If the daylight dies, the Shadow's are falling on me. Then I'll be at your side. Maybe "Then I'll becoming wild" Always in the moonlight shadow, I can't get out, lost in time for eternity.

Children of Bodom - Deadnight Warrior

There had been no warning. Not a single inkling at all when the call had come. Pulling her from a deep sleep with a chill of realization. Around her shadows swirled, even in near total blackness and she felt them. She didn't linger, simply rose and dressed in a rush, with the long auburn fall of hair caught back hastily into a ponytail. With one last item added to her leather clad form, Vestia was slipped into the sheath at her hip and she was moving. Cieara's smooth easy stride carrying her swiftly towards the portal that was housed within the family keep, and would carry her the distance to meet with her grandfather.

Even before she stepped within the dark spiraling gate, she felt the mental stirring of her mother a short distance away. It pulled a smile from her suddenly stoic features and then she was gone. Knowing shortly her mother and grandmother would soon follow. She didn't know if her brother and father would come to stand vigil, as both seemed almost reluctant and concerned about what she had been working for the past few months.

It was only one rush of movement and she emerged, and found her Grandfather, Rhystil already waiting. "Come child. They nae care to wait long." And even before she could utter a simple greeting, she was swept up and moving with amazing speed through the dark paths. Once more arriving to another destination she had not seen before.

It was a clear night with only a sliver of moon above and the stars shimmering and fading in turn. Set high atop the Dark Hills of Zymire, with the craggy rising of rocks and trees abounding they merged and just below, around a large, ancient looking circle tall looming stones stood with their shadows all falling into the middle. Cieara could feel the energy, but she saw nothing as she gazed downwards from the hillside they stood upon. Even the creatures of the night seemed to have lost their voices, for it was silent. A deafening thing when used to something otherwise.

Rhystil finally spoke then in a voice that carried no emotion at all, with just the lifting of a gloved hand to point. "Ye enter the circle. Do nothing for they will take you inside. Stand in the middle and nae make another move until ye be called. Go now Cieara. Tis time for the Trials of Shadow."

Swallowing the sudden lump in her throat, she took a deep breath and started down the slope, nimble feet serving her well for the earth was uneven but soon enough she was moving quietly up the weather worn steps. Reaching the top she paused. This was her last chance to turn back. Drawing in another calming lungful of air, she moved, heading towards that dark point directly in the center.

She stood there then, silently, aware that no air moved here. Sound still strangely absent, and even the sky seemed to dim in the place she now stood. A momentary glimpse of her mother and grandmother and then, even sight faded into a dense blackness. So dark it was nearly crushing.

She didn't move, remembering her grandfather's warning. Suddenly aware that in such a place she could become quickly lost having no bearing or sound in which to adjust. It was sensory depravation. It was cold there too, and yet no wind stirred and reminded her suddenly of what a grave might feel like. It wasn't a pleasant thought.

How long she stood there she couldn't say. Straining to hear something to see something but it remained utterly and totally void of any color or tone. It seemed to continue for what felt like ages. She took to counting mentally. It was a way to keep track and gave her something to do while she waited and continued to do that for had to be at least an hour by her counting. "Enough!" She hissed, feeling a bit of temper starting to spark within. She was told "they" didn't like waiting and yet here she was, doing just that. Such unfairness she thought and that suddenly she was blinded with light.

Eyes blinking open, Daniel sat up and looked around the dark room. All was quiet; the only sound that of Kaelyn's soft breathing as she slept beside him. He had sworn he had heard Cieara, and stretching out through the familial link, the young man was surprised at the quiet he found there. Mom' Dad"

Cieara's been called for the Trials, Daniel. His mothers voice, comforting in its touch, carried a tinge he had not detected before, and couldn't quite place.

I'll be ready shortly. Already swinging his legs over the side of the bed, the young man stood and padded to the bathroom door and the shower beyond. Even as he undressed he was still talking to his mother. Why can't I sense her"

She left earlier for Zymier. That explained the unnatural absence from the link the family shared due to their demonic bloodline. Distance muffled or even cut off the connections at times, and it was a cold feeling Daniel had no problem saying he didn't like. Part of the connection was the ability to pick up on other's emotional state in the family, and right now he had to consciously muffle his father. Lucius, never one to control his emotions for long, was emitting enough worry for them all, along with a healthy dose of red rage.

Quickly showering, he stepped back into the bedroom to find Kaelyn sitting at the edge of the bed, shrugging on one of his oversized shirts. "Daniel, what is it?"

"Cie's starting the Trials." He replied, grabbing and throwing on clothes in a rush. Kaelyn sighed softly and stood to move over to him, taking his hand in both of hers.

"Daniel, ye sister will be all right. She'll have nae any trouble, ye will see." She finished buttoning his shirt, and then leaned up to kiss Daniel gently. "Have faith." She whispered, hugging him tightly.

"I will." He replied softly, holding her tightly to him for several moments, and then reluctantly released her to step back. "I love you, Kaelyn."

"And I ye, Danny. Now, go. Ye family be needing you." She smiled for him, though it faded into a worried expression as Daniel stepped into the Weave. "Goddess, please be with her?"

The passage through the portal to Zymier was quick, and Daniel was able to use his mother as a beacon, slipping through the weave to the Standing Circle. He nodded a greeting to his grandfather Rystal as he moved to stand beside her. "Where is she?"

"She already be in the shadows, Daniel." Fiona replied, her gaze moving from the empty center of the circle to her elder child. Her brow furrowed as Daniel mouthed a curse, his hands clenching. Her own found his shoulder, drawing his attention to her. "Daniel, what be eating at ye?"

"I?" he paused, and then looked down for a second, before his blue-green eyes found her emerald-hued gaze. ?"I didn't get to say good luck." Or goodbye, he thought, but angrily he drove that idea away with a mental growl. No! She WILL be ok!

I promise you, for all my life I'll be Always on your side In the shadow, in the light.

I'll follow you, wherever life goes But I'll always be aside In the shadow, in the light.

Enigma - "In The Shadow, In The Light"

As she gazed at her son, a hand resting on his shoulder, she gave a faint smile. Ice green eyes holding the warmth of love that few others actually were allowed to see. "She knows Daniel. Tis sure she takes all of our strength along with her now."

He still couldn't hide the worry he felt and Fiona gave his arm a light squeeze. "Do ye remember back before I had Cieara" It was back during one of those many wars we were fighting while involved with Prophecy, ye were still very small then. I had taken a leave, as I nae wished to do harm to the infant I carried."

Those quiet words were spoken for herself, but also for her son as he stood silently before her, a frown marring his handsome face. She felt his concern keenly, for it was the very same sensation also permeating her own heart. It was a poignant emotion he didn't even attempt to mask.

It was one of those treasured moments, a snap shot of the past caught and carried within the mind. She suspected Luc also carried the same. One of many but had been a foreshadowing of things to come. Awareness of just how close their children would be, for even before Cieara's birth it was shown.

"Not sure if I do remember mom." Daniel wore a curious expression now, seeing the playing of emotion over his mother's pale lit features and caught her hand. "What about that time?"

Glove encased fingers wrapped around his larger hand and gave it another warm press and she gave a low husky laugh. "Ye were such a scamp then. Ye used to follow ye father around trying to walk and talk like him. I recall that ye were excited about having a sibling as well."

Quietly her words flowed as the tale was spun. Aware her father and mother had come closer and stood listening as well.

Lucius lowered himself onto the bed with a wince, before rolling over toward Fiona. She was watching him intently, frosted emerald eyes filled with concern tinged with just a bit of amusement. "Ye seem to be having a bit of soreness, love." She chided quietly, an ebon fingernail moving to stroke his whiskered chin.

"I'm just getting old." He quipped softly, while pulling the covers up to their waists. "These battles take it out of me." Fiona laughed softly as he settled beside her. She wanted to be with him during the war, but Lucius had been adamant that she would not fight, not while carrying their child. So he fought for the both of them, such as tonight, and had just come from the healers.

Fiona sat up on a bed of pillows, to better rest during the last part of her pregnancy. Her distended belly poked over the covers, and Lucius slowly ran his hand over the tight skin. "It should not be long now, love." He said quietly, looking up at her.

Lips turning up in a gentle smile, she nodded slowly, her own hand rubbing along the bottom swell of her stomach before coming to rest atop his hand. "Aye, love. And this one be ready tae join us, if the kicking be any indication." Lucius chuckled softly as he leaned down to press a soft kiss to her stomach.

A soft grunt from the side brought their attention around to a small bed in the corner, where their son Daniel was stirring. The little boy sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes before looking around slowly, a large yawn escaping him. "Dadda?"

"I'm here, son." Lucius glanced over to Fiona, who was hiding her smile behind an upraised hand, before he sat up to swing his legs over the side of the bed. Daniel slid off his bed and toddled over to Lucius, a small fist still rubbing his left eye. Lucius took his son under each arm and hoisted him into the air, twisting around to set him between himself and Fiona. The boy immediately curled up against his mother, his head resting on her stomach. Lucius shook his head slowly with a smile as he swung back onto the bed, pulling the covers up over Daniel, leaving his shoulders and head uncovered.

"Ye will soon have a little brother or sister, Danny." Fiona said softly as elegantly tapered fingers slowly smoothed back the midnight-black hair from Daniel's brow. She winced slightly as the baby kicked again, the impact visible on her lower abdomen. Lucius noticed, and he started to gently rub her stomach, under Daniel's outstretched arm.

"Little sister..." Daniel said sleepily, snuggling closer to his mother. That brought another soft chuckle from Lucius, who rested his head gently on Fiona's shoulder, his eyes half-closing. Daniel had insisted for the last two weeks that he would have a sister, ignoring Lucius' and Fiona's gentle words that they would not know until the baby was born.

Sister...his mind reached out, briefly touching the soul of the baby within Fiona's womb. He felt her touch the tendril, wrapping around it and sending warm thoughts back to him in return. The link calmed the unborn child, whose kicking quickly ceased, to Fiona's relief. He grunted softly, his eyes closing under the soft rhythmic stroking of his mother's hand. Displaying a side no other soul would see, Fiona began to sing softy, her low voice washing over him in a gentle lullaby.

Daniel quickly fell asleep, and with a hint of amusement Fiona saw Lucius had followed their son into slumber. He lay with his head resting by her shoulder, his arm cast over her stomach and the boy's shoulders. Fiona leaned down to brush full lips to Lucius's forehead. "I love ye, Lucius." She whispered, before leaning her head to his, watching the two men in her life sleep, until she let her eyes drift close, and warm dreams of their coming child came.

Somewhere deep inside me I hold a picture of a time long gone A time of ease and simple pleasures And days in shadows not so long Now with my mind I'm struggling Holding on to what I believe Listen to the fragments of my thoughts That leave me broken and deceived

Sarah McLachlan - Trust Whisthak seemed to accept that and just gave a nod of that strange head of his. "There are three parts that you must pass. The First is the physical challenge. The Second Emotional, the third and last is Mental. Once you step past the black arches, there is no turning back from the path you have chosen. Think hard if this is what you wish to do Cieara Jade." An arm was swung towards a black portal to her left and she looked over towards it and without even taking the time to consider she just walked towards it and entered.

Once she was inside the voices swelled again. Comments and remarks tangled and mangled but soon faded with the lifting of the High Member's hand. "What will the first test be?"

"Shadowblades." Galenstar stated. "I vote twenty."

"Twenty is above average." Another spoke up, tone softer then the rest. "I say fifteen."

"Trilyre, her mother handled twenty easily." Was the instant reply to that counter offer, of the other shadow lord.

"Her mother trained with the Order from a far younger age." Gray eyes shot a glance across at the one still reclined in the shadow.

"That should not determine what Trials she faces. She is impatient, impulsive and likely careless. The point of these if to see if she is good enough to have any honor her by standing under her banner and if she survives, she will know she didn't come by it easily."

"Galenstar is right. She is not of the Order, perhaps it should be harder." Trazar added with a slow pondering wheeze. "I vote for twenty."

"As do I." Piped in Jarkin.

"I do not." The other woman stated, with a frown drawing down on the black ethereal visage with a look over at Whisthak. "It should not matter if she is of the Order or not, but to lower her chances of a success hurts us all."

"I shall abstain from voting here Wistria." The High Councilman stated. "It shall be up to the five of you to determine its course."

The last member finally spoke. Voice reedy and solemn, the wizened features smaller then the rest. "My vote is also twenty. Her mother managed that, and I would think she would have taught her child to handle such a number if not more. I do not see this as a cruelty."

"The Vote stands, three to two. Twenty Shadowblades it shall be."

Where once the young woman had stood, a dark pool formed now, allow them all to bare witness to the Physical challenge they were to unleash. Some with concern, others with amusement and a few with a simmering of temper apparent.

You all alone there in the dark Shadows sinking into you You're so afraid of everything Is there something left for you

Why bleed for the wicked If the wicked don't bleed for me Got to stand up Psych myself up That's the way it's gonna be

Tantric - Paranoid

She found herself yet again standing in totally blackness. It continued for sometime and then faint light started to grow. She could see nothing of the area, only dark. No walls to be detected. She knew there was a floor but no idea about any ceiling. Again her senses stretched, waiting and wondering what she might face. She had been taught plenty about fighting shadows. She knew how to utilize them to the best of her present skills but there was still that little tickle of worry. She didn't know what would be thrown at her.

She caught the sound first. It wasn't one she knew but reminded her of something else, but before she could even think of what, one shot past her, narrowly missing her as she jerked back in the knick of time. One was bad enough but her sensitive ears caught the buzzing of many more and she moved into action. Feet dancing as she evaded, she couldn't determine the number for the light was dim but she could tell it was more then a mere few.

She couldn't avoid them forever so using what skills she had shadow bands grew from her hands, sending out one whip like towards the spinning blades. It spun off wildly at the snapping kiss and faded into the murk.

Her mother had always enforced that injury in the Shadow paths could kill, and as Cieara had no intention of dying at this point in her life, she went into action. Bands lashing outwards in many different directions, dropping a few in one spin, and having to drop and tumble quickly a split second later. They were coming in faster now and harder.

Another spin and she kicked one back, the sound shut off instantly and landed with another wheeling turn then hit the floor backwards as one quite nearly took her head off. She got a good look that time however and frowned. She knew these. She could handle them, if she used her brain.

Rolling up on her feet she took another deep breath, hearing them coming closer and just braced down, legs bent slightly and her fingers flexed. She practiced with something very close. They didn't stop until dropped so she had to take them out methodically. The last two would be the hardest. Knowing that didn't help, as she couldn't determine how many she had left, in fact she had lost track of how many she had already taken out.

She fought them off, taking the few precious moments when the Shadowblades regrouped and would catch her breath, bear down and go at it again. Even though she wasn't in her actual physical body, the pain was building at the strain. Muscles tight and corded with tension and starting to feel the exhaustion. Later she would be glad this had been the first test, at the moment she was starting to think she had bitten off far more then she could handle.

With her endurance nearly at it's end, two came in fast, bobbing and weaving, she dove out of the way, feeling the wind of one just miss her and hissed faintly, rolling up to her knees and lashed out, the snapping sound loud with the sudden dull buzzing now down to just one.

Her ears could hear it coming closer and she tried to track it. Knowing it would be coming in faster then ever and had to scramble fast, catching it zooming past from a quick crouching shift. Cieara always had trouble with the last one. She usually got it eventually but she was aware she was tired and couldn't afford to make a mistake do it that. Another slowly indrawn breath and when it came racing towards her she sprang up towards it, and just punched a fist outwards, then landed, with a shaking of her now stinging hand. No cuts thankfully but it had still hurt being unused to such attack styles while in the shadows. One thing she knew, those things were far easier to deal with in the physical world then here.

She had done it but now she just dropped down to the floor and once more waited for the powers that be to direct her to the next trial. Hoping it didn't require she move much, as her shadow form was shaking from the strain and exertions she still wasn't fully used to.

Close call there in the shadows There's a fear in the dark There's one out there All those memories, pain and anger, flood back one by one They must be just around the bend, they always come At night as I lay sleeping they come to me in herds Their lies remain, the dreams the same, it's only fleeting words No one calls there in the shadows There's no end to the dark But there's one out there, no one but me. The hours pass so slowly, the life's slipping out of me No way's the right way. Is there a way out for me? My life's slipping out.

Sarah McLachlan- Out Of The Shadows

The rasped voice of Whisthak rolled from the darkness, and Cieara's head lifted with a faint sigh under a breath. "Rise and move towards the glowing archway. Find the next circle of light and remain within it. Do not leave it for any reason."

That was all she got and she rocked up to her feet, still a little unsteady. Dragging curls from her damp brow, Cieara followed those directions to the letter. Moving under the arch and following the path that was lit faintly toward a brighter pool.

This was one part of the Trials she had few clues about. Her mother hadn't spoken much of it, only to say here they used ones emotions, fears and deepest worries against them. Apparently few others liked to discuss it either. Likely due to it's effect on the mind Cieara reasoned. She also was feeling a bit nervous. She had the usual fears of most, but had tried to hide those deep. Of course they still might of found one of those to use against her so she just braced for what was to come.

After a while she sank down to sit in the circle. It wasn't large but it allowed her a moment to rest there. That earlier burst of energy from the Physical test was fading and she found herself fighting back the sudden drag of exhaustion that fell over her quite suddenly.

She had to wonder when this test was to start, even as she began to tilt over, the edges of sleep pulling on her senses. Cieara had a moment to realize it might not be normal, but even as the thought registered, she sank down head pillowed on a bent arm, losing that battle.

A dream' Could shadows move into such things she wondered as eyes opened and she found herself sprawled atop a flat rock, while around her a battle was being waged. The smell of burning flesh thick in the air with the screams of battle and death ringing in her ears, a memory she knew.

She heard her brother calling, and spun around, pale green eyes finding him in the middle of the fray of tangled bodies. His sword swinging with sure effort and sending more then one falling back under a spray of blood.

She knew instantly something was wrong with this picture. It gave her pause and she turned to look off towards another voice she knew, seeing her father and mother a few yards away, with Drachmal slamming into one of the many attackers, and her mother spinning with Garith screaming gleefully as he was thrust into the gut of a monstrous looking dragon man, and again that twisted sensation tugged at her thoughts. "This is wrong."

Oh, they all "looked" perfect. The images were nearly flawless but one major sensation was missing.

Her head turned back towards Daniel and she winced, seeing him falling under a pile of many, but she didn't move. Small hands balling into fists as the image turned quite ugly. Her big brother was being hacked apart before her eyes. His screams assaulting her ears as he called her name, wishing her help against the volume of attackers. The sight made her sick and she dropped back to her knees, fighting the urge to vomit, and cry all at once.

The moment of silence was a blessing, but inside, she was getting angry. Red fingers rising, twisting and turning within but Cie wasn't going to let it free. She controlled that rage and just cringed as she heard her father screaming for her. His face contorted with pain and anguish at the sight of her fallen sibling.

Lifting her auburn head, she saw her mother battling her way towards where Daniel had fallen, only to cry out, a sword suddenly emerging from her back and out the front, with a Dragon helmed creature snarling behind her. Cieara's screamed, the sight shocking as Fiona was thrown off the blade almost casually. Dead even before she actually hit the ground unmoving with eyes glazing with death.

A bellowing howl broke into the air then, the sky seeming to darken as Lucius swept through the bodies in a sudden rage of movement. Drachmal cutting through several with every pass, and sending blood and bone flying in Lucius's struggle to reach Fiona. Cieara could only watch, feeling the heat of wrath growing inside as her father swept her mother up against him with another ear shattering cry.

An instinctive scream of warning broke from her lips as she nearly stepped from the rock platform as a sword swung toward her father's exposed back. A sudden showering of vita in an arc of air and Luc's head bounced and rolled toward her, coming to a stop just a few feet away, dead eyes staring blankly up at her.

Cieara finally released a scream of fury. The sound carrying for an endless time but she didn't leave that circle, instead she was sick. Body bent over and heaving violently for several minutes. It took her nearly twice as long to recover, and drag her trembling hands from her face.

She wasn't amused, or even remotely pleased at the choice of torture. Had this been done differently, she would have gone into a frenzy of rage. Nothing would have stopped her from flinging herself into the midst to save her family. Instead her anger just grew, forcing a low growl from her lips and a flickering sheen of red in her eyes hidden behind the fall of hair.

She wondered if they would parade more of those she loved before her eyes. But already her mind was throwing up walls. Hiding other faces such as Kar, Myri, Delana and Kaely, along with her Uncle Lor and Grandparents from detection.

Cie's demon side was already clawing inside, struggling to get lose and she was finding it harder and harder to contain it and she didn't know if she could stand more. Just the idea alone was rattling her badly, had it been as perfect to the other senses as it was to the vision, she would have failed. No doubt in her mind about that.

Darkness fell down upon her and she just dropped back to the floor, her small hands curled into tight balls. Tension holding her in a grip she wasn't able to shake off. She wouldn't forget what they had done. Each one had been designed to put her in a position to act. To save her family, if she had moved and to her, that was pretty freaking sick. She doubted there was many that could have withstood such an emotional assault. She had an advantage of course but now was starting to think they had wanted her to fail.

That thought made another washing of red move over her thoughts, quickly contained but someone was going to hear it when or if she survived this and she was going to be brutal when she did unleash on them.

I am watching over you I am living in the shadows I am just a word to you, But I am very real and cold Cold to all of this Cold to how you feel Cold to all your loss of reason

Stone Sour - Reborn

That voice again rang in and echo around her and she frowned, but rose up stiffly. Directed to another arch and another trial. She was wishing there was a way to just stop them now, but knew once inside, the only way out was to survive. Something she was now even more determined then ever to do, but oh yes, she was going to be hard pressed not to attack a few of those dark forms once done.

Around her now there was blades of light. Rays that cut sharp through the blackness, an abstract version of sun though clouds. If her mood wasn't so dark, she might of appreciated the curious beauty of it, but unfortunately she was on the edge of a enraged and unwilling to give it any attention at all.

No warning at all, as her form started to waver under a force she couldn't see, she felt the shifting of her body into the shade and scowled, a faint growl radiating outwards. Suddenly ribbon bands caught her, dragging her upwards and pulling her in all directions.

The pain was startling at first but growing to agony rather quickly. Dragging another hissed snarl from her as she felt the strain upon the form. Something inside started to break free and she fought it back. Using every trick she had been taught and along side the distress her shade now endured it took an impressive effort on her part to keep from screaming. Cieara suddenly refused to give those sadistic shadows the satisfaction of hearing her.

It felt as if her arms and legs were being slowly ripped from their sockets. She knew it wasn't actually possible, but the sensation was still of that nature. She was also aware that her shadow body tended to feel more within the paths then outside of them. A flaw perhaps in the ability, but as few ran into such attacks, it wasn't the worst of disadvantages.

She couldn't tell how long she had endured, as each breath dragged from her and she hissed again, no longer fighting against the pulling. Instead she was in another battle, her Demon side whispering, trying to seduce her into letting it free. In that moment she even learned the name of that which lurked down within and mentally struggled against its power. The name it called it's self was "Seera".

Cie soon was lost in the battle against that darker side, her suffering giving it more power then she liked and eventually, she was past the point of rational thought. She sought refuge from the torture and gave in.

To those watching, the glass was turned for the sixth time, the sand drifting down slowly into a mountain of black when suddenly the restrictive bands snapped. Ripped free as the girl struggled against them with a low growling howl of rage. No weeping from her. Indeed, she had barely made a sound instead she broke free, the shadowy form crashing downwards into the circle of light upon the floor and then leaping into a crouch upon the floor.

Wistria gasped and rose up with a swirling of dark skirts and fluttering energies. "By the Shadows, that has never happened before!"

The elder gave a slow nod. "It has but only once, many, many ions ago. Cambion, the Champion."

"Aye, and it was her mother that eventually retrieved his remains for us. His skull was found nae to long ago by one of the solids." Whisthak added, watching the scying glass intently. Only to intone a moment later, with a look shot towards Galenstar. "She has passed the last and final trial."

"She broke loose, how is that passing?" He instantly challenged also rising smoothly from his throne chair.

"She endured them to nearly six full turns of the glass." Stated with an animalistic growl by Jarkin. "How could ye not think she passed?"

"I still dispute this." Galenstar wasn't backing down and inch. "So what now" Don't we all have to agree to her passing" If little else, she should have failed that second trial."

It was Trazar that replied then. The ancient rocking up to his spiked feet and lurching to the edge with another rattling of sound. "Then we follow the old ways and a formal challenge is called. You would face the candidate in hand to hand and in her world of the physical. No shadows allowed. It's how it used to be, long, long ago."

The elder slowly nodded. "He is right, but he fails to mention the price that is to be paid if you lose."

"Which is what Whisthak?" The dark slim form folded arms over her chest. Keeping his tone as neutral as possible.

"If you lose, you end up serving her. All you command as well."

"And if she loses?"

"If she loses she has but a short time to exit our realm or she will die. Tis also possible, a loss would negate any that might serve her." A taloned hand waved around. "Others around us watch, we know this. Some may ally with her. If she loses, few would care to serve then."

"Anything she says he will not like." Trilyre rose now and moved to the edge and pointed at Galenstar. "You wish this challenge. You have done nothing but push for it from the start. Do not act as if you didn't know. None of us know why you have been so disagreeable. You have always done as you wish and for what ever reasons unknown, but I stand here now and state, win or lose, I shall ally with her." There was a knowing look on her elegant features. A secret unspoken but her gray eyes warned him not to push. "If she loses, she will not leave here empty handed. She has faced the trials. Others have not had it this hard and try and deny that and I will challenge you myself."

"I have pushed. I admit however I shall not give my reasons, for they are mine alone." He didn't deny anything being said and just gave a short nod. "Yes, I will seek the challenge. She can say nothing I shall accept."

"It is now up to fate to determine. She has already received support from Trilyre. You may very well end up serving her also Galenstar, is that a destiny you seek?" The gruff tone holding a wealth of irritation now as Whisthak finally spoke.

"If I lose you mean. Bring her in and let the Gods decide." He stood waiting, having not moved from the defiant stance.

I hear you calling, voices are here again I hear you whisper, taking control of me Watch the dancing shadows run away All alone once again, afraid Godsmack - Voices

Fiona sensed something was wrong. The final trial had completed as she had felt the conclusion. Even though the link was muffled, the pain Cieara had suffered registered upon her senses keenly by her mother and she had ground her teeth in frustration. She could do nothing to aid her daughter and left her feeling useless. For one of Fiona's demeanor, such a thing was hard to swallow.

She dared not voice her sudden dread however, for at her side Lucius was holding himself barely in check, his black anger radiating and hanging oppressive in the cool, soft night air. Even her mother who usually took delight in irritating him had moved away some distance.

Knowing his reaction should she mention a problem, Fiona was fairly sure she could not contain him. He already distrusted this entire process, even if those he followed were far more taxing and deadly. At least in her mind they were.

Ice green eyes flicked towards her son. He was standing off to the side, under a tree with one hand pressed hard against the bark. Tension rested tightly upon his stance and she could see the flexing of his jaw and caught the threads of his own worry and anger drifting on the faint breeze.

Around them shadows moved in a slow dance of waiting. It was a silent vigil with each holding their thoughts to themselves. The subtle hissing of shaded whispers caught her attention and her dark head tilted, catching the words "Challenged" and her blood chilled at the thought.

Sharp was the look sent to her father, seeing the cast upon his own hard face. Rhystil frowned and one greaved hand clenched into a fist. Little else showed upon the carved visage, but she caught the emotional upheaval in the thread that connected them.

"Mom?" The query caught her off guard she her head snapped around to look towards her Son now. Daniel's own handsome face gray with stress. He had moved and she hadn't heard him approaching.

"Aye Daniel?" Voice soft and faintly husky, she answered him feeling the flaring of emotion from her husband beside her.

"What does a Challenge mean?" He didn't even try and mask the tone of concern, having not been taught to restrain his emotional responses to the same degree as she. Surprised as well, for she had not thought Daniel would even hear those barely discernable whispers.

"It means one or more of the council disputes one of the results trails." Rhystil replied with a low rumble in his words.

Tone sharper, the blue green gaze of Daniel now swung to his grandfather. "Which means what exactly?"

"It means Cieara will have to face one of the disputing members in hand to hand combat." While he did try to keep his tone neutral, the tremor of how such a thing actually did disturb still leaked into his reply.

"This is normal?" Luc then growled, his own steely gaze swinging around to glower at his father-in-law.

Fiona drew in a slow even breath before answering. "Nae."

"It is not normal." The elder replied, no longer controlling to the expression and the frown darkened, marred his elegant face.

Gloved fingers caught Lucius's arm, feeling the sudden rage rising even before it could touch his narrowed gaze. "Ye can nae do anything Love." Under her encased hand she felt the swirling fires of chaos growing.

A hard, rough expletive erupted from Daniel then, with hands dragging through his hair and he stalked off, pacing around the clearing like a caged animal then. Fiona said nothing about his vulgar language, having thought of a few choice additions to her son's momentary explosion as she fought back her own fears. It made calming Lucius down more difficult but she attempted to nonetheless.

Before you fall into the shadows I am my worst enemy Fell into the life of the wanderer Searching for a way to drag you Down...

Seamless - The Wanderer

"Begin." Whisthak called and moved back to his seat, dropping down into heavily with a slow shaking of his jagged head.

Instantly Cieara lunged, anger pushing her to take that first swing and it cost her, as he quickly ducked and a hard boot sent her crashing back into a pillar. He at least waited for her to shake off the daze and roll up to her feet before darting in fast, a clawed hand flying out towards her face. It caught her, as she was seconds late in moving and she felt the tearing of skin but stepped in swiftly with a palm soaring upwards into his face.

He was taller, bigger, but usually that didn't matter to her. She often faced those in battle much the same. She however was feeling the edges of fatigue, and knew she would have to think to survive this now.

Facing burning from the searing of those claws of his, she danced back, staying out of reach, while plotting and attempting to predict his next move. Only to miscalculate, and move the wrong way when he did eventually lunge inward. Leather ripped free from her midsection and leaving another four lines of tears in pale skin along with the burning agony.

A low growl as she shifted back again with eyes taking the red shimmer once more. Seera shattering through the blocks and taking over in a flash with the demon leaping on the taller heavier form and returning a few of those razor clawed attacks. Sending Galenstar reeling back in sudden surprise.

Preternatural strength became her ally as she crashed into him, fists flying without finesse. This attack lacked any reason behind it as she eventually sent him skidding across the floor roughly. A dragging smear of blood marked the path he made before he came to a stunned stop.

Other then that faint sheen of eyes and the claws nothing else showed of her demon, as Cie was still somewhat in control and stalked towards him with another low growl of fury.

What ensued was a vicious bloody battle that was close up until the very end, when he called a halt. Conceding to her. It took her a few moments to pull herself together and then realized the pain she was in and just sank down to her knees, breathing harshly.

"Did I pass now?" It was the only question she could get out, as she started to slump over, the exhaustion and blood loss setting in rapidly.

"Aye, you did Cieara." A calm soothing voice stated, as Trilyre reached down and caught her arm. Galenstar limped over to aid, wearing an odd expression. He didn't look angry or upset having lost.

"We need to get her out of here now." He then stated in a voice that was more then a little raspy. Knowing time was short, as the place even while in a physical form, was still making the injuries she had sustained worse. Here any not born of the shade could bleed out before they even knew it.

Proficient and swift the pair moved, and in mere minutes there were carrying her free of the realms of shade. Back into her own world within the stone circle and letting her down gently, while up on the rise her family waited.

No tears fall on stony highways That skyline splendor lights my life We wander westward my heart's desire With seas of light Shadow us under the mountains of time Guide us to endless paths

Maire Brennan - A Place Among The Stones

Fiona pushed past the others, moving to kneel beside her daughter. She was aware of the shadows around them, but paid them little mind for the moment as she drew out the elixir Maerissa had given her for this very moment. Gently lifting Cieara's limp form and poured some into her mouth.

Her daughter stirred for a moment, crimson shot eyes opening briefly before she slipped back into unconsciousness and Fiona muttered. Her ice green eyes' lifting to meet Luc's filled with naked concern. "Ye will need to use ye stones. The healing potions can nae combat the poisons of a Shadow Elite claws."

She relinquished her place with her daughter, moving her gently into her fathers arms as he kneeled beside her and waited, gloved fingers brushing back auburn curls away from the torn skin of Cieara's cheek.

"Well Fiona. Ye daughter may not have broken any records in regards to time, but she still has made the Order's history books nae less." Rhystil stated with his own pale green gaze resting on the two standing only a few feet away. "No other Adept has ever returned with two Elites."

"Ye be wrong about that Lord DeWil." Trylire replied, voice woven into the wind and air around them. "Cambion had three of our Elders as his companions."

That brought Fiona's eyes up as Lucius prepared the soul gem, and she looked intently at the female shade, but said not a word. Remembering that name keenly and considering how Lucius paused a moment, he also didn't miss it or it's meaning.

"It was his skull Fiona retrieved many years back for ye from Lord Ranulf Correll. I remember that well, but the history of Cambion was lost long before my first breath was ever taken Milady." The leader of the Duihb Order bowed towards the Shadow Noble out of respect even as he spoke, then silence fell around them once more.

The echoed scream broke the night and Fiona winced at the sound. She had gotten used to it over the years but was usually more prepared for the effects as the greenish glow flowed over her youngest child. Cieara's instant reaction was to sit up with a snarling of rage, eyes glowing a furious red and was caught mere seconds before she could lash out by Lucius. Large arms catching her up against him and holding on tightly, with a frowning glance sent to Fiona.

Moving closer her own arms moved to enfold both and she started to whisper softly to her daughter, words guttural and ancient flowed over her, soothing the fury and soon Cieara stopped fighting, just sank down against her father into a deep healing sleep.

Rising back up she stepped towards her son, who had been watching all of this silently, catching his worry in the threads of emotion that linked them and gently placed her hand on his arm. "She will be alright Daniel."

"It's time to go home." Lucius stated as he also rose, cradling the small form of his daughter in his arms and looked over at Fiona and Daniel. Rage barely held in check, but also mingled with obvious relief. Cieara had survived and returned.