Topic: The Devil Made Me Do It!

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-15 08:26 EST
Little angel go away Come again some other day The devil has my ear today I'll never hear a word you say Promised I will find a little solace And some piece of mind Weak And Powerless - A Perfect Circle

Veighn was leaning against the alley wall, in the darker recesses of the passageway; he awaited the woman who held the promise of unveiled mystery. The dangers therein, however eminent or not, were a thrilling thing to be sure. He dared enough to know, and thus there he stood, watching for her to come down the darkened cobble path.

Quietly, Lethe's soft boots crossed the filthy cobbles, burnoose rippling with the motion, until standing opposite the awaiting Veighn. Again, a bow is offered, fingertips gracing brow, lips and breast in turn, before quiet words. "The challenge is yours, ser. Pursue it as you will, to your satisfaction. I have naught to prove by this, but that I will not permit myself to let challenge lie unanswered; so let it be done."

He moved forward, and in the span of an instant his hand moved forth from his side as if to rend half her face from her skull. Yet, it bent its path slowed as he came to a mere few feet before her. Veighn's talons moved to sheer through the ties that held her veil in place. Was she quick enough to counter" Was she aware enough to react in time" He would soon find out

Tasha crept along quiet as a mouse and using cantrips to make sure "he" didn't hear a thing, but as she suspected he was wrapped up with some new tryst it likely wouldn't matter.

No hand rises to halt the blow of that hand, but smoke swirls. Talons would find smoke where they sought silk, and beneath - beneath they would find fire, to be touched, if not to be seen. Smoke swirls, fading away to leave Lethe's features naked. Gloved hands lift, tiny granules flying from between them, naught but sparkles of mica, salt and stone; Sand. A croon, though, brings that pinch to life, multiplying exponentially into a whirling, scouring funnel of sand and scorching air.

She slipped through the shadows; Natolii was cloaking her presence to all about her.

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-15 08:28 EST
Like nothing but something was terribly wrong And I admit that I was only waiting for the right time (right time) Right moment for You to look away Though you never did I pretended for a while So I could walk where I don't belong Pitiful - Blindside

And as the graduals of sand hit Veighn's skin, the reaction was not like the eroding of stone by the blasting of wearing elements. He let out a sound, more a perverse coo at the sensation of searing heat against his scales and unyielding flesh. Where it threatened to ware, once more it was reformed in rapid regeneration. He stepped closer still, as if to walk through the smoke, fire and sand. The dark around him rippled and tendrils of Shar'Vae Shade moved to twine with the substance that was once made her manifest. The Mage stepped into the moisture draining heat, and the furnace turned wind surrounded him, causing his hair and robes to billow about as the dark nimbus solidified here and there to buffer the brunt of the transformation.

Making sure he was fully distracted and her small form well hidden behind some of the crates in that ally. Tasha had been working on this theory for weeks after all with the aid of the mystical Ama Endori and thus opened up the newly discovered flow of power, and directing into the link that bound her to that mage. It was just a small trickle at first, but converted into wider unleashing of surprising energy few knew she even had. It wasn't done to harm, but to confirm her idea about it.

Silk rippled, in the verge of that cyclone, but no retreat is made to the offered advance. The melding of shadow and smoke finds no purchase upon the fabric, but again Lethe's soft croon resonated through the hiss of sand on scale and stone. It is not a spell directed toward Veighn, but toward the ground beneath his feet. Quicksand converting damp stone and earth into a dry, sucking pit of mica-salt powder.

Natolii monitored the transmutation battle. That all it was, clever transmutations.

His hands moved to his temples suddenly, and The Dark Lord faltered a step, hissing into the cyclone of sand, heat, and wind. The roar of the elements drowned out his voice, but not the ire manifest as the energies coursing through the bonds that linked the pair even still. The infusing of his frame with new energy both painful and akin fueled his own Shar'Vae Magics in a way not until now foreseen. His features began to take on a bestial cast, and as if lightened, he took to the air as if in the midst of a levitation-like trance. Veighn's back arched painfully, and his eyes took on the hue of darkness that was altogether depthless.

The Lunithaylian was coming forth to the surface at the call without warning. He was wading in two forms of energy, and the one Tasha was infusing him with began to be patterned upon and mutated as it burned through his being. He began to shift and strobe between solid and corporeal mass as his limbs began to elongate as though bone's growth plates had taken on a vigor of their own. His shadow lengthened and grew horrific before his form began to change. He roared, three voices from one mouth echoing off the walls, causing fissures in the stone, as he fought the shift.

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-15 08:29 EST
The enemy arrives Escape into the night Everybody run now Everybody run now Break into another time This enemy of mine Divinity defines Everybody run now Oblivion - 30 Seconds To Mars

Tasha was keeping a careful watch, well hidden of course. She knew he wouldn't like it, but as she had been on the receiving end already, she was prepared. Normally such channeling would drain her but oddly enough that effect didn't occur. Instead she was confused, before dawning understanding consumed elfin features, pulling a soft muttering from her."Ohhh...Crap!"

"Nat' Does this look like an "Uh oh" moment to you?" Dark, nearly black eyes swam with energy, casting an uncertain glance towards the pair some distance away and her hair fluttered wildly as Tasha looked over a shoulder, making sure the exit was still clear.

Natolii moved into view having shifted to her true form. She was ready to drag Tasha away, "Because it is..."

Lethe's molten eyes narrow at the foreign energy surge, and finally steps are taken back from the other, gloved hands dipping into the concealment of the burnoose to extract a simple, flat stone. Rather than waiting to see what the effect of the change would be, that is sent skipping toward Veighn, taking with it from the first bounce a growing wave of stone and earth rippling up from the floor of the Alley, directed to crest upon the floating form. Luck would send him down into the lingering quicksand - but luck is a rare thing indeed.

The crown was the next thing that came to bear in his presence. And as the flow of elemental energy whipped and whirled around him, semi-masking the shifting of the silhouette within was not enough to hide the protruding of horns from the man's pate. Two large gazelle-like horns came into being form somewhere around his temple region, as Veighn turned mid-air. The smaller protrusions ringing the circumference of his head, totaling in the nine. He forced outward, heat against heat, raw primeval power against that of eldritch elemental nature. It was soon apparent that he was not the mortal being he had pretended to be. He growled a name as he began to return, through the bond, a siphoning lure to that energy she had unleashed throughout his being. "Tasha!"

Natolii triggered an orb of the change from the family. Tasha's experiment may have given them an opening to play on.

Tasha backed up towards Natolii slowly, watching the metamorphism with widening black eyes and gaping in shock, only to come to a dawning realization he was trying to drain her. That sent her gasping for a moment in panic, but skills she didn't even know she had activated and energy blossomed freely, with the falling of more of those barriers within she had been given upon her birth. "What the frell?" Shock and awe kept her voice pitched low.

Natolii's eyes glowed as the power erupted from her. More and more shields came into being around Tasha.

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-15 08:31 EST
Even in madness, I know you still believe Paint me your canvas so I become What you could never be I dare you to tell me to walk through the fire Wear my soul and call me a liar I dare you to tell me to walk through the fire. I Dare You - Shinedown

She felt the draining of course, she couldn't miss it but couldn't figure out how the hell she was still standing, but she was and only noticing a faint weakening. Backing up right into Nat Tasha hissed faintly, fighting pack that edging of confused panic. "Why aren't I like...Dead?"

The wave of solid earth came on from behind. Though just as it would seem to take him down, it began to smolder. Smoke rose like burning sulfur from the rippling ground, and parted like twin peaks with walls of lava between. Lord Yhaull radiated a heat both unfathomably hot and unnaturally cold. The ground cooled where it meant to touch, before bursting in a shower of glowing rock and stone. Those dark eyes bore into Tasha where she stood, backing toward the elder woman of Blood's Association.

The elder woman revealed her nature now, the demoness was out and not very amused. "What did you tap, Tasha?"

Smoke swirled, but settled again as heavy silk. A hand lifted, brushing across naked features Lethe restored her veil, and a few soft steps were taken toward the side of the Alley, to remove lithe flesh from within that channel of transmuting, foreign energy. Even as the wave crests and shattered, lips moved beneath the restored veil, A tiny sphere of carved crystal taken from within the burnoose to conceal writhing gloved fingers. No move is made to avoid the splash of molten stone; it passed through.

"What I am. The ties of blood, what my Da is...I...I...Oh man...He's pissed." Tasha considered making a run for it, but even as her fingers closed down upon that rune marring her palm, she seemed to catch a second wind and actually sought to turn off the energy draw, as if it was like a tap on a facet.

"Meddlesome Bloods." He growled, back now to the woman of the sands. He floated forth, arms to his sides as he latched onto the link, which bound Tasha to him through their pact. That which had not yet been lifted from her being, per the agreement. He sent forth a concussive injection of her own energy, though perverted by the Law of his Shar'Vae essence. Through the realms of the in-between it branched like the roots of yggradsil, striking for rich veins to inject her frame with that vile taint which had changed him so many ages ago.

Natolii shored up the shielding against the blast, she knew more than her share of magic. The Ravinist had awakened once again and was not amused.

Her own efforts, combined with Natolii's lessened the effect to some degree, but a few spears of those roots did manage to crest the protections and sent the little elf slamming backwards into Nat with a howl of both pain and fury, dark eyes widening even further for Tasha knew this wasn't good.

He singled out Natolii with the cruel point of his index's talon, his - now - solid black eyes narrowing upon her. The thrum of power became greater, like the sound of a pulse inside the mind, echoing inward from the fringes. Veighn glared with malevolence at the demonic entity seeking to protect Tasha from the backlash of her own machinations. "Ye have violated the agreement..."

Natolii responded in a quiet and controlled voice. "You would harm the child of the man you bargain with. Who has violated the bargain?" She held Tasha protectively, wings extending around her.

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-18 04:28 EST
Why don't you let me be And I'll pretend I'm well Cause you're too blind to see And I'm too tired to tell And in your apathy Your head begins to swell Another tragedy But you're too cold to feel

Plastic Man - Seether

There was a part that wanted to cry foul, but Tasha had done it again. It really was her fault. She had wanted to unsettle him and it sure looked like it did, but man what he did was going to leave a mark. Struggling to find her own feet, that momentary pain faded to some degree and she shivered faintly before turning around and looking at Veighn and trying not to shy back. "Knock it off. I didn't hurt you did I?"

"Release the girl to me, or be forfeit within the parameters of the agreement ye family has signed in payment of the transgression. "Veighn intoned in that trinity of booming, otherworldly voices. The lilting tone of discordant accent causing the very nexus's manna to shimmer and warp where it saturated land and space around the parameter of his being.

Smoke in the wind; Gone as quickly as that is physical form, at the direct assault of contamination. All that remained is Fire, the pure, pristine element of flame. Salamander to some, Efreet to others, ultimately, though, the refined essence of elemental flame. Lethe's little crystal marble flew through the air, aimed to impact Veighn's form; and behind it trailed fire. Tendrils touched, contamination embraces; and is seared clean.

"Bring you grievance to Lord Lankyn. I will be sure to include you little digs and provocations, creature." Natolii countered.

"Nat, I did it. Though I didn't break any rules that I was aware of. Didn't do him any harm really." Tasha said softly while she was shooting a less then delightful look at Veighn and really didn't want to get near him at the moment. He was just too big for her comfort so she stayed within those enfolding wings willingly enough.

Veighn turned at the concussive blast at his back, which sent him forward through the air. The heat caused the rune-trimmed robes to steam, and the fire surrounded him neither charring, nor melting his form. The Lunithaylian embraced the energy coming toward him, though the solid object impacted harder than might have been expected. He rolled across the cobbles, leaving a molten indentation where he bounced and rolled across the ground.

"He is aggrieved that your power broke his disguise....Though it was within the confines of the pact he forced upon you." Was Nat's response.

Tasha winced at the sound of that impact and the subsequent landing Veighn made and just shook her head suddenly before she couldn't help herself. "I DIDN'T do that at least!"

He rose to his feet slowly. Veighn's gaze snapped toward the other being with a cruel smile forming his lips. "Ye wish to continue this little charade, my dear" Or shall I make quick end of this at once? His eyes narrowed on Lethe for a brief instant."

Natolii gained a measure of Lethe's character then, honorless creature.

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-18 04:32 EST
What is it I'm after Searching for disaster Watching my own life Flash in front of my eyes We've been given answers Still were walking cancers Dressed up as a life Cancer - Sick Puppies

"How the heck was I supposed to know that my energy would cause that anyway' I mean seriously! I was just curious is all." She was going to defend her actions no matter what since Tasha really hadn't set out to do harm, just answer a question was all.

Silk whispered as it resettled, Lethe's gloved hands rose to offer a brief inclination of torso. "Do you wish to delay your challenge, ser, you have but to speak the words. Do you wish to continue, and then let us do so posthaste. It is poor manner indeed to interrupt the given challenge with unasked intrusion. Yet, do you seek to delay, I would ask that you take greater care with the targeting of your reprisals; Unless, perhaps, your taint was an incidental matter of your nature?"

"Ye tampering, girl.." Veighn growled to Tasha. "Is an act expressly forbidden by the agreement between mine self and ye father. Ye have broken the agreement, for the curiosity was unwelcome and the pair of ye know much more than ye should. Her harboring ye criminal act in the security of her protection makes her culprit by association. I am owed for this trespass."

"Oh' Does that mean you're no longer allied with the Bloods?" Her eyes went wide then not really understanding that, as Tasha never actually saw said agreement and then snickered. "Luc will be glad to hear it Veighn."

Natolii then purred softly, "So you set a catch-22 into the agreement with the brand upon Tasha" You deliberately set into motion an agreement you had no inclination to honor yourself."

"Mine dear," Veighn continued turning to Lethe. "We shall continue this later, for the purity of what I sought has been tainted by the tampering of others. We shall forward this to another time, with promise that the challenge shall be met at that time without the interference of others."

"Oooh! So she can try and blow you up and it's fine?" Tasha just looks outraged and then snorts. "Oh yeah, that's right...I get it...Typically male." Her black gleaming eyes just offer an exaggerated rolling.

Lethe's Fingers flexed, recalling the little crystal sphere. For a long moment, golden eyes lingered on it before it is palmed again. "As you will, ser. It was my understanding that such interference was not to be offered this time; Yet do you still feel the need for such challenge, when naught but courtesy would dispel the need for it, then shall we resume else when."

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-18 04:34 EST
Your voodoo games I cannot take Insanity, control and hate I want you to Just let me be I'm at your mercy release me Your voodoo games are haunting me I wake up from my piercing screams Let me go Just let me be I'm at your mercy release me voodoo games - Daughter Darling

Veighn slowly turned to Natolii, tilting his head slightly to the side. "Where Tasha is concerned, the point is moot. Ye, on the other hand, well....ye have delivered yeself into the maw of the beast and this beast desires recompensing for ye transgression."

Natolii stood before him, "You seek any excuse open to you, and fully expect us to sit back while you hurt family. Try to take it out on me, Oath breaker."

He nodded to Lethe, for the act and the smile was a cruel as it was wry. "I am sure that the future rendezvous shall unfold as planned when such an occurrence present itself. I will look forward to this winter's harvest, mine dear." Veighn turned his gaze toward Tasha then, and began to approach her. "Though it seems unfinished business had presented itself to be taken care of."

There was a moment where Tasha actually considered standing her ground but as that looming form came closer, instincts won out and she started back peddling and was surprisingly nimble at it, using the various crates and boxes littering the alley to her advantage. "Forget it! Your just going to have to talk to my Da like Nat said and if he thinks I am to be punished for natural curiosity, then he can do it...Not you!"

A flash of metallic gold betrays a glance toward the two females, before another bow is offered Veighn. "So be it." Silk whispers soft susurration as quiet steps were taken through damaged stone, making no effort to avoid naught but direct contact with those intruding upon the path out of the Alley.

"I break no oaths...Tanar'ri spawn." Veighn growled as he approached the pair of them. "Donnae second guess yeself, mine dear. The futility of ye reasoning is superfluous. Ye will be mine in time....to do with as I see fit. Ye agreement to this truth need not be. Ye have overreached ye bounds, Madame Soul, and ye shall be a part of the price ye family shall turn over to me, less they find something I desire more."

The Dark Lord turned his gaze toward Tasha, pointedly. "As for ye, misfit. Come here....NOW!" Directing his finger to the ground before his feet.

"I do grow tired of lesser creatures thinking they can damn well order me about!" She blazed up then. "You want me, try to take me lemur."

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-18 04:35 EST
There are times when I'm just a shell When I do not feel anything for anyone All I feel is hollow and bruised Used up and misused Forced to be someone I don't want to be

Have I failed somehow or some way Will the weight of today finally pull me down to drown In the depths of despair Where I am alone Except for my rage

Darkest Days - Stabbing Westward

Tasha gaped at that commanding tone and looked at the spot he indicated then snickered and just flipped him off with a sudden spilling of Elfish insults that would make even a sailor blush. "No frelling way! Mr. High and Mighty whatever ya are!"

Rumors were like the wind, always flitting around until they reach someone who may bear witness to the kernel of truth. And imagine the surprise to hear that not only had Belial been seen about this gods-forsaken realm again, but that his shovarst had returned. And thus so had he. And it was easy enough to follow her aura, but imagine again the surprise to find her, not in the Inn, but in the Alley. Thus it was the door creaked open and Daugolozan stepped into the darker air, looking toward the sound of voices.

Tasha muttered with another dark eyed glowering at Veighn. "Misfit! Yeah, I am...So frelling what!" She danced around another crate carefully making distance and moving towards an open road but she didn't look back just kept on moving.

From within his robes Veighn procured a spherical stone of sorts. Lifting his palm, the stone rose above as if on its own accord and began to glow. In his other hand, a staff seemed to manifested itself from its home in another dimension, rifting into the plane as the shrieking tear of fabric between worlds was made. The Emerald Skull atop the Archmagi's staff began to glow, and the ioun stone began to circle around the Lunithaylian as he set his posture to advance.

Without another backward glance, Lethe's soft steps departed the Alley, leaving the others behind to conclude their disgruntlement. Within moments, luminescence swallows flesh, departing to care for the untacking of the pale mare.

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-18 04:57 EST
Your words to me just a whisper Your face is so unclear I try to pay attention Your words just disappear

Ohh... 'Cause it's always raining in my head Ohh... Forget all the things I should have said

Epiphany - Staind

Silvery blond hair was flying about wildly as she darted towards another large crate and only paused to call a spell down, one to pull protective energy around her and shore up those already there from Natolii. "Calm down Veighn! Ain't like I hurt ya or anything. So what if you're new toy got an eyeful. She ain't what she seems either!"

The tap...tap...of wood against cobblestone echoed faintly as he moved in that direction, a simple staff to match the simple robes of a magus of some power. Unblinking eyes took in the little tableau as he came up behind Tasha and Natolii.

Natolii turned to the approaching sound. "As if this night could get any worse." Was the instant thought at the sight she found.

"I didn't expect that to happen either you! Your being unreasonable ya know!" She was babbling at the moment, trying to buy her self some time, while rubbing her palm against denim clad leg. "What' You want to spank me or something" Swat me with that staff on the nose?"

The Mage paused, his features grim in their expression, and then his eyelids lowered slowly. The image before them seemed shadowy suddenly, more Shar'Vae essence rising into being to cocoon him in his semi-shifted state of being, halfway between manifesting. He then resumed his guise, as his frame shrunk to that of something more akin to normal, minus the bony protrusions giving hint to the fact that he was more than just some common variety magus. With a deft snatch, he caught the ioun stone in. Its course of obit around his body, and tucked it away, however, the staff he pressed a lean-to against as the dense shade seemed to dissipate enough to grant him view of the duo turned trio.

Catching sight of Daug's arrival, she darted towards him, taking up refuge behind him. "Yes, it's my fault. I'm sorry! Okay' I apologize for triggering what ever it is I triggered! It wasn't done on purpose!"

"Your purpose means little to me now, Tasha Oberon....get of Lord Lankyn. I am sure ye aunt will have something interesting to say about this should I notify her of what ye have done." Veighn's eyes narrowed upon the two. "As for ye involvement, Madame Soul, we shall see what comes of ye. Relish ye time in safety. I suggest ye make yeself scarce should the recompense fall ill in ye behalf."

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-20 05:59 EST
Life clinging backwards, In the fall of dread confusion, Still this silence gnaws upon your fingertips, All-yielding prayer, for instant isolation, Far more sinister than the price of doubt,

Yet you remain, Still you remain.

Deception - The Cr"xshadows

"I know! You can take this mark off me and it won't ever happen again! Tasha suddenly beamed a brilliant smile at the idea and peeked around Daug's robes at Veighn. "No harm no foul that way."

"And what is it you may have triggered, young one?" Razor-lean features were split by a somewhat wry smile as he glanced behind him at the cowering Tasha for a second, then back around to the other occupants of the alley. "Greetings, Shadowknight."

"I grow tired of your posturing and preening, child." That was directed at Veighn, "Greetings, Daugolozan." The tone Natolii held for the lich was respect for a foe. She was well and truly tired of his games. If that was all she had to look forward to when she came here. "Take me."

Had she known Daug thought she was cowering she would have disputed that, she was merely using him a shield. However, she was trying to apologize but should have just known Veighn would be resistant. "Ooh, gonna tell are ya" Go ahead. Bel's used to me always getting into trouble. I am known for it." Tasha couldn't help the pride in her words there.

"Ye are amusing for being the baser breed of creature ye are, tiny fiend. Ye assume I care a whit about what it is ye grow tired of or favor, knave." Veighn snarled back at Natolii.

Cats-eyes moved to the one beyond, and for a second the flash of ivory heralded perhaps a smile, or a licking of the chops. Amusement, or dinner. Either could elicit such a reaction.

"Ye would be wise to council ye friend, Tasha, before I am moved to do just what she has asked of me." The Mage commented arrogantly.

"Honestly Daug, I don't really know. Made him turn into something...else." Tasha had no words to describe what that was, as she didn't really know what Veighn really was.

"Oh get off your high an mighty horse and take your damned recompense." Natolii was calling him now. Then again she was sick and tired of the crap she was giving her at every turn.

"No Natolii." Tasha gave a sigh and just stepped around Daug and started towards Veighn. "This is my fault and I ain't gonna let ya get blamed for it."

"I come back to this hellhole and this is what I receive. I'm better off, Tasha." Nat Countered.

"Ohhh, really?" Daugolozan replied. The syllables drawn out, ending in soft sibilant laughter, the sound akin to a hissing teakettle come to boil.

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-20 06:01 EST
Still don't see much of me giving in Much too strong to live outside of these sins Feeling like I'm taken lightly, think you see right through me Words of those who still despise me, think it's eating me you're dreaming

Live a Lie - Default

He did advance now, though his movements seemed rather nonchalant in contrast to what they once were. Veighn was nearing Natolii as his staff resounded against the cobbles at his left in sharp staccato. The closer he moved, the louder the thrum came as it echoed at the fringes of the conscious mind. Like a mixture of heat and icy cold, it bombarded the physical and the astral with energies loose and non-formed.

She had caused it after all and wasn't about to put Nat in a position of being harmed for having sought to shield her. That wasn't the way Tasha worked, as she cared enough about her family to try and prevent it. "Thanks for helping me tho, but I can't see ya take the blame for my actions."

Natolii glared at Veighn, "Oh one condition....Release Tasha."

"Release Tasha?" Veighn turned his gaze toward the Little Oberon now. His brow arched. " And ye will come to me willingly to pay what price ye must?"

Natolii gave a brief nod, "Yes."

"Seal it with ye blood, Natolii Soulbinder." Veighn drew a mark across his right palm with his left thumbnail, causing the glowing fiery blood to pool within his hand. "A mark for a mark. Seal the pact, and it shall be done."

Daugolozan didn't say a thing, but watched from his vantage point. The plain staff he held lightly tapping the side of the crate he stood beside, a soft but discordant counterpoint to the impact of the other. Disruptive and quieting at the same time.

Tasha didn't look thrilled at the prospect of this and that showed plainly upon her elfin features as she came to a stop near Nat and the mage with arms folding over her baggy t-shirt. "No way. It was my fault and Nat didn't have anything to do with it Veighn. You won't hurt her."

Natolii gave a half smile to Tasha, "Better this way. I can take the damage. Daugolozan knows this one well."

"Silence ye tongue, Oberon, this is between Madame Soulbinder, and mine self." Veighn held out his hand, the blood flaming in his palm where he held it out to Natolii.

With no warning at all, that newly awakened energy burst to life, crackling around her and she growled at Natolii. "That is how I got into this mess from the start! Don't DO it!"

Natolii turned back to Veighn, taking her own talon across her palm. "With this blood you swear to release Anatashia in exchange for my pact. And may whatever powers you hold dear destroy you should you fail to uphold you end of this pact."

"Seal the pact Natolii..." The trio of voices became stronger, more urgent, and more bestial. The Dark Lord's now crimson eyes flared with intense light.

Natolii's own voice became guttural, "Swear it."

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-20 06:03 EST
Open up the book you beat me with again. Read it off one sentence at a time. I'm tired of all the lines, Convictions and your lies. What right do you have to point at me"

Breakdown - Daughtry Silvery hair flew about her face like a halo of light as Tasha growled again and nearly flung herself into the mess. "NO! Don't I have some say in this?" I mean Damn!"

"So be it...for the transition of one mark from her to ye, I take ye in place of the Oberon girl for the release of her quintessence and mine binding link upon it."

Daugolozan's other hand rose, ostentatiously to rub the smooth chin as he watched, much like a spectator at one of the Marketplace afternoon plays.

"So mote it be..." Natolii sealed the pact. The flames bothering her not at all.

Where the pact rune bound Tasha, the light began to unravel upon Ana's palm. Where it disappeared, it began to etch itself into the flesh and quintessence of Natolii Soul in the transfer. Bound mind, body, and vital essence, he marked her with the link of the High Lunithaylian pact-rune, which she would bear out the rest of her existence. "My will be done...."

She looked at Nat, then at Veighn and black eyes narrowed as Tasha felt the rune fade from her own flesh and just muttered to herself in a lyrical Elvin tongue as she spun about and stalked towards Daug.

Natolii shook her head, better she be mad at her.

"Ye, Natolii Soulbinder...Shadowknight and Blood of the Blood House Onyx...are now....mine for eternity to do with as I shall see fit."

"This is just frelling great. I won't be blamed tho! I told her not to do it...I did." Tasha's dark eyes shone with a shimmering of moisture as she was fighting against furious tears.

Daugolozan's free arm swung out in an invitation to lose oneself in the voluminous folds of his robes. A gesture of comfort for the young elf.

For some reason Natolii looked at Daugolozan. There was no love lost there but she mouthed, 'Take care of her.'

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-20 06:07 EST
We hear the dealers with the words that ride the tails Of their cigarette smoke Sliding through the tunnels of our ears

Those greasy marionettes of Real bone and blood

Lightning - Dispatch

She took that silent invitation and just cuddled right up against Daug with an audible sniffle. Yes Tasha was relieved to be free of the mage but not in how it was done. "Belial and my Da are gonna be soooo mad at me...and Luc...Oh boy."

Unblinking eyes took in the two, having watched with avid interest, and now, a few more pieces to a greater puzzle now fit. And, even more certain now, the idea that had flitted around would have indeed been a wiser choice, as it had the merits of success Daug thought to himself silently.

"Ye may now wallow in fact that, per Lankyn and My agreement, Tasha was to be released of her bond when I saw her. Though." Veighn turned his gaze to Tasha, a wicked smile forming his lips. "As our dear Anastasha already knows, I could nae pass up the chance to manipulate another into her former disposition."

Natolii laid a light finger laid against Veighn's lips to stop his speech. "Who's to say you aren't the only one that benefits this time around."

"You have nothing to fear, as you have done no wrong." The voice soft for Tasha's ears, Daug's arm folding around her shoulders, fairly swallowing her in the satin and cotton garments, the scent of components and distillates mundane and otherwise hovering coyly in the cloth. "And a deed so noble. Again, she surprises me. "The hollow sound of his laughter threatened to echo in the alleyway.

Words muffled within the folds of Daug's robes as the little elf burrowed deeper. "I should have just stayed with the Ama Ederoi. Then this wouldn't have happened and I wouldn't be feeling guilty for it."

Natolii sent up a hand of five fingers, "Here's a whole flock." Not just the bird.

Lord Veighn's eyes narrowed, and the pain embodied started as a minor tingle in that rune-mark upon her palm. Then if fed its energy into her veins had she any, before surging up the limbs into her torso. No ordinary physical pain would match the horrific sensation of total subjugating power that seemed to stifle and oppress at that moment. She had touched him, and without permission.

Tasha peeked out for a moment with a look that was uncommon for her, one full of disgust and fury as those fully black eyes came to rest upon the mage and just hissed. "He couldn't touch me there. Couldn't crack that magic."

"Her sacrifice is not unlike your own agreement, freely given in the innocence." That unwavering gaze was on the magus, studying him as Daugolozan would any other subject. "The guilt is not yours, or even Soulbinder's. But, on the pact-dealer."

Natolii doubled over laughing a bit; she was actively transmuting the pain. Daugolozan had helped her with his experiments learn pain and deal with it.

"That one feels little to nothing Daug. Trust me on that." There were few in the various realms Tasha hated, very few. One of those she destroyed, another was on the edge of destruction for his foolish returning and now she was seriously contemplating adding Veighn to her very short list.

"A bit of a masochist, I see. I have another bound to me who am of such stock. There are ways, I am well versed in, in dealing with ye ilk mine dear. Ye will enjoy hating to have to love me, I foresee this. Wallow in ye waywardness, and being reduced into little more than a soul slave to my will and whim. Uruviel will have fun with ye, mine dear." Veighn stated with typical arrogance.

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-27 02:33 EST
I got a heart full of pain, head full of stress Head full of anger, held in my chest And everything left's a waste of time I hate my rhymes, but hate everyone else's more I'm riding on the back of this pressure Guessing that it's better I can't keep myself together Because all of this stress gave me something to write on The pain gave me something I could set my sights on Never forget the blood sweat and tears The uphill struggle over years the fear and Trash talking and the people it was to And the people that started it just like you

Nobody's Listening - Linkin Park

"All feel, Tasha. From the most ancient to the most petulant of children." Daug's gaze did not flinch as he spoke, but only when he had finished did he look down to her. And the feeling that most feel is that of fear.

Natolii pulled herself to her feet standing tall. "You really need to stop underestimating me..."

"I know what fear is and how it feels." There was a speculative look on Tasha's piquant features now, realizing something and smirked faintly. "He needed to break the bond. I learned something about it. Something he didn't even know."

"Perhaps, we shall see. Perchance it is yeself who needs to know her place. I should loath to have to teach it to ye." Veighn paused a moment, chuckling as he walked around Natolii, his hand moving toward her as if she were an owned object rather than a threat. He assessed her will his will, as he made to discern how pliant her muscles were in their yielding under his touch. "Ye donnae touch me unless I allow it. I, however, have free reign over ye. Soulbinder."

"And thus, proved yourself to be one to be wary of." There was the hint of pride in Daug's voice, as she was indeed growing stronger.

Lord Yhaull then moved to lean into her ear. "And ye shall perform the tasks I set before ye to carry out, or ye shall know mine ire."

He would be surprised to see that Natolii didn't fight it, and murmured back softly, "Bring it on, gruesome. Should be fun."

Tasha burrowed back into Daug's robes again, thinking she was going to be sick, but suddenly glad the Mage hadn't treated her that way and her silvery head bobbed against his side. "I learned something new and found something in myself I didn't know about. It was that energy I sent out and caused the mage to shift."

"And you learn more about the potential I have spoken of in the past." A soft sibilant huff of laughter as Daugolozan leaned closer in. "Mayhap it is time in your next lesson with the charm. I do believe you are strong enough now." And the next was a bit louder, purposefully so. "And, I think you will enjoy learning about a few new spells. Spirit and mannawracks."

"Perhaps, if ye do well in these tasks. I shall mold ye into something more. Something better, than what ye are." Veighn regarded Tasha over her shoulder, leaning forward to rest his chin there. "Still ye frame, woman. And watch the change in ye precious little ward."

Lord Veighn's tones were nearly inaudible. "Now, Tanar'ri, can ye sense that she is more than she once was before" Can ye sense how mine influence hath changed her" Can ye smell the taint in her" Peer closely..."

Natolii obeyed and glanced over her shoulder. She purred softly, "You helped her realize more of the potential within her. You gave her something to strive against."

Peeking upwards her eyes were starting to return to the more normal hue of violet and just gazed curiously at Daug. "What's a Mannawrack?" Tasha wasn't able to hear what that dark mage was saying which was likely a good thing.

"Ahh, but soon, she will find herself striving for it."

Natolii murmured softly, "You are but one of the influences on her. You find their are other with previous claim, like Daugolozan and her father."

The smile was pure predator as Daug looked down to Tasha. "Ah, but I think that would be best explained within the confines of my keep, where a proper demonstration can be prepared.?"

"Perhaps, though she has trod down another path in this thing that she will become. Those influences therein, are nae mine own, thus she will come to find that I am necessary, whether she likes this revelation or nae. As too ye will find the same." Veighn Stated.

"Necessary or nay, you will find that you draw more flies with honey." Natolii regarded Veighn unflinchingly, even knowing what he is.

Another glance over towards Nat, not wanting to leave her alone with the mage, so thus torn and just gave a sigh as her eyes instantly hardened as they lifted to the mage.

"Mine tactics are mine own, Soulbinder. Ye will come to learn this as others have in the past, I assure ye. Tell me ye worth, mine dear. How valuable do ye perceive yeself to be?"

Natolii arched a brow to him, "What I perceive my worth to be is not what you perceive it. You've made that one abundantly clear."

"So make it worthy of mine time. For, as of now, I see ye as an entertaining specimen to wait on me hand and foot. Have ye any notable battle prowess beyond ye skills in the mystical" Shall I test them?" Veighn tapped his lips as he leaned back from her form. "For instance. Against....the Lawyers?"

Tasha Oberon

Date: 2007-11-27 02:39 EST
I know how the good wind blows and it gives me my time Don't let them drag your hatred off the line I know how the anger goes so I bury mine You know they had me working overtime I want no part of your blackheart causes empty speeches broken promise

What Angry Blue - Seven Mary Three

"I'm sure you want to squander a perfectly good maid servant." There was sarcasm in Natolii's voice. "If you are looking for a whore, go back inside. I hear there is a shortage of males. If you are looking for Mary housekeeper, again go back inside."

Words muffled again as she rested against Daug, taking in that curious but mysterious blending of scents he wore. "Welv's back too Daug. Not sure how long before he tries to kill me again, but I am gonna flatten him this time. Or die trying."

"I have little need for either. I shall find a place for ye, Soulbinder. At present, ye shall be a harvester for mine designs. Ye will do exactly what ye name suggest, however, ye will do so under mine dominion. Should ye do well, ye may keep a percentage of what ye have gleaned that I detail at the current time."

As was resigned to grunt work, "As you wish." Natolii muttered something none to complimentary in daespeak, though. Something to do with what would be considered anatomically impossible positions with himself.

"Now tell me, how do ye feel about the Unseelie, Jewell Ravenlock?" Veighn's lips pursed into something sly.

Natolii gave a shrug, "Don't know her aside from a few chance meetings."

"He is the drow." More a statement than question, as Daug mused over the news. He knew the name, and some of the past, but had never encountered the male.

She gave a nod but Tasha had heard Veighn and her eyes instantly narrowed with dark sparks moving over the bright sheen of violet. "She took my place but the agreement holds firm Mage. You can't change that. Jewel is on MY list and that should still stand. Even if the one marked is different."

"Then perhaps, we shall see how well ye draw flies with honey, mine darling." Veighn turned his gaze toward Tasha with a beaming grin. "Ye think I would harm mine lovely friend, Jewell?" A mock gasp of surprise at the accusation.

Natolii gazed to the heavens, "You have got to be kidding, right?"

Tasha gave a quick nod to Daug, as while he never met the Drow, he did see the results of Welv's assaults upon her more then once and just glowered at Veighn with a look that would have curdled milk. "Yeah, the Drow Daug. The one that used to be with Belial and fathered her daughter, the one she lost."

Stoic of features. "Why should I have a wont to jest about something like that' Draw Jewell close, and use her to introduce ye to Elessaria.."

All Natolii needed was Michael to show up and start laughing, or better yet Morningstar. Flatly she stated, "No."

Leaning back a bit Tasha blew the shaggy bangs from her simmering dark eyes and just gave the Mage that face, the one that told him she was quite aware just how much he liked Jewel, which wasn't even near the line of tolerated. "I am sure the feeling Jewel has for you is mutual, Mage."

Now THAT was news, and all sorts of ideas starting flitting around. "Ohhh, really?" Quickly the look morphed into one that would, by most counts, be either sadness or pity. "Such a loss." Daug's tone dry.

"Once ye have gained the trust of the two, I shall give ye further orders to proceed forth with that which I have planned." Veighn continued as if she hadn't said "no".

"Find someone else for your games. I don't do social. It would be so completely out of character for me, it would fail immediately." Natolii replied, unwilling to bend.

"Ye speak as though ye have a choice in the matter." Veighn's brow piqued, amused at the refusal.

Tasha was eyeing the Mage still, but heard Daug well enough and gave a little nod to acknowledge the sympathy of his tone. "Keep it up Veighn."

"For a mage, you are poor at assessing ones strengths. On the battlefield, I am more comfortable. In the bar, I get bored to tears." Nat added.

"Poor at such' Battle I know ye are capable of. And, when it comes to battle, I shall have a place for ye should the need arise. What reasoning do you think I have for having manipulated ye into mine claws" Hmm' I just need to know what other skills ye can focus upon in the meantime. Ye will be of better use to me if ye are a learning weapon, instead of stagnant." Veighn countered.

"I need a coke, badly" Veighn was apparently not going to listen to her, which didn't surprise her much so Tasha directed her question that followed to Nat instead. "You gonna be alright Nat?"

Natolii nodded to Tasha and gave a bit of a smile. "Stagnant' That's a first. Before I was washed up and now you're concerned about me being stagnant....How....sweet."

Daugolozan's thoughts on the talk of the other, while filed away, were kept to himself. And for now, a plan set aside, to be reassessed at a later time, if any such need arises. "Then I shall buy you what you desire, my shovar."

"I need to get a coke before I get sick here." Small arms wrapping about the lanky frame of Daug's mage form and offering a warm squeeze, the hug actually perfectly normal as Tasha was quick to show her feelings.

"Come, my dear. I think yon adversary should become acquainted with what he has truly captured." A soft snicker, and a tilt of the upper body toward the Lady Soulbinder, the movement accompanied by a soft sibilant snicker from Daugolozan.

Moving away only to pick up her pack where she had dropped it earlier and returned just as quickly to peer up at Daug. "I just want a ice cold bottle of coke. Need it ya know? It's been a hell of a homecoming." Tasha didn't even look at Veighn tho he was certainly a part of that statement. Falling into step with Daug they headed for that alley door that would take them into the RDI and she glanced back towards Nat, hoping she really would be all right.

The door was opened for her by her teacher and allowed Tasha entry to the commons beyond.