If one thing can be said about Braxeus, it is that he can be extremely single-minded. Another day has been spent doing his readings, these to much less avail in exploring another option for unmaking Corliss. He is sitting Indian-style near the head of her bed, reclining with his shoulder blades squared against the headboard, a large tome open in his lap, frowning down at it.

Kairee wanders in from her "living room", a tome in her hands. "There's a possibility that he can be sundered...into many little demons that won't coalesce again.....but there aren't many references to how it's done..." she explains, ?But it looks like a combination of Ectoplasmic Disruption and multiple teleports...and something about essence anchors"

?Nothing that's ever been done in Selsora...? Braxeus looks up at her, ?I'm awful at teleportation, for a mage with my experience... anchors I can do?

?I can do teleports...." stating the obvious, Kairee sits on the bed next to him, still peering into her book.

Braxeus eases an arm around her, rubbing her back slowly, sighing into the comfortable silence of their surroundings. ?I've been thinking about something, love.?

?How this overcomes Similarity and the natural attraction of such a being to its own essence is beyond me...hmmm?" Kairee looks up from her tome.

?I'm not going into the caves. Not yet, anyway.? Braxeus declares, closing his tome resolutely, ?Not until this whole thing is resolved.?

Kairee closes her own tome looking at him "I thought you needed to go to the caves."

He shakes his head, ?I feel... called there. I must go at some point, but... it can wait.?

?This can take years to be resolved." she warned.

?There are other, greater priorities.? Braxeus looks over at her with a gentle smile, touching the side of her face.

A soft smile, Kairee?s eyes dropping in uncharacteristic modesty.

He lifts her face to his, their foreheads and tips of their noses touching. ?I don't care. I'm a part of this... and I'm resolving this.? kissing her lower lip softly.

A soft kiss back, "I don't want to be a burden to you, Braxeus"

?You're not, Kairee. This is a conscious choice I have made... and I am sticking to it.?

Kairee?s lips move as if she is going to say something but nothing is said.

Braxeus slides arms slowly around her as he kisses her cheek and then her ear.

?I don't want to put you are risk.? She hugs him back.

A very soft chuckle by her ear. ?Kairee... I would have died had I gone any longer without any great risks.?

?I don't want to be the cause of ........? she doesn't finish.

?I'll be damned if a demon is going to be my death a second time.?

Kairee simple smiles and kisses his lips; A soft murmur, ?There's no guarantee that you would come back a second time?

He returns her kiss, rubbing her back smoothly, ?There isn't, is there? I never counted on it the first time.?

?We can handle this.? He assures her after a moment of just enjoying their closeness, ?We won't be playing this one by ear. We'll meet this demon with a plan, execute it, and destroy him.?

Kairee smiles, ?I love your confidence.?

A gentle, if a little sly, smile. ?I know...? He raises his hand to trace behind her ear.

?I never counted on meeting someone like you...." Kairee teases ?Perhaps the Nexus gave you to me....."

?A secret I have been keeping from you...? Braxeus offers her a teasing smile as he leans back more, gathering her back against his chest, arms over her stomach, ?I made a deal with the Nexus to give me a second chance, in exchange for playing along with Fate, and becoming your loving slave...or love-slave. They may be interchangeable.?

Kairee cuddles with him, "I'm not interested in having a slave.....they're too much work to maintain."

?They tend to be expensive, but useful, in their own right Hence my love of fear and respect.?

?I find that volunteers are more productive.? She pauses, ?You don't want me to fear you, do you??

He shakes his head, ?I was speaking of the use of slaves versus volunteers in the context of wars, revolutions, and other things in which I engage. In this context, uniquely, I love equality.?

?Just checking.? she smirks and wiggles back against him, ?Tell me, Braxeus......?

He hugs her, and smiles at her. ?Yes??

?Do you find it odd .....that we met and have......these feelings that we have so soon after meeting??

?When I try to approach it rationally... yes. We come from such different backgrounds, and though you contend that our morality in the past has been similar, our approaches have been vastly different. It should have taken ages to bridge those gaps. But when I stop rationalizing it, I realize that our experiences have morphed us into two compatible beings, regardless of what we have been in the past.?

?Hmmmm.? she considers his words, ?I normally don't trust anyone as readily as I trust you. I normally wouldn't be willing to allow someone to be part of my life as you are...and want you to be.?

?I think we both approached each other with little to no trust, at first... but, as I have implied, I live for taking risks.?

?All right, I'll stop analyzing.? She laughs lightly, ?It?s time for you to whisper sweet nothings to me.?

?If I must, thou fiery beauty...? He smiles softly, nuzzling at her ear.

Turning her face and kissing his chin.

He smiles down at her, kissing her forehead, his fingers stroking over her stomach.

?Promise me something......? Kairee nearly whispers.

?Yes??

Kairee?s hand teasing his, ?Promise me that you won't take any ...unacceptable risks....or ...sacrifice yourself for me.......?

?If we go down... we'll see if we can go together. Deal?? He turns a hand over, open to hers.

Smiling up at him and taking his hand, ?Deal.?

Braxeus shakes it, but leaves their hands together, playing gently with her fingers.

?We just have to make sure my soul doesn't go to ..you know who...?

?I'll find a nice chamber pot for you.? He smirks teasingly.

?You are all heart.....?

He chuckles, ?I'll be trying my best not to die... if this realm ties me to any afterlife and not to oblivion, I doubt I'll be headed anywhere good.?

Leaning up and stealing a kiss, ?I need some fun, babes...? Kairee announces, ?I'm getting maudlin...?

Braeus kisses her back, ?Same here.? He slips one arm away from her stomach, to give her bottom a little smack, while he looks carefully ahead, feigning innocence.

His playfulness earns him a telekinetic swat to his bald head, also looking all innocent.

He smiles sheepishly, and chuckles into her shoulder. ?What do you think of a little vacation... maybe put the demon ill at ease with how at ease we are??

?That's an interesting idea. He knows he can't touch me while I'm in the Inn but if I stay here, he will think he?s got me cornered. Where do you have in mind??

He shrugs. ?I am still quite new to Rhy'Din. I am sure there must be islands closer to the tropics than here, though...?

?We don't have to stay on Rhydin...but there are.....I have a place....?

?Tell me about this place.? He asks, intrigued by the various little places she has alluded to having.

?It's a small island....in the tropics, beautiful beaches, a mountainous side, palm trees, flowers, clear, blue waters. I had a small cottage there....just a few rooms. It's very isolated.?

He smiles softly. ?Is teleportation an option, or shall we take a ship??

?We can teleport....perhaps it will give you good practice.? She smiles, ?However, it's been a long time since I traveled by ship.? Suddenly rolling up from his arms to stand on her bed, ?Oh! and I have the perfect bathing suite!?

?I have not been out on the ocean since --- oh?? Forgetting that memory in an instant, Braxeus? smile widening just a little bit.

In a theatric flash and her dress has vanished an in its place....it looked as if bikini shaped segments of Kairee's amazing body vanished. Braxeus can see right though the areas the bathing suit should be.

He slides off of the bed to circle her, marveling at the combination of a good enchantment and exotic clothing.? And to think I tend to relax by the sea and in the water in the nude... though I think moral constraints are different here.?

Kairee laughs posing for him. ?Part of the game is enticement. Let their imaginations do the work.....?

?True.? He smiles, ?What do mortal men in these parts wear - those who aren't convinced the sea is filled with terrible monsters and evil spirits??

?Just the bottoms....granted, they usually have a little more fabric than these bottoms.?

?That little fabric seems...? Tilting of his head, ?...constraining, for my situation.?

?You may need a even more fabric than the average man.? She offers him a wickedly teasing wink.

Braxeus smiles slyly, ?True.? He takes a seat on the edge of the bed, ?I approve of your choice. It will turn a lot of heads - or would, if we were going to a public beach.?

Bending over to kiss his skull where she has swatted him before. ?Do you want a matching suite??

Braxeus nods. ?Something a little closer to the knees, of course.?

?Boxers? But how can I admire your shape if you conceal it??

?Choose what length you will, but I prefer... breathing room.?

?Consider it done, my love.? She smiles indulgently at him, ?What else would you like?? Kairee asks plopping down next to him.

Braxeus shrugs his shoulders, and draws her in to lean against him. ?Dunno...I have plenty of loose pants well suited for warmer weather, and loose-fitting shirts and tunics... a good pair of sandals. I cannot think of anything I require.?

?oh, that's right.....? she teases,?You don't know how to party.? Playfully pushing against him.

He smirks at her, ?Drink, dance, talk. Not the most daunting task that has faced the Lord of the Ley Realm.?

?And have you done it?? she challenges, ?You've yet to dance with me

?I have not danced since I traveled the surface world with Sylthe, but I assure you, I am capable.?

?All talk.?

Braxeus raises an eyebrow at her assertion. ?I have acquired an antique recently,? changing the topic slightly

?Does it dance too??

?The salesman called it... a "turntable."

?A what??

?With it and with black devices called "vinyls," one can play music.? He shrugs his shoulders, ?Something to do with scratching the former devices to produce sound. We can take it with us to the cottage, and see just how well it works.?

?Sounds fun. Do you have vinyls??

He nods softly. ?They were inexpensive... so I bought close to one hundred.?

?Why so many??

?Because each style was utterly alien to me.? He chuckles.

?So the vinyls are all different??

?Yes, Yodel" music... one band that named themselves after a variety of bug... a man by the name of Mozart...Musica de Espana"...?

?Sounds very odd.?

?I imagine we will be able to find something that strikes our fancy.?

He lies down beside her with a sigh, staring up at the ceiling for a long, thoughtful moment.

Laying next to him and rolling on her side, propping her head up on her elbow; her other hand on his chest:

His hands close over hers, rubbing it softly, playing with it. ?I like it in here.?

?In my suite?? she teases.

?It's very... silent in here. No other noise seems to permeate.?

?The effect of all the Wards. Sometimes it's too quiet.?

?I should devise such a place myself, when I have the time. It would make me feel... more productive, I think, setting myself to a project after the demons are done with.?

?I thought you wanted to dwell in the Grove.? Kairee looks around, ?It is small for more than one mage...but it could be added on to......?

He looks around slowly, ?Either a place here... or a place of my own. Anti-stability as I am, pockets of stability have their advantages.?

?Yes, we all need a center, a place to focus.? She agrees, ?If it gets too cramped here....I have another place..a pocket dimension that is very large...." Kairee kisses him, ?You're welcome to stay as long as you like.?

Returning his kiss he whispers, ?Thank you...?

He smiles, sliding back on the bed, touching her shoulder, ?Tired, Kairee??

?Tired and thoughtful.? She nods, ?I feel oddly subdued tonight.?

?Stress can do that.?

?Do I look worried?? flashing a bright smile, ?And if I do...it?s for a scary reason. I care too much for you.? Her smile is softer, ?Come, sleep with me. Let me feel your arms around me and the warmth of your body; let me feel safe and secure with you?..as if you will always be there.?

Braxeus slides his arms around her, drawing her close to his chest.

Barely restrained was the storm that is Corliss. His demonic aura rippled, spreading out an additional darkness throughout his realm. Heavier grew the oppressive nature of the Abyss; demon snapped at demon till the very hold the dark lord exerts over his minions was worn nearly to the breaking point.

However, Corliss? power held sway. He was not about to lose control over his own, not when the first step in his grand plan was underway and attainment of that which he sought so close at hand.

Once he has the Mage Kairee, then he will, through the proclaimed ?Splendiferous One?, have as the power of the Nexus as his own. He will bend her, break her to his Will and so gain dominion over the Heart?s Blood of the Multiverse and with that Nexial power, none will be able to stand against him.

Anarchy in his small realm now would only draw the predatory gazes of his peers and the attention of his Prince. Neither could be tolerated as all his endeavors would be put at risk if not unraveled in whole.
Turning his carefully guarded dark thoughts from his fantasies of revenge and the overthrowing of his Demonic Prince to the creature that has dared challenge him not once but thrice, Corliss scowled.

~Vacation.~ he mocked the thought, ~ I will not be tricked.~

As the Seekers searched and as the demonic patrols scoured the Abyss-side, Corliss waited. With each passing moment with no sign of Kairee and her paramour, the darker his mood grew, his rage simmered and then boiled.

The ground rumbled and the walls of his palace shook; demons unfortunate enough to gain his notice burst in agony, their remains needing to be scraped from the surrounding area when Corliss accepted the nagging doubt that plagued him since they disappear. Kairee and Braxeus had indeed mocked him with their ?vacation.?

Amazement at their Lord?s restraint in light of this realization startled many but none counted on His of benevolence until all his desires are sated.

?Ratharn,? Corliss hissed his malice at the chief of his Hunters, ?Fine them. The failure of your hunters is your failure. Destroy Braxeus and bring me the Sourceress. Fail again and I will fashion boots from your hide so you may finally be of use to me. Go Now! I will have the witch open the gate.?

Braxeus is deep within the city, not far from a great old library little-known to more than the most learned mages, a place filled with old tomes written in forgotten languages with half the task to translate them, the other half to understand them. He is leaning against the wall of an old brick building, arms folded, the shadow of it deepening around him, enveloping him, making all of him invisible, except for his eyes if someone is looking for him.

Kairee strides through the narrow streets the short few blocks toward the old library from whence she appeared. She pauses just beyond the reach of the darkest shadows. Gone is her standard short form fitted dress as she selected tight black pants and jacket for her jaunt into town; her heels replaced with boots.

The shadows thin as she approaches revealing her lover wearing a rich, dark red shirt tucked into black slacks and his usual black shoes. The image is smart, confident, and a little bit sinister. Braxeus is smiling slightly, though he stays put for the moment, ?Good afternoon.?

Kairee arches a finely shaped brow, "Afternoon...."

His smile grows a little more, and he crosses to her slowly, opening one hand to cradle the side of her face, stroking tenderly.

"You've changed...." Kairee comments looking him over.

?You and I both know the value of image.? He gazes down at her, a slight tilt of his head.

"Yes, I know.? She traces a finger along his lips, ?and I know how easy for some to get lost in image. Don't start to think you need to have an image for me to front to me."

?Kairee, you've gotten me to wear swimming trunks, and often I study shamelessly in the nude in front of you.? His smile turns to a grin, ?You don't need to worry.?

"I got you to study nude?" she smiles teasingly, "I thought you preferred nudity." she laughs stealing a quick kiss, "Why did you want to meet here of all places? Why lurk in the shadows?"

?I was in the neighborhood, and you weren't far...?His voice lowers, suddenly protected by magic.so only she can hear, ?And I want to drive attention away from our usual places. The demons have noticed the grove. I wish for it to be safe again.?

Kairee runs a hand along his side, "they have watchers about....but there are so many of demonic bent in Rhydin these days it's hard to isolate His demons with the run of the mill ones...."

?They seem to come from only a few hells. Their signature can be read, if much time is taken... but when more than one demon is found to be watching me, I assume it is the work of our enemy.?His fingers stroke along the inside of her arm.

"Speaking of demons? I have something for you"

?A gift?? His lips curve into a smile.

?I suppose you could call it that.? She smirks, ?I wasn't planning on charging you for it."

?Good. I'm not a very wealthy man, unfortunately,?He touches a thumb to the smirk, wearing one of his own.

Kairee bites his thumb lightly "I'm not used to doing charitable work."

?It takes a lot of getting used to... My charity towards Charlotte is already emotionally exhausting.? He raises his eyebrow.

Taking his hand in hers and examines his fingers as Kairee asks, "explain?'

Braxeus flattens his hands against hers, his fingers longer than hers. ?Faking concern for Charlotte and her child... when all I want to know is how spiritual bonds might be severed and reattached.?

"Pretending to care is tiring. It's why I generally don't do it." A silver ring appears in her hand. The design is a simple and masculine, set with large dark green emerald that matches the color of her eyes. Kairee slips the ring on each finger to find the one it fits best.

The gem radiates a little magic, it's nature obscured however a deeper scan would reveal it to be a Storage Gem?

?These may be very useful... thank you.? Braxeus smiles at her, turning his hands over slowly to examine the jewelry.

"It has something in it.?

Braxeus feels the storage spell binding with his being, the ley energies attaching to him enveloping it. He draws out its contents before him.

A black scabbard set with silver containing a bastard sword; the blade swirls with magics. The blade itself, like it's matching dagger is made from admantium, it is so enchanted that it will never dull. As he peers into the mystical emanations he notes the following: Bolt twist where in any spells cast at him or missiles fired his way will be reversed back to the source. Additionaly, nullification powerful enough to negate a standard level of protection wards or magical armor to the blade can pass through and bite deep; ectoplasmic disruption that will disrupt an extra-planar being not on it's home plane; the blade also screams of demon's bane. The gems in the hilt of both the sword and dagger provide a level of psionic shielding.

"The enchantments were hammered into the blades as they were formed.? Kairee explains, ?I used a extract of Demon's Bane and had it worked into the metal; not as powerful as it is in its purest form but it will be agonizing to any of a demonic lineage. We used Holy water to cool the admantium during the forge work for that extra kick." she chuckles before adding, "I have a matching pair. They were all fashioned from the same stock"

Braxeus runs his fingers along the blades, placing nearly enough pressure to break his skin... nearly, ?Is this Jodiah's work??

?Yes. He worked the metal as I enchanted it. You've been so busy lately, I didn't think you had the time to get something made to your specifications..."

?It will serve its purpose well. Though the man is a perplexing mystery to me, I have faith in his smithing ability.? He raises an eyebrow, ?Not to mention your incantations.?

?I hope it's of use to you."

?It will be... but I need something else, Kairee. Likely to be used soon, and also as an investment for the future.? He leans toward her conspiratorially, ?An assassin. A skilled, experienced assassin; one who does not know the meaning of mistakes.?

"Shall I take that as a thank you?"

Braxeus smiles for her, ?Thank you, Kairee.?

?What do you need an assassin for?" she asks, given him a pass on his tardy thanks.

?For any more skilled demons who wander Rhy'Din to hunt me and in the future, for any who conspire against me. Potentially the necromancer... potentially others...?

"Hmmm? and here I thought the demons were after me....." she smirks and moving past him to peer down the street as a cat races from cover to cover along the back alley, "But there is no loss of assassins and bounty hunters here in town and throughout Rhydin."

?An assassin would be preferred? Braxeus does not mention his distaste for the bounty hunters in Rhy'Din.

"I'm sure you'll find one..." Kairee looks back to Braxeus.

?Do you know any names??

?Glanhelmion. He's a bit blood thirsty and enjoys his work. I don't know what he charges."

?I will obtain the money. It takes a good investment of time and energy... but the services of a Leymaster can be sold for quite a price.?

Kairee studies Braxeus for a moment, ?Who is acting against your interests?"

?No one, not for some time. But they will.? He answers honestly.

"I hope we aren't going ot have the masses marching the streets with pitchforks and torches.? Kairee smiles wryly, "It could put a damper on romantic evening...."

?I?ll try to avoid it but do not be surprised if other mages and people who fancy themselves of a moralistic, "noble" caliber seek to end my life. I do try to keep my most disapproved of doings out of the public eye... but not everything can be kept secret.?

?We'll have to find ways to keep your enemies at bay"

?I am no stranger to the task. Enemies are kept at bay by a strong network of allies... otherwise, I would be occupied at all times protecting myself, instead of pursuing my own goals.?

"It was my way of offering my help in the matter."

A hand along her neck and shoulder, caressing. ?You know I count you as an ally, Kairee. I know I have your protection... as you have mine. A threat against you is a threat against me.?

"Do you count me as more than just an ally?" she challenges with humor in her eyes, "Allies can easily shift their allegiances...and have been known to do so."

?But allies who are also lovers, companions, and friends?Those allegiances do not shift quite so easily.? His eyes reflect his own humor as he teases, ?Besides... why would the "sex god" give up the company of his favorite lover, out of whose window he has never had to leap for fear of a jealous husband??

?It wouldn't be wise for that sex god to do so, ? Kairee laughs, ?Given that his lover is a sex goddess that he will never find her like again."

?I'm sure he would not...? Braxeus? smile grows, as he strokes her throat gently. He kisses her tenderly, raking his fingers slowly through her hair.

~You need not have doubts about what I count you as, Kairee.~

Her lips respond to his, gently; lovingly as they kiss ~You are distant from me when you turn to your thoughts and your plans. You aren't used to having someone share your life. I know how easy it is to forgot that which isn't central to your desires; to forget or take for granted. There are so many more ways to lose someone beyond their death.~

An uncomfortable chord, out of his distant past, is struck within Braxeus, and the kiss falters with the memory and feelings. ?I plan for our survival, Kairee. With demons trying to destroy the both of us, it takes a great deal of my time but know that while my machinations are for destroying a demon and learning of the spirit, my heart yearns for you.?
Kairee reaches up to caress his cheek.

The memory, and its implications, are pushed firmly away by Braxeus. What he does not wish to think about, he will not think about. His face turns into her hand, and he kisses her palm.

?The heart's yearning is often denied as it is sacrificed for more practical needs." Kairee smiles softly for him. "I know you are working for our survival. But let me work with you. You don't have to do everything. You are no longer alone."

?I need you in the grove with me tonight.? Braxeus turns the topic.

?Why?"

?A feeling. And if the feeling is wrong... then we have, at least, found the grove well-suited to.? Braxeus smiles devilishly, an invisible fingertip touching the inside of her thigh as he strokes the back of her neck, ?...other needs.?

Kairee chuckles throatily, ?It's good to see the sex god in you hasn't been lost. At least you won't forget to have fun once in a while.?

?Be wary... the vines in the woods have a mind of their own... ?

?Well, you'll have to keep them in control. You don't want me to become too afraid to visit the grove.?

?I think you will brave it.?

?I am not easily deterred, it is true and I love making you break your carefully crafted image....."

?And you'll pay dearly for it.? He teases, running a finger along her lower lip.

Kairee leans up and biting his lower lip, ?Will I?? she smirks.

Suddenly Kairee feels a magical pinch on her bottom causing her to jump a little. Braxeus? hands lingering on her sides as he returns the bite before slipping away, smiling, ?I'll see you tonight.?

~Tease!~ she swats his bottom telekinetically..

Mage Hunter.

Such a title evoked grudging respect throughout demon-kind. Respect and envy for mage hunters had abilities that eluded the majority of their malevolent brethren.

Demons have power but their power is more akin to innate abilities than the conscious casting of of arcane powers. Demons can sense the presence and quality of souls and through that ephemeral connection; they can read the heart?s desires. With such knowledge, demons are most adept at playing upon the mind, tricking you to reveal more and more to them; empathically calling forth your darkest thoughts and desires but they are not psionic. They are master manipulators, liars of the first order, corrupters of good intentions; despoilers of purity and innocence but most cannot cast even the most basic of spells.

Primal demons, though, born of Chaos, wholly made demonic, are more likely able to tap the mystical flow of the Multiverse but lacking the patience for focused and diligent study most do not master more than the basics. It is easier to corrupt sorcerers, witches and those other magically adept for when their souls are lost and when they are remade in demonic form, they retain their magical abilities. Such it is with Kaldimaar, Prince Erishkigel?s pet mage and the one who hunted down and captured both Gondar and Kairee previously.

Not all perverted, magically attuned souls become Mage Hunters for it takes a special breed: Clever, cunning, malevolent, ruthless, and willing to take risks. Demonic mages face the same challenges as the non-demonic and one mis-spell, one miscalculation can destroy them, cause the permanent loss of power, or be otherwise hurt and unable to fulfill the bidding of their Master, who, in turn, will bring a whole new level of suffering upon them for their failure.

So rare a breed that the successful Mage Hunter can often earn his or her way out of bondage to the demon that corrupted them if they were clever enough in the wording of their Pact. Once free of such homage they can then pursue their own path to power, promotion, and wealth in the diabolical sense.

Epizerek is one such creature. Never a powerful mage himself, unlike Kaldimaar, Epizerek resented those with more ability; he lusted after their power and would do anything to not only have power himself but to destroy those of whom he was envious. It was a simple matter to corrupt him fully and bind him to service.

Epizerek strode with more that average arrogance through the halls of Corliss? dark palace, for he was more than an average Mage Hunter. In the countless billions through all creation, magical ability is rare enough but psionics rarer still.* Rarest of all are psionic mages. These pose the biggest challenge to Mage Hunters for though the hunter is most adept at overcoming the magical nature of the mage, they are powerless against the mental abilities of a psionic. It is in these cases where Epizerek proves his unique value as a Mage Hunter.

Sweeping into the Lord Corliss? throne room, Epizerek bows low before the demon lord of repute as Corliss? Steward announces him.

?Epizerek, Mage Hunter Extraordinaire.? The scaled, multi-limbed Steward intoned in the deep baritone.

Dark amusement laced with derision, so typical of demonic mirth, rumbled in Epizerek?s ears as he rises from his bow. ?Extraordinary you had best be, Hunter, for your target is formidable, and I no longer tolerate failure.?

Epizerek?s yellow eyes did not miss the thinning of the shadowy dark about the demon lord?s feet revealing the gruesome sight of flayed skin, still oozing, wrapped around his feet as crudely formed ?boots?.

The threat was not lost on Epizerek; his red flecked yellow eyes look back up to meet the malevolent crimson one?s after lingering a moment on the gruesome sight. ?Great Prince, should I accept this mission, I will not fail.? A slight bow of deference to ease the sting of his pronounced independence. Corliss may no longer hold sway over what he once held but his personal power is still great, only the foolhardy would disrespect him.

?See that it is the case, Hunter.? Corliss rumbles, choosing not to take offence as he considers the Mage Hunter before him. Corliss? need for his skills outweighing his annoyance, ?I sent for you for your unique abilities. Your quarry is both a psionic and mage. It is said you are adept at bringing such mortals to heel.?
?It is my specialty, Lord. There is not a mage or a psionic I have been sent to fetch that has withstood me.?

?Excellent.?

?Tell me of this quarry and the bounty you offer.?

?It is a mortal female of power; versatile in magic, powerful of mind. It dwells in a place rich in Nexial dynamism; an Inn of repute and when in that place, she is untouchable. You will have to track her when she leaves that accursed place. She associates with a Ley Master and has others that would come to her aid.?

?Even the most social of mages is alone sometime. I will strike when she is without support.?

?When you take her, do not sever her from her fleshy anchor.? Corliss directs.

Confusion crosses Epizerek?s brow, ?Why, My Lord? It is much more efficient to dispose of the anchor.?

?It is not for you to question me.? Corliss snaps, ?It is my requirement. That is all you need to know.? He rasped, ?Is it beyond you, Hunter??

?No, My Lord. It merely poses more of a challenge in the collection process. Special requirements add complexity, complexity adds costs?.?

Corliss waves off the attempt to posture for negotiations, ?I want it still living in Its meat.?

Epizerek considers the ramifications of this pronouncement, ?Human??

?Mostly. This creature has a touch of Balrog in Its blood.?

If Epizerek had eyelids, he would blink at that. ?My Lord, you did say It is a female, did you not?? he asks after a brief pause.

?Yes. Female human.?

?That is not possible.? He shakes his head, ?Balrogs and their spawn are always male. There is only one female rumored to be of Balrog blood and she is said to have power enough to have laid low the Lord of All Balrogs.?

?It is she.? Corliss confirms leaning forward on his throne to watch the Mage Hunter?s reaction.

Epizerek?s lidless eyes darted about the room to the other demons in attendance, seeking some sign that this was some sort of perverse joke. No such sign of mirth or amusement met his shocked expression. Looking back to the Corliss, Epizerek finally found voice again, ?Is she also not the one whose hunt in this realm is forbidden??

With an angry cry, Corliss darted from his throne; his presence growing larger and darker in his anger. The Lesser demons in the room scattered; his shrunk away but watched with prurient interest to see the violent spectacle of their Lord rendering the Mage-Hunter.

Defensive magics erupted forth from Epizerek as Corliss darted forth and stopping only centimeters from the demon?s bumpy, boney nose.
?You are not from this Realm! She is not in this Realm!? he roared, ?That misguided prohibition does not apply!? Corliss poked a talon slowly through Epizerek?s ward, demonstrating his demonic strength, to tap the Mage-hunter?s chest drawing forth a prick of black ocre, ?The reward will more than compensate you for the risk.? He growled softly; his rage contained once again as he tasted the burst of startled fear from the mighty Mage Hunter and with it the awareness of Corliss? power.

Epizerek did not flinch. Showing weakness to another demon never did any good but Corliss piercing his protective ward so easily un-nerved him. The pause he took before responding allowed him to calm himself, eyes dipping in deference, ?Tell me of what you offer, Great Prince.?

Corliss smirked malevolently as he drew back, confident he had reasserted his dominance, ?In due time. First I will tell you the extent of the task before you.? Corliss? shadowly bulk seemed to ooze back to his through, ?You will secure the B#*@h and bring Its living form, Its soul still secure to Its fleshy anchor. Use any method, use as much force as you need or enjoy but do not damage It so that Its meat dies and frees Its Soul. I have plans for It once It is delivered unto me.? The demon?s mind drifted to the torments he would inflict upon her, both physical and emotional. He will shape a soul to mimic the accursed half-Elf, Gondar, and use It to torture Kairee. Better yet, he will corrupt her lover Braxeus and have him turn on Kairee and savor her pain at his betrayal. Corliss? malevolent grin shown with the poison of his thoughts, ?You will fetch for me the Ley Master. Its Lover. I will take the Ley Master?s soul and make it one of mine. Once I have It in my sway, I shall reward you, Mage Hunter, with the greatest prize.? His red eyes glittered as he turned his eyes from the delightful plans he has for Kairee to the waiting Mage Hunter, ?I will grant you unfettered access to that Nexus point your quarry calls ?home.?

Epizerek salivated at the merest thought of being able to cross over and dwell at a Nexus point. Such a place is a rich hunting ground for those like himself and the quality of souls to consume or captivate a treasure.

?Does such a reward tempt you, Hunter?? Corliss mocked the hunger he clearly sees in Epizerek?s spirit.

?It will do.?