He could not forgive himself for being so foolish. He knew touching the bloodspeaker's weapon would leave a taint within him ans still he though a cloth would protect him.

As he stalked through the halls of the Keep he kept pulling the piece of chalk that the liontaur had given him. " I hope you are right about this bit of jade, Rakeesh....for both our sakes...."

Moving into one of the first floor appartments he pulled a bed away from the far wall and walked a slow circuit around it. Taking the piece of chalk up in his hand he followed Rakeesh' instructions and drew a circle around the bed, the green chalk glittered softly in the firelight as he finished off the cirle.

"Lots of sleep....lots of rest.......and no impure thoughts......" With a heavy sigh he crossed the line of chalk, making sure not to step on it, and slid onto the bed. "Seems easy enough......but the easy things have a way of being the most challenging." Resiting his hand underneath his head he slowly drifted off into a fitful sleep as the taint fought against the effects of the jade circle. He had many visions. Visions of blood and death, lust and beauty, dreams of his past that made him the being he is now. All these soon faded as thoughts of Cheyenne entered his sleep and he found a peace that let him get through the night and into the next. Sleeping all the while, his thought empty. His body and the magic of the cirlce fighting the taint within.

The reliefe I felt in my heart could not be measured when Alais appeared in front of me. I had gone to Hell and back to save her, shown more of my power than I had ever done before. I had faced darker beings than I ever could be and still had not found her. Yet here she was, standing in front of me, no illusion, no longing vision from my thoughts, she was flesh and blood. and yet......

And yet I sensed a great evil in her now.

This darkness within her gave me paused for concern. I knew that she would be changed after her imprisonment, but his was a startling revelation. If not cured soon...I knew she might end up becoming a Bloodspeaker like Shahai and Daigotsu...there were all ready rumos floating about that another of the accursed mages may have been raised...but if Alais joined their number......I doubt I'd be able to fight them.

I told her of the taint within Artemus, of teh events that had caused it, and of the latest threats coming from Legendazona. How the poltergeist was now threatening a young girl named Cheyenne. A young girl who is the first I've met to actually dare to have feelings for my brother, Artemus.

I could not help but wonder if she had any idea of the evils in Artemus' heart. Any inclination at all as to the attrocities he has commited in the name of right and good. I could not help but wonder if she knew how high the pile of skeletons in Artemus's proverbial closet went.

I can only hope and pray that she can change his heart. Save his soul. and help him walk the path I have taken to tred on. If Artemus can be saved then there is hope for others......

Taking Alais into my arms I showed her just how deep the rabbit hole of my devotion went......and how ensnared she had my heart.

Then I told her of my new job......at the Alley Cat Club.

The smirk on my face broadened as I looked down at Chey.

"Yannow, while yer down here?" I waggled by eyebrows playfully before helping her stand up.

Not wanting to waste any time I got straight to the point. Ye love me, Chey?.......Truly?

With a warm smile I expressed that I felt the same.....It was hard for me to admit that I actually cared for another. Slipping an arm around her waist I decided it was time to show her something special...the family mural......

I could not help but wonder if she had any idea of the evils in Artemus' heart. Any inclination at all as to the attrocities he has commited in the name of right and good. I could not help but wonder if she knew how high the pile of skeletons in Artemus's proverbial closet went.

I can only hope and pray that she can change his heart. Save his soul. and help him walk the path I have taken to tred on. If Artemus can be saved then there is hope for others......

Taking Alais into my arms I showed her just how deep the rabbit hole of my devotion went......and how ensnared she had my heart.

Then I told her of my new job......at the Alley Cat Club.


I had felt the darkness in Artemus, he is shadow where Sylus is light. Cold where Sylus is warmth, and I do fear for Artemus, though I have no clue what atrocities he may have participated in during times past.

I know too that I have commited an atrocity by bringing Shahai back from beyond, and that every death she causes is attributable to myself. This is a very hard thing to face.

The discussion switched to the new job, and I confess I like it not. There are some things simply not done in families that hold histories and positions of importance. I can only hope he will change his mind on this venture.

I had not been to the Isle of Twilight in some time so I decided to reaquaint myself with my refered venue. Stepping through the portal I said my greetings to Brigath who was calling at the time and then spotted Chey playing on the beach. Feeling that it was best to let her have her fun for the moment I decided to have a small conversation with Illusia. She told me of how her baby was due any day now, and just looking at her I could believe her. It still struck me as odd that anyone would name their child after Max Blue.

As a duelist I have the greatest amount of respect for him, but the way he constantly flirts with women right in front of his wife still makes me think he is not whole hearted in his devotion, esspecially now that Altara is with child and twins at that last I heard.

It was after this that Lus asked how Chey and myself were doing. I conveyed my feelings and smiled warmly. Something about my features and how I spoke must have said something to Illusia's intuition for she said that something in me has changed. That I am not as cold and dark as I once was. Upon reflection I have come to see that she is right. Something about being with Cheyenne has changed me, and for the better I think, since I find myself actually beginning to see people as just that...People. When I meet a stranger on the street I no longer think of how I can possibly use that person in some scheme to get what I desire. Something about Chey has softened my heart. At one point I may have severed such a connection to save myself the emotional pains that might come with it, but now.......now that I have gone through the sleep of purity to save myself from becoming like Daigotsu, Shahai, and Yajindinn I find myself wanting these feelings.

Looking for a change of topic I cast my challenge for a duel. Almost immediately Mur and the warrior Joku said that they would. In my usual dipolomatic manner I told them to duel each other and that I would then fight the winner. This brought a laugh out of Brigath. Mur conveyed that he did not care who he dueled so long as he got one and told Joku that he could duel me. As Joku tole me that this was his first magic duel I decided to be respectful and be patient with him, let him feel like he was doing well. At first I kept the duel close and stayed defensive. It was at this point that one of Joku's thought flittered through my mind about how he had heared the magic duels were boring nad could now see why. He felt he was dueling a mage with no balls. This slightly angered me and made me smirk. I took the rest of the duel to embarass him as best I could, ending the match with a 5.5-2 victory. Broadening my already cocky smirk I told Joku that it was a good duel and left the ring.

Walking over to Chey I smiled and took her into my arms. We sat for a time and talked of how the assasins that hunted her family may come looking for her once again. When I mentioned hunting them, she made me swear that neither I or my brother would go near them. I could only speak for myself, what Sylus would wish to do I could not say. I could only guess.

I knew that I needed one more win to go up in rank and told Chey this.
"Then get in their and beat someone's ass" she said with a laugh. It was then that the WarDrac, Bapheloctus came onto the Isle. I saw this as my opportunity. I entered the ring and faced Baphe with all my focus, Chey took this time to go home and get me something. I ended the duel as quickly as possible, securing my win. Chey came back onto the Isle carrying a present. Inside was a baby tiger. I smiled broadly though why she would give a tiger to a leopard I do not know.......

We left the Isle early and returned to Kurgen Keep, where Cheyenne gave me yet another gift...one that is more precious to me than any other....her purity....

Through the course of the day I had watched those that I drew a picture of and grew steadily as I still could not see into the Temple. I watched a pair of initiates wak through a market preaching the wonders of the White Lady and do their best to get others to at least take a look around the Temple of Divine light. I watched Vincent Smith through the bowl of water as he dueled Farek for the title of Keeper of the Tower of Water.

Yet what was making me mad was that everytme they entered the temple grounds all traces of them seemed to vanish. I tried almost everything short of slaying an accolyte and taking his robes. Scrying for a location brought up nothing, even when the piece of quartz crystal dangled over the Temples location on the map I had just bought. I knew the temple was warded, but not this heavily. Whatever went on within it's walls the founder did not want anyone unassociated with the temple to know about.

Feeling sullen I went to check the standings for the Isle of Twighlight and found that somehow I had gone up a rank. It was all I could do to keep from having an anxiety attack. I was steadily moving towards my goal. I wish and will do my best to be the first to ever hold all of teh Keeper titles on the Isle of Twilight. I knew of Sylus' designs to become Overlord but scoffed that idea....the polotics within the swords arena is to spurious and often leaves too many grudges for my tastes but as our mother often stated " To each his own"...I need one more win to move up to the next rank...I think I'll ask for the spells Meteor Shower and Ghostform.

Sighing heavily I sat on the throan-like chair as Shira nestled agains my leg. I had not seen Chey in several days and am becoming a bit worried, she told me she was going to start investigating the Temple. I had my fears that this was not a wise coarse of action as she had only begun to understand the power within her, but there was little I could do. I am not her gaurdian nor her master. What she chooses to do is her own right..I just don't have to like it. It was time I ventured to the Temple once more and watch it's coming's and goings, so I grabbed my pad and pencil and with the bowl of water I brought up the image of Aeron's mother...her form would suit for this evenings work.....

The large broadsword sang as it moved in a blur at the well honed movements fom his hands. Pivoting off of his back foor, he swung the blade in a dazzling arc but stopped dead in his tracks and pivoted in the opposit direction castig the blade into a perfectly executed parry. Spinning the blade around behind him, Sylus did a no-hands cartwheel. As he landed, Valerios was ready and inplace within his hands, the blade's song resounding beautifully within the training room. Sy had found himself training more and more with the ancient blade. Ever since he had talked with Ulysses and was told the he was approved of. That he had potential....Potential what? was what he kept asking himself as he went through the training motions that kept his skill sharp.

A light sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead, chest, and shoulders as he walked back to his room on the eighth floor of Kurgen Keep. Valerios was safely sheathed at his back, and a small smile was on his face. Stopping by an outter window, Sylus saw his brother pulling a sled off into the woods.
"What games do cat's play while the dog appears to be away?" He asked himself as he watched Artemus fade from sight.

Replacing Valerios on it's stand in his room, Sylus moved down the steps to the front door and followed Artemus. Keeping behind his brother by several yards, he kept his eyes on where he was walking. Making sure not to step on any dead branches, Sylus found himself in a small clearing, with Art standing over an ogre's corpse. Knowing what had happened he sighed mournfully, and with a heavy sigh, returned to the keep.

He was just about to release the wards that protected the Keep from intruders when a rider approached. The rider wore simple chainmail under a forrest green surcoat. It was the emblem on the lads' surcoat that gave Sylus a moment to pause, for he knew it well. The sigyl was that of a blue bull wearing a crown of orchids with a red background. The emblem belonged to Varad Rovensheaf. Keeping his face steady he watched the rider come closer and riegn it's painted roan to a stop.
"Are you Sylus Adair Kurgen?" The lad asked in a droll monotone voice, his face was completely devoid of any kind of emotion.

Keeping my tone calm and casual "Who wishes to know?" my hand rested comfortably on my hip at the spot where my sword usually was.

"I have a message for you from the Council of the Seven Stars" the messenger stated as he reached very slowly into a sachel at his side. When his hand emerged it held a scroll with another sigyl on it. The emblem of my order.....The Broken Shield. " Sylus Adair Kurgen, you are hereby ordered to return to your order's mother house in the city of Kelvar. A new lord is being chosen, with the councils decision, at the behest of Lord Varad. Your pressence is requested at these viewings and interviews of a new lord. With the failure to complete your quest, the Council will decide if you are still fit to wear the mantle of Chief Asassin." A slight smirk slipped onto the messengers face as he handed me the scroll in his hand. "Should you fail to comply, the measures that will be taken are outlined in this document. You have three weeks to return."

His duty completed the messenger set off at a gallop. Undoing the wards to the Keep I opened the document and headed towards the eighth floor appartments.

My heart felt lighter as I left the grove where Mielikki had embraced me and helped he shed my grief. Her regal demeanor and way of making even the strongest willed person feel weak and intellecutally inferior had initially urked him, but through his years of service he had come to think of it as her most endearing quality.

He was back into the welcoming fold of her many children...back to the place he where he had belonged the whole time..even in his travels and many pointless battle he felt a piece of himself missing...a small part of that returned when he was with Chey. That was probably what had made her so special to him.....her way of viewing things was similar to what Mielikki taught. The memory of the the goddess' coming to him would always be in his memory to his dying day.

"The time of your grieving has ended young Artemus...the time for you to take up your duties has come again." Her tone had been gentle as she touched the side of his face, stroking gently and letting the last of his tears fall. "You must reclaim your position as the best of my chosen....my elite." The gentleness in her voice was still there but filled with a crisp business-like undertone. Apparently she had grown impatient with his melancholly reclusiveness from the world and her teachings.

"This is what you must do....return to Rhydin and help young Alia Anor." His shock must have shown in his features for she looked at him sternly "NO arguing......she has a dark future awaiting her...and it is apparent that there is nothing to stop it. What you must to is be a friend to her..help her meet her destiny as pure as she can possibly be..."

He looked at her as if she had grown another head "She has a dark future....and I'm supposed to get her moving towards it?......am I not supposed to be against such things?.....isn't my job as one of your chosen to stop darkness like is rumored to infest the Temple of Divine Light?"

She rolled her eyes slighly but Artemus knew that she had tried not to.."You are the best of my children because you question...but that same reluctance and questioning makes you the most troublesome....." Her musical lilting voice had an exasperated undertone "Just do as I ask you......there is much to be done and little time...."Her gentle smile came to her face and made her features glow. Leaned forward slightly she kissed his forehead as he faded in a shimmering swirl of butterflies and light. "Go young Artemus......time is precious...." Tears rimming his eyes, Artemus Kurgen headed for Rhydin with a new purpose...a new path to wander.....Artemus Allon Kurgen.....High Priest of the goddess Mielikki, the goddess of forrests and nature itself...was back...and he had work to do...

The visions being played out in the pond kept his attention until the wolf Siria came out of the deep foliage of the surrounding forrest and told me of a visitor. Pretending to look at the pond which had all ready gone placid and dark with the magic cast away I waited for the lost one to come to me. It did not take long.

Hearing the person come into the clearing I turned and regarded this being, letting my power slip over the clearing, it's gentle warmth and harmony putting everything at ease. The person was gone as quickly as soon as I saw him.

"Well that's a little rude isn't it? " I shrugged and went back to watching the pond.

Darkness....

Fire.........

Devotion.........

These are the elements used in forging weapons. For weeks I have toiled here in the bowels of kurgen Keep. Forging new weapons for myself. The spirits of my ancestors, ever vigilant, were felt all around me as I worked at these ancient forges. The only light to be seen were the red-hot coals and the white-hot iron and steele before me.

Sweat and grime smeared my face, arms and torso. Raven black hair clung to my face and back in rivlets. Sparks scathed the skin of my forearms and chest as I worked dilegently. I could feel the muscles in my upper body grow as I continued my task. After countless hours and sleepless days...they were finished. All that I needed to do now...was test them.

After taking a long deserved shower, I dressed in simple training leathers, tied my now waist-length hair back in a thick braid, and took my newly forged scimitars to the dojo on the nineth floor.

I had done remarkable well with these. Starting out in a mantra designed to work on balance I noticed immediately how light the mythril blades felt in my hands. Unlike my last set of scimitars, these were not elegant in appearance. No golden filigree, no elven characters to represent skill, honor or some other such sentiment, these were designed for use and reliability. They did have both defensive and offensive runes however. Thanks to Mur's tutelage I was now stronger in how I could manipulate the aether. The runes in these blades held similar power to Valerios, my broadsword...except where Valerios could control elements...these could extinguish them.

Summoning a wall of ice I lunged forward with my right blade ,which flared to life, as a sheet of green fire wrapped about the folded metal slicing through the ice like it was hot butter. Pivoting with my left foot, I swung the left blade and angled my attack to the spot that I had just attacked. Cold wind blew forth from the blade repairing the damage. One made with fire...one with the property of ice....both equal in power....both designed to protect those that I care about.

Changing out of my training leathers I put on a simple black shirt, a pair of jeans, steele-toe boots, and went to I'Taurn in search of Alais. I was back now and stronger, physically at least, than before.

He could hardly contain his laughter as he listened to Alais and Rhaine discuss the spell he had put in Sylus's hair when he asked him to braid his waist-length hair. Everything was going according to plan.

They discussed why he might have put the tracking spell on Sylus, discussed what he might be after, and they discussed his motives. How easily they jumped to the conclusion that he was after Alais's books of power. What did he need of spells like that? He had no need of such power at all.

Artemus had an eye on something else entirely. It was a book that Sylus had talked of, a book about the Plane of Shadow. It was this book, and this book alone, that he was after. There were beings on that plane of existence that could be useful to him. Mainly the Girrash. Humanoid creatures with feline attributes and appearances. He could get them to possibly join him, ally themselves with him. If only he could get his hands on that book. Time was on his side for now, but how much longer remained to be seen. For now all he could do was wait, wait for them to slip up. Wait for his own Waterloo.

He moved through his former home easily. The halls seemed cleaner than he remembered them ever being. It did not take him long to make it to the eighth floor...his old floor.

Striding through the hallway he entered his office and headed for the desk by the far wall.

Sitting down he penned a missive to General Xenograg.

"Dear Xeno,

I am sorry if this catches you by suprise but I am very concerned about Alais. She has gone to Riverbend alone to investigate a strange voice that speaks to her there. Is there someplace we can meet and discuss a course of action to this? I am at an impass in trying to find Riverbend, I feel she goes there not only to investigate teh voice but to escape the emotions of this world. Can you meet me at the duels tonight....I need assistance, and you were there when Alais went to Riverbend the first time. ~Sylus"

With a few chanted words the missive disolved in thin air to seek out Xeno.

He rose early and gazed out thw window of his room for a long period of time. Contemplating.....

Asako said that her minions had infiltrated his Keep, this angered him greatly and he knew now what it was he must do. He would be gone for several weeks, it would be enough time to pull of something to shake that woman's confidence. Then it struck him..." I'll dismantle the Keep......" Grinning wickedly he threw a few weeks worth of clothes into a large black bag and sprinted down the stairs. None of his staff lived at Kurgen Keep and Cadence had been kidknapped.

Stepping outside he moved several yards away from the Keep and looked up at it. " It is time to return you to the dust of oblivion that made you...." With a heavy sigh, Artemus Allon Kurgen released the binding that kept his ancestrial home locked in place to this plane of existence. Returning it, stone by stone, to the astral plane. The "Others" that had watched over it until he reclaimed it rushed back to their ancient duty. Not a soul could enter the Keep now...and hope to live. The Blood Speakers would find their demise here, now, if they tried to find and enter the Keep.

And the heaven's help any mortal being that tried to enter, their soul would not remain in their body londer than the second it takes them to walk through the door. With yet another regretful sigh he sent a mental message to Sylus...telling him what has transpired and why he had done so.

The wind blew through the empty valley where Kurgen Keep once stood, life was leaving the valley, turning it into a barren and lifeless wasteland. Deep underground, something began to stir, soething was awakening. A dark roar resounded from within the earth. An ancient creature, long asleep, was once again awakening.


(( This is just an OOC reminder that buildings and NPC's are the property of the player that created them, if you wish for a char to be able t enter or interact with them you need to get permission from the player they belong to.))

I sat upon a low hill and watched Sylus for hours, listening to his spoken thoughts and his inner turmoil. Oh how he knew his brother so well. Drifting in his own thoughts he watched Sy leave for the arena's and moved to stand at the base of where Kurgen Keep once stood. "His problem is mine as well...I cast you from this world...it must be I that bring you back.." With a sorrowed sigh hesat down and began to consult his spell books as he summoned them to him one by one.

Whispers in the dark...

~An evil seeks rebirth....~

Whispers in the shadows...

~The twice tainted will seek the light....~

Whispers in the void...

~The Annaran will vanish....~

The whispers came without end. Their ominous words filled his mind as he tossed and turned in his bed. A sense of forboding washed over his heart as dark visions flashed before his eyes. Faces he had never seen before but would come to know. A Cat-demoness, a Tiefling, and a faceless shadow that loomed above them all. It's identity veiled from his eyes but it's evil was great.

Whispers in the dark

~An evil seeks rebirth....~

Whispers in the shadow...

~The twice tainted will seek the light....~

Whispers in the void...

~The Annaran will vanish....~

"ALAIS!!!!" He came awake screaming her name. His heart beating a mile a minute in his chest. Something had happened to her...and one of those beings in his dream was responsible. Dressing as fast as he could Sylus threw on his cloak and sprinted out of I'Taurn. Jumping onto Stepper's back saddle forgotten he rode like hell itself was on his heels. He needed answers...and something in his heart told him Xeno or Teleperien may know a piece of this Hypnos sent puzzle. He would start with the closes...Xeno.

Digging his heels into Stepper's ribs he raced towards the Dojo.

When the book flared to life pulling Artemus inside of its enspelled pages and closing with a flutter of aged parchment, the runes flashing on last time, Rhaine only quirked eyebrow. She picked up the book, antimagic shell shimmering around her. Right on time! Shahai rose abruptly and moved toward the book. The runes on the book glowed faintly at vampiress' touch, a feline image etched itself on the cover.
Shahai paused as the vampire got the book first. Rhaine looked at her, calm grin on her face. "What a curious one". The tone she has chosen was slightly sarcastic.
"Learning is always desired."
"Your straightforwardness is admirable." Her voice was dripping with poison. Bloodspeaker may try anything she pleases... she will not get the book. Of this asmodean was sure.
"You have special dispensation, whether or not I like it."
A bit of lightning pulsed around the cover of the dark book sliding over Rhaine's hand. She reinforced the shielding, and the book suddenly jerked in her hand as the feline etching looked like it was in severe pain.
Shahai backed up a couple of steps, pulling shadow around her. Looking at the book, Rhaine frowned slightly, and put it down on the table, trying to open it. She knew she could not succeed without forcing the book to open, but.. never hurts to try. Artemus was having problems. Sensing Shahai's intent look, she grinned. "I don't think I'm intending to quench your curiosity, Shahai"
Bloodspeaker gave her a feral smile. "Irrelevant".
As Rhaine tried to open the book several venomous serpentes slithered out of it's pages, dripping fanges snapping at the vampiress. She ignored them, slight knowing grin shimmering on her lips. One lunged at her throat the others her arm and torso. She didn't even try to defend herself, sharp fangs biting into her flesh, numbing venom coursing into her.
"It'd be good if they don't get poisoned... poor beings," she grinned. The snakes wrapped themselves around her tightly, constricting. When this became annoying, Rhaine took a snake from her throat, her moves seemingly lazy... but pale cyan glow emanated from her hand. She squeezed serpent's head, opening its mouth. Lightning crackled over the cover again, stronger now as it lurched again moving a little away from Rhaine. A feral roar emanated from within the book as the etching of the leopard on the cover turned to a defiant stance.
"I do not appreciate anything taking away my acquaintances." Rhaine spoke calmly, with deadly cold in her voice.
Shahai slid her hands into the sleeves of her kimono.
"Second time I would have to take something curious away from your hands?" vampiress winked at her.
Bloodspeaker gave her a cold look "I took something precious away from you."
"Such as?"
"Mystic, the child came most willingly"
Rhaine stepped back, the words being a blow. "I do not believe you"... Everything inside her screamed in denial.
"I did so enjoy my time with her," Shahai's smile was deadly cold. The runes on the book cover flared to life, smoke billowing out of it's pages. As it rose into the air words formed "The Child Lives". However, no one looked at the words... Rhaine was pale, cold resolution touched her face like a shadow. "I do not think your action, contradicting previous behavior of your lord, was sanctioned by him. Was it? He did not wish to conflict Mystic, and you attacked her?"
Shahai nearly purred "I do not require sanctioning to do as I did. She came willingly. There is no attack"
Rhaine's eyes were icy... she beamed a fanged grin at Shahai, trying to keep her tone toxic "Ah truly. I do not believe you applied no pressure to the lass."
"In fact Vampire.... she negotiated her services for protection of a half elf and a human"
"That I do find believable." Vampiress' eyes narrowed dangerously. She was a step away from spitting on the risk of being seen in her true form and lunging at Shahai's throat with SoulDrinker ready. The whispers of the blade were filling her mind, mixing with fear...
"I would be willing to help you with that as well," Bloodspeaker offered. Rhaine's reply was a resolute no.
"The halfbreed was alive tonight, and I think the dhoine was alive as well," she said coldly.
"Yes, I will not start things with them, but I did warn her that I will defend myself if need be."
"I will only believe you when I see the proof myself," Rhaine almost hissed. Never trust anyone... especially your foe.
Bloodspeaker folded her hands into her sleeves. The dark book was spinning on the table in blurred revolutions. Blood red lightning blasted from it in all directions seeming to hit no one and pass through everything, a chill wind blowing out from the book. However the neckbiter held the book close... her hand resting on the cover. Shahai watched her, but the verbal duel continued.
"She is a most interesting source of magic. Nearly as interesting as dragons"
"I know," vampiress said with a smirk. "Telling me simple truths? You are getting boring."
Still spinning, the book was sliding here and there on top of the table as if someting is being thrown into solid walls or pillars inside of it. Rhaine tried to keep it from moving. Artemus... damn shifter definitely got into a problem! And Shahai was keeping her attention. It was hard to believe the bloodspeaker's words. Why would Mystic remain at Arena's when Shahai was around? Was not their previous encounter a lesson enough?!
"Your words are no proof", she spoke, trying to sound emotionless. "Anyone with at least advanced training in magical senses would know that".
"Shall I tell you what her blood is like? Shall I tell you the flare of power I felt as I siphoned it from her, or that her arm is marked with one of my tendrils?"
"If I see her arm marked - I will believe you. And if what you say is true, Shahai... your lord has lost a friend." It was no threat, Rhaine realized. Mystic meant to her much more than all of the bloodspeakers in the world, including Daigotsu. He could have become a valuable acquaintance, an ally or even a friend - but if it was his order to harm Mystic, she would never again join him on a hunt. Shahai's dark laughter filled the air.
"You would forsake milord over that child? You choose unwisely then Vampire."
Yes, I would, she thought. As if there was anything ever to forsake... She laughed, her voice dry and cold.
"I would not enjoy company of a leader who can not keep the choices of his army to the guidelines of his own".
Blackness swirled around her left wrist, seems to pulse like a heartbeat. SoulDrinker whispered in her mind. Bloodspeaker... We will feed, Glaeddyv Sierthii.... Maddening, pulsating whispers in her mind. "Shut up!" she screamed aloud, before realizing how stupid it looked.
Slowly, almost painfully the book stopped spinning and a black ichor began to ooze from it's empowered pages. A death rattle resounded from somewhere in it's depths. Rhaine took the book into her hands. Why did it all have to happen today... Shahai's black eyes focused on the vampiress, but she never noticed this. She sensed a weakened voice through the link. "Take us home, Rhaine. Take us home".

Becoming a shadow was something he had not thought of when he set out to master one of the hardest schools of magic. He knew he might be changed?.but this was something he truly had not foreseen. Looking around again he finally found his voice after several tries at speaking, his voice was slightly raspy, not quite like the being testing him. ?Show yourself?? He called out trying to cough away the rasp in his tone. ?As you wish? came the increasingly amused sounding reply.

The shadows at the center of the room began to swirl, spiraling down from the ceiling. Like a black tornado the Umbamancer made himself known, his tall wiry frame covered by tattered and torn black robes. The cowl pulled up over his head hid his face completely from view except for two icy blue dots glowing faintly in the recessed darkness of the hood.. The sleeves of it?s shadow-like robes hung down past the beings hands by almost a foot or more ending in frayed shadowy cloth. His robes looked to be made of dark smoke, swirling in upon themselves as if there was no physical body beneath them. ? Here I am?.are you ready for the last part of your training?? He asked calmly, his voice emotionless. With a sigh Artemus nodded to the old being and rotated his neck causing it to issue several satisfying cracks. Floating several inches off of the ground, the Umbramancer watched him for a few moments before nodding in return and lowering himself to the floor. ?Your final test?.is this.? Stepping away from Artemus by several feet, a black staff appeared in the Umbran?s hand. ?You must best me in combat?using all of the Umbran magic you have learned thus far.? Steeling himself, Artemus readied for the fight of his life.

Not even waiting for the old Umbran to begin muttering the slightest incantation he sent bolts of searing dark fire coursing towards the Shadow Mage. To his disappointment he only got the satisfaction of watching the bolts be absorbed into the beings tattered robes. Before the last ball of black fire even struck he had his next spell up and ready a line of white light flashing towards the Mage destroying shadows that got into it?s path. The beam never got anywhere near his adversary before it the old one?s image wavered like a disturbed image in the water. ~ It wasn?t even really him~ Artemus cursed in his mind as he looked around for the Umbramancer. Sensing movement off to his left he dove into a roll and was rewarded with a whoosh of air as something sliced over where his head would have been. Pivoting to the side and rolling again he left a cloud of black mist in his wake, hoping to cloud his movements from the skilled caster.

Out of nowhere large hands made of pure shadow enveloped his lean frame. Holding him by the ankles the hands set about treating him like a rug that needed cleaning. Crashing into one pillar after another he felt rib after rib crack and break, something punctured his lung. The side of his head made fast friends with yet another pillar as he spit up what seemed like several pints of blood. Then the hands let go of him. Flying through the air he had the vague feeling of an approaching wall but wasn?t coherent enough to cast a spell to soften the blow. Arms outstretched, he met the wall in a painful embrace, his form indenting the stone a few inches. As he fell to the floor with a pained groan he managed to release one final spell, thinking unconsciousness was going to claim him. He was rewarded with an agonized scream as his spell flared to life when the Umbramancer came in close to finish him off. The spell was the strongest he had learned, a wave of pure negative energy and emotion swirled around the lich turning it?s own magical energies against it. ? Eat that you fv<k!? He said struggling to his feet, watching the ancient Umbran write in pain was satisfying but he knew it wasn?t over yet. Muttering soft shadowed incantations a blade made of pure darkness appeared in his outstretched hand as he moved to stand over the Umbramancer. ? Guess?I?past?? He said before he brought the dark sword down in an arc aiming to pierce his opponents heart. Just as the blade was about to sink deeply his robes the lich split in two, the blade only getting to taste the stone floor beneath him. Laughing maniacally the Umbramancer appeared standing several feet away. ?You didn?t think it would be that easy did you?? Coughing up another mouthful of blood, Artemus knew he was in serious trouble.
(( To Be continued))

Though his plans were continuing to progress, the complications that had come with them had him scrambling to keep his focus evenly devided. On the one hand he now had a daughter to look out for and protect, this meant no more adventures and definately no more testing his magic. He was a father now, and his days were numbered. Fifteen years and counting.
On the second hand, his magic has been acting oddly, simple spells required more of his focus than they should. Simple tests and self-examinations had isolated the problem to the magic he knows. The three schools he had spent years learning. Though his access to the powers of the druid were rooted into his very being, the stronger Umbran magic was influencing it..making it weaker because the two are polar opposites. If this problem was not delt with soon, he would become severely weakened, and that was something the sorcerer could ill afford.

More riddles with no answers in sight, leaving him with only one place to turn, but he knew that he would find little help there.

::Several weeks had past since that strange night where his quiet slumber had been haunted with disturbing images. Still unsure of what sort of omen the dream fortold, so it was that Artemus found himself sitting high atop his tower. The druid watched the land far below him. Watched the animals move about in their patterns, watched as a large feline stalked a small hawk that had alighted on the ground to pick at some insects. He marveled in it all, at the harmony he felt this day. Humming a soft tune to himself, he smiled as a little cardinal swooped down to flutter in front of him. Holding out a finger, he leaned back to listen to the tale it had to tell:: So the prince consort has returned? ::Smiling at this latest twist in events, Artemus rose to his feet with a laugh:: It appears that the times are getting very interesting. I may have to put my plans on hold once more, just to see where this web of fate spirals to. ::Grinning like a kid on Christmas morning, the druid headed for his study, and his scrying bowl.::

Riddles. There were so many riddles since his return from imprisonment. Ulysses was returned and it was tearing Alais in two directions. Old lifemate or the new? No matter the choice she could make, if Alais chooses at all, the loss would hurt her both ways along with the pain inflicted on the man she let go. And throw in how distant Alais acted at times, it was so beguiling, Sylus wasn't sure what to think of her behavior. True, he understood that the events on the Emerald Isles had wounded a part of her that nothing he could say or do would heal it. Only time and the love he felt for her.

What confused Sylus the most was her most recent behavior. Without warning or anything she'd rushed off to fight Vanion besided Karen. She'd just run off without any plan whatsoever. Expecting her magic to see her through it like an apprentice may. That didn't seem like her at all. Sure, Alais was stubborn and impetuous more than he'd like to admit. But just running off half-cocked into a fight against an army was foolish at best. Only reason he knew even half of what had happened was because he'd heard rumors the next day and other whispers of the event. Then throw in his beloved's burns, it was damned near enough to send him over the edge. After going through so much to be reunited she was almost taken from him again.

And to make matters worse, after explicitly telling her just to stay in bed and recouperate, what did Alais do? She went to the Red Dragon Inn. That was something that truly upset the man. She was wounded and in need of rest and healing, and she got up and went to the local tavern. But it was what took place while there that filled his mind with a lot more riddles about what lay in store for Alais and himself.

Pushing his way through the door of the Inn he was greeted by Xenograg who was tending bar. Not quite in the mood for a drink, Sylus told his teacher that he'd love one but at the moment there was a certain female elf he needed to drag back to bed so she could heal. And apparently her injures were something the Lady Alais wished to remain hidden as he caught her wince when deep ambers found said woman. Sylus was not in a happy mood right then.

However she was deeply in conversation with a person whom was not recognized in the elder Kurgen's memory, so he deemed int best not to interrupt. Yet. Taking up a seat at the bar he asked Xeno who the man Alais was speaking to was. Turns out Tass had an older brother. This information was filed away for later scrutiny. Moments ticked by and in that time, Sylus had asked a few things of his teacher. Mainly how he could just throw Alais over his shoulder and not get fried for it. That was something Xenograg has been trying to figure out for a while.

Glancing back towards Alais and Khirsah it looked like the two of them were getting ready to leave for some place. Sylus wasn't going to let her weasle out of it that easily. Slipping off of the stool, he moved up behind her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, the sudden touch making her jump. "Time to go home, Alais."

Sylus's tone brooked no argument but still she tried to play down her injury and get him to believe that she'd be alright and not hurt herself while speaking with Khirsah. By the gods, Sy loved her to death but Alais pushed herself too much. She put her own health and safety aside just to get her way and know everything that was going on.

It eventually got to a point where he just picked Alais up and threw her over one shoulder, excused her and himslef, and prepated to leave. Apparently Khirsah wasn't done speaking with her yet and let Sylus know by blasting him with cold fire, though of course protecting Alais from it. It was nearly all that Sylus could do not to scream in pain as the flames rolled over his body, burning cloth, hair, and skin alike, but stand his ground he did. Arms remaining tight around Alais, not letting her go even should the flames kill him. Evenutally the cold pire stopped and Alais was pulled from his grasp to be set aside neatly by the elder dragon. Sylus really wasn't in a good mood at all. Steam rising from his singed flesh and clothes, his natural powers kicked in. Flesh reknitting itself and healing the fiery damage to his body. Hair regrowing, though not quite as long as it was.

Growling low in his throat, hands were ready to fill the dragon with steel for doing what was uncalled for. Any idiot with a pair of eyes and hears would know that hurting Alais was the last thing Sylus would ever do. Xenograg even told Khirsah that he went a little too far with that action.