August 2015 (RhyDin Standard Calendar)
Ta-Neer Manor
Ta-Neer Lands; Faerie

Summer was waning in RhyDin but it was at its height in Faerie when she returned. If it was this past summer or another summer, Jewell was not sure and didn?t ask. It did not matter. She had returned as soon as she could. Once Sapphire had departed, she had been ready to go. Ready to take up the good fight once more. Ready to soar.

She walked arm-in-arm with her grandmother through the gardens. It was no longer just a gesture of affection; the older woman genuinely needed to support herself with the strength of her young, fit, granddaughter. As they wandered along the stone path, the sun warmed Jewell?s skin but Lady Nerissa?s words left her cold. ?Darling, you cannot continue to deny it.?

?I refuse to accept it. You can?t die. You can?t! You have a long life ahead of you still.? She squeezed the thin arm wrapped around her own, suddenly unsure of the truth of her conviction.

Her grandmother just smiled, ?My dear, I am old, and you are not the only one touched by Conventina?s poisons.? She squeezed Jewell?s arm. ?No, you are not. They have left a shadow upon my heart, and I am tired, my dear. So very tired. I long for the days of the past. I dream of your mother?s smile. Conventina?s laughter when she was young.? She paused and all was quiet for a turn around the flower beds before she summoned the strength to continue, her voice thick with sorrow. ?I remember the Great Wars from my youth as well. What horrors they wreaked upon these lands! I am pleased that I shall never have to live through such terrible times again.?

Jewell was distraught. Grief and rage choked her words. ?And Muirenn?? was all she managed to ask, her other questions dying in her throat: Who will take care of her? Who will make sure that those horrors did not happen again? Who will bring an end to all of Conventina?s wickedness?

?She will take my place when I am gone,? the lady replied calmly, ?probably to the ruin of our fair lands and beloved people.?

Her teeth ground together in her usually pretty mouth, declaring her fury as she rose to the bait,?I will not allow it! I will cast her down.?

?And how do you plan to do such a thing?? Lady Nerissa asked serenely, untouched by her granddaughter?s dark humor.

?Once the council gives me back my magic, I can??

?No,? Lady Ta-Neer interrupted with quiet authority. ?It cannot wait that long.?

?Then I will convince them to shorten my term,? she countered confidently. Vengeance and a desperate longing collided, pushing her brazenly forward to the inevitable confrontation with her cousin. This was what she had been born to do, was honor-bound to finish. Her destiny. She would rise up and claim her rightful power. She would be made whole once more! Afterwards, she would have her revenge. Her cousin would die, and with her all of Conventina?s plans. Then, and only then, could her children rest easy in their graves.

It was easy to be carried away by such satisfying daydreams. ?If even half of what I have heard of Muirenn?s doings are true, then the council will have no choice but to stand besides me. I will come before them myself if I must. Then, they will give me my abilities back. Yes, and once that happens, Muirenn cannot hope to stand against me. No one will be able to stand against me! I will be stronger than ever. I will become the council?s champion, and I will throw her down.?

Her wings were quickly clipped. ?I am afraid not. The council has little love for you. Perhaps you are not the threat they believe you to be, but they truly fail to see Muirenn for the threat she will become. Even if she were to gather all of Faerie against them,? Lady Nerissa broke off with a sigh. ?No, Jewell, they will never consent to give you your magic back.?

October 2015 RSC
Temple of the Divine Mother
Old Temple District; RhyDin

There was no need for Janel to seek out the Fae knight and bring his wrath down upon the Temple of the Divine Mother, although that would have been an awe inspiring sight. Jewell emerged from the depths of the strange temple in less than an hour, and without even looking at Janel, she took off down the street, practically running.

She stopped two blocks later, breathing heavily. Sweat stood out on her brow despite the cool, autumn weather, yet her skin was cold and clammy. Her mind was spinning. She wanted to keep moving, run further, but her body felt sluggish and out of her control. A scream was coiling in her chest, asphyxiating her, and before she knew what she was doing, her hands were scrambling through the pockets of her jacket, desperately searching for something.

?**** **** ****!? She cried, turning the pockets inside out. They were empty. She had stopped carrying around razor blades months ago.

Her hands curled into fists, her fingernails biting into her palms. It wasn?t enough. She needed pain. Real, physical pain to stem the rising tide of panic. Just when she reached for the knife she kept in the inside pocket of her jacket, Janel spoke up nervously, ?M?lady?? Jewell froze, staring at the girl hovering at her right elbow as if seeing her for the first time. ?Are you alright??

Of course she had followed her. Jewell let her hand fall like lead to her side, almost glaring at the girl with her features all twisted up in concern. She hated her at that moment. ?I?m fine. Just fine.? Silence stretched between them. Janel wouldn?t dare call her a liar, but The Empress was clearly far from fine. ?Let?s just get out of here, okay?? She hadn?t put enough distance between herself and that unholy place yet. She could feel their eyes on her still, taunting promises on their lips.

They could fulfill her heart?s desire, but for a price. A dreadful, terrible price. Just the thought of it made her heart race even faster, the roar of her pulse in her ears deafening.

The seeker stayed faithfully at her lady?s side as The Empress stormed blindly past the small markets full of merchants selling amulets, idols, blessings, and curses. Their calls and prayers rang out in half a hundred languages, but Jewell couldn?t hear them at all. When they crossed the bridge into Dragon?s Gate, Janel meekly asked if they would be stopping at The Line for a drink, hoping to improve her lady?s mood. She just gave a firm shake of her head: no.

They were almost in Old Market when Jewell finally felt safe enough to stop. Only she couldn?t really stop. She paced a small stretch of the river promenade franticly. She moved in circles, making her companion dizzy. And nervous. The young woman was very very nervous.

?How much do you value your abilities as a seeker, Janel?? The Empress blurted out suddenly. She had forced herself to stop moving, but her body was now rigid, muscles coiled in preparation for fight or flight.

?My lady?? she asked, clearly confused.

?I mean.. if it was taken away from you, what would you do?? Agitation laced her tone as her fingers twitched nervously inside her pocket.

A furrow deepened in the dark skin of the seeker?s forehead. ?I think I would simply wish to die, m?lady. My seeker abilities are everything to me now. Without it, what use would I be to you? To anyone? What purpose would my life have? I will never go back to the pleasure house! You have showed me that my abilities make me so much more than that, but without them, I would be nothing again.?

Nothing. Jewell nodded. That was what she had become: nothing. She gazed back over the river towards Old Temple. Surely, it was the cool breeze off the water that was bringing tears to the corners of her eyes. The desperation and despair of last spring was back. Only this time, it sang a different tune: ?They will never consent to give you your magic back.?

never ever ever ever ever

Without it, she was nothing.

NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING

Jewell resisted the urge to press the heels of her palms into her temples to drown out the sound. She could feel the chasm yawning open at her feet again, threatening to swallow her whole. ?And if it was taken from you?? she struggled to speak calmly. ?What would you do to get it back? What would you be willing to risk??

?Everything,? Janel replied unhesitatingly. ?I would risk everything.?

The Faerie turned to eagerly search her seeker?s face. Was it true? Was getting her abilities back really worth everything? ?What if it meant your life??

In Janel?s sudden hesitation, Jewell had her answer. If the abilities weren?t worth her life, they certainly weren?t worth her soul.

October 2015 RSC
Dockside Baronial Mansion
Dockside; RhyDin

?Are you a complete fool?? Ishmerai slammed the door to the Dockside Baronial Mansion?s living quarters behind him.

Jewell shot upright in her chair, the book she had been kinda sorta reading falling to her lap. ?Excuse me??

?The Temple of the Divine Mother? Have you taken leave of your senses??

?How dare you!? she shouted back at him, defensive and surprised at this sudden assault. That didn?t take long, she thought. After explaining away the blood, bumps, bruises, and mild concussion she had gotten with Raye the other night, she figured she had a little more time. The knight had not been happy, but he had backed off. Apparently, Janel had proved neither loyal nor resilient when put to the question.

Ishmerai followed her thoughts easily enough, ?Do not dare blame your seeker. She did her job. Have you forgotten it? These girls are here to protect your piece of the city and you.? He was angry enough to be pacing. ?Fortunate for you that she had enough sense to tell me. What were you thinking! I mean.. what were you thinking?? He threw his hands up in the air. ?Were you even thinking at all? How could you go to a place like that, Mira? They are a cult!?

Worse than that, she retorted silently. So so much worse! Slavers of souls. A truly insidious organization, and, by her own doing, she had fumbled right onto their radar. Goosebumps cropped up across her arms. ?She shouldn?t have mentioned it. I didn?t do anything. I was incredibly practical and very much concerned with my own safety.? Her little frown turned petulant. ?I just wanted to see if they could help me.?

?Foolish, headstrong, girl,? he called her not unkindly. His rage was clearly dissipating, leaving only concern. ?Janel was very worried about you. She said you seemed to be taken by a fit of madness!?

It was true. The priests who served in the Temple of the Divine Mother had triggered something inside her: fear. Pure, cold, unrelenting fear. She had been mad with terror. Even now, when she thought about the price they requested in return for unbinding her, Jewell shuddered. In her moment of freedom, they would imprison her all over again. It would be just like those lost years in Faerie, only worse. The things she had done under the command of her family still haunted her. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to force the memories from her mind. She was not that person!

?Jewell,? his voice recalled her to the present. When she opened her eyes to look at him, they were swimming with tears. ?Listen to me, please. You are happy here. I see that now. There is so much potential for you here. So much good you have done for others, for yourself. Forget this madness! Quit involving yourself in the affairs of Faerie. Value your own life, and stay here.?

?Without my magic?? she asked him miserably.

?If you must,? he replied sadly. ?You still have your life. All the work you have done here. Your friends. Sapphire. Live for yourself and for them and be happy, Mira. I will serve you here until the end of days without ever a protest if you just forget this! Forget Faerie and all its sorrows. This madness will never end, but you do not have to take part. You are safe here.?

How quickly his rhetoric had changed since they had first arrived in the city together. Who had been the one to encourage her time and again to rise up and return to Faerie? Claim your rights! Fulfill your destiny! He had kept after her when all she wanted to do was forget. Now their roles were reversed. Now it was stay in RhyDin and live, Mira. Forsake everything you ever fought for, Mira. Forget the past and all the wrongs done to you, Mira.

?Forget Faerie? Forget honor? Forget my children?? she questioned him fiercely.

The knight was obstinate, ?If it means your life? Yes.?

October 2015 RSC
Dockside Baronial Manor
Dockside; RhyDin

?Mira, this makes no sense. There is no way the young man is a spy.?

She paced rapidly around the living room, bumping into the coffee table for the fourth time. The more Ishmerai disagreed with her, the greater her agitation. ?You didn?t see him! The moment I tried to confront him, he fled. He?s guilty, Ishmerai. I just know it.?

?You confronted him about being a Faerie spy!??

The look she levelled at him clearly read, ?duh!? before she explained in a deliberately slow, condescending way, ?Noooo. I confronted Bailey about something else, and he totally ran away like the guilty little sneak he is!?

The knight pinched the bridge of his nose. ?How much sleep did you get last night??

?Who needs sleep?? Her movements were erratic, fueled by late night drinking and fighting as well as early morning coffee. A lot of coffee. ?I told Eva I wasn?t sure about him. Who knows what information he is feeding right back to Muirenn at this very moment? I have to do something about this. He?s going to poison everyone against me!? She had already seen it happening last night.

?You are paranoid and acting irrationally.?

She pointed at him. ?You told me to be cautious!?

?Cautious, yes. This is madness, Jewell. What evidence do you even have against this young man??

She perched on the edge of the sofa a moment as if she needed to stop moving in order to think clearly. She thought really hard. ?I just have a feeling.?

?A feeling? That is it??

?Ishmerai, the boy stinks of Faerie!?

?Mira??

?And why else would he always be carrying iron?? The knight sighed in the face of her very refutable evidence. She popped back up off the couch, resuming her pacing. ?Something just isn?t right here. He is up to something!?

?Not to destroy your stellar investigative work, Mira, but you are chasing shadows. No one in your family aside from your grandmother knows you are here. I have been as thorough as possible. Captain Strand and all his crew have so many misdirection spells upon them when they visit that they could never lead someone to you. Not to mention that the amount of iron in this place and all the work Guiscard has done to Little Elfhame also makes any scrying spells practically useless. Someone would have to know that you are here in order to have any chance of finding you.?

?On top of that, what Faerie or Fae do you know that could be carrying around iron without suffering harm??

?Maybe he is just a glamoured mortal under their control! Did you think of that? Hm? Hm??

?Mira, no one from Faerie is spying on you. And you of all people would know if he was under such an enchantment. You are terrific at detection.? Jewell turned away from him, unable to deny that truth especially when coated with such flattery. ?You know you would. So please, do not worry so over this. Here in RhyDin, you are safe.?

November 2015 RSC
RhyDin City; RhyDin

She liked the way the lights turned into a blur and then an endless stream of color as she picked up her pace from a slow jog into a run. In the hours past midnight, Jewell had the streets of RhyDin to herself.

As of late, she had developed a pattern: toss and turn in bed as sleep remained an elusive dream, get up, put sneakers on, and run the circuit.

Dockside. Old Market. Dragon?s Gate. Repeat.

She was stuck running in the same circle. She was stuck in RhyDin: incomplete, broken, living forever in fear of her family and things left undone and unfinished. The implications of this new reality were slowly gnawing away at her. They drove her out of the baronial mansion each night.

She had endured so much for nothing.

Vengeance sworn was beyond her reach.

Justice for her children was a dream unfulfilled and abandoned.

Jewell was sullen and spiteful, forlorn and depressed, bitter and angry. Unfortunately, there didn?t seem to be any point in railing against Fate. That bitch never listened to her anyway. And since she couldn?t fight it, she took to the streets in a futile attempt to outrun it.

November 2015 RSC
Dockside Baronial Manor
Dockside; RhyDin

Reality

RhyDin was burning.

All over the place, the city was on fire, and Jewell had locked herself in her room at the baronial mansion. She was on the floor, back up against the bed, knees to her chest, the skirt of her dress balled up and pressed against her face.

The smell tickled her nose? she became heart-renderingly aware of the amount of smoke in the air. They were burning it. They were burning her house to the ground! Coupled with the scent of smoke were several high-pitched screams that suddenly rent the night. Her children. They were burning her house to the ground, her children were still inside, and it was a struggle for her to even think of moving.

Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. She was desperately trying to remember how to breathe and not sob uncontrollably every time she opened her mouth.

She needed to keep out the smell of smoke. She needed to block out a world turned red.

She was frozen in horrified fascination at the destructive power of fire and how quickly it could render the familiar unrecognizable. She had done many foolish things in her life, but never before had she run into a burning building. It was terrifying. Thick, oily smoke obscured her vision of everything, twisting it. Her eyes were already burning, yet she still tried to peer through the thick cloud to see what was becoming of the life she had built.

It was already in ruins.

It was happening again. They burnt the house. They stole her kids. Now they were coming for her, but she couldn?t face the flames.

She was too weak.

November 2015 RSC
Ta-Neer Manor
Ta-Neer Lands; Faerie

Jewell stepped through the archway, her face drawn and tired. The visit to her grandmother was not the fulfillment of eager expectations but of her last hope squashed underfoot. Lady Nerissa had failed to conjure up some miraculous way to get granddaughter?s magic back. Instead, the blows kept coming, and even a former student of Jake Thrash could only roll with the punches for so long.

Ishmerai took his place beside her as they wandered through the cool halls of the sprawling manor, leaving the open-air garden room where her grandmother lay sick and dying behind them. ?How bad??

She shook her head, glancing around to see if they had any company. The seat of Ta-Neer power rarely felt like a secure, safe place to speak openly. ?They do not think she will last much longer, maybe several more turns of the moon at best. It is difficult for them to tell. You know how infrequently death visits us here.? It was true. Death did not often darken the doorstep of the Summer Court, but it was not this memento mori that had her looking so grave. ?She did share something,? she hesitated a moment to find the right word, ?interesting with me.? Jewell tried to inject levity into her tone with her announcement: ?My dear Muirenn is going to be married soon! And I bet you will never guess to whom.?

?Cu?n, brother of a the sadly deceased Lord Conr? who was killed most horrifically in some far away, mortal land.?

?How did you know?? she marveled.

?I am never idle when we are here.? He opened a door for her, and they passed together out of Lady Nerissa?s wing of the manor, walking along one of the main concourses. The affected levity dissipated quickly as they continued their conversation in hushed tones. ?Mira, this is very troubling.?

?I know,? she looked aside at him, grim faced. The strings of fate were entangling her feet, tripping her up as they pulled her forward towards a day that felt more like a reckoning every moment.

?Have you truly had time to consider this? It seems quite fortuitous that this man just happened to form a union with your cousin who is um.. not your biggest fan, I believe the phrase is?? The knight shook his head. The colloquialisms of RhyDin still escaped him at times. ?Clearly, Lord Cu?n must be out for revenge for his brother.?

The lady rolled her eyes. She could put two and two together just as well as he could! ?Then I should send him your way,? she hissed at him. ?You?re the one that killed Conr?, not me.?

?Mira, be serious. You realize Muirenn must know where you are now. She knows you have returned to your city.? There went all her knight?s dreams of his lady laying low in RhyDin! Quite suddenly, her hometown had become as safe as a den of vipers.

?Yes.? The implications of Muirenn?s husband-to-be had not gone unremarked by Jewell, although Lady Nerissa in her weakened state had failed to understand: No magic, her enemies rising up in greater number before her, and her semi-secret hideaway revealed.

At the start, she had been so confident that this round of the game would finally be hers. Her time. Her rules. Instead, the rules kept changing and she was left as an impotent pawn. Bowing out of the game all together had just been taken off the table, so she would have to find another way to become an active player once more. Her throat tightened at the thought; the price to reenter was so high. No no no! she screamed inside. There had to be another way. Some way. Any way! She would find it. She had to.

Ishmerai interrupted her racing thoughts. ?We should be expecting an envoy from her very soon. We will need to make plans.?

Jewell laughed bitterly, ?Perhaps they will wish to present our future ruler with my head as a wedding gift!?

December 2015 RSC
RhyDin City; RhyDin

They came for her on the streets of Little Elfhame: Wolves.

Not true wolves or even monstrous direwolves, but bipedal behemoths in wolves clothing. They were a wedding present to Muirenn from her future husband. Jewell had failed to receive an invitation to that happy occasion! Instead, they just sent their wolves. There was a full pack of them, and they were out for her blood.

?You know,? Jewell shouted at Ishmerai as she ducked a swipe of razor sharp claws, ?this was not one of the scenarios we discussed!? She spun aside to let the knight take care of the mutt. They fought like dancers, completely in tune with one another, moving to a rhythm that had developed over years and years.

He came forward with a few chi-blocking blows that disabled the wolf before he could gut it. ?Then you better.. urmph,? the knight kicked aside the dying beast, ?improvise.?

?Working on it.? She slashed at the snout of another creature who got too close, driving it back.

Crack! One of the House of Summer girls across the way cursed as her staff snapped in half. Jewell popped out from behind Ishmerai, burying her knife into the back of the offending wolf with a well-aimed throw. Refraining from withdrawing her one remaining blade, she immediately reentered the fray. Jewell ducked and weaved away from swiping claws and snapping jaws, drawing wolf after wolf in for Ishmerai to dispatch as she franticly tried to revise her plan.

She wanted to stick to the basic tenets of the original, rather desperate strategy she had devised. Afterall, it was an Empress brainchild, complete with her knight?s disapproval. She didn?t think that capturing her would-be assailant and dragging him or her before the Ta-Neer court to testify on to Muirenn?s treachery was the worst plan she?d ever developed. It had even worked once before against Conventina Ta-Neer, but it was sadly doomed to failure if the assailants could not be bought, bribed, or coerced into talking.

?I can?t think like this!? she complained as one got too close, opening a gash on her arm.

Ishmerai took care of that wolf before turning to fend off another. In that moment, one of the smaller brethren charged at her. Jewell ducked low, driving her shoulder into its abdomen as she grasped onto its forearm and bicep. Using the wolf?s momentum, she flipped the creature up and over, slamming it into the ground. It was one of the moves she had been practicing with Kal as he taught her to better utilize her smaller, swifter frame against a larger opponent.

Kalamere!

Jewell suddenly smiled. ?Got it.?

?Well?? Ishmerai grunted, sparing her an expectant glance for some details even as he tore open his current assailant?s stomach.

?Take care of these guys for me!? Without any explanation, she darted between the twins, who were laughing as they kept a wolf at bay with their favorite weapon: whips. ?Make way!?

?Where are you going?? he screamed after her.

?I need a portal!? She called back to him as she dashed down the street.

Several wolves came howling at her heels, taking up the chase.

December 2015 RSC
Outside The Line
Dragon?s Gate; RhyDin

?Only a little further,? she gasped out, trying to staunch the flow of blood from her shoulder with her hand as she spared a glance to her surroundings before sprinting across the bridge into Dragon?s Gate. It was a miracle the others were not on her heels with the trail she was leaving in her wake. She had barely escaped the alley with her life, she had lost her shoes, and she had already lost count of the number of places she was bleeding.

Her feet went out from under her as she skidded around a corner, the icy cobblestones biting into her hands as she caught herself clumsily. She pushed off the ground, leaving a smudge of blood behind, and continued her break-neck pace. She spared precious time for a quick detour into a butcher shop, startling the owner. ?Sorry!? she cried out as she did a lap around the small store before darting back out the door. Perhaps the scent of fresh meat would buy her more time.

Jewell hoped these tactics were worth it and that she hadn?t just run circles all over the city for nothing. Now she just needed to get to Kalamere and coax some handy portal magic out of him. And if that didn?t work? Well, perhaps he wouldn?t mind playing her knight in shining armor just this once while she sat down to have a drink. Mother knew she could use one!

She was about to find out either way as she dashed past the Red Dragon Inn, chaos reigning not far behind her. From time to time, she could hear the frightened screams of unfortunate, innocent victims who fell in the path of her pursuers. Rather than twinging her conscience, they gave her a sudden burst of speed.

A few more unnecessary turns to backtrack and then she was there, throwing open the door to The Line. ?Kalamere!? she shouted. Instead of entering, she stood outlined in the doorway of the bookie?s business, a rather frightening mess: shoeless, stockings shredded and stained, bleeding with her blue hair wild about her.

Kal was fortunately not hidden away upstairs in the loft or in his office. Upon seeing Jewell in the doorway, he gave a shake of his head and handed off the beer he'd been pouring to a patron before wandering her way. "Fight clubs wit' Raye again, darlin?"

"Uh yeah, something like that." She agreed with a nervous look over her shoulder before she gestured for him to hurry up, grabbing at him and pulling him outside as soon as he was within reach.

Unsurprisingly, this wasn't the first time she'd pulled him through a doorway. "The loft be in the other direction, lass. Got hit in the head this time, dinna ye'."

Her laughter was a bit forced and breathless. Once out in the sunlight, it was clear she was probably bleeding a bit much for any loft shenanigans. Although, that had never seemed to stop them before. "I kind of need your help with something. And quick." Another glance down the street told her they still had some time. "I need a portal."

Following her glance, the street still looked relatively calm for this part of RhyDin. Though this was a gambling house across the street from RedOrc Brewery, so a bit of chaos was to be expected. Still, he swore he heard a few screams of terror in the distance. Maybe Tara was on her way to visit Jake again. "A portal? s'pose I can do tha'. Where are we 'eaded?"

"I," she put extra emphasis on the pronoun, "am headed to Faerie. With some friends. Big hairy ones with teeth and claws. They want to kill me." Jewell paused a moment. That might not have been enough to convince him. "You too if you're standing here with me, so it's probably in your best interest to help. Can you do that?" She added in her best smile and batted her eyelashes at him some for good measure.

"Ishmerai really ought ta 'ave a chat wit' Raye abou' the places she takes ye' ta." The screams seemed to be growing closer and he really couldn't think of a fight club where the pair would have drummed up that much anger, but it seemed a good bet the other was involved somehow.

As to the portal though.. getting to Faerie might be somewhat problematic, being as he'd never been there with her before. Sure, he could send her to A faerie court, but getting the right one was something of a crap shoot. "Yer sure a nice beach resort wouldna do?"

Her smile fell a margin. She did not want to be standing here, still trying to convince Kal to help her when the wolves showed up. Endangering someone she cared about was absolutely not part of the plan! Why did he need to tempt her so? A howl tore through the air, lending greater urgency to her request. Perhaps some sweet talking was in order. She put her hand on his chest, ignore the blood, and smiled a smile made just for him, "Handsome, we can go to a beach resort after. But I really do need a portal if you want there to be an after, unless you plan to take care of the monsters for me? They?ll probably be here any moment now." A little brow arch at that bit of a challenge there.

"Ye' don make this easy on a lad, do ye'?" grumbled the tall elf as, against his better judgement, he closed his eyes and set to work. Healing and fireballs were far beyond him, but few knew portal magic as well. He could sense on her the last time she'd passed through such a creation and trace that back to its source. It just took a bit of effort. The panic that was beginning to rise up in the streets wasn't helping. "How far from the last point ye' traveled through? An general direction?"

"North.." she blurted out without thinking. Her heart was starting to hammer in her chest; she wasn't sure she had quite enough stamina left to lead them off again if this didn't work, but she didn't fancy fighting anymore either. "Northeast.. no north. Just north is fine."

North by north east it was. Distance would have been helpful, but about a mile seemed good, though real distance was hard to judge when making this up on the fly so who knows, it might have been 10. There was also no way to judge elevation. Good thing she didn't want him to step through it with her. A few moments later the portal shimmered into being, a dusky blue haze rising up in an arch to her left.

He rubbed a bead of sweat from his forehead and motioned toward the mist. "We'll 'ave ta discuss the price o' this service when ye git back."

"You?re the best!" Her smile was bright; she was thrilled that this part of the plan had at least worked. Now she just needed to survive the next stretch. She grabbed the front of his cloak and yanked him down to kiss him. She'd regret it if she didn't get the chance again, and the proximity allowed her nimble fingers to relieve him of one of his knives he kept hidden on his person.

"I need this more than you right now," she explained as she stepped back with a grin, waving the knife in the air. "You can name your price when I bring it back.?

He rolled his eyes at her choice of weapon. She'd been his squire and should know better. He pulled one of the long bladed silver daggers from his boot, pushing the pommel into her hand after stealing back the short knife she'd plundered. "a'least take one o' the good ones." With that, he gave her a bit of a nudge towards the portal, really hoping the other side was at least above ground.

He had impeccable timing. Turning around the corner came the beastly wolf creatures in pursuit of the blue haired Faerie. Blood from unfortunately placed civilians matted their fur and maws, and another howl broke loose as they spotted their quarry. It was what she had been waiting for. She needed to make sure they saw exactly what she was doing. That they followed her. Jewell took a deep breath. The interlude was over. "My uh.. friends come through it with me, right? I'd really rather not leave them behind for you."

He briefly wondered if the myth of silver and werewolves would play out with these creatures, but in truth never moved an inch to draw his remaining dagger. "Oh, aye, I'd na 'ave it anna other way."

"My hero," she drawled with a grin and laugh. There wasn?t really time for anything else. Without any other delay, she was off at a run, putting an immense amount of trust in the shady elf as she darted through the portal.

December 2015 RSC
Dockside Baronial Manor
Dockside; RhyDin

?Do you think you it will be enough?? The knight asked as he carefully unraveled the blood-soaked gauze from her arm and shoulder.

Jewell shrugged uncomfortably, grimacing as her muscles seized up. ?I don?t know.?

?I am afraid even with what happened you cannot hope to incite a big enough rebellion before your grandmother passes away. And after that? Once Muirenn is in full control, it will be even worse. I fear for your life, Mira. My people boiled in anger for centuries before they ever took action. It is hard to believe that the Fae will suddenly leap to your cause and risk Muirenn?s wrath if their faith in you proves unfounded. We should think of another way.?

?I have thought of another way.? He paused in his work, unsure. The knight was rarely a fan of his lady?s plans. This time was no exception. ?I need you to go to Faerie for me.?

?No. Absolutely not. You need me here.? She shook her head. ?What? Do you think she will leave you alone now? That you do not need my protection??

?Not quite, but I don?t think she will--OW!? She smacked the knight. The salve from the apothecary burned when applied to her arm. ?That hurts.? He seemed to take odd satisfaction from her pain, continuing with his ministrations while she grumbled and mumbled. ?As I was saying, I?m sure she still wants me dead but she?ll have to try something else now that she knows I?m not so easy to kill.?

Ishmerai snorted. ?You are easier to kill than you may think, my lady. How is it that you got these wounds again??

Jewell frowned. Muirenn?s wolves had done considerable damage. Even after Warin dragged her to a healer to patch up her worst injuries, she was still in pretty bad shape. However, it had been well worth it. The plan had worked out even better than she could have ever hoped. When she had shown up in the Ta-Neer court, bloody, disheveled, and dragging a dead wolf behind her? She had stirred up quite a bit of contention.

Her accusations against Muirenn had brought the hiss of whispers to a steady roar. That those accusations could and would be validated by the hundreds of people who had seen the minions of Lady Muirenn Ta-Neer openly trying to kill the favored Lady Jewell Ta-Neer in Port Sir?ne was all the better. She wouldn?t be surprised if some serious trouble was already brewing before her cousin ever took the throne.

She had further aggravated matters (quite purposely) in her manner of departure. In order to leave Faerie, Jewell had opened a portal right onto the streets of Little Elfhame in the courtroom, flaunting her supposed power. ?Look what I can do even without my magic,? the act had screamed. So what if she had only been able to accomplish it with a handy little spell of Guiscard?s? Who cared that she had blacked out on the street the second it had closed behind her?

She shook her head. ?I just meant that I do not think she will try to kill me in such a way again. She cannot attack me so openly without risking further reprisals. The people were angry, Ishmerai.?

The knight hrmph?d, provoking a soft smile from the lady.

?Do not worry. I will be safe enough here without you for now.? It was time to go for the hard sell, ?But you must admit that even RhyDin will not be safe for long if the plan does not work. She did not bring an army this time, but one day she will.

?I need you in Faerie, Merai. Incite rebellion in my name. Convince them that I am their true heir. Remind them who I am, who I was. Tell them what I am capable of. Tell them that I am still their lady. Tell them that I will return if they demand it.? She implored him as his scowl darkened, ?This is the only plan we have. It has to work. I need you to make it work. With the Fae at my back, I will be invincible. The High Court will have no other choice but to give me my magic back and declare me fit to rule or risk widespread war.?

?Mira, there is not enough time.?

?It has to work,? she repeated. ?I don?t have any other choice.?

She could hear the man known as The Vessel--chief priest of the Temple of the Divine Mother--whispering in her ear as clearly as if he sat beside her, ?Oh there is another way, my lady. Surely we can do this thing for you. But it will cost you. I wonder if you are willing to pay the price??

She wasn?t. Not yet. Not while she had this one hope left.

December 2015 RSC
Sir?ne River
Ta-Neer Lands; Faerie

Crowds gathered on the shores of the Sir?ne River to bid goodbye to Lady Nerissa Ta-Neer.

Jewell stood dutifully with her family on the platform that had been built for just this occasion, her back straight and head held high. Despite the early spring chill lingering in the air, she had gone with a backless and sleeveless spider-silk dress in a shade of gray that matched her eyes. Her blue hair was pinned up after being brushed to shining perfection, her mother?s sapphires sparkling throughout. As the ceremony dragged on, she resisted the urge to cross her pale, bare arms, the skin flawless and without a hint of her injuries from earlier in the month.

Llyr Ta-Neer, eldest son of the dearly departed Lady Nerissa, was speaking to the crowd. He had been speaking forever! The people of Ta-Neer shuffled and jostled each other on the ground below, rumblings of discontentment rippling through the throng as her uncle denounced recent ?extremist behavior? at length. Just this morning, a peaceful demonstration had taken place in Port Sir?ne to object to the pretty crown currently sitting atop Muirenn Ta-Neer?s head as she stood beside her father on the platform. Several Fae had been taken to the holding cells and two had even been killed. The organizers of the treasonous demonstration were unfortunately still at large.

Guards were interspersed throughout the crowd, brutally silencing anyone disrupting the solemn occasion. One young man was pulled forcibly away, his bloodied mouth screaming obscenities as they dragged him off to an uncertain fate. Amongst his naturally ebon locks, Jewell spotted a flash of blue; a sign of solidarity with her cause. Those on the dais turned to watch before returning their attention to Llyr. The interruption ruined his momentum, and he quickly concluded his speech before gesturing to the Fae knights. They stood knee deep in the river, prepared to push the bier of Lady Nerissa away from the shore.

?Wait!? Jewell called. This was what she had been waiting for, silently grieving (and patiently biding her time) all morning. Her voice was thick with grief, ?The heir should be the one to send our beloved lady on her way.? Muirenn gave her a furious look at the suggestion that she wade into frigid water for such a task, but the reality was worse! The true heir abandoned the safety of the dais and descended to the river?s edge, the crowd parting for her with a murmur of approval that gathered strength despite the guards and their threatening weapons.

The train of Jewell?s dress dragged through the mud along the shore as she pushed through the reeds, wading into the icy waters of the Sir?ne, mother to them all. She shivered uncontrollably but still smiled to the knights. The water that only came to their knees reached closer to Jewell?s waist when she joined them. ?My friends, allow me to help you.? It wasn?t an offer. Treasa stepped aside to make room for her true liege lady with a bow of her head, and Jewell took hold of one side of the rough-hewn bier.

Together, they pushed the barge out into the current of the river before pausing, straining against the pull. ?Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle,? Jewell intoned loudly. May thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back. The knights at her side and then the crowd gathered on the shore all echoed her: ?Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle.?

A final push released the barge, sending Lady Nerissa Ta-Neer on her way.

Jewell?s foot slipped on a slick rock at that moment, and she would have swiftly followed her grandmother down down down the river and to the sea to a peaceful rest if not for Ishmerai?s hand on her shoulder. She momentarily flailed in the water, causing a bit of a splash and provoking a smile from the knight. ?Merai, I did not see you there.? She reached out, snaking her arm around his waist and pulling herself closer to him until she was pressed up against his side. He kept her from floating away.

?I could not let you fall,? the knight chided. He hesitated a moment before he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

Together, the river parting around them, they watched as flower petals were released into the air, raining down onto the passing barge and the cold surface of the water. Lady Nerissa?s court minstrel took up the dirge, filling the air with his mournful song.

It was the end of an era.

December 2015 RSC
South-East of Ta-Neer Territory
Faerie

?Dylan played his part perfectly, just as you said he would.?

Ishmerai offered her his arm as they crossed a patch of uneven ground. ?Your uncle has been a valuable asset while I have been here. Surely I would have been discovered if not for his help, and he has put me into contact with some of our most valuable friends.?

?I hope nothing ill shall befall him because of the aid he has rendered us.? She tightened her hold on Ishmerai?s arm, looking up at him with wide eyes.

The knight pat her small hand gently. ?He knew the risks, Mira. He knows the risks. He would not have agreed to help otherwise. Your uncle is not the man he appears to be. He has many friends at court. His general congeniality hides a very cunning mind. And he would not risk any of this if he did not expect to gain greatly from it in the end.?

?He?s just like Glaucus in many ways.? She scowled as she brushed a branch away from her face. Glaucus Ta-Neer was useless at best and dangerous at worst. He would agree with and work for anyone who could ensure him his comfortable lifestyle. But even Dylan had not spoken up when the High Court had stripped her of her magic. In Faerie, it was everyone for themselves.

Ishmerai laughed, ?Not quite. Would you risk your own life for his without hope of any gain??

Her momentary silence was enough of an answer. ?As I was saying, I am just afraid it will become more difficult for you now as well. Muirenn wishes to crush this rebellion before it has time to truly flourish.?

?Of course.?

?I hope I have provoked her enough that she will act rashly and only fan the flames further.?

Ishmerai made a sound of agreement but could not offer any words of assurance; he still did not think it likely that Muirenn would dig her own grave.

They were quiet for some time as they approached the portal location. The ring of rocks was within view when Ishmerai halted her with a hand on her arm. ?Mira, I fear that you have angered Muirenn and Llyr more than is safe for you.?

?I know.? After Jewell had expressed her concern regarding how the High Court would treat Muirenn if the rebellion continued to escalate, pandemonium had erupted in the room. It had been satisfying to see her cousin turn pale before rage supplanted her fear. Her fingers had curled so tightly around the edge of the table; Jewell could only assume she was imagining it was her neck!

Llyr had just stared at her. Silent and cold.

?What if she comes after you and I am not there??

?Let her come.?

January 2016 RSC
The Line
Dragon?s Gate; RhyDin

The ?assassination? attempts started at a trickle.

How disappointing that the first person was a drunk opportunist! When he leaned over her at The Line and pressed the point of a dagger against her ribs, she could smell the alcohol on his breath.

And the desperation. He had just lost a good amount of his money on an exhilarating match of kangaroo boxing.

?Yer comin? wit me,? he grumbled harshly at her.

Jewell sighed, loathe to turn her attention away from the Badsider she was drinking and the nearby portal screen. She was watching some weird, futuristic, mechanical horse-riding, jousting championship. It was very diverting. She had even bet some money on the outcome.

?Go away.? Keeping her eyes on the jousting match, she gave a simple, dismissive wave of her left hand at the man and his knife.

He suddenly backed up a few steps. The hand holding the knife dropped heavily to his side. His eyes, the color of mud, were glazed over and he had the most vacant, dreamy smile on his face.

Truth: if a man is stupid enough to pull a knife on a Faerie in The Line with a half-ogre bouncer standing at the door, then his mind is more than malleable enough for a simple glamour.

?Now go bother Rath.? She turned her head to shoo him away.

As he lurched towards the exit, Jewell twisted back to the viewing screen, sparing a glance down at her dress. She sighed; he had torn it! ?Should have sent him swimming under the river ice,? she muttered. Fortunately, her woes were soon forgotten as the knight she had bet on unhorsed his opponent. ?There you go!?

January 2016 RSC
Kal?s Loft
Dragon?s Gate; RhyDin

?Don?t tell the other Royals,? The Empress confided in a drowsy, drugged way to Eva as the Doc helped her sit down on the edge of the bed, ?but you?re the one I love the most.?

The profession of love may have had something to do with Eva removing the bolt of iron from her shoulder earlier in the night. It could also be attributed to her friend insisting on seeing her back to Kal?s afterwards.

And helping her up the stairs.

And then helping her get dressed.

And patiently reminding her four times how often she was to take the painkillers she had given her and that she was not to drink any alcohol while taking said painkillers.

After she left, with strict orders that Jewell rest and take it easy (and maybe try not to get shot with a crossbow again), the Faerie took her medicine as instructed, avoided the bottle of scotch calling her name, curled her arm around Kal?s pillow because it smelled nice, and waited for the sleep necessary to her recovery to come calling.

Only it didn?t.

Instead, the lingering pain and sickness from the iron injury kept her awake. It finally drove her from bed and to one of the couches. She stayed awake long enough to watch the sun rise over a beach elsewhere through the portal screen.

February 2016 RSC
I?Yulna
Old Market; RhyDin

?Mira.?

He was standing just past the trailing branches of the willow tree when she looked up from the contract she was studying. Mud caked his boots, leaving a trail in the grass behind him. His leathers were stained and torn. His hair was tangled and matted.

And Jewell didn?t hesitate to leap out of her seat, heedless of any hidden injuries as she threw her arms around him.

She clung to him tightly, not satisfied until the knight wrapped his arms around her as well and uttered quietly, ?I missed you too.?

February 2016 RSC
Temple of the Divine Mother
Old Temple District; RhyDin

She tried to sit up, but cool hands pushed her back onto the iron slab. ?Worry not, m?lady. We do not wish you harm. It must be made of iron otherwise your body will resist the procedure and it will not work.?

Despite the reassurances, she was worried. Very worried. It wasn?t too late. She could still turn and run. She could grab the contract back from them, tear it to pieces, forget any of this had ever happened.

She could let Ishmerai kill Muirenn just like she had promised.

Jewell forced herself to settle back onto the icy surface, the thin fabric of the shift they had given her doing little to protect her from the iron.

It burned.

Her pulse raced wildly as acolytes surrounded her, assisting the priest in restraining her. One, two, three. Three leather straps for each of her limbs, secured so tightly they bruised her skin.

Bile tickled the back of her throat. She was underground. She was underground and they were strapping her down, trapping her here. Grey eyes cast wildly about her, looking for escape while her limbs strained against the tightly fastened bonds.

She was going to scream.

?Hold still now, m?lady. It will all be over soon, and you will be whole once more. Whole and beautiful.? Shivers ran across her skin. The Vessel had been waiting for her when she entered the temple again. He had been expecting her.

He had known she would come.

The priest?s clammy fingers pressed into her face and the cloying, musty smell of his hand threatened to choke her as she tried to take deep, steadying breaths through her nose. This was all too familiar. In Faerie, everyone had been there to watch. They had tied her hands with rope. Then they tore the life and heart right out of her.

The Vessel began to chant. Soon, the acolytes around the room joined him, their voices staggered and blending together into an endless stream. Time slowed to a crawl and a blur. The chanting devoured her thoughts and sanity, filling her mind as it filled the room.

Just when it seemed like nothing else was going to happen, the oil lamps began to flicker wildly and an ember kindled to life in her chest. It grew, each repetition of the chant fanning the flames until they were licking against her lungs, then her heart. It burned her from the inside out. It swelled and swelled until it cracked against her ribs and finally tore free of her skin with a shattering scream.

Jewell?s back arched painfully off the table, her body lifted up by the power that had been trapped within her for so long as it forced its way out.

She was unbounded.

February 2016 RSC
Temple of the Divine Mother
Old Temple District; RhyDin

When Jewell opened her eyes in the dim light of the Temple of the Divine Mother, she was whole once more.

She blinked, groggy, and ran her tongue across her lips, trying to generate enough saliva to soothe her scratchy, dry throat. The presence of the iron was like a wet blanket: it made her eyelids heavy, her thoughts foggy, and her mouth taste like death. But lurking just past that was a world full of color and life.

Jewell could hear the water for the first time in years.

It was pounding against the cobblestones outside the temple. It was sitting in a cistern somewhere off to her left. It was trickling down her face in tears of joy. She could trace the path of each and every one as they fell faster and faster, dropping to the iron table beneath her.

Jewell woke up to a world that was alive to her once more.

Joy and pure elation stirred her heart. She wanted to get up. She had to move, dance, sing! She attempted to rise, but leather restraints held her tightly captive. She made a noise of protest and began to struggle against them. She needed to feel the water without the oppressive presence of the iron. She needed to hold it in her hand, make it twirl in the air, turn it into a million icy crystals, and make it rain down in soft snowflakes.

?Ah, our lady awakens!? A voice somewhere behind her murmured quietly, pleased.

She tried to turn her head, but she could not see him. ?Unbind me!? The Empress commanded roughly as she struggled even harder against the restraints.

?Would that I could, my lady.?

Her stomach twisted in knots as the joy from moments ago dissipated quickly. The voice had moved closer, but he remained out of sight.

?You see, there is still the matter of our contract to conclude. Before we can even think about letting you go, we first need to see what you can do.? Suddenly, his hand brushed the hair back from her face, sweeping it behind her ear.

She froze.

The Vessel?s cracked lips were up against the curve of her ear, whispering: ?Eilya Fitae Amaavian.?

February 2016 RSC
The Mill at Little Elfhame
Old Market; RhyDin

She washed the suds from her long blue hair, tilting her head back to make sure she got the front. Then she grabbed up the soap bar and loofa, rubbing them together to get a good lather before she started on her arms.

The knocking came at the door again. ?Mira? Mira, are you all right??

?Go away!? she shouted loud enough for him to hear over the running water. She didn?t need any more of his dark, disapproving looks. The fear and horror on his face. The yelling. ?Stupid knight,? she muttered as she went back to scrubbing, resting her foot on the shower seat so she could clean her legs next.

?Mira, you have been in there for well over an hour!?

She ignored him and scrubbed harder. Her skin was already red and raw and broken. She had lost count of how many times she had washed herself from head to toe. All the blood from the Temple was long gone, yet she kept scrubbing. Evidence of the ritual was visible all over her body, but that was okay. She didn?t need to scrub that away. It could be easily veiled with glamour.

But there were some things she could not hide away, mistress of illusionary magic though she was.

Jewell had been assaulted in the past, and the attacks had always left their marks. Every time, it seemed impossible to get the scent off her skin, her hair. She had never been able to scrub away their lingering touch, but that hadn?t ever stopped her from trying.

This time it was different. They hadn?t violated her body. Instead, they had gone after her soul.

They had profaned it.

Even with the sound of the water pounding on the tiles, she could still hear the horrible whisper of her name, her true name, in her ear. Nothing could block it out.

She hadn?t been able to move. Couldn?t think! She didn?t even have a semblance of control. With three little words, the priests from the Temple of the Divine Mother bent her completely and ever so malleably to their every whim and will. She hadn?t been able to fight them. Nothing had belonged to her anymore: her arms, legs, fingers, toes, her magic.

They owned it all because they owned her name.

Jewell had ceased to exist. Vanished without a trace. She had been forced from her own body. In her place, they filled her up with their thoughts and their desires. There wasn?t room for anything else.

Then they made her act on their command. ?We need to see what you can do,? the priest had said.

She hadn?t disappointed.

Now she felt dirtier than even her very worst deeds in Faerie had ever managed to make her feel, and no matter how hard she scrubbed, she couldn't make it stop. She couldn?t clean the stain off her soul. She couldn?t cleanse herself of the violation.

But she had to try.

?Mira, if you do not come out soon, I am going to get Rayvinn.?

?Shut up! Just shut up and go away!? she screamed.

There was no response. She wasn?t sure if he actually walked away or not, but it didn?t matter. Jewell went back to scrubbing.

February 2016 RSC
The Mill at Little Elfhame
Old Market; RhyDin

She stared at the water. It murmured a greeting, whispering her name as it rippled invitingly.

She placed her hand just above it, and it responded to her call, leaping up to caress her skin.

She stepped into it hesitantly, and it embraced her like an old friend.

Jewell sunk down low into the tub and smiled.

February 2016 RSC
The Mill at Little Elfhame
Old Market; RhyDin

?I thought you were still writing your letters.?

She jumped, turning to find that it was only Ishmerai standing in her doorway. She glanced to her desk with its neat stack of handwritten notes and then turned back to the window. ?I finished them a while ago.? Jewell closed her eyes. She could clearly see the names printed clearly in her handwriting on each of the envelopes. ?Lamont knows what to do with them? And he?ll make sure the assets are all distributed correctly??

The knight frowned, ?Yes. Mira, you only interrogated the poor man on the details for over an hour yesterday.?

?I know.?

?If everything is done, then it is time to go. Dylan?s people will be expecting us.?

?I know,? she repeated at a whisper, her breath fogging up the glass as she leaned forward until her forehead rested against it.

?I can still do this for you. You do not even have to go to Faerie.?

She shook her head, her forehead rubbing back and forth along the glass. ?You know I have to do this. It?s just--? She paused and stared at the city. Her city.

?It will still be here when you come back.?

The tears were already working down her cheeks when she turned to face the knight. ?If I come back.?

February 2016 RSC
Ta-Neer Lands; Faerie

Anticipation and anxiety twisted together in Lorelei Ta-Neer?s stomach as she waded through the writhing mass of bodies, all drunk and high on any number of drugs Faerie had to offer. Ta-Neer hadn?t seen a party on this scale since the Great Wars had ended. People had come from all over. The festival grounds were flooded with Faerie and Fae. Nixies, Pixies, Boggarts, Grumpkins, Nymphs, Dryads, Banshees and Basilisks, Djins and Dwarves, Furies, Goblins, Harpies and Kelpies; Sirens, Sprites, Trolls, and Will-o-the-Wisps; Brownies, Druids, Witches, and Selkies; Centaurs, Minotaurs, and even Satyrs. Seelie and Unseelie, Solitary Fae and Troop.

They were all here to see Muirenn Ta-Neer, Lorelei?s only sister, crowned by a representative of the High Court. She was up on the dais right now. In a minute, a crown was going to be placed on her head.

Muirenn was about to be made untouchable.

Lorelei found her place at the bottom of the dais, off to the side with her brother Colwyn at her shoulder. She watched the ceremony with rapid interest, waiting for the moment when their whole world would change. Colwyn only looked on with disdain and snide comments.

Suddenly, there was commotion amongst a cluster of people nearby. Lorelei went on tiptoes to see. The crowd was parting for a blue haired Faerie that moved as smooth as water through them.

?What is she doing here?? Colwyn murmured, furious. Lorelei?s heart beat faster inside her chest. This was it!

?You!? She could hear Muirenn scream over the crowd as she stood from her regal kneel. ?What are--?

There was a scream followed by the cacophony of hundreds of frightened people. Lorelei looked up with all the rest and gasped. Muirenn was rising above the crowd, floating above the dais, pulled by invisible strings. Her body had been stolen away from her. Her mouth was stretched in a soundless scream.

Lorelei?s eyes widened and her heart rose up in her throat. ?Mother have mercy,? the quiet prayer escaped her lips. She stood rooted to her spot, horrified. The crowd crashed into her. Fae crazy with fear pushed her aside as they tried to get away. She struggled against them, lost in the madness. ?Ahh!? Some large creature bowled into her stomach. ?Colwyn!? she cried to him for help. All the faces around her were a strange, unfamiliar blur. Her brother had abandoned her.

?Oomph!? A Minotaur knocked into her shoulder and she tumbled to the ground. Trembling, she raised her arms up over herself for protection, too sick with fear to move. People were screaming, running, crying all around her. Someone tripped over her leg. A hoof crushed her hand. She cried out in pain, curling into a little ball, begging silently for it all to stop. She closed her eyes, but she could still see her sister floating in the air in tortured pain.

The noise of chaos quickly washed over her and away. An eerie silence filled its place. The whole world held its breath. Lorelei lowered her trembling arms.

Muirenn hung in the air above her, writhing.

Jewell stood her ground below, smiling.

Her cousin had transformed herself. She was a monster loosed on the world, born from the terrifying stories Lore?s nanna would tell her on stormy nights before she went to sleep. Her blue hair fell around her in waves, stirred by the magic she was performing. Her petite frame was draped in silk and her pale skin shimmered brilliantly like moonlight on the water. Her grey eyes were harder than steel and colder than iron.

Jewell?s arms were outstretched. Her hands moved rapidly as she worked something arcane and ghastly. Muirenn?s body responded: her muscles twisted to the breaking point; her limbs jerked and jilted; her body contorted.

It was grisly and terrible and awful, and Lorelei could not look away.

She couldn?t look away from Jewell.

She watched as her cousin vented her rage and sorrow upon her sister. Hundreds of years of hurt and pain came forth at a trickle: ?You lied to me. You tricked me. You made me kill Horatio and Lilac. You forced me to torture Sunshine until she cried.?

Jewell?s jaw tightened, her voice rising in pitch as the words burst out. ?You killed Trent and the boy on the cliff. You made me join The Hunt. You took my ring. You hurt my friends. You...? a sob broke through Jewell?s icy veneer, ?you burned my house!?

Muirenn slipped from the air.

?No!? Jewell cried. She clenched her hands into fists and halted Muirenn?s collision course with the ground. Her muscles strained, her body heaving, as she fought for control. ?Not yet,? she gasped out. ?I am not done with you yet!? With a shuddering breath, she forced her cousin back up into the air, even higher than before. Sweat the color of blood streamed down the sides of her upturned face. She trembled with exertion but did not stop.

Now her words came as a torrent. ?This is for Eva Jade and Oz and Raven. For Kerrick and Devyn and MORADIN!? Tears sprang up at the corners of Jewell?s eyes and quickly made their escape, running down her cheeks.

Her body curled forward as if she was physically afflicted, and she whispered the final incantation to the ground: ?This is for Amanda.?

Jewell snapped her hands back to her chest. Muirenn rent apart.

A fine mist of blood rained down upon the crowd.

Muirenn fell.

February 2016 RSC
Ta-Neer Lands; Faerie

?That was quite an impressive display.?

She watched the man in his colorful livery pace the length of her sitting room with veiled interest. He was handsome. His long brown hair was held back by back a silver band, his pointed ears were free of any decoration, and his green eyes were bright when he looked at her. ?You really think so?? She affected modesty so well! When he nodded, Jewell blushed. ?Thank you. It was really nothing special.?

?Nonsense. I have never seen anything like it. What do you call it??

?Blood bending.? He frowned, perplexed. ?You see, what I do is seize all the water in the body. Then I bend it to my will. Although,? she added thoughtfully, ?the water is not just in the blood. It?s in the muscles, the bones, your skin. So I suppose I really should think of a better term for it.?

He cleared his throat. ?No no. I think that is accurate enough. And like I said, very impressive.?

?I?m surprised you appreciate it so much. A member of the Seelie High Court.? She shook her head. ?I thought you were all so? pure.?

?Most do not have the stomach for such things.?

?But you do??

He just smiled, changing his path to come closer to her. He took a sip of his brandy, watching her silently before offering another compliment, ?The crown looks lovely on you, by the way.?

Her hand, still coated in dry blood, reached up to touch the silver circlet on her head self-consciously. It had not been made for her. ?Thank you. Are you going to try to take it from me??

?Are you going to insist on keeping it??

She looked down, eyelashes fanning against her cheek, her smile coy. ?And what if I do? Are you authorized to stop me??

He laughed. ?Mother help me. After what you did this evening? I do not think I could even if I wanted to.? His eyes seemed darker now that he was so close, his voice quiet even though it was just the two of them. ?Besides, I could be culpable in all of this, you know. I did place it on your head, after all.?

?So you did.? Jewell conceded with a slight nod. After she had slain Muirenn on the dais and ruined the party, she had stepped right over the body as if it was nothing and knelt to accept the crown that had been meant for her cousin. The fireworks that went off moments later had been a very nice touch. ?What are we to do with ourselves then, hmm?? She stretched her arms over the back of the settee, legs crossing in front of her, chin tilted up daringly. She cut a rather inviting figure, even with her dress splattered in blood. ?If you are not here to wrest this crown off my pretty little head, what is it that you intend to do??

?Just as I was asked.? He drained his glass. ?I plan to deliver the Ta-Neer terms to the High Court along with my report, which will paint this evening in a very favorable light to you, of course.?

?Of course.?

?I will plead your case before the Court as well if I must.? He moved even closer, setting his empty glass off to the side. ?Ask for mercy for you.?

When he reached over her and brushed her blue hair back behind her ear, Jewell was incredibly proud that she didn?t scream and tear him to pieces then and there. The full picture of the deal her uncle had made was coming into focus. She smiled. ?What else are you prepared to do for me??

February 2016 RSC
Ta-Neer Manor House
Ta-Neer Lands; Faerie

?You must despise me now.?

?No.? Lorelei hesitated. ?But I don?t think that I trust you anymore either.?

?I suppose I?ll just have to live with that.?

one

The knight cleared his throat to alert her to his presence.

Jewell didn?t turn to look at him. She was staring out the window, watching the streets of Little Elfhame and RhyDin beyond, her hand resting on the cool glass. There was tension written in every line of her petite frame. ?What did she find??

?She has tried every different combination she could think of and even those that seemed unlikely. We followed every possible lead.?

?And??

?We have been unable to find anyone, Mira. There is no one in RhyDin that knows your name.?