Topic: "Last Resort"

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-07-02 19:11 EST
((Taken from LC 07/02/2006))


Brian Ravenlock: "I said what?"

Icer1978: ::Blinking down as she eyed Brian.::

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::spinning around from behind the bar to face her husband. Her face is tear stained.::

Lore_Soothspeak: ::Jumps a little, hearing Brian:: "That the dragon died"

Lore_Soothspeak: "The one...the one that got Aiden"

Charlotte Ravenlock: "Tell me you killed that bastard dragon."

Lore_Soothspeak: ::She nods::

Brian Ravenlock: ::Making his way through the door, blue eyes glanced about the room as he slid off his long bodied trench and set it upon a rack:: "Icer is the hero, she has seen to it. Thank her."

Brian Ravenlock: "Along with Tera, Wyheree, Dimitri and others."

Lore_Soothspeak: ::Looks to Icer::

Icer1978: ::Blinking as she looked back to Lore.::

Brian Ravenlock: ::His voice just a tad hoarse and his neck still showing the four large scratches that ran from his cheek to his shoulder, the golden rod given to him by the Blood House members doing it's work wonderfully, as it looks like there might not be any scarring::

Lore_Soothspeak: ::Smiles peacefully::

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::Picking up a rag, she rounded the bar and aimed for the spill beneath her stool from when the bottle of black and tan had slipped from her fingers.::

Brian Ravenlock: ::A faint smile, as he looked among those gathered and settled a gloved hand to rest upon the hilt of Tyrsis, as he made his way across the room.:: "Baby, you alright?"

Lore_Soothspeak: ::Simple minded creature that she is, Lore doesn't stay upset long, distracted by the shininess of her ring. She plays with it a bit, humming to herself::

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::Scrubbing probably a little to hard on the floor. Trying to keep her mind occupied.:: "Uhh yeah babe. Why you ask?"

Brian Ravenlock: "Because I'd like the truth."

Charlotte Ravenlock: "I spilled my drink."

Icer1978: {S} Lore.. is that what I think it is? :: a slight smile forming on her snout.;:

Charlotte Ravenlock: "I dropped in when Lorelie told me Aiden was dead."

Brian Ravenlock: ::Not knowing if Tera told the whole world about the attack the previous night, he'd wait to see if it was asked about or if it ended up in the paper before he could spade the cat::

Brian Ravenlock: "You sure you're alrigjht? Let me help."

Icer1978: ::KNows, nothing of a cat attack.::

Brian Ravenlock: ::A kneel taken next to his wife, as he gently took the rag from her and began to clean::

Lore_Soothspeak: ::Lore beams happily to Icer:: "Uh huh. Toby gibbed it to me"

Icer1978: ::Smiling now, and feeling better.:: congratulations.

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::a sigh, giving up the rag and a glance.....!?:: "What happened to yer face, baby?"

Lore_Soothspeak: ::She shrugs:: "I don't want to have the ceremony yet. Not really ready for that yet"

Icer1978: ::Nodding.::

Lore_Soothspeak: "Thank you"

Brian Ravenlock: "A difference of opinion, my love."

Icer1978: Your welcome.

Brian Ravenlock: "Someone thought I needed to die, last night. I thought otherwise and got sloppy in the process."

Lore_Soothspeak: "We are going to have the wedding in my homeland. Toby just doesn't know it yet" ::She doesn't hide the fact that she is bossy to Toby::

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::small gasp::

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::would probably kill herself if she tried to boss her
husband around::

Brian Ravenlock: "Incendently.." ::cleaning the mess:: "Has anyone seen Kerrithra?"

Brian Ravenlock: "I mean today specifically?"

Charlotte Ravenlock: "........."

Icer1978: ::Shaking her head:: I've not seen her Brian.

Lore_Soothspeak: "No" ::Lore starts guiltily::

Charlotte Ravenlock: "No, but I just heard she's going to kill me." ::dryly::

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::a glance to Lorelie::

Lore_Soothspeak: ::Whirls to Charlotte:: "Not definitely"

Lore_Soothspeak: "She just...She doesn't WANT to"

Brian Ravenlock: "Ohh..She is gonna.. Kill you?!"

Brian Ravenlock: " #$%^&* "

Lore_Soothspeak: ::Tries to defend her friend::

Lore_Soothspeak: "No...no, Brian"

Charlotte Ravenlock: "She said her trainers were gonna make her hurt
me...but she didn't want to. Something about brainwashing."

Brian Ravenlock: "She gave me these little markings, granted they were a lot deeper and I lost a decent shirt too."

Brian Ravenlock: "Wait a sec? Lorelie, did she say any specific words perchance?"

Charlotte Ravenlock: "WHAT?!"

Lore_Soothspeak: ::Lorelie sighs:: "She was crying and she said that if she started acting funny, to tell you, Brian"

Brian Ravenlock: "Trainers or handlers?"

Charlotte Ravenlock: "Looks like its too late."

Lore_Soothspeak: "Yes...but I forgot. She said to tell you it was..."

Lore_Soothspeak: "She said handlers"

Brian Ravenlock: "Last Resort?"

Lore_Soothspeak: "But she said to tell you...yeah!"

Lore_Soothspeak: ::Is unfamiliar with that phrase::

Brian Ravenlock: "Those bastards. Lying sons of bitches."

Brian Ravenlock: ::sighs and looks about the room once more::

Brian Ravenlock: "She has come to die."

Charlotte Ravenlock: "Clue me in here!"

Lore_Soothspeak: "She said she didn't leave you...at the altar?

Brian Ravenlock: "She has asked me to kill her, it's the Last Resort."

Brian Ravenlock: "She said that, Lorelie?"

Lore_Soothspeak: ::Lorelie widens her eyes::

Icer1978: ::All she remembers is seeing her bounce out yesterday.::

Lore_Soothspeak: "She said that if she started acting funny I was to tell
you that"

Brian Ravenlock: "Baby, there is a reason Kerri and I are so close, we
were specifically paired."

Brian Ravenlock: "It was a military operation by Bastok to infiltrate other
countries who accepted adventurers and assassinate their ranking
officials."

Brian Ravenlock: "She and I were paired and, well things were done."

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::does not like the sound of that::

Charlotte Ravenlock: "So this does go back to your homeland." ::frown::

Brian Ravenlock: "Not if I kill her first."

Brian Ravenlock: "If a handler is close this could explain why she is acting the way she is."

Charlotte Ravenlock: "So I should be worried for my life." ::A sigh as she marches off towards a couch.:: "Good grief, Brian. We need to move away where no one can find us."

Issy: ::A boot on the door, a shaft of sunlight, and in saunters the tall
Scathachian. Her signature smirk is already in place::

Brian Ravenlock: "She may have been activated, which means set words can set her off in an instant."

Brian Ravenlock: "You forget where we are, I mean someone here can help her right? This is Rhy'din."

Brian Ravenlock: "Or I just kill hr myself and grant her wish."

Issy: ::That auburn hair nodding over to the Ravenlocks, as she made her beeline for a bottle of whiskey:: Hey there, kiddies.

Icer1978: ::A grin down to Issy, still resting in the rafters, and not a single new scar on the dragon's hide.::

Charlotte Ravenlock: "No, I know exactly where we are. That's my problem."

Charlotte Ravenlock: "You can't kill her! I *like* her!"

Charlotte Ravenlock: "I need a bodyguard."

Issy: ::And a glance upwards to Icer:: How you doin today, cher?

Charlotte Ravenlock: :settling down on a couch:

Icer1978: I'm well Issy, no trouble as of late.

Issy: ::The gypsy flicked an ears-perked glance to Charlotte, after
overhearing the "bodyguard" comment::

Brian Ravenlock: "She asked to die, I need to comply."

Brian Ravenlock: "Old Fiance' or not, she has asked it."

Brian Ravenlock: "As a soldier, can't refuse her request. It's what we agreed upon, after the experiments.."

Issy: Glad to hear it, cher. ::she glanced up to Icer, though her ears
were still eavesdropping on Brian and Charlotte::

Charlotte Ravenlock: "But look what she did to you!"

Charlotte Ravenlock: "I don't want you getting hurt."

Brian Ravenlock: "That's cause I hesitated. I won't do so again, love."

Icer1978: ::A smile as she looked down to Issy.::

Issy: ::Gloved haid on the bar, she decided to be a buttinsky:: What the
hell is going on, Brian? ::That was her chef, after all::

Brian Ravenlock: "Babe I was hurt before you were born, this is nothing new. You married a Ravenlock, we arent the door to door sale type family."

Brian Ravenlock: "I was attacked by someone I cared for Issy, it seems someone has fiddled with her and she feels the need to either drag me back to my homeland or eliminate myself and my wife if I refuse." ::long catch of breath::

Brian Ravenlock: "Annnnd she has requested via a code phrase that I kill her befor eshe harms herself or others again, and Charlotte likes her as well and doesnt want me to do so."

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::frown::

Brian Ravenlock: "And I like her as well, but it's kill or be killed in this
scenario and I do not feel like laying down just yet."

Brian Ravenlock: "I know how my wife feels, and I understand it. But,
she has asked it of me. Kerri asked to die."

Issy: ::and her hand was on the bar, too::

Issy: ::Dark eyes cast downward for a moment, then they retrieved an idea and a glance to Brian:: Well, why don't you let me and the girls take care of it? After all....we really do need to repay your work for us.

Brian Ravenlock: "Lus, of the Blood House Onyx said the same thing to me, thanks but I think I need to do this one..."

Issy: We can just sort of....get rid of her. Jenai could mix something
up....maybe "fiddle with her" back to normal?

Issy: ::She glanced to Charlotte::

Issy: And what do you say, Mrs. Ravenlock?

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-07-02 19:15 EST
Brian Ravenlock: "I can't let the rest of the realm know my probems are
being dea... Didja say fiddle?"

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::A glance at her hubby, wanting to comment on his
pride....and then a glance to Issy.:: "Hmm?"

Charlotte Ravenlock: "Whatever my husband deems best. Its fine."

Issy: ::She looked back to Brian. Was that a defensive look on that face
of hers?:: Well....you said it first!

Issy: ::She smirked a bit. She liked Brian, she did admire his moxy. But you know, sometimes there was a fine line between moxy and stupidity. And Charlotte not pressing her obvious objection didn't help matters::

Brian Ravenlock: "Do you think you might be able to help her?"

Issy: Of course. ::a matter-of-fact shrug:: It's what we do.

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::Doesn't want to fight with Brian. Like she could stop him.......::

Brian Ravenlock: "Look I dont want to kill her, gods knows I don't. I mean, hell it's Kerri. But something may need to be done to me as well."

Brian Ravenlock: ::Anyone can be stopped, it's a matter of how..::

Issy: Now, true....Trix and I are more of the....violent type. But Jenai
provides our gentle edge.

Charlotte Ravenlock: "Done to you? What the hell?!"

Brian Ravenlock: "Kerrithra and I are a matched pair, if a handler is
nearby there is a chance I can be activated as well."

Brian Ravenlock: "Hun it was a military operation, and things were done. Things that we did not know about until I recieved some information recently. That may be why they want me back in Bastok. I left and here there are no handlers, so there was no problem."

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::facepalm::

Brian Ravenlock: "But if one happened to cross over with Kerri, then there is a risk..."

Brian Ravenlock: "Look dont give that that #$%^&* ng look, okay I'm sorry I did a great deal of terrible things in the name of getting my ass back here, but you know how that goes as well, we are not angels. Side, we didn't know all of what was going on, and I still do not know."

Charlotte Ravenlock: "Don't get all pissy, Brian. We both did a bunch of crap. I'm just upset at the situation....not *you*."

Icer1978: ::Simply resting again, her eyes drifting over the room.::

Issy: Brian...Charlotte.

Brian Ravenlock: "I want this over as fast as you do."

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::A glance to Issy::

Issy: ::she looked between the two of them and started forward. She
could well understand Brian's point of view. God knows she had done
plenty in the past. Yet, she knew the uncertainty and fear that Charlotte
was facing as well::

Brian Ravenlock: "I am sorry."

Brian Ravenlock: "Look, I'll do whatever it takes to deal with this."

Brian Ravenlock: "Issy, if your sister can assist, please."

Issy: Alright, look...we can take care of this whole thing. ::she eyed both
of them:: We can. You're just going to have to tell me everything.

Issy: ::A pointed look to Brian:: And I mean everything.

Issy: I don't want myself or my Sisters going in with an information gap. That's when things get bloody.

Issy: ::Her usual swagger and easy-going manner was gone now. This was Illea now, and she was all business::

Charlotte Ravenlock: "What if you just killed the....the whoever is doing this to her?"

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::really doesn't want Kerri to die....no matter how much she spoke of Brian and her sleeping together.::

Brian Ravenlock: "I dont mind sharing, I got nothing to hide."

Icer1978: ::She glided out of the rafters, and move to the icebox, nudging it open with her snout, and retrieving a bottle of water.::

Issy: ::Moving her blades to the side, the Scathachian eased herself into a chair and looked from Charlotte to Brian::

Icer1978: ::Blue eyes, scanned the room again as she made her way over, setting the water in front of the man, then moved off again.::

Brian Ravenlock: "The handler would be the first target, I do not know what they are, but they use shadows as cover and have to remain within at least thirty feet of their operative, they use a collar, some have spikes, others have gems, like a slavers collar, only decorated.."

Charlotte Ravenlock: "I can't give any information....I know nothing of Bastok...and I didn't even know I should fear for my life until about an hour ago."

Icer1978: ::A slight sigh as she looked back to the man. {s} it's alright, keep it.

Brian Ravenlock: "Kerri has no magic, but her agility is second to none, she is insanely fast and will not hesitate to use anything within her grasp, however she can be distracted."

Brian Ravenlock: "She has one weakness NO one has been able to get rid of.. Diamonds."

Issy: ::A brow arched:: Diamonds?

Brian Ravenlock: "She loves em, that's why she and I were sent to poor countries to do our work."

Charlotte Ravenlock: "Diamond?" ::does the same as Issy::

Issy: She human?

Brian Ravenlock: "Yeah diamonds, she loves the shine and literally it can stop her if but for a few seconds, she loves shiny and cute things, thats why she and I were "paired" so if she faltered, I would eliminate the mark and we'd leave."

Icer1978: :A smile as she looked to the man, then carefully accepted the coin.::

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::sitting back and listening::

Icer1978: And what news would that be?

Brian Ravenlock: "She is what we call a Mithra, I'd say a humanoid feline, more human. She has feline reflexes and strengh, I mean literally she can be a tiger in that small body.. I know better than anyone."

Issy: ::She tried to supress a smirk and not look at Charlotte as Brian added that last part::

Icer1978: Well congratulations.

Brian Ravenlock: "She is normal other than that, no magickal support,
save the handler."

Issy: ::She nodded, taking all of this in:: Alright...

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::clears her throat a bit, smirking herself::

Brian Ravenlock: "If you can get rid of him, or her we should be jake."

Issy: ::Knowing Trixie would be absolutely invaluable to this little mission.
Her reflexes were second to none::

Icer1978: {S} Alot have been hurt lately.

Brian Ravenlock: "She has to know she is in trouble or she would not
have asked for the Last Resort, which means to be killed by her "other",
so I am guessing we have an opening."

Issy: The "Handler"... are we saving him/her. Or are we just doing what we do best? ::the look on her face told Brian and Charlotte what that talent was::

Brian Ravenlock: "Eliminate with extreme prejudice."

Issy: ::The dark-haired beauty nodded once::

Brian Ravenlock: "They are the key to getting to her fully."

Issy: And they stay within thirty feet of their operative, right?

Brian Ravenlock: ::A concerned look to his wife, he truly was sorry this occured and never expected to be tracked far, but this had to be dealt with, and then it was time for a long vacation.::

Icer1978: I've.. gotten even with a few. ::a slight smile on her snout.::

Brian Ravenlock: "Yes they do, they tend to use shadows for concealment.. At least when I worked with them last they did."

Issy: Any other discernable markings or habits we should be looking for on the handler?

Brian Ravenlock: "Save the collar in hand, little else."

Issy: ::Another nod. She was already formulating their strategy::

Issy: Is the handler human?

Icer1978: That could be a little tricky.

Brian Ravenlock: "They should be, Bastok never trusted other races."

Brian Ravenlock: "Kerri is also staying here in room 9."

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::still just listening::

Issy: Good.

Icer1978: ;:A slight quiver ran the length of her spine as she overheard
Brian's mention of collars.::

Brian Ravenlock: "Last I saw she was using the window to gain entry and
exit. She was also seen at the Oracle offices."

Issy: ::Her dark eyes bugged a bit, then looked to the stairs:: Are you
kidding me, Brian? ::that whiskey-stained voice of hers was hushed into a
throaty whisper::

Brian Ravenlock: "She isn't here.. I'd know."

Issy: ::A chin jutted forward, her voice still closed:: Are you sure?

Brian Ravenlock: "She will not strike while I am in company, they prefer it low key."

Brian Ravenlock: "We are..paired. I can feel it, she isn't here. I just know it."

Issy: ::A trickle of a grin flashed across her lips:: Low key, huh? Like a Scathachian.

Brian Ravenlock: "Can I join, be the first brother? I have my own kilt.."
::As he tried to lighten the mood a bit::

Brian Ravenlock: ::The grin returned, as he felt a bit more at ease.::

Issy: Well, Brian. I'll tell you what...we'll probably need you to ...."sniff"
her out.

Brian Ravenlock: "I understand.."

Icer1978: Of course.. ::settling near the blind man's side.::

Issy: ::Her lips smiled at him, then she turned to look at Charlotte:: I
don't know....I don't think he'd survive the initiation process.

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::gets a worried look. She's a wife....its her job::

Icer1978: It's right in front of you.

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::but a smirk at Issy's comment:: "Oh I dunno...'slong as I get tah watch."

Issy: ::Then she turned her gaze back to Brian:: Anything else you need to tell me, dollface?

Brian Ravenlock: "I do love a good audience."

Issy: ::She turned a wink to Char::

Brian Ravenlock: "Nothing I can think of, save the handler... I really want them dead."

Brian Ravenlock: "Actually, yes there is.

Issy: ::Another nod. She'd have to get back to the flat and talk to Jenai
and Trixie about this::

Issy: ::Pausing halfway in her stand from the table, she looked back to him::

Brian Ravenlock: "By the slim chance, I happen to be activated.."

Charlotte Ravenlock: "Stop!"

Issy: ::There goes one of those dark brows::

Charlotte Ravenlock: "Don't.....Brian, just don't."

Brian Ravenlock: "I will give Charlotte something to bring me back, just
take me out as quickly as you can."

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::shaking her head, serious expression on her face::

Issy: ::She held a hand to Charlotte, as if to say, "Let him speak"::

Brian Ravenlock: "It's a one time shot kinda deal, so dont hold back, take me out and she can bring me back."

Icer1978: Your welcome.

Issy: "Out"...meaning....

Issy: ....dead?

Brian Ravenlock: "Meaning I am expendable."

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::ish getting upset::

Brian Ravenlock: "Trust me on this, I will be back, but take me out and
get the handler should that occur."

Icer1978: ::Chuckling softly:: I'm already married.

Issy: ::She inhaled deeply and looked him over, pausing in thought for a
moment before she nodded slowly:: Understood.

Issy: I'll...ah....I'll keep away from the face, yes? ::winking to him, she
tried to make light of it::

Brian Ravenlock: "Charlotte will have a means to bring me back, a bit of illegal goods from my friend Jes, but it will work."

Brian Ravenlock: "I dunno, these scratches are kinda sexy."

Issy: Well, I wouldn't want to give ya too deep a scar, cher.

Brian Ravenlock: "I need to head to the office love, I will get the reraise gorget for you."

Issy: I'll take care of it.

Brian Ravenlock: "Just do whatcha need to do, chef to Boss, got it."

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::nodding miserably::

Issy: Got it.

Brian Ravenlock: ::A warm smile to Charlotte:: "Baby this is much easier now, we have friends who can help."

Icer1978: ::Another slight smile:: thank you.

Brian Ravenlock: "You can bring me back. I won't go anywhere save a
few hours tops."

Issy: Char, doll....don't worry. I've never missed a mark yet. Brian will probably not even be close to my blades.

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::a sigh:: "I know, I know..." ::turning her face up for a kiss:: "Try to stay safe, please? I ain't goin' nowhere without Jean."

Brian Ravenlock: "I didn't want you to know.. I should have explained it earlier, love I am sorry." :;a kiss to her cheeks:: "I love you and I'll return soon."

Brian Ravenlock: ::As he went through the door::

Charlotte Ravenlock: "Love you too."

Issy: ::The taller woman looked back to Charlotte:: I'm gotta get back to the flat, okay? Talk to Trixie and Jenai about this. It'll be four on one when we find the handler.

Icer1978: ::Arching an eyeridge.:: what would you like.

Charlotte Ravenlock: ::a nod and a smile:: "Thank you, so much."

Brian Ravenlock: ::A moment later, it seemed to someone of incredible gifts of sight, that a shadow literally peeled from the wall and slinked it's way along the wall till it was also out the door::

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-07-02 20:06 EST
Brian had no idea where to truly begin, the information that came his way was nothing short of life changing, well truth be told that itself was an understatement. Up until now, he believed service to Bastok he and Kerri performed was an honourable term at best and that they helped people, and the nation. He knew he did some bad things in the name of the war, but nothing on the scale of the information he was given. He thought they did some good. But as it stood now that was far from the case.

With information provided by Jeskola the self proclaimed "Taru-killa", Brian learned of what the handlers "truly" were, and why he and Kerri were specifically paired, what they were meant to truly do and the fact they may never have been truly engaged or in love to begin with. He understood he had to do some rough things, eliminate corrupt politicians, push down orcish uprisings, a few cloak and dagger type romps, but nothing prepared him for what Jeskola had shown him. It seemed when Renna called Brian "Killer" and teased him, she knew exactly what she had been talking about, the visions she saw of the massacres and blood shed were not all of Darkin, some were of Brian in Vana'diel. Renna knew it all along, somehow and was dead correct in many of her past assumptions.

As it stood, Brian and Kerri were normal adventurers that were hired by the Nation of Bastok as mercenaries. As they progressed up the chain of command, they were given citizen status and asked to move to the capital city itself, and serve under Captain Bishop of the President's 4th Elite Batallion. While this itself was an honour, Brian was surprised so many people were being promoted in pairs and why most were male and female, still he let it slip from his mind as it got him one step closer to coming back home at the time, and possibly bringing Kerri with him back to Rhy'din.

After a month or so, Brian and Kerri became even closer and moved in together in a small loft in the Bastok Market district, and continued to work together. Eventually they became engaged and were given a chance to partake in a new program by the Nation's Science division which would, make them that much more efficient. What they didn't know is what the program truly entailed, or for that matter, that they had already been subjected to it's machinations since they came to the Capital City.

Weeks passed, and missions came and went. Brian and Kerri were still together with no care in the world. Then things began to occur, mood shifts, lapse in memory, and nightmares. The scientists's opinion was that it was stress from being overworked and decided a leave of absence was required. Brian and Kerri agreed and planned their wedding, which would take place in Kerri's home country Windhurst in a few months time. Little did they know of what was to really come.

As the wedding neared, Brian and Kerri felt the need to travel to other countries and visit, and were given the status of emmisary to the nations, by the president himself and were sent on their way. Along with them, were sent a pair of officials, who Brian and Kerri had never seen before. Still, worries were set aside and the journey began, with their first stop a small border village that was know to have disputes with the Bastokan Govt. on occasion. It was the town of Selbina.

Upon their arrival, Brian was recognized for some mercenary work he had done for the village elder when he first arrived in Vana'diel concerning some rogue goblins and his party was quickly take in as one of the village's own and a feast was prepared. As song and danced commenced through the early hours of the morn, the elder asked to walk with Brian and speak with him. Even though he felt sluggish and tired Brian had agreed, and accompanied the older man as they walked along the docks. While they spoke and talked, Brian could swear they were being followed,and soon dismissed it. Suddenly, everything went dark and Brian felt as if he were losing all sense of reality, movements were sluggish, vision blurred and his hearing just wasn't there.

In fast the only thing he could make out just before everything went south, was Kerri, or what he thought was Kerri coming from behind the elder, the look in her eyes something he had never seen. Then it was all gone.

Brian woke up nearly a day later on a coach, his head hurting badly as he rose he felt this sharp pain in his gut. Looking around the coach he found Kerri fast alseep across from him, and soon he too fell sleep once more. It wasn't until a week later he heard a report of a goblin attack in Selbina, and the entire village was slaughtered, literally every man, woman and child. Brian told officials he swore he was there, and was assured he arrived as the massacre ended and helped drive off the golblin horde with the assistance of other mercenaries. Even though he swore he was there and recalled it, after time it all faded and the story he was told quickly replaced what was already in his memory as fact. Then came the nightmares.

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-07-02 23:22 EST
So as it stood, that evening in Selbina and so much more that occured throughout the neigboring villages around Bastok were not random attacks and coincidences, at least not according to what Jeskola has found. As it stood, most of Brian's military career was not what he thought it was, his life with Kerri was possibly no where remotely as intimate as he believed, and it seems after she was taken by the handlers (Brian originally was told she left him at the altar, and searched for weeks to try to find her), that even more was done to her in the way of experiments.

Brian however fell under the radar of sorts, and ended up back in Rhy'din with the assistance of a high ranking official who knew a bit too much and decided to assist him, and flee the country himself, which is where Jeskola got his information from. As Brian walked from the Inn, it truly bothered him. Because if he was to believe what he read, that it was all a lie and truth be told he could deal with that, but deep down inside it was all still there, the service, the relationship with Kerri and more. That tore at him and made him upset even more so. Something needed to be done, and Brian was lucky to have such friends to assist him. Now all they had to do was try to find the handler, and even more important, Kerri herself.

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-07-05 00:00 EST
Brian didn't have to wait long by any means to find Kerri, as it seemed after a night of searching for her with no avail, she instead began the hunt for him and had better luck by far.

Kerri picked up right where she left off and went straight back to the Inn for a bit, hiding in the rafters in wait. To her it didn't matter, as she was under the condition of the handlers as it stood so time was of little matter whatsoever.

She watched the patrons as they mingled, no real thoughts of her own, her eyes and ears only taking in what she needed to be heard. That Ice woman, Wyheree was gabbing on with that twit of a young dunkard. The Ice woman was a credible threat the and handlers made sure Kerri understood that, while none of them have ever dealt with one such as her, their training with the avatar Shiva left them with a few ideas on how to handler her. For the moment, she was still under watch. Sides, she was busy between the Pirate she was roaming and whatever else she did, so it was put out of thought for the time.

Then came the Ice Dragon, who was also a threat on another level. Her dragon rage, which the handlers have seen first hand during their observations left little to the omagination as to what she could do, and for some reason she was very close to the Ravenlocks, this made for a dangerous enemy would may have to be out down well before this ever begins. No one wanted to fight a pissed off Dragon under any circumstances, and these rage incidents made it clear than other measures may have to be taken.

Then came those "Judges" everyone talked about, or the Scathachians as Brian referred to them as. They were something that would have to be watched as well. So many variables, and the handlers hated variables. It seems Brian had allied himself with an interesting mix of friends, and the possibility of other operatives being brought to Rhy'din was getting closer to realization. From what was gathered these "Judges" were not to be taken lightly and their ranks made them a true threat. Luckily their home base of sorts was easily found, as Brian was followed one evening when he decided to cook for them. That made the handlers laugh to each other a bit, so see what they created try to fit in so hard, it was as if be recalled everything. As it stood their time table was running damned slim and it was time to take it a step further.

Maybe the wife would be accosted, and made an example out of? Or maybe the daughter? No, they were not that stupid by any means, as they knew she was out of control. But her boot licking to that "Lord" kept her out of the mix for the moment as it seemed. So Kerri left once more and made the rounds, and soon found Brian with that romany girl who liked to draw, as they headed to the hall.

The rage welled up within Kerri, as they spoke and she watched from her hidden perch. The collar she had on , luckily had one helluva dampening charm as far as detection, so Brian was left unawares. Also, the girl.. Julie had some deep power welling within, and since no one knew what she truly was, an attack at the present was ill advised. So she watched and became more enraged, as she saw the compassion that was offered between the two, the closeness she further witnessed. It were as if they were family, and that should have been hers... That's what the handlers said time and again, everythin should have been hers, and she took every word to heart. It would be hers one way or another, He was going back. Disgusted she left for the Inn, and waited. Morning would come soon, and the need for Brian to make breakfast for the patrons would arise. He was predictable like that. So she would wait, and deal with him all alone, while everyone else was still in bed.

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-07-05 09:55 EST
((Taken from LC and is after the events crossed from Threads of Turmoil, thread))

Brian Ravenlock: "Kerri! Don't play around, damn it we can help you!"

Brian Ravenlock: ::Brian slid out the inn, the claymore in hand as he closed the door behind him and made his way farther into the alley, the mail shirt still slung over his shoulder::

Gorgonite: ::That sing song voice replied:: I don't think so.

Gorgonite: I don't want your help, I need you to come back and if I have to kill them to do it, I will! Nya HA!

Gorgonite: ::Coming from out of nowhere and straight down the wall behind Brian, Kerri landed to her feet and slashed away at his back side, and drove a knee to the small of his back as hard as she could::

Brian Ravenlock: ::Yelling in pain, as the claws dug into his back repeatedly, Brian could do little else save try to turn around which was quickly a moot point as Kerri's knee was driven into the small of his back, yelling out again in pain, as a sharp crack could be heard.::

Gorgonite: ::a Mithra grin given, at the sound of the crack and was quickly followed with a squeel of delight. Quickly she shoved him foward just enough to deliver a full standing side kick to his back, sending him aways from her::

Brian Ravenlock: ::The claymore was dropped as Brian was shoved and then kicked once more, a cry of pain escaped his lips as he was sent crashing into a nearly group of crates, the sword clattering to the ground::

Gorgonite: I told you! I begged you! Where were you when they took me!?

Lucy Ravenlock: Lucy appeared out from the wall, landing upon her feet wit ha crouch - her sword drawn and her hood down - her hair was sprayed across her face as her eyes narrowed to the person who attacked him. "... Keep your hands off my Father bitch!"

Gorgonite: I needed you, and you marry that slut!?

Gorgonite: Back off kid! This is me and the Raven! He needs to come home and I am taking him with interest! The handler says so.

Lucy Ravenlock: The scarlet and brown speckled eyes darted to Brian and his sword that was cluttered across the ground, she then drew the sword to point to her right, low, to the ground. Both hands gripping the hilt, "... If there's anyone who will hurt my Father, or kill him... It will be me. He has promised me, long ago. He's mine! Now piss off, before I show you what I really am!"

Brian Ravenlock: ::A soft groan was all Brian would let out, as he rose to his feet slowly and shook his head, his shirt tattered and his back a bloody mess as he spoke:: "Kerri, I tried. We tried. You asked me for the "Last Resort" and I can't do it. I made a promise, like she says, my life is theirs."

Gorgonite: He was mine long before he came here!? We are a match set, I cannot go on without him. We are fratello! The handler says so, I can't, I can't..... :::a soft look for just a second or three::stop me... please help me, they are close, they have... collar, shadows, they use.. ::A primal scream as she drops to her knees and holds her head::

Brian Ravenlock: "Kerri no!" ::Leaving all common sense behind, Brian ran across the alley to her and slid to his knees next to her, ignoring all pain in doing so:: "Tell us more! Where is the handler?!" ::Blue eyes glance around the alley:: "He has to be close, thirty feet at the farthest."

Lucy Ravenlock: Lucy's eyes showed the littlest of remorse... She dropped a hand to her side - while the other held the sword, her platform shoes clipping against the cobbled ground as she stood before the... Thing. "... I don't care. Who, or what you are. You hurt my family, you die." She raised the sword up to rest above the thing's neck, "... You are weak to even submit yourself to-" The skid of her Father and the comforting of the woman faltered Lucy and she took a step back, sword drawn to her side again.

Lucy Ravenlock: "The Collars? The Bloods?"

Gorgonite: I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry you are such a sap! Nya HA! ::Out of nowhere she pulled a dagger and rammed it into Brian's gut and even looked to have offered a nice twist or five for good measure, and stabbing again and again using her cat like agility and bounding back from the now sushi'd Raven:: No blood kid, save his! Nye he he he, If he lives I'll come to collect him, if he doesn't the missus is next!

Brian Ravenlock: ::Brian looked to Kerri with concern and remorse, his blues fell upon his daughter and then he felt, warm? Yes very warm, again and again. He heard the thud of fist to gut as the blade was driven in time and again, his eyes remained on Lucy until he was released by Kerri, and she bounded away from them, his body feeling rather cool at the moment, as he sat there stunned. It all happened in seconds, but to him it felt like hours::

Lucy Ravenlock: Lucy had enough - this was something that a power Renna herself could not fathom - tendrils of darkness drooled out of every orifice and opening in her body... Her sword clenched tightly as she saw the display, herself grinning madly. Her eyes narrowed so harshy upon the woman that, even her eyes burned with dryness. A ripple of the cobbled stones echoed out from her form - the ground cracking - slicing - the long tentacles sucking in all shadows that came to be close by. "... You have no idea

Lucy Ravenlock: "What you have just done!" She screamed, she threw the sword to the ground and the shadow of the cat-woman was now to distorted, it gripped her ankles and began to drag her INTO the ground slowly. The tentacles wrapping around the cat's legs, arms, neck. Squeezing tightly... She walked close to her... Slowly, menacingly. "... I have the power over, the undead... Bitch... I won't him die..." Sword then was lifted by a tentacle, "And now, your body and soul is mine. Forever..." The sword was brought and rammed right through the chest of the cat-woman, ripped up, and sliced across, tareing flesh, bone, and heart.

Gorgonite: ::Emerald pools widened in fear, feline ears flattened, tail shot straight up and a loud hiss was heard, then she screamed. Kerri screamed and stuggled and grabbed an anything, words coming from the Mithra's mouth could not be translated, but someone was sure to get the drift of her fear. The sword hit alright, but what it hit was another thing altogether. Flesh and bone was torn and broken, when it all was said and done, it was not a Mithra that was gutten, but a sruffy looking human male.::

Gorgonite: ::A hiss was heard again from down the alley, and there she was, blood on her hands. She even had the gall to lick her fingers clean. "I like you kid, but I know about your mom's tantrums, the Raven told me. I can't believe he loved that slut too! The handler says I need to go and you can thank him for my replacement play partner.

Lucy Ravenlock: Lucy stared into the male's eyes as it was now suddenly - something else. The sword was torn out blood spray in jets across her grinning face, her tongue, licking it from her lips. She chuckled - a maddened laughter as again the tentacles tightened, "... I feel less than satisfied... But... Nevermind." Lucy turned and walked towards her stabbed Father - her sword dripping with the blood of the male - that was now, crushed into a pulp by the tentacles. The woman's voice was noted, with a laughter

Lucy Ravenlock: , "You come here again. I'll kill everything you. And your handler. If you want a war... You will get one. Bitch... And in regards to my Mother?" A grin, she stared to her. "I am, Renna, The Betrayer." Sword dropped she fell to her knees as her hands touched Brian's cheeks, eyes soft to him. "Dad... You okay?" Eyes dancing to the wounds.

Gorgonite: You can't be with him forever, and mommy is left alone also. He will come home and when he does we will be together, they promised me that. He is mine, I was made be his, I was made to. He is MINE! Mineminemineminemine!

Gorgonite: ::Kerri ran away and just after she did, something that looked like a shadow peeled itself from the wall and followed, in it's hand a small spike collar::

Brian Ravenlock: "I think.. No, I know I got sloppy. That's the second time. She is fast, just like your mother." ::Surprisngly, he seems to be alright, save the punctures.. The blood slowed and while the pain was evident, it looked like he would recover, which was a surprise to him. Reaching into his puch a moment, he used the goldenrod given to him by the Trueblood a few nights passed to assist.::

Lucy Ravenlock: A grin, "She's nothing like her..." Tentacles moving under him, lifting him up as she stood... Eyes concerned as she used her human arms to drag his floating form closer, "Where did she stab you?" Eyes scanning his gut to the wounds.

Lucy Ravenlock: "... Mom is going to kill us..." Her face contorted into a mischevious grin; something that made her look like Renna, down to the gaze. "... Do you want me to transport you to a Healer? Father?"

Brian Ravenlock: ::Brian was correct it seemed no vitals were hit, and it also seemed that only 4 wounds could be seen::

Brian Ravenlock: ::To add to the confusion it seems each wound was restabbed multiple times.::

Brian Ravenlock: "No sweets, please just let me lay down a moment and let this stuff work, I was fortunate."

Lucy Ravenlock: "... Hm. You want to heal naturally... They'd make some wicked scars." A giggle now offered, a turning to stare back down the Alley way with where the woman ran. "Yeah sure." She gently laid him down to the ground... Flicking the sword to rid the blood across the ground, eyes stareing to the jumbled mass of the male. "What the hell was that woman? And why is attacking you?"

Brian Ravenlock: "She didnt, want me to die, and I will see a healer soon."

Brian Ravenlock: "gods she is better than me."

Lucy Ravenlock: "You could have killed her, with the pendant... You know..." Pointing to it as she spoke, sheathing the sword back into it's container, cloak moving to conceal the sword short yet again.

Brian Ravenlock: "Lucy, we need to talk."

Lucy Ravenlock: A raised eyebrow, "About what, Father? I think you being stabbed is a little more important... Right now."

Brian Ravenlock: "She did this on purpose."

Brian Ravenlock

Date: 2006-07-05 09:56 EST
Lucy Ravenlock: "Who? Her?" A thumb point down the Alley Way.

Brian Ravenlock: "That was my fratello, my match, my pair. Her name is Kerri, and she and I were many things, well I think we were."

Brian Ravenlock: "When your mom said I was a killer, she knew more than I ever did."

Brian Ravenlock: "There was a reason I was, as she said. The handlers
were that reason. Kerri and I were paired with one specific purpose, to
eliminate high ranking govt officials in neighoring countries."

Lucy Ravenlock: Lucy stared, "What has this to do with anything?"

Brian Ravenlock: "It was to do with the fact, that we were conditioned to do so, everything we thought we did may have been a lie, and now they are using her to drag me back, cause they want their property, me."

Brian Ravenlock: "Since she is paired with me, they also included conditioning for her to love me, and want to breed, it's a need and an addiction. That's what a report Jeskola showed me said. However, I have not told your mom this, she has enough stress as it is."

Brian Ravenlock: "She cannot break it, but she is fighting it, she used a code to signal she wanted me to kill her, should she slip from her hold on herself, and further into the leash."

Brian Ravenlock: "She told it to Lorelie, there is a handler here somewhere, the trouble is, I can be activated just as easily as she, he they get close enough to me."

Brian Ravenlock: ::sighs::

Brian Ravenlock: "They are using her love and need for what we shared, as a tool to enrage her further."

Brian Ravenlock: "This was told to Lorelie and Wyheree, Kerri begged for help and was taken away."

Lucy Ravenlock: Lucy glared and then moved to walk close to the pile of
flesh that was once the male. Moving to her knees she rubbed a hand into the mass of skin and flesh, too bone, and plucked out eyeball. She popped it into her mouth, and chewed. 'Pop!' Gush of fluid. A turning, she swallowed and then continued to stare at him as he spoke. "Then kill her."

Brian Ravenlock: "She may not even be Kerri anymore, she may have slipped into Gorgonite."

Brian Ravenlock: "I want to."

Brian Ravenlock: "But part of me wants to free her."

Brian Ravenlock: ::slowly he stood to his feet::

Lucy Ravenlock: "Free her in death, Father."

Brian Ravenlock: "I don't care what was a lie, or not. I am here and I am with your mom and you."

Brian Ravenlock: "But Kerri deserves better and she is sending signals."

Brian Ravenlock: "Why gut me in the same spots, why not slit my throat? She has had your mom all alone and still wont attack."

Brian Ravenlock: " #$%^&* this is the 2nd ruined shirt. An yer right, these will scar like a b***h ."

Brian Ravenlock: "The Scathachians say they can help."

Lucy Ravenlock: "If Mother was here now she'd be laughing at the way your speaking. You know how she used so many times? Don't you feel your being lured on again?" Walking to him as he stood, "If you need me... My Army can hunt them down."

Brian Ravenlock: "Your mother was different, as.."

Brian Ravenlock: "I knew I was being used..."

Lucy Ravenlock: "Don't be so sure... You wanted to help her? Look what happened? You killed her. It's going to happen again - so stop beating around the bush, and do it!"

Brian Ravenlock: "I know she wants to be free, I owe it to her, and if we cant do it one way, i will do it the other."

Lucy Ravenlock: Lucy sighed and lowered her head, "... If you die, Father. I'll hate you."

Brian Ravenlock: "I told you, my life is yours and your mother's."

Brian Ravenlock: "I made a promise."

Brian Ravenlock: "I cannot die until you two call for me."

Brian Ravenlock: ::looking down to his gut:: " #$%^&* that is a mess.."

Brian Ravenlock: ::He closed his eyes a moment and remained quiet::

Lucy Ravenlock: Eyes starieng hard up to him, "If you die..." Eyes
swelling with tears, "I won't be there to watch you become a hole in the
ground..."

Brian Ravenlock: (s) "She is across town, they have to have a port."

Brian Ravenlock: "Sweetie?"

Brian Ravenlock: ::Hard blues softened at the look he was getting from
his daughter, as he smiled faintly::

Brian Ravenlock: "Then I just won't die."

Brian Ravenlock: "Problem solved."

Brian Ravenlock: "You are right, I need to deal with this, and we shall."

Brian Ravenlock: "Thank you for the help."

Brian Ravenlock: "Next time, I don't use a big ass sword.. Too slow."

Lucy Ravenlock: Head jerked away as she spun to face down the Alley Way. "Hm..." She didn't sound too convinced, "I believe Renna would prefer it if you were alive..." A glance to her side at the very air, and she smiled. "I'm not getting involved anymore... It's your deal, not mine. Goodbye Father, I must go and sort out some stuff, before I return to Erich."

Brian Ravenlock: "Wait, we need to talk about your "Master" my dear."

Lucy Ravenlock: A pause. "... I don't have a Master."

Brian Ravenlock: "I heard what you said.."

Brian Ravenlock: "And I know what he is."

Brian Ravenlock: "So long as you are happy, I am fine."

Brian Ravenlock: "But I hope you are not being coerced."

Brian Ravenlock: ::he quieted down and waited::

Lucy Ravenlock: "If you spread it. He'll kill me. Keep it to yourself."
Glancing back to him, "... I just want to do what he says. I... Like him." Soft smile.

Brian Ravenlock: "He'd never kill you."

Brian Ravenlock: "Like I said, so long as you are happy, I am fine."

Lucy Ravenlock: "... Yeah. I know."

Brian Ravenlock: "I won't have him make a fool of you either."

Brian Ravenlock: ::Smiles:: "I love you, Lucy."

Brian Ravenlock: ::Collects his sword:: "I need to get patched up, your mom will kick my ass."

Brian Ravenlock: "She left here drunk and with any luck is home and wont notice I was out all night."

Lucy Ravenlock: "I'm happy... And he won't. I just want to do anything for him - I want him to be happy... That's all." A sigh and then a stretch of arms over her head, "Nyah! Yeah she'd kill you. Me too... Considering I just..." Nodding to the mass of flesh she just stepped over, "Drunk? Oh boy..." Giggling, "I'll see you soon, we got that lunch to do, remember?"

Brian Ravenlock: "Yes we do dear, lunch and cake."

Brian Ravenlock: ::Walking over to her, a sweet kiss planted upon her head::

Brian Ravenlock: "Next time, i will call upon your Mother to assist me. Truth be told I miss her dearly."

Lucy Ravenlock: A smile at the kiss, head upturned. "Who? Renna?"

Brian Ravenlock: "Maybe I can last the next fight without getting sloppy."

Brian Ravenlock: "Yes, Ren."

Brian Ravenlock: "Take care, love. Mom and I will see you soon."

Lucy Ravenlock: A grin, "Yeah you too Father." Hand wiping the blood from her face, paleing it pink. "Bye Dad." She skipped and jumped down through the ground.


Brian Ravenlock: "Now to see a saw bones, #$%^&* ng claws and daggers..."

Brian Ravenlock: ::What Brian didn't see was yet another shadow peel itself from the wall and begind to follow him, in it's hand a solid

Issy

Date: 2006-07-05 11:50 EST
Isuelt had been trailing Brian?s targets for the better part of a day. These ?handlers,? as he called them were strange, indeed. She had lost them more than a few times during her subdued chase; they seemed to simply vanish into and emerge out of shadows. Even for an accomplished tracker like a Scathachian, following the handlers was near impossible.

It was after several of these frustrating instances, that Isuelt decided to focus on Kerri. She knew that the handlers had to remain within thirty feet or so of their operative, so if she tailed Kerri, then her true targets would be nearby without fail.

The sun-kissed Scathachian had done some digging around and found ?Kerri? to be short for Kerrithra. The woman was, as Brian had said, a Mithra. And she was small, Isuelt had a good six inches on her. She also knew that Jenai was back at the Sanctuary researching any and all markings, behaviors, and weapons that Brian could identify. Truth be told, Isuelt was anxious for Jenai?s take on the woman and how they could bring her down without too much bloodshed. She was confident that the Scathachian healer would come up with some sort of concoction to temporarily render Kerri (or Brian, if need be) ineffective.

Isuelt had stood outside the Inn for only a few minutes after she watched Kerri enter. She had remembered Brian saying something about her staying there...room eight, it was? Perhaps she was going to spend the rest of the day in quiet repose. ?Fat chance, girl. Your luck is never that good,? the gypsy chuckled to herself. As the sun had been heating the black leather on her back to a rapid temperature during the day, now she felt the bitter bite of the night air. Isuelt moved to the front steps of the Inn and walked in. Isuelt knew that Trixie was on her way, and that Jenai would hopefully be joining them with the results of her findings. The trio would, no doubt, have an easy time detaining the woman causing their beloved chef so much angst. Until they arrived, however, Isuelt would keep an eye (and possibly, a blade) on Kerri.

Unaware that Kerri and Brian had already had a run-in within the Inn?s walls, she was walking into round two. It was late in the night...or early in the morning, depending on your point of view. And although Isuelt was used to hanging back and watching a target before she struck, she was beginning to feel a bit impatient. Plus, she had the nagging feeling that she, herself, was being tailed. If there was one thing that Isuelt couldn?t stand, it was the teasing game of Cat-and-Mouse. She had always favored action over observation. Letting the door close quietly behind her, she looked around the oddly empty common room. She stood just inside the threshold and let her dark gaze scan the room. There was no Kerri in sight, yet somehow she doubted that the woman had gone up to her room. Mud-caked boots made soft thuds against the floorboards as Isuelt further made her way in; her hands ready on the hilts of her blades. She knew that where Kerri was, so were handlers. But as she was fond of saying, Isuelt was born ready for anything.

Wyheree

Date: 2006-07-06 20:27 EST
(Cross-posted from Nexus-Reawakened)

This morning found Wyheree at the Inn early, indulging in a glass of orange juice. Kerri the bouncing Mithra was there, talking with an odd girl Wyheree knew was Brian and Charlotte's daughter Lucy - that is, if you could call taunting the girl about her father and her lover talking. Kerri was not her usual hyper self - she sat on the bar, hardly moving - until she noticed Wyheree - then she flipped over the bar in a greeting of sorts.

Kerri then taunted Wyheree about the old wards she had placed around Brian's house - saying she needed better ones. When her suggestion of her wards transporting triggers into the Ice Plane was met with laughter and derision, Wyheree's temper began to flare, and the temperature around her began to drop.

Kerri's continued taunts and jabs about Brian served to worsen Wyheree's temper - for Kerri, with all her supposed intimate knowledge of "Raven", knew absolutely nothing about Brian. Kerri then returned to her verbal assault of Lucy, which the odd one disregarded with jabs of her own. Then, Kerri went too far.

She took jabs at Wyheree's love life - or lack of love life - even suggesting she would "do Raven" if Charlotte was not her friend. That was an utter lie, and earned Kerri a smack with her icy winds, then another, and finally - at Lucy's suggestion - Wyheree encased the Mithra nearly completely in ice. She moved toward Kerri, squeezing the ice tighter, "You wish to die - fine. You wish to take Brian with you? ::shakes her head:: I cannot allow that."

Just after Kerri was frozen, two shadow-things peeled away from the walls, and moved toward the icy Mithra. Lucy swiftly tore away the shadows to reveal two men, each one holding a collar - and a collar had suddenly become visible around Kerri's neck. The Mithra strained and flexed, cracking the ice nearly as fast as Wyheree could wrap it around her. Then, she broke through the ice, exploding shards all across the Inn. Lucy's shadows had made short work of the men, and she also seemed to know the significance of the collar - "Hey Wyheree, freeze the collar off her neck."

Which Wyheree attempted to do, her first bolt of ice missing, Kerri screamed loudly and ran dead for Wyheree, "YOU!!" A second, larger blast of ice was dodged nimbly by the charging Mithra, and Wyheree knew the time had come for darker magic.

"Wy-uh-ree? He will activate!"

That was the last Kerri spoke, for Wyheree's eyes glowed, and she called for the moisture within Kerri's blood, willing it to coagulate, to slow, to choke with ice. Kerri's body slowed, mouth muffled and still she fought. Her body began to increase in size, her eyes widened and took a red coloring, while she continued to struggle. Wyheree whispered to Kerri as she held the Mithra's blood, "Do not make me kill you.."

Kerri managed to free a gold ball-like device, which exploded in a flash, and Wyheree was forced to release her hold on the Mithra's blood and shield herself from the blast. Kerri took the opportunity to slip away, whimpering, the collar in pieces on the floor, then she was distracted by a shiny necklace tossed over by Icer, and then with a "mew", Kerri was gone.

Lucy identified the ball-like thing as a "stun grenade", and offered Wyheree a hand up. The morning had not gone well at all, and she snaked her tendrils behind the bar for the Lothlorian Gold. A chat with Lucy and Icer about the men now beaten to faceless lumps ended with Lucy and Icer - eating - the remains, which made Wyh feel quite queasy. Excusing herself, she left the Inn, fervently hoping the rest of her day would improve.