gifts at. She missed her friends. Shed been gone so long...

Whend arkness fell she sat on one of the old worn benches . She had no where to go...the warehouse sold, no place she wanted to go. The inn wasnt far, but she wasnt sure she was ready yet. Thiugh she longed to see her friends.

Her mind went back to ealier on the beach. That game fo cat and mouse with Dacomas. It was a dangerous game. "He should have left me there." She looked up tot he sky, there was thin film of clouds but she could see the stars. " You said to me once...that every moment was preasious to you. You lost your first love to old age, yet you kept her portrait. A constant reminder. I have nothing left of you...old memories, a craked unusable data pad. And a open wound in my chest where my heart should be."

She slammed her fist to the wooden bench. " Its not fair...You got to morn her, to learn to love again....and I got eleven wonderful years....and now two decades of hunting...and hes dead...and your ghost is gone.." She closed her eyes. "I meant to die there...I knew Serge wouldnt be easy to kill, I knew he would do something. I wanted to see your face, to know that there is some where out there that wenever saw...some palce warm and perfect...like that beach I see in my mind. " She ran her hand through her hair. "I dont know what I am doing...maybe I am hoping he'll get bored and just...or maybe I am just buying time...You would hate this, me dweling on things...but what else am I to do?"

She sighed. "I could leave...jump on any ship of sky or water and just leave. Go back to Luac...or Las Belin...but I know I wont find anything there but old ghosts and memories. I could just sail...for a while loose myself in the stars or the sea. "She kicked a rock at her feet.

"But I have no where left to go. When the orcs took me, when they killed my family. I held on every day through the beatings and torture. Through the hard back breaking labor and near starvation. I had nothing to hold on to...no sign of light....Yet I wonder still why I held on. I could have let go, died then. After we met and fell in love I beileve it was you...or the promise of something better that kept me going...hope.And love"

"I feel no hope, and love seems so fleeting. Everyone dies. Or leaves...so few stay...." She leaned forward. The night weined on around her, she had no where to go, no where she wanted to go just yet at least. The fimlmy clouds went away and she felt the chill of the night settle in.

Zipping up her jacket she wacthed the few latern lights flicker and the theives and beggars come out. They roamed the alleys. They kept to the shadows but she saw them all. There was a warning in her blue eyes...she was not to be taken lightly.

A few lone rhydin guards roamed through the sreet past flickering lamps.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-16 14:32 EST
Dacomas was in the marketplace as well, as he had spotted her after going for his own walk. A smirk crossed his lips as he carefully angled himself to slip up behind her. Close enough to hear what she was saying to herself, before looking towards those that were creeping out for the night.

"Are you so eager to rush off and meet death head on?You have been given a chance at living a more peaceful life than the one you have lived." Now coming into sight as he so dared to lay down on that bench, as well as resting his head right in her lap.

Looking up at her as he flashed her a prize winning grin. "If you are looking for salvation, like some damsel in distress. There ain't no heroes on white horses. I ain't seen them yet. There ain't knights in shining armor." Murmured up to her.

"Now if you want to see how far we last. I can tell you one thing. Heaven knows I'm no angel, just flesh and bones like all the rest. All I could give you is my best. I'd never try to hurt you or give you cause to doubt. I won't ever walk on water. I could only love you like a man." Now moving to stand up as he turned to face her.

Followed with him leaning down to be face to face with her. "So stop feeling sorry for yourself, and grab life with both hands and see how far down the proverbal rabbit hole you dare to go." Smirking as he leaned back to see if she'd take him up on his words.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-18 16:05 EST
She had her head in her hands. Before her eyes cast about. No would be thief or robber would mess with her tonight. Even if she looked like she could be easily taken, that was simply not so. Her brows rose to his voice, damn him. Why couldn't he just leave her alone. Then his head was in her lap. "Get off me, and go away. No thief or murder here would dare mess with me. They know me. You think just Raven killed people" And there is no peace...not in this life time..." Had she known peace...for eleven years she had, but before and after no...just pain and heart ache, hard work and even before...torture. " I am not going to go off half cocked to some thief or murderer here in Rhydin. If death wants me ...he can have me. "

She shook her head at his prize winning grin. " I am not looking to be saved, no white knight or hero on a white horse. No salvation, it doesn't exist for someone like me. So get that out of your head, I an not much for the damseling . I can handle myself."

She looked away towards the marketplace on his next little speech. She heard him but didn't say anything, till he rose and was eye to eye with her. "You want to stay on and get paid for watching my back...though there's no one left to watch for...fine...And I don't care if your an angel or a devil. And I honestly don't care if you hurt me or give me reasons to doubt. " She rose to her feet. " And I am not looking for love...there's no such thing any more. " She gave him a shove away. "I don't feel sorry for myself...you have no idea what I am feeling. So don't even try to guess. Take hold of life" " She chuckled. "Dare to see what it could bring..." She just shook her head, she wasn't ready to see what life could bring...

If he looked at her really looked past the hard shell she made for herself he'd see sadness in her eyes...the hint that she might have been crying before anyone came upon her. " You know nothing about me..." She left it at that and walked away.

She wouldn't be stopped , slinking down the first alley way that she found. It was a dead end unless you went up. She knew all these streets, shed been living in them, in the shadows as raven or herself. The ladder up and rusty but it didn't creek even in the slightest as she ascended to the roof and went off running. The night air was not warm nor cool and it felt good as it brushed under her half zipped up jacket. Jumping the few feet from building to building never looking back.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-18 16:38 EST
The spray against the rocks, the dim dawn on the horizon. This place so few knew of. Local fishermen avoided these rocks they were craggy and dangerous, every captain and sailor with their metal knew to sail wide around, for the reef jutted out for at least a mile beyond the rocks.

The little lea not far behind her had afew sparce trees. She knewit so well that was the place she crash landed. The spot was clear now, green with grass. Not a sign that she had come down there. the shipw as gone, sold for what parts were still good enough and scrap metal.

Perhaps it had been fate that had brought her here. Serge was there, that was why she had been taken there. Tof ind and kill him, for vengeance. The blood on her hands was of wicked men, of those who likely deserved it. And Serge's most of all.

But they were clean now,washed by the sea. She had no more tears for herself or for what she had lost. She looked out to the sky, the rising sun. How many times had she not seen it rise yet still beileved...still ahd hope for a new day' Back in the days where she was a prisoner, a slave..one amoung many int he caves of the orcs. How long had she lived through it all? She had the scars to show for it...she could stillr ecall the day of her whipping.

They had been so close, so close to being free. She had made only a few friends. So few made it. But some how she and the three others had made it away. She couldnt remember their names now, another elven girl...her hair must have been like star light before becoming dirty, and a drow boy, his skin like onyx.

They had been so close. But...they were caught.

The bite of the whip. The sound as it came at her, as she was held firm. The desire to scream, but holding it back. The fourty lash marks criss crossed over her back, that stung for weeks, that would crack and bleed.

Theyw ere long healed now, scars that criss crossed her back, no mage nor healer could heal them. For they were made by orcs, witha n orc whip, imbubed with magics and malice. And even if someone could heal them, she wanted them there....she had been a girl...but that day and every day after ward had changed her, till they were rescued.

Years after as a servant, yet she was never treated so ill again.

She thought back ont he day Issac bid on her and saved her from sme other fate. He was many years her elder...by elven standards. Yet she had grown to love him, he gained her trust. The spray brought ehr back tot he sun as it rose higher, she had to lift her hand to shield her eyes. "Goodbye Issac..."She looked down to the cracked data pad in her hand, yes she could toss it tot he sea but just tucked it in to her jacket pocket. " You saved me..long ago. But I was a girl then...a slave and servant. But you loved me...showed me a world I had not known. A world free of violence, and pain. No blood shed, and the only tears I shed were joyfull ones till the day you died. " She looked to the sun.

" I wish I could be with you again....just. "She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "You'd not know me now, if you were alive. The Ravenna you knew and loved, the one who could love and be happy and live life...shes dead. Shes been dead for a long time. Replaced by a cold calculating assassin. I burried my heart, and my soul ." She wiped away a tear that ran down her cheek.

She looked at the sun. And let the spray wash over her again. She rose to her feet then. " The Ravenna you knew died with you that day...that is the part you took with you. My heart...my soul. I mourned you all this time. Mourned the loss of part of myself. You died...you would have died for me,in the line of battle or for any reason. But your gone. I can not mourn you any more. Nor that part of me you took with you."

She took a few steos away looking back to the sun. " Your gone...that part of me is gone. There is no going back. You always said, to look ahead . There is too much to see to look back. So I'll look forward...and go on. "She closed her eyes. "I hope your at peace..."

She headed down along the craggy rocks. Then jumped in to the sand. Walking through the lea, past the trees and little white flowers. Feeling some measure of peace. She walked through the lea,slowly letting the wind rush past her, letting the weight lift off her shoulders.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-18 23:42 EST
He listened to Ravenna as she spoke, but said nothing in return as she really didn't give him much of a chance. Turning to watch her as she moved around, before watching her head off into the night. Getting a smirk to cross his lips, before turning to head in the other direction. Or that is what it appeared.

Using a different alley way to make his way up to the roof tops. Seems he knew the town just as good as she did, but he kept far enough back to not be spotted, as well as keep her within sight.

He would catch up to her at the beach, but still kept his distance as he listened to her once again talking to her former love. Watching her quietly as she started to head off again. He then followed her once again, before coming up to walk beside her.

"Before you go off on me about me following you again. I don't plan on just disappearing when the month is out. So you are stuck with me. Another thing is that he is resting in peace. I am not saying this to make you feel better. I can just see the spirits of those that have passed on." Looking to her as he spoke, not worried if she believed him or not.

"I know you would prefer it if I would just go away." Now turning to face her and block her path. "That is something that I won't do. I have a deal for you. Travel with me and see what is out there. Who knows. You just might see what there is in front of you to live for." Had he meant himself with the last line? Perhaps.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-19 00:38 EST
She shouldnt be have been surpised to hear his voice there before she walked in to her most sacred spot. He had followed her all night to find her there on those craggy rocks. "Your presistant." She said idly looking to him as she walked away from the beach the days light behind her now. Her brows rose at his remark, that he could see spirits. She didnt know if she believed him or not but she let that go.

He stood in her path in to the lea. "I dont plan on going any where. I travled the sea and the stars, a hundred and two years in the sky and eighty at sea. I've seen places no one in Rhydin ever will,nor ever could. I thought about it, leaving heading off on a ship again, sea or stars it wouldnt matter to me. I have a name in with many of the captains here. But something brought me here, made me crash down right here, not six feet from where we are standing."

She walked past him slightly in to the grassy lea. It was warm and wild. The grass felt good on her skin. She had no place really to call her own. No house or apartment. And this place felt lke home, warm and beautiful. Close to the sea. Close to the stars at night. She sat down and felt the grass under her fingers then lay back letting the new sun warm her , her coat undone, her bags under her head as pillows. A roaming vagabond. Thats what shed become.Yes she had the money and the connections to get a house, or apartment any where in the ccity or even beyond. But she hadnt made that leap yet, tying her self here, with a piece of property.

She still thought about Issac, saying goodbye to him would not make her forget him. But she felt more at ease. Issac had never feared death, She could hear his voice in her memory "one day it will call for me, I have lived along time two full centurys, not long for an elf, but long and joyfull it has been to date. But death one day may call for me. In battle or by the passage of time...I do not fear it. Nor do I seek it out."

The wind whispered past her, through the grass. Carrying the scent of the trees, and the sea. With her eyes closed she could see his face. His eyes of rich blue...his smile the way his lips looked before he might kiss her. The memory was fleating as that face changed in her mind she sat up and growled lowly. The face in her mind was no less handsome, perhaps more rogueish. His eyes were blue, his hair was darker, he features rouger.

Ravenna was no innocent girl, navie to what she felt. Dacomas was good looking. Handsome and rogueish, with a rapier wit, and she had to admit he was nice to look at. Fine form, strong and sure of himself. A bit cocky she liked that. And the way he kissed. The fact that he had appeared there again, was annoying but she expected it of him.

She ruffled her hand through her hair. And swore lightly. He wasnt supposed to be on her mind, he was supposed to be out of it.And he wasnt supposed to be there in her place...this place she claimed as her own. He was nothing to her, just hired help. He wasnt planning on leaving...she was stuck with him. That was not a delightful notion but not one she hated either.

Why did that prospect bother her? She had friends...friends she hadnt seen in a while but still they were there....she didnt need him. Not in need of being rescued, she was her own hero. He got under her skin, annoyed her. But she liked the danger in him, that side of her he brought out. She swore again.

She didnt like him no, she couldnt. Men were just men, she had no time for love or lust. No time for passion. Love was dead and lust wasnt usefull to her,even if the idea of one night intreged her.

She looked to him now likely expecting her answer. "I've spent too long on the road..."She loved a good adventure though. "At sea in the sky....something more than vengance brought me here. I intend to stay...maybe find myself a nice pad. " She sat up and looked around the lea. "And I see whats in front of me. " She looked to him slightly then out to the grass and trees. She could be talking about the world, its beauties, and joys. Or him. It was possible.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-22 12:50 EST
He turned to watch her as she moved a short distance from him, and listened to her as she spoke. Pondering over everything she had said, and every little motion she had made. As he seemed to be remembering that sudden kiss between the two as well.

Once she had answered his question, he would nod lightly. "Very well then. We shall stay in Rhy'Din. If that is your choice, then I shall follow it." Moving up to her, before leaning down face to face with her. With a grin slowly crossing his lips, looking her right in the eyes.

"So you can get it out of your pretty little head that I can going to be so easily gotten rid of. Or perhaps deep down you don't want me to go. Probably because for the first time in a long time, you have someone right in front of you that challenges you like I do." Smirking by now as he moved a hand up to give her shoulder a light shove.

"You can deny it all that you want, but your eyes betray you." Stealing a sudden kiss to her lips, just long enough for her to realize it, before he leaned back from her.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-23 00:44 EST
She looked at him. Trying maybe to figure him out, or figure out what it was about him that drew her to him. He wouldnt have to stay, but she didnt mind if he did. That thought made her a bit angry at herself, she wasnt supposed to let anyone close...not like that. She was on her feet then, bags in hand.

" I never claimed you to be easy to get rid of. But I guess I'll see when the month is over." Why did he keep saying she didnt have to worry her pretty little this or that over him leaving. She leaned to the near by oak tree. Still trying to get some distants bewteen them both. But he followed. She didnt comment on is words, they were to close to home. The shove was taken and she eyed him again.

Then he was kissing her again. Why did he keep doing that. It was just long enough for her to think about kissing him back before he pulled away. She just shook her head at him. "Always did like a challange." She gave him a wink, then shoved off the tree and wlaked off in to the lea deeper in tot he forest away from the ocean. She slung one bag over her shoulder and held the other in her hand. She had buisness to attend to.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-23 01:06 EST
Days later, after a few visits to the inn with no luck. She set out on her own to find a place, some where worthy. She went to houses, and apartments. With a little local reality woman. Ravenna thought her nice enough, but she was so slight...five one with short blonde hair and blue eyes, perky as hell too. But far to sweet and nice to be a local Rhydinian.

"Oh yes I am from here. I live here too. I know this city is dangerous my husband always wants to leave." She was married that explained something's,Ravenna imagined the man that would marry the woman, he was likely some tall hunky mountain of a man.

"How long have you been married." "Twelve years." Despite being a tough little....Ravenna could be kind and curious too. She envied the little realtor.

The little reality woman, who's name Ravenna kept forgetting. Showed her all over town and nothing suited her.

"I need space...something not so boxed in."

"I think I might have something."

High heels were no shoes for walking. Ravenna looked at her. Her name was Lilly , Ravenna finally recalled. But she never complained. "This place has been on the market forever. Cant get rid of it. Two bedrooms two baths, kitchen and living space, nothing in it expect for what was built in to the walls. As you can see there's forest around, little grassy leas in back and a river, its more of a slow moving stream. But most people like to be a little closer to town."

It was less than a mile from town. And Ravenna loved it. "How much?"

Lilly flipped through the booklet in her hand. "It depends on what you want to pay with."

"I have a bit of everything, but lets stick to gold, silvers...you know local fair."

" Twenty- two thousand gold."

Ravenna looked to the place. "Can I see inside?" Lilly was all too happy to show her around, it was clean, amazingly, but empty. Every room empty, but very well kept. At the end of the tour Ravenna dug in to her bag and pulled out a red velvet bag and handed it to Lilly. "You'll find the full sum, plus your standard commission in there. I'll take the house. And any hints on who's the best to buy...everything I need."

Lilly was more than happy to tell Ravenna everything she needed to know. By the end of the afternoon, Ravenna had the deed to the house signed in her name, and Lilly was gone. Ravenna was left standing in the main entry hall of her house.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-23 01:24 EST
The place was perfect. Even empty it was perfect. Nestled not to far from town, but it also wasn't so close that she could hear the hum of the city.

No house or apartment had suited her. They were too land locked, to close to one thing or another. Ravenna liked the open spaces here, how even though it was miles from the ocean it still had its little piece of water. A little stream ran behind the house and through the woods. There were open spaces where light came in , leas of thick grass. A place if inclined she could put in a garden.

The house had space. Not that she needed it. But she liked it.

It needed everything. The place was empty save for the few things that were built in. Otherwise she would have to go shopping.

Food for the very empty fridge was on the top of her list, followed by a bed for the master bed room and another for the other bedroom. A couch and chairs, tables,dressers...hell she needed everything.

But it had the feel of home. Even as she walked through the echo was a nice sound.

The door was behind her large and arched, fine wood, thick stuff. Not easily broken through, and she would put spells on it later to prevent unwanted visitors.

There was an entry all that went forward a few feet then branched off left , right and forward. If she went forward the dozen or so steps shed be in the main room of the house. The place shed dubbed as a living room. Against the left wall was a massive book shelf. A fire place against the back wall , and to the right of the fire place a huge set of windows.

If she went to the right shed head down a hall way past a nice bath room with all the comforts of home. Shower, Sink and toilet all clean and ready to sue. Along the wall in the hall way was cabinets where towels and other things could go. After the bath room the room opened up from the hall in to the kitchen, which had appliances, stove, and fridge. A nice sink and a very empty pantry, and very empty cabinets. Spaces to work on and a place she could put a table and chairs to eat at...

Going on towards the back of the house through a nice wooden door was a bed room. Empty save for a bookshelf built in tot he right side wall. Through the room and out a set of french doors would lead you to the back. Which was nice, green leas, and that little river, and near by oaks and pines even a willow tree. There was another door in the room too, a door that led in tot he living space, it wasn't as thick as the main room door but would serve its purpose.

Now if she went left from the main entry hall shed head down a long hall to a door, thick and wooden painted a nice shade of blue, deep like the sea, or the sky at twilight. Trough that door was the massive master bed room. There was a high window on the back wall, tot he right a green door led to the master bath room, which like the other bathroom had every comfort of home. And to boot a larger tub.

There were french doors on the far left wall led out front. There was a nice cozy reading nook, with a large built in book shelf to the far left of the doors, and a nice high window to let in light to read by.And the closet was massive . As large as the guest bathroom. It had some long rods to hang things on, and that was it.

She so needed to go shopping. But not now.

She left her two bags in the dubbed living room. Took out her cloak. It made her smirk to lift it out and fold it over her arm. It was the one she had sued to go through town with out the mask of Raven on. But now it would serve a different purpose. She left the rest of her things there, tucked in those bags.

With the cloak draped over her arm she went through the living space through the door in to the guest bedroom then out the french doors in tot he nice green grass. There were trees off to her right, the little stream of a river in front of her and a nice small little lea of grass there just behind the house.

With no bed it made no sense to sleep inside. The doors were locked, except for the one she came through.

That cloak served as a nice blanket over the grass. Shed camp there, outside, with view of the forest and the open stars. She had four daggers with her and that cracked data pad. She hadn't been able to toss it in to the ocean. Even if it could never be fixed, it was something she wanted with her...like those scars over her back. A memory, many of them, she didn't want to part with.

It wasn't yet dark, it was hours even till dusk. But she sat down and watched the little stream roll by. In the morning shed go to town, and buy some food. For now shed have what was left of her rations from living as Raven. A half a loft of nice looking read, smoked meat, cheese, two apples, two hand fulls of mixed nuts, a half a bottle of elven wine, and a full bottle of ale. Slim pickings but she had lived off it for a while, the same sort of meal, sometime filled in with fish or mead from some dive bar along the dock. All her goodies were wrapped up in a green cloth, set before her. She wasn't ready to eat.

There was too much on her mind to eat. The days that had passed, the things that had happened. She hadn't had time to really process everything. not fully. And now with nothing but nature around her, the soft hum of the birds, the sound of the little stream, the wind...she could sit and think. Let go of the pain and the anger, and just be.

She pulled a few blades of grass up and wove them together. The sun was setting. She left the lights on inside and they came through the windows and french doors, casting light on tot he little lea where she sat. She could camp here. But more than likely she get up eventually after the dark had settled in and the cool night had come.

But for now she wove little blades of grass in to a little boat and set it on the slow moving stream. She watched the little ripples take her grassy boat away down slowly along the trailing stream.

She saw the sky change colors from blue to red and peach, to darker tones of gray then deep blue...then midnight blue above. The first stars came out and she looked up to them. Knowing what they looked like close up, was not the same as seeing them now. She ate some of her food. Leaving the rest for another day.

In Luac when she was a young girl before her parents had been killed she would make wishes on the stars. Then for years she traveled among them...and learned what they were, not fairies nor any being but far off planets and gasses...not able to grant any wishes.

She watched the moon rise it silver orb shimmering through the trees, then casting it slight across her stream and over the lea she sat on.

She watched the stars and the moon for a while longer before rising up with her bag of goodies in one hand and her cloak over her arm.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-23 21:19 EST
He had actually gave her those few days to herself, just enough time to give her the idea that she might have actually gotten rid of him. That was until he showed up when she was on the move again. Not saying a word till he came up beside her, with a sly smirk on his lips.

"Nice little house that you lined up for us to live in together." Daring to shot his arm around her shoulders. Still pushing to be on the razor's edge with her. Just to see how long he could get away with that dangerous game with her.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-24 00:23 EST
She nearly sent him flying on to his ass. He had snuck up on her,that wasnt easy to do. But when she relized who he was, she just glared at him. She lifted his arm from her shoulders and crossed her arms, facing him standing there by her front door. She had a few bags at her feet. Shed been shopping.

" Well well, I thought mabe you left town." She eyed him and then snickered. "This is my house, but if you want to crash in the guest room go ahead. Theres no funiture yet." She unlocked the door and lifted the four bags back in to her hands. She walked in leaving the door open. She paid him no mind as she went to work. She had food to put away.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-24 00:26 EST
Hours before she had come back home to him sneaking up on her shed gone shopping for some essentials.

Shed never been much a fan of shopping. But her place needed things. Sos he sepnt her hard earned money on the things most needed. Food was on the top of that list.

The best thing was everything could be deilvered. She carried four bags of food home to fill the fridge and pantry. A little bit of everything. And two cases of soda. Her most favored drink. A case of lemon lime zeppa, and a case or orange. Both in the fridge cooling. Cans of fruit and veggies went in the pantry. Spices went in the cabinet, along with the syrup for pancakes and waffles. Which she intended to make once all the other grocerys were delivered.

Some bannans lay on the counter. A bag of apples, a box of grapes ,a head of lettace, some carrots, a bell pepper, a cucumber, and some tomatoes. All in the left lower drawer of the fridge. Lemons and limes in the right drawer. Fresh cheesse and deli meats in the little drawer above. That bottle of ale which she hadnt had yet. What was left of the elven rose wine. They remained from her meal the night before, the bread was gone, but she bought a new loaf it sat on the counter near the bananas. A carton of milk, one of orange juice and one of grape. A box of a dozen eggs.

She put two boxes of cereal in the cabnet near the spices. A box of pancake/ waffle mix set next to them. And a bag of chocolate chips, and a bag of coffee beans.

In the freezer were ice cube trays, filled and freezing. A small empty boxy container to put cracked ice in. She put some of the grapes in the freezer. ALong side the little boxes of ice cream, she had splerged a little. Chocolate and vanilla half gallons. They wouldnt go to waist.

The first delivery came, more canned goods. Some stock spices that she would put away in the pantry. And her cups, mugs, bowls,plates, and untensils. Pots and pans, two cast iron skillets, a flat skillet for frying things on , or making pancakes. A waffle maker, Coffee maker, bean grinder and a blender.

She didnt much keep an eye on Dacomas, he could stay or go. As long as he stayed out of her way.

She put the cups, mugs, bowls, and plates away. They all had a spot. Pots and pans in the lower cabinets. Along with the three skillets, and waffle maker. The coffee maker and bean grinder went on the counter, ready to be used. The blender sat beside them. The great thing about buying all new stuff it seemed almost everythign came with a book of recipes beside the book on how to use it. She already knew how to use everything and the recpie books were stacked in the cabinet, along side the three cookbooks she had.

The kitchen looked more like a kitchen now. There was food, things for making food andthings to eat with and on...No table to eat at yet. But it felt more and more like home.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-24 00:46 EST
With the kitchen stocked. She went back to the master bedroom. Passing Dacomas as she went. He hadnt offered to help her stock her shelves or with her bags or the deilvery. "If you intend to stay you can have the guest room. "She pointed back down the hall way shed come out of. "Its that way, or through the door in the living room." A shrug and she kept walking.

It was time to unpack her things. The first things she unpacked were her books. Which she pulled out of one of her bags. There were only twenty or so. And they all had a place in the little reading nook there in her room. She sat her Beltane mask on those book shelves too, running her fingers over the black lace and the rose at the one side. A few sea shells, some smooth rocks of all different colors, some crystals of varring colors, dried flowers and pressed leaves. A tall dark blue vase which she filled with dried lavender. And her cracked data pad. Shed fill out the shelves some day. But for now they didnt look half bad.

She turned and walked back to the closet and took off her boots and socks. The wood floor felt nice underfoot. In that spacious closet she knelt ,She unpacked her clothes next. She folded her ten pairs of pants on to the floor, once she got a dresser they'd have a home. She hung up her shirts on the hangers in the closet, it wouldnt be filled not even hardly. She owned so little. Two dozen shirts, most dark colors save for the few of gray, and one of off white. She sat her pair of brown boots to the floor, beside the black ones she taken off. Next to them she sat her one pair of nice black flats, and those black heels from Beltane.

The Beltane dress she hung up in is lovely garmet bag. She smiled as she zipped it and ran her fingers over the fabric. On that same hanger she hung the little black purse from Beltane. She sorted through her more itimate appareal, she needed some drawers to put thsose things in, like with her pants. So she left those all in one bag along with any jewlery she needed to put away . That was it for her clothes, save for that cloak which still lay in the living room over the floor. Shed hang it up later.

Bag in hand she padded out in to the room. She had a few things left in her bag. That nail polish from Beltane, lip stick, eye makeup and her every day make up. All which she would pad in to the bathroom and put behind the mirror in the cabinet there along with her tooth brush, tooth paste and floss. On the rods in the bathroom she hung up some towels, and hung her robe on the back of the door.

She stuck her five other towels in the little cabinet just outside her bathroom. The bag was empty now so she slid it inside her closet. Once she had some funiture things would fill out more. But for now she stood with the closet door ajar looking at that Beltane dress in its garmet bag.

That night had such wonderful memories. Shed met Andrew and Illissa that night. Shed danced with Andrew before helping him and Illissa. She wondered how he was, and how Kassie his girlfriend was doing. She wondered about Gaelira and Dyhren . About Illissa and Tehym, and Petyr too. She hadnt seen them in so long.Shed been to the inn twice now since Serges death but not seen them. She had seriously thought about going by Illissa's. But she put that off.

She padded in to the closet and unzipped that Beltane dress. Running her fingers over the lace of the arms and hem line. It was short and she chuckled now, she ahd gone tot he dance hoping maybe shed meet someone. Shed met Andrew and Illissa. But the dress was something she knew Issac would have not aproved of, he was after all a noble man. He didnt mind what she wore in the privacy of their bedroom. But that dress he would have hated.

She loved it . It reflected more of who she was now. Daring. She stood there for a moment, letting her mind wander. If she had met Dacomas that night, would things be different between them now? She already knew he had moves, moves enough to match her. She chuckled again and zipped up the garmet bag. She didnt need to linger on him, on thoughts of what might have been or even still could be. Least of all with him wandering in her house.

She pulled on socks and her boots and left her closet. That one bag within with her more intimate apparal, pants, jewlery and spare weapons within it. She walked back in to the bedroom, and she listened. Had Dacomas left' She didnt hear him but tha didnt mean he wasnt there somewhere.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-24 11:37 EST
While he didn't help with putting the food away, he was busying helping the movers to move the furniture into the house. Of course he hadn't told her that he had used his own money to pay for it. As well as pay the movers to deliver the things to the house.

Starting with the upstairs area, to make things a little easier in the long run. With her room being the first one done, then off to his own room. Lastly the rest of the house downstairs. Not saying a word to her, for the moment. Once the furniture was delivered and placed, he'd tip the movers as they headed off.

Once that was done, he paused to catching Ravenna putting her things up. Shaking his head slightly as he leaned on the door frame. "I bet you looked lovely in that dress" Murmured as he shifted his foot to keep the door open.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-24 16:22 EST
He was there looking at her and she starred at him then to her fully furnished bed room. There was a large bed, complete with sheets and pillows. A night stand with a nice lamp and a dresser and lingerie drawer just outside the closet door, something she could pull in to the closet to store what was left of her clothes. Her brows rose at him, as his foot had caught the closet door.

"You...bought furniture?" And it wasn't just furniture it was the stuff she had looked at but put off buying. The bed the dresser, the a lingerie drawer, the night stand and that desk she had run her fingers over wishing she could really afford it. She was willing to bet there was a nice cozy chair in her book nook. The odd thing was everything was in the place she had wanted it to be.The bed under the large window, the night stand beside it. She just shook her head at him, betting the rest of the house was done as well. He had found the secret entrance to her room she could see, through the living room bookcase, which swiveled open and closed. The little passage was still a bit ajar, and he had that cloak of hers over his arm. She took it and hung it up. Still not commenting on what he had said about her and that dress.

"Would you help me push this in here?" She motioned to the dresser. It was a beauty. And it matched the taller thinner set of drawers the sales woman had dubbed a lingerie drawer. That she might be able to push in herself but the dresser was much to big. It was solid wood, rose wood, with five large bottom drawers and two top smaller drawers, there was a mirror set on to the top, and a chair that went with it.

Once he helped her push the dresser in to the place she wanted in her massive closet, he surprised her by pushing in that lingerie drawer. "Thanks.." She glanced to him, still wondering why he had gone to the trouble of buying not just furniture but the stuff she had looked at.

She was willing to bet that in the living room was a large couch the tone of hunter green, a large arm chair with matching ottoman, the color of dark coffee. And a love seat of that same green all arched around the fire place, with that nice long oval table set before them.And maybe a nice cozy chair of a matching tone by the book shelf even if it was empty. She could bet that there was a round table and four chairs in the kitchen, and nice sized bed, nightstand with lamp, small dresser and desk with chair in the guest room.

She stood there looking at him. She would have normally been angry but she was oddly grateful. "You didn't have to do that...buy furniture. I was getting to it. " She didn't want to comment about the dress. She was flattered that he would say that. She turned and went to folding her pants in to the second arge drawer on the dresser. In the top drawer she put her jewelry, a few pairs of earrings, including the ones from Beltane that sparkled like stars. Those brackets from Beltane. And a small round box, of dark cobalt blue velvet. She didn't open the little box she just tucked it away.

With him still standing there she opened one of the drawers on the lingerie drawer and shoved in some things, and did it again with the next drawer. She stuck socks in with out having to shove them in. Her bag was empty save for spare weapons. She took out only two things the bag of daggers Dyhren had lent her and Gaelira's brass knuckles. They would go on her nightstand, along side an ever present curved throwing dagger.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-24 21:07 EST
He smirked as he watched her. "Yes, and no need to thank me." Not bothering to leave as he looked over the things she was putting up, while she was putting her things up. Taking a mental note of the things she had. He then tilted his head to her comment of him not having to buy everything.

Without a word or warning, he turned just as she shut the last drawer. Pinning her back up against it. "But if you really want to thank me." Not giving her time to utter a word, as he leaned in and kissed her yet again. Hands on her hips to pull her flush against him, as that kiss was more passionate and deeper than the other kisses he had stolen from her.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-25 00:22 EST
She knew he was watching her. So she tried not to linger on anything. Least of all that blue velvet box, and those things she shoved in the lingerie drawers. "Its customary for someone to thank someone for buying them something. "

She was against that set of drawers. Pinned there. Then he was kissing her again. What was it with him and kissing her, wa she trying to prove a point' That point being that she liked him, and maybe that he might just be the right kind fo guy for her.

She didnt push him away, or go to hit him. No, hed been on her mind too much. And that kiss was nice,deeper more passionate than the others hed stolen from her so far. So she stopped fighting it, at least for a moment.

She let herself be pinned there, his hands on her hips. Her back pressed to those drawers. She kissed him back in return, with the same vigor he gave her. Her hands which had been at her sides the moment he pushed her to those drawers now went over his shoulders. And one went up the back of his neck, as she pulled her self close to him.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-08-25 20:51 EST
He continued that kiss with her, even as she started to return it. Before he slowly broke the kiss, to kiss along her jawline, then down along her neck. With his hands running slowly along her sides, only for him to pull back to rest his brow against her own. Just to see how she would react to his teasing touch.

"Perhaps I should leave you be. I know you just can't stand me." Yet he hadn't pulled back full from her as it appeared he dared to challenge her again. Easily seen as he was smirking at her, challenging her to say otherwise.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-08-26 00:17 EST
When he broke the kiss she took a deep breath. But before she could regain anything of her wits, his kisses flowed over her jaw line and down her neck. His hands down her sides. She didn't want to let herself feel, but her body had other ideas. She felt herself shiver to that touch. And when his brow came to rest to hers, she didn't open her eyes, she merely took a deep breath again, biting then on her bottom lip.

She did open her eyes and look a him. She knew that her look would betray her. That even if she told him to get lost, that her eyes would beg him to stay. So she swallowed her pride. "You don't have to. And I never said I couldn't stand you."

In all truth even though at times she found him highly annoying, and cocky to no end.She liked him, his manner and way. And she didn't mind the way he kissed her or touched her either. She hadn't pulled away or shoved him away, one hand still on his shoulder,the other still lingering on the back of his neck.

He had been persistent, and he hadn't been afraid of being a bit over baring or tough with her. He had pushed past her pushing him away . Shed built up walls, lots of them around her self, her heart...shed kept everyone at an arms length. She didn't trust in love, not when the one man who had loved her had been killed because of her. She knew her eyes betrayed her, knew that her feelings for him shown through past her tough outer shell. She knew she couldn't hide them,nor did she want to any more. "You don't have to go...but I'd understand if you did. " She was toxic,in all senses of the word.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-09-01 15:50 EST
He hadnt gone. He had merely pulled back from that heated kiss and looked at her witha slight grin. Then he had said she wasnt getting rid of him that easily.

She wondered how much he had seen in her eyes. They like her body betrayed her stand ofish feelings. Her body most of all, it shivered to his touch or even the mere thought of it. Her eyes not only watched him, gwaking freely, but she knew that they showed she cared for him, more than she might admit out right.

Seems he didnt think she was toxic. Either that or he was a glutton for punishment...

He had left her there in that amssive closet wishing he had done more than just kiss her and out his hands on her sides over her shirt. She tired not to think about it....but wasnt very successful.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-09-01 15:53 EST
The sun was bright and warm. It felt nice to sit in the cool grass and watch the little river go by. She was spending a lot of time out there, as much time as she was spending working. There was a little voice inside her head that asked why she hadnt takent he money Raven had earned, but it had been blood money. Money the guard had found on the docks and likely blown through by now. It wasnt money she wanted to use for anything.

She earned her money more honestly. Sure there were honest assassins, she had killed evil men as Raven. But the money was tainted any how.

It was just as well. Work gave her time to think,and time not to think.

She thought about things now as the sun sparkled its way throught he trees and down on to the grassy lea outside the back side of her house. It was these times she felt the most at ease, and yet the most alone. She chuckled softly, she had never minded being alone before. Years alone the stars and at sea.Even with crew and friends she had been alone with her grief.

It was gone now. Lifted from her shoulders. Issac would not want her to dwell on his death.Nor the things she had done to avenge him. She had started a new life,in this new house. It was all hers, and she was glad she could share it with someone, even if that someone was Dacomas. He came and went as he wanted, just like she did. He wasnt there now, she knew only by the fact that shed gone through the guest bedroom to come out here. He kept a very tidy room, everything away and no real sign that he had really been there besides a pair of boots, and the books on the shelf.

Se couldnt stop thinking about him. No matter what she did. Work only dulled the thoughts of him, and when she was alone her thoughts always drifted to him. There were little things. The way his hair would fall over his face, his blue eyes. The way he smirked or grinned. She liked his lips,and not only the way they felt against her own, but the way they moved when he spoke. He was elven at least in part she had seen his ears which he hid more often than not. But it came through in the way he spoke,or the line of his jaw which was slightly angular.

She shook her head to try to dismiss the thoughts of him. But he was still there.

She sighed and lay back in to the grass and closed her eyes. With her eyes clsoed she replayed their little moment in the closet. The way he pulled her to him, the way her body reacted. She played it off as being alone for far too long, but it was more than that. Shed known many men in the years since Issac had died. She had looked,flirted a little but none had effected her like this. Was it his manor? How he was a total rogue yet some where underneath that he was also kind. He could have left her for dead, he coudl be mean or crule to her ...but he hadnt been. He had even complemented her. He had a hard edge...a dangerous side which she also liked.

She wanted him. She knew that much. If he decied to leave she would have to convince him to stay. But there was something more than want ...desire and passion were not new feelings to her, she knew them well. But there was something else there, something she wanted to find out. She sat up and ran her fingers through her hair.

It was almost twilight now. She saw the light come on in the living room. He must have come home. She didnt bother look over her shoudler at the window, she knew he would find her out there . If he came out or not he would know where she was.

She snickered and lay back down on her stomach in the grass.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-09-06 16:07 EST
Work had been busy.

But it was life at her house that surpised her more. The night she had laid in the grass she came in to find he had made dinner. Though she didnt figure him for the kind of guy that could cook. But the meal was good, distintvly elven in nature.

It had been a silent little dinner for two.

And when it was over he even helped with the clean up and dishes. She knew there was more to him than his rogueness, and rough good looks.

For once he didnt rile her up or try to get under her skin. They hadnt spoken much at all the entire time. And when the dinner was over...they sat silently before a low burning fire,inches from each other on the large couch. There were a million questions she had wanted to answers to, but she never said anything. Just watched the fire and him through long side glances.

When she woke in the morning to find her self spread out over the couch, covered with a soft blanket and him gone. Amillion more questions rose to her mind. But for now she merely folded the blanket and went to get changed for anyother long day at work. Shed address those questions later. Maybe shed pay him back for the nice dinner with making one of her own.

She left for work with a slight smirk on her face. She slid the key in to its hidding spot, the one she knew Dacomas knew and headed off to the docks.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-09-06 16:31 EST
The day had been long, but the night longer. Working on the docks was still a worth wile venture for her. She still had a good name with the captains. And patroling the docks at night for ruffians had turned up little tonight.

She walked her way home. Feeling good about things, even things with Dacomas. She let him in, it was likely wrong and stupid. But shed done it any how. And after dinner the night before, things eemed some how different...She knew he had her number, she was easy to read when he was around. That made her alittle bit mad, she wasnt supposed to be easy to read. She wasnt supposed to fall for him...

When she unlocked the door, the house was dark and quiet. She turned on the lamp in the hall then shut the door. She flicked the outside light on too. There was no light from the ktichen, no fire in the hearth. Dacomas had a job too. Likely, he had many just like her. She unzipped her jacket and headed down the hall towards the masterbed room. She flickered on the lights. He wasnt here, she half expected to see him there.Spralled out on her bed, smirking like the devil.

She did plan to make him dinner, but it would be easier if she knew his hours. She figured she had time...She checked her bath room and the book nook. Nothing that was out of place. She opened the closet and looked in as she hung her jacket up. He wasnt hidding anywhere waiting to surpise her...which seemed very much his style.

She grabbed her pjs and walked them in to the bathroom. Then walked out to grab an extra towel. There was a shadow, like someone was standing outside those french doors and trying to look in. Shed put up some nice curtains, to keep the sun from coming in and lookers on from looking in. She tilted her head and slid her hand down along her belt. She walked to thsoe doors they were locked, solid wood with nice tempered glass, if someone was trying to break in, theyd have to be very strong and very stupid. Or maybe she thought her body guard was out there trying to scare her...

She waited. Nothing happened. She carefully unlocked the doors and flung them open, dagger in hand. There was nothing there. The outside was dark, a little moon light streamed down across the grass throught he trees. A little wind, but nothing more. She looked to the right, the left then shut the doors and locked them,letting those curtains fall back over the glass.

The floor boards creaked and she spun. The room was empty. But there was something wrong. She gripped that dagger tighter. Then she heard it again, a creak,like foot steps. The bedorom door was slightly ajar, but she knew Dacomas wasnt there.

Then she heard it laughter, deep looming laughter. It was laughter she knew. Her eyes darted around the room,looking for him. Serge...that laughter, how many times had she heard it. But he was dead, shed seen him burn.

She walked slowly in back in to the room towards the bed. She still held that one dagger in her hand, ready to lauch it. The laughter stoped, but then she saw somehting.Like a shadow by the bedroom door. But then it was gone. Shed seenhehr share of odd things, spirits, demons back from the dead but not in any true form that one could call living, beings of wind or water, even one of fire. "Serge..." She whispered.

The laughter came back. It made her blood chill, the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She rounded the bed, giving her a fuller view of her room. "Ravenna.." The voice was in her ear, the chill closer. She spun dagger flying first cutting through air...but it wasnt air. Something moved. The dagger didnt hit anything soild but the far wall by her ajar bedroom door where it stuck firmly. She had another in her hand the moment that one left her grasp.

She saw it a moment before she found her self pinned hard to the wall near the bathroom. It felt like cold death, gripping at her neck. Something was there, something she couldnt see. It was strong. "Serge..." She gasped. The laughter filled her ears. She kicked out, hitting nothing substansal. The dagger she held in her hand clattered to the floor as she was lited up the side of the wall, higher than before.Her feet dangled off the floor. She could hardly breathe. But she saw him then, if he was a spirit or wraith she didnt know. He was soild then not. Yet he looked bigger some how.

Serge. He had not been a small man in life, hed been taller than her then, but now he stood much taller than any shed ever met. But then she saw he didnt stand but floated above the floor boards, at his feet there was darkness, and fire. His eyes, were dark pits, as they always had been, his grip was cold like death, but it burned her skin. She could feel it and smell it.

" I am not so easily dismissed.." His words were hissed. She gasped and tried again to hit him. But her knee didnt hit anything. His grip got tighter. She could feel the cold seep in to her.Yet it burned at her neck. It burnt her skin which she felt prickle to the cold then burn..it was slow and painfull.

"So easily wooed by a man that used to be in my fold...I should have sent someone like him to you. If I knew you'd be so easy to win over. " She gasped, and tried to scream. But she felt another icy hand cover her moth for a moment she made out its form, shadow and bony fingers. He shook his head at her, she could see him more clearly now. He was there like shadow and mist, but his fingers had substance like one who was dead but not dead. A lich perhaps was the only creature that came to mind. "You desire him, that is quite funny to me. He could ave turned out just as I had, if he had satyed in the fold. Been brought to power.." She felt those sahdows rise up almost to caress her.



She felt those shadows whip up and tear at her arms, her legs, leaving long gashes. She felt them rip her top off and saw him smirk. His eyes looked her over, over the blood that seeped from those gashes over the curve of her breasts bound in that black lacy bra. "You said that death could have you...I think I shall have you first." She was still fighting, this time she felt her kick land, and his grip lessoned a bit. Enough for her to scream, it was more a scream of pain than anything else.

Those gashes were deep and they stung, his hand on her neck was a cold fire that was burning at her skin. She could feel it prickle she could feel the blood that raced down her neck over her exposed bra and the tatters of her shirt. The blood down her arms that was reaching her fingertips, the blood that welled on those gashes on her legs. The cold prickle was worse, the fire worse of all. It was not hot like normal fire, it burned with a cold tinge. Like frostbite, but it licked at he rlike true flames, burning her tender skin on her neck.

She wasnt going to let him have anything from her, but the pain was so intense. She was about to cry out again when that icy hand covered her mouth. "Shhh...I think your lover boy is home. We don't want him to intrupt us now do we.." That laughter came again ringing in her ears. The bite of cold and hot got more intense. She couldnt scream but she couldnt hold back the tears the pain brought to her eyes.

He smirked at her pain.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-09-06 20:59 EST
Dacomas slipped into the house, and looked around taking note of the silence in the house. Yet something seemed off about it, as he usually head Ravenna in her room. Slowly moving through the house, till an old feeling ran up his spine. Getting his eyes to darken, as he tilted his head and listened more clearly.

It was then that he heard the laughter, now echoing through the house with him stepping back into a shadow. No sooner than he had done that. Serge would in for quite a shock, as a bright white light erupted around Ravenna's body. Wrapping around every inch of her frame, and started to burn Serge's hand where he held her body to the wall.

It caused Serge to let out a hiss as he jerked his hand back, and looked around for the source. Looking to Ravenna as she was the only one in the room that he could see. "Seems you have more tricks than I thought." Smirking at her.

"You always were a blind arrogant idiot." Came Dacomas's voice as he stepped out of a shadow portal. Forcing Serge to whirl around to be face to face with him. With the white glow remaining around Ravenna's body, as it would keep her safe while healing her as well.

"You should of stayed with me boy. You could of had anything that you wanted." Serge hissed at him as the two started to move in a circle, each watching the other carefully. With Dacomas shifting to keep himself between him and Ravenna.

"Why would I wish to continue to serve a coward like you? And the only reason you wished to keep me close, is because you feared me." Now slowly drawing his sword, as the same white light started to wrap around it. Ravenna would know what it was. Holy elven magic.

Serge hissed again as Dacomas backed up slowly to Ravenna. "Pull yourself together, and let's end this together. What do you say"" Winking at her as he drew his other sword, and allowed the holy magic around her to move to the sword he was offering to her. As he would help her to put Serge down...Once and for all.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-09-08 16:49 EST
The light was blinding. For a moment she thought it was over. She was dead and in some sort of limbo. That was till she felt her wounds heal. Her neck healed first, without a mark left on it. Those gashes next. Serge had pulled back from her, but she hadn't fallen to the floor. She had sort of floated down. It was that white light that protected and healed her all at once.

She got to her senses. Rising to her feet. She looked from Serge floating above the floor. Whatever he was, wraith, or lich. Or some odd thing between. Then her eyes panned to Dacomas. They moved in a circle and soon it was Dacomas who stood before her and Serge was on the other side of the room.

It had been a long time since she saw magic's like that. Holy elven magic's were not easy to come by, and weapons imbued with them were harder to come by. She had owned one once, a lovely bow urya aina', the most wonderful long bow shed ever owned. Its shots never missed, and they burned through foul things of darkness with ease. Its shot was deadly to anyone, but more over to those of the darker planes. Its quiver was bespelled, the arrows never ran out. It was gone. stolen by pirates ages ago.

She nodded taking two steps forward to grab the sword he offered her. The magic about her went in to the blade. Her brows rose at Dacomas.Shed ask him how he did that later. It was a nice feel, to have something so powerful in her grasp. Holy magic's coursed through the blade, down the hilt, over the handle and pommel. The sword was an elven version of a rapier, but much lighter, and thinner towards the tip. She spun it around once to see its balance, then nodded again. "Yes...I say its high time."

Serge hissed and backed away more and more towards the french doors with every second that passed. But he was blind, fumbling through the blindness of the holy light. Now his prize was armed and Dacomas stood between him and her. He hissed again and the shadows about him rose up, over the floor boards under neath.

Ravenna saw him draw a weapon she knew. Serge ad fought with every sort of weapon over the years, from mundane swords and daggers to guns with bullets and laser guns as well. He had fought with magic and dark powers. The item in his hand now could only be looked at as a scythe. But that didn't really fit. At the end of a six feet long pole sat a long curved cutting blade, but it was not a nice arching curve it was jagged like the edge of a serrated knife. And it glowed with all the darkness and malice Serge had. The end was wickedly sharp and looked to be glowing, or was it oozing something foul"

There was no scent in the air. Ravenna knew the weapon well, though she had no true name for it. She had seen Serge use it from a far. It cut through flesh and bone easily like a hot knife through butter. She knew it caused horrible pain with every slash, even if the blows weren't meant to kill.

She gripped that borrowed sword. And looked across her bedroom at the man, the demon that had killed Issac. That had ruined her life for years....he should have been dead that night on the docks. It was going to end here and now.

Serge hissed again as he looked at the two. "You think those swords scare me!?" Yet he didn't advance on them, as he was looking to run and try again at another time. As he refused to answer Dacomas claims that he feared the male. The elven male spoke the truth, he was scared of him as he knew the male had hidden powers that even he didn't know of. But word traveled fast in his group.

Dacomas looked to Ravenna, before smirking slowly. "After this is done. You can thank me personally for saving your pretty elven ass again." Winking to her as he slowly moved to encircle Serge, to block his escape by putting up a ward spell. Creating it from the same holy light that had healed Ravenna, and now ran along both swords. " This ends here, Serge. To long have I stood by while you harmed others. Tonight...One of us is not leaving this room alive. "

Serge was sacred. She could see it in how his body, as incorporeal as it was moved. In those eyes, which were the only part of him she could make out at times. Then there were times she could see him. His bones wrapped with tendrils of darkness and fire, his eyes stood out more at those moments. His face had no flesh on it, it was bone...like grim death. But you could see his smirks...hear his breath.

She eyed Dacomas, yes she would owe him again. But this time she wasn't giving in to death, this time Serge would be the one who didn't leave this room alive. Shed send him back to hell, banish him from her house and her life.

Serge hadn't advanced. Dacomas had now trapped him there within the bedroom. It was a large space. Not the best for a smack down, but as long as nothing too huge got broken, she could deal with it. Dacomas hadn't advanced yet. She hated waiting, waiting for the enemy to move. She took two steps around Dacomas, towards Serge.

Serge was trapped. The white hot glow of the barrier kept him in the room. His grip tightened on his scythe. "Oh Dacomas, always so dramatic. But perhaps your right...One of us will die here. Maybe it will be lovely Ravenna. That would suit me fine. Then I could pull her soul away from the light to me. Or maybe it will be you Dacomas. How nice that would be, not only would I have killed Issac. The first man Ravenna ever loved. And then to kill the man but also she's started to care for...the one she could see her self with now. " He chuckled. " That would be all too fitting. Set her off on that road to revenge. It would take her back to that dark place. I don't think Id mind that out come either." He smirked, the shadows about him rose and fell.

He spun that scythe pole in his hand.

Dacomas spared a glance to Ravenna as she moved up beside him, and a step or two forward. With a smirk crossing his lips, as he looked back to Serge. "There is a difference between you and me, Serge. You fear death. You might fool others, but I know how you returned to this plane again. You begged and whined to what ever devil you encountered to be spared in a hell of your own making. I on the other hand. Do not fear death, and if it comes to me having to die to kill you once and for all. Then so be it." Stepping forward with each word spoken till he was within two feet of Serge. "You are and always will be a sad, little coward. To make it even funnier? You got whipped by a girl, that easily could of beaten you without trying." Smirking slowly now, as he lifted his sword. Just to piss Serge off further. "Plus you are just pissed off that she's more of a man than you could ever be. " Backing up to be even with Ravenna, as he winked at her. Letting her know he was provoking Serge into making his own mistakes, To give them both the edge.

Ravenna watched Serge as Dacomas spoke. With every word she could see Serge more clearly. He was no longer floating. The shadows were about him still, but he had a more solid form. It was bones, draped in shreds of cloth that mast have been his clothing at one point. His powers seemed slightly diminished as Dacomas called him out.

Serge had always feared death. That was why he had lived for so long. Making deals with demons and devil to stay alive, and un ageing. Ravenna smirked at the words Dacomas spoke, her had a rapier sharp wit, and a silver tongue.

Dacomas was to her right. Then he was inching forward, and she followed every step. Serge had now here to go. The barrier kept him in the room. Even though Serge was even with the bedroom door, and could have easily;y gone through the french doors to his left he couldn't go out. They were within striking range now.

Serge hissed and glared at them both. He moved then Scythe aiming first for Ravenna. He hoped to catch her off guard.

Ravenna was hardly a novice fighter. She had been watching him, and that borrowed sword blocked the coming attack. Serge had meant to cut her across the stomach, through and through. But the sword caught the serrated edge of that scythe and she held firm. Looking him in the face. "It will take more than that to kill me Serge."

He pushed against the scythe trying to use his size against her. But she didn't loose any ground she merely pushed back the blade of the scythe and the sword blade grinding together threw up sparks.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-09-12 14:47 EST
Dacomas watched the two for a moment, before he took two steps forward with an aimed thrust of his sword towards Serge's stomach. Forcing him to give some ground to Ravenna to spin the shaft of the scythe to parry the thrust. Knocking Dacomas off balance for a moment, with Serge kicking him in the chest. Causing him to be sent stumbling backwards, leaving himself open to Ravenna for that split moment. The scythe was spun. The parry had opened Serge up for an attack. It was too easy. Serge was no novice, he might have been cokcy and fool hardy. But he was no novice.

But Ravenna didnt want to waist the open moment. The sycthe out of her way she struck a long arching cut low to high left to right. But the arching slashw as not fast enough. Serge moved, or he appered to .His body shifted, from soild to shadow ..it was a seconds worth of movement. That borrowerd blessedd sword hit nothing but air. But Serge did hiss...something had hit, not the blade to flesh or bone. But the energy of the sword to Serge's very beinging.

Serge struck out then at her. Not with that scythe, which would have cut her clean in half at the moment, with her defenses down. He struck out at her with that same magic he had used on his ship. It sent her flipping backwards to the far wall by the bathroom door where it held her. A tendril of magic held her there. That sword Dacomas had let her borrow lay at her feet spinning to a slow stop.

Serge smirked, his form more soild again. Ravenna could feel that cold hand of icy death again, even if the barrier kept him in the room, it didnt prevent him from using his magics on her. Ravenna gasped slightly and started to edge her hand down. Serge wasnt looking at her any more, though his magic held her there. he wa slooking as Dacomas whod fallen away to give Ravenna a good attack point. "I should make you watch her die...You'd hate your self forever wouldnt you? If You couldnt play the hero." Serge took a few steps forward.

Ravenna hand moved down her side as she lifted her left leg up. An inch more. She grasped it then. The long elegant handle. It had been stuffed in to the sheath in her boot. Thedagger she had used on him before. Issac's dagger. It ahd eben covered with Serge's blood. But it was clean now, shinning like a star. She gripped the handle. Feeling its weight, then tossed it. End over end it went flying.

Cutting through the air and in to a solid mass of flesh. How Serge howled when it hit his side, digging in deep. His form seemed to fully solidify then. His feet bare, bones touched the floor, his legs were bones and strips of dead or dying skin, with bits of cloth about them. His torso, had more flesh to it. Though it looked rotten, hidden barely under ragged pieces of shirt cloth. It was as if he was decaying from the bottom up, his arms had form and shape but you could see the bones under neath what flesh remained, his face,had more form now, more flesh, though his eyes were gone, bare sockets burned with dark fire and that same menacing dark glare he'd had all his life.

A bony hand wrapped around that dagger and ripped it out. There was blood there, though it was dark and oozing,, black as night .Serge tilted his head at the dagger. It burned him, as the holy light had before. He dropped it clattering to the floor. He kicked it away, and it went spinning to land near where Dacomas was. Serge growled now, and it shook the room. He stalked to Ravenna and smacked her hard across the face, firs with the palm of his hand then he back handed her.

She kicked at him, and her boots landed against his rib cage and she heard a crack of the bones under the rotting flesh. "You were always the type to beat a woman when she was held down." As he staggered back from her kicks she was released from the tendril of magic. "Issac always said that dagger was special that I should keep it close. "

Serge hissed and went lunging at her again, this time whipping that scythe out first.

Dacomas shook his head to clear the daze, before rising to his feet. Watching the two for a moment, till the dagger hit his foot. He reached down and picked it up, feeling the holy magic in it. He then took off running at Serge, slamming his body into Serge's, when he moved for Ravenna. The impact sent both men tumbling over, Dacomas's sword flying from his hand. With him trying to stab Serge repeatedly with that dagger as the two rolled around on the floor.

Ravenna watched as Dacomas hit Serge. There was another crack. Like bones being broken. Then they were on the floor. She was free from that tendril of magic and on her knees. Serges scythe had gone flippinfg end over end and now was stuck in the wall not feet from where she had been held. That would leave its mark.

She heard Serge howl as Dacomas stuck down on him again and again with that dagger. Blood dripped formt he blade. Black demonic blood.

Ravenna got to her feet. And went for her borrowed sword. The two toppled over each other Serge howling as that blade cut in to him, trying to reach for Dacomas. His bony fingers would get close only to pull back as the dagger hit in to his rotting flesh again.End over end till Serge went rolling away, blood staying her lvely wooden floor. Already her bed room looked mor elike a war room. Blood, sweat, weapons....everywhere.

Scuff marks, and blood ont he floor, along with the long marks from where a blade or two might have cut in just a bit.

Serge went rolling away. But he was wounded. Wounds that would have killed any mortal being. But she knew he wasnt mortal. She had her sword now, and Dacomas wa sgetting to his feet, he still held that dagger, coated in blood from tip to hilt and down over his hand and wrist.

Ravenna stood in the way of Serge getting to his scythe. Her head cocked to the side as she watched him, he had risen to his feet on shaky legs, blood dripped over his rotting flesh and those tatters of cloth that were once clothes. But he looked hunched. A bone was broken on his leg. It stuck out just below where his knees would be if they were still covered in flesh, the tibia bone was broken, jutting out to the side. But Serge stood on it, though not well. His hand cluthed his rotting side, trying to stop the welling og blood there. Dacomas had stabbed him there, but that wasnt the trouble she relized. His ribs at least three were broken one stuck out through the cloth and rotting flesh.

He had been weakend. The wounds wouldnt be fatal to a creature like him, but they would slow him down.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-09-29 00:26 EST
The Scythe was behind her. Serge took slow shaky steps for her. She looked across the room to where that borrowed sword lay on the floor, then to Dacomas, her dagger and is sword. She had no weapon, but that never stopped Ravenna before. Serge took another step. Ravenna wouldn't allow him to get to that scythe. Before he could take another staggered step towards her she launched a devastating round house kick to him, it hit him across the jaw, then as she moved, in perfect balance her other foot landed kicking him square in the chest. His ribs or what were left of them burst apart with the blow.

For a moment her foot was stuck in the rotting flesh but as she twisted and moved it was ripped free,more blood rained to the floor and Serge let out a very anguished cry. Ravenna landed first on her hands as she summer salted over him.She now stood in front of Dacomas and offered him her hand. Serge was crumbled,on his knees, a gaping wound in his chest. Bone fragments and blood on the floor.

Dacomas looked up to Ravenna, and took the offered hand as he rose to his feet. "When this is over. You owe me big time." Smirking at her as he looked to Serge, as he flipped that dagger in his hand. Catching it by the blade and threw it hard at Serge, aiming to impale the male in the chest as he aimed for his heart. Never mind that he was breathing heavy from using those hidden powers of his. First to free and heal Ravenna, enchant both their swords as well as trapping Serge in the room.

She smirked at him, then she watched that dagger fly again. Serge was trying to get to his feet when the dagger hit him in the chest an inch above his heart. If he had one to speak of. The blade dug in deeply, right to the guard. Serge gasped and blood oozed from the wound then out of his mouth. "When this is over. I'll send you my cleaning bill." There was a good amount of blood and gore on her nice wooden floor. Thank goddess she hadn't gone for carpet. Serge was gripping at the handle of the dagger but he couldn't get a good grip on it, through the blood. And every time he grabbed at it, it seemed to singe him. The rune etched there on the guard just under the handle now seemed to burn, its color was iridescent blue. The marking had long been there, but shed never known what it said. Issac had never told her, and even though it was an elvish rune. She didn't know it. But Serge couldn't get a grip on it, nor could he reach his scythe. Her borrowed sword was now in her left hand as she handed Dacomas's to him with her right. Serge was still on his knees, but she never turned her back on him even while she retrieved the swords. "What do you think, chop off his head, rip out my dagger then drive a sword through his heart"" Her brows perked, "Or just slice and dice him till his body goes poof?"

"Your so stupid Ravenna." Serge's voice was faded, blood seeped from his mouth. "You trust a man you barely know. It will be the end of you.."

Serge hissed as he gripped at the dagger, it burned him but he was getting a better hold of it. Ravenna heard his rasping yell, it was painful and gurgled with blood as bony fingers ripped out that dagger, covered in onyx blood. Serge could have tossed it at them if it wasn't burning his fingers even to touch it. The dagger clattered to the floor a bloody mess.

Dacomas looked to Ravenna at her question for a moment as he took the sword, then back to Serge as he started mouthed off again. "Just kill him and be done with it. No need to seep to his level and toy with him. I know if the roles were reversed. He would toy with the both of us. We are better than that." Addressing Ravenna first, before smirking at Serge now. "As for her trusting me? I have proven myself to her a number of times since we met, and she knows she can count on me." Sheathing his sword as he was going to let Ravenna kill Serge again, with the sword he gave her. Which was now blessed by holy magic.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-09-29 17:00 EST
She smiled at Dacomas. Serge was getting to his feet. But he wouldn't make it that far. She moved quickly, it seemed as if her boots hardly touched the floor. That sword spun once twice in her movement. She had always been quick, light footed, as any elf should be. But those movements were magically aided. "He's right Serge, we are better than that." Her voice was behind Serge, and that sword blessed with holy magic slid through him. The blade came out through his abdomen. She twisted the blade, and Serge made a sound. It was between a gurgle and a cry of pain, but all that came out of his mouth was blood. "This is for all those people who could not seek their fury on you."

Her left hand lifted that dagger up and thrust it in to his heart. As her thumb brushed the handle the elven rune there lit up the room with bright light. She let the dagger start to feel hot within her grasp before she pulled it free, and then finished the job with the sword, which she brought up through his rotted flesh and bones, breaking what was left of those bones, through his skull. Serge roared in pain, it was covered by the gurgle of blood. But it shook the house for but a moment before it was over. The body fell in two pieces to the floor, black onyx blood seeping along the floor boards. "May you rot in hell. " She looked down at the body, sword in her right hand dagger in her left. Her eyes glanced to Dacomas then to that dagger. The blade was clean, gleaming brightly. She ran her thumb over the rune there on the handle again. "Le'Cai." The words left her mouth. But her voice seemed breathy, as if someone was speaking for her. Then her voice flowed on chanting in some old form of elven. On the floor Serge's cut in half body burst in to blue flame. The flames didn't burn the floor , they seemed only to consume Serge . The flames turned the rotting body to ash. All of Serge's blood which was all over the place was there one moment then gone. Only her and Dacomas's blood seemed to be remaining. The chanting got deeper. The french doors suddenly flew open. Ravenna blinked as if something had over taken her. The ash of Serge's body rose up in a cloud, and was pushed out the doors by an unnatural wind. The doors then shut. The chanting ended. Ravenna's eyes which had been starring forward in to nothingness came back to the present. All of Serge's blood was gone, the room was a mess still, sweat and her and Dacomas's blood, chips in her wall, a hole or two. But if someone were to walk in now, they'd think it was Dacomas and Ravenna who had fought for nothing was left of Serge not even his wicked looking scythe. "What was that"" She felt herself again,looking blankly at the dagger in her hand, then to Dacomas. She had heard her voice as if from a place far away chanting in an old tongue she did not know, she looked back to the dagger, it was clean and brilliant. What magic had happened here" She took a few steps forward, handing Dacomas back the borrowed sword. When her hand passed his she felt an sudden electric pulse. Her brows rose. "Did I just, did you feel that too?"

Dacomas watched Ravenna as she attacked Serge, with a smirk crossing his lips to the scene. Head tilting as he watched the reaction of pure hate fill Serge's eyes just as she struck him down, severing that link between this realm and the realm that Serge was now in. The realm of the dead. He then looked back to Ravenna, keeping his eyes upon her own as she started to speak in that very old elven tongue. Not saying a word as the magic took hold of her, speaking through her to finish Serge off, as well as cause the former demon's blood and body to disappear. When she looked towards him, a smile crossed his lips.

"That was the language of my people, Ravenna. The reason Serge hated me almost as much as he hated you and that dagger, is because my family crafted that dagger to kill Serge. I am a former warrior priest, and I too have been hunting Serge for a while myself. As for the magic that you felt, it came from the dagger. Anyone that uses it to kill him, will be able to use the magic, And in time if you listen to the magic within it, you will be able to use it more often." As she moved up to him, as he closed his eyes and placed his hands together in front of his chest.

In a prayer sort of position as the remaining magic in the room started to repair the damage done to the house. Followed with the last bit flowing around the both of them, healing them of the battle wounds they had gotten.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-10-04 01:00 EST
"Your people?" She looked at him brows risen. "Your family crafted this dagger."She looked to it. "How did it come to be in Isaac's hand then ?" She was standing in front of him about to ask her next question before the magic swept over her and the house.

The house was healed.The holes were gone, the blood on the floor, the marks from boots and weapons all gone. Her body was healed, free of blood,gore, gashes,slashes and any marks that would have bruised within the next few days. There was still blood on her shirt and pants, her shirt shed forgotten had been torn open by Serge till that moment. She honestly didn't care, she had a good taste in under garments.

She felt better,less like she might pass out. "If your family made this dagger. How did Issac Aubron come to hold it for over two hundred years" When he and I first met Issac I was Twenty-two and he was over two hundred year old. I was with him for eleven years, some in Luac some in the stars. He held that dagger with him till the day before he left to go to war. I held it there after. He must have had it before he met me. " Her blue eyes looked to Dacomas, "Did you know him' Or his family,perhaps before he knew me. He had a life before Luac, a wife...Diana. "She was already standing close to him, now she took another step forward. Her eyes locked with his. "Did you know Issac, ?"

She had been young when she had met Issac. For an elf not even in her first century. Now she was past her second, by twenty years. Issac had carried that dagger,he said it was a good luck charm.But never where he had gotten it from. She knew it was old, even if it didn't show any of its age. She looked to the rune on the handle again. It had always felt perfect in her hands.Not only balanced, but right. She had long heard the hum of magic within it, but nothing had ever come to her like it had when she was fighting Serge.

Dacomas opened his eyes and looked at her to her sudden, yet expected round of questions. Waiting till she got each on out of her system for the moment, before he would answer her. "My people are demon hunters, and hunt only those that harm innocent people. Serge and his family have long been those that crave power over anything else. As for how Issac got the dagger. I was the one that gave it to him." Watching her for a moment, before he continued on.

"I knew him, as I came upon Issac after Serge had killed his wife. I was the one that trained Issac on how to fight, and the properties of that dagger. Yes. I was once part of Serge's group, yet I was merely there to try and get close enough to him to kill him. In the end, when I was about to make my move. He sent a group of his men after me, and ran. That is when I met you and started to work as your body guard." Giving her a bit more information that she had asked for.

"My task is done as far as it comes to Serge. He is dead now and gone, but I still have you to protect." He leaned down to be nose to nose with her. "So you are stuck with me even if you say you hate me. Your eyes say otherwise. They tell me that you wouldn't be able to handle it if I were to go away." Smirking as he stole a kiss to her lips, before slipping by her on his way towards the door. Letting her keep that sword he had handed over to her during the fight.

The floor was no longer solid under her feet when the words hit her ears. He had known Issac. Serge had been a boy when she first knew him, but then he was the son of a man who had become a demon. Perhaps Serge had been born that way, with the demonic essence within him. She had only ever seen Demiteri once, or twice from a far. He had always looked evil to her. Perhaps it was possible that Serge was older than she ever thought.

"Serge Killed Diana" " Issac had said he had watched her die, old and gray. "How is that possible, Issac said he had been with her to the end." She looked again at that dagger, what if Diana had been poisoned" Or some magic spun upon her" What if she had not been so old" "Serge did that to her" He aged her.." She had seen it done before. "You gave it to Issac...how old was Serge really, when I first saw him, knew of him he looked no older than a teenager...he must have been older. " She wasn't about to let him leave, not with just a stolen kiss and a few quick witted words . She left the borrowed sword on her bed and went after him stopping him.

" I can accept that you knew Serge, and were apart of his merry little band, even if it was to kill him. I've been there before, in the inner workings. If you gave Issac this dagger, and taught him all about it. So you taught him all about it then, Serge sent his men after you and you had to flee. Was this before or after Serge blew up Isaac's ship" " What she was getting to was simple. Had he known her before that day they met in Rhydin, but she didn't come out and say it. "I can see that day in my mind in Las Belin, I know you were not there, at least I did not see you. You must have heard of Isaac's passing..." She looked at him. She was trying to wrap her mind around it all, Issac was over two hundred years when he had saved her from auction,fallen in love with her and planned to marry her.

If Dacomas had come upon Issac after Diana had died. Issac was young then, for an elf. Serge must have been ancient. Older than she ever feared was possible. She stood in his way, but she knew he could easily pass her now, as she still felt as if her world was spinning. "I don't need protecting Dacomas, Serge is dead. And I never said I hated you." She gave him one last look, before shifting away,she had millions of questions, but honestly she didn't have the strength to ask them. "Thank you for ...everything."

She walked away,tearing off what was left of her already ruined shirt, she crossed the room in to her bathroom, closing and locking the door behind her. She walked to the mirror and looked at her reflection in it. Minus the dry blood and the fact that she looked like she just had one hell of a work out, nothing seemed different.

Dacomas must be older than he looked. If he had known Issac when Diana was newly dead. "Her name was Diana. She was a pilot too. I was a young elf then.She fell in love with me, and I with her. We spent our life together. Sailing the skies. She died. I watched her age, and never did I leave her. Her once fiery red hair, turned gray, her smooth skin wrinkled, her body frail. But I loved her still. Until her last breath. I buried her, and left, never to return. I landed here in Luac. I started out as a servant. mucking stalls, hammering armor, doing odd jobs for people. I came in to the service of the Lord then. I worked for them for many years till again with the passage of time they died...they had no sons, no heir for this manor. So before he died the Lord dubbed me. For one hundred years after that I ruled here, my people were human and I was not, I helped them, loved them. Watched them die. Fought with them in the wars that followed. "

The words she knew, they played back in her mind. Issac was telling her his back story, for he knew all of hers already. Slave and servant,parents dead. She leaned her hand heavily upon the sink. She had blocked out that time for so long. Through her life as a slave, through the hard work and those lashes given to her. She had always blamed the orcs. But she saw it as she looked in the mirror, the fire. The darkness that swept over her, the feeling. It was the feeling she had gotten a round Demetri and Serge.

She felt the floor under her, she was on her knees. Her eyes closed. Serge was dead...but the past was buried deep within her. She wondered if Dacomas wasn't right, perhaps she did need him.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-10-06 00:55 EST
Twilight. There was something about this time she loved so. The sky was darkening,filling with stars. The air was cooler. There by that little stream she sat,her fingers in the water. The fight had passed,and shed slept through most of the following day. She woke to find Dacomas gone,breakfast waiting.

She didnt go to town, not even to work. She stayed at the house mulling about. She cleaned , and cooked, soem meals for the week to be stored away. She sat by an empty fire place with that cracked data pad. Thinking of Issac, of all the questions unanswered from the night before. "How is it possible?" She ran her fingers over the device. It was soon returned to her book nook in the master bed room.

The hours passed slowly. And now it was twilight again. The ar was crisp, fall was settling in, but she ahdnt dawned a jacket over her dark blue sleeveless T. The crisp twilight never bothered her.

" All those years, I thought I knew you. But we had barely begun to know the other. Yet I loved you." She looked sky ward as more stars came out, she focused on a far off one, that was no star. "Serge killed you Diana, yet you didnt even know it. Serge killed my family...I can see it now, in my mind. That whole day, the fire, the screams. I always blamed the orcs. But in all truth, I think they must have saved me ina way. Serge came to that town, perhaps with his father, seeking out women. If the orcs hadnt taken me, they would have. "

She lifted her fingers from the stream. "Hes gone now, nothing left of him, but what is in my mind." She drew out that dagger and ran her fingers over it, so flawless. " I am starting to recall what happened, and this. Le'Cai." The daggers rune lit up a brillant blue. She sighed, " You never withheld anything from me,I am sure if you had lived,I would have known far more than I do now. You used to say questions gone unanswered were like a plague. They run through you, till they are solved, or your dead."

She sheathed the dagger. " Two hundred and twenty-eight years. Just in to my second century . Hard to believe I was only thirty-three when you died. It seems a life time ago. One hundred and ninty-five years. I have not loved a man since the day you died..." Well that wasnt the full truth. "Not till most recently. I liked to look, and flirt. "She shook her head. "You must have trusted him, to allow him to teach you about the dagger. "

She lay back in to the grass. "It was so much easier when I was young, to love you. So regal and handsome,my savor. But you were more than that. "

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I could never admit it to him, but perhaps he is right. I need him here.Else where would I go' What would I do' "

She opened her eyes and looked up. " Love always finds a way. You told me that, after you spoke of Diana. Your love for her was so strong. You loved me, and what we had. But you loved her too. I love you still, your memory, your ghost in my mind. What I can recall of those days in Luac..before the blood washed over my memories. I never let it in,never let anyone else in. Not even our old dear friends now long dead. "

She dug out that small blue box from her pocket. "I've kept this for years,knwoing well whats inside. The ring you would have purposed with. You left it behind,and I have carried it. Unable to open it. My love for you, what we had will never fade. But I have begun to open myself up .." She chuckled, "I cant bare to rid myself of this box,the ring inside or the cracked data pad. "She tucked the box away.

"In fear I would loose what I have left of you. I want to live again, to love..again. To be wanted and needed. Desired. Loved. Yes even that. By someone who is far differentr from you. But someone who fits more with who I am now. "

Ravenna

Date: 2011-10-12 00:36 EST
( 18 + )

There was no rest for the wicked. That was her usual theme. After Serge was gone, her floor cleaned, her bedroom mended now , shed gotten back easily in to the swing of work. Patroling the docks,doing her urben duty. Shed cut out of work early, hit the inn and now was coming through the front door.

While she had been out patroling the docks. Dacomas would be busy with a few things at the house, just some minor cleaning here and there. When she got home, she would find him in of all places in the kitchen. Whipping up some dinner for them to eat, as it seemed someone was trying to woo someone tonight.

She hung her jacket by the door. And wandered down the hall way at the scent of food. She leaned there in the doorway to the ktichen looking in on him.

He looked over his shoulder as he had heard the door open and close. " Have fun without me" " Winking at her as he was just now fixing them both a plate of food. Fixing her favorite as he had learned it due to watching her, when she fixed dinner.

She nodded softly and walked in further to take a seat at the table. As he fixed two plates. He was getting good at this, getting to know her faves. "Always do have fun. You didnt say you wanted to tag along. " She leaned a bit in that chair.

He chuckled softly as he got her something to drink as well. " You didn't ask. " Winking at her as he moved to sit down with her, with his own plate of food and drink.He knew her favored food, and her drink too. Though anyone who knew her even a little bit knew she had a weakness for soda, any kind. She shrugged and took up a bite of food.

" Or do you want to keep me as your hidden secret' " Winking at her as he took a bite of the food, followed by a sip of the zeppa to wash it down.It was one of the icy cold lemon lime zeppas, she had a six pack of those in her fridge. " Secret from who' You have some one trying to kill you? " A sip and a bite and chew.

He shook his head lightly. " Not that I know of. Just wondering what you tell your friends about me. " An honest smile. " Probably tell them that I am your live in house keeper. " A playful frown at her. She looked across the table at him. "I have few friends Dacomas. But I do not tell them that. So far two of them know of you.." She took a sip. " And what would I tell them' That your my body guard" I dont pay you any longer. That your my room mate, that might suffice. "

He looked across the table at her for a long moment. " Your lover works best. " Hiding a grin behind that bottle of lemon zeppa. She snickered. And took another slow bite, looking at him while she chewed. "My lover" Hmm I do not think that you are that. " She finshied off the food and rose taking her plate with her.

He finished his own and took his plate to the sink. Timing his next move as he spun her around to face him, and cupped her cheeks with his hands. Then leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips, with his hands running along her sides to draw her in closer.

Her back was to the counter. When he caught her in that kiss. She didnt fight it. She let him draw her in to that kiss which she did return. He slowly tilted his head and closed his eyes when she started to kiss him back. With his hands sliding up her sides to move her hands up to his shoulders, then returned his hands back to her sides.

Her hands settled to his shoulders. And she shifted abit when his hands returned to her sides. Her eyes fluttered a bit open then closed again. She couldnt really fight it ay more,her body had betrayed her the moment he first kissed her, so she had stopped fighting it. She drew herself closer,her fingers edging down his upper back.

Slowly he pulled back from their shared kiss. " If I didn't know better...I would think you wish for us to be lovers. " Murmured softly as he rested his brow against her own, while keeping his eyes closed.

She took a few deep breaths. Her brow rested to his,her form close to his own. She opened her eyes slowly. She wouldnt say she did, and she wouldnt say she didnt. She liked him, too much. He knew too much..." Maybe in another life time." She pulled herself away, though she didnt have any where to go trapped between him and the counter.

Yet he pulled her back in. " You are a poor liar. " Now openning his eyes to look down into her own. " Be honest with me, sweet Ravenna. " Moving his right hand up to softly cup the side of her neck. While using his thumb to softly caress her cheek. Her head tilted in to is touch.Her eyes didnt move,she would have looked away.But she felt compelled to look back in to his eyes. "I am a grand liar...but if I was lying, what would it matter" "Her hands moved from his back one to his shoulder the other to his chest. Her eyes she knew would betray her, even if she could keep her voice even. " We are what we are.."

He read her eyes carefully, before resting his forehead to her own again. " Then perhaps we should stop lying to ourselves and to each other. " Murmured softly. " We both wish to be with the other. " Saying it for them both now. Her brows perked softly. "That would be dangerous." She looked down to where her hand rested then back in to his eyes. "You hardly know me.." She whispered...

" We both like to live dangerously. " Smirking at her as he looked down to where her hand was, then back to her eyes. " We have time to get to know the other. " Now moving his hand from her side, to lay over her hand that she had over his chest. She nodded slowly. " Yeah...dangerously.." But she was nodding to the other part. That part about time to get to know the other. She looked back to his hand over her own on his chest. "I should go shower...I can still smell the docks in my hair.." changing the subject that always worked before.

" Not tonight. " Murmured as he shifted to stand beside her, as he laced his fingers with her hand that was on his chest. " How about we take it easy for once" " Grinning at her. Her brows perked again. "I can do easy." She could try.

He nodded softly as he turned to walk with her towards her own room. Eyes glancing to her as he tried to keep from smirking. Not managing to do so, as the corners of his lips on the side she was on. Curled up just slightly.Her hand was linked with his and so she walked with him watching him. "Why are you smirking?" She could see it, he couldnt hide it.

" No reason. " Looking to her as he smiled rather quickly, then opened the door to her room. Before aimming to lead her inside to shut it behind them.Her brows rose. As he led them in to her room and shut the door behind him. "You always have a reason. Why are we coming in here" There nothing to do in here.." There was,read, take a shower or bath, go outside through the french doors in to the front yard...sleep. Sure it had been a war room too, full of blood and gore, but now it was clean.

He turned to face her. " Saying you don't want me all alone in your room with you? " Winking at her as he slowly backed up from her, as he started to remove his shirt. "I never said that." She watched him hand on her hip now. "We've been alone in here before...a few times if my memory serves. "

" True. " Now tossing his shirt at her after he had removed it.color=darkred] " But now we aren't having to fight, and are honest with the other. " Now sitting on the side of her bed as he removed his boots. She caught his shirt and snickered lightly.Still watching him. "True and also true." She took his shirt and laid it over the edge of her bed.

He looked to her. " Your turn. " Reaching over to her with a light tug of her shirt, as a sly grin crossed his lips. She tilted her head at him. But she merely snickered then sat down on the edge of her bed to remove her boots. But she wasnt about to take her shirt off. "You saw enough already." He had during the fight, which shed fought in a torn shirt that did nothing to hide her bra under it. "If memory serves."

" Going to make me work for it huh' " Grinning as he turned to start working on the buttons to her shirt, as best he could at the moment. She eyed his hands. "I'd think youd want to keep your fingers...not loose them by trying to undress me." She shifted away from him. Hed gotten two buttons undone.

He smirked to that. " I'll take my chances. " Rising to his feet as he moved after her. " And you know how stubborn I am." "As an ox." She backed up a bit and held up her hand. " Fine...I'll undo my own buttons." Her fingers were quick to undo the rest of the bottons, that shirt was forest green soft of elven make, though with a newer twist to the old styles. She slipped it off her arms and tossed it to join his. She put her hands on her hips then. "Happy?" She wore a different black bra than the one from the fight, this one was lace and satin. She faced him, she wasnt shy about how she looked.

He came to a stop as he watched her remove her shirt. With a grin crossing his lips as he looked her over slowly. " Much better. " Winking at her as he moved to remove his pants, right in front of her as he had no shame in doing so. She knew hed seen her fight in her bra, blood and gore and lots of fun. But even with her shirt torn in the front from the fight. She knew he hadnt seen the long criss crossed scars on her back. She might have mentioned them once,scars were apart of her life.He was always watching her, there was a change he already knew they were there...She watched him brows risen. She already knew he had no shame..." What is this all proving?"

" Your turn. " Winking to her as he tossed his pants to land with their shirts. Then crossed his arms, as she'd note various small scars on his own body. Brows perked, she undid her belt, then the buttons on her pants and slipped them off and let them fall to the floor, her aim short of the bed. She wore a matching set of panties. Hand on her hips , " again I ask what is this all proving. Besides my good style in under garments?" He moved up to her, aiming to catch her at the hips unless she moved again from him. " That you want me and I want you. " Hands moving to her hips again, as his goal was to lead her to the bed.

"Well we already knew that."He caught her by the hips. Her form stiffened a little. His fingers were mere inches from the tips of her scars. There were fourty lashes across her back, the lonegst two made a nice X from the back of right shoulder to the back of her left hip, and from the back of her left shoulder to the back of her right hip. The others were scattered left right, across, some were merely red lines, angry yet healed, others were pale lines nearly invisible. The worst were the two that made that X and one other. Those were raised,ragged scars. She wasnt asshamed of them,but they took some getting used to. She wasnt really consentraing on anything but her hand as it moved over his chest and up to his bare shoulder. "Want can be a very bad thing you know."

" Yes it can be, but we both know we can't keep fighting this. " Softly to her as he first moved to sit on the bed, then moved to lay back on it. With him taking her hand that was on his chest into his hand again. Aimming to coax her into moving with him. She moved with him, on to and over her bed. Sitting then following back till she lay beside him. She could have climbed up and perched over him, it was temping but she was being good. " We could...see how crazy we go." A smirk then.

He smirked to that. " Then lay over me and see what happens. " Turning his head to look at her with a squeeze to her hand. " And I know about the marks on your back. I noticed them during the fight here with Serge. " Her brows perked at tha knowledge. "Orcs.." That was her sum up for it. She inched closer then slid her legs ove rhim and perched her self over him, slipping her arms down along side his shoulders.

He nodded softly. " You told me of them before. " Softly as he moved his hands to her sides, then around to her back. Letting his fingers, ever so lightly trace each mark. Her eyes fluttered closed. The scars didnt hurt, some were smooth now over years of healing, some would never heal fully. They were sensetive. "Life as a slave has its draw backs. "She looked down at him,now perched over him. She staddled his legs. Her fingers idly moving down the line of his jaw.

He nodded softly to her. " Aye...but now you are free and with me. " Winking up at her as he carefully shifted her to stretch her frame out to lay fully against him.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-10-12 01:03 EST
Dacomas would wake up the following morning after he had smooth talked Ravenna into sharing her bed with him. A smirk on his lips as he looked down at her sleeping form, as she had fallen asleep with her back to him. Only for him to find her all curled up against his side, and tucked under one of his arms.

She was sleeping soundly. Which didnt happen often. But as she began to wake up her fingers rose up, not over a soft pillow, which was usually the case but over his chest. She blinked her eyes opened slowly. That grin grew as she started to wake up, and watched her fingers crawling up his chest. " Morning, Ravenna. " Running a few fingers along her spine. " Did you get cold during the night' "

Her brows perked to his voice. She lifted her head slowly brushing those wild raven tendrils from her face. "This is the usual way I sleep." Curled on her side arms around a pillow rather than...well, she couldnt say it was a bad way to wake up. He tilted his head at her. " So do you dream that the pillow is me" " That grin turning in to a slow smirk now, as he tugged a little at the back of his shirt. Which she was wearing.

She felt that tug. Last night kind of played out in a blur. How he had convinced her to share her bed then...There had been some major league kissing,and some major flirting, and teasing. But some how it all led to sleep. And her in his shirt. Which had been nice to sleep in. She titled her head at him. "Wouldnt you love to know." She looked down at that shirt, his shirt. " Well I could always move. " Slowly shifting to slip out from under her, giving her pleanty of time to pin him down.

"No stay."She pressed her hand to his chest. She gave him a long look. "Your darn convincing, you know."He smirked at her again. " Now why would you say that' " Oh he damn well know what she was talking about as he shifted to slowly shift her to lay fully over him. Ahh that brought back memories of the night before.

" Oh dont play dumb with me. "She lay over him. "I thought we were being honset with each other. Wasnt that last nights little mantra" But nothing happened...I think I'd remember that." She pressed her fingers along his chest. "But this is a fine way to wake up." He grinned slowly at her as he ran his hands along her sides. " Are you upset that nothing happened last night' " Looking down at her hands for a moment, then back up at her.

She shrugged softly. "Well, not nothing.."She recalled it,perfectly. She looked to his hands on her sides. She leaned down closer to him. "But I did assume your little..show was to try to get me in to bed. Just never thought it was for sleeping." He leaned up that short distance and kissed her softly. " I might be a rogue, everything you should avoid in a man. But unlike you I can control myself. "

"I can control myself." She gave him that kiss back then slid back from him and off from over him to the floor. "If I couldnt, something would have happened." She ran her fingers through her hair. " Something more than kissing and sleep." He rolled on to his side after she moved from him and the bed. " Well...nothing is stoping you from doing more right now. " Patting the bed beside him now.

She stood there looking at him. "I think not. I can control myself." Though it was very tempting. Nothign a ice cold shower couldnt fix. "You can have this back though. If youd like it" unbuttoning the shirt. He smirked as hemoved out of the bed, then moved around it to cut her off. " I think so. " Lifting a hand up to lightly press her backwards towards the bed.

She took a few steps back, then lifted her hand to his that pressed her back. "Oh' And what about ' I can control myself" Though "She sat back on the bed. "Last night it seemed like maybe you didnt want to . rogue you may be, but still a man...I know when a man liked what he sees. "She crossed her legs. "So yes youd like this back?" To the shirt which she continued now to unbutton. "It is such a nice color."

He leaned down to her. " And you are still a woman, and enjoyed what you see. " Moving his hands to catch her own to lift them away from the buttons of that shirt. " So do you wish to act on what we both desire" Or do you wish to wait?"

She looked up at him. "Yes I did and do. Enjoy. "She titled her head softly. Maybe she did want to,okay if she fully admitted things to herself she did want to.But she wasnt going to say that. "I can wait." He nodded lightly as he pulled her up to her feet, with him moving her hands to his shoulders. " You are still enjoying the view. " His hands moved to her hips.

She nodded softly and shifted her hips a little to his touch. " I wont deny that." She gave him a glance. "You of all people should be able to do the math. How long Ive been alone. I like to look." "You have craved the touch of a rogue for a long time. " Wiggling his brows at her. " But if you are going to deny that you desire for more. I wil go. "] Slowly pulling from her again, very slowly. She snickered lightly to his comment. She stopped his hands from leaving her form. "I didnt deny I wanted it.I just said I could wait."

He tilted his head. " You aren't the type to wait. " Wiggling his brows at her. " Or have I turned you into a behaved, honest woman?"He tilted his head.

She smirked at that. "You speak as if you know." But he was right, she didnt like to wait, she liked to act. "You know what kind of trouble I get in to when I just act." She lifted her hands up across his chest. "But it is very tempting"

" Then why are you stalling now" No longer a brave woman of action' " Moving his hands to the buttons of that shirt, as so started to button them back up. She lifted her hands and stopped his by holding them still. "It should mean something more. Than want or need. I may want you, and need you." She was being bluntly honest now. " But this is one thing I have never rushed, I may like to look, and flirt with men. But I have not been with one I did not love, fully. " Which was only Issac. "And that will not change. No matter what." She leaned in and stole a kiss.

He kissed her back softly and slowly, as he shifted to place her hands around his neck, with his going around her hips. Slowly pulling back from that kiss. " It is the same with me. I wish to wait and see how long I can wind you up, before you snap. " Murmured to her.

She chuckled and let her fingers roam over the back of his check and shoulders. "I might snap sooner rather than later. "

" That so' " Shifting just slightly as he leaned in suddenly, bypassing her lips in favor for her neck. Brushing his lips down the right side of it to her collar bone, then slowly kissed the lenght of it back up to just below her ear. She closed her eyes, and sighed softly. Her fingers inching over his shoulders.They kneeded in to his shoulders as he kissed the lenght of her neck.Slowly he moved to work the front of her throat, brushing his lips down, then kissed his way back up to just under her chin.She gave a deeper sigh. He sure was smooth. She titled her head softly and gave a little chuckle as his kisses made their way up under her chin.

He grinned as he slowly moved lower with his lips, just to see when she'd pull back. Now kissing down to the first buttoned up part of the shirt he came to.She didnt move away. She felt like she might just be glued to the floor and bed. Her fingers followed his shoulders.Her eyes were now closed. He was doing a good job of winding her up.

His eyes looked up at her as he used his mouth to unbutton those last few buttons. As he kissed down to the top of her panties, before starting on his way back up. She shivered , that sigh was a little bit more like a moan as his kisses went down, and down. Then back up. Oh he was winding her up. There was no way she could deny she liked feeling his lips on her skin.

Once he made it back up to her neck, with him kissing both sides from her ear to her collar bone. Before moving along her jawline, then right down the front of her throat again. She bit at her bottom lip now. Her hands having fallen her sides. She used one to press to his chest to ease him a way. Those kisses were soft and nice, and they made her skin feel good, and her feel very good. But she had to stop him. " Trying to make me snap?"

He slowly pulled back from her. " Of course. " Winking at her as he slowly started to back away from her. " And just when I was going to work every inch of you with just my lips, tongue and teeth. " She looked at him as he started to back away. "Hmm" She snickered then. "That is a thought." She went after him. Her hands going back to his shoulders, to pull him back to be face to face with her. "Your very good at that, being tempting."

This time he twisted away from her hands. " I am' " Grinning at her. " What ever gave you that idea" " Still backing up from her as his back was to her bed now. She pressed her hand back to his chest. "I dont think we are quite there."A wink.

Then she padded off for her bathroom,unbuttoning his shirt as she went to leave it on the floor outside the bathroom before closing the door. She wasnt the type to wait,she loved to push the boundaries,but not today, maybe at some point.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-10-17 23:43 EST
She had never understood women and their love of shopping. She had always lived on what she could buy. Now that she had money clothes were just something she had.She had her own since of style and didn't even still own very much. Money went to better places, to help others rather than herself.

But she was beginning to understand it now .Looking at herself in the mirror.

She reminded her self this look was for the job at hand. But she didn't mind it. No, dresses and heels were not her usual dress code for work. But tonight and for a few nights following shed need them. She tried on seven dresses, and with matching shoes and she was buying six of them.

The one she wore now was the last of the six. One for each night of this mission.

It was short , silver strapless with a slight sparkle to it. It fit her like a glove, showing off her curves and Ravenna loved it.And the shoes that matched open toe and open strappy back heels that sparkled like the dress. But they weren't goddy, no they had some muted tones of silver in them too.

That dress would be one of the last ones she would wear to impress the new client. A slave trader,she intended on putting down.

The other dresses were mostly all short save for the first and second night dress, both long, one dark blue strapless with a lovely little floral design on the right.The other was green, and strapless. Only one of the six had any straps, that one was black with one strap on the right side. All the dresses had matching shoes. There would be hardly any room to hide a weapon, but Ravenna didn't need a weapon. But she wouldn't go without some how shed figure it all out. Things like stiletto hair pins went a far way, she owned a few pairs, and a ladies dagger in her purse would not arise any questions.

The six dresses and their shoes were all boxed up in a plain box, and would be shipped to her house. She made sure that no one could trace the route, this coming mission was dangerous, and she need not have any more battles at her house.

The mission was like ones she had before. But this one needed more finesse. She was to meet with a slave trader, known as Mr. Montgomery , posing as a possible client for his wares. Hence the dresses, they were to look the part and also to seduce the slaver away from his tasks at hand. Ravenna chuckled, Gaelira would be so proud.

When she arrived home she hung each dress up in their garment bags and sat the heels underneath. Tonight was the first meeting. She pondered if she should ask Dacomas along as her body guard. He'd have to remain invisible. There would be a carriage arriving at dusk to take her to the dock side manor of Mr. Montgomery. She had a few hours to prepare

Ravenna

Date: 2011-10-17 23:49 EST
She prepared a light dinner,for two. She had decided she would ask Dacomas along. Food was always a way to win over a man, one of a few in fact. She set the table and when he came in to the kitchen, she had her back to him, but it was merely to hide her smirk. "Dinner is a bribe." She turned and looked at him as he sat down, she crossed and sat down.

"I have business with a slaver, for the next few nights. He plans to meet with me, thinking I am a wealthy woman in need of a few slaves. By the end of the sixth night I fully intend to put him down. So I have a business opportunity for you, if you want it."

His brows rose at her comment that dinner was her trying to bribe him as he sat down, getting the feeling that something was up with her. She had never said that to him since they had started to live together, not even in play. Slowly he started to eat as he watched her carefully. With his brows rising again to her wanting him to work with her yet again. He couldn't help but smirk across the dinner table at her. Though he could understand why she wanted his help. He had proven himself to her when she first hired him, then again when Serge attacked.

Everything was already set. Her attire, her fake name, Isabella Luac. The wealthy widow who was still mourning her husbands loss,but was in need of some good hands on her estate. They had never met, tonight was the first meeting. But Ravenna had seen him, she was after all a good assassin. Watching her mark for days now since the final death of Serge.

"Mr. Montgomery was not a native rhydinian, but he had made himself a nice little home sted, though the trading of slaves. Men, women, children. Some were stolen from their homes far from Rhydin shores, some may have been from the cursed city. He favored the women, longed to look at them". She was sure more than few of them he had taken,with out any due consent. How he had grinned when the letter from Lady Luac had come, the sad story of the loss of her husband,and the need of good hands. What a surprise it would be for him to meet the lady. "

"The meeting is set for his home, a nice looking manor only a few blocks from the dock. Lady Luac had assured him she would be there promply at seven."

She waited till Dacomas's intrust was peeked.

" I will pay you for your services, as a body guard. But you can not be seen by my client, nor any of those working with him. You must follow me. I will be masquerading as Lady Isabella Luac." The name choice was not lost on her. " A widow with some considerable money, who needs slaves to work in her estate. The slave trader I am meeting Mr. Montgomery, is not from Rhydin, but he has made it his home. He has an estate near the docks, some fifty men at arms, guards and look outs. The other house hold servants, some of which are slaves. The slaves them selves are kept in the large basement, like chained cattle. Lady Luac, is going to seduce him."

She smirked dimly, "He has a fondness for women, so I have chosen my attire to match what he likes. Over the course of the next six nights, she will seduce him, and he will think it was all him. On the last night,he will escort the Lady." A grin, "To his bed chamber, and dismiss his guards. I will then kill him. That is the night I will need you most, to help me kill his guards, and set free the slaves. " She took a sip of soda.

"So what do you think" Up to helping me" You'll get to see me parade myself a round in dresses, and heels for six nights starting tonight." He remained silent as she spoke of her next target, as well as filling him in on all the details. With him waiting to finish the food she had cooked, before he wiped his mouth and responded. "The food was very good." Smiling to her as he rose to his feet, and moved to the chair closest to her. With him taking one of her hands into his own now, while looking her right in the eyes. "You should know by now, that you do not need to bribe me. Besides it'll cost more than a good dinner to bribe the likes of me." A shameless smirk crossing his lips.

"Second you don't have to pay me anymore. I will help you in this job, and if you need me to be silent and unseen. Then I will do so. Though I could pose as one of your slaves, which I know you would so enjoy ordering me around. Either way, I will do which ever you wish to do. As for payment' You are that payment, after the job is done." That shameless smirk returning. " And I'm not taking no for an answer." Lifting that hand he held, making it look like he was going to kiss the top of it, only to shake her hand firmly to seal the deal.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-10-19 17:30 EST
She had no doubts he would agree. She shook his hand and snickered at him. Though he didn't want paid, not in silver or gold. She could iron out those details later. gold or silver. Once the meal was done and she had relayed all her info to him she went to change. When she described Mr. Montgomery he smirked at her, "If he wasn't a slave trader he would be your type."

The man, Mr. Montgomery was tall, just slightly above her own height, his hair ashen blond, his eyes were green, and perhaps in his youth he might have been handsome. But he was older now, a man nearing his late thirties. Human.

He was hardly her type, she didn't go for humans, or at least not for long. "Not my type. Not even if he weren't a slave trading son of a bitch." She wasn't vain or vapid, but she knew what she liked,and what she didn't, this was all business. "You'll be better served in he shadows, Lady Luac has need of slaves and has no one, that is the selling point." She had a few likes about men, and many more dislikes. None of which she was going to tell Dacomas. She would miss the feel of her boots, of her pants.Miss knowing she had a weapon at hand. She slipped the long dark blue dress on. It was strapless, form fitting till it flared ut below the knee. That embroidered floral design was in fine stitching at the right side,in tones of silver and gold.

It fit her well, showing off her fine long arms,and well her bust line. The shoes were heel of dark blue,and they felt like velvet. She took down the little black purse from Beltane and with a wisp of magic it turned to match the dress color. Shed spent enough on the dress's and heels she was using magic for some of the effect. She wore the bangles from Beltane, touched with magic to sparkle with sapphires and diamonds. She slipped on a simple ring to her left hand, as she did so the ring gained a great diamond. The illusions were perfect,even those in tune with magic would have a hard time telling what was real from what was fake. She slipped a small black velvet jacket over her bared shoulders and did up her hair with sparkly pins.

There was one more touch of magic she weaved,over those scars on her back,a glamour that would hide the most notable of the marks from view. She couldn't have her client knowing who she was, merely by those marks. And if she was to seduce him, she would need to bare her arms eventually.

She had changed in the closet with Dacomas sitting on her bed.She looked to the closed door. "I am coming out now, If you laugh I shall have to hurt you. Preferably something you hate to have hurt." She called out, as she slipped that purse over her shoulder,and slipped in the slight lady's dagger. She gave her self one last look in the mirror. She looked regal,her hair done up, her face done up ,taller in those heels,sexy too. She smirked slightly before walking out.

She stood there looking at him with her usual tough as nails look in her eyes. A look she would loose for the coming nights. "Well"" She did a little spin, she may not have been sued to heels but she wore them well, walking with that light touch, only an elf could have. "What do you think" Do I pass the test of being a lady"" The gems on her neck and hand , and in her hair sparkled, the embroidery at her side sparkled. She moved with more grace,easily on those heels as if she had worn them for years. She smiled and gave Dacomas a wink. "Think he will like it"" She had no doubt Mr. Montgomery would like it,not only did she sparkle with wealth, but that dress showed off her curves.

He smirked as he sat on her bed waiting for her to come out. "If you hurt that then you wouldn't have anything to look forward to playing with later!" Shot back to her as he titled his head then moved to his feet when she finally did come out in to view. Another smirk crossing his lips, as he done that little spin for him. "I might have to get you to dress up like this for myself a little more often. You look lovely, and I am tempted to undress you myself." Wiggling his brows at her. "And don't worry your pretty little head off about me. I'll keep to my end of the deal, and keep you from getting killed." Giving her chin a light two finger tap. "You just make sure that nothing happens to yourself. If I see you in trouble. I won't hesitate to attack." Murmured as he looked off to the side, as he also crossed his arms over his chest. Trying to keep her from catching the hidden look in his eyes. A deadly killer look that was starting to show more when there was talks of her being in danger, or seeing her in danger.

She smirked at his comment. She shook her head at him. "Your terrible." She stopped in her spin and grinned at him. "Well I did pay for the dresses, so you might get your wish,I am gonna get more than six nights out of these." She eyed him, "Just tempted" Hmm tempted is a good start."

"Will you stop saying that." The worry her pretty little head about him. "I know you can handle yourself. And I can handle myself." She smiled softly to the two finger tap to her chin. "Nothing will happen to me. There wont be any trouble." She looked once more in the mirror. She looked away from him and smiled to his complement, and he wouldn't see that slight blush. "The carriage I hired will be here soon, the driver is mute. I've put a glamour over the house, it will appear that I the Lady Luac a nice long walkway a fine estate in the back ground. The carriage will take me to Montgomery's house." She was talking to his back as she was headed for the bedroom door. "You wont have any reason to attack. He won't harm me." She gave him a wink as she headed down the hallway for the front door.

The carriage stopped in front of the house, Ravenna passed through the door and took on the air of the Lady Isabella Luac. The drive would see her walking down a paved walkway away from a massive estate. He tipped his hat at her as he held the carriage door open.

She climbed in the door shut and they were away within moments, she knew Dacomas would shadow her the whole way there. She knew there was little risk with this mission. Sure the slaver had guards and men on his pay role, but Ravenna could kill those men in her sleep. And Montgomery himself was no threat. Dacomas followed but far enough behind so not to draw any attention to himself, all the way up to the manor. Eyes scanning over it from a distance, before a smirk crossed his lips. As he would watch the guards and their routes. Once he had then down, he would sneak onto the manor grounds. Ravenna wanted him within striking distance, and within that rage he would stay.

It didn't take long before the carriage was in Rhydin bouncing on the cobble stones, then rolling along to the slavers house. Ravenna put aside herself again, this time not to play the part of Raven but to be Isabella. The carriage door opened and she stepped out thanking the driver.

The doorway to the manor house was open. "Lady Luac, I am so glad you could come." Mr. Montgomery spoke, he stood there in a dark grey suit. "Welcome to my home. My I say my lady you look quite lovely tonight." He held the door for her and Ravenna smiled. "Thank you for seeing me, Mr. Montgomery." And for effect she let that blush flood her cheeks to his complement

He led her in to the house. Ravenna had gotten a good look at it from outside,but The lady Isabella let him lead the way to the parlor. "You have a lovely home." He smiled to her,looking her over again. "Thank you my lady,please come and sit we can talk over some coffee or tea perhaps""

"Tea will be fine." She flowed in tot he room and took a seat by the fire, slowly shrugging off that sleek black velvet jacket. Ravenna saw him watching her as he prepared the tea. ~~~ They sat over tea, talking lightly of things not business. He asked of her husband, and how he had passed. "It was terrible. We had just moved here, the estate was new. Richard went out one night.He liked the bars. He was robbed, and murdered in cold blood. His things stolen."

She she'd some tears for that story. "It has been five years,I have tired to keep the estate going. But everything fell apart, I lost my servants, they were more loyal to Richard." She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief . "I have been so alone, and now the bank says they may close on my home. It is all I have left. I need able hands to help me care for it, maids, a cook, guards, workers for the field and stables."

She made sure to show off that massive ring, or play with that sparkling necklace while she spoke. She would look away, but Ravenna knew he was looking not at her face but at her body, the line of that dress. The form of her cleavage as she would sob lightly. "Well, I am glad you found your way to me. I have many slaves, and after a few meetings you will be able to pick out your very own." He spoke not even bothering to look her in the eye. His eyes looked down her dress. "Thank you Mr. Montgomery." She smiled at him then sipped dainty at her tea. Ravenna knew he was looking at her like a piece of meat. But The Lady Luac just smiled at him, and batted her lashes.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-10-23 23:24 EST
After the tea was done, the talk done and Ravenna had let her eyes do all the subtitle flirting. Mr. Montgomery helped the Lady Luac with her jacket and in to the carriage. " I shall see you tomorrow night Lady Luac?" He asked with a smile that would have been swave if Ravenna wasn't who she was.

"Yes Mr Montgomery, I did agree to meeting with you as many times as you need to see I will be a fit woman to take on some of your merchandise." He nodded with a smile then softly kissed her hand. "Till then My lady."

The carriage was away with that, and Ravenna held the act up all the way till the forest,till after the carriage had left her at the house glamoured for effect, she tipped the driver and told him to meet her there again tomorrow night. The carriage pulled away and Ravenna watched it go before heading to the door. All the glamour's would fade as she went through the door, the house returned to normal, those sparkling gems returned to what they truly were, a plain ring, and simple bangles. Her bag went back to its sparkly black tone. She shrugged off that velvet jacket, and heels as she padded down the hallway for her bedroom.



"That man is disgusting." She flipped on the lights knowing shed find Dacomas already in the room. He was good at what he did. By now he knew what she knew, how many guards were about the slavers house,all the ways in and all the ways out. He had likely watched the whole night through one of the many windows that looked in to the parlor. She padded in to her closet and hung up the jacket, set the heels down and took of the jewelry setting it aside to wear tomorrow night,along with her purse. She unzipped her dress and hung it up in its garment bag. She ran her fingers through her unpinned hair and let it fall in easy waves about her shoulders.

"I assume you figured out what I did when I first took up this mission." She peeked through the half open closet door at him now sitting on her bed. "There is one way in and one way out of that dreadful basement where he keeps the slaves. I fully intend for him and his guards to be dead long before I have to go down there to set them all free."

He chuckled softly as he looked to her. "Well what were you expecting" Another me to be waiting for you?" Winking at her as he listened to her speak, with a light nod to confirm what she had already guessed, then tilted his head as she moved towards him. Not saying anything as he gave her a little pout to her already removing the dress, with him turning more to face her. With him patting the spot beside him.

She wrapped herself in her black robe before stepping out in to the room. She crossed to him and sat beside him. "Tomorrow night, same time. As the nights go on The Lady Luac will seduce him more and more. By the end of the third date he will be assured that Isabella is open to his swave motives." She gave him a wink.

"Well then. I need to make use of these next few nights to make sure you are able to seduce someone." Wiggling his brows at her as he moved to stand, and slowly undress. Making no move to go hide like she had done as he had turned to face her while he undress. Totally giving her a show.

Her brows rose at him. She had figured that Montgomery was a slime ball, but still. She then watched him rise and start to undress. She had seen his slight pout at her being already out of that dress. But she had no desire to wear it any longer than she needed to,at least not for this mission, shed wear them all again,for true fun.

"I know how to seduce someone Dacomas. This is not the first mission I have had like this. I just don't like them,men like Montgomery are the reason I started being paid to kill people. He's just like Serge, but human." She watched him as he undid his shirt slowly. "And just what are you doing?"She sat back crossing her legs slowly. She may be out of that long elegant dress but the robe was more Ravenna's style than the dress had been, even if she had looked good in it.

"You think I don't know how to seduce a man' A man like Montgomery is easier to seduce than other men." She eyed him. " He needs tastes. A touch of the hand, a flutter of lashes. After all Lady Luac is after all a lady..and he has to think it was all him. Now if I were truly trying to seduce him,I would have worn something more like what I am wearing now."

She played with the robes tie. Then looked back at him with his shirt undone. "I am sure you look far better with your clothes off than the slaver will." She rose to her feet and padded over to him. She slid her hands down his bare chest slowly. " All Montgomery needs is for the Lady to smile at him, flirt with her eyes,show some skin...and be coy.." She batted her lashes at him. "Now...if I was put on a mission to seduce a man like you...well,then the game would be very different."

"How wrong you are about me." Smirking at her as he took a step back from her, as he slowly looked her over for a moment, then let his eyes find her own again. "Even a man like me that is dashing, charming and an utter rouge, wouldn't mind a lady trying to woe me. It would be fun to see how long you could be a lady around me, and try and make me work towards a desirable goal. One that both of us want to work towards, but I doubt you could even be a lady around me. When all you have shown me is a brash, forward ornery woman." Smirking at her as if to try and bait her into playing his game with him.

She studied him. Her eyes met his. Her hands rose and her fingers ran down the side of his face. "I never said how I would go about seducing you Dacomas. "She stepped away then, " I am brash and forward for a reason...and I am hardly what you would call ornery. And you are wrong about me. I can be a lady, but I havent had need to be proper or a lady in many years. "

She flashed him a smile. "If I was so brash and all bold, then we wouldnt be talking. But I am not what you think I am Dacomas. But I will leve it at that and say goodnight, for a lady does not share her bed with a man unless she is wed to him, as I understand. " She showed him out of her room and closed the door.

She took his words as a challange.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2011-10-26 13:18 EST
His smirk grew as she pushed him out of her room, and started to say something back to her. Yet he turned to head to his room, saving it for a moment when she would least expect him to hit her with it.

Knowing it would leave her utterly speechless, and he would enjoy every moment of it. Once in his room, he would take a quick shower before heading off to bed. Waking early the next morning to get an early start to the day.

He would spend about an hour and a half going through the motions of training, as well as mental training. To keep his body and mind in shape, as well to keep each move as mere muscle memory, than having to over think anything. Once he was done, he would head back to Montgomery's mansion to begin his scouting.

Watching each and every move that they made, which got him to smirk to himself. As the slaver's men were so predictable in their movements, and started to spot various weaknesses in the defense of the manor.

There was only one mission she was willing to work now. She couldn't risk anyone of Mr. Montgomery's men, guards workers, seeing her about as herself. It was like playing Raven all over again, but with far less magic withdrawal. And the clothes were much better too. She stayed at home away form her normal work, laying out plans for the night to come. Ravenna knew what this mission initialed, by the end of the third night Lady Luac would draw Mr. Montgomery in. He would kiss her once maybe that night, but Ravenna knew there would be more to come there after. It was all an act, part of the job. But she didn't have to like it. Dacomas spent the day away from the house, down there by Montgomery's house. Like any good assassin, he was watching, looking for weaknesses in Montgomery's men, in the house. Ravenna knew all of them already, but more over, she thought Dacomas disliked this mission more than she did. He seemed concerned that something would happen to her. He tried to hide it. She could take care of herself,weapon or no weapon, nothing would happen to her. It had dawned on her that he might be a little jealous, or perhaps that wasn't the right word. Dacomas knew well what this mission would in tale before the end of the sixth night, and he would have to remain in the shadows watching it all. Even if it was an act, Ravenna knew how he felt. If it was him playing the part and being eyed and flirted with by some woman. She'd feel the same way. It made things worse that Montgomery kept slaves chained in his basement. The day went to quickly. She trained for hours in the trees, kicking and punching shadows that were her enemies. She tossed daggers at a target shed strapped to one of those trees. All day long wishing she could as easily dispatch this new mission. But now she was showered and clean, hair done and starring at herself in the mirror. She looked like a lady, but now was wondering if she could ever be that kind of person again? The woman she had been long ago, a lady ,proper and all. Or if the blood had washed that all away, or if as she thought the lady within her had died with Issac.

After spending a few hours there, he would head back to the house and get a quick bite to eat. He would then head up to Ravenna's room as it was already becoming a trend now. With her wanting and almost needing his opinion on how she looked in each dress. He found it rather amusing that she seemed to need that opinion. Then again, the two had been sharing the house since Ravenna had defeated Serge the first time. Perhaps it was partly a show of comfort from Ravenna that he was around, or perhaps it was more. Only time would tell. The dress tonight was dark green, some where between sage and jade in color. It was the second of the long dresses, reaching the floor. Another strapless number. Yet this one had a long slit up the right side to show off her long smooth leg to about mid thigh. The other accent was under her breasts, little rhinestones sewn in to the dress with that fabric gathered towards then, drawing the eye to them, and the line of that dress. The heels she wore tonight were silver, opened toed and sparkling like the dresses gems. She did up her hair again with those pins that were really weapons. Slid on that velvet jacket and purse now toned green to match the dress, that massive ring on her finger, those bangles now shown with emeralds and diamonds on her arm. A long necklace around her neck at the end of it hung a massive emerald lined with diamonds. Drawing ones eye to the line of her cleavage. Those were all glamour, the purse was truly black, that ring was plain as could be, those bangles though sparkling had no real gems upon them, and that necklace was plain as well, but that's not what others would see. Nor what she saw in the mirror, she saw Isabella and put aside Ravenna for the night. She stepped out of the closet and looked to Dacomas there again on her bed. She walked with grace and her head held high. "Another winner"" Ravenna knew how to accent her body, new how to glam up for someone who demanded as such. She wondered when Dacomas would catch on to why she showed him her looks , as she would do every night till the end. It wasn't just for his sake, or her own. Though she liked the way he looked at her. She hoped maybe he could see her in a different light, one not so harsh.

He tilted his head as he looked at her, before a slow smirk crossed his lips. "Do we have to get married before you will share your bed with me?" Now laying it on her as he slowly moved to his feet, as he looked her over from head to toe. Not bothering to hide that he thought the dress fit her very well, but he was going to test her resolve now. As he moved around, then up behind her as his hands moved to her hips. Then around her stomach, he then leaned down to start kissing the length of her neck.

"You do look lovely, Ravenna. You look like a real lady, on the outside." Murmured into her ear as his hands moved to run along her side. Pushing a few more buttons before he pulled back away from her, then placed a firm slap to her rear. He then slipped by her as he moved towards the door, with a glance over his shoulder to watch how she would react to him. And the move he had just pulled on her, so close to the time they would have to get to work again.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-10-26 15:52 EST
She eyed him as he answered her question with another question. "We've shared my bed before. Or do you not recall?" She recalled it well enough so why shouldn't he. When he rose and looked her over she watched him. She stood still as his hands moved to her hips, then around to her stomach. She closed her eyes to those kisses down her neck. Her brows rose to his voice in her ear. She gave him a long look for the slap then.

"You think I cant be a lady. " She squared her shoulders and walked out past him. " You don't know me." She narrowed her eyes at him. Then she headed down the hallway . He had pushed her buttons, which was the last thing she needed before going on a mission like this. But it couldn't be avoided. She chose to ignore what she felt.

```` The carriage was on time as usual. And the Lady Luac met it at the end of the drive. The house hidden in a glamour behind her.

Ravenna was getting used to this ride, she could put her mind in the right set. She was a lady, and Lady Luac found Mr. Montgomery charming and interesting. While every fiber of Ravenna's being wanted to lean in and break his neck.

It was another night of talk,tea and smiles. Though this time she started to lay the ground work, shed lay her hand on his. And Mr Montgomery would smile,then eye that ring on her finger. His eyes would look at her, but not in to her eyes, no, they would follow the line of that dress across her cleavage, or down the length of her leg.

When he had first seen her come out of the carriage his breath had caught, he called her most lovely. But she knew he wanted nothing more than to undress her.

They talked of things the lady needed slaves for. Of payment, and of the past. Ravenna was a good actress, she could talk wistfully of her life before Rhydin. Of the man she had loved and lost. In all truth those were the easy parts of this act. The harder parts were having to smile,and blush to a man she wanted to gut like a fish. If he had not been a slaver he might have been charming,but hardly her type in any case. He spoke of her mourning for her lost husband, and that perhaps in time she might find someone else to care for her.

By the end of their tea, his hand freely lingered on hers,on just gently on her exposed knee. She would smile coyly at him,flirt with her eyes, or the touch of her fingers along his own. The night ended as the other had, with him slipping her jacket across her back,kissing her hand and bidding her goodnight till he saw her tomorrow. But she felt as if it had dragged on.And like the eve before she went home with new info. She could see how the household worked, how the guards inside did their duties. She could lay out her attack and escape plan.

Like the night before she walked in to her house and in to her room,to find Dacomas already there. She didn't go right to change tonight, she sat by him on the edge of the bed in that dress.

"Tomorrow night,the Lady Luac will not wear her massive wedding ring," She flashed the ring now as if shifted from massive and expensive looking to plain as the magic faded. " and Mr Montgomery will see that. This will strike up the conversation, and she will say that he was right. That she has been mourning a man who's been dead for far too long. And that it was time she opened herself to the possibilities of another man."

She rose to her feet then. "Would you be as kind to unzip me so I can go change?" That's what a lady would do, ask her hand maidens to unlace or unzip her. Ravenna had no maids, so he would do in a pinch. He wanted her to be a lady, she would be just that. She wouldnt even bother to flirt with him.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-11-01 00:50 EST
The following post is rated pg 13.

Dacomas smirked to her question, before he moved to his feet. "Sure." Moving up behind her as he snaked one hand to rest on her stomach again, as he used his other hand to slowly unzip the dress. With his lips starting at the top of her neck, and started to slowly kiss downwards.

Kissing her bare skin as the zipper exposed more to him, with him lowering to a knee when his lips met the skin of her lower back. His hands moved to her hips to keep her from pulling away, as he started to kiss his way back up to her neck. Shifting his hands to have one on her stomach, when he started in on the sides of her neck. Letting a free hand brush the dress from her, then back to her bare stomach as he kissed up to her right ear. "Still a lady' Or are you ready to surrender?"

She stood there her hands resting loosely at her sides. That was till she felt his lips on her neck again. Her fingers curled up slowly.As he unzipped the dress to where the zipper stopped. His lips moved over her bare back, over those scars. Her eyes were closed, as his hands shifted to her hips. The dress had slid down to expose her back bare save for the lace and satin of her strapless bra. She didn't pull away, she didn't want to. As his hands moved from her hips to her stomach, she felt the dress slip down to pool at her feet. It wasn't as if he hadn't seen her in her underwear before. She had to keep herself from giving in,but even if she could mask what she wanted.Her eyes spoke volumes,and her body betrayed her. It tingled when he touched her,there was little hiding that the way he touched her aroused her.

His breath was in her ear, and she opened her eyes to look at him. "Thank you. " She had to fight with herself to say that. She wanted nothing more than to surrender to feel his hands on her for longer. In all her years no one had ever kissed down her bare scared back with such tenderness. Her hands moved to where his rested and she softly graced his fingers with hers. "Be so kind as to hand me my robe." It hug on the back of the closet door within her view.

"Welcome." Murmured back to her as he moved his hand to first remove her bra, with him going back to kiss her neck. One hand remaining on her stomach at all times, as he would slip the bra free. Letting it fall to the ground, before moving onto her panties. "No robe, Ravenna." Murmured again into her ear, as he again kissed down the length of her back while using one hand to slowly inch those panties off her body. He then moved to be in front of her, cutting off her chance to run for that robe. Now starting at her abdomen and kissing his way up her stomach, then her chest as his hands moved to her back. Ever so softly caressing each scar.

She felt his hand move up to undo her bra. "Dacomas.." She uttered his name and she felt her bra fall,and eyed him. Her eyes closed as he kissed down her back again, as he removed what was left of her clothing. She did not fight him.

She took a breath as he came to stand in front of her, she had no means of escape. As he kissed from her abdomen up. His fingers upon her back caressing each scar. "Dacomas.." She uttered his name again, as his lips inched up over her stomach and chest. She stopped him before he could tease her much more, placing her hands upon his face she pulled him up to be eye level with her.

" Just what do you plan on doing Dacomas,tempt and tease me till I break for you? I had no intent being like this before you till you, payment was due. " She pressed a soft kiss to his lips. Her fingers edged down his shoulders,then down his chest,undoing those buttons, and pulling off his shirt with ease. Her fingers didn't stop there they moved down over his stomach and abs. They brushed along the waist of his pants.

She couldn't truly deny that she wanted him,not standing as she was. Nor could she deny she liked how he touched her,how his lips felt against her skin. Her fingers toyed with the idea of undoing his pants, but instead she pushed him away and withdrew a dagger from his belt. " Do not do this..you tease and torment me till I break, and what say that I want you." She held that dagger as a defense against him. "I do want you, desire you. That should be easy enough to tell,more so now." She smirked at him.

" But you too desire me. I can see it in your eyes...and I felt it...just now." A arch of her brow. She eyed him as she held that dagger in her hand. "You wanted me to be a lady, yes? To be proper and sweet.Act coy and shy around you. know very well I can not be that. I can dress like a lady, but the woman who was the lady in me is long dead. Be like asking you to be a gent. "

She gave the blade of the dagger a slow stroke, before she tossed it at him. "Drink it all in if you like." She stood there not hiding. "I shall not hide,nor act coy like some innocent girl...and then tell me,and see if you can lie. You enjoy what you see and who I am...even if I am not a lady."

~Fade Out~

Ravenna

Date: 2011-11-28 14:28 EST
There was something all too familiar about this dream. The warmth of the sun, the smell of the sea. The feeling of sand between her toes.

She knew this place. This beach upon a little islet. She knew the man who stood with his back to her. His hair was dark rich cocoa, undone hanging long . The sea mist touched it made it look slightly damp. She would have known him if she were blind. He wore different clothes now. Before when she would have this dream she would see him as she had seen him last in his uniform,ready to go out to war.

His hair had been shorter then, his eyes full of sorrow.

As she took the few steps around him, he didn't move. He didn't speak.

When she faced him she saw his eyes were closed,his head tilted up to the sun.

"Issac..." His eyes opened. Ravenna starred , his eyes had always been blue so pure one could wish to swim in them. Now they were white, soft glowing.

He looked at her, he smiled then looked past her.

Ravenna followed his gaze.

She had never known Diana. She had only seen that painting of her. But Ravenna knew the woman standing in the light surf was Diana. Her hair was a blazing fire against the blue sky. She didn't seem to see Ravenna only Issac.

He looked once to Ravenna. Then back to Diana. "Its time...Ravenna.." He looked to her again, smiling.

"Where I am going you can not go. "He pressed his hand to her shoulder. "The light calls me. Diana is there. I love you, I love her. I shall be in the light with her and some day we may see each other again. But you have...someone you love now." He pressed something in to her hand. "Do not fight it....live...love..."

Ravenna felt him go. Felt the dream fade. The warmth of the sun, the feeling of sand and sea. When she opened her eyes. Her head rested on Dacomas' chest. His breathing was slow and even. She played back the night before in her mind. She knew it would end this way..But it wasn't an end. She knew that. The dream wasn't the first nor the last sign of that. She wasn't going to be one of those women who would regret what happened. No, she couldn't regret any second of it.

Issac had said to live, to love. To embrace what her life was now.

She lifted her head from his chest to look up at him. His eyes were open, and there was a smirk upon his face.

"Don't say it." She pressed a finger to his lips. Then she pressed something in to his hand. It was the same item Issac had pressed in to her hand in her dream.

Of coarse she knew it had been more than a dream.

While Issac had given her Le'Cai . She knew the name of the ring she pressed in to his hand. And the powers it held. Sa'Roir, it was another item she wouldn't have ever known of before, it bared an elven rune, and powers. She knew them all even as her fingers left it. It could summon any form of magic,and any weapon one could dare wish with but a thought. It was eternal, it could never be destroyed much like her dagger.

Yet its power could only be given through love. For no evil could ever use it. The ring was light,made of elven mithral. Yet she could feel the heat of its eternal flame. She knew why Issac had pressed it in to her hand,it wasn't for her to wear.

She leaned up and kissed him softly. "I have to get ready for the ready for my mission." The slaver still had to be put down, and she still had tonight and three more nights to play as Lady Luac. She gave him a sly smile before rising from her bed not bothering to cover up as she went towards the bathroom.

He would kiss her back softly, before smirking slowly at her. "All work and no play, makes me a dull assassin." Watching her a moment, before he looked down at the ring in his hand. Tilting his head for a moment, then looked back to her. " Get back here." Holding out that hand with the ring in it, as he had moved to sit up on the side of the bed. Making no move to cover himself up, not after last night. " You have to slip this on to my finger. " Wiggling his brows at her as a wicked grin crossed his lips.

She stopped mid stride and looked back at him. She smirked at him as he moved to the edge of the bed. She crossed back over to him and looked a that ring in his hand. "Oh is that so?" She sat down beside him and lifted the ring up.She passed it between her fingers,feeling the subtle warmth then slowly took up his left hand and slid the ring on to his pointer finger. She then gave him a smile before rising and padding back towards the bathroom, looking at him one more time over her shoulder before slipping in to the bathroom and closing the door.

He smirked as he watched her placing that ring onto his index finger, before watching her as she headed back towards the bathroom. His eyes watching every move that she made, and once she disappeared into the bathroom. He would slip out of the bed, and actually make it before moving to get dressed. With a glance over his shoulder towards the bedroom, as he moved that ring to his ring finger, just to see if she would notice the difference when she was done with her shower.

She turned on the water and stepped in to the shower.

She let the water cascade down her back and through her hair as she recalled the night before in vivid detail. Every second was a vivid picture in her mind.

Every touch every kiss, ever whisper of sound. Her voice in the darkness, his own in her ear. His hands on her,the feeling she had not felt in an age. More than lust or simple desire. She opened her eyes to the torrent of water.

Something else she recalled from the night before, as her hands free from the hand cuffs ran their way over his skin. They both bared scars,marks of warriors and battles long gone. But she didn't expect to find a scar they shared. Then again Serge had been their shared enemy even if she hadn't always know it.

As she ran her hands over his back she felt the sar, jagged and rough, it was like no other, left by Serge's wicked scythe. She bared the same scar, yet hers was on the back of her upper thigh. She smirked now, she ahd come to realize last night that they had met before Rhydin.

That memory was there too.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-12-05 22:48 EST
It had been one year since Issac had been killed. One year of chasing ghosts and trying to kill Serge and getting no where. But then she had a lead.

Dawning dark clothing a mask to hide her face and a wrap about her lips, she flew the ship in to port. And followed Serge. She had not yet started using the quise of man yet, but no one would know her like this, dressed all in black with nothing to tell her apart from anyone else. A true assassin.

Serge was here for some reason and Ravenna had soon found out why. She tailed him all day ...then she lost him in the market place crowed. It wasn't until hours later that she found him again, at a house on a hill. She had come in to the room, to find death.

An older man lay in a pool of his own blood, beside him a wife. She was elven and a beauty. He had died to protect her and she was dead there too. Serge was there in the room, holding a girl, she might have been seventeen against the wall, her hair was a dark curtain, her eyes sea blue. She screamed for help and if she had not Serge would have had his easy way with her. But he flung her back and went for the black stranger at the door.

Dacomas had been tracking Serge, for the last few weeks ever since he had broken off his alliance to the man. He had grown tired of seeing the countless lives the man had taken just for the pleasure of it. Now Serge was gunning for his own family, and he would do anything to protect them. Yet he arrived to late to save his parents, as he kicked the door open just in time to see Serge holding his sister by the throat.

Ravenna fought him fiercely wanting nothing more than to avenge all those dead, including Issac. But Serge got the upper hand on her, that wicked scythe sliced through the fabric of her pants to cut a deep line in the back of her thigh. She would have died there, if not for the man who came rushing in the back door, his was cloaked the hood hid his face even from Ravenna's view. He swore at Serge in dark elven and fought with him, and in that fight he got the scythe to his back.

" Serge! You bastard! You will die for this!" Dacomas roared out as he drew his sword and charge forward. "Angelica...run!" Called out to his sister, who dispite being shook up, scrambled to her feet and ran out the front door. Leaving Ravenna as the only one to see the fight, as the two fought the other. With Serge hurling cutting insults at Dacomas, at his failure to save his family. For a moment, Dacomas allowed his anger to take over as he over extended a thrust, allowing Serge to get behind him and slice into his back. Serge laughed as he darted out the back door. "Your sister will still die and there is nothing you can do about it!"

He had never seen Ravenna's face, nor she his. But there was no doubt that man had been Dacomas...and the people who lay dead his family. The girl had likely been his sister. Ravenna recalled the day she found the same girl,dead. She dared not even think of what Serge had done to her. Nor what the cloaked man would do to Serge.

Ravenna opened her eyes back in the present in her hot shower. She took a breath and turned off the shower. There was another memory from last night. Through all the moans and soft gasps, through every motion. Three words hung in her mind. The night had gone on in heated passion,and as she let her self give in to everything she had felt she uttered three soft words in elven,and to her surprise he whispered them back to her.

"Amin Mela Lle.." She wrote the words on the steamed up mirror. She had sworn she would never feel this way again that love was not possible after everything she had gone through. But she was wrong..she knew that the moment Dacomas fought with her, fought to kiss her,from the moment his lips touched her skin. But more shocking than that...he cared for her too,she looked tot he closed door and wondered, if she walked out there now would he still be sitting on her bed?

She lingered in the bathroom With the towel wrapped about her form for a long time,watching the steam fade from the mirror. But the words remained etched in her mind.

When she finally dragged herself out of the bathroom, she would find Dacomas setting the small table with the breakfast he had prepared for them. He looked over his shoulder to her with a sly grin. " About time you dragged yourself out of the bathroom, was beginning to think you were going to take all day." Winking at her as he pulled out one of the chairs for her, easily letting her see which finger that ring was now upon.

Ravenna

Date: 2011-12-25 23:49 EST
She grinned at him.As she oh so casually tied the silk ties on her robe. "Oh please." She eyed the table and chairs he had brought in to the room.It seemed to fit in so well there a few paces from the edge of her bed and closet. She slid in to the offered chair. Her hand sliding along his. She smirked at him noting where he'd put the ring. But she didn't say anything.

He smiled across that small table to her when she finally sat down to join him, letting her take the first bite of the food before he started to eat as well. Followed after each third bite with a sip of the juice. As his mind wondered to the previous night, which got his smile to grow just a touch more.

She took a slow sip of juice. She wondered if what had dawned on her the night before had crossed his mind. Surely now after last night he knew they shared a scar. As she sipped her juice her mind wandered back to that point in the night.

His mind tracked back to finding a similar scar, as he took another bite of food. Yet shook his head slightly at that image from last night. It wasn't possible that they shared the same type of scar, even if her own was in a different location that his own.

When she was perched over him, her hair falling down over her face and his a messy web of black. His hands had moved along her back, down along her rump, then down across the backs of her thighs. Her eyes flickered up at him now as she sat the juice glass down.

She took a slow bite of food. She wasn't usually at a loss for words. But she was pondering how he had lost his family...it was a brutal an attack as the one that had killed her own when she was but a girl.

Ravenna had been the one to find his sister dead. How the girl had gotten to the docks. Ravenna never knew but she could guess. Serge was nothing if not practical,besides being a murdering retch. When she saw the form of a young women dressed in a soft power blue dress on the ground, her blood pooling around her. Ravenna nearly lost it. Serge was gone.

A little bit earlier and maybe Ravenna could have helped her. Angelica...she looked like an angel,fair face,dark hair, a true beauty. Even in death she held her beauty. Her blood pooling around her. Ravenna knew what Serge had done to her, before killing her.And even then she had

shuddered to think of it. She knelt to her side and whispered a few words in elven,before leaving. It wouldn't be long before the authorities came looking or worse yet the cloaked man. Though it was clear as day to her that this death was Serge's work, she wasn't putting anything to chance. The past was so clear in her mind now, every moment, when before she had blocked it out. She had taken a few slow mouthfuls of food.But now rested her fork down. Her eyes panning to his. Her eyes spoke volumes of what she wanted to express. Her fingers slid across the table to slide over his own that rested across from her.

" The pain never goes away does it?" She spoke softly, the pain of losing someone you love,even if it lessoned it never truly went away, even if that person was now at peace and you knew it. As hard as she could be, as emotionless and even some times heartless in the face of her duty. She could be tender. Her fingers idly brushed along his own. He looked to her for a very long moment, before he slowly set his fork down as he softly and slowly shifted his hand to take her own.

" No..It doesn't." He said softly as he tried to smile, and only managed a small one.

She shifted her hand in to his. Her eyes panning back up to gaze in to his own once more. She wanted to tell him how much she had wished for all the long years that she would have found Angelica earlier. Though until now she hadn't recalled the young woman's name. But she knew that would not help him.

She wanted nothing more than to sit and talk with him. To relive the night before. To tell him if he hadn't realized already that they had met before, just never known it. But the sky outside was darkening. "Thank you for dinner." She rose to her feet. "I have to get ready for work." She didn't want to pull away but she did to go change for the night.

She padded quietly in to her closet to unzip tonight's choice of dress from its garment bag. She tried not to let her mind linger on the past,on things she would have done differently if she could have. She had a job to do,and that was put in to mind.So she dropped her robe and went about dressing for the eve ahead.

Montgomery was as bad as any slaver, yet still he was no Serge. But he could be. That made getting dressed easier.

But as she put on each item of clothing the night before replayed in her mind again . As she creamed some lotion over her arms,she recalled how his hands felt on her.How right it felt. She shook her head to dismiss the thoughts as she looked in the mirror to fix her hair.

Tonight the dress was short and black , reaching barely mid thigh it showed off her long legs and those black heels that were like velvet.This dress had one thick strap on the left side, but it still showed off her form well. Tonight her hair was down,wavy and held only one pin at the back. Tonight that bag remained black,those bangles looked of onyx and diamonds, that massive ring she did not wear as a wedding ring, but tonight the normally plain ring shown on her right hand,with tiny diamonds. It would be what Mr. Montgomery was looking for.

She slipped her jacket over her arm and looked down at her boots with their hidden daggers. Then at her purse with that simple ladies dagger within it. On the sixth night she would hide Le'Cai inside of her bag with a touch of magic. Though she wasn't planing on blood shed, she would carry it that final night.

She stepped out again to show Dacomas just what to Lady Luac was wearing. "Do you think a lady would wear this?" She smiled to him. He had cleaned the table and returned to the room, fully dressed in the time she had taken to get ready. But she had lingered a bit. She was trying to play up the mood

Ravenna

Date: 2011-12-25 23:54 EST
It was hard to fight the images in her head as she rode in the carriage back towards the slavers house. But she had to put them out of her mind and become Isabella Luac again. It was harder still to forget that look in Dacomas's eyes.

When Byrn saw her his breath caught again. "My lady, if I may be so bold you look ravishing in that dress." 'Isabella' smiled and blushed. "Why thank you." She even did a little spin for him. But it wasn't for his response that she smiled, it was for the response Dacomas had given her just hours earlier. He had looked up at her,then risen to his feet.

When he crossed to her and lifted her chin up with his fingers she could feel the subtle heat of Sa'Roir as his hand cupped her cheek. He kissed her then, it was soft ,slow and deep. Ravenna could hardly put that out of her mind. Nor that look in his eyes, it wasn't sorrow..but there was sorrow there.As if he knew now as she had, they had met before. But the look was more one of love than anything else. It made her heart skip a beat.

Tonight there was no tea, no talk at the table. Tonight they sat in the parlor upon the cozy love seat before a low burning fire. Byron took her velvet jacket off. Ravenna made sure to place her left hand in view, so he would see that there was no sparkle there tonight, the light danced off the ring on her right hand.

He took notice after a while of just starring at her in that dress. "Your not wearing your ring my lady." She looked down to her left hand. "You were right. I have been mourning my husbands death for far too long. And wearing that ring was an ever constant reminder of it. I will miss him always...but it is time to move forward." Her eyes looked to his and she smiled softly.

His eyes caught here's for a second, before he looked her over. "You are most right."

They spent the night there talking,he got closer and closer to her. His hand moved from her hand, to her bare knee, to just lightly touching her bare thigh. But he with drew it after she brushed her fingers along that hand. The night went on, and on it seemed. But soon it was time to go. He was slipping her jacket over her shoulder when his eyes caught hers. "My lady...my I be so bold as to kiss you good night' "

She was amazed he asked. But not fully surprised, he wanted to woo this woman in to making her believe he was a good man. So the Lady Luac said yes, with a smile and slight blush. She didn't let the kiss linger too long.

When he showed her in to the carriage he kissed her again, with a little more vigor. Then bid her goodnight.



Ravenna had to keep herself from gagging the whole ride home. When she did get back to her house, she had to fight not to run inside and brush her teeth, she had to act like a lady till the carriage was out of sight. Once it was she made a dash for the door.

She didn't stop to change before she went in to the bathroom and started to brush her teeth with vigor. Once, twice, three times, then she rinsed her mouth out with hot water. "I think Id rather kiss a rat..."She spat and shuddered. As she slipped out of the bathroom,she could see the mirth in Dacomas's eyes. She slipped off that jacket and folded it over her arm.

She crossed out of the bathroom to sit on the edge of the bed. Crossing her legs,she looked at him smiling dimly.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-01-18 14:05 EST
There was something to be said for it all. For the happiness she felt. For the longing in her heart. For the memory that lingered in her mind. There was no mistaking the past,not any longer. It played to freely in her mind.

It was none of that and all of it.

She no longer drempt of Issac,no longer heard his voice in her mind or on the wind.

Her thoughts never lingered on him,not since hed gone in to the light. Since she had seen it with her own eyes.

She found her self more often than not wraped around thoughts of Dacomas. Or himself.

It was not overly distracting. But she knew there were things left unsaid,things they needed to say,but couldnt yet find the right words nor right time to say them.

It was comfort and solice,and joy she felt even now as she went through her day.

The docks had never been a pretty place,and hardly anyones safe place. But it had long been her place. The work thatw as hard and tired her was work she enjoyed.It was good honest work. Here she felt as if the blood of the years washed away in the toil under the sun.

She felt the same way oddly when she was home,there in that place she had come to call her own. But it wasnt just the house nor the things in it...she knew Dacomas had more to do with it than anything else. It was strange, she hadnt felt that way since the days long ago in Luac.

It was a strange thing, to feel that way about him, when she had sworn she would not. They could have easily been enemies. That cat and mouse game they had started was hardly the same any more.

As she pulled crates on tot he dock then up the gang plank of the ship she thought of all that had brought her here, the revenge she most needed and got...and everything else.

She worked harder that day,as if those lingering thoughts pushed her forward.

It was not yet sun down when she walked the way home. Undoing her hair from under that hat,dusting off her hands and smiling. Tonight would be another night of seducing Mr. Montgomery. She walked on tot he door and unlocked it.

Once inside she hung up her hat, and jacket and headed back towards her room to shwoer and chnage for the night. She was not surpsied to find Dacomas sitting on the edge of her bed. She was about to say soemthing, a quick witted word, but his eyes met hers. And she stopped in her stride.

He had looked at her that way before.That night they shared, those little flickers of magic anf flame that lit up his eyes like stars. They were there now. She knew what he would see in her eyes, that shed been thinking about him again...

He rose off the bed crossing to her. His eyes never left her own,she cocked her head at him and rose her brows as if to ask what he was doing. His hand rose his fingers slid down her cheek, she was dirty and sweaty from the day,and hardly thought she looked all that great. His fingers lingered on her cheek and she smiled to him. "Dacomas whats.." He silenced her with a finger over her lips. Her eyes stuided his,looking for answers. He gave her a soft quick kiss. "You need a shower.." He winked, " cant be late for work."

Another night of playing Lady Luac. She tried to put it out of her mind. She didnt like kissing Mr, Montgomery,even if it was an act. He had insisted she call him Byron. So she would do so. The night before had two kisses, one soft and almost chaste and one a little deeper. Though she knew Byron wanted to take it further. She swore that night that she had heard Dacomas's voice in the shadows as Byron kissed the Lady Luac goodnight. Had she seen that glint of silver there in those shadows as well"Or was it all in her mind" She wondered if he would be there again tonight,waiting for the slaver to take it too far. She knew it wouldnt happen, not tonight. The Lady was being wooed.

If Dacomas had been there, she kind of liked having him watch her back. And after that look in his eyes ebfore she went to get ready...she was starting to think he had been there.

The dress tonight was snow white,with golden embrodiery at the right side. The fabric of the dress was gathered pulled towards that embrodiery. Another short strapless number, this one showed how tan Ravenna was. The heels were white,opened toed with small sparkling rhinestones all over them. The jewelery she kept simple tonight, that fancy ring on her right hand was gold tonight, the bangles gold as well. The purse was that tone of gold and sparkly. She left her hair down with the ends softly curled.No pins in it tonight. Ravenna felt naked in this dress for the only weapon she had was that ladies dagger tucked away in her purse. That black velvet jacket was now the tone of tranished gold.

When she showed the night look to Dacomas he didnt comment. But she knew he liked her in the dress, but she also knew that he knew that Mr. Montgomery would like her in that dress. "You dont have to shadow me tonight. Only one of us should have to live through kissing Montgomery." She offered as she sat on the edge of the bed. There would be much more kissing tonight, and she shuddered at that. She already knew that Byrons hands would rest on her bare legs,shoudlers and grace her sides. She heard the carriage pull up outside. "Two more nights after this. " She rose to her feet and shrugged on that jacket.

As she moved for the bedroom door Dacomas stopped her. His hand lingered on her cheek as it had before,and he gave her a kiss.This one longer. He winked at her then and sent her out witha smack to her rear.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-01-18 14:14 EST
The Lady Luac stepped from the carriage and she saw Byrons reacton. His hand held on to hers as he led her inside. His hands lingerd on her bare soulders and he removed that jacket. And before they sat down on the couch he gave her a soft kiss. "Every night you stun me more and more with your beauty my lady."

She smiled, though on the inside Ravenna wanted to end it there and then. "You flatter me Byron..and please call me Isabella. We are friends now yes?" Her hand trailed along his.

"Yes.."

Tonight there was wine. And though Ravenna could hold her own with any liquor, she played it off as if she could not. Giggling like a girl whod had too much wine by the end of the second glass. The wine never dulled her senses for a moment. Though she wished it woud have even a little. Then shed not feel his hands on her sides, or her bare shoudlers, or legs. She wouldnt have to think about kissing him. Or how he kissed her, which he did many times over.

By the time the carriage came he could hardly keep his hands off of her. But she easily left him wanting more.

~~~

She had come home and taken a hot shower, and scrubed so hard her skin turned red. She brushed her teeth and grargled. She liked dressing up,but she didnt like Mr.Montgomery. The Lady Luac had to, but Ravenna did not. She had tried to put the thought out of her mind. But no amount of washing or brushing had helped. She coudlnt even put in to her mind the idea of kissing Dacomas. She enjoyed kissing him,being close to him. But being close to Byron made her skin crawl. And the slaver had been all over her. Before she wore that white dress again shed have it cleaned.

When she came out of the bathroom wrapped in that robe she eyed Dacomas who sat on the edge of her bed. Her hair was wet,and all the glam of the night washed away with all the ick. " I do not know if I can stand one more night with that man, let alone two." She looked to him,having him there now made it worse. He stired something in her and she couldnt deny it, but she didnt want to think about being stired at all no now. "I'll see you in the morning."

She wanted to crawl in to bed alone and not think about the next two nights.

Dacomas rose from the bed and crossed to her. His hands shifting through her wet hair,the heat of Sa'Roir on his finger nearly dried her hair as his fingers passed between the wet locks. His hands lowered to her shoudlers and he gave them a soft rub. "I am not going any where Ravenna."

Her eyes flickered up to his own. Then she inched in closer till her head rested against his shoulder. His hand moved through her hair and over the back of her neck and gently down her back.Over those criss crossed scars.

She had to admit she slept much better with him there. She curled up against him and closed her eyes. As his hand moved softly through her hair,over her bare shoulders and down her back. It was not a touch to try to rouse her, though his touch did make her skin tingle...his touch was one to soothe her.

As she drifted she heard him say something...but it was lost to her ears as she drifted to sleep.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2012-02-13 12:18 EST


When she woke up Dacomas was gone. But she could smell food cooking. She rose out of bed and padded out of the room and down the hallway for the kitchen. This mission with the slaver was bothering her more than any usual mission would have. Montgomery wasn't Serge, but he was in the stages of becoming like him. Maybe it was that. The essence of Serge in Montgomery that bothered her. Dacomas was standing at the stove cooking. Ravenna paused in the doorway and looked at him. She couldn't truly explain what last night had been. It was more than the fact that Montgomery made her skin crawl and she had two nights left before the mission and he were done. As she watched Dacomas cooking, her eyes trailed along his bare back to that scar they shared. Though the words had faded last night she could recall them now. "I'll always protect you." He had said as his fingers gently soothed her to sleep.

She crossed slowly to him and ran her fingertips over that scar jagged, and risen. It was like no other scar. She knew her own felt the same way even if it was on the back of her upper thigh.

"If I had gotten there a few moments earlier." She whispered. "I could have saved her." There had been many times in the last few decades that she wished shed gotten somewhere sooner, to save a life. But that one had stuck with her. Was it Angelica's innocence" Or the fact that Ravenna saw part of herself in the girl" Angelica's fate could have easily been her own. "You wouldn't have survived." He knew well what she was talking about, his sister long lost to Serge. "I saw you that day, leaning down over her body, feeling for a pulse. At first I almost attacked. Till I saw your face." He paused in his cooking. "You grieved her loss, and then wished her soul rest and promised in elven to kill the man that had done that to her. She's at peace. And Serge is dead." He glanced to her. "I knew then, that you were an ally. I also knew you were grieving a great loss. I put it all together not long after that when I saw you using Le'Cai . Serge killed my family, and he killed yours, and he killed Issac. Had the orcs not taken you. You would have been Serge's slave till the day you died. You would have never met Issac. Nor would we have met."

His eyes met hers. "You grieved for the loss of your parents, for the scars the orcs gave you. For Issac. You didn't know Angelica, but you grieved for her loss. It wasn't your fault, I blamed myself for a long time. If I had gotten there earlier, but I wouldn't have survived Serge." He looked in to her eyes. There was something there, that she'd seen before. He turned from the stove and ran his hands down through her hair, then down her back then under her robe, his fingers ran over the scar they shared. She looked in to his eyes. His touch made her skin tingle. He grinned at her softly. Then let his hands rise back up over her robe to grace her cheeks. "I meant what I said." He went back to cooking and she stood there watching him.

She took the plate of food when he handed it to her. "So did I." She looked in to his eyes on that before padding to the table to eat. When he sat down a cross from her their eyes met again. They ate in silence. Ravenna wasn't sure what this all meant. Thing had all been easier the first time she had felt this way. Love was all brand new to her then. But now. Shed been fighting feeling this way, but it had been harder since they met. "What does this mean"" He glanced up to her. "That your stuck with me." She smirked to that, and finished her food. As she rose he grabbed her hand. His fingers rose up over her arm and with an easy tug she was in his lap. "Your stuck with me too then." He chuckled to that, as his fingers ran through the ends of her hair. Then down over that robe. "Hmm." His fingers untied the robe and his fingers slid up over her stomach then higher along the curve of her breasts. His eyes left hers to look at her perched there on his lap. "I can deal with that." She eyed him and sighed softly to his touch. She had a witty response but let it go as she ran her fingers up over his shoulders. "Is this what you want' To be whatever we are"" His hands slid down along her hips and down over her legs. "You know what we are Ravenna, and you already know it's what I want. I told you, your stuck with me."

She grinned at him. "You also said that you'd always protect me, and that you love me." Her fingers rested on his chest over his heart. "And I meant both." Her brows rose a bit. Her gaze met his. His gaze never wavered from hers. "I know you did, and I meant what I said." His fingers slowly moved up over her legs then over her hips. "And what was that?" She shivered to his touch. "That I love you." He grinned to her, and leaned in to kiss along her neck. "Good." His words were whispered in her ear. He gave a little nip to her ear, then kissed back down her neck. "You shouldn't tease me in the morning." She uttered softly. He gave her neck a little nip then lowered those kisses along her chest over the curve of her breast and stopped just short of his intended goal. "Why' Your the one who's sitting on my lap in nothing but a little robe." She grinned at him. "It's distracting, I have to prepare for my mission tonight." He chuckled to that and continued kissing her down over her right breast, giving that perky nipple a lick before doing the same to the left. She shivered to those kisses,and her fingers curled along his shoulders. He pulled away with a grin. "You just don't want to think about it later, when he's touching you." She growled to that. "His touch makes your skin crawl, while mine." His fingers rose up the inside of her thigh. She shivered and sighed to that touch. "I don't like the idea of his hands on you either." Her eyes flickered open to meet his,his looked dangerous. "Tonight and one more night, and he'll be dead and the slaves free." He nodded to that. Then lifted her from his lap to sit on the table, he then went to go clean up the dirty dishes. She sat there on the table watching him. She rose off the table and walked up behind him, her hands went around him, then down over his abs and lower. She saw his brows rise at her as her fingers lingered where they were. She pulled away slowly with a kiss to his neck. She left the kitchen then. He watched her go, watching the way her hips swayed as she walked away. He chuckled softly to himself then went back to the dishes. "Angelica. You were right about that one. She is the one meant for me." Murmured to himself as he finished washing, drying and putting the dishes up.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-02-13 23:08 EST
One more night. One more night of being the perfect Lady Luac. As she dressed she wondered more about the morning . She was in love with Dacomas,there was no denying it.

There had been something about him that drew her to him. Was it that rogue side" Or was it the fact that he was willing to deal with her" To stand with her in a fight,and even to come to her rescue. That he wanted to protect her.

He had seen her that day,leaning over his sisters body. But she hadnt seen him. She wondered how many times their paths had crossed since that day,hunting Serge for reasons that were not all that different.

Tonight was one of her more favored of the dresses, though she liked them all. This one she really liked.

Short, silver and strapless. Sparkling when she moved. It felt so good on her,and when she ran her fingers over the fabric she could feel where those sparkling threads were. The shoes matched the dress, silver, opened toed and sling back heels, that sparkled but werent goddy,there were muted tones of silver. She left her hair down, with spakrling pins at the back,those bangles on her arm sparkled of diamonds, that ring on her right hand was silver with a pear cut diamond, the purse was silver, and the jacket was a muted tone of silver,like that of an unpolished silver sword.

She stepped out of the closet with the jacket over her arm. "Allow me." Dacomas smiled to her and she handed him the jacket which he slipped on. She glanced to him,not yet fallen in to the part of Lady Luac. "Dacomas.." He pressed his finger to her lips. "The carriage is here. Be carefull M'lady."

Ravenna

Date: 2012-02-27 23:11 EST
Byron smiled to her when she stepped out of the carriage.

The night flowed as the night before had, with some light supper,wine.Lots of wine. And light talk, and flirting. Of coarse Ravenna acted the part of the Lady,but she was gving Byron more subtle hints. The talk was of the dlaves she needed and how she felt so lonely. And how spending time with him had started to make her feel wanted again .

As they sat on the couch he kissed her, more deeply than before his hand rising up her leg. Ravenna had to fight the urge to push him away. But when his ahnd satrted to rise a bit too far, the Lady Luac did pull away. " Not tonight,my dear Byron. Perhaps, tomorrow night?" Her brows rose softly to that and Byron grinned . " Tomorrow night."He looked her up and down and Ravenna knew he was mentally undressing her. He desired her body as uch as the money she had to buy the slaves.

They parted with a kiss and the carriage pulling away.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-02-27 23:16 EST
As the carriage left her outside her own house. Ravenna slipped off the heels and padded up the stone walkway.

" Please tell me I can cut his fingers off now." Dacomas stood in the shadows of the front door. Ravenna smirked to him. " As nice as that sounds. You can't."

He growled lightly to that. "How about something else?" She snickered as he held the door open for her. "No." He muttered something in elven as he closed the door behind them. She turned to him, his eyes shown in the darkness. "One more night. "

He nodded. She padded away and went to go shower. When she came out of the shower he was sitting at the edge of the bed. She padded to sit next to him. She knew if it was her shadowing him as he seduced some slave keeping woman...shed want the womans head on plate. She ran her fingers down his cheek and over his jaw line.

She didnt sleep that night, even though she was curled against him.She lay awake thinking,drawing little patterns on his chest.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2012-02-28 12:13 EST
It was the final night. It could not have come any sooner. If she had to play out one more night of this, it was be torture. She, or rather Lady Luac was heading over to Byron's house earlier for dinner, tea and dessert. Then as planned she would go with him upstairs, they would share some more wine and Byron would assume much more. But he wouldn't make it past the wine. Dacomas seemed ready to end it even more than she did. She slipped Le'Cai in to her purse hidden with magic. As well as a little powder made to help knock Byron out. She didn't plan on spilling his blood, merely drugging him and snapping his neck. The dagger was for his guards. Tonight her dress was short, strapless and merlot in color. So deep that if you didn't look closely you'd think it was black. It had silver embroidery on the right side, and at the top on the left side. That soft floral design. Her shoes were a mix of silver and that deep merlot tone,heels that she could not only fight in, but run in.Shed tested it. She wore those bangles. They were different tones of silver, that ring on her right hand was also silver with a large garnet stone set in. When she walked out of the closet she left the velvet jacket behind.It was a warm night. When she came out of the closet she nodded to Dacomas. He left before the carriage came. He'd be waiting for his signal. They had run over things a few times.

"After dinner, tea and dessert. He will lead me upstairs, he's been waiting for tonight. More so since last night. There will be wine, which I will dose for him. The guard at his door will be dismissed. The guards down at the head of the stairs will also leave. Those guards will come down stairs and stand outside the front door. Then you move. There will be those two and the other four out front to get through before you can come inside. How you come in is up to you. Remember there are more guards inside. I assure you Byron will be to occupied to notice anything. And he'll be dead before you can get through all the guards." She planned to drug him and when he laid down snap his neck. She wasn't going to spill his blood. "I'll meet you at the basement door. Byron carry's the key with him in his jacket." She'd learned that the night before. "We can rid the house of the rest of the guards, and free the slaves, then get out of there." That was the plan. Before she went outside to the carriage Dacomas smirked to her. She didn't know what that was all about but she left it alone. ~~~ Byron was waiting for her with open arms. They shared a nice dinner, and casual talk. Then some tea and a little light flirting. Ravenna made sure she leaned forward many a time, or crossed her long legs slowly. After tea there was a lush desert. After that they shared a little more time on the couch flirting and kissing. This time the lady Luac let his hands linger on her. Though it made Ravenna's skin crawl. After their fourth glass of wine. Byron led her slowly upstairs. The guards at the top of the stair were dismissed first.Then the guard outside his room. The three would head outside. Byron walked in to his room and slipped off his jacket. The Lady Luac crossed to the table with the wine and glasses and set her purse down. As she poured she talked to him, and dosed his drink. "Another glass, to toast to us." She walked slowly to him and he smirked. He took the glass and toasted to her and took a sip. Ravenna took a slow sip of her own wine and then took both glasses and sat them on the table. Byron walked towards her, but he wobbled a little. He fell laughing to the bed. "I think I am a bit drunk on your beauty My sweet lady." The Lady Luac smiled to him. "Then perhaps you should lay back and allow me to tend to you." He grinned at that and lay back. She took two steps and started to playfully unzip her dress, then as she leaned over the bed she undid the buttons on his shirt. His hands rose as if to undo the rest of her dress, but they fell limp. "What's going on' I can't feel my hands." He muttered and looked up at her. The drug shed dosed him took affect and Ravenna rose off the bed, and zipped up her dress. "What' Who are you? What are you doing"" He tried to move but his body wouldn't obey. He shot his eyes to the door and was about to call for the guards Ravenna could see it. So she walked over to him and pressed a finger to his lips, then snapped his neck. None of the guards would have heard a thing

While Ravenna was busy dealing with Byron, Dacomas slipped into the house. Using the shadows like he did against Serge to finish the long awaited fight with him. Luring the first guard away, and slit his throat from behind. On the way towards Byron's room, he slipped the dagger into it's sheath. Going with his bow and arrows, firing them off fast to take out the guards along the way. Allowing him to kill each one with as little a sound as possible. Byron was dead. She tucked the purse with Le'Cai under her arm and left the room. To her surprise Dacomas was standing outside the door. The guards were dead outside and along the stairs. Ravenna counted ten in all, there were only three left on the way to the basement. She shook her head at him as they headed down the stairs together.

As they walked Ravenna slid the keys through her fingers. As they reached the bottom of the steps no guards came running so they walked on through the parlor and then through the hall and kitchen it was then Ravenna ran in to a guard.

He started to bow to her, all the guards knew of Lady Luac, but he saw the keys in her hand. He eyed her one moment and was dead the next. Dacomas smiled to her as he stepped around the man's body. "It must be the dress, has them all tongue tied." Ravenna chuckled lightly. "Yeah its the dress." They moved on through t he kitchen for the door that led down stairs to the basement. When they were hit from behind, the last two guards came at them both. Ravenna knocked the guys out and Dacomas killed his guard. They headed down stairs and one by one she unlocked the cages and set the slaves free. There were two dozen down there, men, women, children. Ravenna felt sick at the state of their lodgings. Once they were all free they headed back up stairs.

As soon as the basement door closed Dacomas was hit from behind then got a fierce right cross to the jaw. The guard Ravenna had knocked out didn't stay out. He came at her, swiping at her face. Ravenna dodged that only to get kneed in the gut. The move knocked the wind out of her and she stumbled a bit. The guard moved in at her again only to have Dacomas come up behind him and grab him. The spun a way to the wall where Dacomas snapped the guards neck and pushed the body to the floor. He went to Ravenna then. She leaned doubled over. "Remind me why we did this again?" Dacomas smirked at her. "Come on we gotta get out of here." He helped her up and they went out the back door in to the alley. The slavers house was then suddenly on fire. "The Rhydin guards will be here soon." "We'd better get going then." He called from near the lamp post and there was a sleek black motorcycle waiting for her to climb on to. She walked over to him and he held out his hand. "Come on." She slipped her hand into his, only for him to pull her into a firey hot kiss. With her kissing him back as hotly. She then climbed on as wrapped her arms around him. He slid his hand over her bared legs then sped away from the burning house.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-03-06 23:27 EST
When dawns pre rays hit her face she sighed and pulled the sheets higher. She felt like shed had way to much to drink. And in all truth it been one hell of a night. She didn't want to replay any of the night save for the end. The slaves were free, Montgomery was dead, as well as most of his guards and she and Dacomas had fled the scene. She remembered his grin when she asked how the hell they were gonna get out of there...and the surprising way they did.

While Ravenna slept, Dacomas had slipped out of the bed and of the room. Leaving her to get all the rest she wanted, as his mind went over the previous night. A smirk crossing his lips to everything that happened, as he started to make something to eat for breakfast. Still amused at the look on the slaver's face when she turned on him and killed him. " Priceless. " Murmured to himself.

She pulled the sheets down and grinned. She hadn't known him to own such a sleek motorbike,it was better than the one she used to have ages ago, better than the one she had fixed up for Kassie and Andrew.But she liked wrapping her arms around him and feeling his hand slide along her leg before they sped away. She chuckled softly as she rose from bed.

The smell of food was just starting to come from the kitchen, as he shook his head again. Recalling her screaming out when he peeled out from the slaver's home. Leaving it as a burning building as a warning to other slavers.

She slid her robe over her night dress, and padded out of the room towards the smell of food. She came in to the kitchen doorway. He had been one hell of a warrior, but then she already knew he had a wicked right cross. When the slavers house had gone up in flames she was surprised. Nor when he reved the bike and told her to hold on tight. " You know.."She padded in to the kitchen. "Your one hell of a driver.." He smirked as he looked over his shoulder. " Thanks, not that you minded clinging to me each time I popped a wheelie on my bike. " Winking at her as he turned back to the food.

She grinned and padded closer. "I like a good ride." She took a seat at the table. "How's your jaw?" One of the guards had snuck up ont hem both decking him, then kicking her in the gut. He met his end quickly after that. " It's alright. " Looking to her as he moved to fix her a plate of food. " Seeing how when we got home...You took my mind off of all that happened. " Winking at her now.

She grinned at him. "Well, good." She watched him as he fixed a plate of food for her. " Just good" " His brows rose a touch as he fixed his own plate then moved to sit down. " Must be losing my touch." Eyeing her from over the prepared glass of juice as he took a sip, then started to eat slowly.

She took a slow bite of food and grinned at him. " Last night was more than good, and I was talking about your jaw." She reached across and gave it a little stroke. "He got the better of us both. " She went back to eating. "And your touch is just fine," she purred that.

He snapped his teeth at her fingers just to tease her. " He got lucky. " Winking at her, before smirking slowly. " So is your own, but I know which moment stays very fresh in your mind. " An innocent bite of food. " The night I tied you to the bed. " Leaving it at that as he hid a smile behind that

She grinned at him as she sipped her juice. "It makes the top ten list." Another sip as she grinned at him. " Number one you mean. " Winking at her as he took another bite of food. " You took a two hour long cold shower afterwards. Just standing in the cold water. "

She grinned at him. "It was only about an hour and a half." Another bite of food as she recalled that night very well. "I never said where on my top ten it was..,I should repay you for that night,sometime." A sip and a grin. " Not going to happen, Ravenna...I'm not the submissive type. " Smirking at her as his eyes flashed briefly at her.

She smirked at him. "Hmm I never said how I would repay you. But you tied to my bed is a nice image in my head. "Another bite. He chucked softly. " Perhaps a very exotic dance would be in order. " Wiggling his brows at her as he finished his food, then moved to take his plate to the sink. Now turning to face her as he leaned back against the counter.

She smirked at him. She rose with her plate and cup and walked slowly towards him. "Hmm I could do that." " You sure" " Smirking at her as he watched her as she moved towards him. " I figured you would still need something to burn those images of that slaver caressing you. " Oh he was evil.She dropped the plate and cup in the sink and eyes him. "Your wicked...and it could help having you watch me, as I dance around you, knowing full well what it will do to you."She ran her fingers over his chest.

" Lady Luac. " Smirking at her as he lifted her hand to his lips for a kiss, watching her reaction.She smirked at him as he lifted her hand to kiss it. " That's not what you called me last night. " She inched her self closer to him. He smirked to that. " You have a problem with me calling you that name" " Winking at her as he knew he had called her last night.

She grinned at him. "Its not my name.."She pressed him back to the counter. "So would you like that dance"Or would you rather I be the Lady Luac?" He allowed her to press him back into the counter " The Lady Luac is a well behaved woman. " Now a wide smirk. " You can't behave. " Hands moving to tug her in close.

She smirked to him. "She's an alter ego. And you like that I cant behave." She pressed closer to him. "So that's a no to the dance?"She winked up at him. He leaned down and kissed her softly. " To early for a dance. " Murmured as he looked down into her eyes. " Go get dressed...we have been plotting that slaver's down fall for a while now. "

She grinned to that after she returned that kiss. "Alright, later then."She inched away. "And now its over so its time to do other things..."She grinned over her shoulder at him as she went to go dress He watched her as she moved off to dress, with him turning to clean up the kitchen. A sly grin crossing his lips.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-03-06 23:56 EST
She got dressed in something more herself. But as she passed the hung dresses from her nights as Lady Luac she smirked. She walked back out in her usual attire, a V neck short sleeve shirt of dark gray,low rise form hugging black pants, and her usual black boots. Her hidden weapons back in place. She ran her fingers through her hair before going to find Dacomas. He was such a tease.But shed get him back,later.

Yet when she returned to the kitchen. He was no where in sight, that was till he came up behind her. " You won't need your weapons today. " When she turned to face him, he didn't have his weapons on him. He was dressed rather casually now, wearing the same leather coat from the previous night. She smirked to him. She only had the daggers in her boots and Le'Cai .Nothing more. "Oh?"She eyed him. "And what are we doing today' No hunting down slavers I assume."

" You'll see. " Winking at her as he turned to head outside, knowing she would follow as he lead her to his bike. With him mounting it, then patted the spot behind him. She grinned at him and followed him out the door towards his bike. She smirked as she eased in tot he spot behind him. Her hands sliding over his shoulders. " Hold on. " Smirking at her as he kick started the bike, then peeled out. Heading off to the docks where they rolled around making threats to the other.

She held on to him.As they sped away from the house. It wasn't like last night when they fled to no be questioned by Rhydin guards this ride was different,she could rest her head to the back side of his shoulder and watch as they made their way towards the docks. Once they arrived to that spot, he slowed the bike down before turning is off. Kickstand nudged down. " Here we are. " Murmured to her as he moved to slip off the bike.

She slid off the back of the bike as they came to a stop. She looked around slowly. He took her hand in his, before leading her down to the beach. " It's funny isn't it' " Said once they reached the beach. " Right here is where you and I started to fall for the other. " She grinned at him as he led down to the beach where they had it out. "Oh' We traded threats, and daggers. One intense moment after another." She turned to look at him.

" True.." He turned suddenly aiming to sweep her right off her feet and onto the sand. With him moving to pin her down by straddling her stomach. She was caught off guard and hit the sand with an oof. She looked up to him as he pinned her to the sand. "This brings back memories."He smirked to that. " Does this" " One hand moved to borrow one of her daggers, and carefully ran the tip along the front of her throat.

She watched him and arched her neck as he ran one of her daggers over her flesh. "Yes."She looked up at him. "We traded some blows that day,and a few...words about killing the other..leaving one for dead."He smirked as he spun the dagger around, only to thrust it in the sand. His hands then moved to support his frame as he lowered further against her. " Yet look at us now. "

She smirked at him as he lowered against her. "yes,look at us now."She wiggled a bit under him. " Who would have thought..but were more alike than even I knew.."She nipped at his lips.He growled and nipped back at her lips. " Angelica says thank you. " Out of the blue as he smiled down at her. Her brows rose to that. "What?" She knew he could both see and hear those who'd passed on.But she wasn't expecting that.

He leaned back from her just a bit. " She seen you mourning her loss. " Murmured softly to her. "Oh.."She blinked to that. "She didn't deserve that. I hope she has peace now.."

She is now. " Nodding towards the edge of the shore. When she looked, she'd be in for a surprise. Not only did she see Angelica but both of their families, and her stolen ex. All having a soft ghostly glow around them.

She looked to the shore line. "Oh my goddess." Shed seen Issac go in to the light. But it had felt like a dream this was a true vision. Her parents had been brutally killed the day the orcs took her. But they too seemed at peace. She watched as the ghosts faded with the lapping of the tide. A lone tear traced a slow line down her cheek.

His parents followed after her own and Issac, with Angelica being the last to leave. " Take care of my brother, Ravenna. He loves you more than he is willing to say." The young woman would say before she left. Dacomas smiled to that as if Ravenna looked up at him, she could see a lone tear fall down his cheek. As well as finally being at peace himself...

She watched the beautiful ghost of his sister fade with her final words. Ravenna nodded to the fading ghost. Then looked to Dacomas. She lifted her hand and brushed his cheek with her fingers. They had both found peace...She placed a soft kiss to his lips then,this one wasn't one of her fiery passionate kisses. It was slow and deep and full of feeling.

He looked back to her at the touch of her fingers, and was about to say something till she kissed him. Causing his eyes to close as he kissed her back. Matching the tenderness of it. She let her hands trail down his back. And her eyes to close. She would look after him. She smiled inwardly to knowing he loved her more than he could say. She loved him that way too. She let the kiss linger .letting herself feel really feel at peace and happy.

His hands moved to caress her side, letting the kiss linger before he slowly broke the kis s " My sister was right...I do love you more than I say.." Now opening his eyes to look down at her. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. " We share that in common as well." Her hands ran over his shoulders. Her eyes were set upon his.

He smiled down at her before he slowly moved to stand, letting her hands trace his arms. Till his hands caught her own and helped her to her feet. " Aye...we share that and other things in common." She was helped to her feet and she smirked to him before she brushed the sand from her back side and shook it from her hair. "Aye we do."

She looked to him then to the waves.He nodded lightly to that as he suddenly patted her butt instead of slapping it. Then bent over to pluck her dagger from the sand.: She snickered to that. Before watching him go to pluck her dagger from the sand. She ran her fingers through her hair.

He looked over his shoulder as he rose and slipped her dagger pace in to its' sheath on her belt. " My my...You are being a lady...You didn't take an open shot to slap my butt. " She smirked at him as he sheathed her dagger for her. "I was admiring.." Shed been gawking at him. She slid her hand to his as it sheathed her dagger.

You do a lot of gawking and drooling around me. " Teasing her as he slipped his hand to interlock with her own.She linked her fingers with his " As if you don't gawk.." She inched them in to a walk along the beach. " And I enjoy to admire .." He turned and walked with her. " I admire. " Smirking at her. " You gawk and drool, and pant. " Smirking more.

She grinned at him. " I do not pant nor drool." She shook her head at him. " Yes you do. " Grinning back at her as he let her lead the way to where they were going. She walked with him.She did some times drool over him, but never when he could see her. She might pant over him, but only when she was alone and thinking about him. Damn it he was right. She let it go as she walked with him. "Maybe I'll get you to drool and pant later." A sweet smile.

" You won't get that lucky...You could only do that if you dress up and acted like a lady. Which we both know you can't do. " Sweet smile as he was so challenging her now. She followed him along the beach. "You know I have all the clothes and accessories to dress like a lady. And my act fooled Montgomery didn't it' " She eyed him. "I am sure there are others things I could do that would make you pant, you want me to act like a lady."She smiled sweetly at him. "Then I shall do my best good sir."

" Please...He was a horney slaver. " Teasing her as he took off running towards his bike. " And you don't know how to be a lady!" Over his shoulder. She smirked and chased after him. He would get to the bike first she knew that. She let him beat her there,as she slowed her run to a walk. "Perhaps." She fanned her self lightly and looked to him. "Or maybe you just don't know me as well as you think you do."

He smirked as he did get to the bike first and already mounted it. " I know you better than you think. You hated being all proper and behaved. " But he did wait on her. She smirked at that slipping up behind him on the bike. "I did, your right."She slid her fingers over his shoulders. He chuckled as he started the bike up, before heading back to the house. Wondering if she'd call his bluff for her to dress all lady like.

She hung on while they sped back home. She was thinking all the way back on jut how she could call his bluff, but she did hate acting proper, even if she could dress the part the other was all an act. He pulled back up to the house and turned the bike off, and kicked the kickstand out. Waiting for her to slip off first, before following suit.

She slid off and eyed him before walking back tot he house. She unlocked the door and walked inside towards the kitchen. He smirked as he moved to follow her inside, then shut and locked the door. Before following her to the kitchen. She went to making some lunch. Thinking about the beach,all that had happened.She made them some simple sandwiches, and a side of fruit salad. She looked back at him a few times while she made lunch.

He smirked and moved up against her back. Hands on her hips now, before he leaned in to slowly and softly started kissing the side of her neck. She closed her eyes to the kiss and leaned her head to the side.But she shook him away turning and handing him his plate. "Lunch."

He pouted to that as he took his plate. " Oh I see...trying to behave. " Winking at her as he moved to sit down. She crossed to sit down across from him. "No, just hungry."She took a bite of fruit. "You know I cant be a lady Dacomas, I can dress like one, act like one maybe, but its all an act." Another bite as she gazed across at him.

He took a bite of his food as he watched her. " Sounds like you aren't brave enough. " Smiling at her from across the table. She took a bite of sandwich and her eye brow shot up at him. "Not brave enough' What does bravery have to do with being a lady?" Another slow bite,still eyeing him.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-03-15 00:32 EST
" Just shows you are scared " Winking at her as he took another bite of food. Still daring her to prove him wrong.She ate slowly. Letting the silence settle in around them. She didn't know what to say to that,what did he want her to prove"That she could be a lady' It would all be an act..He continued to smile at her as once he finished his food, he took his plate to the sink. " And here I thought you were fearless. " Pouting at her as he moved to slip out of the kitchen. As he just wanted to get her in a dress.

She slipped her plate in to the sink and watched him go.She was fearless.Shed faced too many things, death and darkness,foes and magic not to be fearless. She watched him leave the kitchen then walked out herself and down the hallway towards her room. He slowly started to follow her up to her room, trying to be all sneaky. With a grin crossing his lips the whole time.

She figured he'd go slunk in the living room so she slipped in to her room and slipped in tot eh closet she slid out of her boots and belt leaving all her weapons there,then she looked tot he hung dresses, he'd seen her in all of them, as she dressed up to be Lady Luac but there was one he hadn't seen her in. Her Beltane dress. She slowly unzipped the garment bag it hung in and looked over her shoulder to make sure he hadn't come to peek on her, before slipping out of her clothes.

She slid the dress on and zipped it up. It was A short black dress which reached to the top of her thigh. The sleeves to her elbows made of black lace, and a little more lace there along her thighs below the bottom 'true hem' of the dress. She slipped on the black heels that matched the dress, she could have gone all out with the earrings and bracelets she wore that night too, but she went for a less is more look. She fixed her hair and peered out the closet door again.

He had quietly slipped into her room after her first glance, and was now hiding out of sight. Waiting for her to com out of hiding and moved for the door to her room. Which would slam shut, only then would he come out of hiding.

She moved out of the closet and looked around the room. He wasn't in sight. She figured shed slip the earrings in they were silver and looked like little tear drops that sparkled from her ears. She had fixed her hair up. She walked out her heels clicking lightly on the floor.

The door suddenly shut as she walked towards it. With him stepping out of the shadows. Surely surprising her as she seemed to have forgotten how he snuck up on Serge. " Hello. "

She spun around and would have flattened him if she hadn't stopped herself. He seemed to have forgotten she could fight in anything and nothing. She crossed her eyes slowly and shook her head. "Don't do that."

He smirked as he slowly looked her over in the new dress, then moved to slowly walk around her. " Don't do what? " He had been wrong...

She tapped her foot. "Sneak up on me." She uncrossed her arms and eyed him. " Hmm' " Still looking her over from head to toe. " Glad I did. " Murmured as he slowly moved up to her, with his hands sliding around her from behind. Resting softly against her stomach. " If you keep dressing up like this...I might start calling you a lady. "

She watched hm.Till his hands slid around her, which had her eyes fluttering. "You like it?" She smiled. "Well,I can dress the part Dacomas, didn't my six nights as Lacy Luac prove that. " Like those dresses this one showed off her long legs, while some of those nights dresses had shown off her legs and cleavage this one was a little less revealing. "I wore this to Beltane."

" I like it. " Murmured as he again started to slowly kiss the length of her neck. " As well as the others you have. " Another murmur as his lips moved down to her collar bone. Before moving back up towards her ear. Shifting his hands so she could curl her fingers against them.

She shivered as he kissed the length of her neck. "I already knew you liked the others Dacomas."She shivered as her fingers curled against him,and closed her eyes. "You should have seen me that night,the mask the music...it was all very lady like even my dancing with Andrew.."Yes she had danced and enjoyed herself that night. Shed met her first friends in Rhydin that night.

" Yet now you are wearing it just for me. " Murmured softly into her ear as he lightly started to kiss the back of her ear. Knowing what it done to her. She shivered more as he kissed along her sensitive ear. "yes, you hadn't seen me in this one, and the others need a good dry clean, slaver paws all over them.."

Then send them out to get cleaned...My treat. " Slowly shifting to stand in front of her, hands slipping from her's to the small of her back. After moving her hands to his shoulders, before he slowly started to move around the room with her. In a music less dance.

She moved around with him in that music less dance. "I am going to have them cleaned,I haven't had time yet, your sweet to treat to it though." She smiled softly, she was a good dancer,what other was sword play than dance like movements.

" Shh. " Murmured down to her as he seemed a pretty good dancer as well. And seeing how they finally had time to relax, he figured he would dance with her. She shhed and just danced with him her eyes on his her hands on his shoulders as they moved about her room.

Once the dance was over, he leaned down and kissed her softly and very slowly. Letting his eyes fall shut. She returned that slow soft kiss letting her fingers curl over his shoulders and her eyes flicker shut. Letting the kiss linger for a moment longer, before he pulled back from the kiss. " You know...if this was the first time I meet you...All dressed up like this...I would think you were a lady. " Murmured honestly

She smiled to that. " Would you have?"She pondered that. "If we had met the night I was wearing this, you would have seen me being a lady, then helping someone I didn't know..who became a dear friend. "She gazed in to his eyes. He nodded softly as he gazed back into her eyes, before he stepped back slow. Letting a touch of that holy magic appear. His attire changed to that of a form fitting suit.

She blinked and eyed him. "Well." She looked him over. "Don't you look dashing..." She was impressed, but then she always thought he'd look good in a suit. He now extended his hand to her. " Come here, Lady Ravenna. " A soft smile for her as he used her name than the fake name she had been using. She smirked tot hat and took a step towards him and slid her hand in to his own. She looked him over again, he did look damn fine in that suit. And they matched once again.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-03-15 00:44 EST
After their impromptu to dance, and his dressing up and their matching with her dress and his suit, the night had flowed on and on it seemed. It was dark now in the room, some time before day break. Ravenna had woken a while ago,her head on his chest. She had expected to have ended the night with her owing him that dance, but it ended with dinner and a long lingering kiss before bed.

Dacomas was awake but kept his eyes closed, as he was running one hand along her back. The other hand was softly rubbing the arm she had draped over him, with his mind going back over the events of the previous night. " You know...who would of ever thought that you would fall for me?" Whispered softly.

She smiled softly as she hadn't thought he was awake. "Hmm."She lifted her head slightly to glance up to him. " Is it so strange?" " In a way it is, seeing how I knew you before you knew me. " Opening his eyes to sit up a bit to look down at her.

Her brows rose to that and she slowly sat up. "Yes, you knew me. You'd seen me, but you didn't know me.Not really.."She ran her fingers through her hair. " I know more about you than I let on, Anna. " Smirking as he made a play at her name as he ran a few fingers up her spine.

She snickered at him and her eyes fluttered to feeling his finger on her bare back, as they raced up her spine over those scars. She grinned at the play on her name. " Oh' Do tell. " " You were a lady once..." Shifting to pile the pillows behind him so he could prop himself up on them. " But now there's no trace of a lady in you. " Teasing her.

She smirked to that. "That was long ago,when i was young. When the blood hadn't seeped through every edge of my world. "She propped herself up looking at him, there were slight traces left,he would have seen them as they danced,he would have felt it when her shoulder had rested to his shoulder,when she whispered her thanks to him for bringing her some measure of peace. And she wasn't shameless always,like now she lifted the sheet with her as she propped up. "I was also a slave once, a pilot and captain.."

He smirked back at her. " Maybe if I would of met you earlier...I would of bought you, make you into a very naughty and willing slave. " Teasing her as he motioned her closer to him again.

She eyed him on that one. "I was seven when I became a slave to the orcs . Then a servant in Luac.."She looked to the french doors which she had left uncovered by their drapes. "I never made a good slave Dacomas...But I was bought...by Issac." He chuckled softly. " True..but you would of had a lifetime to learn. " ]So about to have her leap at him to start hitting him.

She shook her head at him. She then rose from bed leaving the sheets behind she padded to her robe and slipped it over her arms. "I have had two life times worth of hard lessons,is that not enough' You wouldn't have known me then. Before Issac, when I was just a girl, the slave freed to only become a worker.." She tied her robe and glanced at him.

He watched her as he moved to sit up on the edge of the bed. Eyes roaming her body. " True. " Murmured as he moved to stand and walk towards her, arms going around her from behind. " Besides, if I would of found you first, then you wouldn't be the woman that I feel in love with. "

She slid her fingers around his arms as they wrapped about her from behind. "No I would not have been. I would have been softer,more of a lady.Less of an assassin,less harsh." She closed her eyes and just stood there in his arms. " That and I probably would be dead by now. " Softly into her ear. " As I would of fought Serge alone. " Holding her a touch closer when she leaned back into him.

She leaned back in to him her fingers still tracing his arms. "Your wrong. Maybe long ago if you had faced him alone, as we in our times with him both wanted to. But your stronger now.."She opened her eyes to glance back at him. Her fingers rose to grace down his jaw line. "Perhaps we were meant to fight him together...

He nodded to that, as he slowly turned her to face him. " Maybe we were, seeing how we both had our own reasons. And maybe I was the one you were fated to fall in love with all your life. " Winking at her.

She smirked at his wink. "Maybe. "She leaned softly to her toes and stole a kiss.

He leaned back from that kiss. " Just a maybe?" Now slipping from her as he started for the door, so hiding a smirk.

She watched him walk away .Admiring him a bit as he did so. "More than that..." She grinned. " Maybe I am the woman you were destined to meet...someday..."She padded slowly after him. She knew very little of his past, save for his shared past with Serge and the past they shared,with death of loved ones...

He chuckled softly. " You are probably right there, as well. " He looked over his shoulder as he was leading her towards the kitchen. " Before you I tended to stand alone. "

She followed him. Her brows rose a bit to that. They both liked to stand on their own,but her life had not always been that way. "I find it hard to believe that a man like you,doesn't have a history with some beautiful women.."She padded past him in to the kitchen .Seeking out a sweet snack....to curb her appetite for something else. He shook his head as he followed her into the kitchen after the smack. " Believe what you want. " Now leaning on the doorframe.

She nibbled on a piece of dark chocolate she pulled from the freezer. She looked at him leaning int he door frame. "Well can hardly believe it, but you don't tend to share...you know my life story...you could likely retell it to me. "She nibbled again. "Yet all I know of you is all I know...and my assumptions.."

" I was slated to marry someone, before Serge attacked my family. But she was some nobleman's daughter and it was a sham for them to gain more power. The moment my family was attacked and killed, I devoted my life to hunting him down. " Looking off tot he side now.

Her brows rose to that. "From one of the fold to being his worst enemy. "She crossed to him leaving her nibbled on bar of chocolate on the table. " A sham to earn wealth and power from a powerful family. Those things were common ,back in the day. " She stood before him now. He nodded as he looked down at her, as he moved a hand up to caress her cheek. " Then I had to go and fall in love with a wild elven woman. "

She smirked at him. Her head tilted in to his hand. " Well I suppose its a good thing she loves you as well."He smirked at her. " She just loves me for my looks. " Totally daring her to say otherwise or just prove him wrong.

She traced a few fingers over his jaw line then down his bare chest she did enjoy his looks.He was fine to look at,she wouldn't deny that. But her hand pressed to his chest over his heart. "No...not that. "Her eyes flickered up to meet his gaze. He was just about to say something to her totally eyeballing him, till her hand pressed against his chest. His brows slowly rose. " Then what is it?" Placing his hand over her hand.

"I do not deny I enjoy your looks,what woman would not' But I love you for your heart, even though its been through so much blood shed,it is still tender and loving. Your spirit, is light in the darkness..and you...the way you speak,or look at me. Your easy smile,and your way with words. I love all of you...not just your fine body."She smirked at him. He smirked at her slowly on that. " Your light in the darkness? " Just a slight step towards her, pressing her hand more against his chest.

She looked up in to his eyes. " Yes." She smirked at him. "Now I suppose you love this wild elven woman for her fine form, the subtle softness of her skin, the curves of her body."She wiggled her brows at him as her fingers spread there pressed to his chest over his heart. He looked her over on that. " That I do, but it's the blushing, shy lady that sometimes comes out that I adore more. "

Her brows rose to that. He had seen that side of her when they danced,and on the beach. "Hmm. Good to know " He shifted and stole a sudden fiery kiss from her as he moved to fix something to eat. " As well as the way you look at me, and whisper things about me in your sleep. "

She let him steal that kiss and returned in time just before he moved to make something to eat she watched him for a moment. She already knew how she looked at him, and likely could guess what she might whisper in her sleep. She sat at the table with her chocolate and nibbled on it. He shook his ass at her just because he knew she was watching him, as he was fixing something for the both of them. Keeping his back to her to hide a grin.

She watched him as he worked. When the chocolate in her hands was no longer frozen enough she took it back to the freezer and tucked it in, she leaned there on the fridge watching him. He turned to start setting the table. " I know...I spoil you by cooking for you. " Winking at her as he had already fixed them both a plate of food.

She grinned at him. "I cook too you know." She sat down, she liked to watch him cook,and she loved to eat so it all worked out rather well. He slowly started to eat as well. " True, but you always burn the eggs. " Teasing her as he took a sip of the poured up juice.

She ate slowly smirking at him. "Sometimes."She admitted. "But I make wonderful waffles..,and can cook a wonderful romantic dinner."A sip and a bite. " Cooked for the slaver I see. " Hiding a smirk behind the glass now as he was sure she'd throw something at him.

She shook her head at him. "I cooked as a servant for kind masters,since I was fifteen...and the slaver never got to taste my food. I would have poisoned him. "Another bite. He chuckled softly to that. " Remind me never to piss you off than let you cook for me. " Winking at her as he took another bite of food.

She grinned at him. "Id never poison you Dacomas." Another sip of juice. " You would just stab me. " Teasing her as he finished his food, then stood to take it to the sink. " You got dishes. " Smirking at her now. She grinned at him as she finished and went to tending the dishes. She eyed him a bit. " I wouldn't do that either. Unless you needed a quick death."A grin. She wouldn't do it any how,she washed slowly.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-03-29 00:34 EST
She sat past the little stream in her back yard,in the shadow of the trees. She hadnt come back here for a while,no longer seeking to talk to old ghosts. She had consitered taking the data pad,broken as it was and the ring box and burrying them. But they were part of her past. She was shocked to find the box, which she had long thought contained a large sparkling engament ring, was empty. Issac must have then it with him,or hidden it some where.

He would of followed her, as he had woken up to find her gone. So like a good tracker, he slowly came up towards her from behind. " Hello. " Smart enough now to announce his arrival, as he slowly moved to sit down beside her. Looking around a moment, before looking to her.

Those items no longer held anything but long lost past memories. She sat there in the shadows of the trees,cooling down after an early morning run and work out. She had woken long before dawn,dressed and made breakfast. Then gone out for her run a round the house, and a work out there in the sunlight of the back yard. Now she sat legs crossed,the cool air tickling the back of her neck. "Hey."She half expected him to him to fnd her sooner or later.

His brows rose a touch as he looked to the items she held, then back up to her. " Do you wish for me to leave" " Softly to her as he noticed the small box out of the items, but at the moment said nothing.

"No."She opened her eyes and looked back and up at him. No longer seeking old ghosts, they were gone. Passed on to what ever heaven there might be. She had peace, as much as they did.She wasnt as armed as she normally was the daggers in her boots and Le'Cai with her. This morning work out didnt include the works. Which would be all amount of training exersises shed learned decades ago. It had been a nice long run, a deep strech and

now some soothing realxing breathing in the cool shade. "Stay." He nodded softly as he reached for the small ring box in her hand. " You know all you ever have to do is ask. " Softly to her request for him to stay, as he was trying to take the box from her. At the same time he was shifting to lay down under the tree.

She smirked to that. The box was empty,sitting on that cracked data pad. "You can stay.I was just cooling off." She glanced to him as his fingers passed the empty box. "I always thought Issac had hidden some ring in there." Looking to the little blue box. "But I finally opened it..it was empty. " She didnt stop him from taking it.

He nodded softly. " And if by chance the ring was found" " Odd that he would say that as he had shifted while laying down to hide his own hidden movements. " What would you do towards the person that found it?"

"Old ghosts Dacomas..."Her eyes panned to him there laying in the deeper shade of the trees. "It wasnt lost, he hid it.Maybe had it with him the day he died. I kept the box,this old data pad. Cracked as it is,worhtless..but I didnt want to part with either. If the ring was around..I'm not sure what Id do with it,put it in the box,burry it..keep it as part of my growing collection of old ghosts."

" Come here " Was all he said to her as he patted the spot beside him, with him rolling to lay on his side now. Looking up at her as he seemed to be waiting on her now, as he twisted the box in his hand. She rose from the partial sun and shade in to the deeper shade. She came to sit there as he lay on his side. "I would have woken you this morning when I left, but I needed some time..and a good run always seems to help."

He nodded lightly as he turned the box to face her, then flipped it open. Letting her see what now rested inside of it, and before she could say anything. He took that ring out of the box, before taking her left hand into his own. Slipping the ring onto her ring finger, then looked back up at her.

She saw the ring.It was beautiful,yet it didnt seem like something that Issac would have picked for her, all those years ago. It was stunning. "What..." Now that ring stunning with its sparkling diamonds and gold...rested on her left hand. " What...?"

Slowly he moved to lay back down as he still held her left hand. Slowly and softly trying to coax her to move and shift to lay over him. " What do you say?" Murmured softly up to her.

"This...doesnt seem like the type of ring Issac would have had for me."She shifted closer to him. "What do I say...?"She glanced from the ring to him. " Maybe not, but. " He moved his hands to rest on the small of her back. " I picked it out for you yesterday, and now. " He held her a touch closer. " You know what it means, Ravenna...I know you aren't that slow. " Still looking up into her eyes as he waited for the moment to fully hit her.

She starred down at him. Shifting closer in his arms. "You got this for me.." Yes she knew what it meant,what he was asking with out asking it. Suddenly she was perched over him. She kissed him,softly.

" Aye I did. " Murmured up to her moments before she perched herself over him, and kissed him softly. With him kissing her back softly as well, letting the kiss linger for a few moments. He then softly leaned her up just a touch so he could see her reaction.

She let the kiss linger. She looked back at the ring. "Its stunning.." She looked in to his eyes as he leaned her back to basically sitting in his lap. She had been thinking about him,on her run. That dance,the way he looked at her... " I take that as a yes then" " Grinning up at her as he was still laying down in the grass. As he had been thinking on this since their dance and how the two looked at the other that night.

She nodded. "Its yes.." She glanced to him,smiling. She moved off his lap to lay at his side,twineing her fingers with his. She had a billion questions now,but she felt too good,too happy to ask any of them. She had been in love before...but this...this was all brand new. He smiled to that and the moment she moved to lay beside him. He shifted to be perched over her now. " Never thought I would be asking you this...did you?" Murmured as he lifted that hand up for a kiss.

She glanced up at him and chuckled lightly. "Honestly no..." She felt her cheeks flush a bit, as he lifted her hand up to kiss it. "But...the other night...when we were dancing...the way you were looking at me...and not just me in the dress, but in to my eyes. "She looked in to his eyes now. "It was like..I know this going to sound silly,but it felt like you could see me..like in to my soul.."

He smiled down to her again, as he placed that hand to his shoulder. With his hand pressed into the grass, allowing him to move her other hand up. " Perhaps I did, as you were looking at me the same way. " Softly down to her. " Plus...ever since we started to be with the other...I knew that I found someone special...That I wanted to be with. "

She spread her fingers over is shoulder. She had been looking at him like that. She had been thinking about everything,all they had been through together...She was speachless now,looking up at him. A rare moment for her.

He didn't say anything else at this moment, as he just looked down at her. Before he leaned down to rest his brows against her own, just gazing back into her eyes.

She smiled,and looked back in to his eyes. She could feel her heart beating like crazy in her chest,her fingers on his shoulder moved slowly up the side of his neck. It was a rare thing to find someone who accpeted you,for everything...even your flaws.

Without saying anything else, he turned his head as he kissed her softly again. Eyes closing as he just kissed her right there under that tree. Knowing she accepted him for who he was, just as he accepted her for who she was. She returned that kiss,there in the shade of the trees. Her fingers curling over the side of his neck. She let her eyes close,and that kiss deepen a little.

Slowly he broke the kiss to press a light kiss to her closed eyes, before rolling them both over again. Allowing her to be perched over him again. " Never thought I would find someone like you. " Softly murmured.

She smirked down at him, as she was back to being perched over him. Her fingers trailed back down to his shoulder. " We both got lucky.." She had never expected to fall in love again,nor to meet someone who knew her...fully and honestly and still wanted her.

He dared to smirk up at her. " You got lucky. " Daring to rile her up when she was perched over him. " Like you would of ever asked me to be your's and your's alone. "

She smirked at that. "I did." She gave his shoulder alittle rub and she shook her head at him. "No...I likely wouldnt have.." She glanced down at him. " Even if I might have thought about it.." " I got lucky as well..and I never thought about asking you. " Being honest with her. " But the night we danced, and were looking at each other...Changed my mind..."

Ravenna

Date: 2012-03-29 01:07 EST
Her brows rose to that. " Changed your mind" What were you planning on bailing on me" "She glanced to him again. She knew what kind of man he was,he wouldnt have left with out saying something. She lsy there over him,her fingers musing them selves over his shoulders,in his hair.

He shook his head softly at her. " No...I was thinking on just being with you. " Being honest with her, as he ran his hands along her sides. " But that night of our dance..got me to see that you really wanted to be mine, and wanted me to be your's. "

She smiled to that. "I havent wanted anyone...in a long time...then you came around...and made me feel.." She ran her right hand down his chest. "Wanted,needed, loved...even protected. "He placed his hand over her hand. " I know what you mean, as you make me feel the same way. " Smiling up at her, before he slowly tried to shift to get up. Not that she would let him.

She smirked at him,if he wanted up hed have to take her with him. Perched over him as she was. "Good."She stole a kiss,she wasnt moving..

He fell back on to the grass. " Going to keep me here" " Kissing her back, as he continued to rub his hands against her back.She smirked down at him. "I might,its nice here in the shade." She winked at him,her backa rched a bit to his touch. He smirked up at her. " Yes it is. " Now slipping his hands up under her shirt, to get at her bare skin.Her eyes fluttered as his fingers graced her bare scared back. Her fingers mused in his hair and along the side and back of his neck..through the grass then back to his shoulders.

He grinned up at her. " Like that' " Teasing her as he sent a little pulse of that stronger elven magic into her back. Just to turn the tables on her. She shivered and nodded. "I am very sensetive there, you should know.."She winked at him,and sent a little pulse back in to him,her own magics were not like his,shed spent years hidding them,then years refinding them on the high seas,or in space ports whiel she floated cups..and sent sparks to fires...Her fingers walked their way down his chest,looking for a soft spot..inching to his sides.

" That I do know. " Murmured as he glanced to her hands, and sent another stronger pulse into her back. Just to get her mind on unfocused on getting him back. Not that he minded what she was trying to do.

She smirked to him and shivered again.Her fingers inched down along his sides then under his shirt. "Not likely to forget that.." She smirked at him, he had learned all those sensitive parts,and there was no hidding them from him.

" Now now. " Moving his hands to catch her own hands, now aimming to roll over and pin her down. With a soft playful growl down at her. " I should tie you up and leave you out here. " She grinned up at him as she was rolled back to her back. "Hmm kinky."She wiggled her brows at him. " It should only be fair that I get to find all your soft spots.."She gave his hands a squeze. "You know all of mine.."

He grinned down at her. " But if you knew all mine, then that wouldnt be fair. " Now slowly moving to his feet, while helping her to her feet. " So tell me. Is this what you want with me?" Lifting her left hand up allowing him to toy with the ring there.

She smiled to him,then was on her feet.She would discover at least a few of his soft spots eventaully. As he played with the ring her eyes met him. " This being,to be yours...I already told you yes.." "True...but you don't seem happy. " Grinning as he tried to take that ring from her. But it was a very false attempt to take it from her.

She whakced his hand away. "I am very happy.."She looke din to his eyes smiling. She balled her hand in to a fist so he couldnt take the ring. He laughed softly at her smacking his hand. " You are just saying that. " Smiling back at her as he slowly started to back away from her.

She wasnt letting him get away. "Oh no you dont." She grabbed his hands with hers and held him there. "I am not just saying that,you know how to tell when I am lying.." She gave his hands tug and pulled herself closer to him. "Shall I prove that I am happy?"

He grinned to her catching and tugging him back to her as he moved his arms around her, to hold her close. " True...I know when you are lying.." ]Now a kiss to her nose. " And I know you are happy that someone is crazy enough to marry you. " Another tip of the nose kiss. " Though I think you would prefer that slaver. " Asking for it now.

She shook her head at him and her hands inched down and gave his back side a nice slap. "Your are crazy.." She grinned at him. "I would prefer you.."She gave his rear a pinch now. He growled at her softly to the butt slap. " That's a free one. " Murmured as he shook his head at her. " Hey. " Snapping his teeth at her

She grinned at him. "yes?" Her hands moved back up to his wasit. She fluttered her lashes at him. As she slid her hands in to those front pockets,with a devil may care look on her face,she wa slikely going to be a little minx.

" You are asking for me to tie you up again. " Murmured softly as he moved his hands to rub along her arms as he started to back up yet again. Aimming to head back towards their home.

She smirked at that,and would let him go this time. But she soon followed him,watching from behind. " Your all full of kink arent you."She spun past him stopping outside the door. Then in he went to that guest room, it had been his room,but hed not slept much in it, even if his few things were within. She glanced back at him now, as she walked past the nicely made bed.

He smirked at her. " That's what you love about me. " Grinning as he moved to follow her into the house, and up into that guest room. Then watched as she moved around the bed in her, as he leaned on the door frame watching.

She grinned at him, as she then went in tot he kitchen. Giving her hips an extra sway for him. But he shifted to block her path, and he pressed a finger against her chest to slowly back her up towards the bed. She grinned at him as she shifted back towards that bed. "Don't you want lunch?" Her brows arched at him as she backed up.

He tilted his head to that. " That all depends on what?s for lunch. " Winking at her as he stopped once the back of her legs hit the bed.She shrugged. "I dont know, figured Id dig around in the fridge see what I came up with." She knew her legs were right up against the bed. " Unelss you feel like something ..then I could see what i can do."

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. " Lunch does sound good. " Murmured as he turned and smacked her rear lightly. She snickered at him. "Tease." She went to follow him again. He grinned as he moved towards the kitchen, with a shake of his rear at her. Only to sit down quickly. She snickered at him before going digging in the fridge.There were left overs in there,things for samwiches,sodas...many sodas "Hmmm."

He glanced and shook his head softly. " You are sweet enough as it is without you drinking all those sodas. " "Its a habbit." She grinned at him, there were lemon limes ones,orange ones and colas. She looked at the boxed up left overs. He chuckled softly. " I know. Hand me one of the regular colas. " Shaking his head softly as he relaxed in the chair. Taking notice that she seemed more content now than she had since they first met.

She snickered then dug out a cola and handed it back to him. She dug out some of the better looking left overs and went to making two plates. She sat a lemon lime soda on the table for her self. Once the plates were made she slid his before him. "I got hooked to this one."She opened the lemon lime bottle. "One night at the inn, it just went out from that.."

" Thank you. " Smiling to her as he slowly started to eat, while taking a sip of the cola. " It's alright, Ravenna. I have known for a while that you have been drinking these. " Lifting his drink up for a moment. She grinned at him between her bites of food. Then she took a slow sip of soda. She grinned at him. "You would, you've seen inside the fridge.." She snickered to that.

He chuckled softly. " Though you need to get a bottle of wine for those romantic evenings. " Winking at her as he took another bite of food. She smiled at that. "I'll add it to the list." She could have a few wines delievered like the rest of her food and drinks,some nice elven red,some nice tangy white,some sweet wine for desserts. She chewed slowly watching him. "Some nice elven vinatges"

His brows rose to that. " Trying to appeal to my elven side" " Hiding a grin behind that cola can of his as he took a sip. " Or are you trying to prove you have it in you to be a lady again?" She snickered to him. "I like a good elven wine." She tapped her pointed ear,then took a bite of food. "I would enjoy a nice glass of wine,sitting outside on a nice ngiht,all dolled up for you.."A wink.

Another soft chuckle." Or just sitting outside with me period. " Winking at her again, as he slowly finished his food. Then rose to take the plate to the sink. " You telling me all your dreams. " She grinned at that and passed him with her plate,slidding it in to the sink. "Yes, that too. "

Ravenna

Date: 2012-03-29 01:09 EST
Her brows rose to that. " Changed your mind" What were you planning on bailing on me" "She glanced to him again. She knew what kind of man he was,he wouldnt have left with out saying something. She lsy there over him,her fingers musing them selves over his shoulders,in his hair.

He shook his head softly at her. " No...I was thinking on just being with you. " Being honest with her, as he ran his hands along her sides. " But that night of our dance..got me to see that you really wanted to be mine, and wanted me to be your's. "

She smiled to that. "I havent wanted anyone...in a long time...then you came around...and made me feel.." She ran her right hand down his chest. "Wanted,needed, loved...even protected. "He placed his hand over her hand. " I know what you mean, as you make me feel the same way. " Smiling up at her, before he slowly tried to shift to get up. Not that she would let him.

She smirked at him,if he wanted up hed have to take her with him. Perched over him as she was. "Good."She stole a kiss,she wasnt moving..

He fell back on to the grass. " Going to keep me here" " Kissing her back, as he continued to rub his hands against her back.She smirked down at him. "I might,its nice here in the shade." She winked at him,her backa rched a bit to his touch. He smirked up at her. " Yes it is. " Now slipping his hands up under her shirt, to get at her bare skin.Her eyes fluttered as his fingers graced her bare scared back. Her fingers mused in his hair and along the side and back of his neck..through the grass then back to his shoulders.

He grinned up at her. " Like that' " Teasing her as he sent a little pulse of that stronger elven magic into her back. Just to turn the tables on her. She shivered and nodded. "I am very sensetive there, you should know.."She winked at him,and sent a little pulse back in to him,her own magics were not like his,shed spent years hidding them,then years refinding them on the high seas,or in space ports whiel she floated cups..and sent sparks to fires...Her fingers walked their way down his chest,looking for a soft spot..inching to his sides.

" That I do know. " Murmured as he glanced to her hands, and sent another stronger pulse into her back. Just to get her mind on unfocused on getting him back. Not that he minded what she was trying to do.

She smirked to him and shivered again.Her fingers inched down along his sides then under his shirt. "Not likely to forget that.." She smirked at him, he had learned all those sensitive parts,and there was no hidding them from him.

" Now now. " Moving his hands to catch her own hands, now aimming to roll over and pin her down. With a soft playful growl down at her. " I should tie you up and leave you out here. " She grinned up at him as she was rolled back to her back. "Hmm kinky."She wiggled her brows at him. " It should only be fair that I get to find all your soft spots.."She gave his hands a squeze. "You know all of mine.."

He grinned down at her. " But if you knew all mine, then that wouldnt be fair. " Now slowly moving to his feet, while helping her to her feet. " So tell me. Is this what you want with me?" Lifting her left hand up allowing him to toy with the ring there.

She smiled to him,then was on her feet.She would discover at least a few of his soft spots eventaully. As he played with the ring her eyes met him. " This being,to be yours...I already told you yes.." "True...but you don't seem happy. " Grinning as he tried to take that ring from her. But it was a very false attempt to take it from her.

She whakced his hand away. "I am very happy.."She looke din to his eyes smiling. She balled her hand in to a fist so he couldnt take the ring. He laughed softly at her smacking his hand. " You are just saying that. " Smiling back at her as he slowly started to back away from her.

She wasnt letting him get away. "Oh no you dont." She grabbed his hands with hers and held him there. "I am not just saying that,you know how to tell when I am lying.." She gave his hands tug and pulled herself closer to him. "Shall I prove that I am happy?"

He grinned to her catching and tugging him back to her as he moved his arms around her, to hold her close. " True...I know when you are lying.." ]Now a kiss to her nose. " And I know you are happy that someone is crazy enough to marry you. " Another tip of the nose kiss. " Though I think you would prefer that slaver. " Asking for it now.

She shook her head at him and her hands inched down and gave his back side a nice slap. "Your are crazy.." She grinned at him. "I would prefer you.."She gave his rear a pinch now. He growled at her softly to the butt slap. " That's a free one. " Murmured as he shook his head at her. " Hey. " Snapping his teeth at her

She grinned at him. "yes?" Her hands moved back up to his wasit. She fluttered her lashes at him. As she slid her hands in to those front pockets,with a devil may care look on her face,she wa slikely going to be a little minx.

" You are asking for me to tie you up again. " Murmured softly as he moved his hands to rub along her arms as he started to back up yet again. Aimming to head back towards their home.

She smirked at that,and would let him go this time. But she soon followed him,watching from behind. " Your all full of kink arent you."She spun past him stopping outside the door. Then in he went to that guest room, it had been his room,but hed not slept much in it, even if his few things were within. She glanced back at him now, as she walked past the nicely made bed.

He smirked at her. " That's what you love about me. " Grinning as he moved to follow her into the house, and up into that guest room. Then watched as she moved around the bed in her, as he leaned on the door frame watching.

She grinned at him, as she then went in tot he kitchen. Giving her hips an extra sway for him. But he shifted to block her path, and he pressed a finger against her chest to slowly back her up towards the bed. She grinned at him as she shifted back towards that bed. "Don't you want lunch?" Her brows arched at him as she backed up.

He tilted his head to that. " That all depends on what?s for lunch. " Winking at her as he stopped once the back of her legs hit the bed.She shrugged. "I dont know, figured Id dig around in the fridge see what I came up with." She knew her legs were right up against the bed. " Unelss you feel like something ..then I could see what i can do."

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. " Lunch does sound good. " Murmured as he turned and smacked her rear lightly. She snickered at him. "Tease." She went to follow him again. He grinned as he moved towards the kitchen, with a shake of his rear at her. Only to sit down quickly. She snickered at him before going digging in the fridge.There were left overs in there,things for samwiches,sodas...many sodas "Hmmm."

He glanced and shook his head softly. " You are sweet enough as it is without you drinking all those sodas. " "Its a habbit." She grinned at him, there were lemon limes ones,orange ones and colas. She looked at the boxed up left overs. He chuckled softly. " I know. Hand me one of the regular colas. " Shaking his head softly as he relaxed in the chair. Taking notice that she seemed more content now than she had since they first met.

She snickered then dug out a cola and handed it back to him. She dug out some of the better looking left overs and went to making two plates. She sat a lemon lime soda on the table for her self. Once the plates were made she slid his before him. "I got hooked to this one."She opened the lemon lime bottle. "One night at the inn, it just went out from that.."

" Thank you. " Smiling to her as he slowly started to eat, while taking a sip of the cola. " It's alright, Ravenna. I have known for a while that you have been drinking these. " Lifting his drink up for a moment. She grinned at him between her bites of food. Then she took a slow sip of soda. She grinned at him. "You would, you've seen inside the fridge.." She snickered to that.

He chuckled softly. " Though you need to get a bottle of wine for those romantic evenings. " Winking at her as he took another bite of food. She smiled at that. "I'll add it to the list." She could have a few wines delievered like the rest of her food and drinks,some nice elven red,some nice tangy white,some sweet wine for desserts. She chewed slowly watching him. "Some nice elven vinatges"

His brows rose to that. " Trying to appeal to my elven side" " Hiding a grin behind that cola can of his as he took a sip. " Or are you trying to prove you have it in you to be a lady again?" She snickered to him. "I like a good elven wine." She tapped her pointed ear,then took a bite of food. "I would enjoy a nice glass of wine,sitting outside on a nice ngiht,all dolled up for you.."A wink.

Another soft chuckle." Or just sitting outside with me period. " Winking at her again, as he slowly finished his food. Then rose to take the plate to the sink. " You telling me all your dreams. " She grinned at that and passed him with her plate,slidding it in to the sink. "Yes, that too. "

Ravenna

Date: 2012-04-12 01:16 EST
She found herself in the back yard again.

She ran her fingers over that ring on her left hand.It was stunning. A gold band,that was all one piece that made the heart there in the center,with its spakling diamons. She couldn't believe he had asked her to marry him,well with out asking it. She had said yes..

When she closed her eyes she thought about their little dance again.Him in his dashing suit, her in that black dress. The feeling of his hand on the middle of her back, the way his eyes glanced at her,not just how she looked in that dress, though she loved knwoing that his eyes lingered on her form. But the way he looked at her, in to her eyes and what felt like in to her very soul. She had told him thus,but her mind still lingered on it.

And when she looked nack in to his eyes, she felt like she could see his soul as well. Though her eyes did like to linger on him,in that suit, or in anything or nothing. She could look in to his eyes and never wish to look away. She opened her eyes and look in towards the trees. They were strong and stable,weathering any storm.

Thinking back over her life to date, she could see it all. From the moment the orcs came. It was odd she couldnt place much of her life before that moment. She had been a girl of seven when they came. If they hadnt taken her Serge would have. He had started the attack on her village, him and his hired hands.Many had been taken by him,of this Ravenna was sure. If the orcs ahd not seize that very moment,if they had not heard the utter chaos.Ravenna shuddered to think of it.

But they had, and rather than being taken by Serge, the orcs had stormed the east side of the viilage,torn trhough the houses,killing anyone whod dare to stand in their path. Suitable slaves were taken from the young,for the old there was only death.

She could blame Serge for her parents death, for the orcs hadnt touched them. She recalled those moments all too well. Her mothers screams as the orcs rushed through the house next door. Her fathers cries as he fought with a man. Ravenna had seen every moment of it. The man with dark hair rushing at her father,her father taking up broken piece of table leg to block the mans coming attack.

Her mother scremaing her name as two orcs crashed through the walls and swooped her up. Ravenna screamed,looking back at her parents as the orcs ran on collecting what slaves they could. Her fater screamed her name,then Ravenna saw fury in his eyes.

Ravenna felt a few tears race down her cheek now there in the cool of the trees. Her mother lay dead,with another man leaning over her. Her father rushed at the dark haired man...Ravenna recalled screaming her fathers name as the orcs swooped quickly out of town. They had died that day..

They were at peace now, she had seen them. Dacomas knew how much that meant to her. She had morned them,in what time she could. But she had lost everything that day and gained a new life...

Looking back at her house...their house she wondered if she would be here now if the Orc had not come, if Serge had not come...the past was the past. But it still hurt, even if she knew there was peace found by those lost.

She rose from that place sitting in the shade and walked back to the house,jumping the small stream. She came through that guest room. It was unlocked,Dacomas had his things in that room, even though he spent more nights with her in the master sweet than in here. She hadnt seen him all day. Now that they were more offical...she thought about moving a few of his things in to the master suite here was enough room for sure.

She walked over to the night stand which was to the far right of the door near the bed. There was a book there,and a dagger.She smirked,they were alike,keeping weapons close by even when sleeping. She roudned the bed,there were two spare pairs of boots there along the edge of the bed.

There was a dresser on the other side. He kept his space rather neat,there was only a shirt on that bed. She walked over and sat on the edge of the bed and lifted the shirt. She looked to the bedroom door then inhaled the scent of him off the shirt. It was a nice scent,clean yet some how exotic.

Ravenna shook her head ,she had been in love before. She had loved Issac. For eleven years she had loved him. Setting down Dacomas's shirt she rose from the edge of that bed and crossed out of the guest room and in to the kitchen. But now,this love she felt for Dacomas was different some how deeper.

As she went to making lunch,her mind lingered again on the day they met,that first night together, the dance from the evening before. How fiece he was in battle,how calm and serene he was in those moments of peace. How he had looked at her,there in the shade of the trees. The words they had said, and the words gone unspoken.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-05-04 01:26 EST
It was May already. And it was only this time a year ago that shed come to Rhydin seeking revenge and finding new friends and new hope. Shed gone to Beltane then,meeting Andrew and Illissa. Then meeting their other friends and family after that.

She had not really planned on going tot he festival this year. To dance in the masked ball. But she wanted to do soemthing. She imaged going with Dacomas,dancing with him in such a public setting. It wasnt like them, she handt even had the time to intoduce him to those frineds shed made.

But she wanted to do something. Something to celebrate the moment that changed her life. If she had never come to Rhydin s much never would have happened. So she bought a new dress and accessories to go with it.

She sent Dacomas out on an errand of no consequence and set up the house for the surpise. Candles and low light,little round hanging lights that streemed through the back yard trees, a low burning fire in the hearth and outside. A full meal,wine, and dessert. Soft music and smells of fresh roses and blooming jasmine.

She dressed in her new dress. A long flwoing dress that hugged her curves.Sitw as deep wine colored,strapless and flowed to her feet. She wore matching heels, danglign silver earrigns shaped like tear drops that held a rose colored stone in the middle of each drop. And a simple little glittering bracelet. And her new ring of coarse. She did her hair ,long flowing tresses of raven black down with a soft wave. And she waited for him,in the candle lit living room with soft music playing, food set out to eat,wine chilling. She even had a mask to go with the theme of the night, it matched her dress and she dawned it as she heard him coming inside.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2012-05-24 18:13 EST
Dacomas chuckled when Ravenna sent him out on that errand, having a feeling that she was up to something. As he recalled her telling him that she had gone to the last festival that was held in Rhy'Din. Playing along as he headed out for a few hours, giving her plenty of time for her to set up what ever little idea was going through her mind.

When he did return, what she had set up surprised him as he wasn't expecting her to go all out. There she was dressed in a stunning dress and a mask. Leaving him in a plain tunic and pants, as he shook his head at her. "Give me a moment to dress more properly." Winking at her as he darted upstairs before she could stop him.

It would be a couple of minutes before he came back downstairs to join her, once again wearing that tux from a few nights ago. This time wearing a partial mask, before he slowly started towards her. A soft smile crossing his lips.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-05-27 23:59 EST
She smirked at him then nodded. Letting him go to get ready as well. She did a little spin around the room and pulled the cork on the good wine. She poured two glasses and then waited for him.

When he came back she shook her head softly at him. All done out in his tux and that half mask. "Well,don't you look dashing. "She crossed to him and winked at him from under her own mask. She lifted a glass of elven white wine to him. Holding her own in her left hand. "A toast,to us." She lifted her glass and clickined it to his before taking a slow sip.He might note the choice of elven white was more on the sweet side.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2012-05-28 11:40 EST
"Well it wouldn't be right if I didn't dress to match you for the evening that you have planned." Smirking back at her as he took the glass from her. "To us." Tapping his glass against her own before he lifted it up for a sip. Taking note that it was a sweeter brand of elven white wine. He would then set the glass to the side, before taking her's from her and setting it with his own.

He would then slip his hand into her own, and would lead her to a more open area of the room. First placing her hands to his shoulders, with his hands moving to be placed at her hips. Smiling softly down at her as he locked his eyes with her own, before starting to dance with her to match the music she had playing in the background.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-05-29 00:16 EST
She slid her hands to his shoulders and smiled as he started to dance with her to the music she had playing. "Its impromto I know, a little dance,some wine. Last year at this time I was dancing with Andrew,and met Illissa. Then through them I made my newest and only true friends in Rhydin to date. It was for them I fought for,to keep Serge from their lives. I havent seen them in so long." She spun around the room with him. "Last I heard Kassie and Andrew were engaged and Gaelira and Dyhren had eloped and adopted a child."

She slid her hands slowly along his arms then reached a finger up and gave his mask a tap. " We do match. We always have. "She gave him a soft kiss. She let the dance come to an end. "I made dinner,its holding outside under the stars,I thought we might enjoy a little wine first,maybe a dance." She gave him that longing look then slipped away to lift her glass for a sip.She gave her hips a swish and walked towards the kitchen,knowing he would follow her outside, hed see the table was set for two, with candle light. "Perhaps after dinner,I'll get to undress you."She winked at him.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-06-29 01:53 EST
The sky was so blue. So perfectly blue. The moment she looked down she knew she was dreaming. It had been ages since shed been out in open water. Those days seems so far behind her. The Dark Raven was gone. Yet she stood on her deck.

What a beauty she had been. Two strong masts. Thick sails of perfect canvus. The deck shone as if it was new,or newly scrubed. The bow broke through the waves. Dolphins sawm there along the jet stream. She stood there behind the wheel looking out far to the distant dark water. The wind blew her raven hair back,she could smell the sea,feel the wind.

God it had been a long time. It had been eighty years at the helm.By the end of it she had been a young two hundred and eight. Before that it had been the stars, and Sky Shooter. Before that..life had been Issac.All things long dead. She had loved being a pilot, but she had enjoyed being a pirate and captain more.

When she turned to look behind her. There was nothing.No sea,no clouds ,no sky. Just the stern of The Dark Raven. She closed her eyes and forced herself to wake.

Running her fingers through her hair,she swore it felt almost damp from the sea spray. But then she recalled she had fallen asleep with it damp. Dacomas was gone from the bed. She tried to recall what day it was. Looking to her closet she saw her ng up,his suit. It had only been a dream. The Raven was gone.

She rose out of bed and padded to the closet to get dressed. They had danced the night away, eatten dinner,enjoyed fine wine. They had kissed under the moon light. She grinned as she recalled the rest of the night. She made good on her promise to disrobe him. They ahd shared a wonderful,blisful night together.

She padded out of the bedroom in to the ktichen to find a note. " Gone to work,sleepy head. ` Dacomas" She grinned at the note then when fishing for food.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2012-07-08 17:22 EST
Dacomas left the previous night run through his mind after slipping out of the house, with a smile crossing his lips to the memory of Ravenna and him dancing the night away. As well as the passionate moments that followed with Ravenna keeping true to her promise to undress him, with him returning the favor.

He would be gone for a few hours, before he moved back into the house. Looking around for a moment, before moving towards the kitchen with a few bags of food that he had bought. Looking to her with a grin, as he set them on the counter. "Morning sleeping beauty." Pausing to kiss her cheek before he started to put the food away.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-07-10 00:43 EST
She smirked back at him. "Hi.." She watched him as he put the new food away. She ahd been fixing breakfast,so now she added a little abtter to the mix for pancakes. "I thought you'd gone to work?" She looked to his note , then back to him.

She whisked the batter and spooned it on to the grittle. It was a homey smell. Cooking food,the scent of the orange juice in its two glasses beside her . Perhaps she had known hed come back. She had been thinking about him, their night of dancing...and all there after. She wore his shirt unbuttoned over the dark green tank and black pants she wore . Wearing his clothes had become something she liked to do.It was almost as nice as having him near. She made two plate fulls of breakfast and sat them down to the table. She was becoming a better cook. She hardly burned anything anymore.

She trailed a finger across his shoulders before she went to sit down. "Breakfast fit for a king.."She eyed the stacks of pancakes on their plates. There was juice and fruit as well.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-07-10 00:46 EST
Solitude had never bothered her. The idea that she was alone was ingrained into her.

The deep rich scent of earth.So new and fresh.It filtered through her nose. She could feel it under her fingertips. There was no light here now. The darkness was only lit by camp fire and torch light. The earth was easily felt by bare feet.

The camp light flickered in the far distance below as she and two others beside her snuck along a damp tunnel. Ravenna felt the earth as surely as she smelt it. She could also smell the foul stench of Orc. Blood,or sweat it made no difference. There was a slight hint of goblin smell, the hint of something more human. Then what ever cooked over the fire. In the dark they crept. Slaves on their way to freedom.

How long had it been since she'd seen the sun" Days had bled in to weeks,weeks in to months. Months could have easily become years. There was no contact with the outside. Their only view of the sun came through the small far cave entrance and through high cracks in the dome ceiling Sometimes a long narrow furnace like tunnel would reach to the sun,but none could climb the way up and out.

How long had she planned this escape" It felt like too long that she had planed it. There was food and water, though both were dirty and hardly worth the time, to taste. Two other followed her,their foot steps light as her own. The drow boy who's skin was darker still from his work. The elven girl who's hair was caked with dirt and must have once gleamed like star light. They were one older and one younger.But both wanted to escape as much as she. Others had given up,given in. Many would die here in these caves. She would not.

They walked with purpose along the damp tunnels that led away. There were few ways out.They were risking their lives.they could be killed for this.The punishments were different for every little offence. The bite of the whip,being placed in a small cell,being sold again and again. Death. Many had died trying to escape.But many more would die enslaved.

The darkness was deep, but she wasn't scared of it. No , no longer did the darkness make her fear. Nor the bugs in the dirt or the taste of blood, the smell. Nor did death, death didn't bother her. They walked carefully and quickly. Looking behind then ahead .Watching out for sentry's. No one had found them gone yet.

There was one small cave that led out,it was just large enough that they could all maybe make it through. Even if they had to bend and break bones to fit through they would do so. The walk seemed to last only moments.In the darkness they tried not to breath,not to make a sound.

There was light beyond through the small opening star light. Moon light. There were rocks blocking the way, and a sentry who passed this way every night twice. They had one chance. Together they worked to move the rocks. Ravenna and the drow boy who's name she couldn't recall stood guard watching as the small elven girl slipped through the whole in the wall. Ravenna knew what lay beyond a small rock ridge barely enough to walk on, a steep drop and freedom.

The drow boy looked out through the hole.He spoke to her, the words she could barely recall now. He had wanted her to go first,he would keep watch. But She had insisted he go.

The elven girl was out,and her fate was her own. The drow boy started through the hole.Then they were noticed. Oh he tried to get through before they came. But he only got a broken arm for all his trying. And they were dragged away from freedom.The hole sealed up.

Only one had made it out. And if they went looking for her the Orcs would surely find her. But they wouldnt much bother.

The whipping. Ravenna recalled the whipping more than the failed escape. The sound of the whip as it came at her. The feel of it as it cut in to her flesh. How the wounds bled. How they would fill with dirt and the scent of Orc. How they would heal only to crack and bleed.

The were long healed now, scars that crisscrossed her back, no mage nor healer could heal them. For they were made by Orcs, with an Orc whip, imbued with magics and malice. She looked at them now. Long lashes. Forty in all that crisscrossed over the whole of her back. The longest and most raw looming crisscrossed her back in a X from left shoulder to right hip and from right shoulder to left hip. Some were faded,hardly noticeable.They rose and fell both vertically and horizontally across her back. She ran her fingers over the tip of the longest one trailing it from her hip back towards her back till she couldn't trace it any longer.

When Issac had learned about her lashings it had first been from his servnats.He had offered her mage's and healers.And had never understood why she refused them all. She had tried once for them to be healed,and knew well that it was impossible. And more than that, they had become apart of her.

When they had been together at long last. He had been very careful not to touch them.Not to even caress them.

They scared her beauty. Yet Dacomas had touched them he had caressed them,kissed them even. Shown her more love and affection than shed ever known. He didn't look at her as though she was ruined or scared. He saw her,a strong beautiful woman. She looked down at the ring on her finger. It was the only thing she was wearing at the moment as she stood in her large walk in closet fresh from her shower. It sparkled,and shone like the sun. They had yet to be formally married. Vows before a man of god mattered little to her. She would rather say her vows to Dacomas before some ancient tree ,or some worldly goddess. For nature had always been her friend and ally.

She had wanted long ago to marry.To have someone she could count on. Someone she could love who would love her in return. She had believed that man to be Issac. But fate had other plans. Dacomas was more fitting for her, the woman she was now. She looked over her clothes,then went about dressing.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-08-29 15:56 EST
She had never given much thought to it before.

Her life had always had a flow to it. Once it had been a steady flow.Long before she'd been taken. Then it had beena harsh slow flow years of capture.

Like some river sent wild after the rain.

Then Issac had come in to her life and the river had slowed and tamed. But she had never felt tame. She had wnated to be wild and free,to love and be loved fiercly.

Then he was gone and the flow had become red slick with blood. It had become dark as ink as she hunted for Serge. As she sought out her own death.

Now the flow was back to something a kin to normal. She had her work, she had a home. Her life of blood and vengence was over,for the most part.

Sitting beside the little stream in her own back yard she watched it as it flowed. It was slow and steady. Yet still it wound wildily through the forest beyond.

She eyesd the empty house behind her. Thinking again of Dacomas. Thier passions were hardly the tame sort. They were sharp and brillant like a gleaming blade. Rather like a roaring river thana simple little stream of water.

She chuckled to herself and went back to her morning training. Thinking of him now in that way would lead to her fantasising about him rather than working.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2012-10-01 00:39 EST
While Ravenna was outside training, Dacomas would just be getting back to the house. After taking a nice long walk to ponder over everything that had lead up to this very moment in his life. With him taking a moment to look down to that ring he now wore. A gift from Ravenna. SaRoir. It got him to smile.

He had spent the better part of his life working for Serge, back before he became the beast he became. They had always been honest men at that time, but over time. Serge slowly became power hungry and greedy, doing just about anything to gain either.

Over the next few years in his life, he looked for ways to stop Serge. He though that Issac would be the man to kill Serge, so he trained the man on how to fight as well as how to wield the magic of the dagger. Doing so after Issac's first wife was killed.

But that didn't happen as Issac too was killed, just as his own was killed. Ravenna whom he had met in Rhy'Din, was after the man as well. It took them both years, as well as meeting and working together to finally get the job done.

"Mother..Father, and even you sister. All of you can now rest in peace. Issac. You don't have to worry about Ravenna anymore. I will treasure our moments together as if they are our last ones." Murmured before he made his way through the house, stopping in the door leading to where she was at. Leaning on the porch railing as he watched her going through the motions of her training.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-10-02 00:55 EST
She had fallen in to deep training. But she knew he was there. As she would have known anyone was there watching her.Somethings stayed with you over the years. If it had not been him she would have been wary. An assassin still tot he last. But since it was him she let her mind focus on the drills of training.

She gazed at the ring on her hand. She wasnt punching anything soild at the moment so it glittered there. When she went in to ahnd to hand or heavy work she wore it around ehr neck ona chain. She didnt want to ruin it,nor lose it. Its eemed so perfect there on her hand though. Engaged yet not yet married. She wasnt one for churches. And a big ceremony seemed oddly out of place. She had few friends, and thouse she did have she had not seen in some time.

Yet still she did want to be joined to him. She'd spent so much time alone. So much time fiding her way alone. She was no longer the girl shed been as a slave or as a servant. She was no longer the woman Issac had known. That woman had been slightly broken,and he had helped her find her softer edge,a more refined edge. Serge had taken that away. He was dead now,but she was not the same.

The years of hunting Serge had honed her.Like a blade she was sharp, and deadly. Shed seen more bloodshed than most people and caused half of it. She hired low lives, killed the evil doers and hunted her one soul goal. Shed cared not if she died in the process. Shed taken on odd jobs to keep her from starving, but blood paid the bills.

It was odd to knwo that Dacomas had once been at Serges right hand. But that was long ago. Serge had always been a demon hed been born one like his father before him, but his evil had come in time. To know all he had done to Issac to his life still made her heart hurt for him.He was at peace now with his first wife and lady love .

It was an odd thing to know that Dacomas had known Issac. That had been before and after Diana had been killed. Le'Cai has been his dager,a dagger he hoped to have Issac use to kill Serge. But things had not ended that way. She eyed the dagger at her hip. She cast her eyes over her shoulder as she went through the motions of fighting shadows. He stood in the doorway watching her.

She turned and walked across the little river to him. She leaned on the side of the door jam across from him. "Hi."

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2012-10-11 19:03 EST
When she turned to start towards him. He leaned off the railing, as he moved to meet her at the door. "Hi. Enjoy your morning training"" Smirking at her as he slowly lifted a hand up, with a light and playful attempt to flick the tip of her nose.

Taking a moment to glance to the ring that she wore to signal their engagement. Which got him to tilt his head for a moment. "You have any date in mind for when we should finally be married"" Looking back to her now, as he took another step towards her.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-10-26 01:17 EST
She smirked at him. "Yes, training is always relaxing to me." It kept her in shape and it kept her focused, most of the time. She lifted her hand to block his playfull flick. She saw him eye that ring then smirked all the more. "I do have an idea." She tooka step toward shim then around him not saying when or where she had thought of.

She walked around him trailing her finger over his arm. She walked back in to the house for some fresh cold water. Some she got out of the fridge the other she splashed from the sink to her face and neck. "I was thinking soon,very soon. All we have to do is find a priest or someone worthy to marry us...I'd do it here and now, but I am hardly dressed for it."

She didn't want to wait too long. So long ago she had loved and lost a man she had loved deeply. Yet she and Issac had barely begun to know the other. But he had been ripped from her,torn from her still beating heart. Her eyes flickered to Dacomas. She wasnt sure how it was possible that she could love another man, and love him more than she had loved Issac. But she was a different person now.

Dacomas and she were cut from similar cloth. They had both done things in their pasts,killed people.Done it for money.They had both hunted Serge and lost loves to him. They had traveled and seen much,done more than most. Had sharp edges to them. They had been cat and mouse with both playing the part of cat then mouse. Now they were on equal ground. She wnated to be joined to him, in every way possible. Waiting around could be dangerous...for either one of them.

She didnt know many priests,nor was she a woman of the church. She had prayed very little and mostly to the earth,the trees,nature and the sky. If there was something all mighty out there,she had yet to come across it. She crossed to him and linked her hands with his. "Tomorrow night. Its a full moon..." All she needed was adress, and they needed someone to join them.

Dacomas Aldurus

Date: 2012-11-30 11:21 EST
They found a priestess. It seemed rather fitting. Neither Dacomas nor Ravenna could claim they had ever really gone to any church. Under the light of the moon they were married. Ravenna could say she hadn't really planned it. The first time she had wanted to be married, she had it all planned. This time nothing seemed planned. Long before they had found the priestess she had thought about it. And bought a dress. He hadn't seen it, and she had kept it a good secret. What was even better was seeing him there standing in their back yard under the arch of trees, with the moon light coming down upon him. The sagely priestess stood behind him. He wore a suit, it was charcoal grey with a black long tie and a pale blue button up under it. He looked, amazing. Devilishly handsome. Her walk way was lined with white roses in small vases and rose petals. Seems he had given it some thought. Long before now. There was no music but the call of an owl, the sound of the night, the soft crackle of the fire inside , and the soft spark of the candles outside. Dacomas stood facing the house the back of the house where she would come from the guest bedroom a cross the grass and flagstone to him, over the rose petals. She stood in the shadow of the room,and took a breath. She stepped out in tot he moon light and she heard his breath catch. Saw his eyes on her. She'd chosen a strapless white dress,that had lace and fine elven embroidery from the bodice to the hips. Just above the waist line was a dark red ribbon of velvet. There was more lace and embroidery near the bottom and at the bottom hem and back to the small train was another dark ribbon of red velvet. She more white heels and her only jewelry was that ring he had given her that glinted in the moon light. Her long raven hair was down softly curled spilling down her bared back and shoulders. She wore simple make up that seemed to light up her lovely features. She crossed to him holding a small bouquet of red and white roses. She crossed to him and smiled when he held out his hand to her. They turned to be joined. The priestess spoke custom words to join them and as the turn for vows came Ravenna smiled to him. "I never expected to find someone. It seems odd to say that to you. You know my past and all that was in it. All that I would have given for the man I loved." She reached out with her left hand and trailed her fingers down his face. " I never knew love before. Not like this. I thought I did. But I found it...here."

She placed her right hand on his chest over his heart. "We are not so different, though our lives have led us to different places. The sea and stars for me, and a little piece of every where for you. We sought out the same monsters, though we didn't know it. We shared the same pain and scars, though we didn't know it. I love you, more than I knew I could ever love somebody."

"You saved me, and I think we saved each other. So hard and sharp like daggers, we only seem to be able to be who we really are when we are together. I love you Dacomas and I can not wait to spend my days, forever with you." She knew he wore Sa'Roir for her on his left hand on his ring finger, so she playfully slipped it off then back on. She wanted to kiss him but knew that would come after his vows.

Dacomas smiled down to Ravenna as she spoke her vows. Locking his eyes with her own, before the priestess nodding for him to say his own vows to the woman before him. "For the longest time, I didn't know what I wanted in life. That all changed when I met you, and ever since that moment. I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my days with you. No matter how long that is."

Now pulling out the ring he had gotten for her to wear, and slowly slipped it onto the ring finger of her left hand. "From this day forward, Ravenna Ducarte. I pledge my heart, my soul and my life to you. From this day forward I pledge to make you happy till the end of our days, to have and to hold. No matter what we face from this day forward. We will face it together, as one. I love you, Ravenna. I always will, for you have captured me fully." Murmured softly to her, before he leaned down and softly kissed her on the lips.

Ravenna

Date: 2012-12-18 23:16 EST
She nearly pounced on him. The priestess said a few words then slipped away. As Ravenna let that soft kiss to her lips deepen. Her arms thrown about his shoulders, her hands curling up the back of his neck. She released him after a long moment. His vows had touched her heart. She looked down to their linked hands.

"Ravenna Aldurus." She looked at her lovely ring. "I like it. " She ran her hands down his chest. "You look so dashing in a suit. She loved the tone of charcoal greay against the moon light, the color of his button up was pale blue to the dark of the night. " She trailed her hands over that shirt and played with his tie slowly lossening it. She untied it and played with it as she stepped back. He hadnt said anything yet about her dress, though the look he'd given her was enough for her to live off of she wanted to watch him as his eyes scanned over her in that dress.

She moved in it well. She looked all the party of a lady,save for that smoldering look she gave him. He swept her off her feet. And smirking at her spun them around and walked in to the house.Over the threshold, and in to the geust room. She wodnered if they would even make it to their room. But he didnt set her down, he wlaked on carrying her through the house.

Once theyr eached their bedroom she saw he had ily set up the room to be lit by candle light. It was there he sat her down and kissed her again softly. Ravenna kicked off her shoes and linked her hands over his shoulders and let that kiss take them in to the night.

Ravenna

Date: 2013-01-25 23:38 EST
The morning was beaitiful. The sun that streemed through the window was beautiful,the song the birds sung in the trees..everything seemed lighter. She felt wonderful, even as she had to climb out of bed and leave Dacomas sleeping.

It had been one hell of a wedding night.

But witht he light of day would come another work day. She could not spend it in bed on some long honeymoon. She crept out of the bed and went to take a long shower. She had never expected to be married. Not at this stage in her life.

Long ago she had wnated that, and so much more. But after all the blood shed and all the loss she had for a time given up on the dreams a girl had made . She had made new dreams, and new desires for herself. But her missions were done now. There was no more hunting and no more running and being hunted. She would have to create newer dreams for this new life.

She got out of her long shower and dried off. When she was dressed and ready for the day she walked out to see the bed was empty. She sniffed and knew Dacomas was up and in the kitchen. She pulle don her boots and pulled back her hair and walked towards the smell of breakfast.

She leaned in the door jam when she got there. He stood at the stove stripped to the waist.Cooking. He looked damn sexy in the pj pants he wore.They rode low on his hips. She studyed his back,smooth and hard with muscle. She bit her bottom lip softly, recalling how her nails had dug in tot he flesh there at his hip and shoulder. There were still faint marks there now.

"If your going to just stand around, you could get the glasses and juice out." His voice was filled with mirth. Ravenna chuckled as she walked in. "I was admiring you." She grabbed two glasses and thent he juice from the fridge. He sent her a side long look as he plated up the food. "Why are you dressed" Were not half done yet with our honeymoon."

She grinned at him as she took her own plate. "Oh is that so' Well I still have a job to get to...you know...down at the docks...good soild work...no blood shed." She sat down. He sat down and shook his head. "Not today you don't , today your mine." He took up a bite of food and grinned at her.

"Oh is that so' Hmmm."She took a few small buted and looked at him. "I suppose I could skip one day.."

"The rest of this week."

Her brows rose to that. "Did you have a talk with the harbor master and the captain I am working for" Or am I going to be a lay about sailor when I go back?" Dacomas just grinned at her. "I had a talk with them both. And your mine for the week...if you like it or not."

She sipped the juice in her glass. "I never said I didn't like the idea." He just smiled at her. "Oh you didnt' Hmm. I'm not convinced you want to spend the week with me all alone." Ravenna shook her head at him and pushed her plate away and rose,crossing to him,lowering her seld easily in to his lap. "Convinced now?"

He smiled and looked in to her eyes his hadns resting on her hips. "Nope." Ravenna leaned in closer and ran her fingers up his bare chest and gave him a very long heated kiss. When the kiss was broken she looked in to his eyes. "How about now?"

Dacomas just shook his head. "Nope." Ravenna eyed him on that. "How shall I convince you then?" Her just smirked and leaned in to her ear and whispered something.

Ravenna

Date: 2013-03-06 00:05 EST
It had been one hell of a way to spend a week. It would be one she soon wouldn't forget.

As she worked under the hot sun,with the brim of her hat shading her eyes. She thought about her week vacation. Spent at home, half the time in bed. In all seriousness it was like a honeymoon. As she braced for the next load to be handed to her she spied Dacomas down strolling along the dock side. He moved between ships tlking to everyone. She handed piles of wood up the gang plank and was sweating in the early day heat, and he looked as cool as could be as he moved through the shade cast by the docked ships.

She saw him shake hands with the captain of the neighboring ship and walk off. She also saw his wayward smirk at her.

She couldnt wonder for long what he was up to she ahd a long days work ahead. Stocking The Fariway Trade Ship. Stacking boxes of spices,and salt. Rolling in kegs of ale and mead to be sailed away for trade. The heat was even worse below deck. It smelt like spices and men. By the time lunch rolled aorund every man, and woman on the rag tag stocking crew was covered in sweat.

Ravenna sat in the shade of a docked boat beside two other women who had joined the stocking crew. One was fair as pale snow, with hair a rich dark red. Thought he sun had been beating down upon them all for half the day now, she showed no signs of sun burn. The other woman was a well travled sailor, her hands were worn like leather, her skin sun kissed. Under her hat, her hair was pale as golden wheat. Ravenna didn't know thier names, she knew none of the stocking crew personally. She had long made it a habit not to get to attached to anyone.

Yet she had made friends,friends she had not seen in ages it seemed.

Looking betweent he two women as she ate her self packed lunch she wondered who they were" Did they live in Rhydin or sail with the ships" Were the doing this for the love of the sea or simply for the paycheck? The red head caught her gaze, those eyes were bottle green,and set deep with wisdom.

Ravenna nodded to her. In all the palces she had been and seen Rhydin ahd stuck it out. Not even Las Belin could hold her for long. She ahd nto thought of the old star port,nor the world she left behind in Luac ina very long time. There was nothing there, all her friends were gone,Issac was dead and she had a new life now.

As the three of them rose to continue the days work. Ravenna tooka breath. This was her new life,there was no more danger no more need to run and hide. She could reach out now, back to the friends she'd frist amde here and now to new friends.

She walked up ebside the two women. "You have both been working on the crew while. I am not used to reaching out and making new friends. I'm Ravenna."

The red head smiled, " I am Hailiye ." She tucked her hair behind soft elven ears. " I'm Kiire." The golden blonde said with a smile that showed she had sharp teeth. Ravenna didn't recoil and it didn't seem to shock her to know that neither one of them wasn't human, hardly anyone was any more these days.

Ravenna

Date: 2013-03-25 00:36 EST
It had been a long time since she could say she had friends. Hell even aquaintences. She had lost her longest friends,long ago. That was the burden of the long lived. And though she had made friends when she had landed in Rhydin, she had not seen them in some time.

Two weeks had passed since she had met Hailiye and Kiire. They had been friends for over a year. They had worked on many a ship and dry dock through out the realms. Hailiye did not hail from Rhydin but from a place she called Sinaht. It was a world,a planet in some distant part of the galaxy. Ravenna understood space travel, and all the comings and gongs of all the worlds out there,the realms outside of Rhydin. Hailiye discribed her home world as lush,green and wild.

" Those here in Rhydin call me a sylvan elf or a forest elf. Those types are not known where I am from. In Sinaht we do not see those little differences, light hair, dark hair. Light skin,dark skin. We are simply the people. No matter what color our hair might be or our skin. I left there many moons ago. Rhydin is very different from Sinaht, there are many more people here, more humans and other beings."

Kiire had been in Rhydin for sometime now, but she had not been born there either. She was some mix breeheof human and demon,though she showed more towards her demon side with those sharp teeth and ehr unwavering strenght. She could not recall her home, nor much of her past. The sea had been her home for some time and it was at a port,a sea port a year ago that she met Hailiye and they had become fast friends, thought they were very different.

Ravenna felt at ease with them, working along side them under the sun and int he rain. They would chuckle about the men whor ested while most of the women worked still. They shared lunches under shade of tree, or sail. The told war stories and bits and pieces of their past. Neither woman had yet to meet Dacomas, but he was often a subject of talk. Neither of them was married nor ever had been.

Hailiye had been in love one, she said over two hundred years ago. She was 800 she said by the standards of the elven world. Her lover had been a wizard,of some skill on another planet, they ahd loved fierecly and passionatly, but he had died in battle. She had had not really loved again. Not that she didn't look. Kiire had never bothered much with men, those who looked at her saw that she was fine to look at, but once they got to know her half of them shied away from the demon part of her nature.

Ravenna assured them both that Rhydin was the perfect place to start over, that men ehre were picky,sometimes. But not as much as in many places. " I have been here a while. Long enough to understand Rhydin, and its men I think." Ravenna told them one sunny afternoon while they sat eating lunch. " I had sailed the sea and stars. The stars were my first venture outside of the world I had known. Then after Issac had died I sailed alone there." She had told them her lifes tail,in full for the most part. They had shared their lives with her, and she wnated to do the same. "Then after crashing down, right here in Rhydin I sailed the seas for eighty some odd years. Before ending up here again, selling my ship and settling in to a life. It took a while. for things to end up as they did. But I found over time that Rhydin is one place so few can judge. And there are so many to pick from,men I mean. And you can be picky. But I think its worth looking." She could be basis though.

It was later that same day that Ravenna spied Dacomas working futher down on the docks.She could admire her husband. And liked the idea of that. Any one could admire him. He worked along side a few dozen men,in knee deep water pulling ropes, and pushing ona half fallen apart ship that had come in for repairs.

She smiled watching him from her perch on the gang pank of the ship she was working on. Yes he was quite the sight.

Ravenna

Date: 2013-05-29 01:42 EST
Long hours.

Yet she never forgot the sight of him.

God she was a love sick fool. But she didn't care. She'd watched him along side her new comrades as he and the other men pulled the broken ship up tot he dry dock for repairs.

Oh they'd all been sweating it out, and got nice and wet from the in coming surf.

She chuckled as she watched Kiire and Hailiye. Now they were ogling the bunch of pirates as much as Ravenna watched Dacomas

Now that was a sight she and any could admire. A dozen or more , good looking hard working men. they had watched them all for a while till they two had to get back to work.

~~~

Now as she walked home by the light of the moon, she smiled thinking on how Kiire and Hailiye had both walked off as soon as they were done to go chat up those wet, tired men. Oh what one of them couldn't admire a lovely lady, who offered small talk and a tall cold beverage.

Ravenna would have gone over to Dacomas but he was already gone. And she had a few long hours left on other ships.

Now it was late, past midnight and the air was cool. Oh the day had been warm and the sun had easily touched her skin, the cool wind felt nice. She walked through town with hardly a wary glance, she knew this city and all its foes.

She was already half way out of town, and half way home.

She sensed him long before she saw him standing beyond the small bridge in the shadows. He looked like a highwaymen, someone looking fro trouble. Dacomas had that effect, that one that made you notice him long before you were aware he was there.

"Trying to sneak up on me?"

She heard his snicker and watched him slip from beside the tree. "Surprise you. Which I know is impossible." He held a single white rose in his hand. "I saw you today, working down the docks. You and your friends eyeing me and the lads." He handed her the rose as she came closer.

She smirked and took the rose sniffing it before tucking it in to her hair. "You and the lads make quite the sight."

He smirked, "So do you and your lady friends, well worth watching." He winked and linked his arm with her own. She smirked at that and walked home with him, arm and arm.

Ravenna

Date: 2013-07-31 01:03 EST
After a wonderful night with Dacomas. The day always felt better after wonderful night.

She had hardly imgained her day leading her here.

Aftera day int he sun, with her two newly made friends. She found ehrself standing in the star port bar. The captain she was working for sent word toa fellow comrade that she was as good as it got.

She hadnt ventured to the star port or its inn and bar since first coimg to Rhydin. It required a different look. Not the sun bathed pirate look she dawned for work, nor the sleek assassin looks of her past. No for this it was a star suit.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b496/RavennaA/Rav1_zpsdf48813d.png



It was skin tight, black with electric blue. It had a few belts on it hung low and high on her hips.Places for wepaons. She carried her dagger Le' Cai and something she had not caried in an age, a laser gun. She fit rigt in with the men and women who came to this inn.

Not that she wouldnt have fit in in her pirate gear, this was after all stll Rhydin.

She lingered at the bar. She knew she got a few glances. But that ring on her finger kept the space pirates at bay.

"Miss Ducarte?"

Her head turned to face the man who spoke to her. He was tall, older man with salt and pepper hair and a slight mustash. He looked sea worn as well as someone who'd seen too much.

"Its Mrs. Aldurus Actually."

"Oh, Captain Jacobus didn't mention you were married." He sat down beside her. "My name is Captain Warner Mitchel, I sail the high seas and the stars. I have seen you on the docks, you work hard."

She smiled, "I think I've seen you too, Trice Lady Luck is your ship." He grinned, "Ahh a lady who pays attention Kyle was right your quick. She's my lady alright, my star ship is Harpers Folly. Kyle...Captain Jacobus told me that you know your way around a sail ship as well as around a star vessel. "

"I know my way. I am a fast leaner too. What did you need?"

"Some one who knows their way, my ships, both of them need work, but Folly's in bad shape. She's here parke din the repair room off stars end. If you don't mind my asking, what?s your back ground with star ships. You have the look of a woman who knows her way, but I don't want someone messing up my baby."

" I rode the sky's for seven years on a ship known as Star Trials, then for 102 years I was pilot of Sky Shooter. After that I roamed the sea on The Dark Raven for 80 some years. "

He leaned hard on the bar top and looked in to her eyes. "Star Trials was destroyed horribly in Las Belin . I was there. "

Her heart stopped for a moment. This man, he was no mortal that was for sure though he showed signs of age. He would have to be as old as she was, or older to have been there that day in Las Belin.

"You knew Issac then..?" She wondered if he had known her long past beloved. "No, not really, heard of him, fine captain, and pilot. If you sailed with him, I have no doubts of your skills. If your willing and able I could use a hand on my ship, Folly needs a lot of work. It be long hours, but I'll pay you double what Jacobus does. And he said he'd still keep ya on for night shifts or early mornings. A few spare hours a day, what ever you have."

She nodded. "I'd like to see her, your ship."

"Why sure, she's not far." He rose and Ravenna followed.

They walked out fo stars end bar and in to the star portal tunnel. Oh this brought back memories of star ports long gone. He led the way to the hanger where his ship sat.

Ravenna qauked a moment. It was massive, bigger than Star Trails, much lager than Sky Shooter. "Wow. " It was in bad shape, parts on the floor, some hanging off the ships body by cords and cables. "What happened?"

"We were attacked, and flew half way around some god forsaken planet. If my main crew hadn't been with me Id be dead. We crashed here. "

"You must have one hell of a crew."

"Twelve lucky souls. Some of them off in Rhydin now, most are good on the ship, not much for repair work. Kelvin is here, he's my main tech guy. " Looking up at the man in the covered suit of flashy green, whow as weilding a blow torch. " I have been looking for help for weeks now, no one knows what the hell they are doing. This kind of tech is out of their league."

"Well you came to the right person. I know how to fix a ship, in and out. Know all the tech stuff too. I'll help you get her flying."

He grinned. "Oh that's good. The rest of the crew will be back later, they will help with the hard labor. You can go up and talk to Kelvin now if you like. I am going in to her belly to work on some wires."

"Sounds good." They shook hands and Ravenna headed for the latter that led up tot he top where Kelvin was fusing some body parts back in to one.

Ravenna

Date: 2013-09-03 22:49 EST
It had been easy to forget how good she was at this. How she had never forgotten any of it. Though she had wanted to believe for a long time that all Issac had told her, taught her of all those years ago had faded with time. Had faded with all she had been through. But it had not. She had not worn a suit such as the one she wore now in ages. But it felt good. It some how felt right. As she lay under the open hatch goggles over her eyes, a very heavy tool in her hands. She was fixing wires now. One of her many duties she had picked up over the last three weeks.

It was a steady pay check, much like her work at the docks. The nights she worked here flew by. She had her days with the girls on the decks of many ships, trading stories and having a ball. She had some days off to snuggle with Dacomas, and remind him why he married her.

And now she had this.

She liked the work. Her co workers and her boss. Captain Michel was an easy man to like. He knew much about the stars and the sea. He loved his ship Trice Lady Luck. When he wasn't there in the hanger he was on the docks on his lady.

Harper's Folly was his space ship. It was a lovely thing too. Now that she was getting back in to shape. Oh Ravenna wasn't taking all that credit. He had a fine rage take group of crew. Twelve lucky souls, she had met them all, men and women, mortal and not. She worked mostly with Kelvin and Anna.

He new boss had been there the day in Las Belin when Ravennas' life was shattered. But that had been ages ago. Now he was here with two ships in need of repair.

Kelvin was a young kid, by Ravenna's taking. He must have been maybe twenty and spry. He loved his work. He could do it all, tech work, fusing body parts together, you name it on space ship he knew his way around.

Anna was a different story. She was built like an amazon, broad of shoulder with amazing legs, her hair was siren red and cropped close to her face. She did lots of heavy lifting, and spent most of her time hauling in this and that for the rest of the crew.

There were nine others she had met, they all knew what they were doing. And most few all they all respected their Captain. Many of them worked on both his ships.

She liked it. In fact she loved it, she could roam from one job to another. Working on two fine ships. She hadn't thought about blood shed in some time. When she got home Dacomas was usually waiting or coming in the door right behind her.

heir love had never fizzled. It was a fire that seemed to be hot and ever burning. No matter how tired she felt at the end of a long day he made her feel amazing. Doting on her with long baths, soothing back rubs and wonderful love making.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-03-05 16:39 EST
It was a beauty.

It took weeks of work but it was a beauty. Harper's Folly. The ship gleamed silver and gold. It was sleek as a shark. Captain Warner Mitchel, and his crew did a good job. Ravenna had to admit she was happy to have helped.

She had forgotten how good it felt to be slick with sweat while she walked around in a nice one piece space worthy suit.

Twelve lucky souls would soon be off back in to the stars.

It had been a long time since she longed to see those stars. Hell she longed to see the sea again too. Every other day on the docks reminded her of that. Oh she loved Rhydin and Dacomas. But all this work on such a fine ship made her a bit wistful.

She had worked with every member of his crew but she had only truly gotten to know Anna and Kelvin. Now she stood hand on her hips watching those two jump up and down. Their captain stood laughing while others of the crew drank and danced.

All the hard work was done.

"I must say Ravenna your one hell of a worker." Captain Mitchel smirked at her. She smirked and lifted the goggles off her face and put them on her head. "Its been said." She looked back to the ship. "She'll fly for ye, she'll race..."

He knew that wistful voice. "You could come with us. Promises to be a great trip." "No." She shook her head. "I mean I miss it, but Rhydin is where I belong. I'll be happy knowing she flies for ya. When do you set off?"

"A few days, going to run her through her paces, maybe do a fly over. " He looked sidelong at her. Pretty, young, hell of a worker. He had also seen the man she was married to. He had known her first love, and now he had gotten to know Dacomas. The man had come around many a day since this huge project had started.

They fit together. "Well, at least do the fly over with me, the day after tomorrow. I wont take no for an answer."

Ravenna chuckled, this was such a strange world. One who had hunted and killed could be called a good friend, good worker and be so happy. "Alright." She winked and waved at the others before she headed out of the hanger.

She left the area known as stars end with a flourish of sparks and a whoosh. It was quick little trek from there in to Rhydin. But they seemed like two very different worlds.

It was early, and she was in need of coffee.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-03-24 19:32 EST
She hadn't half expected to be here tonight. But then she spent half her time here or at work or at the Red Dragon. At least here when she walked in in her skin tight black and blue dubs worthy of working on a ship she didn't get long looks. Or when she tapped at the data pad in her gloved left hand. The flight was put off another week, someone or something had stolen from the ship...and it was gonna be a chore to fix it again. She'd put in a full day and now needed a drink.

God what a day. She had gained her coffee, gone off to her second job and worked the day a way in the sun. When she returned to the house it was empty save for a note from Dacomas. They kept very odd hours. She had changed from her black flight suit in to her loose pants and button down shirt. Her boots it seemed always remained the same. Like the data pad in her pocket.

Only here in Rhydin could you be pirate and pilot. Only here could you trade in a lazer gun for a pistol. Chuckling to herself she lay her wide brim hat on the table. Tomorrow she would start the day at the docks, then end it with the fly over.

She ducked in to the kitchen and opened the fridge. Then her data pad buzzed. She had been this close to taking out a beer. But she paused to dig in to her pocket and flip up the data pad. Two messages. One from Dacomas. "Be late." The other was from Anna. "Come quickly, back to the hangar, urgent."

So close to a beer. Yet so far. Ravenna stripped off her shirt, and wiggled out of her pants. She walked nude to her boots and lifted them up. She had wanted a good shower, but now she needed to get back in that skin tight black space suit and head back to the hangar.

She left her clothes piled in the dirty laundry, and took up her black and blue suit that lay over the bed. It slid on like butter to hot bread. It zipped up the back and made her look all the part of space chick. Snickering she pulled her boots back on, she took Le Chi still sheathed and slid it through the low belt, then holstered her guns. She carried two now, one more techy worthy than the other.

She caught her own reflection in the mirror and pulled back her hair. Her data pad buzzed on the bed and she lifted it. On her way out of the room she grabbed her leather jacket and typed back a response. "Coming."

Now she sat at the Red Dragon Inn. After leaving the hangar. Oh it had been a sight. The crew was all there. The Captain was swearing in tongues worthy only to a sailor. Anna and Kelvin stood side by side looking at the ruin of the ship.

Tools had been taken, along with half the new dash board and all its techy worthy gizmos. wires had been ripped out, the fine body of the ship had been marred. Someone had done one hell of a job, smash and grab.

"What the hell happened?" Ravenna looked to Anna.

Captain Mitchel swore behind them as he was speaking to some snazzy guards.

Anna sighed. "Kelvin and I were gonna go have a drink at the Bar. But like always I had forgotten my credits. He even offered to pay, but you know me. So we came back here so I could grab my stuff."

"We missed them by maybe five minutes. " Kelvin shook his head. "As soon as I saw it I sent the Captain the news, the rest of the crew was soon here after that. "

"I figured maybe you could help." Anna admitted. "The Capt. He's been fighting with the blasted guards. But we weren't the only one hit. A few others were too. They have no suspects."

Ravenna looked to the ship the back towards the guards and the captain. They all stood there while he argued with the guard before joining his crew. "Blasted useless....they have nothing...no one saw anything. No one was hurt, just things taken."

He looked at his ship. "Its a ruin."

"We will fix it." Ravenna vowed. "Mind if I go look around" I may be able to find something."

Captain Mitchel nodded.

Ravenna walked towards the ship,looking over the outside damage. She had years of working on ships under her belt, and now after years of hunting Serge and finally ending him,she had become good at finding tiny details. She had become an assassin, of her own making.

She peered closely at the marks upon the ship. She made mental notes of them. She worked her way up inside the ship. Here there was more damage. The guidance system had been ripped clean out. Ravenna had helped put that in and knew it wouldn't have been an easy job. Wires had been ripped from the dash, the roof,the floor anywhere they could be taken from. The inside had been nearly gutted.

Having seen enough Ravenna walked down to join the others. Most of the crew had left once more. Anna and Kelvin remained with Captain Mitchel. "If you want my opinion. This was a pro job. Someone who knew what they were doing. The marks inside and out are both tool and weapons marks. They either got lazy or bored after a while. Or really wanted to piss you, all of us off."

Captain Mitchel sighed. "Anything left behind?"

"Nothing in the ship, no foot prints, not even in the spilled liquid, they were careful. But I suggest we all fan out look over the hangar, they may be something that was left behind."

Ravenna

Date: 2014-04-09 01:25 EST
The full hanger was looked over twice. Three times. There was only bits and pieces. A spill of oil,some dropped wires. Nothing more. Not a foot print, not a mark out of place.

The crew was dismayed. But come tomorrow they would get back to work. Anna and Kelvin left and Ravenna leaned against the far wall while the captain argued yet again with the lazy Rhydin watch.

Once the watchmen walked off Ravenna pushed from the wall and walked towards Captain Mitchel. He ran his fingers through his hair then looked to her. "I am sorry you got pulled in to all of this."

"It was my project too. I am one of the crew even if I don't plan on flying off with you all. I will find out who did this."

Hearing the conviction in her voice he looked over at her. She stood there near the far hangar wall dressed in that flight suit of black and vibrant blue. It fit her like a second skin, her raven hair was down and ruffled around her collar. She wore a pistol, a taser and a dagger along her long slung belt. Her leather jacket was back on and zipped up.

"So a pirate, a pilot and a P.I?"

Ravenna chuckled. "Not quite, but I will look around for you."

He crossed to her. She was stunning, he wasn't the type to hit on married women, but he could take in the nice view. She smiled to him then pulled back her hair. "Keep me in the loop." She tapped her right front pocket then shifted and walked off.

He stood there and watched her go. Half realizing he was deadly thirsty at that very moment, he needed a beer.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-05-12 19:17 EST
She was knee deep in spilled grain when the data pad in her back pocket buzzed. Normally on her day job she wouldn't have brought it. But with things going back in order with the ship. Harper's Folly would fly soon. It would race the stars and she would see to it. She would also see to finding the thieves that stole their goods.

But she also had wok to do in the day. Stocking vessels. Working under the sun on the docks. But as she stood there in the grain muttering at the rats she reached in to her back pocket and pulled out that data pad. She tapped it on and read the message. She nearly dropped the data pad in the grain. She wadded through it as quick as she could past her comrades and ran towards the captains quarters. She knocked and got the "come on in." Call. She walked. "Captain Jacobus?"

He poked his head out from his large closet, "Ravenna"You look as if you have seen a ghost."He crossed to her, "Whats the matter?"

She showed him the message from Anna on her data pad. It had a picture with it. The Rhydin Guards standing outside a hanger with blood seeping through the door. A mans severed hand was in view. "Oh gods.."He went white. "Go, see to it."

She nodded and tucked her data pad away and ran off. Some of the crew watched her go. Hailiye and Kiire most of all they wandered together to the captain. "What's going on?"

Captain Jacobus looked over to the two women. "Captain Mitchel has been murdered."

"Oh gods" Kiire said covering her mouth.

The two women looked off after the already gone Ravenna.

Ravenna ran. She ran all the way to the hanger. She found Kelvin and Anna outside. Ravenna ran up to them. "What happened?"

Anna shook her head. "I don't know. I came to work and the guards were here. Kelvin already standing out here. Then I saw the hand.."She swallowed . Ravenna looked to Kelvin. "I didn't see. They wouldn't let me in. I saw all the blood and the hand.." Ravenna squared her shoulders and walked towards one of the guards. She looked like a woman on a mission. She walked right up to him and looked him in the eye. "I want answers."

The guards men stood almost a full foot taller than her, but when she walked up to him her starred at her. "We came upon the scene this morning. A man inside dead, his hand severed and left there."A nod to the pool of blood, the hand was now gone. Ravenna looked to the closed off hanger. "I want in there."

The guard looked at her. Dressed in her gear from the day she looked a pirate. But her eyes spoke of more. "Fine, just you, five minutes." She took a step back avoiding the blood and opened the door. Ravenna looked over at Anna and Kelvin. She held up her hand showing her five fingers then slid inside.

The lights were on and a few guards stood at the other door. She moved towards the ship. Once more it had been stripped of parts. But now there was blood. Drops of it, smears of it. Ravenna had both dealt with blood and dealt it for long enough not to feel unease about it. But knowing who's it was made it hard.

There had been a fight. There on the main deck inside. She could see the scuff marks. The blood on the cockpit. The blast in the console. The fight had started there. The thief had through they would make off easy with parts. But Captain Mitchel must have come upon them. They had fought. Parts had been dropped. But then something had happened. There was more blood. Someone had been shot. And not by a blaster. But the damage in the console was from a blaster. So this thief knew both worlds, tech and normal.

The blood drops flowed out to the hanger floor. And there were signs of more of a fight. More blood and she saw it. The guards had left most of the room alone. Only keeping on lookers out. There on the floor was a blade. Six inches long hilt to tip. No guard. Long and thin. Assassin wears. Something tied to a belt or kept in a boot. This was a hit, not just a smash and grab.

She shook her head. An assassin who used old world and new world tools and tricks. That blade had not been used to cut the hand off. It was too slim, which meant the attacker had more weapons. Ones that would cut flesh and bone. She saw the blood drops towards the door,where the hand had been found. Looking back she followed the trail of blood back through the other exit. The body had not been left, but taken.

Ravenna looked around the hanger one more time then walked back out. She walked past the guard who had let her in right to Anna and Kelvin. She pulled the two out of ear shot.

"It was a hit." She said lowly.

"A hit' You mean someone killed him on purpose?"Kelvin asked.

Ravenna nodded. "There were signs of a fight. Blood. Who ever did it knew both blade and tech. They fought and Captain Mitchel was subdued. His hand was hacked off and left where you guys saw it. He was then taken from the hanger. He may have been alive. But with all the blood I saw I tend to doubt it."

"What are we going to do?" Anna asked.

"We are going to find out who did this." Ravenna said her eyes sure. "The guards wont tell us anything. So we are going to wait and come back later, go through Captain Mitchel's office. See what we can find. By then they would have cleaned up most of the blood. The ship will be Rhydin property now, as its a crime scene. But in a few days we will be able to see what was taken. Until then, we wait."

She cast her eyes back to the hanger. "Kelvin, poke around with some of the crew, see what they know. Talk to the other captains you work with. See if anyone has any info. Anna You and I are going to do a little snooping of our own. "

Kelvin nodded.

"Meet me and Anna at my place at moon rise. We will come back here and poke around." She said to Kelvin. He nodded grimly. "I will keep you in the loop."He walked off.

Ravenna looked to Anna. "You and I are going to go slip in to something worthy of flirting with a few fly boys. See what we can dig up."Anna starred at her.

Ravenna just smirked. "Don't give me that look. I have a dress that will look killer on you. You and I together are gonna fish around. Fly boys talk. And this will be the news of the night. They talk more to pretty women and that's what we are. So come on."

Ravenna started to lead the way and Anna followed her.

"You think someone he knew did this?" "I am thinking he had enemies we didn't know about. Its time to see who misses him ,mourns him or hates him."

Anna cast a glance at Ravenna. "You've done this type of work before...haven't you?" Ravenna glanced over her shoulder. "There is a lot I have done. And he didn't deserve to die that way, for what ever reason. So we are going to find out who did this. then I will deal with them." Anna saw that look in Ravenna's eye. She meant every word.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-05-17 01:25 EST
Ravenna had felt like she had been steeped in the blood. They had gone out they had sought answers. And found only more blood shed. Captain Mitchel hadn't been the only one dead.

Oh she and Anna had done their fair share of flirting with fly boys. And when the trail led them to a dark part of Rhydin Ravenna turned to Anna. "Message Kelvin.See what else he found out." They had heard from Kelvin, on and off all night. Little bits and pieces about fellow flyers, and pilots. New faces in town, anyone who didn't like their friend and captain. He dug up a few things. And it had all led to where she and Anna stood.

"He's got nothing else. He's heading for your place."

Ravenna nodded. "Go meet him there."

"I am not leaving you here alone."

"And your not coming inside. This place reeks of magic Anna. I can feel it. What ever is inside can not be good. Go meet Kelvin at my place. Dacomas has been gone for days. The key is hidden under the eve out front. Go."

Anna looked to Ravenna. They had put on tight dresses and heels. They had flirted and drank and found out answers that all led them here."Your not dressed for battle Ravenna."

Ravenna smiled. Shed left her pistol and blaster at home where she and Anna had changed. But she had belted Le'Cai under her dress, up along her thigh. "I do not need weapons Anna. I am one. Now go."

Anna stood there a moment longer before walking away. Ravenna watched her making sure she got off safe before turning to the building before her. She had faced all manner of hell before. Serge was dead though now. Long dead. And then she had faced with slavers and drug lords and all other manner of demons since then. Yet still she came back to it.

This way of life Was not one she was born in to. But she had gotten good at it in her years looking for Serge and running from him. The hunt. The kill even. Pumping someone for info at the tip f a dagger or by all sources brute force. Nothing new.

Rhydin was a place of blood. But now it had been a friends blood split. Someone she had liked. And she would find out who or what did it. No matter if it meant falling back in to old habits.

She took a step towards the door and removed Le'Cai from her her dress. It had magic and wold protect her. It was also nice and sharp. She pressed her free hand tot he door knob and twisted. Locked. That was easily dealt with. Ohs he could pick the lock old fashioned or. She turned the tip of Le'Cai towards the lock and spoke a few words and snap. The lock would be unlocked.

Twisting the knob she stepped inside.

Dark. The room was more than just not lit, it had the very essence of darkness. Lucky for her she saw very well in the dark. Call it breeding, or magic, or both.

Le'Cai glowed softly at the hilt along its marking. The room was seeped in darkness. In magic. Creeping along the outside of the room she looked towards the center. There was nothing here, no sacks of grain, no kegs of ale or mead. Nothing. Not the smell of ship parts or men.

There was the dull taste of copper. Like old blood in the air.

Suddenly the room flared to life. Ravenna ducked behind an empty cask. The room was bathed in a blue green glow. Nothing natural about it. Ravenna risked a peek. A man walked from the light. If you could call him that. Six foot four easy. Two hundred pounds, ripped too. Muscled well. Bald, shaven head. She saw him peer back. Eyes dark as midnight. A long scar ran from left to right over his face that might have been handsome at one time.

He sniffed the air and Ravenna held her breath.

"I know your there." His voice was like liquid. Dark dripping and deep. She thought she was sunk until from across the room came a woman. She was short and slight. Pretty as a picture. Elven, five five maybe. One hundred pounds soaking wet. She wore a dress of silver. Her face was fair, her hair the color of ruby's.

"Why do you hide from me?" He asked her.

"I am sorry." She lowered her head.

He lowered his hand towards her going to touch her before he withdrew it. Ravenna saw that hand was covered with blood. "Never hide from me Caila. You never need fear me."

She nodded. "Did you find him?"

"He is dead. And the others with him."

So this man, this beast had killed Captain Mitchel, and the three other men she and Anna had found along the way this very night.

"Did they have it?"

The man, the beast shook his head. "None. I Had to fight them all. I found some of the parts we need. I put them where you bid me. This last one did not have it either."

"Someone has it. Are you sure Captain Warner Mitchel did not have it?"

"I am sure. His ship had many of the parts we needed though."

The woman, Caila, nodded. "Go and get cleaned up."

The man the beast walked away. The woman stood there and watched him go like a woman in love. Pale eyed flickered around the blue-green lit room then she walked off. Ravenna waited then followed.

The warehouse held small built up rooms, like some she had once live din as The Raven. The woman walked through an arch way in to another part of the warehouse. Ravenna moved in to the shadows and knelt out of sight.

The woman walked towards someone who lay in a bed. Ravenna peered to get a good look. Her heart stopped. Issac...the man who lay on the bed looked just like him. He was tall, with dark hair the color of rich cocoa, eyes closed, elven ears shown for his hair had been cropped short. But Ravenna lost her breath when she saw him.

"There is my dear." Caila spoke and turned back to the beast of a man it was only then that Ravenna really got a good look at her. She looked like a younger,paler version of Diana. But the woman had been killed and Issac blown to bits ages ago. This could not be happening.

"How is he doing?" The man asked. "My father is strong. He is alive thanks to all ye helped me find. Yet some where in this city. Find me my fathers ring and blade." The beast of a man nodded. "I will find Le'Cai and Sa'Roir. I vowed that to you Caila."

She nodded. Ravenna felt as if the air in the room was gone. The woman spoke of two things Ravenna had. The blade in her very hand. But when the name was spoken the blade did not respond as it usually did for Ravenna. The Ring well Dacomas had that where ever he was.

"Lets leave him, come we plan."She reached out and took the beast mans hand and led him from the room and away. Ravenna waited till the glow out beyond faded and was gone. Then till she heard no sounds.

Slowly she rose and walked tot he bed. She bent low and looked to the man. "Issac.." The man had Issac's face, his form. Ravenna felt her heart sink. She saw the parts of the ships that had been put together to help him breath, to keep his heart beating. She saw the burn marks along that left arm, they traveled under the sheets that covered his chest. "Its not possible." She felt herself break inside.

He had survived the explosion"All those years ago' But then how had he come to her in a dream to give her that ring" How had Le'Cai at last opened up its power to her alone" Issac would never had wanted this, to be kept alive this way, for others to be killed for him. Ravenna sneered at the parts then backed away. There was no way that Caila was his flesh and blood nor Diana's. Diana had died, been killed by Serge.

Then Serge's face came back in to Ravenna's memory. Those eyes. Caila's eyes. "Oh god." Ravenna backed away and out of the room in to the darkness. She moved with all speed and slight out of there. Back in to the street and away as fast as she dare run.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-05-21 18:44 EST
Ravenna sat on the couch at her home and looked at Kelvin and Anna. She had run all the way there and come in looking as if she had seen a ghost she was sure of it. She had flown through the house locking windows and doors, closing blinds. Before lighting a fire.

Now they all sat there. There had been coffee and food. And she had told them both everything. Her whole history, her past and what she had seen.

There were not many that knew all of her life story. Very few in fact. Most had died, only Dacomas had known everything. After her tale Anna held up a ring. A silver ring, made for a mans hand. It was light yet it produced heat. "Sa'Roir." Ravenna took the ring back.

"He is gone then."It wasn't a question.

Anna simply nodded. "He came by, packed a few things and left. Said he wasn't sure when he would be back. He gave me this. He said something about having a feeling you might need it more than he did."

Ravenna nodded and pocketed the ring. "You now both know everything. The full story. And what I have seen this very night. "

"So Captain Mitchel and the rest were murdered by that guy and the parts of the ships taken to bring back to life a man you have thought dead for years."

"Issac is dead. No one could have survived that blast in Las Belin."

"But you said."Kelvin began.

"It looked like him. Yes. I was Thirty-three when he died. I have spent One hundred and ninety-five years with out him. I saw the explosion that day. I stood there and watched it. He was already over two hundred years old when he saved me from being someone's prize. But there is no way he would have survived that blast. Even if he had. He would have been sucked out in to space. " She shook her head. "Issac is dead. Who ever, what ever I saw wasn't him. It was a shell, a magic trick. "

"You think its Serge.."Anna said softly.

"The girl, Caila. She had Diana's look but Serge's eyes. His darkness. I killed Serge. I know this, he is dead. But that girl, she is his. There is no doubt in my mind. " She idly rubbed her fingers together.

Anna nodded. "What do we do?"

"We now know why the captains were killed. For the ship parts, but also she was looking for this." She held up her hand which held Sa'Roir. And this."She gave Le'Cai a tap with her other hand. " I killed Serge with this dagger and the ring came to me shortly there after. What ever she plans to do, it involves these two things."

"If you don't mind my asking, why don't you go after Dacomas, tell him all this?"

"I love him. I did from the moment we met. We bonded over a very strange fate. I even married him." But she had been wearing that ring around her neck for work as of late, and it was absent this night as it had been for many nights now. "We hardly saw one another, working. He took up a job. Doing what I don't know. We didn't talk about what we did. We both had done dirty jobs in the past, and not just sweaty dirty." She ran her fingers through her hair. She felt dirty now. She rose and walked towards the fire.

"I loved Issac, more than anything. I lost him. Dacomas came in to my life when I needed someone. But we were never fit to be wed. What we are now. I can not say. But I saw this day coming. He must have too." She turned back to her friends. "I have lived too long to live with regret for another hundred years. It is what must be for now. As for what we shall do. We keep digging. In the day time. I want you both to stay here, there is plenty of room. And if you go out and about do so in a group or with one another. I can check on the rest of the crew, make sure they are all safe."

She paced. She had loved Issac, with everything she had been. Yes he had saved her from a terrible fate, shown her the world and so much more. And she had hated Serge for taking him from her. But Issac was dead. No matter what she had seen.

Anna watched Ravenna pace. Kelvin did too. They looked at each other then. "I can check with some of the crew in the am. Then set to talk to the other captains."

Ravenna nodded. "Yeah, good idea. See if any have had break ins. We know a few were killed and parts taken. They might take more."Still pacing. "I want you both to be careful, going out. Hell even knowing me at this point could be dangerous. I am wearing a freakin target on my back."

"We are not leaving you a lone in this. He was our friend too, our captain. We knew them all, all those men who were killed. And I don't care if you have a target on your back, you beat him before right' Serge and his darkness, you will beat this child of his and her beast of a man."

Ravenna smiled. "I like your confidence in me Anna." She rolled her shoulders. "Look its late. We all need some rest in the am we can sit down and talk tactics. Right now I need a shower."

She smiled to them both and walked off.

Kelvin waited till she was gone to look at Anna. "You lied to her."

"Not really, I just didn't tell her everything he said." Kelvin shook his head softly.

"There's a battle coming Kelvin, and we all need to be ready. Ravenna knows that. She seems to accept it. What ever may come."

Ravenna

Date: 2014-05-21 20:46 EST
She stripped off her clothing and tossed it to her bed. She turned the shower on hot and stepped in.

She leaned one hand to the wall and closed her eyes. Letting the water beat down over her head and body. She fought the tears but they came any how. For all she had seen, for the loss.

She eyed Sa'Roir on her thumb. She wouldn't leave it there. She leaned off the wall and took the ring off and set it on the sink just outside the shower, shed carry it with her but wouldn't wear it. Not yet.

Back in to the shower she went, washing her hair and body. It wasn't Issac, it couldn't be. There was no way anyone could have survived that blast. It had to be Serge. Or something like him. As she went to wash out her hair she paused in the hot stream.

Caila had called the man on the bed her father. And Ravenna had seen the girls eyes. Turning off the water Ravenna stepped out nude and stood before the steamy mirror. Her mind going through the possibilities.

If Serge had killed Diana, then the girl wouldn't look so much like her. What if he had done worse than kill her. Ravenna knew there were fates worse than death. If he had taken Diana, and she had born him a child. But Issac had seen Diana die, of old age.

But the child had not been human,what if Diana had been taken by Serge unknowingly. And the child being demon fed off Diana. Then when the child was born, Serge would have taken it and Diana would have died. Poison, but in a very different way.

She wrapped a towel about her and stood there a moment. Then she took up Sa'Roir and padded out. She sat the ring on the night stand. She could hear Kelvin and Anna out in the main room. This place was big enough for them all. Hell they could sleep in this room most nights, she knew shed be heavy at work sooner rather than later.

She walked to the closet and pulled out her pjs. She looked out the french doors. Dacomas was gone. Not dead but gone. As lost to her as Issac was. It was what it was. She ran her fingers through her hair. Oh she knew Anna had held back. Dacomas wasn't one for just leaving with out a few words. She was sure he had much to say,long before he handed over Sa'Roir.

Issac had said goodbye. Had asked her to marry him. Then he'd gone away, and in the moment he came back, it had all been taken from her. It had been fate and Serge. And Dacomas had come in to her life at a point where she had needed him. And yes she loved him. But their time was now done as what they had become, they were no longer that and she would not hold him to it.

He had a life to live and so did she. No matter what that life brought to them. She sat on the edge of her big bed. She had gotten this place for them, but now it was hers again. And she had roommates. The idea made her chuckle.

She padded out to the living room. Kelvin had pulled out the sleeper in the couch which meant Anna was in the other room. Kelvin was asleep. So Ravenna padded on. She peeked in at Anna. She was asleep too. The doors were locked the windows. The house was quiet.

Shaking her head she moved back to the master bedroom.

Issac had saved her. Dacomas too. In very different ways. But she wasn't that woman that Issac knew. She had killed and hunted and done dirty dealings for too long. She had sailed and soared and become stronger than the woman he had loved. But she had also changed since meeting Dacomas. Shed been back to hunting and killing as of late, and back to the world of the beyond. With the ships she help build and the friends she made.

Back to her second skin space suit,data pad and new world tech. Oh she was of the old world too,wouldn't leave Le'Cai behind, and still lived a good cross bow. But she loved the new world too. Ever changing.

She moved back for her room. Thinking of all that had passed in this place. Serge had died there, banished to what ever hell would have him. Dacomas had married her there on that back lawn. Issac had come to her in dreams.

And blood had been dripped in from Rhydin. Back to old habits again. Ravenna ran her fingers through her hair. She had noted that he'd taken what he needed His clothing, weapons, even the little sleek silver data pad she'd given him.

She knew he wasn't likely coming back. And if he did it wouldn't be to this place, this house. If she saw him Rhydin again she would be surprised. It was for the best and she knew it. Opening the french doors she padded out in to the night. The moon was setting, which meant is was closer to dawn than she had figured.

How often had she stood here just like this in the grass looking up at the moon' The trees off not a few paces away. The forest so near. She felt at home here. After all the years spent sailing both sea and star she had never felt at home any where. Not in Luac, not even in Las Belin. Rhydin had long been her home. With all it dangers and wonders.

She had crashed down here, and never honestly left.

Padding out over the grass she turned her eyes to the setting moon. The sun would rise and a new day would begin. Looking to the forest she gave a silent nod to what ever or whom ever choose to watch over her and keep her alive.

Turning she walked back in to the house and closed and locked the doors. She wasn't sure even with the night she had that she could sleep. Not after what she had seen. Oh Ravenna had seen some wicked things in her time. Blood and death were nothing new. Not to her. Two hundred years and change and yet the sight of Issac, or something that looked like him rocked her to the core.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-05-21 20:55 EST
Another night. A night at work. A night where she knew the risks. She had spent some time at the inn. Making new friends. Friends who were normal for Rhydin, but she would have never known otherwise. Even friends with talking kittens and a minotaur. Stranger things had happened to her. And she smiled at the idea of having new friends. For how long had it been since she saw Andrew or Kassie, Gaelira or Dyhren" Illissa"

She had thought about them often. And hoped they were all well. They had befriended her , when she was but new to the city. And now she had stayed and become someone she had once been long ago.

A woman trained in a an art she was not born in to. Someone to be counted. Who fought the sometimes nightly fight. Oh she had seen her fair share of battles in this city and would no doubt see more.

She could say she had helped a few. She had also done many things in her past she was not proud of. In her search for vengeance. But those days were gone. She wasn't in it for herself any longer. Not when people she care for died.

So now after being to the inn, spending time with new friends. Seeing Rhydin through new eyes she was back in the darkness of night. Stalking after a man. Or was he a beast"

She was not sure. He walked like man, spoke as one. But he was so unlike any she had known. Summoned within light but that breathed darkness. A man that killed with ease, that had killed. Four dead. Parts of their bodies hune off. Their ships torn asunder for parts. The Rhydin Guard were dumb founded. A new breed of serial killer"

Hitting up the space junkies and fly boys" Something from the space port come to town" They had their talk, their ideas. But none did what she was doing.

She followed it. From the warehouse where it seemed to always return to. She stalked it. Keeping out of sight and out of the wind. She followed it. It would stalk in the night looking through hangers, taking parts. As of yet tonight it had yet to kill anyone. Everyone was on edge. Working late was out.

She followed it back and forth as it took parts. Things that would give life to the man who wore Issac's face.

As it slid back in to the warehouse she came up with a plan. Oh it wasn't a good plan. It might very well get her killed. But it was worth trying. She went down through the docks, looking for a ship that was being built.

Something sleek and fast that would soar through the stars. She found it. It was bronze in tone, and sleek as any she had seen. Work was still being done on it but not a soul was around. It was perfect.

She dropped down in to the loading bay. Checked around to make sure no one who really worked on the fine vessel was about then she went to work. She slipped Le'Cai in to her boot and tucked Sa'Roir in to her pocket. Then she found one of the blue work suits. She stepped in to t and zipped it up over what she was already wearing.

She found a workman's cap and balled her hair up and under it. Then flipping on the lights she slid under the main carriage, which was still being melded together. It was fine work, work she would love. But she didn't know this ship or its crew.

She put her self idly to work. Not really doing anything but going through the motions of it. She waited. Having baited the trap.

When she was pulled out by her booted feet, she wondered for a moment if it would be a crew men or the captain of the ship. But was not surprised when she looked in tot he eyes of the man, the beast who followed the orders of the demon child.

Six fee four inches tall. He was massive, his body ripped with muscle. His arms were huge. He held her up with ease by the neck. He was ready and willing to kill her. She saw that scar that lined his face. Left to right some how bypassing his eye. He might have been handsome once, but that scar muted all that. It made him look wicked and twisted. His eyes were colorless, like smoke.

He was crushing the air from her. Ravenna kicked out, trying to fight back. She hit solid flesh. He starred at her for a long moment then tossed her aside. She flew back and to the side, hitting the floor hard, her knuckles scrapping over the floor.

She rose to her feet brushing off the light pain. The man the creature was in the shell of the ship, pulling out parts. "Hey!" She yelled at it. "Stop that." She knew she couldn't use magic on it, or risk him knowing who she was, so she picked up one of the tools off the ground and went after him.

He spun at her one of the parts of the ship under his arm. "Woman...stand down. "He sniffed at her. "You are not who I am looking for." Ravenna hit him with the tool, as hard as she dared.

It didn't even seem to stun him. He eyed her. Those smoke colored eyes going pale. He took a step towards her and Ravenna backed up. "That's my bosses ship your wreaking."

He took another huge step. "He is lucky he is not here. "He didn't even lower the massive piece he held under his arm, it must have weighed a ton easy. Ravenna held the tool out as if it were a sword.

"You have courage, for such a small thing." He took hold of the end of the tool and pulled it from her grasp then tossed it back where it dented in to the wall. "Move aside."

Ravenna stood her ground. "No. Your that serial killer they are talking about, the one taking parts and killing people."

"I only kill those in my way. Those I am sent to kill."

Ravenna looked at him. He could crush her easily, why hadn't he" He took another step forward and lifted her up as easily as if she was but a child. "I was not sent to kill you. Your boss as you called him may have something I need, where is he?"

"I am not gonna tell you jack."

He shook her and Ravenna felt as if she might puke. "Tell me woman or I will break you." Ravenna knew he was serious. "No." She saw his eyes flare pale as lightning. He then tossed her as he had before, but with more force.

Ravenna hit the wall. She felt as if she might have broken a few ribs, she hit the floor hard,smacking her face to the cold ground. She saw the man the creature walk towards her. She spat a bit of blood and tried to roll over. "He's at the Bar.."She choked, lying of coarse.

The man he stopped and nodded. "You get your life this night." He turned and walked away.

Ravenna watched him go then rolled over and blacked out. ~~~

She came too hours later with a face looking down at her. Not a human face but a cats face. She blinked and sat up with a wince. "Don't know you do I?" The cat titled its head at her and meowed. "Ah a normal one.." She rose slowly to her feet. The little tabby was the color of ash with black paws.

She gripped her side and sighed. She needed a fix up. But first she needed a beer. Limping lightly she left the hanger behind. She changed out of the borrowed blue work suit and tossed it away. She could taste copper in her mouth and spat out more blood as she walked away.

"Foolish plan.." She limped onward and noted the little cat followed her. She chuckled softly. She stopped and turned to it. It followed slowly, as if it were scared. She bent down to it. "I suppose I owe ye thanks." The cat gave her a nuzzle.

"Me and the cats of this town."She chuckled and winced. "I do not have any treats on me. But if your keen on some, follow me to the inn. I'll get ye set up." She turned and limped on.

Not surpised in the slightest when the cat followed. ~~~

She did end up at the inn, for her beer. And even more cats, yet these ones talked.

She tended to her wounds with the first aide kit and sat with Andu and had a few beers. The minotaur was very good company as were the kittens that seemed to follow him most everywhere or some how end up in the same place.

By the end of the night she found her self in room eleven yet again. And when she opened the window she was not surprised to see the little ash colored cat with the black paws come in. She lay down a plate of tuna for it. Then lay herself down in bed.

She closed her eyes then opened them when she felt the cat come up on the bed and over her chest. It starred at her with yellow eyes. "Feeling better now?" She asked and the cat purred and crawled off her and lay beside her.

Ravenna smirked and gently turned on to her side. Bruised face, broken ribs, likely bleeding somewhere inside. But it would heal. Lucky for her and her heritage. She gave the cat a little pet. "I never had a pet before. But I think I have become a cat person as of late." The cat said nothing just purred.

"I suppose I could take ye home, get ye off the streets. Its dangerous out there. I think Anna and Kelvin would like ye. You'd have a home and woods to play in, and the city close enough. Since ally cats like to roam."

More purring. Ravenna grinned and closed her eyes. "I suppose I should name ye." But she fell asleep before doing so. To the soft purr.

~~~~

Ravenna

Date: 2014-05-27 14:36 EST
She woke alone at the inn. Rolling up she felt her rips first. They were healing. She rose and checked her face in the mirror, the bruise was lighter. It be another few days for that. She sat back on the bed and sent Anna a message. "Bring clothes. Drop at Inn."

Anna was good for it. Always was.

It didn't take long for there to be a little knock like sound at her window. Opening ti she looked down at Anna on the street. "You look like hell."She said then tossed up the bag.

"Thanks. I'll shoot ya a message later. Gonna shower and change."

Anna nodded and gave a two finger salute then walked off. Ravenna watched her go for a ointment. Tall as all hell, red hair, woman was an amazon in waiting. Ravenna turned and flopped the bag on the bed. She smirked whens he pulled out a few different choices of what she could wear. Shed have tor remember to get Anna something.

Pulling of a clean pair of black pants and a blue tank top she went off to her little private bathroom for a nice hot shower.

~~~ Wet hair, wrapped in a towel she stood in the little bathroom. She ruffed the spare towel through her hair then padded out tot he room. Where she got changed and used her fingers for a brush, even though Anna had thought to pack one, and some other things Ravenna might need. Yep, she needed to get Anna something.

"Woman's working for saint hood." She crossed to her boots and pulled them over that clean pair of socks. The dirty clothes got stuffed to the bottom of the bag. This was like old times. Living out of a bag, place to place. Coast to coast. Save the inn didn't rock like a boat did, nor go flying by at mock speeds through the stars.

She slid Le'Cai in her boot and tucked Sa'Roir in her jacket pocket. She looked out the window and smiled to the new day. But wasn't feeling very social. So she sat down on the edge of the bed.

It wasn't like her to feel lonely. Not after all she had been through. But she did feel it now, just a slight bit. She wondered where Dacomas might be, but she didn't reach for her data pad to try to reach him, nor would she. She had been kidding herself before, their love may never have fizzed out, but it seemed to burn brightly then suddenly...

No. She wouldn't dwell. Nor would she think about Issac, or the man who now had his form that lay in a warehouse guarded by a beast of a man and a demon child.

No. Those thoughts did her no good.

Her plan had failed. Now she needed a new one. One that wasn't going to get her killed.

Shaking off the lonely feeling. She tucked her glove sin her back and her jacket over it. Then slung it over her shoulder. It was time to get moving.

Out of good old room number eleven and down stairs to return the key, pay for the night and head on her way.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-05-27 16:01 EST
Information. It was worth getting and having. And she knew there was no better way to get it. Not any where. She'd gone back to her day job even though Captain Jacobus had tried to convince her other wise. But she liked the work, liked being able to sit with Hailiye and Kiire. To talk of things that had passed.

It was in that talk that she had heard that Trice Lady Luck was going on the market. That was Captain Mitchel's sea fairing ship. And with him dead the ship couldn't just sit there docked with a crew and have no where to go.

By all rights the ship should go to the first mate. But the man had not been seen for days. After hearing that Ravenna set a plan in motion. It was no wiser or safer than her plan that got her tossed around like a rag doll. But it was a plan.

When he day was done and she had waved off her friends she when to Captain Jacobus . Kyle was a good man, he'd be sailing for a long time. He knew the ins and outs of this business. Its dangers and delights. If there was anyone who would know what coarse to take it would be him. She walked to his quarters and gave a knock on the side of the open doorway.

Capt. Kyle Jacobus looked up from his paperwork. His salt and pepper hair falling in his eyes. He saw Ravenna leaning there and nodded her in. He had a feeling she would be there. She had let him in on everything, as a fellow Captain he had heard most of it from the dock hounds already, but it as good to have her insight as well.

"You have been digging in to some serious stuff." He sat his pen down and looked at her. Pretty thing, even in her work wear that made her look one hundred percent pirate. Ravenna walked in and didn't sit, she leaned on the back of the chair on the other side of his wide desk that was brimming with paper work and knick knacks.

"Serious stuff used to be all my business. And this...Mitchel's death, and everything surrounding it. It had deep implications, that have reached in to both my worlds."

He nodded and rose. He wasn't a tall man, more wide. But he commanded respect. He moved out to her and gave her hands a pat. "Your doing right by him and Issac. I wish you'd let me poke around that hanger...see for myself."

Ravenna shook her head. "Get yourself killed. No way. I will put a stop to this thing, this demon and her pet. But that's not why I am here."

"You heard Thrice Lady Luck was on the market."

"Yeah, news is that the first mate went missing. As well as all paperwork detailing who the ship should go to."

"Pirates Ravenna. You know how things work."

"I do."She turned to face him. "But I don't like them."

He chuckled and crossed past her and lifted a folded paper off the bedside table. "Here," He handed it to her. "A list, Kelvin stopped by said you might need it. Its all the fly boys and pirates he dealt with. I underlined a few names. I'd check them out first."

Ravenna took the paper and tucked it in her back pocket. He looked at her. "They wont like you snooping around. But if you fine the proof you need, then I'll help you. "

She nodded. Then turned to leave.

"Ravenna. Those men on that list they are as dangerous as any you have ever faced, be careful."

She smiled to him and ducked out.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-05-28 22:10 EST
She hit the names on the list ,one by one. Armed to the hilt with everything she could have on her, she went bar to bar,inn to inn, ship to ship. Talking, buying drinks, giving favors,anything to get the info she needed and wanted. More were happy to give it to her for a drink and a few coins. Others well they were harder to press.

She left the underlined names for the end of her night. She knew them all, had even worked with a few of them. But it did mean going in to darker places,and risking more.

When the moon was high she walked out of the dock side bar,wiping a touch of blood from her lips. Brawling was no new thing to her. She could both give and take punches. There was one name left on the list. She cast her gaze to the left, then the right.

She'd gotten her self in deep, and now it was time to see what he knew.

High Captains were something of the old world. People, both men and women of power who could if they wished rule whole town ships.Sometimes blood thirsty and ones not to be crossed. Going to one to pump info out of them, was not done.

But She was going there. Heading down the lane towards the manor that stood there. It was well guarded and well paid for. Blood money or not.She got a block from the place and knew she was being followed. She turned and looked in to the darkness. "I am here to see your boss."

There was a chuckle then nothing. She walked on till she stood a few feet from the main door. Two massive dudes stood there arms crossed. One a massive man with golden hair and tan skin, looking as if he came from some Norse god. The other his skin as black as night, eyes red, ears pointed. A very big Dark elf, or some mix of black dude and dark elf. She couldn't tell.

They were both armed, pistols and sabers. But they wouldn't need those. She looked between them both, then up to where she saw more guards looking down at her, some with a trained gun or arrow ready. "I am here to see High Captain Louis Belluose." She spoke to he hulking men.

The norse god one looked at her. Pretty thing,well armed and dressed. He nodded to his counter part who reached back and gave the large blue door a double tap. A little view door opened and he spoke to whom ever was beyond in a hushed tone.

A moment later the door opened. Another man stood there, this one was also tall but thin as a skeleton. He wore a suit, his hair was gray as were his eyes. "Please come in." The two hulks parted and Ravenna crossed past them , in through the door.

She stood in a massive entry way. The butler looked at her. "My lord will see you down stairs, this way please."He turned and led the way, through the entry way in to a hall. Ravenna felt under dressed. She had changed in to black boots,pants and a deep jade green tank, with her leather jacket over it. Belts on her hips held, her weapons.

Taser,blaster,pistol. Le'Cai was tucked in her left boot. Sa'Roir in her front left pant pocket. Data pad in her jacket pocket.

The hall way the butler led her down was long and line with art. Art from ages long past, from places not Rhydin. He opened a door of rich mahogany. Beyond was a stair case that went down lit by lamp light.

Ravenna looked to the tall elderly butler and nodded. Then she went through the door and down.

There had been much said about High Captain Belluose. That he was a hard man. A man of means and wealth that could have anything he dared wish.

He had many ships both of sea and sky, many men and women under his employ. She had never met him, but had heard descriptions of him. Of average height, a man with more mass,built would be the word. A man that likely could have made his fortune in the boxing ring,or as an all out brawler.

She had heard his eyes were like ice,cold and hard yet they could be roused and deep. As far as she knew he was human, which put him at about forty years of age. As she walked down the spiral stairs she began to wonder what she was walking in to.

At the bottom of the stairs a room opened up. Large,dark and damp. Like a true dungeon should be. There were boxes and things about, lit by pale lights. Stepping in to the room she looked around. Not a soul in sight.

"Arh walk the plank!" A cawing voice said from behind her and she spun to look at a large bird. It sat on top of its cage. A massive raven.

"Do not mind Draco. " A voice said from somewhere beyond. "He enjoys a good game." A light flickered in the darkness and Ravenna trained her eyes to it. She saw him then seated behind a large desk. He had just lit a cigar, it puffed from his lips. Lit only by that and a very pale light.

"High Captain Belluose. "She nodded to him and bowed her head. He was as all had said. A big man,not overly tall, more muscle,built like a boxer. He sat forward elbows on his desk one hand taking that cigar from his lips. She saw his eyes then, blue, a shocking tone of blue. His face did not have many signs of age to it,around the eyes some. He was tan,from years at sea she assumed. His head had not a hair upon it. He wore a suit,not a captains grab but a true suit, black with a white shirt under it and long narrow blue tie.

"Miss Ducarte. A pleasure." He sat back and motioned her forward. "I hear you have business with me. It always pleases me to hear when lovely young women have business with me. What can I do for you?"

Ravenna took a few steps forward. "I am here to discuss the fate of Thrice Lady Luck." She did not sit,for he had not said she could. She knew how to deal with high captains.

"Trice Lady Luck. Captain Mitchel's ship, yes it went on the market after his tragic death."

"He was murdered. "She stated flatly.

"Was he now." He rose slowly tapping his cigar out as he moved. When he crossed around the desk she saw him better. Taller than she, a big man for sure. But she had never been easy to intimidate.

She looked right at him, handsome perhaps. If you liked that sort.

He looked her over. Pretty. Tall, slight form, fine body. He noted her weapons and grinned. He did love a woman who knew how to handle herself. He had heard about her, her misadventures and he skills. He had also heard she was recently made to be single once more. Not that it would have mattered to him.

"So you've come to claim his ship" Its going at a pretty price. One I am even sure you with all your funds could not buy."

"I don't want his ship. Sell it to who ever you want. I want information."

"Oh' On what?" He leaned on his desk looking at her. How very lovely she would look on his bed awaiting him.

"I have spoken to many of your men, those you hire."

"And I see a few took it upon themselves to mar such a pretty face." She had a split lip, and a few marks here and there. But she didn't show any pain, nor try to hide them. Tough girl. "They did what they thought was best."

"Gave as good as you got?" He smirked looking her over again.

"Better."She looked at him, she could see the way he looked at her and could only imagine what he might be thinking. "I want info, everything I can get from you. And I am not leaving till I get it."

He smirked and stepped towards her. "Info comes at a price."

She looked him dead in the eyes. "I'll pay it." He grinned to that then let out a little whistle. Three men came out from doorways she had seen and surrounded her. "Take her away."

She went with them with little fight. Price to be paid, for info. And she was willing to pay it.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-06-02 17:11 EST
What is information worth' Gold,Silver" Blood seems to be the going rate.

"Arh feed her to the sharks!"

Ravenna looked at the damned raven. A massive thing, with small beady eyes. She liked birds, and ravens even more. Her call sign was The Raven after all. How many times had she dawned that name in her life time" Not just the mask that made her male.

The three men had taken her away and put her in a smaller room. Not bared or caged just idly watched by the massive raven.

There was a cot there and no window. No way out. Not even for one as skilled as she was. Even with her weapons still on hand, it was in fact a prison cell. Unadorned and plain as death.

She eyed the room, then the bird that had been set there on its perch to watch her. "Feed you to the sharks." She said smiling to the raven.

She turned and paced towards the cot and sat. She had dealt with captains before. The whole lot of of them. Fly boys were no different. They all had their sets of rules. Each played by their own game. This was Belluose's game. He wanted her to fear him. Ravenna smirked. She had feared one man for a long time. Serge. And she had defeated him. She had done so much. Flown ,sailed,soared and crashed. Killed and rescued.

She had faced death. And yet she was still there. Still fighting, still doing her good deeds. She was here in that unadorned cell for one reason.

Captain Mitchel had been murdered. By a force she now knew of. But other had died too,others had their ships ruined,lives changed.

And now Thrice Lady Luck was on the market, her first mate missing, her captain dead. Someone knew something. They just weren't talking. Every bit of info she had, it led her here.

"Arh, buy ye a drink?" The raven cawed and drew her from her thoughts.

"Don't suppose ye have one on you?" She looked up at the bird. The door opened and the two guards from outside stood there. Norse god and the drow. Ravenna rose to her feet.

"Come with us." The Norse god guard spoke.

"As if I have an option in that." She walked to them and was lead out of the room. Back across the dungeon. Back up those spiral steps. One brute before her one behind. Ravenna smirked at the view. Big muscled men. There was something about them that just made a gal smirk.

There was nothing wrong with the view. Norse god was in front of her, drow behind her. She looked at them both then smirked. "So you boys got names" Or should I call you goon one and goon two?"

Behind her the dark elf chuckled. "I like her she has spunk. I'm Zelphar. And we aren't goons, were high guards."Ravenna looked back at him a and smirked. Then she looked at the Norse gods back. "What about you? You got a name?" "Torolf." He answered with out looking back.

"So you boys gonna chain me up somewhere now?" Making polite chit chat. Ravenna had a killer sense of humor. Zelphar chuckled. "No. The boss wants you in something nice."

"He not a fan of my look?" Black and green, weapons. Leather jacket. There was another chuckle. "I am sure he don't mind it. But he wants to discuss things over dinner. And he requires a look for dinner."

Ravenna nodded to that.

She was led up to the main floor where the tall butler stood. "If you will follow me miss." He smiled. She nodded to the two guards and then followed the butler. "So have you been working for High Captain Belluose along time?" He led her along a hallway then turned to head up a flight of massive stairs.

"For most of my years Miss Ducarte." So he knew her name. She looked at him, tall, thin, gray eyes and gray hair. But he didn't really look old. But he was human, as far as she could tell. He moved with the gait and speed of a much younger man. "So, if I can ask. What does High Captain Belluose deem as suitable attire for dinner?"

"You shall be dressed very well Miss Ducarte. His lords ladies will see to you."Up they went three floors then down another hallway. This place was huge, like a freakin castle. Art and sculpture,the smell of leather bound books and cigars.

Then the crisp scent of freshly cut mint as they stopped before a closed door. The butler knocked twice and it opened. "Please go in Miss Ducarte. When you are ready come out again and I will lead you to dinner."

"Thank you.." She didn't know his name.

"Giles, Miss Ducarte. I am Giles."

"Thanks Giles." She turned and walked in to the room.

It was a massive bed room. She felt like shed stepped back in time, to when shed first seen the inside of Issac's manor. But this place made

Issac's look like the damn Red Dragon Inn. A massive bed,dresses,Armour,nightstands and a desk near a window , a terrace which is where the smell of mint came from as the wind blew in through the open door.

"Miss?" A small voice drew her attention to the left. There stood a woman. Slight in height,with copper hair and pale eyes. "Oh, Hi.." Ravenna hadn't even heard her come in. Nor sensed her there before hand.

"If you would miss, please remove your boots and clothing and lay them on the bed." Ravenna nodded and moved towards the bed,unzipping her jacket as she went,laying out her taser,blaster and pistol,then pulling Le'Cai from her boot before sitting down and pulling those off.

"I don't want anyone touching my things."

"Of coarse not miss. Your items will not be touched."

She shrugged out of her jade green tank top. As she turned to lay it on the bed she heard the woman's intake of breath. She had seen those scars along Ravenna's back. Forty lashings, some more healed than others as time went on. Some would never heal. "Orcs." She said as she slipped out of her pants then laid them out.

The maid nodded. "If you would please go bathe in the wash room. I will set out your clothes for dinner."

Ravenna chuckled. "Sure." She turned and walked in her under wear in to the wash room. It was a massive bathroom, is what it was. A huge tube, an even bigger shower. That she and both the guards could fit in. Stripping out of her under wear she chuckled at that idea. Imagining that Zelphar well he was the rouge, she could tell that and Torolf he was all business.

But she was willing to bet her pay check that they both looked damn good nude.

She showered and washed her hair and came out to find clean under wear. She shook her head and dried off. "Man has control issues." She dried and put on the black lace. "But damn good style."She eyed herself in the mirror before walking out.

There was a dress on the bed besides all of her clothing and weapons.

"If you would miss." The maid stood there and Ravenna nodded to her.

Walking to the dress and picking it up. Long, pretty and deep red, like rich wine. She stepped in to it and allowed the maid to zip her up. Then stepped in to the heels that matched.

"I shall do your make up and hair now, if you will please sit." The maid gestured to the vanity. Ravenna walked to it, she could have style and grace and dress like a lady. But she was at her core still a hard warrior.

She eyed herself in the mirror. The dress was perfectly cut for her form, showing off every angle of her body that was perfect. It showed off her legs through high slights, the curve of her cleavage with a low V neck.

The maid was brushing out her raven hair. Ravenna looked at her, pretty, mid aged, maybe 30. She reminded Ravenna a bit of the women who worked for Issac. "Your used to doing this."

"My lord has a few lady guests now and then. I tend to them. Though your the first woman such as yourself."

"A warrior" Or an elf?"

"Both My lady."

"Just call me Ravenna."

"I am Georgia. You have lovely hair." Ravenna smiled to her and watched as she did magic with her hair. Making it look soft and bouncy. She slid a pin comb of silver through it. Then moved around to look at Ravenna's face. Then Ravenna just closed her eyes.

She didn't mind getting made up, but liked to keep things simple. When you were sweating in the sun our under some ship while doing wiring, you didn't really want any make up on. She usually just went with a light gloss, maybe a bit of blush.

"There."

Ravenna opened her eyes. Georgia had done something with her face. She looked elegant. More like an elf some how. Her cheeks were highlighted, her bright eyes stood out under dark lashes.

"Wow."

Smiling Georgia handed Ravenna a set of earrings that matched the dress. Ravenna smirked and reached up and took out her normal studs and set in the dangling earrings of rich wine toned gems.

"You look very lovely. Giles will lead you down stairs, and I will be here after dinner to help you undress."

Ravenna rose and nodded. "Thanks."She walked to the door. Oh she had grace and style, she could wear anything or nothing at all and pull it off. She opened the door and stepped out. Giles was there. "This way Miss Ducarte." He turned and instead of going towards the stairs headed down the hall way. Ravenna followed.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-06-04 18:59 EST
Ravenna followed noiselessly behind him, even on the floor her heels made no sound. She knew how to move with out making a sound in anything. It was a long old learned skill. Giles led her down the long hallway. He walked with a long smooth stride and Ravenna matched him easily.

There was art on the walls. What one might call tapestries. Old art, new art. There were statues near the far banister and at the end of the hall where it turned and disappeared to the left. Grand, opulent. but not over done. Showing enough class, but not to the point where it would be seen as bragging.

Giles stopped before a set of large oak doors. They had an initiate scroll work on them. The handles were heavy iron in the shape of talons. He reached over and knocked on the right side door. Then he waited. Ravenna was amazed when she heard a voice come through the doors. Giles then pushed them open and gestured her inside.

She crossed past him and in to the room. She expected it to be some sort of bedroom and was amazed that it wasn't. It was more a informal parlor. There was a fire place against the far wall to her right, a set of chairs , a coffee table and a couch. The room was large for being on an upper floor, but she knew he had spared no expense on anything here.

There was a small round table set in the center of the room. Two chairs sat there. There was covered food,wine and candle light. There was no music, which she didn't expect. He wasn't try to woo her. He was trying to show her, just who she was dealing with. She crossed in to the room, not making a sound even with her heels on the wooden floor.

She saw there was a terrace and that a thin line of smoke drifted in from outside. She walked to the table and stood beside it. Waiting. She knew the decorum that she had to follow here. How many times had she sat in her quarters on The Dark Raven,just out of sight while some crew men or fellow captain came in. A bundle of nerves. She had been feared then. Like High Captain Belluose was now. But he didn't know her.

Didn't know that she had dealt with his sort dozens of times. Power and wealth didn't impress Ravenna. Oh sure they were great. But she had spent a life time, decades earning her own coin, then her own credits working in space ports. She wasn't lacking in funds. She had enough that she could live well for the rest of her life. But she choose to work, choose to do her duty to the city that had welcomed her.

But she had to admit the house was grand, the clothing nice, the food would be rich. The wine would be only the best. When he came in to the room from the window terrace he was dressed to impress as he had been earlier. This time the suit was sleeker,finer. The tie matched the color of her dress.

"Miss Ducarte."He crossed the room, with more finesse than she would have thought he was able of. He pulled out one of the chairs by the table and Ravenna slowly sat in to it. Folding her hands in her lap. Waiting. This was a game. Much like chess. Strategy was key. And she had come to see he always made the first move.

He moved to his own chair and sat. He then opened the wine and poured two glasses. When he took his napkin and placed it on his lap, Ravenna mirrored him. When he took the silver cover off his food she did like wise. Move for move she mirrored him. Even as she ate. The food was as she figured it be,rich. Not only by moneys standards but in flavor and texture. Only the best. Like the wine. It was an elven brand, which made her brows rise. He knew how to cater to his audience.

He saw her brows rise and smirked. He always tried to seduce a lovely woman. And she was a hard one. He had an extensive wine cellar, and had asked the best red wine of elven origin be brought up. He had his chef make foods she might enjoy. She ate politely. Slowly. Mirroring his movements. A fine player was she. He had miss read her at first. So pretty, so head strong. But she was wise, she had played games before. But never like his.

He watched her. Fine face and lips. Intense eyes. A very lovely woman. He wondered how much time it would take to seduce her. She wanted information. And he wanted her. It may have not been an even trade. But the alternative wasn't very pretty.

"Shall we discuss terms?" He sat his napkin on his plate and took up the wine before him. "Lets."She didn't reach for her wine but did toss that napkin on to her empty plate. It would likely be the only full meal she would have for a while. She didn't eat like normal person. She ate on the road and sometimes not at all.

"You want information. But not on Captain Mitchel's death. Only on the disappearance of his first mate. Is this correct?" He looked across the table at her and held her gaze.

"That's right." Her gaze didn't waver.

"You said Captain Mitchel's death was murder. How do you know?" He had heard thus himself. That the good captain along with a few others had been murdered. Their star ships ran sacked,parts taken.

"I looked in to it." She stated flatly. He was reaching,trying to get information.

"Hmm." He took a sip and studied her as he savored the wine. "You don't have the look of a Private detective Miss Ducarte." She sat back crossed her legs and took up her wine glass. "I don't have the look of many things Mr. Belluose."

He chuckled to that. Setting down his glass he rose slowly. Ravenna watched him. He was not the type of man that would be easy put off any woman. Most women would gladly fall at his feet. She wasn't that type. He swirled his wine in the glass. Thinking. A woman like her was a worthy opponent. "Alright. I will give you a name. A name of someone you can go and see for your information."

Her brows rose to that. "What's the price of this name?"

"We can delegate over price, once you have the info you need. I will send the name to your room later."

That was her cue to leave. "Alright. Thank you for dinner." She pushed in her chair. He turned and smiled at her. "I expect you to stay in your suite tonight Miss Ducarte. I know your handy at escapes. But your not working tonight."

"I wont go anywhere."She promised.

He walked back towards her setting his wine down as he crossed past the table. He reached up and brushed a fallen strand of raven hair from her fair face. "You may think me a hard cold man Miss Ducarte. That is my reputation. I can be cold and hard if I need to be. But I have never laid a finger on a woman unless she began the fight first. All in fair play."

"Your reputation Mr. Belluose is one of a business man, who's also a pirate. One who plays by his own sets of rules."

"Yes, that would be what most would say about me."He chuckled. "What do you think Miss Ducarte?"

"I think you like to impress. Your house, your employees, your food and wine, the clothes you wear and lend out to guests." He chuckled. "You shoot from the hip and speak as you wish. No wonder your good at your job Miss Ducarte."

"I will take that as a complement." She looked at him, right in to those intense eyes. "You get to know who your dealing with. I can respect that. You like what power can do for you. I can respect that too."

He smirked and lifted her right hand and placed a kiss to it. "So honest. You flatter me. I will send that name to you."He took a step back. "Rest well Miss Ducarte."She nodded to him then turned from the table and walked for the door. She pulled it open and stepped out. Giles stood there hands folded.

She shut the door behind her and he led her back down the hallway towards the room that would be hers for the night. When she got to the room Giles opened the door for her. "Good eve to ye Miss Ducarte."

"Thanks Giles." She smiled to him and stepped in to the room. She slid her feet out of the heels and crossed in to the room. She knew Georgia was waiting for her.

"Was dinner lovely?" The woman asked as she rose from where she had been seated by the window.

"It was lavish." Ravenna watched as Georgia walked over. "You didn't have to wait for me, you know."

Georgia smiled. "Its my job." Ravenna smirked then shed the dress much as she had put it on. Georgia caught the falling garment. "I set some clothing in the wash room for you, as well as fine soap for your face."

Ravenna just smirked and walked again in her underwear to the wash room. She eyed the well done up face in the mirror before washing all the make-up off. When she toweled off her face she shook her head at her own reflection.

Then she found what she assumed was her night attire. Pale blue,silk. Barely enough to call a nightgown. She chuckled and slid it over her head. Leaving her underwear on under neath. She didn't care that little flashes of black lace were seen. She was not sleeping half nude in someone else house. No matter who he was.

She walked out to a turned down bed her items still at the foot of it where she had left them. Nothing had been touched or moved. Georgia was pulling the curtains on the far window. Ravenna sat to the bed and watched her move.

There was a short knock at the door and Ravenna rose to go to it but Georgia got there first. She opened the door and Zelphar stood there. He handed the pretty maid a folded piece of paper.

Georgia took the paper in to Ravenna. "For you miss." She handed it over. "Is there anything I can get you?"

Ravenna eyed the paper and shook her head. "No, thanks."

"Well just ring down if you do."She motioned to the small blue button by the bedside. Then bowed her head and left the room. When the door closed Ravenna opened the paper and starred at the name written there.

Jaecar. Not a name she knew. Was it a first name or a last name"Maybe it was a ship name. There was nothing else on the paper. Folding it over she laid it on the nightstand then stuffed her feet in to the covers. One name better be worth it. Was the thought as she settled in to sleep.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-06-08 22:17 EST
When she woke it was to the scent of coffee.

For a moment she thought she was still at home. Still laying in her own bed. But then she recalled where she lay. Belluose's manor house. Rising from the bed she crossed to the wash room. She found all the items one might hope to find. She brushed her teeth, her hair and used the fine facilitates. When she walked out she wasn't surprised to see Georgia.

"Good morning miss."She came in carrying a tray. "I have coffee and breakfast for ye." Ravenna sat up in the huge bed and nodded to the pretty maid. "Thanks."

"Lord Belluose told me to have ye eat and dress in your wears from the other day, then meet him down stairs."

"Alright."She eyed the tray as it was sat at the edge of the bed. "Thanks."Scooting to the tray Ravenna lifted up the coffee and shook her head, it was just as she liked it. The man of the house did his homework.

On the tray was a croissant some jam, some fresh fruit and juice. Ravenna sipped the coffee as if it were life. She broke the pastry in half with her fingers and took a bite. Well made as if they were in the middle of France.

She dipped the next piece in to the jam. Raspberry, another favored flavor of hers. She ate the full tray full of food, even drank the orange juice.

Figuring she might as take what she got. Rising she pulled her night gown off and dressed in what shed worn over. Jade and black. When Georgia returned for the tray Ravenna was looking at her reflection in the mirror and pulling her hair back.

Georgia smiled to her. "He is down stairs in the drawing room. Giles can show you the way."

"Alright. "Ravenna looked over the room and made sure she left nothing behind, before leaving the room and the pretty kind maid behind. Out side in the hall Giles stood. "Good Morning Miss Ducarte, I hope you slept well."

"Like a rock."She admitted with a grin. He then turned and led her down the stairs. Giles led her around the stairs then down through a new hall way. More art, more light. More amazing things that one like Belluose would have. Dude was richer than rich.

Giles opened a door made of colored glass and wood and Ravenna nodded to him then crossed inside. A drawing room,was just a fancy way to say a room to entertain guests, like a parlor but more polish. The room was a deep red, there was carpet and more art and book cases on the walls. To her left there was a stone fireplace. there were cozy looking chairs and a sofa, along with the normal wing backed chairs she expected to see.

There were windows that looked out to the city beyond. The day light poured in.

Belluose sat in one of those high backed chairs,his left leg crossed over his right knee. He wore yet another suit. This one was a deep chocolate in color. The jacket was over the back of the chair, he wore a light blue button down shirt and no tie. He looked almost relaxed. A cup of coffee sat beside the chair, he had a paper in his hands.

"Good Morning Miss Ducarte." He folded the paper and sat it aside. "Did you sleep well?" He sat back in to the chair hands folding together.

"Yes."She looked to the room then back to him. "You have a lovely home."He chuckled and rose slowly. "I can see by your face you were expecting something different of this room." She nodded absently. "I was expecting more black, more..dark lord look."

He had a good chuckle to that. "Ahh Miss Ducarte. I am man of many tastes. This is one of my most favored rooms. It lets me see the city, and lets me think."

"You gave me a name. But I do not know it."

"Jaecar. No you wouldn't even with all your ties. Jaecar Mikhail."

Ravenna froze at the last name. "Mikhail..?"

Belluose nodded. " You know that name though. I looked in to your history."

Her brows rose at him. "Last night?"

He chuckled. "I knew you were coming to see me Miss Ducarte. You are very good at finding your way, but I have a very loyal bunch, even for pirates." Ravenna chuckled to that softly. "So you looked in to me, what do you think you know?"She turned hand s n her hips and faced him.

"You lost your parents to orcs, were made a slave for many years, then sold like a common slave yourself. Issac Aubron saved you. You lived together in Luac then he showed you the better things of the world beyond. You sailed both sea an sky after his murder. And ended up in Rhydin. Sold your sailing vessel your star ship was already gone, and now you are a freedom fighter. Pirate and pilot. You work with good men and women, and make your self known. "

"Not bad, you left out some."She smirked softly.

"You mean your friends, your now done with affairs with Dacomas Aldurus. Your workings within the city. I know it all Miss Ducarte. I also know your out of your league here. There has been talk of this murderer who killed your boss and former captain. Talk of a demon and a beast. "

Ravenna's eyes never wavered from his. "All true."

He nodded softly. "Dangerous. "

"No more dangerous than Serge was."

Belluose nodded. "Serge Mikhail, former slaver , a half demon like his father before him. Jaecar is all demon Miss Ducarte. He wont like you coming to him. Least of all if his family is involved in all this."

"I will take my chances. Where can I find him?"

Belluose sighed. "He's powerful. I have dealt with him twice. He's much like his grand father. A slave trader. You know where they go."

"Yes I do."She nodded. "Should we discuss price on this information?"

Belluose shook his head then took a step towards her. "My men will be watching you. You got yourself in this fight, for your friends sake. And now your history is coming back to get you, and that which it needs. The price Miss Ducarte, is very simple." He looked own in to her eyes. "If you survive what ever Jaecar may plan for you, you will be getting my help from here on in. You have money and friends. And I have more."

He took her chin in his hand.

She looked up at him. "I will work with you, I don't have to like it." He chuckled to that. "You may think me scum, but I have never traded someone for money. Stolen things yes, taken for myself, yes. But I have never made money on someone's life. I do not like slave traders. They bring the town down."

She kept her eyes on him. "At least that we can agree on."

He smirked. "The other price Miss Ducarte. Is that if you live through the next coming months through all the hell that is likely to happen, that you come back here to me, and work for me on a few things. I could use a woman of your talents."

She saw that look in his eyes and smirked. "I don't make a habit of sleeping with my bosses." He grinned at her.

"Then we wouldn't sleep. Everything is negotiable Miss Ducarte. You have done things for money, for rank. I could give you anything you wished. You have never known a friend like me."Ravenna let her gaze linger on his. "I will agree. For now."

He nodded and backed away. "Good."He looked to the windows. "Zelphar will see you out."

The big drow stood in the open doorway. Ravenna nodded then. "Good Day to you Lord Belluose." She turned and let Zelphar lead her from the room. When she got to the main doors Giles held them open and Torolf stood outside.

She crossed through and looked back at the two hulking guards. "See you guys around." She turned on a heel. She would head home first, change and arm up then she would go where the slave traders met and deal with Jaecar.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-06-08 22:28 EST
There is something to be said for power. Something real.

Its more than money, or fame. Its more than reputation. Its everything and nothing.

As she left her house behind she thought of the people who would return to it. The small little gray cat that slept inside now. The little tabby was the color of ash with black paws. Who she had yet to name.

She had armed her self. She had slipped in to the best gear she had. And now she was walking towards a place she had sworn she would never step foot in. Every sailor of sea or sky knew where to find them. Knew where to go. The slaver quarter was well known.

You could buy ,sell and trade lives here for gold or other lives. Ravenna Had worn her captains hat,Her raven hair down, dressed head to toe in all black. Armed with every weapon she could think of needing.

She had her data pad hidden inside her left boot, turned on but silent. If she went missing Kelvin could find her. Her other arms at hand were hidden save for the saber and pistol at her side.

She walked the darkened streets, down the alley way. She knew eyes watched her. But she paid them no mind. Nor did she look at the cages she passed, some had eyes that looked out at her, pleading.

She could not save them all. No matter how much she wanted to. One mission at a time. She came tot he door, small wooden with a small slit window in it. She lifted her gloved hand and knocked twice. The slit in the door opened and a pair of eyes looked out. " Oui."

"The sails that sail are blue as waves." She spoke the code word she had paid to get. The slit closed and the door opened. On the other side stood a very short man who climbed down from a very old stool.

"Ye be new."He looked to the tall, raven haired darkly dressed woman. Ravenna looked down at him with a glare that could have stopped a heart. "Two stones thrown end up flat at the bottom." She quipped to him and his brows rose. " Lord Mikhail be expecting you?"

She gave the short man another look. "Would that matter?"

He smirked tot hat and hurried off across the room. It was a tavern at best, a bar, stools and the smell of rum and ale. Women walked serving men mostly, but there were a few women about. Some sat beside pirates who hung on to them with chains others used male slaves as foot stools. Ravenna walked towards the bar and sat. Behind the bar stood a busty brunette. "Something to drink there lass?"

"The lady will have some wine ."A male voice came from above and there he was Jaecar Mikhail. Tall like his kin before him. His hair was black, as were his eyes. Much like Caila's eyes. He had a hawk like nose, his skin was dusky not as dark as a drow, but very dusky as if he was from some where of sand dunes. He came down the steps and right behind him came the beast of a man Caila's man. Jaecar crossed down in to the room and the beast of man walked on and out the door.

Ravenna watched him with wide eyes. So they did know each other. This could end badly. Jaecar took up a seat next to Ravenna. "So, I hear your looking for information."

"That's right."She didn't take off her hat, nor dare to look at him in the eye. As the wine was placed before them both she eyed it. It could be poisoned, or have some sort of enchantment upon it.

"A pretty lass like you. Can't be hard to find what you need. Tell me what can I do for you?" His voice was a purr, seductive.

"Captain Mitchel's ship Trice Lady Luck went on the market after his first mate went missing. All my sources led me here." Jaecar smirked looking towards the darkly dressed pirate woman. He couldn't make out her face with her hat shadowing it, but her voice was pure silk.

"That right. You looking for the first mate?"

"I figure he's dead."

Jaecar smirked and chuckled. " No no...he's alive. I can show you if you like."

Ravenna met his gaze now. Shed dawned pale contacts, and done up her face so she didn't look anything like Ravenna Ducarte. She looked more like a vampire. "I want that ship. So if he's alive that's an issue for me."

"Ah."he looked in to those pale eyes. So lovely. To find a fold member in his bar. "I can take you to him."

"What's the going price?"

"Your name?" He smirked. He loved a deadly immortal woman.

" Giseile."

"Giseile, such a lovely name. Come."He rose and held out his hand. "I will take you to him." Ravenna offered her gloved hand and led him lead her. They walked through a side door then down a flight of steps, then down further in to the under belly of the city. It was poorly lit, but that made no difference. Here there were more cages more cells, some with people in them, others with beasts. She paid none of them any mind, nor the smell of blood and sex that wafted through the air.

Jaecar came to a cell door and opened it. Within huh a man, nude, barely breathing. "Oh Smithy, someone's here to see you." The man looked up and saw the darkly dressed woman and screamed. "No...no no...please...I already gave you the papers...let me go."

Ravenna turned to Jaecar. "Could I have some time with him?"She pulled a pouch from her side, it was filled with coins and gems she dropped it in to Jaecar's hand. He grinned. "Take all the time you want." He took his payment and walked away.

Ravenna walked in to the cell and closed the door behind her,once she was sure she was alone with the man she lowered her hat from her head. Smith Lee Jacobs looked at her. "Miss Raven?"

"Shh." Ravenna held her fingers to her lips. "I am sorry Smithy. I am sorry for all this. Captain Mitchel is dead, his ship will be sold. His crew has disbanded to move to other things. His space ship is in shambles. And I am looking in to his murder."

"It was Jaecar and that demon witch of his.." He whimpered and whispered. "I know." She looked to the man, hung there bloody, bruised naked as the day he was born. "They will kill you. They have no more reason to keep you."

"They know I know something about what they seek."

Ravenna sighed. "You haven't told them."

"No. I couldn't they beat it all out of me, but I wont give you up."

"Much honor. "She slid a plain dagger from her boot. "They will bring in mages and wizards and get it out of you. I can not allow that to happen." She stepped towards him.

He watched her with wide eyes. "Your going to kill me.."

"No, Giseile is going to kill you." She reached up with the dagger and made two very small holes in his neck. The blood started to flow down. "The tip has been given a special resin, that will make it look like the vampire who entered drank you dry."

"You have no blood on your lips.."He stammered trying in vain against his chains. " Giseile would not waste a drop." She sheathed the dagger then slid her hat back over her head.

The blood flowed faster and faster down his neck. But as it flowed it seemed to vanish. It was all apart of the game. Ravenna had magic at her hand. When at last the man was dead, there was a touch of blood at his neck, the bite marks and nothing more.

Turning from him she opened the door. She walked out slowly and smirked when Jaecar met her at the top of the stairs.

"Did you enjoy him?" He asked, smirking.

"I fear you will not be very happy with me."She said in a sweet voice. "My passions over came me and I killed him."

Jaecar snapped a glance at her. "That wasn't wise. I needed information from him."He reached down and grabbed her arm. He then pulled her up the steps.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-06-10 15:47 EST
"This will hurt a moment."

Ravenna sat in chair with her arm exposed. It was pale white like a true vampires. And Jaecar had been slowly torturing her now for an hour. And yet Ravenna had not creamed, nor begged or cried. For she was Giseile, a vampiress with no moral compass and no feelings what so ever. Pain was nothing to her.

"Promise." She asked sweetly.

"I have scored your arm, let you bleed your immortal blood, burned you, marred you and yet still you do not beg or scream."

"Did you want me to?" Smirking at him.

"Damn it...woman. That man had information I needed and you drank him dry."

"I paid you. Is that not enough?"

Jaecar swore. " Information is better than gold or gems."

"What if I told you he told me something...would you let me go?"

Jaecar smirked. "What did he tell you?"

"Your looking for something, two things right. He said that if I swore not to drain him he'd tell me where one was. So I swore I wouldn't."

"You lied to him."

"I was hungry. Besides, he was of no real use to me. You plan to buy Thrice Lady Luck do you not?"

"I was going to, but Belluose beat me to it."

"Ahh, well shame. But the information. Smithy said the ring was hidden on the beach by where once was docked a ship called The Raven. Buried like treasure. "

Jaecar's brows rose. "At the pier...hmm. Smart. The Raven...that ship has been gone for many years now." He slowly untied the pretty vampiress. "Forgive me for my cruel nature."

Looking to her bloody, bruised arm she merely shrugged. "It will heal. You torture well Sir. "She pressed her hands to his chest. He grinned at her. "Your lovely Giseile, but I have no interest in your kind."

Batting her lashes at him she shrugged. "Alright. I suppose I will be on my way. Perhaps I could sway Belluose to give me Thrice Lady Luck."

Jaecar smirked. "What does a vampire want with a ship?" "I have my plans for it." She shifted away. Then out of his sight.

Jaecar called in his men then, they would search the beach at dawn.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-06-10 15:49 EST
Ravenna left the seedy side of town and once it was gone out of sight she knelt to the ground and winced. Her arm throbbed, it burned. Reached towards her hidden data pad but that movement made her wince.

"Miss Ducarte.." A voice whispered and she looked up to see Zelphar. the massive drow knelt to the ground. "Your arm." He saw it. It was burnt, as if someone had held a flame to it. It was bloody covered was and bruised.

"Jaecar.." His voice darkened. "He did this. Did he Torture you?"

Ravenna shook her head. "I am more skilled than at Zelphar." She eyed her arm. "I need to get home."

Zelphar shook his head. "No. Your coming with me. I will take you to the manor, where a doctor can see you. You need to get that arm treated." He knew she would argue so he just took her up in his arms from where she bent low.

She wanted to fight him but the pain was spreading through her veins. If she had been a vampire as she had been playing the wounds would have healed by now. But since she was elven what ever methods Jaecar had used on her were harming her more deeply.

She felt Zelphar moved. He had a very smooth gait. She looked to her arm. It didn't look good. She felt suddenly very weak. "Zelp...my friends.."

"Belluose will make sure they are contacted and kept safe.." He looked down at her she seemed so small in his arms. "Ravenna.." He saw her eyes, they looked so pale. "Ravenna.."

Ravenna blinked at him and then the world went black.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-06-10 16:02 EST
"Anna..?" Ravenna reached out her hand and didn't find Anna's but Belluose's strong hand. She blinked and sat up slowly. She lay in the bed she had when she stayed there, her arm bandaged from shoulder to wrist.

"Your friends were here. I called them. Anna was not happy. Kelvin, well he was mad too. But taken back by my home. He wants to come back and check out the specs to my security system."

Ravenna smirked to that and then noted she wore only her underwear and the sheets. "Uh.."

"You had a fever. The doctor had Georgia put you in an ice bath."He reached over and pulled a mug from the night stand. "The doc also said to drink this."

"Oh."Not that it mattered to her, she was hardly the shy type. She took the mug, in it was tea. She took a slow sip. "How bad is the arm?"

"It will heal. Zelphar said you looked tortured but said you weren't want to explain that now" "

"I went in disguise. "

"Yes, the Doc found your pale lenses .And noted you used some magic's on yourself."

Ravenna smirked. "I went in like a vampiress. Giseile. There was no way I was going in there as Ravenna Ducarte. And a good thing too. That beast of man works with Jaecar, and likely the demon woman I saw too. H head people and animals in cells. Slaves."

"And Thrice Lady Lucks first mate?"

"He's dead. He was hung up like a man being torture for info. He gave them everything but my name. They would have sent in mages to break him."

"So you killed him." There was no judgment in the voice. "Yes, I killed him. I made it look like Giseile had drained him. Jaecar didn't like it. He went about torturing her, only the arm. I didn't break my cover."

"Damn it Ravenna! " He rose and paced away. "He could have killed you. He could have found you out."

"But he didn't. And I gave him something. Something we can use."She had seen him with that quiet rage before, but this was out spoken rage. Red hot.Belluose's brows rose. "I told him that Smithy had said something was hidden at the beach near the pier where The Raven once docked, hidden like treasure." She smirked.

"How does that help us?"

"Its not what he's looking for."

"Le'Cai and Sa'Roir."She nodded to that. "You do your home work. " He smirked, "Anna told me. Sweet woman. She cares about you, they both do."

Ravenna shook her head. "This is dangerous Belluose, you and I know that."

"I know. Don't worry. I have eyes on them both. I have eyes all over this city Ravenna. No one you care for will fall in this venture...The items Jaecar wants aren't there at the beach, what is?"

"Something that the right marksmen could explode from a vantage point."

"Gun powder?"

"And rocket fuel."A smirk. "Jaecar will wait till day break to go looking, but he wont dig then. He will wait till night fall again. That's when someone hits his men. I figure two or three will go down."

"Jaecar wont be there." Ravenna smirked to that. "You don't think so' I do. You have no idea how much he wants those items."

Belluose looked to the dagger and ring that sat on the night stand, her items all lay close at hand. Shed gone out armed to the teeth and had only used one dagger. "You didn't use Le'Cai to kill the first mate, why?"

"Its a pure blade, while its seen its share of blood. I would never use it for murder."

"You saved him."

"I killed him. With out a second thought."She sat the empty tea cup down beside her.

"He would have given you up Ravenna." She nodded to that. "Then I'd be dead. And Le'Cai and Sa'Roir in the hands of a demon."

"Anna said, she told me what you saw. Its not the man you loved."

"Issac is dead, his body would have never survived. Its a shell, a mask. Some sort of illusion."He nodded. "What if this Caila doesn't need the dagger and ring to bring this man who wears Issac's mask back to life. What if they just need the rest of the parts then, he's up. Walking talking."

"He would have cyber parts then."Then it clicked in her mind. "They plan to send the mask to find me...to use it to get the dagger and ring."

"My thoughts exactly. A ring that can become any weapon through the power of love. And if you would give it back to 'Issac', it would be because part of you loves him still. Then the demon would be able to rise."

"Not Serge..and Jaecar is already a demon...what demon?"

"A true force. Something of pure darkness."He shook his head. "I am thinking its the father of their line, some pure force demon. Something from some dark hellish world or plane.."

"Oh boy.."Ravenna ran her hand through her hair while still holding on to the sheets with the other. "Your walking around with a target on your back Ravenna."

"I do that." She smirked. "It wont come to the point where this demon awakens. I wont let it happen. Kelvins is on it, looking in to what parts are left .."

"Yes, the young man is very keen on finding all the info he can. But you shouldn't be out there, fighting alone." She could hear the concern in his voice. "Don't you start. I have been doing this kind of work my whole life. Target on my back or not. I don't want Anna or Kelvin in this any deeper. "

"I wasn't speaking of them Ravenna." He paced back she noted he wasn't in a suit. He wore relaxed black pants and a plain t shirt. "Gonna led me Zelphar and Torolf?"

"For starters. I told you I have eyes every where in this city. I have allies. And now I am one of yours."

She sighed softly and laid back in to the bed. She closed her eyes and shook her head. She could argue with him but figured the chances of her winning were slim to none. "Fine." She muttered and sunk lower in to the bed.

He smirked and looked back to her and she saw he had his hand up to his ear and knew he was calling in favors owed. She rolled her eyes and pulled the covers over her head. She eyed her arm as she hung out under that sheet. She wondered how bad it was under that bandage. It no longer burned, and only held a slight twinge of pain to it.

She lay there till she heard no sounds then lowered the sheet. She started to sit up when she noted he lay at the foot of the bed eying her. "What?"

He chuckled. "Thought I left didn't you?" She smirked, "your stealthy for a big guy." That got him to smirk. "You need to rest, no running around."

"I wasn't planning on running around. I was planning to call Anna." He shook his head. "I spoke to her, she will have some of your things dropped here. Your staying here Ravenna, till the doctor clears you. And no argument. I know you could easily slip out any open window. But I am hoping you wont."

She sat forward and left the sheet where it was. "Trying to seduce me, you know that doesn't work."He looked at her,tan skin, dark hair, wild blue eyes. Only in her under garments. She was beautiful, she was stubborn and strong. All things he enjoyed in his bed mates. But he looked to her bandaged arm then looked back in to her eyes.

"Not tonight. Perhaps another night. But not tonight. Tonight you will lay back down and sleep. Georgia will tend to you and until the Doctor says your alright. Your not leaving this manor. Zelphar and Torolf are on watch duty. The grounds are covered. Your friends know where you are and will be back. But for now, rest."

Ravenna looked at him then lay back against the pillows. "Why are you helping me?"

"Because I can, and because I want to. I see talent and I invest in it. I am invested in this quest of yours Ravenna. And in you. I don't lightly pass along investments. Their good business."

She sighed and closed her eyes. Before she even knew it she was sleeping soundly.

He watched her for a long time. She slept so soundly, that was the teas work. For a woman with such energy such passion,her face was so soft when she slept. He rose and left the room. Georgia awaited his orders. "See to her when she wakes. Keep an eye on her."

"Yes sir."

He nodded and walked towards Giles. "You keep an eye on her too. Zelphar and Torolf are paroling the grounds. The others are fanned out over the grounds and city."

"Very good sir."Giles smiled. Belluose looked at the man who smiled widely. "What?"

"Nothing sir. I will see to Miss Ducarte. She is quite lovely is she not?"

Belluose chuckled. "Subtle Giles...yes she lovely. She's freakin stunning."He lifted a hand and ran it over his shaven head. "She could have been killed, stubborn thick headed woman."

"She is not fearful of death my lord. Much like yourself."

Belluose chuckled to that. "I have lived years in this god forsaken city. And seen a lot of death, and come close to it myself. She's lived life times longer than me...and yet I still have this urge."

"To protect her?" Giles asked smiling. "To help her Giles. And yes to protect her. Though she doesn't need it."

Giles smiled and gave a soft chuckle. "Everyone needs help now and then my lord. And you have helped many." Belluose shook his head. "Not enough Giles. She walked in to the slavers market. That place should have been put down ages ago. Its risen back up again. I plan to help her, though it may be the death of me."

Giles shook his head. "I think not sir. Your far too stubborn to die." Belluose smirked. "True. "He glanced back to Ravenna's closed door. Giles followed his gaze. "Georgia will look after her sir, as I will. The men will not let her leave. But I do not think she will. She is stubborn yes, but she is also smart."

"If she were any smarter I would be in trouble."He shook his head then gave Giles a pat on the shoulder. "I am going down to the work out room. Get her anything she needs, anything at all."

"Yes Sir."

Belluose walked past Giles and down the steps out of sight. When Georgia came out of the room Giles stopped her. "He's taken with her."

Georgia smiled. "Its about damn time. She's sleeping soundly. I will check her arm when she wakes." The pretty maid hurried along then and Giles leaned to the railing. Smiling.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-06-13 22:00 EST
(warning post contains sexual innuendo)

Belluose walked in to his war room. It was part planning room part training room. There was everything a man could want and more. He went at the weights first.

He thought of all the things Jaecar could have done to Ravenna and cursed. He'd given her the name, sent her there.Sure Zelphar and Torolf had followed her but they hadn't been able to help her. He should have had her more closely followed.

She was crafty. At least.He sat the weights down after a few dozen reps and looked over to the bag that hung from the celiling. He walked over and lifted up the black tape from the floor and started to wrap his hands.He fell in to it. Thinking about Jaecar as he went at the bag with his fists and feet.

He was going to end him. He was going to find a way and end him. He was going to help Ravenna and she would no longer be in such danger. As the bag swung back and forth he shook his head. She had been in danger before. He had a full file on her now. Oh Kelvin didn't want to give it over, but in the end he had. Now Belluose knew everything. Every last detail of her life.

She had faced so much. Fought so many foes. She had even sought death at one point going after Serge. But she had been saved. He didn't linger too long on the man who had saved her loved her and now left her.She didn't speka of him. And Belluose wasn't going to bring him up.

He wasn't sure that he was any better than Jaecar. She deserved to be loved. He went back at the room going from machine to machine then he ran laps around the large square room.Running off the burning rage.

He had tossed his shirt off somwehere in the middle and only stopped to guzzle water.Letting the sweat run down over his form, till he felt the fury was starting to eb. He then went back to the bag and went at it again. A firm picture forming in his mind.

"So.."Ravenna leaned in the door jam wearing a long blue robe, her feet were bare, her hair looked freshly brushed. "You gonna kill that punching bag, or let it live?"

He stopped in his punching when he heard her voice. He looked around the bag at her. "You should be upstairs."

"I snuck down with Giles' help. Georgia looked at my arm and rewrapped it."She lifted the wrapped arm. "Nice training room."She smirked looking over it all, it had everything one might want out of a true training room. Even machines that others might see as magic. She eyed the weapons on the far wall. "Can you use all those, or are they just wall art?"

He took a step out from behind the bag and shook his head at her then looked to his weapon wall, which held almost every weapon he had ever known and become well versed in. "What do you think?"

"I bet you can."She looked at him. Outside of his normal suit attire. Dripping with sweat. He was formed well, that much she could say. He was very fit, and tan. She could see that if he had not chosen this life he would have been a fine warrior. And perhaps he had been, at some point in his life. A man didn't get that fit with out some hard work in his past.

He watched her as she looked at him. "Can you?"

She smirked and looked over to the wall, there were so many wepaons. "Not all of them. Blades, bow and arrow, new tech gadgets, pistols. " He nodded and walked towards the wall.

"Your blade of choice would be Le'Cai. But you had a saber on you when you went to see Jaecar."

"Pirate blade for a pirate. I also had knives and daggers, Le'Cai and my pistol." He chuckled to that. "You left your Taser and blaster at home though."

"Anna dropped them with my things. Jaecar would have seen through the ruse if I had taken them."

He nodded and took down a wooden quarter staff from the wall. He gave it a spin, and did a few moves with it. Ravenna watched him. "In another life time you could have been a warrior." He smirked to that and leaned the staff to the wall. "I sailed for many years Ravenna. I was a warrior. I came in to my wealth through time. Trade and good investments." He walked towards her.

She met his gaze. Then note he bore a long thin scar across his chest. And another, this one was a scar that could have been from a bow or from a well placed shot with a gun. She took a step forward and traced that scar. "Gun or arrow?" She said as she pressed her fingers along the round raised scar there in his well formed chest.

"Gun." He looked down at her slim fingers on his scar. "I was young and stupid." She smirked to that, then ran her fingers over that long thin scar that went over his chest down towards his abs. "And this?"

"An elven blade." Her brows rose to that. "Long sword?"

"Aye, thin like a foil, but strong as any iron blade. Cut right through me, nearly killed me." She traced the scar back up. "Its older than the gun wound, how old were you?"

"Eighteen and new to a new land."

"And the elf who sliced you?" She let her hand lie there on his chest. "I deserved it. I had landed with a party of men, pirates. They were not all good people. Many killed the elves, and the elves hit us back. "

"Yet you lived." She inched a bit closer. He nodded.

"They took me away captive, bleeding to death and healed me. Their healer gave me something. I am still not sure what it was to this day. But when I awoke I was healed and felt as I never had before."

"Vara tel' Seldarine, Ama poldora " She spoke the elven words softly. "Protection and strength. Healing magic's, likely too."

He nodded. "I've never felt anything like it since. I stayed with them, the elves. Most of the crew had been killed the few that got away, took the ship."

Her eyes looked up to his. "Being healed by an elf can be an experience. Powerful. Magical. Staying with them can be something different, always depends on the elves. Any more battle wounds?" He looked down at her, across her fair face, in to those blue eyes. "A few. You have some yourself."

"Anna told me she spilled the beans. I called her. She was worried I would be mad."She smirked. She hand't been mad. Though in the past she might have been. "Are you?"

"No. You would have found out one way or the other. Does it bother you knowing I have battle scars?" "Not all of them are from battle."

"The whip scars. I tried to escape. Orcs you know. It was long ago. I was a girl. I'm not any more." She was up close to him. "No your not.."He felt her breath, her skin. She took a slow long step backwards. As she moved he watched her open and let that robe drop off.

She wore nothing under it. If his heart had not already been racing it would have jumped out of his chest at that moment. "Ravenna.." She looked to him and smiled. "Something wrong?" She ran her hands through her hair, then took two long fluid strides back to him, so she was an inch from him. "Not what you imagined?"

She stood there bare. And every ounce of blood raced from his head to another part.Long and lean, tan and tone. A fine form. He wanted her, he had wanted her from the moment he had first seen her.

He looked at her as she walked, and then in to her eyes as she stepped close to him. He had to fight the need to touch her. To kiss her. She ran her hands down his strong arms and lifted them to her bare sides. He felt the warmth of her skin,then as his fingers move he felt the raised edges of the scars that mared her back.

"Ravenna.." She looked up in to his eyes. "Shh.."She pressed her finger to his lips. "Its been on your mind from the moment we met. What I would feel like, taste like."She rose to her toes and kissed him softly.

He was utterly shattered the moment she kissed him. Every ounce of strenght he had was lost. She wasn't wrong he had been thinking about what she would taste like, what her skin would feel like. And now he had her, her taste. It flooded him.

He took her lips, his hands wrapping over her back. He shutered when her form pressed to his. He found himself pushing her back for the padded wall. He lost himself in the feeling of her skin, in the curves of her body. He trailed his fingers over the lines of those whip scars, then over her hips.

"I shouldn't do this.." His hands trailed his hands down over her fine form. Her eyes flickered open to catch his. "Why not?"

He looked in to her eyes. God she was stunning, and sexy. And she had a wonderous body. Tan and tone, with lovely curves.Utterly perfect, even with its assorted scars. "Your injured." She smriked at that."I am not a fragile piece of glass."She ran her fingers down his arms. "I still shouldn't."He started to pull from her, even though he wanted nothing more than to form his hands over every curve.

"Then I will." She grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him back to her, back to her lips.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-06-28 20:36 EST
When he woke they were on the floor, covered by a blanket. He looked over to Ravenna. Her head lay on his shoulder. Her eyes closed.So soft, so serene.

He shook his head. He ran his hand through her raven hair. "Your thinking, I can hear it." Ravenna smirked trailing a finger up his chest.He chuckled, he thought she was sound asleep. "I am thinking we shouldn't have done that."

Proping herself up she looked to him,someone had covered them with a blanket. "Hmm then I am guessing I shouldn't do this." She kissed his chest softly then smirked. "Or this." She kissed higher. "Or this." She nipped at his lips when she with drew.

Looking down at him she smirked.Sliding so she lay over him. He gazed up at her and smirked. His hands flowed over her hips then up. "I can say. I like the view."

She chuckled. "Do you?" She sank down on to him and saw his eyes fall closed for a moment as his hand gripped her hip. "Yes.." His hands rose up over her as they had hours before. Trialing her fine form.

When she lowered herself to him he claimbed her lips. "I don't make a point of sleeping with my investments." She chuckled to that. "Then we wont sleep." Mirroring what he had said not so long ago. Grinning as she rode him towards the edge.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-06-30 21:33 EST
The room was now dark, he hadn't needed the light earlier but now that the sun was down the room was bathed in shadows. Still they lay on the padded floor covered by a large blanket. His mind ran wild. Thinking of all they had done, and all he still wanted to do.

"Your thinking again." Her voice in the darkness beside him. He found her eyes, blazing blue. "No regrets. Life is too short." He chuckled to that. "Ravenna. Did you intend on seducing me when you came down here before?"

She chuckled softly. "I woke up in that big bed and Georgia tended to my arm. Its looked better."She admitted. "Then I got to talking with her. You have a soft spot for hard cases."

He grinned at that in the darkness. " I see talent and I hire talent. Sure many of the captains under me are scum, but none of them trade in flesh or bone. They may rob, pillage and burn. They have killed, but so have I...and Georgia is one of my fondest helpers here."

"High Captain Louis Belluose, a soft heart under all that reputation."Her fingers graced his chest. "I like the way you say my name...more so when I do this." His hand slid down over her form,cupping her here and stroking her there. Ravenna sighed and moaned softly. "Say my name Ravenna.."

Her eyes flickered open to meet his in the darkness . "Louis." He grinned at her and pulled her in close. "Its late, and no ones come looking for us."

She smirked, "Someone covered us." He nodded, "Giles. I expect my staff is a buzz about this." She smirked at that. "Could tell them I seduced you. Took you by surprise." He saw her grin and chuckled. "I could." He rolled over her and pinned her down to the floor mat. "Or I could say I ravished you."

"Hmm.."She gave his broad shoulders a long slow stroke. "I like both." He smirked and kissed her then rolled off and up to his feet. He stood there nude in the darkness. Ravenna could just make him out in the shadow of the room. "Your not the usual type of man I tend to get involved with."She sat with that blanket around her.

He smirked and pulled on his loose pants, then padded to the wall and flipped on the light. Ravenna blinked to the brightness. When she opened her eyes he was holding out his hand to her. She rose letting the blanket fall.

He gazed over her then offered her that blue robe. She took it with a smirk. "Spoil sport." He took a step and claimed her mouth. "Later...right now lets go up and get some food, I'm starving."

"Mmm good plan."

He took her hand and they left the training room behind.

They found Giles in the kitchen with the cooks and chefs. "Ahh good eve sir, Miss."Giles tipped his head to them both. "Are we ready for dinner?"

"Yeah, make it something good. We will take it out side."He smiled then pulled Ravenna along. Giles turned to the kitchen chew. "You have your orders."

He walked with her outside to a high set terrace that looked over the city. "Wow.."Ravenna walked to the wall and looked out, it was like being on a parapet of a castle. She could see the city beyond. The dim lights, the forest beyond, the far off view of the ocean.

"Nice view."She leaned on the stone.

"Gives one a view of the city."He took a lean beside her and she smirked over to him. "A view on your investment." She leaned there side long. "So why Rhydin" Did you end up here like half the lot of us" By chance?"

Giles and Georgia came out with the food and Ravenna moved right to the table and smiled at her chair being held out. "Enjoy you meal sir, miss." Giles turned and left then Georgia following behind.

Ravenna dug right in and as he sat he chuckled. "And here I thought I was the hungry one." He took a bite of food, a sip of the offered wine. Ravenna grinned at him after she swallowed. "So?"

"No I didn't choose Rhydin. I stayed with the elves a while, till another landing party came. I fought a long side the elves this time. For I had come to love the area. When the landing party was defeated I took the ship. I couldn't man the ship myself. Nor could I sway any to join me. So I took the long boat. I sailed in that for a while, isle to isle. Till I found one with a decent port. I met Zelphar in one. And Torolf in another. They have been with me ever since. When I at last had a ship and a crew we went around doing what pirates tend to do."

Ravenna swirled her wine. "Was their a lovely lass that stole your heart with those elves?"

"No. My endeavors with women are short. I have known few women. My tastes seem to go towards the dangerous types." He smirked at her.

"Oh so I am a dangerous type." She took a sip and smirked. " So when did you end up here?"

"When I was about thirty. I slowly made a name for myself. I had amassed gold and gems. I had also made a name for myself. I bought the manor. " Ravenna grinned "What about Giles?"

"He was once the cook on my ship. He was younger then, but we all were. The only two who don't seem to show that are Zelphar and Torolf."

"Its the drow blood in Zelphar and the barbarian in Torolf." She grinned taking another bite of food. She eyed him over the glasses and lit candles.

Giles came out and handed Belluose a piece of a paper. "Thank you Giles"

"Jaecar's men have been scoping the city for the vampiress known as Giseile. His men were seen on the beach. A watch put on the beach and the docks. Someone stole something from the wrong captain. Jaecar will not be going to the spot you hinted at for a few more days. "

He handed the paper over to her and she took it and read the note. "Then there is time to plan. Giseile wont be found, she hinted at coming to talk to you."

"Then I will deal with that. There are plenty of vampires in this town to kill. Two birds one stone."

"You have eyes on Jaecar, and he has eyes on you?"

"He tries. His eyes never get past mine. If your worried about security."

"Not really." She shifted her leg under the table and ran her foot up his leg. " I do not mind being in danger." She saw him smirk. "No you invite it."

Ravenna shrugged and leaned forward her elbows on the table. "I have lived a long time. I have been close to death, even intimately close. Danger is nothing new, not in this world or any other."

"Not that its any of my business." He leaned a bit deeper upon the stone. Ravenna smirked at him. "Two hundred and twenty eight years." She could read his face and smirked at his risen brow. "You didn't spend very long with those elves. You would have learned we can be very long lived."

" Your records say Two hundred twenty."

She just smirked at him. "How much did you find out?"

"Anna and Kelvin old me some, but I had a file pulled on you. I have connections."

"Umm hmm."She smirked at him. "Its one thing to read it all or be told it by others. Its another to hear it from me." He looked over at her their meal was done the dishes were cleared away,and they were left with their wine and the view.

"So do you plan to tell me?"

She looked out at the city then back to him. "Later." She crossed back to the table lifted her wine glass and wandered in to the manor. He followed her.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-07-04 11:23 EST
She had a new toy now.

A band of heavy, unadorned but blackened steel spans the first knuckles of the lobstered gauntlet, while much of the rest is enameled black with some silver bands. The palm is made of black supple deerskin, and a thin web of fine chain links protects the webbing of the thumb.

It was perfect for the missions at hand. When dealing with unknown forces and those she had seen and felt. She had left the manor that night and gone off to her second of most loved jobs. She had met up with Kelvin and Anna. Then gotten her nice new gift from Casur.

The price was simple that she promise to return from her dirty dealings, and to teach him some stealth and tech. Those last two things would be easy the other. Well she was waiting now on Kelvin and on Louis.

They had things to look in to before she could go off hunting.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-07-04 11:24 EST
Waiting was never her style. She had to try out her new toys. So when she showed up at the inn two nights later feeling a bit beaten and looking as such. Reaching in to her back pocket and pulled out her data pad looking over those images Kelvin had sent her.

Six more items. She gave her screen a double tap and pulled up the specs for the ruined Harper's Folly. Counting the items taken, then the others reported from the crime scenes from the days that had followed. She added the item taken the night she was tossed like a rag doll. Six more. She tapped in a note to herself and saved it. Looking at her bandaged left arm she knew it would be a few more days.

If all went well and the guards let up on Jaecar things would flow easier. There ad been no more deaths and no sightings of the demon woman nor her pet beast. She lingered at the inn with a drink watching the kittens and Minotaur. Smiling at the lovely antics of what could be a almost normal life.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-07-04 11:26 EST
She couldn't say she had never known friends like she had now. She had known a great many good people. But the friends she had now she treasured. She looked at herself in the back bar mirror after spending the night above in a room and smirked at the new earrings and necklace.

Trinkets and tokens from Andu.

She had been allowed to pick from some of his treasures. "The earrings provide protection for one's mind. The singles make the mind of the wearer invisible to powers and spells that could otherwise locate them. Others provide protection against attacks. The matched pairs do both. "He had just let her have them at no price. Though he could have charged her for them.

The necklace she now wore reminded her of something she might have found in Las Belin Port. "That one will keep your skin whole against most blades that don't have enchantments upon them, and many that do. It is also equally effective against bullets, though you would still have to deal with the force of the impact itself. " It would prove to serve her well.

In her line of work she could cross both blade and pistol. It was perfect for her light weight,pretty but not fancy. It was spooky how much it was like the one from so long ago. Andu hadn't been able to recall where he had gotten it. But she felt as if she was indeed meant to have it.

She felt good to have good friends. Not just Anna and Kelvin. Burt Andu and the kittens as well as the rag tag groups of pirates, pilots and others she had gotten to know in Rhydin.

In the next two nights she found she felt more that she belonged in this city. Even through her long days and longer nights. Louis was busy most nights and half the time she would go back to her house and find Anna and Kelvin asleep so she would wander the city end up at the inn and sleep. She had grown found of Little Lilloni and give the girl a few little gifts now. Including a lapis stone and now ninniach leuthil. Its was from Las Belin.

It had the color of mother of pearl, but as it sat in Ravenna's hand it shimmered through every color in the rainbow. It was part of a larger whole and she had a few smaller pieces herself and it would do the girl good in such a dangerous city. She wanted to protect who she could.



(adapted from live play: Many thanks to Andu)

Ravenna

Date: 2014-07-25 18:56 EST
There is something to be said for immortality. Living forever isn't just a novel idea. Its something mortals think about everyday. And its something those of us who are immortal think about more often than not. As days turn to years and years to decades,decades to centuries. Two hindered years. Its not something to look balefully at.

Two weeks had passed and there hadn't been a blip. Not a sign of the beast man. Nor Caila. Ravenna had made herself busy. Trying to teach Casur some of her own stealth. It was a work in progress. Not everyone was meant to walk like an elf.

Grinning now as she headed toward the manor. She thought of the little progress he had made. And how she would go about the next lesson.

Teacher.

There was something she had not been in this respect.

Sitting outside her house as the dawn broke. How often had she watched the sun rise over the horizon"How often had she watched a moon, or many rise in to the sky' Ravenna Ducarte knew all to much about what was beyond the horizon.

At the buzz in her pocket she reached back and flipped open her data pad. Kelvin and Anna would be back later, they were heading out for their day. Ravenna smirked. She knew Kelvin had been to see Belluose. Though she had not been back to the manor herself in a few long days. They both had business to attend to. She had training to fall back in to, work to do. He had contacts to make.

Jaecar and his men had not yet combed the beach. They were under a heavy watch. There had been no mummers of looking for the vampiress Giseile. Jaecar might have given up. Trice Lady Luck was gone, sailed from port to seas and ports beyond.

Ravenna had not gone back to the hangar where she had seen that ghost, that form of Issac. She had been tempted to. But she already had a big enough target on her back.

She had vowed to keep Anna and Kelvin safe. But there was no keeping them out of it. Kelvin was knee deep in specs, and running all kinds of techy crap that Ravenna just let be.

Anna was looking in to more fly boys and captains. Ravenna knew that both were being shadowed by two of Belluose's men. Jaecar wouldn't get close to either of them. She also had a few eyes put on Captain Jacobus, and her two friends from the docks.

Hailiye and Kiire may not have needed it. But Ravenna felt better with them being protected. She didn't need it herself, though she knew that there were times when she was shadowed. Those who followed her soon found out she was one hell of a hard mark to follow.

Crossing inside she wandered through the master bedroom then out to the living room. Kelvins bits of this and touches of that added tech to the space. The extra pillows in tones of lavender and pale pink were Anna's.

Ravenna knew if she wandered in to the kitchen there would be food a plenty. But she wandered to the door and opened it before the knock came.

Zelphar stood there his hand raised then he just chuckled. "Damn you are good."

Ravenna smirked and opened the door fully. Looking up at the tall dark elf, crossing her arms over her chest she saw the box under his arm and the note in hand. "For me?"

He nodded and handed over the box and note. "From Belluose." He stated with a smirk. "And here I was hoping you had brought me something. Wanna come in""

"Sure."

She stepped back and let the tall elf in. She smirked as she followed him in. She sat the note and box on the living room table to be opened later.

Zelphar looked around the place, it was a nice set up. And he could pick out the spots that were secure, she had done her homework and set the place up good. "Want a drink?" He looked back to her. He saw more and more what Belluose saw in her. She wore black and bright green the tone of limes, her hair was down around her bared shoulders, her eyes intense blue.

"I could use one."

Ravenna chuckled and padded to the kitchen. Zelphar watched her noting she was bare foot. He followed her ducking through the door frame just a bit as he followed in to her kitchen. It was tidy. Save for the little gizmos on the table and blue sticky notes . He chuckled, Kelvin was fond of sticky notes.

When Ravenna handed him a Badsider he grinned. She had a soda and had handed him a beer. "You read people well."He took a low slow sip.

Ravenna grinned. "Well, you look stressed. You have been shadowing me, you and a few others. Your the only one who's kept pace, so far."

"None better than a drow to track an elf." He grinned at her. Ravenna eyed him grinning. She gave her cola a deep sip. "So what?s in the box?" Meaning the one she'd left in the living room.

"A gift. Belluose sent it. Its all in the note. I am just delivering it."

"Uh huh. And following me, keeping me out of trouble. Don't worry I did promise. I don't want a dagger in the back anytime soon. I have been keeping my ear to the ground and my eyes open."

"No news on Jaecar, he's not hit the beach yet. He looked around for your vampire counter part, found nothing. Trice Lady Luck is sold and gone. Jaecar will make his move soon. I am to take you to your meeting with Belluose. I'll be here around eight."

Ravenna smirked. Then eyed the tall dark elf over the bottle she held in her hand. "Alright. But your here for more than shop talk and delivery duty."

He chuckled. "You see right through me. The boss wants me to relay your reaction to his gift and note."

Ravenna grinned. Then bottle in hand she padded out back to the living room. She sat the bottle down and lifted the note knowing Zelphar watched her as he sipped his Badsider. She broke the seal and opened it reading it.

She smirked up at him. "Did he tell you what he wrote?"

"No he stated, it was for your eyes only." She grinned at that, and smirked, the note had been fairly simple but it was dripping with intent. She folded it and put it in her back pocket then took up the box and gave it a shake. She untied the blue ribbon and sat it down then lifted the box top off. Inside she knew there would be something to wear.

She pulled out a dress, long black with lace. She smirked as she pulled out a set of heels, and a small box, that she knew would have the jewelery he had picked out for her. She picked up another swath of lace and smirked up at Zelphar.

"Man has good taste. And no boundaries."

Zelphar smirked at her. "He will be pleased that your pleased."He tipped the bottle at her. "See you at eight." Ravenna smirked and watched him go then looked back down at the wardrobe for the evening.

She lifted the jewelry box and opened it finding a set of diamond studs, a set of silver cuff earrings and a long cuff earring of silver. She smirked. They would match the dress and her own style. There was also a set of nice rings,with garnet gems. And a set of fancy pins for her hair.

"No boundaries." She chuckled and took the boxes with her as she went to shower. If he was trying to seduce her with fancy clothes and jewelry she would do her best to seduce him right back with scent and sight.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-08-26 23:42 EST
Looking at herself in the long mirror Ravenna smirked. The dress befitted her style and his. The touches of lace both on the dress and under it made her feel sexy and daring. The heels made her taller. The earrings chosen were put in and sparkled at her ears. She'd done her own makeup and had to admit it looked damn good with her hair up curled and fancy. She grabbed the little clutch and slid Le'Cai in to it. Old habits died hard.

When the bell rang she walked out to open the door. Zelphar stood on the other side in a suit. How anyone managed to find a suit that would fit the drow was surly an act of magic. There was a glossy car waiting beyond.

"Right on the money." The dark elf smirked looked her over and gave his slow nod of approval. He offered his hand and she took it. "Is your Norse counter part all jazzed up too?"

"All the guards are." He opened the door for her and she slipped in to the back of the glossy car.

Soon the engine was revved and they were off. She sat back in the car, leather seats, a slight scent of musk. She knew it was top of the line, she didn't even feel the bumps in the road. When the car stopped and the door opened she was offered a hand and took it. Zelphar smiled to her.

Ravenna grinned then headed for the manor. Torolf stood beside the door also in a tux. Ravenna had to admit he looked as good as his drow counter part. He opened the door for her with out a word.

She stepped inside and was not surprised to be met by Giles. He too had gone all out in a new suit. "I am getting the feeling this isn't just a dinner date." Giles smiled, "Its a business meeting, then dinner."

He offered his arm and Ravenna took it. They walked through the manor. Ravenna noted it shone brightly, clean and polished. It smelt of soft fragrances and cooking food. Giles led the way to the very formal dinning room. So dinner for two was out, that room beyond the closed doors could sit thirty people easily.

Ravenna smiled to Giles and tucked her clutch under her arm. Giles reached out and pulled the doors open and let Ravenna in. She knew the type of meeting it was the moment she saw the men whom had gathered. Belluose sat at the head of the table, his eyes brightly blue and fierce. To his left sat Capt. Kyle Jacobus, who at her entrance smiled her way. The other men there all fifteen others were high captains.

They had dressed in their best suits or sailings finest. And she smirked seeing that she was the only woman there. Oh there were women who were high captains, many of them were twice as dangerous as their male counterparts but none were here now.

Belluose looked up and saw her. If he hadn't been so focused he might have lost his train of thought. The dress fit her like a dream and she wore it like she owned it. Her face was done nicely, pretty not to heavily. He knew that in that little clutch she carried her favored weapon, she was a women of habit. But she wouldn't need the dagger. She was a weapon in that dress, one he hoped to use to his own benefit.

Ravenna crossed towards him. The talk at the table hushed as she rounded to stand behind Belluose He looked back to her and winked. "Gents, some of you know Miss Ducarte." She saw a few of the men at the table nod to her.

Ravenna nodded back. Looking over them all. They had been given their choice of drinks and by the smell wafting in there would be food soon. She smirked down at Belluose. He knew how to work a room. She had been called in for eye candy. So she would play the part to a T. Ravenna was very good at very many things.

As the men spoke of business she noted Jaecar's name was brought up. These were the trusted few. She knew she could always trust Kyle Jacobus. the others, she knew Belluose trusted them enough to speak that name there. They talked of plans of bringing the man down. Of what his men were up to.

Ravenna listened and when the food was brought in and set before all save for Belluose she smiled and moved to fill drink glasses. She walked with skill and flare. Filling each glass with the chosen drink of choice. She got nods, smiles and a few long looks. That lingered here or there.

When she rounded the table and refilled Belluose's drink she saw his eyes flicker up at her then back to the men at his table.

They ate their meal, talked more. Got little coffers of gold, and fine cigars. Ravenna laughed at jokes, flirted with winks and sly smiles. Most of all she looked the part. When the meeting drew to and end , each man left by first shaking Belluose's hand then by kissing hers. Kyle Jacobus was the last man to leave.

"You put on one hell of a show." He smirked to them both. "I told you I would offer my help and so I have in a long about way." He winked to them both. "I will keep an eye on those few things we discussed." He shook Belluose's hand then gave Ravenna a quick peck on the cheek. Before he walked out.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-09-03 23:38 EST
The table was then cleared of glasses and dishes. Ravenna turned and looked to Belluose in his fine suit. He stood there watching the table be cleared. She walked up to him and slowly behind him. She sat her purse down on the table and gave his shoulders a slow rub. "Your tense." He nodded, closed his eyes and relaxed in to her nimble fingers. There had been a lot of talk, for hours they had all talked. Moves were to be made. Jaecar was going to make his move in three days to the site Ravenna had set him up on.

"Sir, the food you requested is out on the terrace."Giles spoke up and slid in and out of the room Belluose opened his eyes and looked back to Ravenna. "Come, let not waste any more time." He offered her his arm and she took it. She grabbed her little clutch as they left the room.

"Always armed, a woman after my own heart." He smirked at her. Ravenna grinned at him. Out on the terrace was the little table set for two, lit by candles. There was wine and food. Ravenna then realized how hungry she was.

Belluose led her to a chair, pulled it out for her and pushed her in once she had sat down. He then walked to his own chair and sat. He poured them both wine then lifted his glass to her. She mirrored him. "What shall we toast to?"

"To fine wine, good food and one hell of a partner in crime." He smirked. She smirked back to him and touched her glass to his. Then took a slow sip. He watched her a moment. "You do look stunning in that dress."

"As you knew I would. You do know how to pick things out that suit me well." She took another sip. He grinned at her. "I could see you in it." She took up her fork and took a slow bite of food. "And out of it?"

He swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes." He smirked, she could see right through him. Few could do that so easily.

She grinned at him before taking another slow bite of food. It was good. As always he had spared nothing with her. He ate watching her as she watched him. "When I got my invite I thought it would be just us."

"It is just us, now."He grinned as he sat back. Their plates were empty. Ravenna smirked at him. "I suppose we are." She rose slowly and slid the little clutch under her arm. He watched her walk. Long strides made even sexier by those heels, that dress. It fit her well, and she looked like a goddess in it. The fact that he knew just what she wore under it was making it hard for him to keep himself steady.

She looked back to him then smirked. Giles and Georgia were clearing the table. Ravenna walked over to Georgia and spoke to the woman softly. Georgia took the little clutch bag nodding all the while. Then Giles and Georgia the two of them smiling like someone had given them a wild bunch of wine disappeared back in to the manor.

With her hands free she moved behind Belluose where he sat and started to kneed the tension from his shoulders once more. "All that talk of Jaecar made you tense." He closed his eyes to her touch, choosing not to note out loud how she trusted his people with her things. Ravenna wasn't easy to trusting anyone. But she had begun to.

"Its a dangerous thing were all in to now. And before you say it, its not just you. This effects us all, of sea and sky. That's why I had them here tonight. I trust them all. I have known them all a long time. Not one of them will be swayed to the side to that thing."

Ravenna knew this. She could tell. The talk in the room had not been of civil things. Taking down a man like Jaecar would take time, and power. Now they had touches of both. The man so tense under her fingertips had power and he knew how to use it.

"I have doubled the look out on your house, your friends and allies. As well as my own guard here at the manor." He was relaxing in to her fingertips. When a loud caw made him nearly jump from his seat. Yet he saw it was only Draco flying in from his nightly parade over the city.

Ravenna smirked at the raven. Belluose shook his head.

"Draco, go to bed."

"Ay ay...Captain."The bird cawed and flew up past them both to the higher reaches of the manor. Ravenna smirked and chuckled.

"Where did you find him?"

"Draco' I found him on a ship, he was kept in a tiny little cage by a cruel master. I set him free, then he saved my life." He looked up backwards at her. Ravenna was smiling at him. "He saved your life?"

"Yes, Soon after I rescued him we were back on open waters, we got caught in a storm, lost half the crew. I was tossed overboard, nearly drowned and would have if Draco wouldn't have called out to Giles."

Ravenna smiled and leaned down and kissed his brow. "Then I should thank him." She started to move but he caught her hand and tugged her in to his lap. "Thank the bird later."He looked in to her eyes, then over her in his lap. "I didn't get the chance to tell you how lovely you looked walking in the door tonight. I could barely control myself."

Ravenna smirked at him. "Did I stir your passions?" She toyed with his long thin tie loosening it. He nodded softly. "That you did."He leaned in and kissed her softly. Ravenna let the kiss deepen slowly. When she pulled away she had his tie off and three buttons of his shirt undone.

"We've had our dinner. What of dessert?" He grinned at her question and rose quickly with her in his arms. He spun her around then headed inside. Ravenna chuckled as they headed in to the dinning room they were stopped by Giles who stood in the entry way. "Sorry sir, but those things you wanted done, they are done." Giles grinned.

"Thank you Giles, that will be all for tonight."Belluose smiled and set Ravenna down. Ravenna smirked watching Giles walk off. "And what was that about?" Belluose turned and looked at her. "Let me show you."He offered her his hand. She took it with out question.

"Close your eyes."

"How am I suppose to see this thing if my eyes are closed?" She quipped. "Just trust me." She shook her head then closed her eyes. He took his loosened tie and tied it over her eyes. "No peeking this way."

"What do you take me for?"

"A pirate." He held her hand and led her slowly along. Ravenna followed trying not to chuckle. They went upstairs, he led her slowly. Shea had the lay out of the manor in her head. Of the rooms she had seen. They passed hers, as well as the parlor on the second floor. She wondered just where he was taking her. She felt them climb another set of stairs. Shew knew there were at least four levels of the manor and wondered just what the third floor held.

When they stopped and he let go of her hand she stood there waiting. She heard a slight click then felt his hand take hers again. She heard and felt the change of flooring from carpet to wood. She heard the door which must have been heavy close and lock behind her.

"Where are we?" She asked as she felt his hand leave hers again. "You tell me." He teased. Ravenna smirked,willing to play the game. She took stock of the room with what senses she had. She could not see. But she could use her other keen elven senses.

She started with smell. The room smelt of burning candles,musk and those cigars he enjoyed now and then. There was a crisp sent as well, fresh air that came through an open window. With her hands out before her she walked looking for things to touch.

She already knew the floor underfoot was wooden. She found what she knew to be a bed first, her legs hit it as she walked blindfolded. She reached out to touch the sheets. Fine cotton,freshly washed most likely and knowing his tastes for color they would be in a tone of blue she was willing to bet. She walked around the bed reaching out.

She heard him chuckle and went on, feeling her way through open space. She found in time what felt like a dresser, then a desk, with assorted knick knacks. The open window she had sensed she found to be an open door, likely french doors that led out to a stone terrace as was his style. When she turned she found him standing there before her.

"Well?"

"I smell candles, fresh sheets, leather bound books, and musk. As well as those cigars you like to puff on. There is a terrace and soft wind coming in. A bed, with fine sheets. And music, soft music."

He grinned at her and ran his finger out and over her pointed elven ears, over those lovely piercings along them. "Very keen. Any guesses where I have you?" She smiled and reached out to feel him more. Tracing the line of his shoulders, then over the front of his shirt which she found had been undone a few buttons more.

" A room." She grinned at him. He chuckled. "Yes." He reached up and took of that tie blind fold. When Ravenna could see again she saw the room in whole. It was a master bedroom, filled with candles. The soft music wafted from a music box, the terrace doors open looked out to sparkling waters far beyond. There was a dresser and desk as she had felt. And the bed. Large with many pillows, done up with sheets of rich marine blue.

She turned and looked at him. He leaned softly on the large wooden desk, a mass with papers, and knick knacks. He looked at home there, in this room. She noted the size of the room, with its space and yes own private bath that she was sure was top of the line.

"Your room?"

He nodded softly. Then crossed to her. He took her hands in his. "I wanted to do something romantic. Then of coarse we had business to handle. "He reached up and brushed a strand of raven hair behind her ear. "I know I am not the usual type of man a woman like you falls for. But that day we met, I felt something. Attraction, yes. But something else."

"Kindred spirit." She smiled and spread her now free left hand over his chest. "I felt it too. I wasn't expecting it. Here you were this feared and powerful man, and I was asking a favor of you. I knew the price would be a high one. And I was more than willing to pay it. What I did not expect was to feel the way I did. You gave me answers, and help. "She looked in to his eyes.

He smiled and pulled her closer. "I haven't stopped thinking about that day, in the training room. I see it in my dreams." She smirked softly at that. "I knew it would get your attention. I was drawn to you, and then afterward. I felt as I never have with anyone. " She saw the shock on his face.

"Yes. I loved Issac. And we were together. He was my first. He showed me things that I had never known. I was a girl still then. And when I lost him, I thought I would never find my way again. I found it and Rhydin. Or perhaps Rhydin chose me. And yes, I did love Dacomas. But I was not the same woman with him that I am now. The moment I took up my jobs again I knew, that he and I would never be what I wanted."

She was baring her soul to him. He could see it, he could feel it. He brushed his lips to her own. " But you know what you want now." She nodded softly.

"Ravenna, I have never known a woman like you. I in all truth have had fleeting lovers in my time. I was more found of adventure in my youth, and the sea and sky. " He pulled her closer still. She was so beautiful, so powerful. Yet there was such a softness to her, not just her form or face but to her heart and soul. Her eyes were deep , vibrant blue. They held so many mysteries. She was not quick to trust. But she was good at being with people all sorts of people. She enjoyed making friends.

" I have often wished I could have met you years ago. When I was still a younger man."

"Your not old."She lifted her hand and traced his face. The was wisdom in his eyes. And very few lines that would tell his age. He had a fine mind,a wicked tongue and a well formed body that she much enjoyed. "I am over two hundred years old my dear high captain." She skillfully undid the rest of his shirts buttons, her nimble fingers found that long thin scar. " And there is more to you than meets the eye."

His brows rose to that.

"Though in Rhydin elves may go about healing everyone, and in some lands that is the way. By standards elves do not usually heal humans, least of all humans who come in with wicked pirates. Yet you were healed, and allowed to stay. There can be only two reasons for this. One, the elf whom healed you was a woman and was taken with you."

He chuckled at that. "She was not taken with me."

Ravenna smirked. "You have elven blood then, elven magic's are potent and often can harm humans if not used in the right ways. And if the wound was as bad as you say. You surely would have died."

"Elven blood" Me...that's not possible." He shook his head.

"Your parents may not have been, but what of theirs?" Her dark brows rose at him and he had no answers. She simply smiled at him. "Distant elven blood. That helped you heal. That allowed the magic to do its work."

She pulled the shirt tails from his pants and ran her hands up his chest over both scars of his past. She pushed the shirt off his broad shoulders. "You second guess yourself and you should not. For I am here with you. I want to be here with you."

He toyed with the lace of her dress, as she drew the zipper down the back. He let his hand explore those scars she bared on her bare back. His eyes always on hers, he pulled the zipper down and softly pushed the dress from her shoulders.

She was lovely. Stunning. Standing there in the black lace and heels, her body was a gift, tan and tone. Her shapely breasts were free of any cover and he let his eyes roam her. Ravenna stepped free of the dress but kept those heels on for effect.

"You are so beautiful." His hands graced her bare sides,over her marred back. He loved the form of her, tall and lithe. With curves he wanted to loose himself in. He edged her back towards the big bed.

Ravenna smirked at him toying with his belt. "I am so glad you approve." He smirked at her as her legs hit the side of the bed he dipped his hands down across her hips then lifted them to claim her full breasts. Ravenna shuttered and closed her eyes to his touch.

His lips met hers, then her neck, then graced along her ear. "Allow me to show you how much I approve." She felt his hands on her their warmth and she allowed herself to ride on the feeling.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-09-18 22:56 EST
He woke sometime in the late hours of the night. The room still smelt of candles, but they had all burnt out. His mind was a wash with the night. With the woman now sleeping at his side.

Ravenna lay curled up beside him covered by those soft marine blue sheets. Her hair undone, her face peaceful. His mind played over every moment of the night. Then looking back to her he gently traced the curve of her elven ear over those earrings he had picked out to match her style. Such suave she had, such fire. She curled in closer to him and he ran his hand through her raven hair.

He made it his mission to see Jaecar gone. That scum needed to be taken off this realm. The mystery of the daemon girl, beast man and the man who wore Issac's face needed to be solved. Ravenna had been through enough, and he would not have Jaecar pull on her like some pawn. Just for a ring and a dagger. Oh he knew they had value and powers that he had read about. But they were Ravenna's by right. And there was no way he was allowing her to get hurt in any way as long as he could proven it. She had born enough wounds. He looked to her now healed arm. He could crush Jaecar for that offense alone. Oh she was stubborn, and strong. She didn't take help lightly, if and when she took it at all. He knew that. But he loved her. The thought came at him hard. Yes, he was in love with her. He might very well have been from the moment he saw her. And it wasn't just for passions sake. Oh he had wanted her. He could not deny that. But it had been more than passion he felt with her.

He lay there watching her sleep. "Your far more than a man like me deserves." He whispered softly. He had never loved a woman like her. Never felt as he did in that moment. She curled up against him, her head and hand on his chest. Her body pressed close to his. She murmured his name in her sleep and sighed deeply.

She was dreaming about him. That made him smile.

She was dreaming about him. A deep dream filled with passions and desires.

About the moments of the night that had passed about a deep fantasy that involved him. Ravenna had loved and lost before. She had been shaped by those loves and losses. Louis Belluose was not the type of man she normally fell for. And maybe that was why she had.

He wasnt trying to change her. Yes he wanted to help her. But he wasn't off trying to save her. He was in this fight too, as much as she was. She knew he wanted to protect her, but he valued her. Knew her power and skills. He was willing to use them. He had power and money and those things meant little to Ravenna. She had them both as well. Though she could admit that he had more power and money than she did.

He was an amazing lover. Tender and intense all at once. She had known only two men so intimately before and she wasn't going to compare any of them to one another. But she had to admit she felt more pleasure beside him than she had known for quite sometime.

She felt him there beside her, in some slight way she felt him knew he was there and was soothed by it. Her dream went on. And some where in it she realized she had fallen harder for him than she had first thought.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-09-30 19:13 EST
He lay there watching her sleep for sometime. When her murmurers stopped and she merely curled up to him he leaned down softly and kiss her brow. Looking up at the manor ceiling he sighed. He wanted to wake her to tell her...to tell her what? That he was in love with her"

That he thought of her as more than just a lover. As more than just a good investment. He felt like he might chuckle to that. Yes he had been invested in her. In her fight. And yes even at the beginning he had wondered if she might just end up laying beside him. But he had never seen it like this. No woman aside from the women whom worked in the manor had ever seen this room, let alone shared this bed with him. This space had been sacred to him. But he had wanted to share it with Ravenna.

What did that mean'

He slowly, silently left the bed, making sure she was covered. He padded across the bed room and in to the bathroom. He closed the door enough so when he flipped on the light she wouldn't wake.

He looked at him self in the mirror. Blue eyes, tan skin, scars from battle, scars of life. Elven blood...could he have it in him' He wondered as he traced the line of that sword scar. He shook his head, running his hand across the smooth slope of it. Padding to the shower he turned on the jets that came from the walls and the one from the ceiling.

He tested the temp once before slipping in. His bare feet felt the cold tile floor warm, the water poured down from all angles. He let the warmth wash over him, let it clear his mind. He had wanted to wake her, to admit his feelings for her. But he had stopped himself. It was too soon. He pressed his hand to the tiled wall, then the other and let the jets of water pulse on to his back.

"What am I doing.." He muttered to himself. "I'm in love with her." He stood there thinking, talking to himself out loud. He let the water beat his back. Wishing it had the answers he sought. He felt his hands on the wall ball in to soft fists.

She woke alone. Siting up in the bed, she glanced around the room. Then saw the bathroom door was slightly closed, the light on and steam flowed out. Rising from the bed and not bothering to cover herself she padded to the bathroom.

He stood in the glass inclosed shower, the water raining down on him from all sides, the mirror to her left was fogged up as was the glass of the shower, but she could see him. He was leaning towards the wall, his hands there. Letting the water pulse over his back. Then he started talking to him self. She heard every word.

He closed his eyes. He had known women before, but he had never felt as he did with her. He felt something , soft move along his arm and he opened his eyes to see Ravenna's fingers there.

"Hi.." She stood in the water, her raven hair wet over her shoulders, the water cascading down her form. Gods she was beautiful. "Ravenna." He looked at her and wondered when she had woken, had she heard him"

She stepped closer to him. "Your tense.."When he looked to his fisted hands he shook his head and turned to face her fully. "I couldn't sleep." She ran her hands down his arms, then across his chest, moving closer. "So I see that." She looked up in to his eyes. "I know its not Jaecar. Your not worried about him."

He shook his head. "No. Its not Jaecar." He looked down in to those pure blue hues, framed by wet raven hair. God he wanted her,even though he had just had her. He wanted his lips on hers, his hands in her hair. He wanted to have her there, against the wall. He took a short breath.

"Tell me what?s wrong." She had heard him yes, but she knew it was bothering him. His hand came through her wet hair, and traced over the back of her neck then the side. Ravenna leaned in to that hand. She had loved and lost and loved again. And it was new, exciting and dangerous. But she had felt it from the moment they had met, something. A spark, of more than just mere attraction.

She had not admitted it to herself yet, but she had fallen for him. And not for the reasons one might. Not for his power or money. Not for his help. Nor for the way he made her feel. But for his heart, under that tough outer layer he was kind,caring and loving. Under the pirate, the high captain and the man who was willing and able to do anything it took, was a soul she could identify with.

"Tell me." She opened his eyes to look in to his own. "Do not bare burdens on your own. Allow me to help you." She ran her hand over his wet cheek, then down across his chest. He tugged her closer, his hand pushing her in to him as it moved over her back. He was going to tell her, bare everything to her. "Ravenna." Again his left hand brushed her face,then down across those lips.

"Tell me, Louis, just tell me." She wondered for a moment if he was going to, or if he would change his mind.

"I'm in love with you." He admitted. Then let go of a breath he had not realized he held on to. She let him say the words,and felt that held breath leave him, felt him become a little less tense. "Your in love with me.." It wasn't really a question, though it might have come out that way. "Yes."He looked in to her eyes. "Truly, deeply, madly....I wasn't expecting it...but.."

He was silenced then when her lips met his own. The kiss was soft,slow then it grew deeper. He pulled her closer and her arms went over his shoulders. The water raining down on them both. His hands fisted in to her hair,he felt her body mold to his. He broke the kiss as he felt himself pushing her back towards the far wall. "Ravenna."

"Shh...its my turn now." She pressed her finger to his lips and stood there under the rain of water. " I never expected to feel this way again. Not really. "She traced her hands over the scars on his chest. " I never really allowed myself to. Not after Issac. Not really. "

She could see the question in his eyes. "No...not even with Dacomas. I loved him yes, but it was not the same love I had felt with Issac. It wasn't until recently that I understood. I would never feel that love I had then the same way again. I was a girl then, saved and treated with more kindness than I had ever known. Issac's death changed me. And when Serge was finally dead, that changed me as well. I knew that night that Serge was gone for good, that was the night I knew Dacomas and I were not destined to be together. I felt it. I think he felt it too. We grew apart...and he left. I moved on with my life."

She traced that long thin scar on his chest. "That night I came here, that first night. When I looked in to your eyes, I felt something. I wasn't sure what it was. I took it as a challenge. Then after Jaecar tortured my masked self and you took care of me...I realized then what I had known all along. That I wanted you, not just for desires sake. I felt that kindred bond. As if I had known you all my life." She looked up in to his eyes. "I wasn't expecting it...I wasn't looking for it. But I fell, hard for you.."

She let her finger drop from his lips. "Ravenna...are you saying.." "That I love you, yes...that is what I am saying." He crushed her in a kiss then, this one was anything but slow, it was deep and passionate. She felt her back press to the cold wall and went with it wrapping her legs around him.

Ravenna

Date: 2014-10-14 23:02 EST
She giggled as water dripped from her hair. Two of the jets had been turned off but the one above them still rained down. His lips were on her neck and she was lifted off the tiled floor her back to the wall.

The water was still warm but the tiles were cold. The room was steamy and not just from the shower. She felt him reach around her and turn off the last of the water that had been raining down on them both. She was braced to the wall, her legs wrapped around him. Oh he had wanted her then and there against the wall, but now he wanted her back in his bed.

So with ease he lifted her up, his hands molding her fine behind. Her legs were already entwined around him so carrying her out of the shower was easy.

She laughed again. As he crossed over the bath mat. Water dripped from her hair down over her shoulders. "We are all wet." He merely grinned to that. "Yes, we are." He didn't stop, as he crossed out of the bath room to the bedroom.

The room was softly bathed in the pale moons glow that came through the open terrace doors. But all the candles had gone out. He didn't care if he dripped water all the way across the floor. He didn't care if his sheets got soaked. He wanted her in his bed now.

"We are going to make a mess." Ravenna snickered as he carried her to he bed and laid her back. Water clung to her, and the sheets soaked it up. "I don't care." He lay her back on the marine blue sheets. Her skin was dewy, and softly covered with goose flesh. "Your cold." He ran his hands down her arms. "I'm wet, and the doors are open."

"Let me remedy that." He looked at her kissed her once then crossed to the terrace doors. He closed them, so now the moon light had to play through the glass. Then he crossed the room and lit a fire within the small stone hearth. Ravenna sat up watching him move. Water clung to him, and he made quite the image.

When he turned and crossed back to her, she saw the reflection of the fire in his eyes. "I've made your bed all wet." Her hair was still dripping down her back. "I don't mind." He smirked at her and came to lay beside her. "Lie back for me." Ravenna searched his eyes, then did so. Laying back. She knew her hair was wet, and she could feel the sheets under her drinking it in.

He eased to the bed beside her. His hands moving slowly over her form. Her eyes flickered to his. "And just what are you up to?" She saw his smirk. His hands were fluid along her legs, up her bare sides. "You'll see."

Ravenna

Date: 2015-01-08 21:39 EST
Ravenna could say many things, but one thing she had never thought possible was that she would be surprised. He had done just that surprised her. She could say now she was utterly sure she might never move again.

Every moment of the wet and wild fun over his bed played in her mind. The sheets were still damp under them, but they had not moved. Her head was on his chest, her fingers tracing the scar there slowly.

~~~

Standing in a room filled with people she thought over that night, so many nights ago. Now Hallo's eve was upon them. She wore a sort black skirt, with stockings, heels and a silver corset that held black floral designs, her hair done up. A black mask and black gloves made her costume complete. Others mulled around the manor, dressed in costumes of varied tastes. She spied her high captain across the way, he wore black and silver, his face masked much like her own. They were a matching pair.

Those who gathered were allies. She could see Capt. Kyle Jacobus wandering the room, he had chosen to wear what passed as old noble attire. He wore the look well.

She walked around holding her black fluted glass,that held its whimsical pumpkin on it. Food was carried on silver and black trays around to guests. A wide array of beverages were being served.

It was high gloss and class. But every time her eyes met her high captains across the room she could feel them, those pale blue eyes that flickered over her. He was deep in talks, but his eyes always found her.

She laughed at jokes, flirted harmlessly with captains both male and female. Talked business and pleasure. She smirked watching Kelvin and Anna dance. The space tech had worn what he passed off as his alien look. While Anna looked to die for in a medieval dress the color of crushed berries.

The night drew on, food was served informally, more drinks, more talk. Ravenna slid in to the kitchen, leaning on the high counter she watched the hired help work up dessert. She leaned on the counter as the cooks whisked and popped little things in to the oven.

"I have been watching you all night." His voice was husky in her ear and she snickered. "Have you now?" She turned and looked at him, her high Captain, he wore that suit well and he looked devilish behind his mask.

"I was hoping to steal you away a moment or two." He ran his fingers down her arm. She had once again awwed him, she handled the party with such class and grace, and she sent many an eye wandering. Which was what she was meant to do. But still he felt slightly jealous. "All those high captains looking at you, wondering what?s under that skirt."

She smirked at him. "Too bad, they don't get to find out." She stole a quick kiss and walked around him and back to the party.

~~~ The last of the guests filed out. Anna and Kelvin had opted to stay the night, each in their own suite, and the last of the servants and cooks had gone. The kitchen was clean, the dance floor as well. Nothing had been left out of order.

Ravenna stood still in her mask watching High Captain Louis Belluose, as he bid their last hanger on goodnight. He had loosened his tie, yet he still had his jacket on, as well as his mask. The night had been grand, full of talk and planning.

She watched him turn as he closed the door. His eyes found her. "Nice party." She tipped back what was left of that red wine in her glass and sat the glass down slowly. "Everything was a hit."

She knew he wasn't thinking about the party, nor any of the talk or business now. No not now as he crossed the room to her and took possession of her mouth with his own. Yes, that was what shed been waiting for all night. To feel him press his lips to her own. She felt his hands in her hair, pulling the tiny pins that held it up out so he could loose his fingers I the thick length of it. His other hand rushed up her side, she swore she could feel its warmth through her corset.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-01-27 22:48 EST
The old year had come and gone. There had not been a whisper of Jaecar,Caila or their beast of a walking horror. No more attacks. Nothing since the day at the beach where Jaecar and his men went looking for her ring and her dagger. All they found when they went looking had been a massive explosion.

The dark belly of the underworld had gone quiet. There hadn't been anything. No more attacks,no more dead pilots, nothing.

It made Ravenna uneasy. They stood ready, well fortified,well defended. Yet they hadn't needed the extra guards, nor the looks outs on the docks. Nothing had happen since before Halloween. They had allies, yet those allies sat waiting.

Ravenna sat looking over the city as the darkness fell. She could go out, walk the roads and maybe hit the inn. But she wasn't up for it. She looked at her data pad then to the sky. Waiting on the edge of something.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-02-06 21:28 EST
The city seemed so dark. So quiet. Ravenna was sure she had never seen Rhydin like this. The streets were dusted with new snow, the sky was clear. It was cold out, yet bundled in her coat ,scarf and gloves Ravenna didn't feel the cold.

This was the first night in a long string of nights that she had left the Manor. Anna and Kelvin were at the house and she planned to go and see them. She knew as she walked that Zelph tracked behind her. She didn't mind him, and honestly he could have walked beside her. But she let him think he was playing shadow.

She was armed, as she usually was. Even if all had been quiet, she knew some how it was the calm before the storm.

The city faded behind her, as did Zelph's hiding places. The drow came to walk beside her as the city faded behind them. He was silent, bundled in dark colors. Looking all the part he seemed to play so well. Shadow. His eyes were rubies against the darkness of his skin.

They crossed over the bridge, away more from what little light Rhydin gave off. Yet when she saw her house, or what had once been her place she smiled. It shone warm and welcoming. She could smell the scent of the fire in the hearth.

When she reached the door, she didn't bother to knock. Only moved in with the tall drow at her side. She shed her scarf and gloves and unzipped her jacket. Zelph hung their items by the door.

The living room was warm and welcoming and spoke more of Anna's tastes now, though the furniture was the same, Ana had added bright colors. Ravenna wondered who had taken the master suite. Half of her things were at Belluose's now.

Anna came in from the kitchen. She wore loose dark green pants and gray shirt that made her red hair look aflame. Anna smiled and gave Ravenna a warm hug. A not so small tabby cat was at Anna's feet. Ash, the kitten who had likely saved Ravenna's life when she had gone out seeking answers. The little cat mewed at Zelph and he bent down to scratch its head.

Kelvin came in next, smirking wildly, his hair a mess. "Good, good your here. There will be food soon." He wore gray and black, loose clothes, a new pair of goggles at on his head.

"We've got beers and wine.." Anna began. "No need to serve me Anna. " Ravenna winked and wandered to the kitchen. It was much the same, but it felt so different. Zelph walked in behind her and snagged a beer. The cat was at his feet following him in and out. Ravenna chuckled.

There was food, and beer and wine. Dancing and music. No dark talk was shared, only light laughter by the flickering fire. And when Ravenna and Zelph left she felt lighter than she had in days.

There was more snow on the bridge and in the city as they crossed in.

"You know there's been no word, no movements of any kind. We keep up all the look outs and guards, yet nothing. Kelvin told me the last of what they would need for a cyber part Issac was taken from a storage warehouse. No one died. Not a drop of blood was split."

"So now were just waiting for Issac to show up looking alive?"

He shrugged. " I don't know what were waiting for. Jaecar was wounded that day on the beach, we tied up all the loose ends that could have linked back to any of us. But you, you still have a target on your back Ravenna. Two in fact."

She knew that she carried Le'Cai with her now. Sa'Roir she couldn't bare to wear, so she had it on her. She wasn't risking anyone else having them. "If they made Issac, or his shell out of cyber parts, and its set to find me. Sooner or later it will."

"And what then?"

"Then we deal. They want the dagger and the ring to raise some devil from the hell in which they all were spawned. I wont let that happen."

Zelphar grinned over at her. "I have never seen Belluose like he has been with you. He's happy, like generally happy." Rhydin was all around them now, the stores and places patrons went. There was less snow in the city, yet the cold hung on.

"You've been with him a long time, you, Georgia, Giles and Torolf." Zelph nodded. "We have."

Looking sky ward Ravenna smiled. "I have been around for sodding forever Zelph, you know what its like to live as long as elves do, or can. I have loved and lost and never really loved again...till recently."

"He's long lived too. Belluose. Survived a hell of a lot and he doesn't look like the age he claims to be. "

"Some where in his past..in his family blood lone there is an elf or two." She smirked and saw Zelph nod. "Look." He stopped and took a step before her and Ravenna paused.

"He made you a promise, right. That he wouldn't be like the other men you have known. He doesn't lie well, or at least not about that kind of thing."

Zelph looked down tot he pretty ring Ravenna wore that was from Belluose. Ravenna looked to it, small, pretty, elegant but it was hard as iron. She knew that promise meant more than just simple vows of undying friendship or loyalty.

"He's going to propose isn't he?" "Once all this is done. Once Jaecar is in the ground and all the scum he brought with him is gone. Yeah, he's gonna do it all fancy like too."

Ravenna took a long breath. Maybe she knew that had been coming, maybe she feared that more than the darkness she felt creeping up along the edges of this peaceful time.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-03-05 22:18 EST
Coming through the back door with her little blue Gizmo to her ear Ravenna was listing to Kelvin go on about specs. With her shoulder pressed up and her hands free she unzipped the jacket she didn't need but was still wearing. She had been out all night. Still in those tones of gray and black her hair was still up, looking a bit more damp than it had when she left the eve before. "Kelvin.."She said his name again as she headed around the bar, for the break.

As she took the gizmo in her hand and leaned down to open the cooler she snickered as he just went on. She dug out a cola and sat it on the bar side. "Kelvin. I will be at the manor in ten. Tell Anna to pull everything she has." He was talking again then.

Issac was back. Or cyber Issac as it was. He had been seen on the docks by trusted allies. He had gone to Capt. Kyle Jacobus looking for Ravenna. Kyle being the good man he was, said he hadn't seen Ravenna in an age. Which had been a bold faced lie. But the man, the machine couldn't see through that lie.

Soon after Kyle had gotten in touch with the group. "Kelvin, Zelph is meeting me here. Torolf is bringing Belluose there now as we speak."

Kelvin was still talking so she opened the soda she had snagged and nodded along as she sipped. "Yes I spoke to Hailiye and Kiire. They will be coming to the manor with Kyle tonight." Kelvin went on and Ravenna heard Anna's voice in the back ground. "Look Kelvin get the stuff ready. I'm heading out of the inn now. "She chuckled and smiled as she rounded the bar. "Love you guys too."

She slid the blue data pad in to her pocket and shook her head. The inn was quiet. So she was able to get in and out with no trouble. Zelph stood outside his arms crossed over his chest. He eyed her and her soda.

"We knew this day was coming." She saw him look up and down the street. He hadn't brought the car. He'd followed her here on foot. "Lets go." Side by side they left the light of the inn. ~~~~ Later much later after papers had been looked over, specs read and read again. Talk had and much much coffee had.

They all sat in what had once been her living room.

Kyle sat sipping his brandy. Hailiye and Kiire sat side by side. Two friends that Ravenna had wanted out of this were now in it. Kelvin and Anna. Torolf and Belluose sat looking pensive. Zelph paced. Checking windows, doors.

"So that's it. Everyone here is coming to the big manor tonight. Take everything you wouldn't want torched with you." She looked to the little cat who had followed her home, saved her life and become apart of it all. "Leave nothing behind that you'd miss."

Kyle had packed already, his one duffle at his feet, his ship was well guarded and his men the rest of the crew knew nothing. Ravenna had most of her things already at the manor. But she would go pack up the rest while they all talked of safety in numbers.

The room was bare. The bed, the walls. Most of the things had been packed away and now stood in suit cases and boxes by the front door. Torolf and Kelvin were packing up the two cars that had been brought. Ravenna found a spare set of daggers, an old note book and dust. She took the daggers and note book and turned to see Hailiye in the door way. "So all this is what you have been up to." She shook her head. The red headed elf was striking standing there in all black. She looked of a forest elf, but Ravenna knew there was more to her than elven blood.

"This is it." Hailiye smirked. " Zelph is a striking figure." She looked over her shoulder as the drow elf passed checking the house as it was emptied. Nothing would be left behind that they didn't want to loose.

"He's fine to look at." Ravenna could admit. She loved Belluose, as she had loved no other. But she was not dead, an thus she was able to admire. "He's not seeing anyone." Ravenna added. Hailiye shook her head. "No...but he is fine to look at."

"I am sorry you, Kiire and Kyle got pulled in to this."

"I am not. Your our friend Ravenna. And I am glad to know that you would want to protect me."

"Ladies." Belluose looked in. "Everything's packed up. We are ready to head out." ~~~~

Everyone got their own room, their own guard. Everyone was armed. Even Kelvin. Ash, the cat was allowed to wander the house. Draco, didn't much like that cat at first. But soon the raven learned to accept its new house mate.

The manor was well guarded. Patrols circled the grounds.

But Ravenna didn't feel any safer. She knew that if Issac, or what had been summoned to look like him through old magic's and cyber parts was drawn to Le'Cai and Sa'Roir. That soon enough he would find her here. For the dagger lay on the bedside table the ring as well.

All she had ever known of them was good. The light they had brought her. But now there was a darkness they could bring.

While the others slept, she stood alone outside in the cold wind looking to the city.

Belluose saw her there when he walked in. Her hair caught in the wind, looking out to the city. He got a glimpse of the pirate she was. He knew her worry. He knew she felt as if everything was falling away.

Nothing had stopped Jaecar. It had taken so long for her to stop and kill Serge. Now his own blood meant to undo her. Meant to raise something dark from her past. He glanced tot he dagger and the ring. Old as she was, older even. Issac had given them both to her, the real Issac. Belluose wondered if this is what he would have wanted.

He doubted it. No man wanted the woman he loved to be tormented by the past. But through technology and magic the dark forces had begun to do just that. Jaecar with the help of Caila and a beast of a man whose name they did not know, were preparing to raise something very dark in to this land.

He knew much weighed on her. He had done what he could to protect her friends, her family. But now more than ever he wanted just to protect her. She turned away from the city and back to the room and saw Belluose standing there. He had seen to everything and everyone. She walked in and closed and locked the balcony doors behind her.

She wasn't sure what to say. He had been brought in to all this, and now he was firmly in it. There was no getting free.

Her eyes were so sad. Pools of blue framed by dark lashes. He crossed to her wordless and touched her cheek. She leaned in to it softly. "I wish it hadn't come to this." She leaned in to his shoulder.

He ran his hand through her hair and tried to soothe her. "We will all fight."

She smiled lightly at him. "I wish we didn't have to."

"So do I. But its not your fault Ravenna. And all of us are glad to be here. And I will do everything in my power to protect everyone. Even you."

She kissed him softly.

"Come now. Lets get some rest." He took her hand and she nodded.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-03-18 00:07 EST
The house was black and quiet. Darkness had fallen. The wind was buffering against the windows outside.

Clouds round their way around through the city, and over it. Thick clouds that promised rain.

Within the manor it was quiet. Everyone slept, knowing that they were protected. Patrols combed over the estate.

From outside the gates and walls, a set of eyes looked in. Eyes dark as the night sky had been. Six feet four of compound muscle ready to strike, but held back. Beside him stood Caila her red hair a shock against the darkening sky. Her eyes pale as the lightning that danced above in the dark clouds.

With them he stood. Muscle and bone, hune together by parts of ships. Cogs and wheels. Cording and wire. He was more machine than man,under those clothes. But it was the face he wore. The one of Issac Aubron. Eyes of the fairest blue, hair the tone of rich chocolate. He looked just a bit elven. The true Issac had died many many decades ago,blown to pieces by Serge. Caila thought it oddly funny, now Jaecar needed this man, this Issac, when it was his own blood that had destroyed the real man.

This ghost in the shell would get what they needed. There within the manor house. Le'Cai and Sa'Roir would be put to a darker purpose. They were tokens of light and love. But through long hard hours and talks with demons and devils they had found the way. The blade and ring would be fused together though the darkest of magics and just a bit of blood. Once that was done they could use that new blade to rip apart the fabric of time and space. They could summon any sort of demon or devil they wanted from any where in the known planes.

Caila smirked looking to her right. There stood her warrior. Tall,broad shoulder and everything a warrior of his type should be. He had long ago forgotten who he had been before she formed him in to what he was now. A beast, a pure force, that wished only to please her. His old name was lost to the wind, it was not befitting him now. His new name was formed from drow. Khaliizi. She never called him by that name, only Jaecar did. Now they three stood there looking in through the high gates.

The manor was well guarded by men and machines. There would be no going in. But that did not mean they couldn't lure who they wanted out. Ravenna was needed, she could bring them the ring and the dagger. It would be her blood they used. It seemed a pity that after so long she would die so. But that was the way of things.

"Do it." She cast her pale eyes to her right. Khaliizi nodded and began. He chanted low ,in a tongue mixed of old world and new. He blew on a pipe made of bone. The wind rose up, the storm grew thicker.

A thin line of mist curled out of the end of the pipe and crept its way through the gate. It slithered along the ground over the dewy grass past the men who stood guard. It crawled up the stone walls of the manor, past all the high tech barriers that had been set.

It reached its spot. Outside the window. It took form, a shadow of mist. It lingered there.

"Go on.."

"There is a magical ward on the doors." Khaliizi spoke. "I will have to do more to take it down."

"Hurry then." Caila turned to the machine Issac. "She will come out and you will go to her. She will fight, you must subdue her and get the blade and the ring." He nodded, yet did not speak.

Khaliizi chanted more as he began on tearing down the wards that guarded the manor.

Belluose awoke. He felt a chill creep up his spine. He looked beside him and Ravenna slept. But there on the night stand the dagger, Le'Cai seemed to glow. He cast his gaze around the room, then settled it on the form outside the balcony doors. It was mist and shadow. Not solid.

Power held it back. He had wards placed over the whole manor, and every soul within. If anything or anyone got past his men and his tech then the wards would hold. The mist and shadow pressed to the glass, but could not get in.

Belluose rose slowly and crossed tot he far window. He saw them, the trio of dark ones below. The beast man chanting, Caila and the form of Issac that was not him. They had come. But they couldn't get in. But they wouldn't stop trying.

"They know." Ravenna was awake sitting up in the bed, eyes on the mist of shadow.

"The wards will keep them back." He crossed back to her. "They wont get in."

"Its a lure." Her eyes to the mist. "It was meant to draw me out, to bring the ring and dagger to them. I can feel its pull even though the wards hold." Yet she did not move, she had lived too long to be so easily swayed. "They will keep trying, they know dark magic's." "If I have to tie you to the bed to keep you here I will."

"I wont go out to them. They misjudge me. I know what they are about. They may try for someone else though."

"I had everyone warded."

They watched and waited. Nothing happened. Even as the storm rolled in the mist did not get through the glass.

It felt like hours, but it was only moments. The mist slunk back and away from the manor.

Belluose rose and looked out the window. "He had to call it back. The beast man." He looked at the three of them. Caila was yelling at her servant. But he looked already beaten. "It weakened him."

"It would." She was beside him now looking down on the three of them. Though her heart ached at the sight of Issac she knew it wasn't him. "She underestimated us. She wont do that again." She saw Caila look up, and knew the demon woman saw her.

Soon after the trio walked away. "They will be back. If not this same night than tomorrow, and the day after that...until they get what they want." Her eyes cast to the dagger and ring. There was more to it than just two items, there always was.

"Tomorrow, when the sun breaks I need you to do something for me." The storm came in, but not as black as it would have been. "Anything."

She felt the cold lift off her. "The ones you know who do good digging in to people and things. They need to do some digging, major digging. They need to find out just what is going on. We know Jaecar, Caila and Mr. beast want Le'Cai and Sa'Roir, and that they plan to raise goddess know what with them. We need to find out who or what, and what it all entails. And we need to find out quickly. I don't want to risk lives if they can be spared."

"Its done. I'll make some calls. Go talk to Zelph, he knows some people. We will find out everything."

"Until we do, no one leaves this manor, they will be our guests. Food can be brought in, anything they want or need. I am not risking anyone."

"Done." He took her close. "Ravenna, take a breath.." She did just that and leaned in to him. "Thank you." "Always.."

Ravenna

Date: 2015-03-19 00:16 EST
The light of day should have brought new hope. New faith. But it just brought more worry. Those within the manner didn't leave. They got news from trusted sources . Luckily the manor had everything they all could ever want. Her family, those who she held so dear were safe. But that didn't mean that there wouldn't be strikes against them still. Outright, even if not full out.

Guards walked the grounds. Guards walked the halls. Ravenna sat at the table with her friends. They ate breakfast and talked of what they could do next. All they could do was wait. No one else had seen or felt those from the night before. But Ravenna didn't keep any of them in the dark. They had a right to know, they were risking their lives even here within these walls.

Yet they all stayed.

But for how long" Ravenna sat there looking towards the windows. News would come soon. News she had nearly begged to know. But did she really want to know" She could fathom the lengths someone would go. But these were people, these were demons and dark gods.

She had run and she had hidden for decades from Serge. He had wanted her, and in the end he had nearly won. Her heart had gone with Issac. Or she had believed it had. Yet Serge was dead, dead by her own hand. Though she had not fought that battle alone.

Allies then were gone now. Would the same thing happen again? Jaecar was not like Serge. He was worse, if that was even possible. More twisted, more broken. He had the same features as Serge, tall, rapier slim, with dark hair and eyes. Soulless. He had more demon in him than human. And he wanted to raise something far darker. By all rights he already had.

Caila. The young woman with the red hair and soulless pale eyes. That looked nearly the spitting image of Issac's former wife and lover. The woman Serge had killed. Caila had power, Ravenna had seen it and felt it. But she worked through another conduit . She did not know his name, the beast of a man that did Caila's bidding. But he was as inhuman as the rest of them, a pure killing force.

Then at last there was Issac. Or rather his shell, his essence poured in to something made of machine and magic.

The door opened and Ravenna looked up. Zelph stood there, the tall drow elf smirked at her. They had become friends. "There's News. Meeting in the dinning room." Ravenna rose and followed him out. There they all sat, her family waiting for the news she had begged Belluose to find. She took a seat beside Anna.

Belluose came in and looked at them all. "Ravenna asked me to find out just what our enemies are about, what they seek, and why they seek it. We know what they seek. Le'Cai and Sa'Roir. We know they meant to use them to summon something dark. Now I know what." He sat slowly.

"All sources indicate they plan to lure Ravenna away, to get Le'Cai and Sa'Roir, they plan to use Issac ..or his essence there in that machine, as the blade and ring can only be given and taken with love, not force. Once that is done Caila will start to perform some sort of dark ritual, the details on that are very little. Her beast man will help her, as he has a way with magic's as we all learned. Then they will bind the ring and the blade together. Once that is done, they will spill blood."

His eyes looked to Ravenna. "Your blood, and with it and the dark magic summon a portal of sorts, it will open the realms to them...all realms...all times..all planes. All the darkness they could bring. Then Jaecar being of the blood line, will summon his ancestor...a demon, pure."

Belluose took a long breath. "The demon will come forth and drink the blood of the sacrifice to her death." He looked down.

"There's more." Ravenna knew somehow.

"Caila will then bring you back, but you wont be you..you will be an instrument for them. To them." His words were point blank. "I will be used to make heirs." "Yes, and the demons will over run Rhydin and every world they can grab hold of. Its the end.."

"How do we stop it?" Anna asked.

"We must destroy the essence of Issac. For he is a key part."

"Then that's what we will do." Zelph added in.

"It means that we have to go outside our walls here, and face him, and them, and risk our lives and the end of the world as we know it, if we should fail."

Kelvin rose. "Then lets go, arm up, get ready and get out there."

Ravenna smirked looking to him. "No...Kelvin, Anna, Hailiye, Kiire you all shall stay here, with Giles and Georgia. Torolf shall stand guard. Belluose, Kyle, Zelph and I will go out. I do not wish to risk any of you." She looked to them all even those she planned to take with her. "But I need you to run a second front." She looked to Anna. "If we should fail, you have to find a way to stop it. Even if it means killing me a second time. If it comes to that."

"Ravenna.." Kelvin began. "No Kelvin, you all here will be able to runt he second front, between you. Should we fail."

Kyle rose. "Alright, so what?s my part in this?"

"You will take us to the ship I acquired." Belluose spoke now. "We want to draw them as far from the city as we can. There we will make our stand."

Kyle nodded.

~~~~ They were armed. They were prepared. But Ravenna was not ready. Not in all truth.

She had lived so long, nearly died too many times. Now she stood at it again. She would carry the Sa'Roir and Le'Cai...arm her self with another dagger and short sword. New world weapons may be of little use but she belted on her pistol as well. She met the others by the door. "Torolf, your in charge of the guard." Belluose spoke. "I am sure if we fail, you'll know it."

"You will not fail, the gods are with you." Torolf spoke.

"I surely hope so." He looked to his companions. "Are we ready?"

"We are." Ravenna looked to him. There would be no goodbyes, no tears or hugs. They left armed for battle. ~~~

Kyle led them towards the docks. He had lived a long and good life. If he died here this day, he would do so well, and fighting. The docks came up before them and the ship Belluose had acquired. In all truth Belluose had built it, piece by piece with Kyle's help. It was supposed to be a surprise for Ravenna. Now it would stand as their battle ground.

In all her life she never thought she would see it again. The ship she had sold off in pieces just to make ends meet. But it was there, The Dark Raven. Even more lovely and grand than it ever had been.

"I acquired much of the original..some I couldn't find, so made due with new stock. But most of it is what was." Belluose smiled lightly to her. He had wanted to come there with her alone, to ask her to marry him. Now he was there with her, but death hung so close he felt he could not breathe.

"After you. Capt." Kyle looked to Ravenna and she snickered a bit before heading up the gang plank. Even with the sails tied and the ship docked. It was as it always had been. Her comrades joined her. She felt a new hope rise.

But that hope faded quickly when the sky, went from bright mid morning to black. The sun disappeared. An eclipse. For there were no clouds.

There coming towards them they were. Led by Jaecar. Caila, her beast of a man and Issac. Four ...but a mighty four.

She stood with Belluose, Kyle and Zelph. She had chosen them for a reason, seasoned fighters. And if they were to fight and die, she would have no others by her side. She knew Anna and Kelvin would run the second front if they failed here.

"I'm Ready."

Ravenna

Date: 2015-04-08 23:06 EST
Standing there waiting on the edge of the end. Ravenna had been there before. Standing on this very deck,waiting for the end to come. But she had survived then, and countless times over.

Now as they waited while the enemy came. Ravenna felt her skin prickle. Overhead a storm started to brew. Though they were tied to the dock, the ship still swayed in the waves that came in.

It was almost like being back out at sea. The Dark Raven had been gone for an age. An age of stars and sky. It had been gone while she found her why in Rhydin. While she loved, lost and loved again. While she fought, sweat and bled.

That ship had been with her through so many times before and now remade, it would be with her again. Along with her comrades. This battle would not be easily won. This battle would not end in peace.

They came up the gang plank. Jaecar leading the way. Caila and the beast man behind. The machine that was Issac's flesh waited as if some part of the real man was within, under the metal and gears.

"Look father, your freedom." Caila spoke. It was like that day at the warehouse, her voice was far to soft far to fair for one so dark, it sent chills down Ravenna's arms. Issac started to board then.

"Four here, yet all we need is one." Jaecar looked from Ravenna to Kyle, to Zelph then at last to Belluose.

"High Captain Belluose. And Captain Jacobus. How fancy seeing you both here." He smiled the grin of the devil. "And you." He leveled his gaze on Ravenna. "At last we meet."

She could spit back at him that they had met before. But she kept her tongue in her cheek. Her eyes moved to Issac. "Yes, you know that man don't you. You know me and my company."

"Not all of you by name, but well enough." She spoke at last wondering how long they would dally with words. She could see Zelph at her left watching the beast of a man.

Jaecar grinned. "Forgive me then. I am Jaecar Mikhail." He bowed. "These are my associates. Caila, Khaliizi and you know Lord Issac."

Ravenna looked to the beast of a man, so he did have a name. "Issac is dead, that is nothing but shadow, magic's and tech."

Jaecar grinned. "True. The man you knew as Issac is dead, killed by Serge, my for father. Oh if only he had known then what I know now. But times as they were. Now we could do this easily. Give over the dagger and ring, and a drop or two of your blood and we can all leave here alive."

"Your no better a liar than Serge was. You came here for Le'Cai and Sa'Roir, you wont get them with out a fight."

Jaecar sighed. "So be it."

Ravenna

Date: 2015-04-14 16:08 EST
The rain poured down. It soaked in to every inch of decking, it clung to fabric, it washed the blood away.

Belluose had stared the devil in the eye. And the devil laughed at him.

Ravenna grappled with Caila. As Zelph took on Khaliizi. Kyle did his best with what was the form of Issac.

But blood ran. It ran the boards like the rain, soaking in.

They were going to loose. He felt it, some how. They would all die here. But they would take the darkness with them.

He heard Ravenna scream and watched as Kyle was tossed over board.

There was no helping the good captain, if he was alive he might survive the fall. If he was a wise man he would live and swim away to shore.

Jaecar smirked like the devil as Issac moved in towards Ravenna. She had no where to go. Caila had her backed against the captains quarters.

Ravenna looked over to Zelph who was holding his own against Khaliizi. But it wouldn't be long now. "You want this?" She drew Le'Cai from her belt. "Go get it." She tossed it end over end in to the dark waters.

"NO!" Caila rushed to the port side."Khaliizi!" She wasn't going in after if after all. But that one moment, was all Zelph needed.

As the beast of a man turned his head to regard his mistress Zelph who was bent low, bloody, bruised and nearly beaten. Zelph then did what any drow would have, what any cunning elf could. He drew a dagger slim and gold from his boot. Khaliizi didn't see it coming. But Zelph rammed that dagger in to the big mans leg. Then another dagger joined it at the other side.

How the big man howled. He looked to Zelph with murder in his eyes. Zelph smirked, blood on his teeth. Khaliizi bent down to lift Zelph from the ground. With Caila watching on, nearly powerless to stop it. Ravenna could cast her sight to Jaecar. He had Belluose there for a moment by the ropes.

But now he saw his plan fading away. He abandoned his fight and ran to the port side and leapt in to the ocean. He was going after the dagger. Maybe if they were all lucky it would drag him under.

The mask that was Issac didn't move. As if waiting orders.

Ravenna had one shot now, as Khaliizi lifted Zelph up. She had brought her pistol just for this task. She took aim and fired.

Caila screamed and rushed at Ravenna even as Khaliizi fell to his knees. Ravenna caught all one hundred pounds of fury. Holding the woman at bay. There was a demon under that skin. It raged against Ravenna. It shown in those ghost pale eyes.

Zelph coughed and looked up. He was free. The shot Ravenna had aimed had made its mark. He was lucky she was a good shot. It had hit Khaliizi right in the back of the head. The man was dead now kneeling on the bloody boards.

Belluose smirked slightly. Maybe they would win. Maybe all the darkness would wash away like the blood on the decking.

But then he saw it. It was just a flicker, a flash of metal in the darkness. "Ravenna!"

But it was too late. Jaecar had returned to the deck with Le'Cai. He couldn't wield it long as it burned him, the smoke rose up from his skin, but he used it none the less. He threw it and his aim was true. The dagger flipped end over end and buried itself in Ravenna's left back.

"Get the ring..!" Jaecar cried out to Caila as Ravenna cried out and fell to her knees.

Caila reached for the ring. "You'll have that ring, over my dead body." It was Kyle. Dripping wet, covered in blood. He was soaked through. He took Caila by the hair and lifted the small woman up. How he had survived being tossed overboard, then the swim to shore and the walk back to the deck of The Raven was anyone's guess.

Jaecar screamed. "Issac, get the dagger!" The demon rushed towards Zelph then.

Kyle looked to Ravenna bent over on the deck blood seeping from her wound. His eyes moved to Jaecar. "Your magic user is dead.." He saw that the beast of man was lying quite dead feet a way. " And now I have this thing here in my grasp." Caila kicked and wretched, but only succeeded in pulling at her own hair.

Ravenna through the pain reached back and pulled Le'Cai from her back. "Issac.." She held out the dagger, the blood dripping from it.

"Yes...yes get it now father!" Caila cried out, even as Kyle held her sway. All Issac had to do was get the dagger. It already had Ravenna's blood on it. They would win, and the darkness would rise.

Jaecar was a few steps from Zelph. When Belluose stepped before him. "Were not done." He could feel the wounds he bore, it didn't matter. He could feel his body crying out for him to stop to rest. But the battle wasn't over.

Kyle watched as Ravenna bated Issac. Her gripped Caila by the neck as she started to chant. "None of that." He had killed before, on the seas. This was no different. It took one swift move. And the woman, the child, the demon...what ever she was, was dead.

Jaecar heard her neck snap just as Belluose's first punch hit.

Issac reached for the dagger. Ravenna surged to her feet, slipping Sa'Roir on to her hand. She took hold of the dagger and drove it to the hilt in to Issac's chest.

"No...!" Jaecar screamed.

Issac looked surprised for a moment. Then there was a bright flash. Then a sudden boom that shook the ship and sent them all to their knees.

Jaecar rolled to the deck and saw as his creation burned. The dagger in his chest. "No..." He surged to his feet and ran for the burning body. Ravenna lay on her side watching the form of her old life go up in smoke. She saw Jaecar coming. She had to end this now. She rolled over, Sa'Roir in her hand. She pulled her self towards the flames. Her wound was deep, she could feel it. But none of that mattered now. She had to end this here now, even if it ended her.

Just as Jaecar got close she took Sa'Roir and shoved it in to the chest wound beneath Le'Cai. She saw what was left of the mask of Issac's face, made over metal and gears. It hurt her heart even though she knew it had never been Issac.

She pulled back as her hand got burned. As Jaecar reached for the blade. The fire rose up. It took him with it. It took over his arm first and the demon rushed back trying to put it out, but as he did it took his other arm,raced over his shoulders and down his back. He howled and screamed.

Then the fire reached his face. He spared one look to Ravenna. She saw that murderous look in his eyes she had seen years ago in Serge's.

Another explosion rocked the ship. Jaecar was gone, the demon taken by the fire.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-04-14 16:13 EST
The smoke cleared some. Zelph could see what was left of the machine form of Issac, just wires and gears. Nothing was left of Jaecar. Caila lay broken on the bloody deck. Khaliizi lay dead with one shot to the back of his head. Zelph could make out Kyle's form. The drow got to his feet and went to the man who was saved from going over board in that second explosion by the rigging of the ship. He was bloody, bruised, his lef arm likely broken. But the man was alive.

"Ravenna!" It was Belluose's voice that rocked Zelph around.

Ravenna lay face down in the water, blood pooling all around her. Belluose was bloody, bruised but that didn't stop him from diving in to the water.

Zelph followed him.

~~~~

They got her out of the water, back to the mostly dry deck. The rain and magical storm was passing. The night that had been brought on was fading.

"Breathe..." Belluose said as they preformed CPR. The water rushed from her lungs and she drew one breath. But her eyes did not open.

"Ravenna....Ravenna!"

Ravenna

Date: 2015-04-23 16:19 EST
This place was one she had no seen in two score centuries. The small house where she had been born and raised. Where her parents had died. The city as it burned. The orcs that had come. None of it was there. Just the house, the fields, the smell of wheat.

There was no darkness, and no pain. She had been a girl of seven the last time she stood within these walls. And now two score centuries had passed. She recalled it all though. How she had been taken captive. How she had served her masters, how they had wounded her.

Then that day in Luac when Issac had come in to her life. All the times after that. All the pain and darkness that seemed to follow. The loves, the losses, the friends and foes. It had all led her back here.

Ravenna pressed her hand to the door frame of her childhood.

This wasn't right. There had been a battle. There had been blood shed. The Dark Raven had sat upon the water and her allies had rallied to the cause. Kyle, Zelph, Belluose. Belluose.

His eyes. Ones some would call cold and cruel were soft and gentle to her. She loved to see them roused. He was a devil at business. She had never known another man like him. She had been ready this time. ready at long last, to love fully, with out any barriers up. He had come in to er life when she had needed him. And he had stayed. She swore she could hear his voice.

But he was not here, none of them were here in this place.

This was not hell, not heaven. This was some world between worlds.

All the places of her past flashed before her, the cave of her youth, the mansion Issac brought her to. The sea before her, the stars ahead. Run down places and shadowed. Rhydin and its magic. Her loft, the warehouse, her home, where she had made new friends. Belluose manner.

Then there was nothing. That house of her youth was gone, all the past shadows faded. And there was just a field of green ,abloom with flowers. The sun was at mid day, and the temperature was perfect.

Then there was the water, off in the distance. A beach, a cove, a jungle. There on the beach a woman stood. Her back was to Ravenna. An angel" Ravenna had seen many things, angels and devils a like.

Her hair was like starlight, her eyes were sage green. They looked to Ravenna, and through her as if she were a ghost. "Yes, I see you now. You were the one he was meant to meet. You were the echo I felt. "

Ravenna stopped and looked to the woman. Then saw her elven ears, the style of her dress. She wore that of a ranger, one born to this jungle and beach. At her side a sword, thin like a foil but deadly sharp.

" He was young then. Younger than any I had ever known. He was the first man I had ever seen. I could have killed him, but he was meant to live. To be healed by magic's. He has elven blood, deep."

"Belluose..." Ravenna spoke, stunned.

"Yes. He was not yet a high Captain. He was not yet the man he has become." The beach, the jungle it all faded and they stood outside the manner. There on the outside terrace where she and Belluose had dinner many times. Inside it seemed quiet.

A flicker of rooms flashed by. Anna rested her head in Kelvins lap. Hailiye sat with a wounded Zelph in the far parlor, a game of chess before them. Kyle sat with Kiire in the large study. Ravenna saw that Kyle's arm was in a sling, he looked war torn and sad. Giles and Georgia were seeing to food and drink. Torolf walked the grounds with Draco flying overhead.

Then at last they were upstairs in Belluose's room. A room she shared with him. He lay on a couch she could never recall being there. He was wounded, she could see the bandages, but he was alive.

Then she saw why he lay there. She lay on the bed. Her body. Pale and unmoving. Bandaged, bloody.

"Oh gods..."

"You won the battle, the demon is gone, none of his kin remain, they will never raise the darkness they wanted to. They all died there. But you Ravenna, you took a blow from Le'Cai. "

Her dagger..it was. "It is gone, as is Sa'Roir. They served you as they could for as long as they were able. But they were also a curse to you, and for that I am sorry. But you were destine to fight that fight."

"Belluose." Ravenna looked to him, wishing he could see her, hear her.

"He will heal, as will they all. As will you."

"I'm not dead?" Tears stung her eyes.

"No child. But wounded deeply. You must get a message to one of them, reach out to their dreams and nightmares. They must find a skilled healer, and elven woman. She will come and heal you whole as I once healed your beloved Belluose.?

Ravenna nodded.

"You must work quickly child, for the longer you dwell here, the closer to death you come." She was gone then, and only the beach and ocean remained.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-04-24 14:19 EST
She lay there. Unmoving. Pale as cold death. It wasn't possible. They had won the battle. How could this be? Yet still she lay there, blood pooling on the cold wet decking. There was too much blood. Had the dagger gone so far in"

If he could only get to her. Only if he could move. But Jaecar stood over him grinning like a devil. Magic held him sway. And not feet away Ravenna lay bleeding out. Her eyes moved to his. She mouthed his name.

He shot up then. Drenched in a cold sweat. He had never been fearful of nightmares before. But that one hung to much to truth. He ran his hand over his head and cast a slow glance to the bed.

She lay there, unmoving, pale as cold death. But she was bandaged, breathing. Alive. Yet she had not moved not woken. Hours had turned to a day, a day to days. Had it only been two days ago that they stood there on The Dark Raven and faced the foe that had hunted and haunted her for so long?

Jaecar was dead. His company with him. But lost too now was Le'Cai and Sa'Roir. He rose from the couch he and Torolf had moved in to the space. The doctor had come, Georgia had helped tend Ravenna's many wounds. The deepest was from Le'Cai.

Through it all she had been still. He could hardly stand it. He wished it had been him, that he would have be able to save her.

He rose and crossed to the bed. He had made her a promise long ago by moonlight. She often wore that ring he had given her, now it glittered on the nightstand. He sat beside the bed. If it meant she would wake and be well, he didn't care if she recalled his love for her, or hers for him. If she had no memory, as the doctor said could happen. As long as she woke.

He thought of the ring that sat in its small red box deep in his dresser. It was for her. made of elven steel. Of mithral, it would never bend nor break. The stones set in to it were not normal stones. He had gone to great lengths to find them. She was a woman of simple tastes, but she could and did often look so lovely with a sparkle here or there.

He knew the ring , its design. The center stone was a diamond, as was traditional. But he had gone to the furthest reaches of his contacts to find it. A diamond from her home. Before Luac before Las Belin. She had a home in a village that had been torn apart by orcs and men. By the darkness that had followed her for so long.

That center stone, was Brilliant. The cut, the shape. It would sparkle. At either side of the center gem were two set gems. Each different. One was a garnet. For after much time and much research he had found that Ravenna's birthday was in January. The other stone was a sapphire. For his birthday was in September. There were smaller gems, also brilliant cut.

It was a simple yet lovely ring. He wondered if she would ever wear it. He took her right hand and held it. It was cold. Though she was covered from chin to toes by blankets her hand was still cold. He pressed it to his face, with its two days worth of fuzz on it and held it there.

"Please.." He cast his eyes up to the blank ceiling. "Bring her back."

Ravenna

Date: 2015-05-03 15:07 EST
Outside the door Anna stood her heart breaking. Ravenna was there, but not there. Belluose sat tears running down his face as he held her hand to his cheek.

They had won the battle. But the cost had been high. They had all come back, wounded. Ravenna had been carried in, pale and lifeless. She recalled that first night as the doc tended to Ravenna's wounds as they all sat around drinking, talking, waiting.

Now her heart broke. She had never known love like that. She pushed away from the door way and walked back towards her room. She often found she could not sleep. It was still early, not yet dawn. The house was quiet. But there was just that soft hint of coffee brewing. She found her way to the kitchen and found Zelph and Torolf standing there. Zelph was healing but you could still see some of his wounds. Yet as she came in she knew it was the drow who sensed her first.

"Coffee?" He offered her a mug. Anna took it and looked to him. He was a large man, for one of drow kind. But he held none of the wickedness known to them. he was a gentle soul. Behind the counter with his own cup of coffee Torolf stood. He towered even over the drow. His skin was like tan, sun touched. His hair golden, pulled back. His face tonight was clean shaven, unlike the rest of the men, who had a few days less shave on their faces.

It was those eyes, those sky blue eyes that struck her so. Zelph went to making two more mugs of coffee. Anna knew that he and Hailiye spent their time together. Zelph grinned as he walked out.

Anna took a seat at the high counter.

Torolf stood there behind the counter looking at her as he sipped the coffee in his mug. She was tall, built like a warrior,with legs for days and strong arms. Built like the ancient Amazonian women of legend. Her hair was cropped short and siren red. Her eyes were soft pools of blue-green. She wore simple pajamas that Belluose had provided.

None of them, Ravenna's friends, had gone back to their full lives. Not since they all returned from battle. Torolf settled his gaze upon Anna. She was a true and loyal friend. She and Kelvin. The young man with his technology and goggles. They had stayed with Ravenna all this time. Loyalty. So rare.

They had all settled in to life at the manner, at least for the last few days. But this was another night where Anna sat there sipping coffee when she should be asleep in her bed. Her eyes found his. She was sad. The battle had touched them all even those who had not fought in it.

"Miss Ravenna will heal.." He offered. It wasn't often he spoke to many, even less often to women. But he wanted to offer her something.

Anna looked up in to his eyes as she settled her mug down. She'd come in to the kitchen now two nights and found the two guards with their coffee. Trading spaces, one going to look out the other to rest, or brood as it was.

She could offer him no response. She believed Ravenna would heal. But her heart still broke every time she passed that room, or saw Belluose. His gaze was locked to hers as he settled that mug down. Slowly he reached across the counter and took her hand in his. His hand covered hers, for he was a big man. Anna took that comfort. That touch.

How short life was. For mortal and immortal alike. She slowly gently twined her hand with his. Felt the strength there. She had seen his hesitant looks, his slow manner. He'd been watching her as she watched him. She wondered just for a moment what he would do if she were to go to him now. Across the counter, to latch on to him.

Something in him pulled. It tugged on him. He wanted to run his fingers over her face, through that short cap of red hair. To taste her lush full lips. He had never felt such a pull from any woman before. It been quick and hot, and he had expected it to fade. But it had not. He let his mind wander to what was under those cotton pajamas, he let his gaze linger and wander. Life was short. Too short. Anna both saw and felt his gaze.

She pushed her coffee mug to the side with her free hand and with just an easy push of her toes against that stool she was up half on that counter top. She didn't stop herself, didn't hesitate. She kept hold of his hand even as her free hand took hold of his shoulder. Her lips met his, in a passionate embrace.

He did not fight it. No he took hold of her, pulling her across the counter to him. Letting the moment consume them both.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-05-18 22:51 EST
Capt. Kyle Jacobus lay on the long study couch dreaming. He was not a young man any more, he knew. But he could still dream of the times when he had been. Yet in this dream he was not at sea,nor fighting the pirates of his youth.

In this dream he sat in a field of flowers. The smell was of spring rain, and the wind was at his back. He could see the ocean far off. Then she was there.

"Ravenna!" He saw her standing there looking out to the ocean. He rose and ran to her. She was a daughter to him, a friend, a fine sailor and above all he loved her. He grabbed her and hugged her tight and felt her as if she was real.

"Hello Kyle." She called him by his first name and smirked at him. It was rare she called him by his first name.

"Ravenna..gods its good to see you.." But wait he was dreaming wasn't he" He knew Ravenna lay upstairs wounded. "Ravenna...where are we?" The ocean was there, the feeling of the breeze, the smell of the sea.

"A careful Captain you always where. I brought you here. I tried to reach Belluose, but he woke from his nightmare. I could not breach Kiire's mind. Kelvin dreams only of science and technology. The others are awake. So I brought you here. We are some where between life and death. Or I am. I know all that happened, she showed me. She also told me that you have to find a great healer, an elven woman. She will come and heal me whole."

"Wait...who told you?" He starred at her, she stood there as normal as any other, dressed in her normal wears, but she spoke as if she had lived much longer than two centuries.

"An elven woman, she healed Belluose when he was just a young man. She told me there is an even healer, you must find her. The longer I dwell here the closer I draw to death."

"I'll find her Ravenna, I'll get everyone on it." He would do anything for her. Ravenna nodded. "When you see him, tell him I love him. Tell him that no matter what happens I will always love him."

Kyle nodded, then he felt Ravenna slip away. The smell of the ocean and the feel of the breeze with her.

He awoke with Kiire looking down at him. Her eyes were blue at the moment but they could change colors, her skin was tan, her hair blonde. He knew she had half demon in her, he had seen it. He did not lump all demons together in the wicked department. And she had been friends and allies with Ravenna, when she could have gone to Jaecar.

"You were talking in your sleep." There was a flash of those sharp teeth. A hint of that demon. Kyle smiled to her. "She's going to be alright." He sat up rocking Kiire to his lap. He kissed her cheek and lifted her from his lap even as he rose.

He was moving, putting on a shirt.

"Wait....who..?" He was already out the door. She brushed her fingers along her cheek. he had not shied away had he?

Kyle was buttoning up his shirt as he passed the kitchen. He paused as he saw Anna and Torolf locked in a kiss. It was a passionate embrace. He kept moving, his mind on finding Belluose and telling him of the dream he just had.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-05-18 22:56 EST
Belluose could not sleep. Or would not. Was it the nightmares that kept him awake" Or was it fearing that Ravenna would wake alone" Giles had brought him coffee. Georgia had tended to Ravenna, checking her wounds. But he had not left the room, not in hours, though it felt like days.

She lay there, breathing. So pale. He would pace and sit and do it all again. It wasn't even dawn yet. Could he stand to go another day, another hour, another second like this"

"Belluose!" Captain Kyle Jacobus came rushing in the door, `with Kiire close behind him. The man looked wide awake and quite frankly a bit tousled. "Kyle...what is it what?s the matter?"

"I saw her...I mean. " Kyle ran his hand through his hair. "We need to get everyone together, right now."

"Kyle..what?s going.."

"No time, come on call a meeting."

"I am not leaving her in here alone."

"Then call the damn meeting in here, I have news, and its going to change everything." ~~ They gathered in the room. Breakfast set before them all.

"Alight now that were all here." Kyle began. "I had a dream, it was more like a vision, Ravenna was in it. I mean she was there, right before me standing on this beach, real as any of you here now. She told me that an elven woman came to her, an elven woman that had healed you," at that he looked to Belluose, then back around the room. "Ravenna told me that the woman told her that she would live and be fine, as long as we can find some elven healer. But we have to work quickly. Ravenna's time is short." Belluose grabbed the man by the shoulders. "Are you sure?"

"She said to tell you that she loves you, and that no matter what happens she will always love you."

Belluose took a step back.

Zelph leaned off the wall. "Its possible, the world between life and death holds many mysteries. And elven folk can reach out in dreams. Did Ravenna say anything about this healer?"

Kyle shook his head. "Just that she was elven."

"There could be dozens of elven healers in Rhydin." Anna put in.

"How do we find the right one?" Kelvin looked over to Ravenna.

"We find every elven healer, and we bring them here. I don't care how much it costs, or what it takes. We need to find this healer."

"I'll start at the docks." Kyle said.

"I can look around the near by clubs and bars." Kiire said.

"I will do what I can and reach out to the elves that I know." Hailiye looked over to Zelph softly on that. "I can see if any of my old contacts know anything." He added.

"Torolf, Giles and Georgia can stay here with Ravenna." Belluose said. "Anna and Kelvin ,I am going to need your help to dig up some of Ravenna's old contacts."

Anna nodded. Kelvin went right to his data pad.

The others started to head out. "Bring them here, everyone you find."

Ravenna

Date: 2015-05-29 21:02 EST
Ravenna sat on that beach alone now. Waiting. Wondering how long it would take to find an elven healer in Rhydin. There were any number of elves in Rhydin, and dozens upon dozens of healers and mages. It could take weeks.

"You have more faith than that." She was there again the woman from Belluose's past. She sat beside Ravenna in to the sand. Ravenna could see her more clearly. Her hair was pale silver, truly the tone of star light, her clothing was the color of sand and beach trees. She wore that sword at her side.

"You could have given me more, there are dozens of elves in Rhydin. More healers and mages than one could dream of."

"Yes, I see that now. They will go through everyone they find, persistent as always."

"You could have given me a name."

She smiled. "She is of my blood, born of a child of a child of my own. I do not know her name."

"Are you going to tell me yours?"

"Rowena. And no before you wonder if I am dead or alive, I am alive."

"But you'd be.."

"I have seen scores of decades and centuries pass. It is quiet in my realm, there has not been an uprising in many a year." She closed her eyes. "They have begun to try to heal you."

Ravenna looked down at herself. Saw no differences. Rowena looked out to the ocean and Ravenna could see the room again, the room where she lay.

There was a line of women standing there, elven women of all creeds and colors, some in classic clothes, some in tunics or dresses, one in black leather. They could have been any age, their hair color ranged the rainbow. The line reached out the door. Ravenna saw Zelph pass by and a few of the elven women shrink away a bit.

"She will not fear your dark warrior, nor the man of the Norse ways. She will know of the old world and the new, much like yourself."Rowena looked to the scene. "She is not there now. I will try to gain a picture of her for you to give to your friends." Rowena rose.

"How will you do that?" Ravenna started to rise. "I will look forward, see through her eyes. Then I will come back and tell you of her."

Rowena was gone, the vision of home gone and Ravenna left alone again

Ravenna

Date: 2015-07-04 17:41 EST
"How many was that?" Kelvin asked Anna over a third cup of coffee.

"There were thirty five. And not a one could reach her. Zelph is back out there, reaching. Belluose asked us to go out with him tonight."

Kelvin nodded. "Someone somewhere knows something." Anna nodded. "I keep wondering if we were all brought together for a reason. More than the battle."

"Cuz everyone keep pairing off?"

Her brows rose at him. "I'm young not blind Anna. You and Torolf, Kiire and Kyle, Hailiye and Zelph...even though they are dancing around it. Belluose has Ravenna." He looked back to the screen before him.

"I..I was going to tell you, it just kinda happened."

Kelvin smirked at her. "Anna, its fine, its all fine. Don't look at me that way, look I am not jealous, or unhappy. I think everyone needs someone, I just haven't found her yet."

"Maybe she has to find you."

"Maybe. Hey look I got through the encoding, were in." He showed the screen to Anna.

"Lets see what we can dig up."

They got to work heads together.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-07-30 15:09 EST
It was dark when Rowena returned to Ravenna's side. "So there is a change from night to day here."

"It mirrors that which goes on where your body lays. Now that your more aware of where you are. I have seen her, the healer. Your friends will find her soon, she is slight of height and form, her hair is like my own, her eyes like hune jade. She wears clothing akin to your own, and carry's an elven blade and bow."

Ravenna looked out to the water which was black. "Will they find her in time?"

"They are very close. Belluose is very persistent, while he looks more continue to try to heal you. I would ask you to do something for me when you return."

"Yes...anything." The idea of being home again made Ravenna happy.

"Give my thanks to your beloved, he taught me much as I taught him. If he had not opened my eyes I would have never found love, and thrust the child who bore the healer would never had been. And give her, the healer something from me."

She reached in to the pouch that hung at her left and with drew a book it was bound in animal hide. "This was my mothers, then mine, when my daughter returned it came back to me. It should be hers now, the healers. She is of the blood." She held it out.

Ravenna took it. "I will give it to her." Rowena smiled. "You will have a full life Ravenna, long, perhaps longer than my own has been thus far. I think we shall see each other again though."

Rowena looked out to the black ocean and there was a ripple of power. Ravenna saw it, and a short glimpses of her self. Yet Ravenna almost didn't recognize herself, she was wide with child. The vision was gone as soon as it came.

"Wait...what was...?"

Rowena merely smiled. "Your friends are very close now. I will say goodbye, for now."

Ravenna starred as the woman was simply gone.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-08-24 20:27 EST
As bars went this one was high tech. But it was still a bar. Like any other. There were fly boys and pilots mixing with elves and gods knew what. Kelvin felt at home there, surrounded by tech.

Anna ran her hand through her short cap f hair as they three stood in the doorway.

Belluose stood out the most, as he would be known here. "I am going to talk to the bar keep. Go start talking to the elves." He spotted only four. "Shouldn't take long." He moved to the bar and Anna took the bee line to the left were a drow and an elf sat at the same table.

Kelvin stood in the entry way a bit longer. He saw the elven man at the bar and supposed he go ask his twenty questions. He started to move when he saw her.

She sat alone at a table a glass of wine before her, she wore normal clothing and a leather jacket sat over the back of her chair. Her hair was the tone of star light, she was slight of height and he noticed she had a bow that was strung across the chair as well with her jacket. Her eyes met his, they were the tone of hune jade.

He swallowed hard and crossed to her. "Hi." He didn't often speak to women, well other than those he knew well.

"Hello." He voice was soft, like a sweet melody.

Kelvin adjusted his goggles on his head. "This is going to sound like a really lame come on, but I am looking for an elven healer. My friend..shes...she was hurt badly and she hangs between worlds and well..were looking for a healer." He looked over to Anna who walked away from the two at the table toward the bar. Belluose was talking to the elven man who sat there.

" Between life and death, Palurin im." She stated softly.

Kelvin nodded to the first part but he didn't know enough elven to know what else she said. "Yes, you wouldn't happen to be a healer?"

"I am." She looked to him, he was young, she put him at twenty or so. His hair was dark and tousled, he wore goggles on his head, and had the look of a tech. But he had a sweet smile.

"Please then we need your help. " He waved over Anna and Belluose. Who took slow seats.

"I'm High Captain Louis Belluose." He offered his hand to the elven woman. She was striking, she reminded him of someone. But it could have just been wishful thinking. He told her all about Ravenna.

"Lytha Tyrneaaear." She bowed her head to him. "Your friend was just telling me of our plight. Your beloved is between worlds, and your in need of a skilled healer."

" I know its odd, to be asked this by strangers.."

"Not odd. I shall come with you and see if I can help." "Thank you.." Belluose was beyond words.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-08-24 20:33 EST
"These are some of my ..well I might have called them friends, or associates once, but they have become family." Belluose led Lytha in to the manor.

Lytha went about meeting the rag tag crew, she did not shy away from Zelph or Torolf.

She greeted Kyle and Kiire warmly.

She spoke in elven to Hailiye.

She was kind to Giles and Georgia She did not ask about being disarmed, merely hung her jacket bow, quiver and sheathed sword at the front door entry.

Belluose showed her the way up to his room.

Ravenna lay in the bed, cold as pale death. She was covered toes to chin, her raven hair splayed out behind her.

Lytha crossed the room to her. "I will need the room." She looked to Belluose.

He looked to Ravenna. None of the other elven healers had asked him this. But he nodded. "I will be outside."

Ravenna

Date: 2015-09-23 23:29 EST
Lytha Tyrneaaear had lived a long time at least for a young elf. She looked to Ravenna now. Lytha put the lovely elf at two hundred and some. So young and beautiful with a full life ahead of her. Lytha wondered what had put her in to this state.

But she would find out soon enough. She cleansed the room, and then took her time looking over Ravenna. She found the wound easily enough as it had been treated in the normal fashion. But that wound was not from any normal blade.

"Just who are you?" Lytha looked to Ravenna. For now it mattered not. Lytha was going to bring her back, from the world between worlds. It was not Ravenna's time yet.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-10-20 18:01 EST
If a man could pace a floor away. He must have done it hours ago, days ago.Belluose paced,sat, then paced again. He ate and drank but didn't taste anything. His friends..his family, they were there with him. Each one waiting as he did.

Giles and Georgia. Faithful servants one might think. But they were more than maid,cook, or butler. They were two of his oldest friends. They sat waiting, tending to light duties that tended to the rest.

Then there was Zelphar and Torolf. None could ask for better guardsmen. They fought and protected with equall measure. They each had their own styles, but they had become fast an easy friends dispite their many differences. They sat each beside the new friends...the new allies...the new family he had come to know.

Anna sat beside Torolf. A blind man could have seen there had been something between them from the get go. Now it seemed they were easing in to it. Anna, was Ravenna's friend and ally. Tall with siren red hair and the body of a woman not lightly taken. She fit with Torolf and his norse god looks.

Then there was Hailiye who sat beside Zelph. Her hair was deep reddish brown, her skin softly sun touched. She was an elf, or she had the look of one. She and Zelph had begun their own way as well. She had worked with Ravenna. Had been hired by Kyle Jacobus. The man who sat on the other side of the hallway.

Captain Kyle Jacobus was not a young man any more. He was older than Belluose himself. He had salt and pepper hair and blue eyes. He wore simple clothing of a man of the high seas even still. He didn't sit alone. Kiire sat beside him, another of Ravenna's friends and someone Kyle himself had hired to work his ship. She was blonde,softly dusky skin with sharp teeth. Part demon...what kind Belluose didn't know. But she had been loyal to Ravenna even though they had been battling demons and devils.

The last of the rag tag group sat alone looking at the closed doors. Kelvin. Likely the youngest of the bunch but smart as all hell. He was a tech, good with eveything and anything new age old age..mixed age. He knew his specs and graphs. His dark hair was tossled, goggles on his head, his eyes were clear teal tone. He looked at the closed doors as if they held the answers to what ever he was trying to figure out.

They all waited.Wondering if this woman..Lytha Tyrneaaear could heal Ravenna and bring her back to them. All praying to what gods or goddess they could, that she would bring Ravenna back.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-10-20 18:03 EST
The beach was warm. The sand the sun. The water was cool and deep. He felt at ease here, at peace as if there was nothing wrong in the world. The breeze held the scent of sea and sand.

And there was a woman. Beautiful. She stood above him, not tall nor short. Her hair long shimmered in the wind. Her eyes were dark ,full of wisdom and knowledge. He knew her...he reached down to touch where her sword had bit in to him and felt only the scar there.

"Its you.." Why couldn't he recall her name" He had known it once. He had stayed with her and her people till he was well, and long after that he had fallen in love with the place and the people.

"Belluose...wake up..." Her voice floated to him. "Belluose...Louis..."

He came awake being shaken by Zelph. He starred blankly

forward. "Zelph...what..?" he looked to the closed doors then with an edge of worry creasing his brow.

"You passed out, you were talking in your sleep, you kept saying a name...Rowena..." Zelph had watched him pass out, after a few hours. The dark elf had stayed awake, his eyes barely moving from the closed bedroom doors.

Belluose looked to the closed bedroom doors again. Yes. Rowena. That had been her name and the woman beyond those doors could have been her twin, that was why he had felt that moment before when he swore he knew Lytha.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-10-20 18:06 EST
Lytha Tyrneaaear , looked down to Ravenna. The wound was healed. The damage gone. Lytha sat there holding Ravenna's warming hand speaking in soft elven.

"You look like her..." Ravenna croaked out. Her eyes just barely open.

Lytha offered her a slow sip of water. "Like who?"

"Like Rowena.."

Lytha knew that name it was her great grandmothers name. But how could Ravenna have known that"

"She gave me this..."Ravenna had a small book in her left hand and slowly passed it to the elven woman before her. "She said you should have it." It was important that she did this, even if the small book felt like it weighed two tons.

Lytha slowly took the book. "How did you come by this?" The book was old...very old it held in it old spells and remedies passed on by her family.

"Rowena gave it to me.." Ravenna slowly tried to sit up and felt a bit dizzy.

Lytha put the book in the pouch at her side. "Easy, You've been through much. I am Lytha Tyrneaaear, your friends brought me here to heal you, and you are healed. But I find my self with many questions."

Ravenna nodded slowly. "Like any good elf would.." She cast her gaze to the closed doors. "Is he out there?"

"I assume you mean Belluose, yes he waits, they all wait."

"I need to see him, I need to see them all."

"Yes...I will get them." She rose slowly. "And once you are well enough we shall talk more."

"Agreed." Ravenna smiled. She was back. It was a blessing. She felt as if shed been beaten and battered, yet she no longer felt heavy. She had stayed true to her word. She was back.

Ravenna

Date: 2015-12-18 22:35 EST
If there could have been a party. They would have had one thgere and then in the bedroom. Filled with the people she had come to love. They were all more than friends, they were her chosen family.

Of all she had lost over the centuires she had lived. She had gained so much more back.

She got hugs from everyone. Very gentle hugs. There was food and drink, though Ravenna stuck to water and a nibble of food. She knew she needed to take things slowly.

She was back. She was home. There was no greater gift.

Ravenna

Date: 2016-01-06 20:56 EST
Lytha Tyrneaaear had many questions. But she would wait. Wait till Ravenna had been greeted back to the land of the living by all her friends. Her family. Lytha sat out in the hallway as the whole of them filled the room beyond.

True, loyal friends. True family. And a great love. If there could have been a party then and there, she was sure there would have been.

The grouping settled for hugs, tears and laughter.

Lytha had known many in her time. But not such a grouping as that within the room. Slowly they came out, smiling. They all embraced her or shook her hand. They thanked her for bringing Ravenna back.

When the doors closed Lytha knew that inside Belluose was sitting with Ravenna. There was love. True and deep. It had lasted through so much, she could just feel it ebbing out.

The group went down stairs for more food and drinks and Kelvin came to stand before her. "They will be a while, but I am sure you have a few questions. Belluose asked me to ask you to stay. There will be a room here for you, and the lot of us can answer a few of the questions I am sure you must have."

Lytha nodded and smiled. "Thank you. I will stay. I would enjoy to see more of this place and get to know everyone who is so grateful for just a touch of magic." Kelvin smiled, "Its more than that to us. Its everything."

Ravenna

Date: 2016-02-08 21:40 EST
He swore he would pray to what ever power had brought her back to him. He would be thankful for the rest of his life for her being there looking at him. Her blue eyes so crisp. Looking so much better.

There was color in her cheeks. A smile on her face. Death did not hang over the room. He knew that in part was a touch of magic. He took her hand. No longer cold as ice but warm within his own. She sat up gently in the bed, wearing the pajamas he had Georgia put her in after everything.

They were simple and pretty. Her dark hair framed her face.

"If you smile any more, it will swallow your face."

He chuckled at that. "You have no idea...I've been beside myself for days. In worry...though not really alone. The whole gang, even Draco." He chuckled. "We thought we lost you."

"I was I think, for a bit. The battle is won. Its over."

"Le'Cai...and Sa'Roir are gone."

"I know. It was as it was meant to be. I met your healer."

"Lytha...she was a blessing."

"No not just Lytha, Rowena."

"Lytha looks like her..and I think I had a dream about her myself."

"She was there, where ever I was, her essence, she came to me. Spoke of you, spoke of the healer needing to be found, she helped me reach out. She wanted me to give you her thanks, she said you opened her eyes. That because of you she found love, and thus in the end Lytha came from that."

"She is still alive then?"

"Yes, somewhere. She said that we would meet again, soon. I hope so. I owe her thanks...I owe Lytha thanks."

"I think everyone is helping you with that down stairs." He smirked to the sound of music being played.

"Good. They need it."

"Is there anything you need" Food, water.."

"A nice long bath."

"Should I call for Georgia?" She smirked at him then. "I'd rather you be my attendant."

"Gladly." He rose and slowly and gently lifted her from the bed. She smirked at him. "You don't have to treat me like a pane of glass. I am fine."

"A little tender care wont hurt you so hush."