"To glance at love and pass her by.
My sympathy knows not why.
Does my heart to me betray?

For in my suffering heart delays". -Meg




Inli~ I.

Casting out the distance. Ottoman Spiel.


The soft sounding mandolin played somber music gently out in the streets in front of a yellow glass. He sang a haunting melody along with the strings; his voice was rich and beautiful. Passersby drifted like ghosts, faint memories. At times pausing to hear the man play, some would toss a coin and continue on. The sky fell soft flakes of snow they melt once they touched the ground. On the glass they stuck for a moment and they too melted there.
On the other side of the glass a man with pointed ears watched him play smiling, the sound muffled by the noises on the inside but he enjoyed it all the same. He sat at a table his coat on the back of his chair, on the opposite side another coat rested on a chair. He took a drink of his liquor; he stirred the glass with his hands and took a deep breath in. He seemed happy and content yet a bit weary because he was so.
?The sun sets and I?m leaving town?.

Cinder, as himself sat quietly at a Turkish restaurant on the outskirts of Schwabstead County. He had often thought about trying new foods but this was not the reason for him being here. He decided to take a trip with Rewa after he had mentioned to her how he hadn?t been to Hollenstadt in fifty years, this place was on the way.
Out of convenience this place was near the train station and figured it would be a nice change of things. He liked it immediately, its atmosphere was very different from the establishments of central Rhy?Din, there was pretty much just one influence under this place and everything was colorful and charming. He took another drink of the spicy version Gosta called Somolov and stared for a few moments more at the yellow glass windows that cheerfully opened up to the busy streets at night.
The man who played the mandolin had finished playing and packed his instrument away. He embraced a woman who then handed him a hot cup of coffee or perhaps cocoa, this made Cinder smile. People of many different walks of life carried on about their business ready to go home and prepare dinner or go out to have a drink with friends. He sighed feeling old once more, he never stopped to care or wonder about strangers only when he hadn?t anything exciting going on. He followed the glass window around back to its edges and inside once again to a couple sitting in a secluded alcove lit with candles. They were holding hands across the table; the woman smiling at her ring on her finger, Cinder had to smile because it was almost how Kristae and he had been.
He kept his smile as Rewa return to the table and she smiled in return. It was nice seeing her drink waiting for her, she appreciated good service at restaurants. It was a Kaiser Cabernet and it was her, she was so easy to read. She took a sip and smiled at him once more folding the napkin on her lap, so polite he thought as he casually had his draped over his shoulder, one thing about table etiquette was Cinder never had adopted those. She looked almost human under the dim light he thought. If her gaze was slanted her vampire eyes glistened liked broken rubies under an extension lamp, he then remembered how Kristae used to make jewelry. She set the drink down and admired the decorum before making conversation; she could tell he was soaking up some old memories.

?Did you and Kristae ever come here??

He shook his head still looking at some painting of a man harvesting some sort of fruit with the aid of an elephant. He took another sip of his aperitif.

?No, I was here once? a long time ago, though it wasn?t a Turkish restaurant back then it was a German one. A lot of things change you know, still it will be nice to get away to Hollenstadt; they have the largest natural hot springs on the continent?.

?Why did you see a Dwarf naked?? She hinted with anger.


An old man who sat behind them turned around and smiled to Cinder nodding in approval which grossed them both out. ?Well, Good for you sonny?! The old man said which further embarrassed him; Cinder excused himself leaving Rewa to hide in her purse pretending to look for something that wasn?t there. She too had become embarrassed not realizing how loud she must have been, she blamed it on the wine.

Inside the bathroom Cinder stood staring into the mirror, he washed his hands then his face which spread the curry, getting it into his eyes. ?Damn it, Perkele, Schei?e?! He flushed his eyes a few more times under the cool water, splashing water over him, he was getting water on his shirt as it dripped down from his neck. The Turkish music was finally getting to him as it made his predicament worse. He felt as if he was being closed in on and needed another drink. Finally he calmed down taking a deep breath and popped a pill. He exited the bathroom taking a handful of paper towels and almost slid as he wiped his feet on the mat. He caught hold of a miniature palm tree and eased himself back up and then walked to his table.
He returned to find Rewa sipping her coffee but she stood and rushed to him noticing he had been crying and his face was red. The old man turned around for a moment and chuckled to himself and turned to his wife who happened to be a really short muscular woman, Rewa finally noticing this and started the laughter. The old man and his wife then became embarrassed as Rewa keep laughing, she brought herself over to Cinder who looked lost on Rewa. She suddenly silenced her laughter and turned to embarrassment herself. Looking to her dear friend who wasn?t well she gave him a hug.
?Are you alright Cin, what happened?? She ushered him back into his seat, he then decided he needed to finish his Somolov and then Rewa?s glass of wine.

He pretended nothing was wrong wiping his face with the napkin. ?I had something in my eye is all, spicy foods, good though... I?m fine really?. He was still thinking about how Rewa became mad when he said he saw a female dwarf naked before, perhaps she was jealous he thought though he couldn?t understand why she would want to. ?I?m sorry, about the whole naked Susan, I was at her home one evening at a party when I couldn?t find the bathroom, apparently she decided to change and I was left running through her hallways asking strangers for the right door, that?s when I accidentally opened up her bedroom door?.

?Really???
?Yeah, it was embarrassing for all everyone; you noticed she never comes to the holiday party?.
?No not that, I just can?t believe she is a Dwarf I thought it was just an eating disorder?. She shrugged taking a sip of coffee and watched him wipe his eyes. ?I figured she was just Gennish and didn?t celebrate holidays, you sure you are alright??
He nodded and yawned staring at the clock, he took a brief sip of the coffee and looked for his money ?I?m fine, I think I would like to retire to our cabin before everyone boards the train?.
She smiled and set her cup down and placed the tip on the table. ?It?s fine, I had a lovely dinner with you, though the conversation was a bit odd. So what is the reason why you wanted me to come with you on this business trip??

?Well officially it?s not a business trip. I thought you and I could use some getting away from things and relax. We don?t spend enough hours of the day sitting in a relaxing pool of water drinking Bacaba shots and smoking Dwarven Long Grass. I also just wanted to be alone with you for a while? it just so happens that I am in a certain position that I need to hire a specialist for the good of the McKennitt?s? beside?s there is the other thing. So for once everything runs along as a coincidence convenience.?.

She knew he was hiding something. ?Other thing , what other thing??

?The recent ?dream I have been having, you know?. He faded into his cup of coffee, he didn?t want to talk about something that disturbed him, he wanted to make this vacation work. Rewa stood and pushed out the chair beside him and sat next to him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and kissed his cheek.
?I know, we will have a good time don?t worry?. She stood helping him up and placed his coat on for him, she smiled and walked to the door holding it open. Cinder swiped a few candies from the dish on the way out putting them in his pocket for later.

He lay back down on the cot and folded his hands across his chest and smiled staring at the bunk above him. He had thought about Kristae and wondered if this was something she would have wanted. He knew that she wanted him to find happiness again and perhaps he could find it with her.
There was never a doubt in Rewa's mind if she had any she probably cleared her mind of it. By her own good nature she thought she was doing her friend a favor by falling in love with her widowed husband even if it wasn't the same person her freind had loved.
"Thanks for the dinner Cinder I had a lovely time". She smiled watching him hold onto the flower. She decided on her ability to be a good friend and failure to keep a living person warm it was best to snuggle up with him and took the blanket from the top bunk. She drapped the blanket over him and crawled under both layers pressing up next to him. He didn?t seem to mind and was half expecting it.

?Just so you know I?m not going to be that girl tonight, I?m tired?.

?I know, I didn?t say anything about Jennifer?how are your eyes?? She wiped his face gently, she smiled as his stubble had finally grown in, he didn?t look right with facial hair she thought even if he really was not an elf she never saw him with a beard and couldn?t imagine it. ?Are you going to shave your face looks terrible??

He laughed turning away from her thinking it was going to be a longer night if he continued conversing with her, he yawned once more. ?Tomorrow, perhaps we can have breakfast in the dining car?. She smiled and turned the switch on the post of the bunk bed off, the lights went black and the window lit up to the world outside. Just then the train whistled loudly, finally people were boarding and soon the train would depart. She sighed looking over at him. ?Are you asleep yet??

?No, are you?? He turned around stared directly into her eyes; she was smiling her face crushed up into the pillow staring back at his.

She giggled and nudged him. ?No. So, how long does it take to get there, Hollenstadt??
?We should be there in a day or so perhaps, this train will stop at Port Katherine about halfway through, we may stop there for a late lunch I think, don?t you have the schedule??


She playfully toyed with his nose and played footsy with him before he became irritated. ?I did have one but you know more than a piece of paper would tell me?so what is Port Katherine like??

?It?s pretty much like it sounds it?s a port though we are going inland there is a lake so grand it would confuse someone who didn?t know any better. It is one of the many ports that does commerce and trade on the lake it?s a nice place though. They aren?t governed by Rhy?Din they are like Mirue an independent principle state, still there are many Rhy?Din folk no matter where you go these days". He yawned then continued.
"If we had time we could visit their art museum, I have a painting there still I believe?.
She smiled, that would be nice she thought. She didn?t get to see many of his older paintings, she would often find him painting, drawing or even writing poetry as Jennifer but never as himself, and she wondered if he would ever paint now that his left arm was gone even if he was right handed he always held things with his left, he doesnt even scult anymore.
?Sounds like a place I would like to go visit, maybe on the way back we would have time to see it, I?d love to see your painting too?.
He smiled; he didn?t think she found his art interesting, she never madem uch of a fuss about it nayways. ?Sure, we can leave the train there on the way back; we could even go on the lake if you like, they have a ferry that takes yo uacross the lake to Port Asadiase?.

?Thank you, I?d love to?.

The train whistled once more and the train began to start, people hurried along outisde and made shadows outside their window. It took a while then finally the first sign of movemont and suddenly they were off, both of them remained quiet until then oise had settled.

?It?s no trouble; I wouldn?t mind doing it myself it's been so long since I had been there. It?s nice you know, no sign of excitement no danger?.
?Yeah, it?s so not like you, you are usually bad luck by now?. She smiled. ?Goodnight Cindy?.
He smiled and closed his eyes. ?Goodnight?.



Chapters End

"Goodbye to you my light of day.
If you were to rise then a reason would I to stay.

My hands they hold the morning dew
Like the blades of grass which hang over you

Goodbye to you my shining bird
Whose song I held on to every word.

My eyes they weep like the morning dew.
Like the blades of grass which hang over you.

Goodbye to you my once". -Meg


Inli~II.

Chapter Two.
Brandies over Breakfast. Mountain Pass


Cinder crawled back to bed it was nearly morning, he felt horrible and his head throbbed with pain.
Rewa noticed him in the darkness and said nothing; she closed her eyes and waited for him to sleep. She could smell the liquor on his breath.


Hours later he awoke. Cinder turned is head opening his eyes and found already awake he back to him. She was sitting on the edge of the cot, she hadn?t noticed him awake. She was smiling in the lamplight her head downward into her hands holding the necklace he had given her as Jennifer. He smiled watching her handle the necklace with care it was not fragile, small glints of light captured inside the gem at the base from the sunlight shinning through the car window. It wasn?t any normal gift that he had given to it was also a promise, they both had made promises together many of them had failed but this one that had not failed them both. He reached for her shoulder and she turned smiling. ?Good morning Cin?. She smiled to him and helped him out of the bed. He stood yawning and looked out the window, the sky was still dark but it was morning. ?We are almost there a few hours if we keep good speed?.

He wandered into the small alcove that was a bathroom, there was but a small sink and mirror, it?s edges artistically done with golden vines and fluted flowers. He looked at his face, he seemed worn, a pale face that reflected a man who wanted to end his life but that?s wasn?t him, not now or...no there wasn't one he thought.
"How did you sleep"? Rewa called out as she rummaged through her suitcase.

"Great, I like trains don't you"?
He smiled and tilted his face from side to side and then looked down on the chipset, he placed some face cr?me on his hand and smoothed it over his face, and he rinsed his hand for a moment and picked up his razor. It was new made of ivory with a cobalt steel clasp a holiday gift from Carolyn. Rewa walked up behind him, she smiled and pulled his long hair back into a ponytail.
"I don't particulary like them, but I like you in particular. Coffee sounds like a plan"? Rewa said in response knowing he hadn't slept well.

She kissed his neck softly and walked away. He turned around to watch her for a moment unpacking morning clothes for him. He was glad she was here for him; he figured it would just be a friendship between them, she truly loved his illusion not him. He was happy with that they had been close friends after Kristae had died; they were also wounded the same way. She was a vampire, immortal until her life was taken. He was a Kalveas, he lived for many lifetimes, he outlived a lot of people in his life even the one he wanted to grow old with but eventually he would have to die.
"Coffee sounds good".

He silently watched the world outside the window; he took another sip of coffee and then another smile to Red. Rewa set her napkin down and folded the map and followed suit with her coffee, she saw their brandies being brought over by a waitress, she smiled at them both and winked to Cinder setting their drinks down. ?Thank you?. Cinder winked back being friendly. Rewa looked at him and gave him that face once more then turned to the waitress. ?That will be all, thank you?. She took a sip of her drink and watched Cinder pretend nothing was wrong.
?So what would you like to do when we get to Port Katherine? If you are hungry by then we could stop in for a sandwich or take stroll through the gift shop, they have some fine wines. I believe they even carry one of ours did you know?? She smiled thinking about it. ?Sounds nice, maybe we could just have that sandwich sit at the lake and eat before we have to go back to the train, we could talk some more?.

He nodded. ?I?m glad you?re enjoying yourself, it?s really nice to see you happy?.

?I am happy, of the past two years and prior to me returning to this continent I haven?t been happy? She reached for his lonely hand and smiled to him as she rubbed his palm. ?I was alone like you were, even when you were married to that mare, what?s her name I knew you weren?t going to settle. I think you were waiting for me to return? still I would have never imagined that I would be here on a train traveling with you now?.
Cinder smiled politely but was a bit annoyed at most of her comment mostly because it was a lie, he did love Sarah he was practically still married to her as far as Cinder was concerned he was faithful to both Kristae and Sarah. Rewa left hanging what feelings he had for Sarah and she knew she wanted to stir things up since she arrived.
?It?s not really a romantic place Hollenstadt?and Kristae will always be your best friend and my wife in some way or another, I know you didn?t mean it like that though?. He smiled and took his hand away to drink his brandy. She hadn?t felt guilty after he had pointed it out, she smiled and apologized. Their conversations quieted down once more and they both caught brief glances at each other. Cinder tapped the side of his glass for a moment then took another sip contemplative. Rewa grew eager to break the silence.

?Last night?I?. She wanted to comment on his leaving in the middle of the night but fell short of asking as she looked at his eyes narrow in on her. She looked away nervous.

?No, I think I?m being too hard once more. I forget my place sometimes with you. ?It?s difficult to be so serious because I know it doesn?t have to hurt. I try to laugh and have fun when I am with you; I know you are having fun?.

She smiled at him. ?It?s fine; I enjoy spending time with you. You are a cherished friend and more, truly. I wouldn?t be here in this train today if I hadn?t felt otherwise. I admit my intentions were not wholly honest in the beginning when we met up again but you know them now, you are still feeling similar things towards me I hope?.
Cinder nodded taking a sip of the coffee as his brandy had diminished to a shallow spot of amber in the bottom of the glass. ?You are right I feel the same; I suppose you have an old friend of mine to thank for my return?in a way it?s a shame I received that letter albeit nearly a half year later. A lot of bad things happened since then, some good came of it but mostly bad?.

She sipped her brandy and looked at his empty, she pushed hers over to him, and he was thankful and traded his coffee. ?So we are forgiven by friends in our pasts and for the ones we don?t have in our futures?.
He laughed. ?Sounds like something I would have said Rewa?. Actually he did say it, she smiled clinking the coffee to his brandy.
?It?s the way the world works. Very few people now are dear to me, it doesn?t matter everyone eventually departs from the world they knew and into another. Friends, Lovers Family?
You always were a friend and looked out for me after Kristae had died I am a lucky man to have you as a friend and Jennifer is lucky to have you more than a friend?. He took a sip and stared out the window once more before looking back into her carnivore eyes garnet , his just as dangerous amber.
?I don?t doubt it is love, I fancy you much Red?.

She raised her glass over the table to his. ?To us then?. Cinder raised his glass to hers. ?No? this for you?.

He took a sip then spoke again smiling sinisterly with some satisfaction. Rewa wasn?t sure what he was thinking.

He pulled the blinds up and gazed outside the window, the sunlight rising above the tree line now shone off the silvery lake which unfolded as they rose up in elevation. In the distance Port Katherine was visible. The train headed into the mountain, its electric lights dimly glowed the interior of the cars. He decided he should head back and apologize to Rewa. He downed the glasses taking the cigarette with him. As far as he could tell this game that began was working well. Smooth Theodore he thought.
He opened up the cabin door and found Rewa sitting there not ready for the adventure as he had hoped.

?So, I?ve upset you?? He closed the door behind him and sat beside her and offered the cigarette.
?What? No, I know what?s going on?. She took the cigarette; she was satisfied with the smoke.
?You do you?? He leaned back. ?That?s a relief?.
?Cinder, I know you were only playing with her to make me jealous. That appetizer was very clear of you?.

?It was that obvious was it...what about that adventure you spoke of?? He had other intentions but it worked out for his benefit in the end.
She turned to him setting the map down.
?I?m getting to that?. She grinned pushing him down on the cot and placed the cigarette into his mouth. She turned to the door and locked it pulling the canvas shade down in the window and returned to the cot. She was caught by surprise when Jennifer winked at her smoking away on the cigarette, the tables turned. Laying there in the same clothes but more loosely in some places and curvy in others she wanted that adventure, in some ways Cinder was more dangerous in that human form. Rewa stared into those eyes, still those eyes looked dangerous and sexy no matter if they truly belonged to a one armed man with pointy ears or this vixen that captured her heart. Rewa had planned to have her way but now she felt something else, she wanted to be sweet she was very caring for her and she liked it. She crawled onto the cot and her and kissed her smiling. ?So Theodore? what are your plans for the evening??

Jennifer smiled and was silenced thinking about what she had spoken of and felt it only right. ?I was hoping we could have a little adventure of our own Rewa, after all we are stuck on this train for another hour or so, we really don?t even have to get off when it stops unless you really want to?.

She read her mind she thought. ?Right it?s not like it?s our stop; I?ll skip lunch if you are willing to, besides I bet that Georgia can?t do this?. She grinned taking off the buttons of Cinder?s shirt with her tongue, seems she enjoyed help take it off more than she did buttoning it.

The room went dark as they entered the mountain range, the lights dimly lit the room and Rewas eyes flashed with crimson. Jennifer untied the ponytail and her hair fell against her shoulders. Her amber eyes looking into those red ones, it was hard to tell in the darkness who was the hunter. She kissed her softly and smiled. Rewa closed her eyes and laughed as Jennifer had gone below the covers she felt warm and somewhat sticky. The train was exposed to a canyon for a few minutes as it passed through a thick of woods and snowy rocks. Sunlight entered the room for a brief moment until they plunged back into the tunnel; the train went deep into the mountains and finally leveled out at the base of river.
Light returned to the train cars inside and C-8 too was exposed too, not to sunlight but to the car inspector. He wore a grin on his face as he stood in the door catching a glimpse of two beautiful naked women staring back alarmed in a cot together, the sheet covering them.
Jennifer slid off the bed and walked over to the man closing the door; she pulled him close to her face and returned to Cinder. The man was surprised, he was nervous then felt suddenly numb. He stared long and hard until the man broke a sweat, he forgot what had happened and where he was. A wraith appeared inside the man?s head; he panicked, bolted out of the room and crashed into a person down the hall. Cinder closed the door and made certain it was locked. Rewa looked too him surprised and clapped, she hadn?t known him to do that before, then again she had noticed he was doing things a lot differently since he had return from his voyage those many months ago. Cinder turned back in to his human counterpart and sat beside Rewa and plucked a waffle drizzled in syrup and took a bite then licked the syrup. Rewa kissed her and tasted the syrup on her lips. ?You are bad?.
Jennifer shrugged standing and pulled the pants back on and then buttoned the shirt halfway up. She looked to Rewa with affection, she smiled leaned in for a kiss then walked over to the mirror. ?I?ve messed up a lot of things in my life but you made sure I hadn?t messed anything in Jennifer?s thank you. It?s easier not to be Cinder, the prisoner of war, retired s class wizard, the Fox from Solas, responsible captain and master of the salvage yards?sometimes it?s easier to forget my true self. I wouldn?t mind being forgotten at times, all I would really have is assembling frames at an art supply store that let me paint now and then?.
?You?ve stuck me in your heart, unintentionally perhaps. I always wanted the best for you it matters not why. Of course it?s love, I love you, I would do anything for you both?.

Jennifer turned around and nodded once she had tied back her hair once more. ?I know, and I know you love me in this human form and that is fine with me. I doubt I could handle it if you loved me as Cinder it would be weird? You could stay with me for the remainder of my life, I would actually want no other person by my side now. I don?t know why I?m here anymore, I am looking for a dream maybe?.

?You know I love you as Cinder too, it?s just an image you?re still who you are?even with names. Rvheressa??

She stood walking over to her and wrapped her arms around Jennifer, kissed her. ?You are Rvheressa Shirastan, I could call you that neither of your made up names... You are a Kalveas, a Ferisha from another world and I love you for being you. You have every right to be who you are, Cinder, Jennifer and if you call yourself Theodore that?s fine with me? I don?t care. You are beautiful, I feel happy with you. When you are in this human form of yours it?s just I feel strong I feel?alive. You are like some precious butterfly I want to care for? I know how it feels to be an outcast; I don?t feel like one when I am with you in either way. I want you to be with me, I want you to stay?.

Jennifer smiled and kissed her. ?Rewa?you don?t have to worry about that. Butterflies don?t stray far from beautiful flowers, besides?. She looked down in the sink smiled at the droplets of water and smeared them with her fingers, it had been a while since someone called him Rvheressa, Kristae would sometimes do so if she was angry with him but never out of love. He looked back into the mirror and effortlessly returned to his true self. ?I mean not to leave the places my heart has grown to love, I could not make it back in the old world. One day perhaps in a waking dream I would like to visit my parents stones, taste the salt of my ocean, eat a Trahream and drink Ferish ale, look in on my sister?s room. I doubt she lives, I can feel it?".
He paused watching her silence
"I?ve avoided things for such a long time Red?.

?Tell me about your sister again?.
He sighed, she was serious but he didn't mind talking about Sessuna, his greatest regret was his siter, he looked up to her and loved her.

?When I was a little boy my sister used to say I was her butterfly too, maybe I am fragile or at least was in some way like a butterfly. Back then when magic was too much for my body, my mother and my sister always had my hand, I never left the house till I was three. I was born on a cold autumn night my mother sister and a wizard delivered me, my father was always busy at nights. I was constnaly near to death you know; it?s uncommon for magic to be active inside a baby. You can?t expect a child let alone an infant to carry the weight of something like that. It had to be suppressed by a great wizard but he warned eventually it would overcome me and I would have to be ready for it. I would be eleven when magic reunited with me though, still weak and un wise.
I never had friends because of this...only Sessuna, our father was home less and less,there was always talk of war back in those days and people were demanded their loyalty to Plygrethia and its king. Even my moher was sent a call to arms, I was fortunate to be young. Males are sent to war when they become twenty, my sister was fortuane because she was twenty one bust women do not enter wars until they are fourty sometimes fifty. We had Yallar? I think that?s his name, he was a good dog. Stupid thing got him killed by eating a poisonous frog.

"Sessuna was always there for me though, whenever I was in trouble. When yallar died she spent more time with me and taught me how to do things like weaving baskets and braiding, we even walked to our fathers on occasion before the war to watch him help people get better. We both learned about medicine from him. One day we brought home a squirrel it was a baby thatwas abandoned by it's mother. I used to carry that thing around on my shoulder wherever I went. my mother didn't like the little creature she said t was a rat and to get it off the table". He laughed systematically and drew a little drawing of himself and a squirrel chasing a bear how acurate this was Rewa doubted.
"My family was worried though because of my visions and voices I heard in my head. It was unlucky to get them even having such great magic within me was a curse enough for my family. They prayed to the very god who visited me and talked in my mind not to do so. It was said it was bad luck to converse with god if you were not a priest you were mad. They also forced me to pray the same. I swore not to practice magic either but I was a liar, I was fascinated at it?so I taught myself. When I was younger there was much detail. I stole some notes and amanual from a wizard one day, perhaps it was the same who supressed my magic I wouldn't know. When I first started out I had to speak or sing and motion even at times do elaborate dances to make magic perform, I take delight in that I don?t need to do so anymore but here in this world every wizard is superior to the next so why bother? i know magic has waned alot in this world now though so maybe Sessuan is praying for me ..no most liekly not.
I proved myself to the wars here but in my world I would never have that honor to serve my country.

I had already been an outcast by many of the villagers because my magic was too strong for me; I didn?t wish to be one by my own flesh and blood. Our parents had moved us from the town of Tayll to a small Village called Kanio. My Father had better luck with work and was called away less often for serious ailments of the city. But?The war had come, a year and a half after we had moved. My parents later followed the results of war and died, they left me and my sister alone. We hadn?t job experience, and I was still in school. We had to eventually sell our home and move into a room above a tavern where my sister had gotten work waitressing tables and other services, I could only guess as a child what that had meant. Sessuna supported my love for art and tried her best to be proud, in a way she was my sister and my parent. She gave me my first brish set, I am fortuante to still have it with me. I was only seven and she was twenty one I have much admiration for my sister, she was and still is my greatest influence and hero. My sister was stronger than me, her will was, she doesn't give up like I have done.
She told me a secret and locked the door to our room; she stared long and hard at something and then pulled her sword from the air. Of course this may sound familiar to you for I learned this from her?she had been training as a divine hand, one of the hardest circles of magic to enter?.

Rewa smiled, leading Cinder back to the cot to talk, she wrapped the blanket over them and pushed some waffles away. ?So your sister was learning magic for you??

?Yes, even now I wonder if this was the reason to her disappearance ,was it my fault?? He fell sad and looked at his right hand and held that mound of flesh to his left. ?I honestly don?t know what to think anymore, I?m lost because I am the last one standing?there are, no bets on the fallen stars. They say, at least in my world those who vanish without a trace do so because they have a better purpose. This may have been what happened to a few Shirastans, my sister included but not me?.


Rewa kissed him and smiled. ?You haven?t lost anything from being here?Sessuna would be happy to know you found a world full of outcasts and you were not one of them. I am sure she would have loved Kristae, she would have been proud her little brother made such a good husband. I don?t want to make you sad Cinder, I want to be there to make you smile. Rvheressa, I love you butterfly or not?.

Cinder smiled. ?My goddess was right that this form would save my life, perhaps she didn?t expect me to meet a vampire who fell in love with it but perhaps that was the life that needed to be saved. This was the last time I had seen or spoken with my godess, the last time I became into this world. I wonder if I hadn't left would she have made me a god to rule beside her, perhaps not but a fantasy of such power never dies in me. I think much of my life and tale from Cinder?s perspective is over. You know I have tried hard to live without Kristae; I?ve searched on ways of doing the impossible and have failed. At one time it was the same with my sister I cannot do great things alone? Please don?t feel bad for me though, what you have to endure is crueler than mine?I still wish I could have done something for you, more than I had?.

She kissed Cinder once again and shook her head. ?No, your past is full of sorrows and regrets like mine, let?s not be sorry for them. Besides, you saved my life? please those who think a vampires life is a free one haven?t a clue. I have only been a vampire for ten years but ten years is a lot to a normal woman, I?ve already missed out on so much. I know you, you feel the same...you don?t have to make your feet sore for an endless journey Cinder, nobody wants you in pain".
"Still, my journey is not over at least while we are in motion". He smiled handing it over to Rewa, she placed it in the envelope and sealed it for him.

" I still want to thank you though Cinder...Delliah told me the night you left angry with me. It?s because you didn?t want me to end up like Lurie. I never really knew her, even though I can take care of myself I am glad you look out for me. Kristae and I had big dreams growing up, two girls from noble families make a life for us, here I ended up a baroness and pirate who becae a pirate and was banned from the country club. In Kristae?s case she wanted to find a good man, and though I can?t be sure she planned on you?. She laughed tenderly. ?Still?you are a good man. She was happiest when you would come home, I even??. She knew what she was going to say but stopped there and sighed looking indirectly at him. Cinder could feel her own regrets as if they had been his own and laid his hand on her. She smiled and held it to her face lovingly and looked to him.
"I'm happiest too when you come home".

Oh for what unrest sets into these lenses!
This antidote which turns to poison still seeks to cure yet only succeeds in death.
A beautiful yet horrible dream, there is no solution to this ruin. - Rvheressa Shirastan, Einvant

Inli~III.

Questionable Cinder. Lonesome lakeshore

?You and I both know that we can only move on, we cannot stare into the sun forever?.
He agreed humbly, it almost sounded like something he would have said. ?There are a lot of things we can?t undo or forget, were not supposed to it makes us who we are Red. Still what happened to you was no act of yours, it is one thing that as a wizard I should try to look to undo, when I have failed before I look for a success, yours was no fault of your own, not like mine?.

Rewa brushed the hair away from his face and kissed his neck, softly grazing with her fangs, she was only playing. She pulled away and stared into his eyes. ?Cinder can I ask you something else of your past??
?What??
?Delliah had mentioned before you tried to undo some things of your own past?.

This was news to Cinder he hadn?t recalled telling his daughter he regretted anything in the past. He looked out the window suddenly worn, the scenery passing by like pages in a book. ?It?s true, I have some moments I am not especially proud of, what did she say??
?It?s about?a woman you met long ago before Kristae?it?s nothing. Hey were almost there I can see the station?!
Rewa looked away pretending to be interesting about getting off the train; she slipped her boots on and smiled to him. She felt it was wrong for her to ask him. She had done her best to take his attention off her last question; he was still upset to bring it up ever again. She thought it may prove how selfish she is of having Cinder and Jennifer to herself. She knew this woman she wished to ask about in his past was dead but felt guilty for Kristae was also dead. She wondered if her friendship would have been eventually snuffed out because of this secret love. She kissed Cinder which took the conversation away from. It was better to keep that promise to Delliah never to mention the rumored son he had with this secret woman as well. He was not aware from what she could tell.

The train whistle bellowed loudly, they were nearing Port Katherine. From the window in the car they both could see the mountains and lake that trailed off the horizon into the sun, just like the sea. Cinder kissed Rewa softly and smiled. ?Wait for the final whistle and we won?t be standing in a line to get out of here?.
Already Rewa had her coat and both of their tickets and passports ready, Cinder sighed and took a bite out of a waffle. ?I suppose this means were standing in line?. He hummed dejectedly and thought about staying on the train.

They departed after the second whistle, the sounds of announcements called over the speakers. Rewa and Cinder stepped out of their cabin and headed for the rear exit following a stream of other passengers. People gathered their things and children and waited for the doors to open as the station master called out the station stop, a slow creak and the doors swung open and the metal grate lifted up to step on. Gears met each other and a bowl of steam seared the cold air making a fog in the station. Brightly colored bricks and marvelous ironwork gates opened up into the main street, from this vista at the station they could see the sloping town as it leaned in the direction of the lake. Rewa handed the stationer their tickets at the arrival booth. He nodded to her in approval and waved them both past the gate and followed the stream of people once more that vanished into the crowd of the city.
Port Katherine was the ideal place in the Schwabstead region, their education was the highest national average and crime was almost unheard of, it was also a decent place for a vacation but this was not their destination nor purpose. Cinder stretched after being handed his passport back from Rewa. He took a short stroll over to the rail looking about and pointed.
?Over there near the cathedral, see that building??

Cinder led Rewa down a set of sun bleached concrete stairs that opened up into the park side of the lake, a swing set and a slide accompanied four whirly seats each one a different colored horse. Rewa stopped for a moment to watch the children, who were playing. Cinder smiled for a moment before kissing her. She looked down at her feet as she walked smiling, ghostly she watched the children as they vanished into the background. Children, a constant remindedr of what Rewa would never have of her own.
The path from the park slowly turned away into nothingness and met with patches of soil and stones down to the lake?s edge. They walked over some wooden steps onto a dock which ran down to a pavilion, only a man occupied his time here fishing along with a cormorant which dove down off one of the bulkheads. They both sat on the bench, the sounds of children and seagulls laughed in the background. An occasional freight ship would blow when leaving harbor. The winter air was not as cold today but still it was a good day as any to be dressed warmly. Rewa opened the bag and took out her sandwich; she unwrapped it and took a bite. Sauce oozed from the edges of her mouth and she wiped them gently with a napkin and stifled a laugh as some of the mess ran down her chin.
?How?s the sandwich?? Cinder inquired as he sipped his coffee again and again watching ships leave, wondering where of the many ports were they going to make trade and what were their wares. He hadn?t noticed how messy the sandwich was for her.
?Mmm, yummy?. She smacked her gums and nodded wiping her chin discreetly. ?It?s the best sandwich I have ever had, very good?.
Cinder smiled. ?Told you, we should let Kreil know you enjoyed it on the way back. How do you like the lake?? He took his coffee and drank the last of it, tapping the paper cup of any traces. He sighed hoping there was more but this was not so. He got up and tossed it into the garbage bin by the entry and returned to sit back down.
?It?s very beautiful, I hadn?t expected it to be so big but you were right. It's like gazing out into the ocean. Hey, is that a light house??
?You doubted my decription? Hehe?oh yes that lighthouse well we could always go in it take a tour on the way back home?. He sighed he felt if they remained on this pavilion she would end up getting him angry he was waiting for an interrogation.
?Rewa, you are trying to find the words to ask me something what is it??
Setting her sandwich down feeling caught off guard once more she was open to his attack. She was satisfied, she couldn?t have brought it up herself. ?If you aren?t upset about it?I mean every time there seems to be something new unknown about you. As far as friends go its fine to have some secrets, but we aren?t just friends. I haven?t hidden any from you?. He leaned back his head and rubbed his eyes as he yawned, he ate a chocolate truffle then turned to her looking at her eyes. He knew she was lying. His coyote grin just now fractured, something was beginning to put a bother in his brain.
?Do you not trust me completely anymore, Rewa just ask me??
She had to think about that, she found some more napkins and hid behind them wiping her check stubbornly. She wasn?t sure she could answer him; he had been secretive more and more and wondered of his intentions. ?Cinder you mention Gotzhiel Prison? that?s on Aursia the Gotzhiel Kingdom. How did you end up a prisoner there, was that related to your imprisonment of Gjordhiem and why haven?t I heard of it??
A raven landed across from them and Cinder whispered under his breath before it flew off. Vic?te would be late. He had expected as much and decided it would prove fun for them to gallivant elsewhere before he needed use of him.
?Yes, your geography is quite admirable. It?s not related to Gjordhiem however, and no this was no war crime that I had committed on Aursia. The reason why Kreil and I both know each other is because we escaped and shared a moment in prison together. Kreil had been accused of murder of high officials in the kingdom and was sentenced for death. I was sent to prison for making a mockery of their wizards and swiping a simple heirloom sword from a guard. This was when we met one another; there was word that they found the person responsible for killing the prime minister?.
Rewa wasn?t surprised, she knew Cinder to have a dark streak and Gramnsheal to be nothing but evil creatures. ?Don?t tell me he was the scoundrel who killed the minister and even the duke??
Cinder laughed and took another truffle and ate it. ?No, that scoundrel was me?on both accounts but the duke... im sorry is another story perhaps for another time?. He looked off in the distance, he almost seemed sad mentioning the duke. He smiled to her and held her shoulder for a moment and continued. Rewa wondered why he seemed sorry for killing the other man.
?I was intrigued only because I had killed the man not him. My original plan was to flee the region until this news caught my attention I was well on my way. On every corner news spread, even though I may have been wrong it was mine to be so. I could not let somebody be wrongly accused?I landed myself for a lesser crime as I had said. We had met from across a set of bars and stone walls. We shared stories and passed the time away. When he sensed me from across the walls of our cells he greeted me, he said Nessum?. Rewa looked at him surprised and repeated that word silently she had heard Cinder say that before to her when the were introduced by Kristae, it was Ferishan for friend. ?What does this mean?? She asked with astonishment.

Cinder nodded with a fond remembrance of that cold cell. ?Gramnsheal, Kreil are one of the few people who know of Ferisha. There was a tale long ago that an elf fell from the skies, her ears banded in dark red and claws like that of an animal. She was not gifted with magic or any abilities but a simple artist?then again all Ferish are well to do artisans. She it was said gave the Gramnsheal of Aurisa a beautiful gem in thanks for aiding her to get better. I have no doubts she imparted to them a Keracite the most valuable and rarest mineral found in my world. I told him that he and his people were forever in my debt also for the aid of that woman. I asked what had become of her but they said she went off looking for a Cuerma?.
Rewa smiled it was the first she has heard of a Ferisha other than him but it also frightened her to think of him finding another of his own kind and leaving this world. She knew he wasn?t going to but still wondered if one of his own would lure him back. ?That woman the Gramnsheal saved? she must have found her way back home?.
Cinder smiled discreetly turning to Jennifer and held out the black onyx heart. ?She did I just know it, I followed her path as best as I could yet her scent vanished, the Cuerma she found was spent. I continued my travels from following her into a strange land and ended up in Palbadores for the first time. You never need to worry Rewa, I will always be here I know the way back to my home is just a train ride away with you?.

?Cinder?? Rewa was glad to hear his hateful words but still felt guilty for keeping a secret from him. ?There?s more? I know thirty years is a long time for a human but there is a possibility you have a son. Daiyouji is his name? I suppose, I?m sure he just wants to clear some things up for himself and his mother. I know it?s your right to know. Delliah, she cares so much she forbade me to tell you. As your father she thought she was doing something right?forgive me and her?.
Cinder returned to his true self and smeared a smile over his troubled expression; if he was shocked he hid it well. ?I doubt I have a son, nobody but Kristae could have ever given me a child even if that child? an animal, unworthy of becoming a familiar, a polar cat? she is mine and Kristae?s blood, our love?.yes. There is no other child of mine in this world?or another. I forgive you both Rewa, I have you and my beautiful daughter?it?d be enough for this old Kalveas to grow old for. To be by your side, you are a dear friend to the house of Halbert and Shirastan? even this illusionary Cross".

?I want to be by your side too and be there with Delliah and her children?I want?. She chuckled looking awkwardly nervous if she was still human she possibly would be sweating. She filtered through her purse and found the small black velvet box and blushed. She muttered something about a promise and turned to him smiling. Cinder could not understand what she was doing, how could he, her new diary had a lock.

?I wanted to give you something, I want to that is if you will?would you ma mar?I mean I love you so much an. Well when we first set out on this trip I thought it would be the perfect time. I never?...
Cinder poked her belly playfully hearing her digestion make more sense. He turned back into Jennifer assuming it was a matter of the heart. ?What is the matter Rewa??

?I want? I want to marry you?! She shouted loudly her facial expression cracked and her face turned red. A couple sitting in the distance at the other end turned to applauded, the old fisherman didn?t pay a mind. Any longer and he?d be sick seeing two women in love, he left with his fishing gear. Rewa turned away her head of embarrassment; she started to cry and was ready to draw back her hand holding out the ring thinking Cinder would never feel the same way. She looked up slowly feeling those soft arms brush around her. That soft pale face stared back into her eyes, they weren?t searching for doubt or anything sinister.
Cinder kissed her. ?Yes?. He smiled with some sort of charm about him, as this human form he was disfocused on troubles which made him happy.
?Rewa? what do you think of me remaining as a human? Would you like it? Heh, ah nevermind I?m joking? I could never be a human for a real long time let alone a woman?. Rewa smiled, it seemed odd for him to talk of such things especially since he was still in that human. ?Cinder?will you tell me one more thing??
He brushed off some crumbs and stood, untying the ponytail in the back of his head looking back to Rewa in that dreamy human form. It was surprising how different yet similar Cinder was from his human form, Rewa smiled and hugged her. ?Never mind?. She had said and slipped the ring on the finger. She had wanted to ask the real reason behind this trip but felt now it would dampen the mood. ?Will this ring fall off if you return to you true self Cinder??
He hadn?t a clue and shrugged. ?Well it may? best not try it out for now. I wouldn?t want to lose it...

Come, let?s go the train is ready to depart soon".

"I have been betrayed by the same blood which flows in my veins. My heart with each pulse echos with pain. I question the dreamer and his painful lullabies, I awnser the dream and her countless lies.
My tears fall in the mixture which has been brewing, applying my demise to a collection of downfalls.
A cat sits beside the window for days now watching this never ending rain". - Cin.a.Mun aka. Meg


Chapter Four
Vampire Hunter. Uninhabited Souls

The sun streamed through the curtains in the cabin of C-8, Cinder sat comfortably on the edge of the lower cot reading a safety manual on train evacuations. Collecting manuals was a weird hobby of his and only Kristae had ever discovered this. Being married for eleven years his odd collection had been discovered while cleaning out the hallway closet finding over three hundred manuals from appliances to machinery and even safety procedures. After that he vowed to keep them stored in the attic where she said junk belongs. A husband admits defeat to his wife and treasures his relics above the insulation.

It was a few hours since they left Port Katherine and both were tired. Cinder had taken the ring off and slid it through his necklace joining the dolphin pendant at the base of his neck. Rewa was close to his heart alongside Kristae and Delliah picture inside. He took a sip of his coffee and smiled opening his travel bag stealing the manual; he tucked the parchment neatly into the side compartment. Rewa was sleeping her covers draping over the top bunk, her hand arm slumped over the side. He finished his the last of coffee and looked at a few letters he had begun and wondered if he should send them. In secret Cinder was worried, he knew his time was almost up and they would be coming for him. He took the letters and tossed them into the trash, he didn?t want finish them or start new ones doing so may trouble those he has left for friends. He assumed Renne would not be aware of his absence for they haven?t seen one another for a year already and Jinsa knew better than to go looking for Cinder after hearing he was giving her his fishing shack, she a Gramnsheal like Kreil and understood the parting of ways. At Carnivore Moley it was apparent when Cinder paid back the money he owed, he wouldn?t have the chance to do so again.
Rewa watched him quietly, it wasn?t her place to say it was wrong to ignore friends; she too had not bothered with her own. She sighed and stretched bringing herself back under the covers. Cinder looked behind him for a moment and smiled of suspicion. ?Are you awake??
A muffled reply came back. ?Yeah but I?m still sleepy?.
?Okay, would you like to go to the dining car with me and have a glass of brandy??
She declined, and Cinder bowed and slipped out the cabin and merrily walked to the bar for a drink. Rewa slipped out of the bed and fetched the letters, she read them secretly and wondered why he was saying goodbye to his friends, Was she being left in the dark once more by the one person she felt closest to? She decided his friends needed to hear these letters so she would send them.

Cinder enjoyed his brandy and the bonus of traveling in style was he was permitted to have as many beverages he felt he deserved. He eased himself into the cozy counter and leeched himself to the bowl of dried figs and played with the pits in his mouth before spitting them out onto a napkin. The bartender had remembered Cinder and set the crystal glass down before him, then poured the finest of brandies.

Cinder sat still for a few moments and pondered his existence; he took out one of those human cigarettes from his pocket and asked Hines for a light not being a regular habit of his. He resumed his thought staring at the lights on the table wondering what he could do. ?I am Rvheressa? in the end I will die as Rvheressa. A Proud Ferishan man should die with pride. By rare chance I ended up in this world.., once I had even settled down?.
He sighed and held his head and set the smoke down and then took a drink. He had become complacent in his past with Kristae, holding hands, fresh lovers like blooming flowers then cut before they matured, one flower wilted and the other wilted but continued to live. He thought about the recent proposal, Rewa had asked him to come with her stay on Midgar for some time since she would have to return to finalize some shady business, more piracy perhaps. He smiled at the opportunity to do so, it had been a while since he was there and even longer it seems since had taught a class at the University of Tiad. He had offers months ago by the administration to guest lecture some classes of magic theory and history again. Cinder admired the bright young minds of the students, he often had a few admirers after class that would linger to ask him questions. He was particularly fond of the young women in his class who were interested in magic history, since he had been a sponsor for the women?s swim team at the school for five years. Perhaps now seeing a one armed teacher he may frighten some, he smirked at the thought of getting a prosthetic arm. He finished his brandy and left the smoke as it was on the ashtray now not having the taste for it. He dismissed himself leaving his gratuity on the table. He walked away looking guilty as somebody was trying to fix the fountain machine near the kitchen. The Orangeade was not dispensing properly and one of the waiters was looking for the manual.
Cinder walked back casually to the cabin whistling the tune once more and wondered if Rewa was aware of Poaquhin. He paused at the ladies water closet looking for people paying attention, luckily for him nobody was really outside of their cars. He slipped inside. He turned into that human woman once more and smiled at the reflection in the mirror beside the basin. ?Hello Jennifer?. He admitted often that he made for a beautiful illusion and it was no wonder men and even some woman had some sort of attraction to her.
Jennifer departed from the water closet and continued onward to the cabin. She exchanged a few words with the middle aged woman who had the strange purplish hair. She was the treats cart lady and Jennifer decided to pick some sweets up. After a few minutes had passed a decision was made to go with the Afternoon Delights. These were very delicious snacks, candied fruit gels with sugar powder coating and sometimes ground nuts or fruit was in the middle. They shared the name of a human song that appeared innocent enough but had a very strong sexual meaning. Like most human songs they originated from the world of earth finding their way into this one.
Jennifer bowed graciously and took her snacks inside the cabin closing the door behind her. Rewa had finally gotten up from her nap and was enjoying her coffee accompanied by the newspaper. Unfortunately for her it was written in German and she did her best to discover the events by pictures alone. She turned with a surprise seeing Cinder had become Jennifer and wondered if he was having some sort of fun without her. ?Hello Jen?. She smiled taking a sip of her coffee mildly.
Jennifer nodded with a smile and ate a sweet. ?Hello Red, good to see that you are finally up?.
?Yeah I needed that nap, sure felt good though. So, didn?t you leave as yourself, what?s up with the change Cindy??
She pretended to not notice and seated herself gingerly on the edge of the cot and ate another sweet. ?Poaquhin says hello by the way, well not really. She wanted Cinder to tell you? that you better keep Jennifer close, being that she is you slave and all?. She grinned with wide amusement and tossed Rewa an Afternoon Delight. She caught it and set it on the table for after her coffee. ?Poa, where did you meet her?? She felt suspicious thinking Cinder was now playing a game hoping to be found by Poaquhin as Jennifer.
?We shared a drink together and discussed seventeenth century literature?.

Jennifer was silent for a moment gauging Rewa?s reaction but she knew it was a joke and Jennifer laughed then continued.
?All she wanted was to do was giving you a warning. Perhaps she means to take your head this time. Don?t worry; your girlfriend won?t let that happen?. Jennifer smiled, even if Cinder was joking he meant it, he would not let anything happen to Rewa, just as he knew she wouldn?t let anything happen to him.
?Was this before or after you turned into her Cinder??! She felt as if said these to get her angry but then again they both were to blame for she was just the same way.
?It was before of course. She said I was a sad excuse for an elf? it hurt to hear that but I think I needed to?. She said whispery into a sigh.
?I wonder why she wants to rescue me from you or Jennifer anyway? it?s not like I could be your slave since my blood is poison, but yeah then again she doesn?t know that?.
Rewa blushed and sat beside Jennifer and smiled. ?It?s because she want to steal you for herself see, you are too beautiful as a woman to pass up, she can?t stand I have such a sexy slave?. She laughed then quieted down once Jennifer looked a bit annoyed. Those yellow amber colored eyes pierced her reddish vampire ones. ?Oh come now Cinder I?m just joking? well about the slave part, you are beautiful though I can?t joke about that, I mean you are beautiful as yourself too?. She stroked her hair trying to image what he would look like as both forms at the same time a chuckled to herself.
?Well? just be careful Rewa. I don?t think it?s wise to think lightly of this encounter I had with her, she may just try to do what she intends to do?.
Rewa nodded. ?I know she cannot forgive me for being what I am now and the lover of hers I once was. She is a vampire hunter and I am a vampire, if anyone were to slay me I would hope it would be someone who loves me or at least someone who once had?. She kissed Jennifer on the head and walked back to her coffee and dismissed the German newspaper. Cinder smiled thinking he too would wish to die by someone who had loved him or at least who had a passion for his death, something which he was certain was finally catching up to him, he had known for quite some time.
Jennifer sat across from Rewa at the small table beside the window and noticed the trash had been emptied at least the letters yet said nothing to her, she hoped she decided to save them. Cinder would not like to encounter Renne or even Jinsa during this false vacation, he had hoped however Vic?te was not goofing off and would arrive in Hollenstadt when they did.

The interior of the train became soaked in the light as it passed the last of high peaks and fell short into the valley fallen prey to the beautiful evening sun. There beyond the trembling rocks became abstract shapes which clustered into a rich green meadow. Grasses and vegetation stretched for great distances and villages and trees spotted the landscape with an enriched and contrasting colour. Rewa couldn?t tell where she was in reference to the map, only having her companion as a guide she smiled turning away for the sight of a cathedral towering over the other buildings it?s cross affixed in the sky.
She never traveled this far into the west, Rewa was wild with imagination and wonder at these places they passed by wondering if she would one day see them up close as well. ?Hollenstadt?. She said wearily tracing her finger on the map as if something was hidden in that mountain community or something worse hidden in that traveling companion she loved dearly...

Rewa finished her meal and sipped the last of her Orangeade, the ice settling into the bottom of the glass leaving droplets of water onto the table. She watched the condensation being soaked by the napkin for a moment focusing in on one drop of water. Smiling at a recent memory she had gained with Jennifer when they both were caught in a rainstorm after leaving the Hillstone Tavern and that kiss which followed, she felt like she was swimming, perhaps it was the rain which made her feel this way.?I should get back?. She stood carrying the bill to the bartender who took care of things since the waiter was busy with other patrons. Hines nodded courteous to her and handed her the change, she declined warmly, passing her hand waving goodbye. She dipped her fingers into the neat little bowl shaped like a monkey at the end stuffing her pockets with a few pieces of wrapped candy; mint chews her favorite and set her way back to the cabin.
Inside the cabin of C-8 Poaquhin tried to convince Jennifer she wasn?t bad while Jennifer likewise tried the same with Rewa and to sway her disposition towards Cinder.
?I am honest with you, I want you and I promise you that I won?t hold you back. This isn?t just because I loved Rewa once? at first I may have wanted to get you to draw her out but not anymore. I?ve seen you paint at the shop in McGillin?s Frames many times. You are happy all alone in your space by the front window, you watch the passersby as you take your break sipping tea and almond cake. I can tell you love painting. Other times you seem so sad you tremble when you paint, you walk in the back corner and lift a canvas which you have been working on and begin to cry? it?s of the one you loved wasn?t it??
Jennifer nodded slowly. ?Yes? the one I loved, still love?.
?Jennifer?? She paused looking down at her feet and smiled some as she regained her words. ?I?m not dangerous to you, look at me; you shouldn?t?? She paused for another moment getting lost in those eyes of gradual amber, she looked like an animal of some unclassifiable nature like that wizard she thought but there was softness a fragile beauty mistaken for innocence. It was as if she couldn?t speak to this woman not how she intended to, she was fallen for this seemingly innocent girl, a mistake not because of Rewa would be furious but because it was Cinder?s intention to play this game.
?A woman as beautiful as you should not have tears of sadness. I could help you; I?d like to see you smile always when you paint?. Poaquhin let go of the hug and turned to the door for a moment. Cinder had never noticed he was being watched and was shocked to hear somebody noticed his sadness when he painted. He hidden by that illusion was happy to hear such kindness from a stranger. As Jennifer he almost welcomed that invitation to be taken away by that angelic beauty in black. She too was feeling some sense of loss for words but only because it reminded Cinder of what Kristae had once said to him so familiar ?I like to see you smile when you paint?. Perhaps this game he was so eager to win was making him suddenly fail.
Jennifer was confused and sat on the edge of the cot wiping a tear that appeared in the corner of her eye. Poaquhin came over to her and knelt leaning into her lap, she kissed her those lips and rubbed her pale cheek affectionately. ?I tried to forget your face, the first time I saw it, accompanied by Rewa. Both of you were coming out of an old church in Avalon?It was autumn your hair matched perfectly with the brown leaves with shades of rust and gold. I can recall you laughter as the both of you ran back inside as the rain fell but you lingered outside for a bit longer, you seemed happy the redness in your face disappeared?.
Jennifer wondered how close she had to be to see that much , the church she was referring to was an old monastery where as either form he had often gone to light a candle for Kristae. She also wondered who was the wone being stalked, Rewa or Jennifer.
The monks there were not partial to any god or goddess and were most welcome to Cinder especially when he had fish to trade for porter.
?I thought of Camilla and how she was? she grew up on Avalon often times she would visit her uncle a monk there, I haven?t seen him in such a long time I hope he is well. Jennifer I?m sorry, try to think of what I said. I wish not to trouble that face of yours any longer today, we will meet in Mussen. Oh, will you tell the one armed wizard that I?m sorry I didn?t mean it really? his soul is uninhabited you know unhinged from this world he is. He challenged even the gods I hear, of course he lost but yet he still remains? don?t become like him, do not take revenge. You should know, I heard his time is almost up, I wouldn?t want you to get caught in that which awaits him or what I have in store for Rewa? she is my prey?.
Sensing the rotten vampire draw near thanks the her holy amulet Poaquhin departed just moments before Rewa would come through the hallway, she blew a kiss to Jennifer who smiled, interested in thought of something that awaits. Jennifer watched the tear dry up in her hands, that vampire hunter is something, not bad or good, perhaps they could be friends.

Jennifer held her hand and kissed it then held it close to her heartbeat; it was not the beat of a human but of Ferishan, a Kalveas who saw love in the form of a human.
?You don?t need to be afraid of that, besides I want you to marry me as I am now. My sister?no, Sessuna is hardly like me for that I am grateful. She was the best influence for me, it?s a shame I have not become I good Ferisha like her. As your kind says a sinner, that is I.

I am not my true nature in this form but I am intact... I am free. I can paint, I can fish I can make a living working in the vineyards with the field workers; you could make wines with me like Kristae had done. I could even if you wished it move to Midgar with you and find something new to do? as for the sex you make it sound as if we have done it countless times?.
?Cin, have you been counting?? That was all she could comment on for at that moment it was all she could imagine.

Jennifer laughed with a nodding brush to the pillow. ?No but you make it sound as if we are nothing but sexual creatures, whores. I?m not like that, it?s not true, and you know I enjoy this quiet intimacy more?.
Rewa smiled but she too agreed to a point but she had to admit without the sex it was not special. ?How do you say Red in Ferish??
Jennifer looked at her curiously then grinned. ?Yoae, but why do you want to know? Try saying you and ha together fast?.
?Yohay??
Jennifer chuckled and patted her playfully on the head. ?Keep working at it, you?ll get it soon enough. Why did you want to know anyways seems you are most interested in my culture, perhaps I should write you a translation guide??
Rewa smiled. ?Well your real name is Rvheressa for ashes of little fire or something right and Delliah means love? Sessuna is glowing light? so I thought maybe I?.
She was embarrassed to ask for a pet name in Ferish; Jennifer smiled knowing where she was going with this however.
?I think you have a beautiful name, ?Rewanna? even if you prefer Rewa or Red it?s a lovely name. I?m not going to call you Yoae. You can call me what you want though it matters not to me as long as you don?t call me your slave?. Jennifer chuckled, climbing across Rewa and slid off the cot.
She stood beside the traveling window and picked the bag of Afternoon Delights from the table and ate one, lemon flavored. Rewa smiled and grabbed the pillow from beside the wall and tucked it under her chin as she watched this seemly innocent human stand half naked in front of the window eat candy. ?Does yoae mean anything else??

She nodded leaning on the table after eatting another and twisted the bag closed. ?Yoae also is also a type of cabbage, though I doubt you are interested in me calling you a vegetable? We already have Vic?te as our Eggplant, perhaps I shall become a Pumpkin since I like pies so much?. She smiled. "We could become a posse and call ourselves the three vegtables".

The sunlight casted hues of evening reds and tangerine, time seems to pass by when you?re traveling so fast Rewa thought. She stood herself and slipped back on her clothes wrapping her arms around Jennifer who had started to enjoy reading a story in the German newspaper already forgetting the conversation. Rewa hadn't and thought if she was a vegtable it wouldn't be so bad as long as she had company.
The story was about the end of winter festival in the town of Mussen which she had decided to use as a lie to Poaquhin, now it sounded like something he as Cinder would have wanted to do. Unfortunately for them they had to stay on the train and that vampire hunter would be expecting to find them there. Jennifer set the paper aside as Rewa leaned her head against hers for a moment and hummed some familiar tune, it wouldn?t be long before she too hummed that song also and realized it was ?Afternoon Delight?.

INTERIM


Vic?te sat in an office for the customs bureau in Hollenstadt, he had been detained by authorizes after the dogs had found him to be importing drugs into their city. He sat before a fine desk finished in cherry with imitation black lacquer paneling. The desk topside was well organized and stately with a brass pen holder, a cigar dish, and a nameplate. ?Captain Tostten? read neatly in Harper script enameled in white.
He was reminded of Cinder?s desk at the salvage yards how comingled and dreary his desk was for a moment. Documents with coffee stains and the smell of salt water and brandy. File cabinets that were double stacked and one solitary window which was partial hidden behind his Spider Plant.

He had been waiting for some time and just when he thought he?d get up and snoop around his admirer opened the door.
?Please don?t get up for me mister Vesemrue , may I get you anything, water, coffee, cigarette??
It was a rather short lady but a lady none the less and Vic?te grinned friendly at her. He had never met a dwarf before and was immediately surprised when she approached her desk and sat there hands folded on the table. She wondered why this haggard looking man had come to such a far away place, there was no need for lowlifes here in Hollenstadt she thought.
?No ma?am, I am fine, thank you?. He replied with a sense of humor, he was obviously perplexed by her.

She was dressed in an elegant green dress uniform with gold touches on the epaulet across her left and buttons which gleamed like her brass objects on the table. Her name was chiseled on a metal plate above her left breast pocket which hung a few of her credentials. ?Capt. Mara Tostten?.

Her face was tanned and lined with a few wrinkles around her eyes with deep blue centers. Her hair was neatly curled up into a bun with a few whispy strands floating out the top. She didn?t look like a woman who smiled often yet she seemed satisfied enough being here with this haggardly man.

?Mister Vesemrue, do you know why you are here today?? She took one of her pens from the holder and opened up a folder beside her. A paperclip held together loose documents on the folder, Vic?tes? photograph was on the top. To the left of the page was a form listing recent activities which he had thought he avoided the eyes of the law.
?Well your dogs found drugs on me, you deputy apprehended me, confiscated my possessions and took me here?. He looked over his shoulder clumsily wondering what?s the damage anyways it?s only Cocaine; half of Rhy?Din was doing it he thought.

She nodded briefly as she wrote something down then set the pen on the table and looked to him, her wrinkly eyes opened a bit, he lips almost making a grin. ?Very good, your guess is half correct, only half because we did apprehend you for drug possession but no, you are not sitting here talking to me because of it. Would you care to guess again why it is you are here??
Vic?te was lost, he wasn?t sure if the joint he had smoked earlier was finally doing some good at the wrong time or that Dwarven women were all just moody. He shrugged, to save himself to think too hard of some other possible crime he had committed in only forty three minutes of being here.
?I shall tell you?. She then closed the file and stood, her stature took on less of a comical appearance as she folded behind her back as she walked with force and stood at a window. She forked open two blinds with her stout and muscular fingers gazing out her window to the scenery below. A peaceful mountain community covered in snow steeped in a history full of pride and pristine beauty.
?You are here in Hollenstadt because he will be coming to Hollenstadt, isn?t that correct??
?Who is he?? Even Vic?te was not that stupid but he had the sense that he was not in trouble even if his drugs were to never to return.
She turned around and for that brief moment Vic?te caught a glimpse of beauty in that woman with strong and cold features. ?He who is? yes that?s even true, Cinder Shirastan that is the one I speak of and the one you seek?. Her lips parted into a soft smile, her teeth were pearly and save for one which was golden. Perhaps she wished to have one match that regal uniforms buttons he thought.
?It?s okay; that elf has done something wonderful work for us Dwarves, you aren?t in trouble but the drugs are illegal here I am sorry?. She reassured Vic?te and slid out from her drawer a box and set it on the table. Opening the box up she pulled out a cigar and cut it for him with her cigar tool and handed it over. It was a fine Haraheh Cigar from Falcon?s Crest, rolled in pure tobacco leaf blended with four different regional tobaccos.

Vic?te relaxed somewhat and put the cigar to his lips, Captain Tostten pulled the crystal lighter from the desk and sat back down once her guest was lit.
?So what now?? He asked as he pulled the cigar away from his lips, smoke curled out from them like a dragon?s whiskers.
The dwarf smirked at him and took up her pen once more, Vic?te couldn?t see what she was writing but she stopped once more and looked to him.
?We are waiting for a bird".

Jennifer smirked shaking her head and set her fork down finishing her meal as well. ?There is a special gift I have for you there on Hollenstadt? It is fortunate this vacation. Many things can be reached one of which that was years back in the making. I am certain that things are going to work out.
I love you too you know? the world is a fleeting thing but my heart?perhaps is not?. Jennifer then continued to eat the waffles in some decent pleasure which made others dining around them wonder if waffles were better served for dinner, if so this young woman only knew or perhaps she preferred breakfast foods served with fish.

Rewa tightened up having the displeasure of a surprise that was weaved into many mysteries. She wanted to question him why a gift was in another country so far away and was this the true intention of going to Hollenstadt or one of them?
She hesitated she could not defeat such a nice evening as this, it had been a while since Rewa had eaten with Cinder under this guise and it proved to be the peace of mind and gateway to romance yet queer to the setting she wanted. Surrounded by strangers traveling by train a solitary candle burning between them and decorative flowers and remnants of Christmas she had dreamt of something more typical.
The meal not quite as romantic as she thought what with Jennifer ordering a double coffee, her spiced waffles and raw fish and Rewa with her childish Orangeade with bloody steak served with rice pilaf and rosemary seasoned potatoes.
Of course she wished the trip was not some silly multifaceted vacation that left her with empty questions. She would have omitted the encounter with Poaquhin as well but it was a reality not a dream. Despite reality however she found herself captivated under that golden light of their candle and her date shining just as effulgently.

?Still to be human again and not have to feel this dead weight in my heart, to have a child. I want a baby this is something I would love to have for myself. Perhaps there it is? it?s the one thing I?ll be afraid of, being mortal once more. .. I could die so easily?.
Jenner took a sip and laughed. ?Rewa, you know that is not true, you make it sounds as if humans are so helpless a slight breeze could kill them. You are just as strong and determined as you were before you had fangs so don?t suddenly think that you?d die so quickly?.
One day Rewa would be human again Cinder thought, as for the one to die he knew he hadn?t much time left in this world yet wanted to make up for the lost time and dreamt he too could be humored with some dying wish that criminals get or at least last words.

?Thank you?. Rewa smiled taking a sip of wine, her dusty red eyes settling on the last drop realizing she had finished her glass. She set it down and looked to Jennifer who was still working on the whisky at some decent casual pace. Jennifer, Cinder seemed engrossed in thought be it the window scene or the contents of that whisky. ?Cin??
?Yes?? Jennifer answered half absently, admittedly if Rewa asked she would have told her what was troubling her just then.
?Nothing dear, how?s the whisky?? Perhaps his soul was really uninhabited she thought.
?It?s good, reminds me of simple moment in time when I sold fish and worked the Salvage office less often. Reminds me of that tavern that is no more, hmm seems a lot of things in Rhy?Din are no more... perhaps it why I love Mirue nothing has changed and probably never will at least not drastically, it?s enough to make this life bearable to know. It?s nothing more than a moment that has passed now? so would you like to have another drink, I think I?ll join you in the wine; whisky all of a sudden is not the mood I would prepare myself for. Actually I think it?s unlike for me as Jennifer to indulge in whisky unless we were to play some game of poor manner something that perhaps some common girl would not do but surely her lover a baroness? Then again you are Rewa and such a bold baroness you hardly play by the rules and would drag me into it?. She remarked with a softened chuckle.
Rewa released her own sounds of amusement and turned for the waiter calling him back.
She hadn?t a clue what Cinder would mean by that but perhaps it suggested he would rather dwell in the moment for once than the past. Also if there were games to be had she had packed that strip twister game which Vic?te had given her hoping he would get to play with her.
Unfortunately for the eggplant the cabbage had only her pumpkin in mind.

?So have you given anymore thought of what I asked earlier?? Rewa leaned into the candle on the table to light a cigarette, its yellow gold flame administering some romantic warmth to the dreary night. She pursed it her red lips and with a few puffs then offered it to her date.
Jennifer declined not having the social mood for a cigarette but enjoyed the quilted sense of comfort at the table as it stood with drinks alone. Rewa nodded and leaned back keeping the cigarette herself, she loved a smoke more or less as Cinder did for social reasons and she felt more human with one in her hand. Rewa took a puff of smoke in then breathed it out slowly. Jennifer smiled and turned her attention to the waiter who brought over two glasses of wine, a bitter and dry Merlot for Jennifer and another Syrah which matched Rewa?s current personality. ?So have you thought about what I said?? Rewa asked once more injecting dialogue into the nonexistent conversation.

?Do we have everything?? Rewa asked looking about the small crammed room finally realizing how little they brought with them. Jennifer stood taking the single luggage case which housed Rewa?s and Cinder?s garments and a few selected pieces which Rewa picked for Jennifer. Rewa took both carryon and inspected them; she looked to Jennifer seeing an assortment of manuals stuffed into the side compartment. ?Yeah, apparently so?. She sighed thinking it was her role to make sure Cinder kept the theft of such documents to a minimum. ?You know you should stop doing this sort of thing at the very least they aren?t valuable?.
Jennifer shrugged with a childish likeness which made Rewa beam as if she was finally getting some authority in this trip. She smiled and pinched her cheeks to further enforce that feeling which backfired when her rear was slapped in return. It was hard and hurt. Jennifer laughed to some audible degree that Rewa joined in finding the situation even more humorous as the train inspector came by opening up the cabin door seeing two adults spank each other, two very attractive adults. He was embarrassed but spoke up which startled the two individuals and they both paused and turned red with defeat as reality sunk in. They had arrived in Hollenstadt. ?Final stop, Hollenstadt please be sure to take all your belongings as you depart the train?. The man spoke clearly trying to hold his own curiosity in check taking one more glance around before he moved on.
Rewa bowed to the man and exited the cabin following him on her way out Jennifer followed after making sure all that was theirs was taken off with them, this part of the journey was over they may not encounter the same train again. All was going in accordance to Cinder?s plan. Jennifer handed the man at the exit the ends of their tickets and both were free of the train. They exited from platform B passing their entire car just in case Poaquhin had not gone to Mussen. As the two stepped off onto the partway they passed under the exhaust overhead which swung from under the train. They made their way down the corridor and onto the departures gate passing a flock of people waiting for their train to arrive or for loved ones to. Their train would be held in station for routine checks and then continue with its next role of switching sides and return to its original home separated by two countries of mountains, lakes, forests and countless cities and towns. Mirue was days away and for Rewa Midgar by Train seemed like a lifetime, she could not wait to return home with Cinder. A set of five grand clocks stood overhead telling the times of particular cities in the world. ?Welcome to Hollenstadt? was hung below in a great banner with miniature flags of an elk.

They left the gray walls, concrete passages and, pipes and steel frames and pushed their way into a colorful building. Rewa remained calm as she was swept up in the arrival center; it was a modern style lobby with a lighted kiosk, information centers and a travel shop, a coffee bar and some sort of gift shop. But what took her breath away was the grand architecture it was magnificent and gleamed of perfection. The entire structure was a piece of sculpture with trees indoors rising above to the ceiling which was some sort of glass. There was a waiting section for departures and those for arrivals with cushioned benches. In the center of the building there was a grand fountain topped with a great elk wearing a wreath in a leaping position.
Cinder had mentioned before that the Elk was the symbol of Hollenstadt; she ran up to the fountain and sure enough in the base of the fountain countless people have thrown their loose change in it making wishes. They made a mysterious glimmer in the water as if someone had polished the coins, it seemed impossible that every single one would shine. She turned to Jennifer who had set down the luggage to buy once more another newspaper; she turned after paying to see Rewa who smiled at her.
?Oh Cindy this place is amazing?! She retracted as a few no doubted ?seasoned? travelers looked to the woman with some ignorance. Jennifer however simply smiled at her once more walking over to her. ?It is, the last time I was here there was no fountain, only this elk statue, they must have moved him because he was someplace near the exit before. Even the size of this place seems larger than last time. The Dwarves are truly remarkable people it?s no surprise they would eventually build upon already an amazing creation and to think this is only the travel center. Just wait to you see the hotel?s bathroom?. She laughed nudging Rewa.
?Cin??
?What is it?? Jennifer questioned blankly as she quickly browsed the headlines of the newspaper and to the weather forecast for the next few days ?snow, overcast, sun, snow, snow? as always Hollenstadt is the snowy paradise.
?Let?s make wishes in the fountain?. She took a few coins from her purse and dropped all but two fifty cent pieces handing one of them to her. Jennifer was lost on this as the coin hit her palm, it could be more useful put together to buy some candies or perhaps a cheap souvenir.
?Rewa? you know a wish doesn?t come true by throwing a coin in the water?. Jennifer held the coin in that palm; the left hand was not there when Cinder was in his true form. Cinder had wishes but not for Jennifer, Cinder was happy as an illusion for the most part. ?Alright, I?ll make a wish if it pleases you?. She smiled kissing Rewa on her cheek. It made her smile to hear compliance
?Thank you Rvheressa, I love you?.

She put her back to the fountain closing her eyes and tossed her coin overhead in the water. The coin must have hit the elk statue as a ?pang? was heard before it drifted to the bottom and was clearly spotted beside all the shiny ones. She smiled looking to Jennifer who set the newspaper and the luggage down. Jennifer slowly made her way over and sat beside the fountain and placed her left hand in the water and let go of the coin. Rewa thought this was quite odd for making a wish almost like some sort of ritual. She could then see that grin on her face, that plotting grin she looked pleased but also seemed quite sad once more. Jennifer stood and touched her forehead with her wet hand as if relieved and then turned to Rewa. ?Okay?.
?Come, let?s get to the hotel where we can freshen up and then have a coffee and perhaps a snack?. She picked up the luggage and the newspaper and tucked her free arm within Rewa?s. In some way Rewa felt weary of whatever wish was asked, she knew Cinder had very bizzare wishes and half the time he made certain of them coming true with or without coins or trinkets.

?The Secret as he calls it was one remnants of the Minstrum occupation which Cinder looked upon, it was formerly a laboratory used to extract magic and drain people?s souls, interrogations, tortures and various other things which I dare not speak. Cinder said it could be useful to him one day perhaps he found something he needed it for seeing as he would come here but why he would invite two of his company here has my doubts. Hollenstadt is a resort town even when the occupied Minstrum were here. This place is a beautiful land of snowy mountains, fields of flowers and dwarven culture. This secret was the perfect hiding spot among such things. It?s deep within one of our mountains.
Tell me? do you or have you ever skied Vic?te?? Mara smiled lighting a cigar for herself.
?No, actually I haven?t. I prefer to enjoy my cold days inside a warm pub I?ve a dislike for snow since growing up in the south. I did hear however from Cinder that you have hot springs, I wouldn?t mind soaking these bones of mine into those waters here?. For a minute there he forgot she was dwarf and through her strong features he found some simplistic beauty in her but it was just for a minute. Mara stood crossing her thick arms and with a smile she looked to the clock on the wall then to Vic?te. It was some novelty that could have been found in the gift shop; it was shaped like an elk and had leaves as hands on the face.
?It?s true we have many hot springs here in, for this we are very fortunate. This mountain has housed a peaceful and quiet existence after the Minstrum occupation for this that wizard is friend to us. Of course I hear the Minstrum have had many of enemies but none of them who were once on their side and as powerful as a wizard as he?.
Vic?te nodded and took a puff from his cigar and sighed. ?I hate magic especially his craft?.
A raven sat outside the window for a few moments then appeared inside the room with them and rested on Vic?te?s head. Mara rose and walked over to it excitedly. ?I admire it?. The raven vanished as quickly as it appeared to them and Mara too with Vic?te in tow soon fled the room. ?What?s the rush Cappy?? Mara halted without facing Vic?te perhaps because she didn?t want to look up at him or if she did she would have gave him another punch to the gut. ?Don?t address me as that again my name is Mara not Cappy. That was the bird which means, Cinder and Rewa are here, come?.
?Geesh, alright I?m sorry? Cappy?. He dug his hands in his pockets and grumbled.
Rewa sat watching an eagle turn about in the clear sky as she exited the building followed by Jennifer. The exit was lined with magnificent shrubs and a grand garden that was covered in snow; in warmer weather for sure it was full of colorful mountain flowers. Five flags stood blowing lethargically in the calm airs that managed to slip in past the mountains and evergreens. A bronze elk statue stood before them with a simple plaque which read: Hollenstadt founded 1095 Heinrich Otto Hapsburg.
?Those flags what are they?? Rewa asked curiously after they had caught her attention once her eagle had left her vision. Jennifer looked at her with some disappointment as if she was supposed to know the flags of other countries.
?What. But you have such good geography Red?. well, okay. There on the end the one with the bear and star over the mountain is the flag of Mussen which no doubt is where Poaquhin is searching for us. Next to it the red flag with edelweiss is Wurtzweil, there they have many great traditions and good humans, nice peoples. Beside it the middle is of an elk I am certain I need not tell you that one?. Jennifer smiled for a moment then continued?. The one with the swan and crown is Colbaden and the one on the end the dragon holding a trumpet and sword is Luftaffle-Ausenburg. All beautiful wonderful places they are. ?
Rewa smiled and exclaimed. ?I would love to go there; will you show me all these places that I haven?t seen??
?Hey Red, I?ve got something you haven?t seen yet?! Vic?te called out from the side street beside a patisserie with brilliant red bricks and black golden frames. He was accompanied by Mara who looked at him like he really needed that jab to the gut. She sighed and walked on ahead but was soon outpaced by him and his long legs.

INTERIM.

Days before the train.

?The contents of a bottle and of a memory are both immeasurable to the soul?.


Cinder sat casually at his favorite table in the Hillstone Tavern. It was at the western side overlooking River Verte and its old mill which has ceased working in the late century. At one time people used the river to traverse the southern forest free from its supposed ghosts.
He was accompanied by his good friend a stout of pleasant boldness and unconfirmed percentage of alcohol. He took care of the mug holding it in both hands and let the blackish fluid with an amber cr?me colored foam flow gently into his mouth and swallowed. He smiled easing it down the weight of the glass making a pleasant sound as it rested once more on then wooden table polished by wear. Heartily he sighed and belched mindedly.
It was some time that he had returned to the continent and even longer since he had the pleasure of being in the company of a friends, those he knew for what seemed like always and those whom he until recently requited. No not a friend in the form as his stout but actual beings those whom he had a respect or a fondness for.
He looked at Richard for a moment and smiled at him, he had been running the Hillstone after he took the post after his father had gotten too old and his father before him. Was the profits the reason or was it something else people took up this trade? He had to stop pondering for now, he had reminded himself of his own failed venture into the same line of work his friends had done yet had produced no profits. He lacked something as a bar keep, drink master, tender or whatever people called it still he was content in his line.

He yawned for a moment and stared openly at his book, a tome of stolen thoughts and events which the gods had wished hadn?t fallen into the hands of such a strange and hungry man. He silently opened it and took another sip, passing the pages as if he knew them by heart. They were useless to him for the most part, he only wished what his fate revealed was more detailed, in every instance he had avoided things for himself but he knew that he could not avoid things that would happen to others not that could he pull such knowledge from a book. He closed it once more it had been years since he had written anything or any a god had hunted him for the scrawl within in its pages.

He took another drink and thought perhaps that this place the Hillstone had been more endearing to him for it?s quiet charm and warmth of a fire nestled close to home than any other, even if he knew of others which housed friends and moments which made him smile or cringe in fear the Hillstone would preside over them for it was closest to his heart, it was a part of Kristae and his life together with her. They were married right here in Alesblot at Saint Bernard?s and celebrated in this very Tavern.
He could almost smell her vanilla perfume; her sun dressed figured dancing with him outside under the awning in the summer as a fiddler played with some grizzled belter with a pot belly who sang like an angel. Ghostly, then reality came back to him as he sets his drink down. He didn?t miss anything as long as he had some good memories and a good drink to toast to them and future ones.

He smiled weariliy and thought of those who he hoped would be better off not knowing. "Hollenstadt and then my Sanguinary".

Cinder laughed shaking his head; he had to disturb her braiding his hair. He turned around and winked with a cat's smile ?Rewa, you honestly see me going along with you as a pirate??
?No, to be honest I?m not crazy about the thought of such a cunning man aboard my ship; you may just bring an uprising. The thought of a wizard pirate could be imperfect, I like my lackeys as they are?.
Cinder turned around and pulled her over on the bed and smiled into her eyes, he brushed her hair from her check and licked her. ?Do I make you happy Rewa??
?Yes you do?. She smiled trying to sit back up but he prevented her.
?Do I frighten you?? He touched her face gently.
?I worry Cin?.
?Kiss me?. He said.
Rewa smiled, her arms wrapping around him. ?I kiss you? and then we will end up in bed together, we won?t go for drinks then will we?? Her mouth glinted with her lusty fangs like always though she held them back, she just kissed him. He wanted to take her clothes off but disturbing beautiful things were not for his exiled emotions, he retracted and smiled leaning back and looked to the clock on the wall. She looked at him, his frustration; she smiled and pulled him back to her and kissed his lips resting her nose to his.
"In a moment." she said

Vic?te and Mara sat at a green booth in the southeast corner of the hotel bar overlooking the resorts hot springs enshrouded by the mountains and monumental evergreens blistered under the snowy moonlight. Sitting across from one another they were silent after Vic?te had brought up questions concerning her sex life. Mara wasn?t surprised most men, that is humans were curious about dwarven ladies and how they ?worked? in bed. Mara sighed taking a sip of her Nimshuirg; it was kept toasty as most people called it, the decanter rested on the ceramic plate which was cooked in an oven over fired bricks.
Vic?te assumed it was some fancy drink the dwarves had concocted but actually it had originated in Falcon?s Crest so naturally it was thought to be elven in origin despite its dwarvish starling.
?What?s taking them so long?? Vic?te complained knocking off the second draft, he had ordered some pomme frites but to his dismay they had not been served with mustard they were served with mayo instead. Mara laughed drenching one in mayo and shook it at him while she talked. ?You know you should be very grateful of Rewanna and of Cinder, not many people associate with a thief and even more with one that was banished from a guild of thieves?. She laughed and took a whole bit of the snack and smiled. He shrugged in response and tapped the table annoyed at this statement.
?But they are just as dubious you know, after all Rewa hardly lives up to her noble birth and flaunts as a pirate in the company of Escuants and is attracted to her own sex for the most part?.
Vic?te nodded. ?Not to mention being a vampire, don?t forget that Mara?.
She hadn?t forgotten, vampirism was of special interest to her ,all diseases were. ?Yes, that too?.
?What about the old man?? He recalled.
Mara shook her head. ?Oh Cinder? I think he pretends to be innocent?. She shook her head and sipped her drink again.
?But he is not is he or not as mild as he lets on, am I right?? Vic?te grinned, his drink already knowing the route to take.

The hours melted much like the almond cocoa paste at a nearby table the patrons must have fled without taking the last of their dessert.
The tea lights have been exchanged for new ones and Cinder had asked if he could light them, the waiter was apprehensive but gave in. Astonished was he at the elves crafty ways of procuring flame.

Wine was poured once more on for Rewa and Vic?te had cheerfully drank from a pitcher sized glass of ale. Mara grinned with devilish eyes. ?Okay you Balsskute's, time to get serious?.
She called over the waiter and simply nodded. He immediately brought out a cart with fine glasses and a grand bottle of something dark. Rewa watched Mara for a moment and noticed Cinder?s eyes soften and he even smiled and meant it. She smiled too not knowing why he was.
Cinder leaned over the table and whispered to her. ?Yarmil, it?s a dwarven Gosta...just like?hmm anyways?looks like Mara wants us drunk?
Vic?te downed his glass of beer laughing overhearing their private conversation. ?Cappy if you wanted to get me drunk and have your way with me you only needed asked. Of course I have never been with a Dwarf before, maybe Cin can give me some pointers. Hey old man whadya say?.

Cinder looked at Vic?te he wanted to slap him so Rewa ina rising fit of jealousies jabbed him one. ?You idiot? I?ve never been with a dwarf. I?ve only seen one naked before but never had sex with one, besides why would I give a ladies? man such as yourself a tip, don?t you keep tabs on all your women?.
Mara looked at Vic?te. ?Really? I had no idea we had someone so suave at our table... pftt?. She busted out laughing along with Cinder and Rewa, Vic?te grumbled as he slunk back in his seat. "Well I ain't got tur cuffers". He grinned in response yet none knew what he meant.

Another round was poured, Mara serving generously. The night went on and the bunch were spirited to say the least. The room departed with its dinner guests and was filled sounds clinking glasses, folks making toasts, laughter and music. The four were not obliged to let these sounds dampen theirs; of course they had garnered such actions to rise from their wizen companion. Cinder Shirastan, a jack of all trades even a singer was a part of his puzzle. He was known to belt out a tune now and then at the old haunts and this was just another before them all.

Every braggart, bastard, hound, wench, scoundrel and political air paused to watch the one armed tuner. ?This one? written for my love, Kristae so many years ago. She was sweet like honey wine and beautiful in every way. I sing it now for you all and to those who have been in company before, stranger and friend alike. Mayhap it can be related to. Imagine a foreigner, Elvish of sort having learned Deutsche speaking poor English at the time who fell in love with a beautiful young woman. Maybe all of you can start a clap for me, keep the pace?.

He bowed his head and smiled looking to Rewa, Mara and Vic?te. He nodded rising to sit on a vacant table resting his feet up on the chair as he sparkled with an flair, Rewa even had not been accustomed to though known by word from his stays elsewhere of his love of folk. He called over a guitar fellow and he strum a few notes and he agreed.
?I come across tee fair maid on one September sky; she had the most charming smile and slend rise up her thigh. She sparkled like sunset and shone like the snow, her golden hair like barley on the wind as she go.
Rum tiddy rum tiddy do toolie ah, my love come sweet as rain.

I down me some courage and aft her I went, me pocket was full but my nerves all be spent. She casted her head onto the otter side, I wanted an?ther drink for me to hide. I beg me goddess for will to live so I may have me heart to give.
Rum tiddy rum tiddy do toolie ah, my love come sweet as rain.


You don?t know it but I?ll marry you, my sweet lass my heart does ring true. I courted ye often I courted ye wise I played the fool but I am not that kind o? guy. I?m a hard worker and a loving soul, I want to love you tis me only true goal. Ohh, my fair maid on tee September sky.
Rum tiddy rum tiddy do toolie ah, Rum tiddy rum tiddy do tollie ah, Rum tiddy rum tiddy do tollie ah, my love come sweet as rain. My love come sweet as rain?!

Everyone clapped and he smiled slamming his palm on the table, as always he had hoped another would join and sing a song of their own, the guitar player must have felt the same way as he looked disappointed on the crowd. Cinder instinctively looked for Harold of Barmouth and smirked to himself thinking time passes much too fast. He sighed easing himself back to the others and looked at the empty table hoping some ghosts of the pasts would rise and play a wheel or two. Nothing happened of course and he took back to his drink and smiled in return to those faces upon him.
?Cinder, you wrote that for Kristae?? Rewa asked hesitantly.
He nodded, of course she wouldn?t have heard it before, she wasn?t there for the wedding. ?Yeah, the first time I sung it I embarrassed the hell out of her?and me. Course I was the bastard counting my glasses?. He laughed taking another sip following the other. Mara and Vic?te laughed along with him and then Rewa looked away.
?I take delight in courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early?. She said distantly.

Cinder winked. ?I know Yoae?your Pumpkin knows? you have nobody but those who care for you here Red. And a tune is always welcomed, mayhap another night your lady sings a song for you... would you want to go, are you feeling alright??
Rewa smiled back. ?Yeah, just make sure you are ready for the slaughter princess?.

Mara and Vic?te turned to one another and thought the same perverted thing, they both even chocked on their glasses as they tipped too much which caused the odd Vampire to laugh, Cinder paused shaking his head. He would have preferred another song, he was having fun, and he swore he?d not have fun singing anymore. The other parties assumed that the songs were over and the flood of their conversations began once more, the sounds of glasses and silverware performing symphonies began once more for the reckless and lonely.

?Poaquhin I don?t think you should be enemies any longer. If you want to bring justice to Camilla hunter, tell me who you are working for other than the Doves. How do you know the Engels so well??
She nodded looking away from the opposite side of the table she couldn?t look at Rewa or the pervert just yet, something about Cinder however she innocently trusted like Jennifer. ?I cannot hide anything from you it seems?. She smirked and took the drink trustingly. ?Yes as you know already the Angels have confronted our organization however what you do not know I am working for vampire agents in Corda as well. Despite going against the Doves of Heavenly Light it worked best to my revenge at the time till Angels became involved. I don?t know what to do anymore?I lost my contact within Corda a few days ago perhaps something is about to go down. I had orders to report anything on you and even for a brief moment others in your encounters were to be noted?.
Mara listened intently she had no affairs with vampires before Rewa and had never been obliged to Heavenly Instates or Angels. She looked to Cinder wondering how he fit into this whole scheme, no doubt the most innocent one was Vic?te, by the look on his face he was as lost as she. She winked to him raising her glass, he smiled accompanied with a shrugged and took a sip absently. Everyone could see Rewa had something to say but held back her fear; the mention of Corda especially stirred her emotions. The vision of her master Currato came into her head after all these years of forgetting him.

?Who was this contact?? Cinder asked.

?Corda, tell me what the Vampire city has to do with all this who or what is behind it all?! Rewa demanded looking to Poaquhin who insisted on ignoring her, she looked to Cinder and smiled. ?I?m aware of your fondness for my kind becoming tainted by vampirism and your ease at their company but I doubt Lurie, Andrew and most evidently, Rewanna are enough credentials to garner your knowledge of everyone. My deep apologizes; I have let myself become undignified as those opposite this seat. Here, this is my last letter you may read it for I had never sent it knowing that my contact had been lost?.
She handed him an envelope and he handed it to Mara, who had a purse to hold it for him. Rewa looked annoyed at Cinder?s ignorance of her at the moment and took another drink. The sound of her glass as it emptied hit the table with a thud; she rose and walked outside to the balcony. Vic?te waited for a few moments looking to Cinder thinking he would fetch her. He didn?t so he decided he would.
?Always full of hostilities that girl, I swear she has the worst temper imaginable?. Poaquhin scoffed watching her outside light a cigarette with the silent pervert, Vic?te. Cinder grinned at this comment; at least it was not a false accusation this time. ?True? so as I had asked who is this contract?? Both sipped the drink cautiously of the other. Mara herself found the conversations void of hostility but somehow both managed to keep the cold within their words.
?The angels here in this realm are less bound by the gods of good and evil, they have made their own justices before and have deemed you a threat. I myself find you ill Kalveas; still you have protected others in your keep. Mainly Jennifer had spoken highly of you. My contact in Corda was once an angel who was cursed a mortal? then even more so cursed a vampire. His name is Silver however he was once known as Saaul Ensem?.
Mara looked to Poaquhin and questioned her. ?Lady Hunter? have you come here to execute Rewa??
Outside Vic?te huddle himself in an alcove beside Rewa, she handed him a smoke and he accepted wishing he?d only brought his gloves. ?Ohhh! I can?t stand her, what right does she have to accuse me and follow us here? Damn her, damn the lot of them hunters Vic?te?! She took a drag off her cigarette and sat beside him. Vic?te nodded lighting his smoke and looked back inside wearily at the three people at the table. Cinder, Mara and Poaquhin were conversing casually enjoying drinks, it seemed so wrong to him.
?So, you and the blonde were lovers at one time Red?? He let out some smoke leaning his head against the stone looking up to the lonely one shining in the sky behind a cloud. Rewa looked over to him, she sensed his frustration, and it was her own too. ?Yeah, we went back so long now it seems?. She let out some smoke then continued staring at him for another second before following his gaze to the night sky. ?She has grown up quite a bit though; I suppose that is what eleven years will do to a human...me I will never age soon I will be the child of the group instead of you. Heh, just look at you? you hadn?t a spot of hair on your face when you first joined up with us?. She patted his head friendly. ?Now you?ve got gray hairs? gray hairs?. She was upset she should have gray ones of her own. Even though people sometimes deny they are growing old there is a comfort in that they do. She knew it was true, even the cold barely bothered her, she moved closer to him keeping her companion warm.

?Yeah, I loved Poaquhin? my Poa? it was six years or so ago I cannot even remember my last day as a human. One night there was a terrible accident out on the sea. We had been attacked by another pirate of all people and they happened to be in command of a vampire named Currato.

Well the short version is Poaquhin?s brother Marshall and Father were murdered by vampires, course seeing her love become one? well I suppose she is justified?.
Vic?te looked over at her, a tear was formed at her eye he looked back at the stars, summers turning to fall soon on Rhy?Din he thought. ?Still, she did love you? what about Camilla, how did you know her??

Cinder calmly as ever enjoyed the Yarmil, it was much too long a wait to spoil, and he thumbed his plate for syrup thinking the waffles have left him much like his tears. Poaquhin nodded after amusing herself with Cinder?s absence and looked to Mara who was amused as well. ?No? unfortunately I was ordered not to kill her or at least not yet, despite my own vendetta I cannot disobey my elders, for doing so is very risky.
I was simply to track her down, follow both Rewanna and Rvheressa however I had not intended for Jennifer to accompany them here. Now if you could answer me a question? Mara, why have they come here surely it is not because they wanted to share old times and drink with you?.
Mara glad to be assumed as some great reason to migrate here laughed shaking her head, her hand clasped around the glass. She smiled humbly under the dim lights of flickering candles and absent glowing chandeliers. ?Oh no, I am merely a friend of dear Cinder?s, war buddies I suppose you could say. I have only just met Rewa and Vic?te earlier today when the loose pervert distracted you so they could escape. No, if you want the mastermind of this invention you?d look to Cinder, he has the answers and I am certain and many questions?. Poaquhin smirked downing her drink patting him on the shoulder as if they were friends, granted Rewa had not been ignoring them the whole time outside. Cinder poured another drink for her and one for Mara as well; he enjoyed playing host as long as others could keep up.

?Camilla? I really don?t know how to answer that Vic?te, not today at least there has been to many tears tonight already?.

Rewa returned followed by a shivering Vic?te. The hapless thief sat quickly finding his drink a console from the cold. Rewa sat keeping her eyes pointed to Poaquhin; she lifted her cigarette from her mouth and grinned.
?So? what have you been discussing then? Cinder, Mara, everything is fine then? Poaquhin, are you ready to answer my question about Corda??

Poaquhin smirked raising her glass to Rewa in jest. ?I had been ready, you were the one who left like a child upset. Yes, well as I said to your friends, I have? or had a contact in Corda who I lost hold of, his name is Silver. Do you know him??
Rewa nodded taking her drink, the Yarmil Gosta in the chipped glass was still evergreen and dark, she paused at her lips on the fluid, and no it wasn?t poisoned to her astonishment. She drank and set it down. ?Ay?Silver he is a noble like me before his pact I believe, he amassed fortune in his human years though he has no true past he seems to have appeared out of the blue. I met him once? back in the vampire city, of course I was a slave then that was about the time Jennifer arrived in Corda as well??. Another way to tell it would be Cinder had lost Kristae that year before and was devastated, he hid as his illusion looking for targets.
Poaquhin seemed surprised by this. ?Jennifer was in Corda? Don?t tell me she is a vampire all this time, oh how the fates mock me?.
Cinder laughed, he couldn?t help but be amused. Rewa joined him. ?Oh no, you got it all wrong she is just an artist but was a known escort of Anton Stromskovi the socialist parties candidate and liberator of vampires?. At the mention of Anton, Cinder refilled his glass, his sharp disposition at the table would become soft if continued which Rewa understood as she went on. ?My master was a vampire lord, ruthless and cunning during his reign many families were separated to support his harem of vampire slaves. By the end of the Boltaise treatise signed by the king of Corda, Aurisa and Falcon?s Crest, vampires and humans alike were free in Corda and elsewhere. Slaves were becoming less save for those who had won independence from the laws? mainly the nobles who were near ranks of kings themselves. Jennifer of course had won admiration for being the only human to walk along side Vampires before the treatise; nobody would have gone against the admirable Anton, he was the most gracious leader for vampire and human peace?.

Cinder sadly spoke from his glass as he took a sip. ?Somebody had??
Rewa nodded. ?Yes, sadly Anton was assassinated shortly after the treatise was documented and sealed. It was too late for the assassination to stop the change, peace was won, it was too late for Anton however. After that Jennifer had come to Cinder for help, she found it and of course she knew me and Vic?te as well. Back on Corda things were getting foul, still one person picked up after Anton where he left off, Silver. So yes, everyone knows Silver though he has many names, more names than our dear Cinder?.

Vic?te looked to Mara and she spoke up. ?So, Poaquhin, what are your plans now? Will you be going to Corda personally to find Silver for excommunications on your end with your Doves as well??

Poaquhin looked to Cinder first; he was buried in the glass once more like the encounter on the train a few days ago. She nodded looking to Mara. ?You?ve got me there; I suppose all I can do is continuing my observation until somebody shows up. Now that we are all on an accord or at least some of us? I will be accompanying you?. She intently watched Cinder; those sad eyes were reminiscent of Jennifer?s.
Vic?te poured himself another glass trying to make sense of it all. ?Old man, are will still going into the mountains tomorrow??
?Yes friend?. He replied softly and took the drink to his lips.
?What about you Mara, what will you be doing?? He asked.
?Vic?te I?m going with you three, we already discussed this, besides I have the keys?.
?Yeah about that, I could actually pick the lock? I am a thief, seems you guys forget my mad skills?.
Rewa punched his shoulder playfully. ?No you idiot, Cinder said no fooling about besides its locks are likely to be joined by some weird Dwarven booby trap or something. Maybe it will make your legs stumps and you?ll end up being a Dwarf yourself for all you know?.
Vic?te gulped looking at Mara the enraged. ?Is that what you think Rewa? I have you know Dwarven legs are strong and powerful we can run like the wind, besides being tall means you will have to duck?. With reason, Mara threw some afternoon delights from her purse at Rewa then resorted to condiments.
Poaquhin and Cinder still absent from humor shook their heads at the others foolery. Cinder looked to Poaquhin and grinned. ?At least you can keep up with my drinking, that is one thing Jennifer will admire you for. Poaquhin, if you would be so kind to talk to me tomorrow alone there is something of a serious matter I wish to discuss. As far your new approach to us, if you are going to be following us you may well become a target of your own people in the end not to mention the engels, and the vampires. Is this what you will accept??

INTERIM.


The arrival of the Divine Hand.


"Tovuill...tovuill Rvheressa"? A veiled woman spoke from her quarters given to her after being found stray upon a beacon in the ocean. She wiped the damp warm cloth given to her across her face then over her long pointed ears. She touched her shelled earring and frowned with worry.
She had fallen from two worlds in less than two days and felt the weight heavily on her chest as she failed to rest. Taking a bite of the bread beside the low cot she ate some, it's stale flavor and hardness was overlooked for her starvation.
She looked up at the cabin boy who had given her his bedding, if he was not a human she may have attempted to eat him despite helping her. She bade him to sit, he was some race of man his skin olive and hair a dark matted black, his eyes like almonds which comforted her. He reminded her of the Anwansi of her world with their distinctive skin and exotic colorful clothes, how she would give to have one of their specialties, a smoked duck egg.
She had never heard of his language and only had been fair with getting by with just eachothers names, she had told him her name was Sessuna Shirastan.
To converse and get well on a ship it was with the captain. He spoke Englishe which little she could unmask from his deep accent. They would leave her on the mainland in a palce called Rhy'Din and warned her that.
She had hoped would be reason to find him there if not she knew she was close.

A faint scent caught her and she looked to the edge of the tub, a streak of blood ran up it and the tiles. It was Cinder?s blood for sure; she could smell his poison in it, which made her feel ill. A single dart was sitting in the bottom of the tub which she picked up carefully, it was no doubt a tranquilizer its hollowed tip and billowed rear with translucent feathers were much like the ones assassins used. ?Cinder?!? It began to dawn on her, he had been abducted in his human form, perhaps drugged thus the dart, yet why was she left alone she wondered. She hurried on her day clothes and loaded her rifle and bolted out the door scaring a cleaning maid and a few guests already finished with the continental breakfast. Down the hall she had to stop, where was she going to go, where was there to look she asked herself? She opted for the aid of Mara and Vic?te and headed down the stairs.
Swiftly she was at the lobby followed by some curious staff when she found Poaquhin sitting in a plush leather chair reading a newspaper and eating a cheese pastry. Rewa had tossed the paper out of her hands and raised the barrel to Poaquhin?s face which surprised her immensely. ?Where is Cinder?? Rewa demanded, her ruby eyes followed suit with her fangs.
Poaquhin?s shock subdued, she herself became enraged. ?How dare you point your rifle at me, you are a filthy unholy whore! What do you think you are doing anyways vampire, for the moment I thought we all had an accord? Are you mad, perhaps you need some blood you halfwit vermin, there?s a pig pen with your name on it, follow the stench?.
Rewa?s rifle had not budged; she lent her finger ever so close to the trigger and asked once more. ?Where is Cinder?? Her eyes glowed red, her fangs sinking into her smile.
?Why are you asking me, how would I know that? I am supposed to meet him, so if I don?t know I hadn?t met him yet. Besides, he is a big boy he can take care of himself, perhaps he wandered to get himself some of those waffles or have breakfast with Mara and the pervert?.

Rewa softly eased her finger off the trigger; Poaquhin given the opportunity quickly swept her leg and tripped Rewa banging her head on the mahogany coffee table as she hit the floor. Rewa dazed turned her head to Poaquhin angrily and saw the end of her blade; Poaquhin tapped it on her neck playfully. ?Now that I have your attention would you mind telling me what you think you are doing so early in the morning? Sit down and don?t cause another scene?. She demanded as Rewa rose following the tip of the sword to the chair which was occupied by a business man a few moments ago. ?Cinder is missing; I believe he has been taken. So it?s your turn wretched pigeon?. Rewa said with worry folding her hands tightly. ?It?s dove you imbecile, now calm down and start over? nicely?.
Poaquhin picked up her coffee and handed it to her. ?Here drink, don?t worry I didn?t have any of it or drug it?. She sighed setting her sword down. Rewa held up the dart. ?Look?.

Poaquhin took it with a precise examination she twisted the billowed end off the feather backing already knowing of its kind. She dipped her finger in the trace of clear yellowish fluid inside and licked it carefully. ?So? you say Cinder is abducted, I honestly can say I had nothing to do with it, I?m sorry to disappoint you Rewa. This is high grade Terosinitolphate, a potent drug most commonly used against subduing monsters, this would definitely put any human or elf for that matter in a deep sleep, too much of this and you could end up in a coma for the rest of your life or even some cases death. I am a hunter I do not fight unfair this was the work of an assassin, most likely a vampire?. Poaquhin looked at the troubled staff watching them, she handed back the dart and wiped the fluid on her blouse standing. ?Rewa, let?s go to Mara?s house, we can discuss this there alright??
Rewa sipped the coffee shaking her head. ?You have decided to join us then??
Poaquhin nodded with a smile. ?As I said the night before if you had been present for my conversation. I have my reasons but yeah, I think I understand the situation better after you had both left last night, Mara and for what I could understand from that perverts mouth filled me in on some details?.
?So you know everything then???
Poaquhin smirked. ?Yes, even more than what Cinder had clued you in on, I suppose he wanted a surprise for you?.
?What does that mean?? Rewa wondered.
?The truths of his visit here are inside the mountains. But what is this real truth? What is the one thing Cinder had promised he would do for you??
?No, he has found it??!
Poaquhin nodded, with disappointment. ?Yes, the cure for vampirism?I suppose it?s odd for him to keep such a big secret hidden from you. Not only that but the source of his nightmares, a field of extraordinary beauty filled with a million dandelions and a lone living creature within, a woman of unsurpassed beauty? there is a place, a field of dandelions I have seen it?.

?But he has been abducted Poa, there is no time to celebrate?!

She nodded tossing her newspaper aside; her Deutsche was not as good as she had remembered. She sheathed her sword and offered her hand dismissively ?I think I know where he is or at least where his captives have taken him, come? we can talk more at Mara?s. Do you need anything from your room??
Rewa nodded. ?I have my things upstairs and Cinder?s. Poa? you hadn?t asked once about Jennifer?.

At that Poaquhin turned around with a cocky smile. ?Ah that yes, after I found out you both were engaged and the fact she had been a supporter of Anton she really is, well? I?m not really interested in doing it with demons like her even if they are ravishing. Besides I believe you are not my enemy anymore, that is the true reason still, I could picture myself with her and I would do you the favor to watch us just to teach you?. She laughed.
?That kid Vic?te cannot hold his liquor for bees, he told me everything but I don?t buy Jennifer is his girlfriend. He said you are just overprotective of her because he said you are his mom? can you believe it??
Rewa laughed. ?Yeah, that is him for sure; still if I had a son I would be proud to call him Vic?te?.

Vic?te laughed holding his cup of coffee at the table in the kitchen as Mara regaled him with stories of Cinder?s early years. By this time Mara had breakfast made, waffles with cinnamon and nutmeg topped with cool cream, sliced apples and pumpkins. She had made extra in case Cinder had come, she actually had hoped it, being his favorite kind of waffles, his birthday was off by a month now and thought it better time than any to celebrate.

?So anyways once the duke had figured out that this pretty young girl was actually Cinder he challenged him to a duel, nobody in their life had ever crossed the man before and Cinder had. He was furious to be fooled by such tricks?.
?But who told the duke that Jennifer was him?? The ever more intently Vic?te asked holding onto her words.
Mara laughed. ?I did of course, he was my guest and yet he decided to take liberty on that invitation, apparently his warship or fishing vessel that is, was being held in locks at the royal harbor and he aimed to get it back. It had been previously held for illegal cannon mounts, as we know Cinder took the law in his own hands on the seas especially when fending pirates off from salvaging missions. So anyways, he managed to flirt his way back onto his ship as Jennifer yet before he could progress he was found out. Perhaps I should have stayed out of it; then again they were friends after the whole mess, the harms done?.
?Mara that?s crazy, the old man couldn?t have won a duel with the duke he was an expert swordsman?. ?Oh it wasn?t swords, no but hold your tongue Cinder or in this stories case Jennifer is a skilled fighter with a spear. The duke was always a flamboyant sort what he had in mind been a bit more tasteful than bloodshed, and I had a front row seat, a good deal to see that Cindy confined to somebody else?s terms for once. I tell you being tricked an all the trick was on him, and in a handsome man?s arms, that made my day. We?ll have to greet the princess nicely when he comes?. She laughed once more.
?What you mean, what they dueled with and what reasons were you on Gjordhiem?what was ?? A knock at the front door ceased the conversation as it was getting good. Mara chuckled as she moved from the kitchen to the den; she opened the door and smiled. That smile however slowly went away as the look of a serious Rewa met hers; the company of Poaquhin also surprised her.
?Good morning Rewa?. She hugged her then nodded to the huntress. ?Poaquhin, you two would care come inside I have just made breakfast and coffee is hot??
Poaquhin bowed respectfully. ?I would thank you?.
Rewa shook her head and hugged her back. ?Oh, Cinder is missing Mara; I believe he has been abducted, look?! Rewa procured the dart showing it to her, the Dwarf looked at her then the dart. Swiftly she snatched it from her hands and examined it herself. ?Hmm?unique shaft design with a serrated edge to tear flesh upon tearing it out very sophisticated, they have done their homework?.
?What do you mean homework, who?? Rewa asked.
?Calm down Red, I simply meant whoever if anyone abducted him, this dart is a special design, and it?s used by assassins, also they are often filled with poison or drugs to paralyze their victims then kill them but this one is missing it?s base?.
?We know already, by the taste of the liquid found in the sleeve it was a very potent drug?. Poaquhin commented. Mara nodded and had them follow her into the kitchen. For a dwarven home it was much like any other, her job granted her more luxuries than most but that all was money cakes compared to the compensation for the loss of Leon in the mines. She offered them both a seat at the table and poured them both coffees; Vic?te already lost his cheerful attitude from the previous story. Hey Red what?s wrong? Where?s Cin, Mara made him his favorite waffles?.
She sipped her coffee slowly and sighed. ?Vic?te our old man is kidnapped, our Pumpkin is gone?.
?What? No way, he?s a wizard no way can a wizard be captured?.
Poaquhin looked at him and smirked. ?This is true in most cases wizards cannot be captured but if they are caught off guard and somehow sedated, for instance this dart they are like baby kittens. After all, Cinder is an elf or at least somewhat a kin to them, Terosinitolphate which was the liquid in question is highly potent, what was in that dart alone would have been enough. I wouldn?t be surprised if there were more darts used, enough of that stuff and somebody could be killed instantly or be sent into induced coma. Even if he does recover from it, it?s highly likely he will by then be confined to room and be wearing a null collar that will absorb magic power?.

Mara looked to Poaquhin unsteady. ?And just how do you know so much about it??
Poaquhin rested a hand on her and sighed. ?Because I have seen it before and have done it myself before. This is no common assassin, this was a thorough job with one mission only, that is why Rewa is grateful to be still alive and no doubt Cinder is kept alive. This was the work of somebody highly skilled whether it was vampire, hunter like me or some other agent it is hard to say?.

INTERIM

A past forgotten. Countless Bloodshed... the end of a tomorrow?s sun.


~Rewa stood knee deep in the dead her hand grasping the last of her victims. She starved for blood of her former kind; she starved for her crazy infatuation. She knew what she had done was only the beginning her body felt cold and lifeless. The sun felt faint on her skin which had paled from her tanned complexion of seaworthy lass. She knelt down over her cattle and drained the last of his blood and cried. There was no want of this but a newborn vampire had no choice in the matter.
?I?ve killed drained blood of the guilty and innocent? I want this life not?. Rewa cried looking unto her red stained hands. ?Lord, my Sheppard on high, forgive a fallen one as I?. She walked away from her carnage; she wanted no more pain she wanted to rescue the last of her humanity. Holding her chest she held one of her Amarrin daggers and fell over in the back streets.


?It will take more than misery and sacrifice to end you Rewa, I?m sorry?. Jennifer appeared and took her away from Corda. ~



Rewa sighed. "Should have seen this coming, my past revisits me when I know my future is being challenged".

Rewa had dropped her rifle and fell to the ground, her body shaking, a feeling of weakness running over her body. ?Who? who are you?? She asked.
This woman looked much like Cinder she thought, her long wavy hair much like his however was gray and her face forgiving of youth despite the fine lines. She moved closer and sniffed Rewa from a distance and snarled. Her amber eyes ever more burned a path into her soul.
?I am Sessuna Shirastan, the Priestess of the Divine Hands, sister to the Einvant of Endalis Rvheressa Shirastan and who you be corpse?? She knelt down and grinned to Rewa with some stalking curiosity, her fingertips were not filed down like her brothers which made her realize how unlike an elf Kalveas were. Her ears like his longer than an elves. It would be a hard case disproving her relation as this was the first Ferisha she had seen other than him. This woman was clearly toying with her much like a cat; she felt those sharp claws like a light breeze at side of her cheek.
Rewa tried to stand but fell vacant on her nerves, by this time the door had opened, Sessuna stood on guard and looked to the door. A sword appeared in her hand as she caught the movements of a woman with one at her waist at the door as it opened.
?Cinder?. Is that you?? Mara and Poaquhin looked at Sessuna confused.
?Cinder??? She laughed shaking her head, she let go of her sword and it vanished much like Cinder?s spear does which made Vic?te as well as Mara surprised.
?No? that is at best a simplified meaning of the Ferish name, humans always so curious yes? I suppose you could call me Ember or Glow, seeing as we are much alike despite our name. Translations into human tongue are forgivable I suppose? human tounges cannot grasp things?.
She smirked watching them hoping they had brought along their fighting spirits, she was disappointed in them all save for Poaquhin sensing the readiness in her soul.

?Yes, we are twin shadows, brother and sister but I suppose he looks more like a sister sometimes?? She laughed for a second then examined the newcomers more carefully namely their weapons but paused in her game as she gazed upon Mara. ? Ah, a Dwarf somebody with a most respectful lineage, salute sister Dwarf!

?By the fires of the ancient mound,
ye sacred halls of your homes
the sturdy blood of thy kin
Hearts as true in battle and in peace
from all the lands unto the seas'.

Great honor to see a familiar kind in such wretched world of human?.
Ember bowed down in politeness to Mara, such royal treatment made Mara embarrassed she herself hadn?t heard such kind gestures in fifty years. She rose and held Mara's hand briefly. ?Dear dwarf, perhaps you can tell me where my loved one is? This peculiar human creature seems to be broken, I nane hurt her if friend of yours she be?.
She rose and stared intently at Rewa, that scent of her brother on that red haired woman made her uncomfortable.

She continued to talk after a long pause in the bathroom seeing a bottle of mint juice and some elfsoap in the dish.

"I sensed my brother strongly here of all the places, these sleep clothes suit him, he always loved dolphins, he used to swim alongside them when he was little did he tell you it was impossible to get him out once he was in the water?? She smiled fondly as she picked up the pajamas and set them on the bench to dry, she wondered if he had not grown in nearly one thousand years seeing the cut of them was small and feminine. ?So did he take a bath and go away someplace?? Ember posed in the mirror and looked at herself from the rear and smirked thinking that insult from the red haired was lie.

Rewa peeked in the bathroom and then moved away quickly as she came back out; Ember looked at her oddly before she sat on the floor on the blanket Cinder had slept in. Rewa didn?t dare mention her brother was taking the form of Jennifer more often due to his left arm being severed and even the mention of a lost limb would surely set Ember off she thought, maybe even blaming her for it. Rewa instead procured the stuffed horses as a peace offering and handed them to her, Ember finally showed some decency towards Rewa. She smiled to her taking them and held them like a child would, she set hers in her lap and fondly pet Cinder?s smelling his scent. Rewa wondered about her, she seemed very protective of him and fonder than most sisters save for the fact they had been separated from one another for so long. Ember glanced at them all for a moment and stop playing with the one horse.
Rewa spoke softly after realizing why she had come back, to get the stones. ?Ember, regretfully I must say I have belief that your brother, mine and everyone?s dear friend has been kidnapped?.
Mara nodded. ?It is true we were to meet up this morning all five of us but when Poaquhin and Rewa arrived at my house without Rvheressa they showed me a dart, its contents was a drug used to sedate and rapidly induce sleep. We suspect he had been subdued with this drug then taken away somewhere thus the reason he is not here with us, as you most likely know normally Rvheressa is a hard to catch?.

Sessuna nodded and set down the horse and frowned. ?Then... all we have to do is find him, where would somebody most likely take him? Does my brother have many who would want to capture him or cause him harm in this world? It is strange for sure; my brother is adorable why would anyone wish to do this??
Vic?te looked at her and thought the many reasons why but didn?t dare mention them thinking Ember would pound him harder than he had ever gotten.
Rewa nodded. ?Yes it?s true he has gained praise small praise compared to the ill feelings he has generated but still I think you would be proud of him. We have belief that Cinder has been taken to Corda. We can get there by using his stones if one of them actually leads us there?.

Sessuna seemed lost on that. ?What stones like ones found on the ground??

Vic?te lifted from Cinder?s travel bag a velvet drawstring pouch with an etching of the word ?Waiyh? the Ferish for fleet. He pulled one of the stones out for her. ?See the old man, I mean your brother marked down the location on an ordinary stone and there is a similar marking elsewhere in the world, however this one says Rhy?Din? as much as I?d love to go home we?d want one with Corda. The stone here connects with another and while grasped and intended to travel on location marked you can instantly appear there. I'm not sure how it works myself even I thought it was too good to be true, apparently things can even be sealed up if there is only one node?.
Ember sat back down on the bed alongside the toy horse and began to pet it gently. She realized now how powerful the magic was inside him now and then; she wiped a tear from her eye and looked away from them all. "It's like the Karno... but he improved upon it greatly, that is impossible... my little Rvheressa. My little brother has truly become a powerful Einvant then?this is a new power unheard of in our world. It truly has been so long?.

INTERIM

Larooma, a distant star.

Shanpava set down her scrying tools after a long session in the candle lit hut. It was late in the evening and Nimi could be heard outside kicking ball with the other kids of the village. She had no luck in finding him in the astral plane she wasn't sure if Cinder wotked that way or not, despite Kaneuh'we's insistance Cinder was still a forest spirit to him and she thought it couldn't hurt.
She knew the young cheiftan missed his friend despite getting him sick on banana liquor. Often times she would see him and Jyobka going into the jungle to give flowers where he had disappeared. She too had visited the place but always alone.
She wished she could have spoken longer to Ember about Cinder but she knew she would want to find her brother above all things if he was missing from her life where he hand't been before. She hoped that Ember would find him for she was grateful she already knew where her brother was.

"Nimi". She called as she stood gathering dishes to set at the table.
He appeared in the doorway seconds later, dirt on his face and a full smile holding his ball. "What is it dinner already"?

She smiled wiping his face. "Not soon enough brother, go clean up okay"?

"Yeah yeah". He grumbled and went around the back and washed in the basin which collected rain water, it needed to be drianed soon he thought. He looked in through the window seeing his siter smile at the beautiful stone Cinder had given her and she talked to it. "We will go to Lemuria okay"?

?So do you think the stone Cinder placed around her is because of the food Red?? Vic?te asked.
?It seems fortunate doesn?t it? No, to be honest this part of the city? there was a library once near here? Cinder most likely fed upon the food of knowledge before substance of course if he could have a drink he would stray to the bar. Though if he could eat and have his books too he most likely wouldn?t have needed a travel sandwich now wouldn?t he??
Vic?te nodded assuming as such as he finished his order despite not understanding what a travel sandwich was, he dare not to finding his questions often met with looks of bewilderment. Perhaps a travel sandwich was a word Cinder had made up he though and laughed about it.

Sessuna looked up in the sky feeling troubled. ?It?s like before, he used to want to follow the clouds? my little Rvheressa, I cannot give up? I?m sure he will want to come home. What do you think?? She pulled out a silver charm from her necklace of a crab that opened up; a unique locket indeed but Rewa could not see who she was talking to. Perhaps their parents or Cinder himself as a little boy she thought maybe even a lover from the past.
Rewa felt crushed she had known something was inevitable now that Cinder?s sister had found the world he had been dumped into. She most likely would have to give up on loving Cinder as Jennifer; she would have to give up on her companion. She held onto the ring on her finger and cried to herself. She didn?t want to give in to the burning flames.
She looked at Ember, she seemed so cold and unforgiving, and maybe it was because she was so old, older than Cin or perhaps because she just had searched for him for nearly all her life and now he was missing in the world he lived in.
Like Cinder she too was getting tired, tired of the lies and discomforts of acceptable. She pressed her troubles, finding courage in her replenishing drink finishing it off.
?Ember??
Sessuna looked to her and smiled friendly enough, her own hunger being satisfied; she closed her crab locket and bit into some venison. ?Yes??? Her blatant posture was in dismissal of conversation however.
?Your brother?what do you think of his illusion??
She smirked and ripped another piece of deer meat, the juices were fresh and sided Sessuna?s own famished ability. ?What the human girl??! She chuckled as she swallowed the chunk of flesh.

?Uh...yes?. She was nervous, she could sense stepping around this nicely would be a worse than stepping around landmines.
?Rvheressa? and his powers are strange for certain human creature?. Ember smiled almost ready to laugh once more, she looked at the sky once again. ?I don?t especially care but it has been a part of my brother for so long, longer than I have seen him for sure. Still I love him and fond my brother is of his illusion I know. Methinks he sometimes wants to be human though a woman I doubt. Once he said he wanted to be a god, which is worse than him being a human girl so I do not know. Why do you ask of such things??
Vic?te had just grinned finishing his buffalo wings. Sessuna looked to him ready to slam him one. ?Regular human what is funny??
?Regular human what?s the deal wot? Can?t you call me Vic?te?? Questioned him nervously, he looked to his wings and tried to forget butting in.
She then nodded and pointed at his chest, her sharp finger could easily rip his heart out. ?Yes? you are living full, your teeth are regular like a human and your eyes are not like rubies? regular you are? regular human?.
He sighed hearing that and guessed it was better than the silence Poaquhin had given him.

?Ember? I am in love with your brother I mean his illusion?.
Sessuna decided to cease her hostility entirely for the moment turning to her amused and then looked to Vic?te. ?And this woman? human creature not regular in the least? she is strange to love what she doesn?t know. So?that is for the unusual caution, I should have suspected enough you are a Ciuves after all I can see you looking at women in the way a man does.
Regular human did you know she is a Ciuves that is why she doesn?t like pencil?. Vic?te laughed which made Ember grin; he wondered what Cinder would have said hearing this.
?I could tell you and that regular human lady are one, I?m surprised you haven?t hinted on me then, Cinder is much cuter in his real form, and he looks more like me?.
?Ciuves?let me guess it?s Ferish for Lesbian, still you seem quite relaxed for hearing this aren?t you mad??
?Yes but I am mad less than I was?it?s no surprise as I have said. Ciuves are people as are Denos, Kalveas care not who, we all fight wars as Kalveas together, Icaneoft or Ferish children of Endalis no matter.
We Ferish strong no matter what bed we go with whom. Besides, we have to find him before I argue with him in descant of his silly plans to be with you. My brother dear strange Kalveas? but not a Denos. He rarely gets along with human men, perhaps because they are more destructive then women?
Shirastans two in our family line was a Ciuves adopt children be family same, neither Cinder nor I erotic as you say?we prefer our opposites and always with another Kalveas. Sometimes an Icaneoft become family but mostly our own a Ferisha, no Humans for sure?. She seemed confident enough and Rewa laughed. She decided it was best to keep Kristae out of the conversation, she figured it would blow her mind to realize her brother was married to a human woman for sixteen years nor mention that other woman he apparently had a son with. She didn?t mind talking of her own habits however with Ember?s brother. ?We?ve been together plenty of times already, sexually, blatantly intimate and erotically? as both Rvheressa and Jennifer, did you know that is the name for that human illusion??

?I need not hear this human creature you are a liar?! She stood oushing herself away from the grill. Vic?te seemed more interested than Ember who had abruptly finished her meal and left already walking down the street. ?Tell me more Red?. Vic?te said as his perverted fantasies begun salivating at his mouth. She slapped him one knocking him off the stool, she paid for the meals and went after Ember. Vic?te stood with a struggle shaking dirt off his jacket. ?Wait up Red, I was just joking? come on?! He called running after her.

They entered the club, the pounding music and flashing lights had Sessuna disoriented at first, she held onto the stair rail and looked over the layout. This was all new to her and perhaps because she hadn?t noticed electricity before till now but it reminded her she was truly in the most removed world from her own.
Club Lurk was reminiscent of a once great lesbian lounge where sisters could relax and freely be with one another, the modernization and division of the city turned it into derelict sex bazaar for not just vampires but human alike. Corda was in an age of independence radically for religion, race and sexual liberation. Solin whose freedoms were won more civil and lived quieter times Corda had gained momentum and fire dividing the line of this Kingdom from the old and the new through force.

Sessuna felt like leaving this debauchery, to be honest with herself she had never been in direct contact with such diversity, she didn?t like it. Rewa putting a playful arm around her and Vic?te walked them down the stairs past watching eyes, even the bouncers were women who even Sessuna had gauged she may lose a fight with them.
?Oh it?ll be fun you can be my slav toy Vic'te and you can be my main girl?. Rewa said as she let them go and she headed to the bar to find Janice. At the bar they encountered a few topless women leaning over the counter, the bartender poured Vodka in their mouths and they downed it for more. Others arm wrestled and wagered one another making illegal bets on kickboxing which was happening in the clubs very own boxing ring adjacent to the stage. On the opposite sode a burlesque singer was dancing crudely with others pretending to be slaves on leashes.
Vic?te was in heaven as he stared at one of the dancers on the stage, she was obviously a vampire as she put cuts into her body and other vampires drunk from her. After she had enough coaxing she pulled their reigns making them fall to the ground and she danced once more as they were made to crawl around after her. Forcing them to strip next to nothing she sent them into the crowd to dance with strangers and receive money for the performance.
Vic'te clapped and hollered which ended shortly as some turned to look at him with hungry eyes.
Rewa herself jumped for the chance to gain a free drink leaning her head back to the counter alongside the other women and was poured a shot of Vodka. Sessuna and Vic?te hung close to one another feeling further out casted from this place as one eyed him as fresh food and another on her as a lustful prize. Sessuna had made quickly of her admirers however as she invited one over to her; the woman winked looking at her with ruby eyes. Her gaze however did not work. ?What?s your name sister?? Asked the vampire, she wiped some perspiration for her face and smiled to Sessuna.
She seemed to be high on something and later she would learn that the blood served at the bar is laced with a potent drug for a vampire?s metabolism. Her glossy lips parted and smiled to Sessuna once more, she could tell her fangs were opening. ?My name is Ember?. Her own smile was hinted with a sharp design which made the Vampire wonder what kind of elf she was. ?So, do you mind if I have a drink, you look sweet Ember, I like sweet girls? are you?? She stroked her cheek gently which made Ember uncomfortable.
Vic?te whispered to her. ?Ugh as much as this is entertaining this is a bad idea Ember? your blood is poison like Cinder?s?.
She ignored him finding that interesting enough. ?Sure I?m sweet? just like honey?...

Janice was a bold looking woman, her hair cropped short like a man?s and dyed blonde at the tips. She wore a leather corset vest with a dragon tattoo peering out form her cleavage. She was an elven vampire and quite attractive, her ears had many earrings as Cinder and Ember wore. Her eyebrows were pierced as well and her tongue, twice and in her nose a diamond stud. She winked at Sessuna and gave a simple dismissing nod to Vic?te. Sessuna was impressed with her toned muscles and smiled politely, already half expecting to fight her. ?So that one has a sister, that?s refreshing, I can see the resemblance. By the way where is he in the parlor again? You know he owes me money still?. Janice said jokingly.
Rewa laughed and took a sip of wine. ?No he isn?t hanging out with Kayla in the back if that's what you mean, by the way is she back there??
?Nah, she has been on vacation for the past week, I think she?s in the city somewhere though, it?s a shame Cin isn?t here I really could use some more easy bets though his neice seems to cover for him?.
Ember looked at her strangely. ?Niece??
?Umm?I?ll talk to you about it later Ember? But anyways Janice, the reason I came? I was hoping to get some information from you, and it seems he may have been captured?.
?Oh? Seems hardly likely to me, he is pretty crafty magic aside even cute? for a guy but I doubt that he?s here on Corda, at least I haven't heard of his arrival. Sure, I?ll try to find out what I can though what will you barter with?? She winked looking to Ember then back to Rewa. ?The usual trade of course?I want to know about any border crossings or illegal trades or anything that seems peculiar?. She replied.
Janice was disappointed but was to be accepted. The usual offer was always illegal and always valuable nearly impossible to obtain in Corda. Rewa dug into her pocketbook and handed her ten twenty gold Gjordheim Neritts, they were worth triple their price in Midgar and were a bandits fetch to have in Corda since the Sanctions put upon them years ago. Rewa of course a pirate never paid much attention to the laws. Janice quickly took them into a jar from under the counter and thanked her. Vic?te was surprised himself. ?Red, how many of those do you still have, is that from the time we went to ?that place? ??
?Uh huh, and if you don?t tell Mara I?ll give you one later okay??
?Sure thing my favo Cabbage?. He smiled happily to have some money now invested into the ?Vic?te Preservation fund?.

Rewa winked to Vic'te. ?Hey cheer up at least we are together Vic?te, together we?ll find pumpkin us and the Elf girl, we had a nice meal, drank and had our fill and now we can get some rest and tomorrow look for Cin?.
"I didn't have my fill Red". He grumbled wishing for another draft.

Sessuna furrowed her brow. ?Pumpkin, Elf girl? I am not an elf you undead whore?.
She nodded. ?Still calling me that eh, can?t think of anything cleverer? That?s right Elf girl; Vic?te, Cin and I have special friendship names. Vegetables to be exact? I?m Cabbage, Vic is Eggplant boy and Cin is our little Pumpkin since he is shorter than us and he is as cute as a pumpkin. And you? well, until you stop calling me human creature and him regular human you can be elf girl? is it that hard to call us by names or are you too proud of yourself?

Come Vic?te let?s go find this Alexis person and see about staying the night, maybe we can get separate rooms I don?t want to hear the elf girl snore in her sleep ?.
He nodded absently trying to appear non-sided with either, the always neutral Vic?te. Sessuna sighed shaking her head and followed them both.

?I?m not an elf girl, elves are guided by compliance and facility? Kalveas are subtle and enchanting ?.
Rewa laughed to herself thinking that definition needs refining.

?Hey who is Kayla by the way some hot number you and Cin are good with?? Vic?te asked. Rewa was going to slap him one but declined.
?No, just another friend of Cinder?s really I don?t know her all that well only that she was Lurie?s daughter, she is the only person other than the Blue one, Renne to call him uncle, as you know he is very particular and fond about Renne the same could be said about Kayla?.

?Oh?I didn?t know that? Cindy sure is a strange one and yet he has even stranger companions, outside of us that is. Lurie was a close friend of Cinder?s many years ago right??
?Yeah? but to them you?d be the strange one Vic?te, trust me. You?d be strange even amongst your own kind.
Renne I met him once?of course if Cinder ever says he?s going to get some clam chowder rest assured he is most likely to be looking for him instead?. She laughed. ?As for Kayla, despite looking fourteen she is more like ninety. Cinder worked at the Salvage Yard since he arrived in this world it seems as you know but before he met Kristae many years later, in fact her parents perhaps were not even born, anyways he lived with Lurie and her daughter Kayla. The way I hear it perhaps Lurie could have been his first lover in this world, that was even before his strange mixed up past with Chizuka and their supposed son?.

Ember listened intently wondering who his son was. ?I cannot help but listen in on this, I am glad He is friends with others that are not humans. Rewa, tell me more. What is he like my brother these days? He doesn?t seem like a happy man?.

They stopped the three of them Rewa couldn?t begin to answer that question however she found the words to ease everyone.
?What is Cinder...? Well that could take all day I suppose. Your brother is a kind man a gentle soul, that being said he is troubled. Sometimes he is frightening to those who love him even if he doesn?t intend to be. What he is most like I am sure you already know. Cin is a very endearing soul with a rich imagination? he is a difficult person to understand sometimes but his heart is in the right place. A loayl and loving man but cross him and expect to pay for it dearly.
Cin is generally happy but there are deep cuts of sadness as well. Kristae his wife was murdered by her own father. Cinder saw fit to have revenge on him and twelve others though if they were even responsible who knows.
He seems so happy as his true form or as the other, every morning he likes to feed ducks and sip a thermos of coffee alone or with company just as long as we are quiet. It has a special meaning to him; he said you two used to feed ducks like that most the time he?d fall asleep in your lap. Though I?m sure you both didn?t have coffee when you were little?.
Ember smiled with a nod. ?Yes, so many many lifetimes ago, what else??

?I?ll tell you more as we get there come on it?s getting late?.
Sessuna listened intently as they traveled the backstreets out into the open. She even opened up telling them a tale about the two ponies. They followed the alleyways to the line building; it was decent enough that even Ember loosened up upon seeing the structures lined with low shrubs and non threatening lights. The flag of Corda limp in the still city breeze.

?That?s a little silly to me to be over a thousand years old and sleep like a three year old with two stuffed animals especially a girl?s pony; then again he goes to sleep with Red as that human girl?.
Ember and Rewa growled at him. ?Vic?te, cut it out at least I go to bed with somebody very special that I love dearly, I don?t pay for my sex pervert?.
?My Rvheressa is not silly; I gave him my pony when he was little so both of ours ponies could be together. He is a dear child my brother then and now we have a bond unlike human siblings you wouldn?t understand pervert. Rvheressa? we are twin shadows?the blood in my veins runs within my little brothers, nothing else can compare ?.

?Geesh, I didn?t mean to hurt your feelings Ember. I?m just saying??.
Rewa sighed. ?Alright calm down both of you, here we are?.
Ember looked at the sign. ?The Timely Edition??

Rewa nodded. ?Yup, they print newspapers and the like?.
?Good perhaps we can put the regular human into the printing press?. The two women laughed making him sigh. Vic?te thought that Ember and Rewa are starting to be friendlier; still he couldn?t help find it creepy the intimate way Ember spoke of her brother almost as if he was her lover.

This sadness I feel - a loss in my heart
It doubles in weight.
In the land of death - we're a world apart.


Chapter Ten
Divided Part Two. Tungaffel ab die Engeln .


The cascading architected buildings and rolling slopes of the cobblestone streets ran towards the center of town. Beyond the structures a lake which was the grandest of them all cradled within the Southern Hiesaft Mountains, trade routes of the old. Port Katherine was pretty much the last remnant of the empire. Its fleeting gaze was well known for four hundred years till it looked to Rhy?Din beyond and elsewhere, fast to the East as the new dominion her Empire already surfacing into great heights while the west began to decline.
During her youth Mara had known it well to be a great site for commerce and trade especially for the Dwarves of Hollenstadt, now Port Katherine was another simple city though strong and an important form of defense and culture she was still.
Mara breathed heavily the still lingering notes of alpine, the snow however here only capped on the mountains and what icy drifts passed under the sun. Winter had faded only shortly in a few more months it would return. The season knew little in the north, Mara preferred it.
Poaquhin, following her from off the train platform she breathed a sigh as cool air touched her face once more, her last train ride was much more prospecting, and this one was quite discomforting having not the funds to have such royalties she had to assign to a hot crammed car.
Mara looked up to Poaquhin and nudged her. ?Come, let?s get something to eat I know a good place?.
?Alright, I suppose that is a valid statement, I am rather hungry myself?. She smiled.
Mara laughed. ?Valid, you aren?t going Ember on me are you? That sounds a bit like Cinder's Sister... I must say it's a bit linear even for you. Of course the validity of getting food is important even if one is not hungry, food is a pleasure?.
Poaquhin smiled further at her to avoid the appearance of being rude, even though she hadn?t a clue to what Mara had meant by food being a pleasure.
They passed a few shops down the market district and Poaquhin stared into one of the windows. It was a Jewelry store, the displays shown every imaginable kind of gemstone affixed to gold or silver and some both. Necklaces, rings and bracelets, anklets, earrings and even a few small weapons were on display. Through the window she looked in at the small aged shopkeeper and smiled warmly thinking of her father when he gave her a necklace much like the one he was polishing. It was the time she had became engaged to Rewanna Nalliste? before vampires killed her father and brother and took her love as one of their own. She pulled out the same necklace resting around her neck and smiled teary eyed. Mara patting her back looked up at her and then the window looking in and smiling. ?Beautiful things always ensnare women even the Dwarven variety, come we should go. Food will do you well Poa?.

A half hour passed and the story had come to a close thus far, Kreil now hearing the rough draft. The lunch rushes as it was referred to, brought the locals into Carnivore Moley to coffee and dine at the outdoor patio in the back. Mara as always delighted in the dessert had ordered a double fudge almond cherry truffle cake. To her surprise Poaquhin was still working on her sandwich. Mara licked the fudge off her fingers and belched mildly excusing herself; her companion looked at her oddly. Poaquhin patted her lips finally finishing her sandwich and took a sip of her cantaloupe tea in fine graces that even a practiced lady would be impressed. Mara had three glasses of oatmeal stout, a cup of coffee her sandwich and a rather large slice of cake and looked to be contemplating another slice. Poaquhin sighed watching her companion eat bite after bite, she wondered how much she could hold.

Kreil had returned after finishing an order, and leaned on the counter gazing at Mara and Poaquhin with a bright smile. ?Soss?sssisster Cinderrr hass, amasing viss isss! Isss betss shess looks likes ehm. Corda?yesss? Rewannnns and peoplesss searchings fors him. Illsss youss needs myss helps I vill crush theys enmmys in my handss?.
?Oh no, I wish not to include you Kreil, don?t worry if anything we needed it was this food, you are a great chef. Besides we both know Cinder would wish you remain beside your wife? love is all you need in this cruel world. Do not worry dear, I am sure we will be back with him in no time and he will be having waffle sandwiches and well all have a toasty drink?.
Kreil nodded, he knew he was getting on in age and unlike dwarves, elves or Cinder he seemed to age greatly, still he had been around for sixty years and he was glad for that. He held Mara?s hands and shook them. ?Isss understands Marra, bees wells frrriend?.
Poaquhin waved. ?Thank you Kreil, the food was delicious, I am certain as well that Cinder will be found?. They left the Delicatessen and continued down the street Mara now following Poaquhin. She wasn?t sure looking back at the shop, she knew despite his age Kreil was still quite a worthy ally and he had proved the leverage before during a great flood, someone with his massive strength and height could always be used to intimidate at least. Her heart told her otherwise and continued on; Poaquhin was still savoring the sandwich but failed to impress Mara with her ability to eat only a small sandwich.
Another hour had passed and Mara became irritated, her feet feeling sore. She halted and gazed about the city, she knew this area well by now feeling as if she had seen the center square statue at different streets many times. ?Poaquhin??

The huntress turned around and knelt low to her so she wouldn?t faint from looking up too long. She smiled almost suspecting she knew. ?Yes??
?Where is this place at exactly and how far off do you intend to wear me out before we get there??

Poaquhin smirked. ?So you catch on, I bet it would have taken that dolt Vic?te a week to realize this. Enough of it anyways... I suppose giving away the location to you isn't the worst thing I have done to my order. Any rate we are here?. She directed her attention to a shabby run of the mill building tucked away in the alleyway its bricks exposed underneath some parts where paint once tested the cold. It?s windows old and dingy and some on the higher levels were broken in and shutters what still managed to hang on barely did.
Mara seemed quite unimpressed.

The guard returned and gestured down the hall which Poaquhin led the way. What opened up from the hall was an audience chamber and sitting on high a throne was a man ornate as his throne and delicate robe which flowed from t.
What were most startling to Mara were the severed wings on display above his throne, no mistaking it she thought. She had seen angels working with the Minstrum in the past and this made her feel very wary of this place. A table beside him accompanied a bottle of wine and an empty goblet and a bowl of pomegranates. He was watching them both intently his eyes cold and almost pure white they were fanciful and otherworldly.
Poaquhin kneeled as the stepped down into the chamber and Mara followed courteously. He smiled appeased at the return of Poaquhin, leaning over in his throne towards her and lend out his hand and gestured to rise. ?Child Poaquhin? please rise in my humble house, daughter of the doves. It hasn?t been so long since we last spoke, perhaps you have done well and perhaps...?. He continued to move his lips but said nothing, none that Mara could hear but could tell it was not good there was a sinister feel about this man.
They both rose. ?My lord Teres forgive my hastened return but I??.She was cut off.
?There are things of which you must inform me, things which you must also know of correct?? He spoke sharply.
?Yyyes?yes my lord.
To begin, I have encountered my former lover the filthy vampire, Rewanna Nalliste. She is aided by the wizard Rvheressa Shirastan. This woman beside me is Captain Mara Tottsen, Heralding Chief of Hollenstadt?s Interior, and close friend of the wizard?.
The man loomed over her from his throne he stood with grace in his robes which unfurled from his lap he caught a sword and bowed. ?Tis an honour indeed, it has been a while since I have stared at a Dwarf with much...stature as your own Mara, your race are they still beholding of the past? Truly the government of Hollenstadt however bold to come to the door of a former Minstrum such as me must understand that in that time we enemies should reconsider what we?ve achieved against one another.
We gained some things in those mountains of yours and your kind found your freedom?. He pointed his sword at her with a grinned then gently placed it against his throne as he seated once more. ?Ah, but these are now peaceful times aren't they and it seems we both have been replaced by older more wise selfs?.
Mara was ready to knock him one just for being so self righteous and haughty.
?Teres, yes our sides were met and both fell for boldness in blood, however my reason here is due to the abduction of Rvheressa not to some vendetta with former Minstrum. It has been proved that the Minstrum were wrong thus the reason why the lost their hold in the world and one lone wizard was too much trouble for a thousand of them. Now the Minstrum is just a bunch of clerks and indoor warriors, the only weapons they know are contracts and the pens they sign them with.
Teres, we have on good reason Rvheressa aka Cinder has been abducted and on Corda and we would wish to know why?.

?Ah to have a blasphemous creature such as Cinder to be abducted by vampires is a pity and at the same a comfort? then again as expected things are working well?. He poured himself a glass of wine and sipped it gently with a stale smile, his lips curled from the rim looking to Mara. He set the glass down fashionably at his side almost feminine as closed his eyes in thought.
?A former comrade is best captured; after all he was a traitor to the Minstrum. Yes? pens and contracts. Did you know I myself was responsible for an incident years ago when he first arrived back on the continent, it was too much to steal his cargo. To truly break any man destroy his ventures completely and what better weapon than that of a pen for official documents. Alas he never quits venturing new and old ones put on retirement.
A cure for vampirism for example, in Corda it could be his death, you know this Poaquhin. Such things do not exist in this world or any other the Vampires of the new world wish toend knowledge that would end them, I too must oblige. Just as you said Mara, contracts are weapons and wealth is calculated into strength? ?.

Poaquhin smirked thinking of the night at the hotel bar and what Cinder had said to her. ?I at least know who my enemies are now?weapons are not as interchangeable as the deceit you have spun?.

Teres sipped once again looking at Poaquhin strangely. ?What do you mean enemies??
?Lord Teres? why would Rvheressa be taken to Corda when the one who truly wants him is standing before me??

A series of applause came from the throne, Teres laughing quite amused. ?Remarkable, truly?
Perhaps it is to lure your former lover dear Poaquhin... She is most worthy of execution on both sides of the hammer as is this foul devourer, a sainted wizard. Still if he has been taken to Corda maybe his execution has already commenced a pity for all that power to fade.
Mara? Rvheressa, your Cinder is sought after by my former kind do you know why??
?Because he rallied against the Minstrum, he was being controlled by them but broke free from their hold. A woman such as I in the defense of Hollenstadt at the time would know that rally well. I fought alongside him in the end. Perhaps it is because what he did years later taking revenge on them. There is countless other reason for sure?.
?Wrong?dead wrong Dwarf. You?d be correct answer if I were to refer to the Minstrum? I have said my former kind not former allies. There is more to this story, more to me than an elusive ex agent of the Minstrum. Why, my very position now is to rightfully cleanse the world and with this trade I will forgive myself of my current state?.
?Trade what do you mean? So you are an angel as well as another outcast?? Mara said as Poaquhin had hoped she would not reveal things to him. Teres tempted with that poured himself some more wine. ?Another you say, some rubbish??
Poaquhin spoke without hesitation supposing this may work to benefit. ?There seems to be things even you are not aware of, Silver however has told me many things. Such as the war of gods and the outcast angels those granted no quarter in heaven or in hell? there exists another in this world Teres. Not every outcast was sent to other worlds to dwell. Of course you wouldn?t know him by Silver that was the name he took on after becoming a vampire? perhaps Saaul Ensem is more familiar to you??
Teres stood knocking over his wine. ?What? Saaul is?she's here??

?Very much so Teres, unlike you I have my wings intact?. She landed beside Mara and Poaquhin and smiled to them. Up close Silver was menacing her appearance fitted the union of a vampire and angel. She Reveled in the fear she caught in the eyes of Teres and smiled to him. She drew her sword and pointed it at him. Teres spilling his wine, his glass shattered to the floor as he rose in shock. He clenched his teeth staring at the vampire who once was an angel, her wings still vibrant and angelic her beauty untainted by vampirism.

Poaquhin dispatched four guards and kicked off one of the men?s helmets scrapping her heel on his face. Mara thought to be the weaker of the two women by the guards was surrounded, she bravely fought off the guards and gradually worked up the intensity of her fighting spirit she banged hard her hammeraxe at one of the men crushing his armor like a can, his blood dripped through the dents and he looked in terror as the last of his life as his face met with an incoming blow from the axe side splitting his face open. Poaquhin even had to look away as his skull was sliced open and was then flattened under her hammers might.

Twelve more men appeared surrounding her but they were not of the Doves. Their ruby coloured eyes pierced through eye slits of their masks. Their axes were half the size of Mara?s and they opted for crossbows taking her insight. A few bolts found their mark in her piercing her through her Mithril Plate. Her reflexes failed against the new arrivals.
"Vampires"! Poaquhin growled and slain the last of her former allies and saw her still constant enemies surrounding Mara.

Poaquhin roundhouse one of them as she came to her aid and together they fought the guards however it was late and Mara was wearing down, she miscalculated her target and was stabbed in the chest from a swift axe. The vampires were excellent fighters and Mara was apt for brutal combat not swift as the wind assasins.
?Mara?! Poaquhin grunted and dispatched the last three strange men quickly and went to her aid before the men could do any longer harm. ?Mara, are you alright??! Poaquhin double crossed her sword and pulled the assasin close.
"Who are you working for"!?

The assasin smiled. "You'll find out... that young woman will die and Rewa will die...".

Poaquhin had enough and slit his throat and watched his blood pour out from the rough slit, she needed to resharpen her sword. She needed to get to the bottom of this. Hoping the assasins were all dead and there would be no gaurds to appear she went back to Mara knowing she needed to get out.
Mara laid on her back her face worn with a battle, bolts wedged into her armor blood meeting at them. She smiled but she wasn?t fooling the seasoned warrior in Poaquhin. ?Hold on?! Poaquhin lifted her head and felt her wound; Mara winced but said not a word. Poaquhin knew she was not going to last, she remained adamant that she would be fine in her care. First she removed the bolts as best she could and took off the plate.
Mara read her like a book. ?Did an old dwarf let you down??
?No Mara? you fought with a beautiful grace and fierceness You took on so many I was impressed?. Poaquhin smiled softly and placed Mara?s hand over her threatening wound tightly. ?Hold it, don?t let go?. She stood and hurried off to see if she could use anything for Mara as the two fallen angels continued to fight.
Silver lifted Teres up heel kicking him out from the sword and he landed back against his throne. Before he could stand Silver was on him once more and thrust her sword back into him. ?You have much longer to bleed brother... lest I make it quicker for you?. Silver put her foot against the sword and pressed on it as Teres screamed in agony.
?Quiet down?! She drew the sword out and pierced his throat pulling sideways quickly severing his head. It rolled down the floor and his body fell. Silver smirked knowing well the outcome. ?You spent your days on the wrong side of redemption now you dwell in solitude and in decadence? an angel who does not hone their fighting doesn?t deserve this gift of belonging to this world or any other. You squandered your years may this be your peace forever Zerichia, amen?. She bowed respectful to the slain Teres. She took her sword and severed his left arm completely off. "You will serve the Einvant now".
Poaquhin overheard that and recalled that Ember called her Brother Cinder the Einvant. it was all too odd and for now she placed it in the back of her mind.

Silver wrapped it neatly in a special silken cloth, whispered softly to it and then tucked it safe under her long gray jacket and walked away. She grinned mulling over the bodies of the guards pulling up one still clinging to life and embraced him before he could turn in terror. ?For you I give respite from death?.
She kissed him, her fangs dwelled within his flesh and sucked his blood, she then kissedh im on the lips holding his face tenderly. She let go of the guard leaving him to fall to the floor after draining the last of his life, hours later he would rise a vampire. Poaquhin watched for a second and moved on continuing to look for things to wrap Mara's wounds.
Silver wiped the blood from her lips smiling having her fill. She looked over to Mara rushed in grief as she saw her current state. Breathing slowly on the floor she looked to Silver with gentle eyes and winked to her.

INTERIM
Christmas for unsung heroes


Two days later Mara woke, the sun streaming through the windows of the guest bedroom upstairs. Her Hammer-axe was resting beside the bed along with her armor. The sound of customers and Kreil exchanging a greeting 'happy holidays' the till occasionally ringing.


Mara tried to sit up and cursed holding her side.
?Easy Mara?. Rosalind said softly lending a hand to hers.
?Rosalind, what???
?Easy easy? allow me to explain everything here drink some water?. She handed her a glass and she took it.

Rosalind continued with a smile after the water was gone. ?Poaquhin and Silver are on their way to Corda by way of a dragon of all things! I never saw one in all my life, beautiful blue and black scales with the softest green eyes?.

?....Suxen?hellehthau.? Mara wished she had seen the old dragon it's been so long since she seen her.

?So that?s her name? yes well. Poaquhin is in good hands, my husband wholly heartedly trusts Silver. Your wounds Mara are more important than going to Corda, besides Kreil would like you to spend Christmas with us? it?s today if you would Kreil is finishing up the last few orders for customers and we?ll have a feast. I would like you to stay with us too, it?s been so lonely here and you always cheer us up. Do you like roast turkey??
Mara felt sorry she had to stay behind and abandon the adventure but at least she was not alone. She looked up a few tears in her eyes.
?Merry Christmas!? Kreil said as he walked in the doorway grinning holding a mistletoe in his hand. He leaned over and kissed Mara on the cheeks.
?Merry Christmas.? She smiled.

~Deluge~
Softly beating down upon my crown
Here alone within the walls of rain
You keep me covered within my frown
Silently sobbing within the walls of rain
Please don?t stop perhaps I?ll drown
Fallen down within the walls of rain
Finally split against the ground? I leave no trace, not even a sound.



?It?s a bit cold out here... plus it?s raining I wish you?d use the umbrella. I just thought maybe you could at least have a glass of wine with us since you avoid eating with us? what do you think, you okay??
Kayla walked over to her and held the umbrella under them both as Ember looked at the bottle she was given. The names Shirastan and Halbert were written at the bottom on the tan colored label. ?Vic?te had mentioned it before... but I thought he was joking? I didn?t know my brother knew how to make wine?.

Kayla nodded with enthusiasm. ?Oh yeah, Cinder married into the Halbert?s and they were already prominent wine makers not to mention rich and deeply rooted in the Minstrum. When Kristae and he started out they started their own label from the land Kristae?s grandmother had given them. Kristae showed him how the process works.
I love him too you know he was always there for mom and me. Sometimes I think he really must be my dad, not my uncle. Cinder is the best person I know except when he?s mad, though he doesn?t get mad at me, ever?I wonder why??
?Well he loves you I suppose he thinks of you as his own child.? She felt the etching of the label and the picturesque house beside a river and a deer; it looked very much like the home described to her by Rewa.
?Hmm?? Kayla descended into worry looking at Ember?s sorrow as she traced the label.

?What is it?? Ember asked.
?Have you given up on finding him??
She tilted back the bottle to her lips with deep fill of it. ?Kayla, I don?t feel he is around anymore?
I don?t want to sound negative but my brother may be dead after all. If Cinder was captured and still alive they may have wanted something from him. Since they haven?t contacted us for anything either it?s most likely he has been killed.
I?m sorry but I must think of this logically now. We all know he was drugged, kidnapped and then ?what? Something very predictable comes after that scenario; perhaps Cinder was kept alive till he gave away something useful. Maybe he was going to be used and then he refused so they killed him. Perhaps the drugs used on him sent him in a coma or did kill like Poaquhin said is a side effect, I cannot say.
Everyone is crushed, Rewa looks like crap she hasn't fed on blood since the first arrival here. Vic?te, well he even seems to be quieter than normal.

They were just as adamant as me that he was alive? that was months ago we?re all restless and tired now. If there was a reason for ransom we would have heard about it. Janice would have heard something too??
Kayla turned away hurt by the defeat. ?Your friends, Mara and Poaquhin? maybe they have found something? They will be here soon right? I?m sure something good is bound to happen.?

Ember looked over her shoulder as Kayla quietly left upset. She felt bad but she also couldn?t pretend to be positive any longer. "I don't know anymore...I just don't know". Masked by the rain once more she cried alone on the rooftop.

Geoffrey continued after gaining his nerves.
?A mysterious woman has also joined up with Rewanna; word is she is the striking resemblance of Cinder. Her name is? Ember if I am correct. She was spotted in streets one night having an argument with Rewanna and the human thief over killing a vampire commoner. Apparently she let a vampire bite her at a 'women?s club' and the vampire died from drinking her blood.?
Currato seemed concerned, for a vampire like him with no feelings left this drove a sounding fear. ?Oh? This is not good?the possibility of Gjordheim also...what does this mean?
We should keep the sentry mobile and send regulators and assassins out into the streets?find this woman now!? Currato poured himself a rich red colored cognac from a crystal decanter and swirled it a second in his hand then took a sip. He held his head, feeling the worse.
?Yes sire? oh my lord there is another issue I must address.?
?What now, are you so daft you cannot say all the things which may trouble me at once? It?s not difficult, one strain of sentences!? Do I need to dive into your mind again Geoffrey, is my influence wearing off??

The servant nearly fainted as he raised his hands.
?No, no.. It?s about Sophie my lord. She seems to be quite fond of Miss Jennifer. Really a servant in her position should show more grace, she may not be trusted if the girl wakes from the coma.?
?Perhaps, I will have a private visit with her; she will be more obedient as will you Geoffrey.?
?Sir??
?You seem to be speaking out of balance tonight.?
?No sir honest sir, honest I haven?t.?
?Very well... I will go up and check in on our? guest. I suppose I could always leave her dead body in the streets for somebody to find if she fails to surface from her coma. It?s a shame Anton is not alive this would have broken his heart?. He smiled to himself as he sipped the cognac, Geoffrey bowing as he left .
Up the grand stairs Currato walked his intentions were never to have Jennifer but having things as this his scheme could work all the better without having to deal Cinder. Handing him over to Lord Teres would have been fruitful however.
Still it was troubling to hear Cinder had vanished and there was another creature like him.

He opened the door to the bedroom the silent captive was staying in. Sophie sat besides Jennifer deep within her coma wiping her forehead wit ha damp cloth. There were tubes connected to her and an apparatus for breathing. Sophie looked up and stood to Currato setting the cloth on the bed beside a pewter bowl. ?Good to see you my lord.?
He smiled with a slight nod. ?How is she??
?It?s not good?she has finally stopped breathing on her own. Her heart is faint as a mouse now also my lord.?
Currato was angry and walked over to the bed and threw the covers off her, the bowl filled with water spilling over on the plush carpeting. He leaned into her chest with his fangs sensing her blood, her flesh, she was warm but acting very much unlike a human. ?Hmm? strange girl you are. Sophie, you know she may not even be human or at least her magic is tampering with her, just like him?.

It would be days till Veda and the Engel Eshebel arrived in Port Katherine to find Teres and the doves in his domain dead. Poaquhin and Silver were already waking up from their boat ride as the sun passed overhead. Two more days.

?I know the cold and rain doesn?t really bother Ferisha, it doesn?t bother the undead either. But you know I just like to hold onto what little humanity I have? eh, it?s almost been ten years and I still can?t forget my former life completely?.

Ember looked up at the umbrella under them both and smiled somewhat distant. ?Nobody asks us to forget things; I think it?s only fair to hold onto our past at least the good parts.
I really don?t like getting my clothes wet but I didn?t want to be around anyone? I don?t know.
I remember Cin when he was a little boy; he used to always take baths with me. I looked forward to it, we looked so alike well save for the well you know. I should be thankful he was in your care, he can be quite impulsive? not to mention too smart for his own good. You know, the last time we we?re together we had a fight. I was being called to duty for our country and Rvheressa had just started college.
I never was the one to cry, I was the older sister taking care of her younger brother. When things got bad he cried and I was there to console him, we may be closer than most siblings or brother and sister were twin shadows. Anyways we said some bad things to one another, we didn?t mean it I know we both had to make sacrifices in our young lives?
Rewa tried to smile, still sad but kind of weirded out to think Ember is suggesting she?d like to bathe with her brother now. Finally she did settle on it as a Ferisha thing and nodded agreeing with her after all, he did a lot of strange things on his own without the aid of clothes.
?Well when we find him, I?m sure you two will have a lot to catch up on... He will have forgotten the last time you both fought, you?re his hero after all.
I miss him, he?s been gone for days before but never months and even when we were on different continents we wrote to one another. Maybe we?ve grown closer by default I really can?t. I can?t imagine your situation being separated for a thousand years. I still can?t believe this has happened, its torture on all of us?. Ember picked up the empty wine bottle to change her mood. ?It?s not bad you know but I like the brandy from that bar?. She handed the bottle to Rewa.

She held it and traced the label with her finger smiling. ?We ought to get some I?ll make sure of it. It is Cin?s favorite too, the brandy it comes from Hevare. I think it?s a small country in the verdant valleys south of Rhy?Din or maybe to the east a little I don?t know, Cinder probably would correct me saying something like ?No no, it?s not even close Red!? and then he?d hit me on the head with a map or something?. She smiled at Ember?s first friendly laugh. ?? But really anyplace is better than here on Corda.?

((This post has been formated to fit your screen. rated PG-13. Fantasy violence, sans foul language))

?It?s time to hunt. ? She roared in a Ferish pride and leaped from the top of the third story building landing on the streets below her hands resting on the cobblestones, wet and full of city tales. A few passerby?s startled jumped from her way, she stood gracefully unscathed. ?They are here?. Those amber eyes a Ferish trademark glimmered with satisfaction, her razor sharp fingers playing the air stretching pre battle.
Regulators, armored vampires, like undead machines they were. From heel to head they were adorn with a dangerous mechanism, technology stolen from gods know where possibly the dwarves. They marched onward to her and halted drawing their expanding swords after she had drawn hers. All along, this was what Sessuna had been waiting for; she predicted it and she wanted nothing more than to best them all alone without the aid of Rewa or the others.
Unseen was the assassins lurking on the ill fated streets but she knew their presence by scent and she knew the outcome, all would die save for one assassin to send a message to their lord. To which the escapee she would mark and find. Ember licked her blade as it appeared in her hand, drawing her blood on its edge and turned pointing into the shadows directly at one of the assassins; a drop fell to the streets as she winked come hither. Quickly he came at her and just as quickly as he tried to send her to her death he was visiting the street. She stabbed the sword through his helmet and ripped off his arms with her fierce claws and then his ______ tossing them aside. Unsuccessful he was at staying alive he was visiting his own for the second time.

?He chose poorly, now whose next?? She wiped the blood on wet soaked tunic, her own set of canines smiling back at the vampires.
?Ember?! Rewa appeared beside her drawing seven Amarrin daggers spinning them in her hand like a toy. ?Who are these friends of yours??
? Hardly, talk later to a friend first the enemy?.
?Oi ladies, not without me _______ you ain?t!? Vic?te stumbled out the door hiking up his trousers. He slid his infrared goggles on and swung his crossbow over in show-off fashion and shot one off at assassin. He fell followed by a series of bright burst of flames.
Rewa winked to him. ?Nice! So you?ve stolen more of those Flask fires of Cin?s than just the one.?
?Will you two humans shut up and fight!? Ember took on a Regulator drop kicking the mechanical monster and shoving her fist in his face pulling his tongue out from the helmet. Then having not the effect she wanted, gutted him spilling his dead organs onto the street.
Rewa huffing turned away into a run and faded and re appeared beside an assassin, six of the daggers went in right through the mask and another went across the street at a Regulator drawing him away from Vic?te. He turned after firing off twenty bolts at another Regulator who had over powered him, fallen to the ground dodged the blow but was hit by somebody else with a crossbow. Its bolts nailed his arm making him lose his crossbow.
Vic?te crawled away trying for shelter as he held his arm. Sliding past a market cart he hid and tossed a fire flask at the Regulator group surrounding them in flames to which Ember delighted in having caged meat.
Swiftly a few of the enemy?s bolt found its way to Ember, she growled in pain. Both Rewa and Vic?te half expected to see black flames in the form of wings come from her but they didn?t appear. Ember took one of the loose bolts from her armpit and threw it right back at the assassin, her blood a catalyst for the wound festered inside the assassin reacting like the night at the club the assassin soon felt sick and vomited inside his mask and fell unconscious.
Soon the enemy was dwindling and as foreseen one lone assassin made it out alive to report back to his master. Both Ember and Rewa came to Vic?te?s aid. He stood taking off the goggles sliding them down to his neck he breathed heavily.
?Oh one got away, ____ damn!? Vic?te said as he spit some blood from his mouth.
Ember watched him go smiling.?It?s fine I wanted him to but I didn?t think you two would show up. Just what were you two doing, I had them?.
?Ember what do you mean by that did you know of this attack already?? Rewa picked up the crossbow and handed it to Vic?te. She turned to her pointed at her wound.
?If we weren?t there you may have gotten worse than that you know?.
She looked to Rewa and Vic?te nodded. ?It?s fine I knew they were coming, either way I knew that I would have won?. She picked up the unconscious assassin and smelt him in, tasting his unspoiled weaponry and gear giving her another fix for what to sense on her next hunt then killed him.
Next she started taking Vic?te?s bolts from the bodies that were still good; handing four of them back to him she smiled patting him on the back. ?Impressive shot human, I mean Vic?te? of course those fiery things helped too. Rewa, you're pretty good for doing in your own kind.? She winked , patting her on the arse just to play at her anger she walked back towards the building and paused at the door looking at Ember and Vic?te with a victorious salute...a thumbs up.
The two looked to her with the returning gesture and she smiled.
?Come on its raining humans let?s drink, come.? Ember said after saluting again and went indoors.

They both looked at her leave, then one another, then the defeated enemies. ?I think she likes you Red?gods she nuts just like her brother!?
She slapped him on a forming bruise. ?Oh ______ shut up you?.

?Red, do you think she...?
?I don?t know Vic?te, I don?t know.? They both sighed which turned to laughter, the rain continued to pour regardless how they felt, such an unexpected event after being so down for months they were actually feeling optimistic once more.
She motioned him to help with the corpses. ?Come on let?s clean this ____ up, the rain will take care of the blood for the most part. We can dump them in the dumpster around the back.?