Nitesong is an island that was created by Mauritaurn after the wars between elves and men. He splintered the land and set the Sidhe of Nitesong apart from the world of men and other creatures. It floats in the mists of confusion, where few have travelled since the separation millenia ago. The island is protected by the elves and their association with the land. If you are not invited, you will not find the Island of Nitesong.

The war was utterly devastating, and the battleground where so many died is now known as the Decimated Lands. Nothing survives there. Not plant life, nor animal life. The rock is barren obsidian that ends in cliffs that drop hundreds of feet into the sea. It was here that the island was ripped from the landmass it had once been attached to before Mauritaurn separated permanently. There had been great dissention and disagreement at the time, but since then, Nitesong has grown accustomed to the solitude and safety.

The island is self sufficient in its ability to produce everything the Sidhe inhabitants require. During the orogenesis of the holy mountains, home to the Nitesong Druids, many of the precious metals and gemstones were formed. In the caldera of the great volcano is where the precious moonsilver is mined by a colony of Dwarves who have been on Nitesong since the Island was created. They keep to themselves, but provide the fabled dwarven craftsmanship in exchange for their food and supplies.

At the foot of the mountains lay a meadowland where gardens abound, and most of the islands food is grown. There are orchards around the edges of the meadows, and beyond those are the great Rouwan forests. The elves reside within these fabled white trees that tower over the countryside. There is no known location outside of Nitesong where these trees grow with the exception of one tree on the grounds if I? Taurn House.

The tallest Rouwan is home to Alais, and during her absence, is inhabited by her heir, Telemachus III. The Druids have been led by Legendazona?s successor since her death. They have lost some of their influence over the Heir after the High Priestess had declared open warfare with Alais over her taking a lifemate not from the Tuatha de Danaan heritage.

Alais left the island shortly after the birth of her twins, and the death of her lifemate. The twins were essentially raised by Xenograg and Legendazona until she became unable to reconcile that it was they who would inherit this island refuge for the Eldar. But by then, the twins were young adults, and Xenograg had schooled them in the arts of statecraft to the point that Telemachus was able to take the reins himself.

Once she had hoped to re-open ties with the outside world, but during her time in that world, she learned it would be a terrible mistake to make the existence of Nitesong known to outsiders, and so she keeps the secrets of her forebearers safe. The invasion of the Lich Ghrial changed many of Alais? views on the outside world. It was also one of the things that sent Alais to seek training from the Arch Mage Morrin.

Today, only Xenograg Bey has the freedom as a nonresident to come and go from the island. Even the elven Queen, Teleperien, must obtain permission to come to the island. Alais trusts no other living soul with the location of her realm.

I' Taurn House (pronounced: ee-torn) North Side of RhyDin

This historic house is located on the North side of RhyDin city, on a broad, tree lined avenue and is the metropolitan residence of a former Overlord of DoS. The home has been in RhyDin for about 1700 years, and has not been changed on the exterior since it's construction by Alais' grandparents. The view of this residence from the street is that the home appears to be set upon a large, heavily treed lot, and surrounded by high stone walls. The stone used to build the walls is dark, greenish basalt that was transported in from a past ocean floor by the sorceress' family centuries ago. Atop the 14' high walls are rapier sharp spikes of mithril-tungsten alloy, meant to discourage the curious from attempting to climb the walls for a view of the yard and house beyond the wall and gates. For those able to "see", the wall is also formidably warded. The walls are nearly 10' thick, in typical style copied by the middle ages of Earth. What is not typical are the wards and the material, which can be opaque or transparent as the need of the owner requires.

The gatehouse is also constructed of the dark green basalt and overlooks a beautifully worked mithril gate. The ornate Celtic Knot and Dragon pattern that forms the gate separates the shady avenue from the private drive to the House. The gate itself cannot be touched by undead or kindred, but is on the surface harmless to all other passersby. The gate does have protections against attempted forced entry, but otherwise customarily remains silently passive. Visitors to I' Taurn are met by Sidhe trained staff prior to admittance to the residence. They are trained in many languages, as well as security. They will do their best to assure rapid and courteous reception.

Beyond the curtain wall facing the front avenue, a gentle slope rises and is dotted with an abundance of large, old trees of mostly Burr oak, and White oak near the edges, but creating a veritable arboretum of rare and unique species as one approaches the house. There are small groves of trees interspersed among grassy open areas to create many small ecosystems for maximum diversity of both flora and fauna. Birds and other creatures have found safe haven among the botanical collection on the property surrounding I' Taurn House. Some of those creatures are quite rare or endangered. This haven does not hold the creatures in, but most have chosen to remain and do not wander away from the property.

As you follow the tree lined drive toward the house, there are livery points for the animals of conveyance just short of a paved walk to the front entry. Guests may arrive using any number of means of transportation, including horses, camels, pegasi, gryphons, and each creature needs specialized tethering or livery points. The paved walkway is done in the same green basalt as the curtain walls and gate house. The paved drive and walkways create veins of green that tie the exterior walls to the house. The main house itself is constructed of white albite cut into ashlar blocks, rising 4 stories in height, and roofed in muscovite mica. The stone used in the construction of the house is starkly different from the curtain walls. The brilliant white appears to be a shining gem set in the dark green of the lawns and stonework. The house is vaguely reminiscent of later crenellated manor houses of Renaissance Britain.

The mullioned windows reflect and refract rainbows of sunlight in prefulgence. The albite rock showing glimmers of more muscovite mica, which enhances the image of sparkling gems set among the emerald greens of the lawns surrounding I' Taurn. This glittering visage lends credence to some of the legends of the Fey. The glittering stone does not look entirely real or solid in sunlight.

Shading the front entry stands a single ivory tree soaring well above the height of the house. The tree is unique in all of RhyDin, and has been growing in this spot since the first ashlar block was laid for the foundation of the house. Alais' forebearers planted this Rouwan with the laying of the foundation stone in accordance with Sidhe beliefs that the Rouwan and the house would stand the tests of time together. When one falls, both fall. As long as they both survive, they prosper together. The tree's massive branches provide shade for those approaching the front entry way of the structure.

As you step through the tall, magnificently wrought oaken doors, the entry foyer is a study in white. The polished albite stone of the floor is met by the white marble of the foyer walls in a seamless transition. Overhead, the vaulted stone ceiling soars 2 stories as dual curved staircases arch elegantly to the floors above. An enormous, ornate Mithril chandelier dominates the overhead space, and is lit with fairy fire when required.

Open balconies overlook the entranceway. White marble railings have been worked into intricate designs that provide a soft glow in the daylight, or by fairy light. Furnishings are sparse as this is not the congregating area, but merely reception, and all furnishings in the foyer are in mithril and white materials. The effect is one of cool, elegant simplicity.

To the right of the entrance hall, there is a set of elaborately carved white oak double doors leading to the Great Hall. These 4 doors have a dragon and celtic knot pattern first seen at the mithril entry gate, that seems to change depending on the weather, as though the dragons carved into the wood can move, yet they are never seen in motion. The warm shades of the white oak is the first greeting guests receive to the Great Hall beyond after encountering the cool light of the white marble and mithril entryway.

The Great Hall rises 2 stories in height. The cut and polished blue granite floor spans from wall to wall, meeting walls paneled in rich mahogany burlwood. The paneled walls support tapestries depicting historic deeds of Nitesong, RhyDin, and in recent times, several commissioned works commemorating the Harmony worlds, the home world of Alais' lifemate. At the far end from the door rises a stone fireplace of the same blue granite as the floor that commands immediate attention upon entering the Great Hall. Above the fireplace mantle are the Nitesong coat of arms and the Harmony sigils. Various weapons of history hang on either side of the dominating heraldic centerpiece. Some of the weapons are ceremonial in nature with elegant metal work and gems while others of significance belong to the bloody wars fought in ages past. Starkly efficient in purpose and deeds.

Mullioned windows span floor to ceiling overlooking the front yard as well as the back lawns. Overhead timbers crisscross the expanse. Royal blue moir? cloth dominates the few furnishings. This room is meant primarily for large gatherings and formal affairs. Flexibility of furnishings is crucial, and permanent seating maintains the blue and mahogany motif. Fine silk and wool rugs in intricate Moorish patterns of blue dot the floor, prohibiting echoing from making the vast room feel cold and uninviting. Along one wall stands a long table of burlwood, which doubles as a formal dining table when entertaining requires furnishing for formal sit-down dinners for large numbers of guests. Tall floor candelabra of wrought gold cast soft golden light after nightfall as hundreds of ivory beeswax candles are lit for such occasions.

Left of the entry are the kitchens and storage areas of the residence. A wine cellar with fine olde vintages, and a collection of single malt scotches. The kitchens are equipped with most of the conveniences of Uly's homeworld, which took some convincing for the Sidhe staff to learn to use. However, with time, they have adapted to the conveniences and seem to enjoy the modernization. There are still 2 large fireplaces in the kitchens, and there is always a fire within them for cooking something as the staff needs to eat even when Alais is not in residence. Counter tops and cabinets are furnished with all of the accoutrements of a large royal kitchen required to entertain important guests, nobility, and gentry in large numbers. The china and crystal are purely elven with intricate patterns on natural materials. They are nearly translucent ivory with muted shades of blue, green and salmon botanical designs. The crystal is very long stemmed in glittering leaded glass. Very thin and tall, the crystal refracts the candle light in rainbow glitter over the table. Silverware is available in two patterns. One of moonsilver in soft swirls, and one in ultra modern design for Harmony guests. The gold is never used any more as there have been no guests from Harmony since Uly's death.

Climbing the gracefully curving stairs to the 3rd level of the house above the great room leads one to the guest rooms over the Great Hall. Six suites of rooms are available. Each suite follows a predominant theme for honoured guests in an attempt to provide touches of other homes. Each is provided with a sitting area, fireplace, a balcony, a sleeping space, and a private bathing facility. Since Uly's death several years ago, Alais has begun restoration of this wing of the house. Workers come according to the staff scheduling and feedback is provided by the Sidhe Seneschal

1) The first suite on the left is decorated in Moorish style. Privacy partitions in finely wrought wood segregates the room into whatever size spaces are desired. Or can be used to permit the separation of males and females. Large pillows in brilliant jewel tones, and low ottomans covered in coordinating silk patterns provide the furnishings. The carpets are silk Aubusson in the rich textures and colors of the Ottoman Empire. No bar despoils the room in deference to the beliefs of several of Alais' friends. Overall the room has a desert oasis feeling. The walls are done in off-white stucco. There are painted friezes of desert themes in enough abstract form to not violate laws governing the rendering of images by humans. The effect of the friezes is one of a watercolor left in the rain and running together. The bathing area has a sunken oversize tub of intricate Byzantine-like tile. The fixtures are gold, and there are sheer silk draperies surrounding the tub. Lighting is accomplished with beaten brass lanterns and scented oils found in abundance throughout the suite. Living plants abound in all rooms with flowering jasmine growing all year long. The scent of jasmine and spices create a relaxing atmosphere to compliment the rooms and balcony.

2) The next suite is prepared in light pastels. This sitting room is very light and feminine, and is carpeted in soft ivory wool. The furniture is refined and light, following a tradition of elegance in pale peach moir? and light oak. Crystal vases abound with fresh flowers and airy greenery both on tables and in wall sconces as well. The walls are painted in candlelight ivory and adorned with colorful paintings of some of RhyDin's famous parks and botanical gardens. The bed is draped in ivory lace for privacy, and the linens are of finest flax linen in pale peach for color. The headboard is hand crafted in light oak with creatures of fantasy amid scroll-work and ivy. The ivory tiled floor is liberally littered with wool and silk rugs in shades of ivory, beige and peach. This suite has a balcony that overlooks a fountain and flower beds in pastel shades of peach, yellow, white shades. There are 3 topiary plantings on the balcony and stephanotis vines coil around the door frame scenting the whole area with the soft aroma of flowers all year long. In the bath, there is a raised and tiled soaking tub with scented bath oils arranged within easy reach. The towels are imported cotton of the softest weave. Colors here are tone on tone peach and salmon.

3) The last suite on the left side is done in a Highland flare. This set of rooms follows a rugged theme of grey stone fireplace, more massive furnishings, and accented in darker wood tones. The ambience is one of solidity and endurance. The doors are iron bound hinges and hardware, as are the wall sconces. There are hooks at the fireplace for hanging swords, or family tartans. Chairs are large and deep. Carpeting is heather and green laid over slate tiles, allowing the use of appropriate plaids for visitors. An ornate bar with stocked scotches is available, along with the heather ales, meads, and other assorted spirits. Paintings hung on the dark panels of the walls are mixed highland and lowland scenes throughout history, though by design, no clan or tartan is rendered visible. Large double doors open onto a stone balcony that has planters of heather and fern to add a splash of color to the slate greys of the floor.

4) On the opposite side of the hall, at the farthest end from the stairs is a suite appointed for Fey guests. This suite is suited to elven and fey alike. The appointments are completed in exquisite elven craftsmanship starting with all natural materials used to create the suite. The use of mithril, gold leaf, and crystal work is extremely liberally used throughout the rooms. The sardanapalian needs of the fey catered to in every detail from the intricate stone carvings in the fireplace to the small fountain that bubbles softly in the center of the sitting area. Live plants abound and form a living partition between the sitting space and the sleeping spaces. The partition contains scents from flowers only found in Sidhe lands, and provides the scents of home for many of Alais' visitors from Nitesong. The materials of the furnishings are imported silk damask and deep velvets in jewel tones. There are no manmade materials, only natural substances worked in the highly crafted ways of the Sidhe. Every piece of furniture is exquisitely crafted and each detail carrying the signature of art and beauty. The easily insulted fey guests will find no appointment lacking in this room. The balcony balustrade has been worked into the flowing, beautiful lines cherished by elven folk, and polished smooth alabaster mimics the color of the sacred Rouwan wood without actually cutting down Rouwan trees. Details right down to the "grain" one would expect to see in things crafted of wood have been carved into the alabaster. Illumination is provided by fairy light, which adds a warm glow to the suite of rooms and balcony. The bath is finished to appear to be a secluded hot spring, including the rich shades of aqua found in the depths of hotsprings. The grotto appearance is very lifelike, and includes birdsong with the bubbling splashes of the comfortably warm water.

5) The middle suite on the right side is prepared for other mages and sorcerers. The room is extensively warded and shielded for privacy and solitude. The floor is carpeted in deep blue ghax wool that is so luxurious that it invites guests to walk barefoot in the rooms. The walls are dark basalt ashlar blocks, polished to a satiny bronze sheen. The furnishings are a rich dark oak color with midnight blue silk covers. Wall sconces are mithril and gold leaf and will accommodate either candles or torches. There is a fireplace and workbench with a carved oaken tome stand provided. The mullioned windows and balcony doors overlook part of the grounds where a large fountain stands. The small balcony allows a sorcerer access to an uncovered starlit sky for any casting that requires such provisions. The balcony floor is made of the same bronze basalt, and is reasonably impermeable to spell components. The room may be additionally warded easily by the resident if they so choose. No other sorceries may intrude on the space. The walls have several magnificently carved deep oak bookshelves with reference materials at hand. Common spell components are lined up on the workbench, although exotic components need to be brought by the mage. A small bronze brazier sits near the fireplace. The bed is dark oak and the motif is dragon carved reminiscent of the entry gates and great hall doors. The bed is mattressed in Eider down. Deep blue silk comforter tops the soft down bed. There are no paintings hung on the walls, rather tapestries provide a warmer feel to the stone rooms. Mythical creatures and exploits of legend are the subject matter for the tapestries.

6) The next and final suite was under renovation to accommodate visitors from Uly's worlds. But, the renovations were halted when Uly passed beyond this realm into another. Already in place however are a small scale replicator/transmorgrifier, and a transponder for quick teleportive travel throughout the public spaces of the house, both bearing the Made In Harmony manufacturing stamp. This suite of rooms remains closed now, with no activity toward finishing it. The teleport landing sites in the rest of the house have gone un-used for several years, and there are no plans to reinstate their use.

The rooms over the kitchens and storage areas provide office spaces for Alais, formerly for Uly, the House Steward, and various House Staff. These are traditionally not visited by anyone not from the family or immediate staff.

Alais' office and lab overlook the grounds at the back of the House. The office is appointed with an ornately carved desk of rich mahogany inlaid with runes of mithril. The dragons of the desk do shift positions and "move" when not being watched. Beneath the desk is a deep pile carpet of midnight blue ghax wool that covers part of the greenish serpentine stone floor. Surrounding the desk on all sides, the walls are lined with bookshelves carved in the same dragons and celtic knot work. Where there are no bookshelves, the walls are made of light beige granite in a satin polished surface. A mahogany and royal blue moir? sofa faces a small ashlar fireplace done in polished blue granite. A low mahogany table sits in front of the sofa, with candelabra of mithril at each end. Several scrolls and parchments are scattered on the table, but have no visible writing on them. Upon the floor is a black tanzanite gate rune outlined in mithril. The gate rune is protected not only by the usual restraints of such a rune, but Alais has a Guardian from Riverbend lurking within the rune. While the "other" does not trouble Alais, those who have travelled with her oft comment on the "uncomfortable" effect the Guardian creates for them. Stepping through a narrow doorway, you may enter the lab. This is the heart and soul of most sorcerers. The room is completely built in stone.... a rich greenish serpentine cut in rough cut, allowing a natural cave like ambiance. Sounds from the rest of the house do not penetrate into this sanctuary. Lighting is accomplished using sorcery or fairy light depending on the need of the moment. Candles can also be brought in for illumination. The bench top shows several scars from experiments or chemical attacks. The walls are lined with glassware and assorted containers holding all manner of spell components. The proliferation of spell components has grown considerably since Alais finished her studies with the Annaran sorcerer Morrin. Some of which are better not studied too closely.

A tome stand about 5 feet high and carved from nearly black wood stands offset from the workbench. The stand depicts a dragon rampant entwined with a sorcerer and familiar. Upon the tome stand is Alais' spell book, guarded by a Tome Guardian. The Guardian remains transparent unless approached, where upon it takes any manner of appearances designed to dissuade the would-be guest. The Guardian is authorized to use deadly force if needed. The Guardian has seldom been pressed into action, but with the recent events in RhyDin, Alais keeps the Guardian where it is. And so, here the book remains, untouched, unless summoned by Alais herself.

A balcony just beyond a pair of mullioned doors gives access to the sky and gardens. Several free standing candelabra give the only evidence of a light source within the room. For those capable of "seeing", the room is heavily warded by Alais. This is the inner space belonging to the Sorceress, and it's peace is powerfully protected, and so is the security of her spell experimentation. Few are admitted to this place of sanctuary. There is a secret exit from the room, and that leads both to the roof as well as the basement of the house. Both of these exits are guarded by rather nasty familiars of Alais' calling.

The door to Ulysses' office is plainly labeled, "Do Not Enter". Here he had chosen to manifest the portal to the other-realms where his primary energies resided. Those versed in space-time-probability travel are wise enough not to meddle in another's manipulative mechanisms. Those inexperienced and excessively curious soon find themselves battling for their very existence against the all-absorbing power of being. Thus far Uly had managed to save the imprudent from themselves, but disclaimed any responsibility for future mishaps.... having added the universal symbol of a skull below the door label. Alais has not changed anything in Uly's office, and at this time, she cannot see any reason to make changes. She knows Uly is not returning, the starfire ring is now cold and black, it's brilliant starfire nothing more than a faint glimmer. There is no essence to return. But, the size of the house means there is no need to delve into this place as long as the staff continues to respect the warnings her lifemate had posted at the entrance to his personal space.

Following the curving stairs to the entire 4th floor gains you access to the Sorceress' familial residence. Here, changes have been made in abundance since Ulysses death. Above the great hall is the family living area. A large, well-lit sitting room, which is carpeted in deep, soft, ivory wool is the first room entered beyond the privacy of the dragon doors. Here is where intimate friends and guests are entertained. The dragon doors are warm medium oak, and mullioned windows line 2 sides of the room, with life-size statues of famous elves and others between each window carved from various marbles. At the far end of the room, a walk in fireplace of pale salmon cut rhodochrosite permits a crackling fire to cast warmth and light across the room. Facing the fireplace are 2 matching sofas of deep forest green velvet. Several chairs dot the space near the fireplace, and are of forest green, rose, peach and gold silk brocade. Low tables with golden candelabra fill in where needed. A small series of book shelves sport leisure reading selections varying from biography to history to fiction to technology. The ceiling soars to a vaulted 16' with carved wooden rafters supporting a translucent muscovite roof overhead. In one corner near the original entry point, a musicians' nook sits. A harpsichord, music stands, and 3 chairs sit in preparedness for a small ensemble of chamber music. A stone balcony beyond mullioned doors permits the family access to a table and chairs for dining out of doors beneath a trellised and wisteria draped roof.

The master suite is behind a set of deeply carved doors above the offices and lab. Stepping through, the floor is carpeted in deep forest green plush ghax wool. The walls are paneled in burl wood trimmed with bronze fittings. The ceiling is 16' up, and supports the muscovite roof tiles with large carved timbers. Mullioned doors open onto a private balcony overlooking the gardens and the great fountain. A fireplace of brilliant green dioptase stands against the farthest wall. Above the fireplace are portraits of Alais' dogs.

The bedroom furniture is predominantly deep forest green and peach with gold trim and highlights. An obsidian bath is submerged in the floor near the fireplace. Moveable screens of peach moir? stand partially surrounding the obsidian spa. There are 5 large Grecian urns in stands filled with fresh genestra, gingers, and pincushion protea amid eucalyptus and tree ferns. The room is comfortably appointed with 3 overstuffed chairs of deep salmon moire, several golden floor candelabras and 2 table top candelabra. The scent of genestra with a hint of gardenia and fir accents the ambiance of the room. All the candles are a rich ivory pillar rather than simple tapers. Alais' suite has many personal items scattered around it that would tell a great deal about the sorceress. Her dogs, 3 Borzoi have free run of this floor. The suite is comfortably appointed, and clearly lived in, though the time spent in RhyDin has taken somewhat of a decline. The influence of Alais' Lifemate Uly remains to be felt around I'Taurn, but fades with each pasing year.

There are several smaller rooms adjoining the master suite. In times past, they served as nursery and the children's rooms. Alais has had them closed for her tenure in I' Taurn House.

They had spoken at length about the pending trip to the Temple, but Alais still didn't like their options.

"Ah cannae gae, 't ist too obvious at this point.... bu' Alia mayst...."


In the quiet of her laboratory, Alais sent the missive off to Nitesong. Off to the daughter she never involved in the events of RhyDin.

Thereafter, a missive was penned for Queen Teleperien

"Majesty,
I am sending my daughter to join you these next days. Please accept her into your household as my daughter, and the trust you would place in me, also feel free to place in her.

Lady Alais d' Arma Graham d' Nitesong Sidhe"

The parchment coiled up and drifted into the flames of the fireplace, the ashes to seek out the Queen and reform there.

::The falcon perches upon the stone window ledge and taps it's beak insistently upon the mullioned windows of the 4th floor private apartment. The missive tied and clutched within it's recurved talons.::

::There are no lights on in the room, but the shadowy figure responds to the insistent summons of the beautiful bird of prey.::

::The window opens to admit the bird close enough to deposit the parchment and a shadowy hand accepts the missive. Soft elven words, hesitantly spoken are issued to the bird, with thanks for the speedy delivery.::

(s) thank ye an' fly ye safely back tae yer mistress. Ah haff nae r'turn parchment fer ye this night.....

::The falcon takes graceful flight from the stone window sill as the mullioned window closes once more.::

::Alais reads the penned missive from the Queen before sending her Majesty the name of the young elf about to join her retinue....::

::Quill in hand, Alais writes 6 words and sends the missive into the flames once more....::

Alia Anor, mine daughter yer Majesty

::from a hotel in RhyDin City on the day after arriving::

Queen Teleperien,
I have travelled as quickly as possible to arrive in RhyDin. Last evening, I met a member of the Temple of Light, and had the opportunity to speak briefly with her. We seem to have formed a friendship, and I have accepted her offer to visit the Temple, which I did today for a very short trip. While my friend was not in residence, I spoke with another member of the Temple. This is a very friendly group of two that I have spoken with, and I will return to the Temple on the morrow, hopefully to meet up with Seraphina for a longer introduction to the Temple, and perhaps the opportunity to meet others.

The oddest thing happened though when I was talking to Seraphina in the Duel of Fists. I am afraid I do not understand the details, but it certainly upset Cory that the Temple might be aligned with the former overlady Shakira. The fact that I knew about Shakira seemed to strike Cory as "odd", though I know not why he would think I should not know about some of the events here. I did not tell him that my mother has filled me in on some of the details, slim as they are.
I look forward to meeting you in person Your Majesty. I trust that I will fulfill the needs of our folk.

With Respect and Service,

Alia Anor Graham

::the young sorceress seals the missive and summons an owl to carry the parchment directly to Queen Teleperien::

::as the owl flies into the darkness, Alia makes plans to move from the hotel to Eldicor when the timing suits the Queen::

Alais had gone to the dueling forums, hoping to spend time getting her reflexes back in shape, catching up on dueling techniques, which she had not had to use in a long time.

The dueling had not especially gone well. She'd lost timing and intuition it seemed, but the exercise was good, and she was becoming familiar with the regular faces around the Arena.

She'd met also an assassin that could dance, and dance well. There had been no dancing since Ulysses' death, and the thrill of dancing with a skilled partner felt wonderful. Their first dance had been a Tango, with all of the romance and passion that embody a well danced Tango. Their second dance, a waltz, had seemed a bit out of place in the environs of the dueling, but graceful moves under exquisit control are beneficial whether one is dancing or dueling. Alais loved it.

During the course of both dances however, the robed woman who had come to their table the night they heard about Xenograg being called the Great Liberator at the Temple of Divine Light had come through the doors both nights. She almost never spoke, and did not stay long, but none the less she was there. Alais did not point out the woman to her dance partner, but it troubled her that the woman continued to frequent the Arena, as though seeking once more to find Xenograg. That troubled Alais. There was something very wrong about that temple, but she had not yet been able to discover what it was.

Sylus and Alais had watched some of the duels after finishing their waltz, well, after having it interupted when Cory cut in for a duel Alais had promised him the day before. Cory's distraction was a welcome one from the robed woman's presence. And shown Alais yet again that she was in dire need of practice. She'd grown slow with a blade having spent so much time in Riverbend.

Riverbend. Sylus had queried her about Riverbend. That direction of discussion had had the necromancy rising swiftly through her fingers and hands, but Sylus had stunned her with his own experiences in the beyond. They had kindred experiences it seemed, and the warmth of his hand sent the necromancy back into safely silent mode. His questions about some of the necromancer's spell books initially raised concern, but she agreed to take him to I' Taurn, where most of the rare works had been moved for protection. They had departed the Arena, and Alais took Sylus through the gate rune into her laboratory and library. If anything could find out if Sylus was dangerous to her or not, it would be "the other" waiting inside the rune when they passed.

The hours passed as Sylus studied the books, and dawn approached. It was time to show him to a room. Alais led Sylus through the house, giving him a quick overview of the layout, and warning him against the third floor office areas, incase he should go wandering during the coming daylight.

They spent some time in the comfort of the 4th floor apartments, where the dogs had mixed reactions to his presence. The young female Borzoi practically launched herself into his arms with her enthusiastic greeting, but the big male stood beside Alais and growled low. The dichotomy was not lost on Alais. Ranie was young and energetic. Myr was her nearly constant companion. Tarabas never got up to greet anyone, and he made no exception this time.

Mixed messages from the wards, and the dogs.

Time would tell.

Alais had lain in bed pondering the experience at midnight. There'd been no ghost, no demon, no essence that she could relate to that would provide the experience she'd had. The voice she'd heard, and the sensation of Uly's comfort was as real to her as if it had truly been. And then there was the incredible meteor shower. Was Uly finding a way to release her? Or was this all a fabrication of her mind due to the presence of Sylus in her home, their home.......her home?

With a sigh and no answers, she let sleep claim her.

::She sat curled up on the sofa in her library with quill and parchment in hand. A snifter of Liquid Fire on the mahogany table before her as she pondered how to word what she'd seen while on Twilight Island this night.::

Xenograg an' Amaltea,

This night I did find myself at the Island, and saw an event which may not be of significance, however, if it IS significant, could be trouble we do not need.
The woman Seraphina, was on the Island, and having very friendly discussions with the vampire Rhaine, who, to all appearances, was equally friendly. Well, at least as friendly as vampires are likely to be. What was more troubling was Rhaine's reaction to my watching Seraphina as closely as I was. How this should bother the vampire enough to try to intimidate me raises my concern.

Lady Alais

::She sent the missive into the flames with soft Annaran words, watching it disintegrate into ash and float away, knowing it would find the hearth of the Darelir's, no matter where they were in residence, to reform there once more whole and legible.::

The Golden Ivy suited her purposes very well. It was close enough to the portal to Twilight Isle, and the city center. It also meant that she could wander the city freely without worrying her mother with her where-abouts. Mothers are like that. And, she had checked the room for 2 way mirrors as Cory suggested, and indeed had found one! She'd tell Cory when next she saw him and thank him for the heads up!

That afternoon though, things changed when an Elven Ranger of the Queen found her. He was to escort her to Eldicor. So much for local wanderings!

They passed into Eldicor uneventfully, but the "feel" of the land changed. Alia Anor felt the touch of Elven land again. It sang through her blood like the spring sap runs in the maple trees. She felt alive! She wanted to dismount and run through the grass, but the Ranger set a hard pace, informing her that she had an appointment with Lord Xenograg. She sighed. Appointments with Xeno were not fun. He was always business when he'd come to Nitesong to administer their lands and teach Alia Anor and her twin brother how to run Nitesong while their mother had been in Riverbend.

They rode hard and arrived at the Queen's residence with moments to spare before her meeting with Xenograg. She could tell by his expression this was no social pleasantry, but she stepped into his office area to face the discussion like a young ruler that she was being shaped to be.

Fury, dark and angry flashed across Alais' features when she'd discovered that Alia Anor had ignored her and gone to the Temple alone. She had ignored the request to seek out Queen Teleperien, and become part of her entourage. Thankfully, Xenograg had sent a Ranger of Eldicor to find her and take her from RhyDin proper to Eldicor. There at least she'd have the protection of the Queen, and some structure to her activities.

The risks were such an unknown factor, and the willful child had taken matters into her own hands and gone to the Temple. Not only gone to the Temple, but become friends with a priestess of that same place that put every hair on end for Alais.

Poor Max had bourne the brunt of her flashing anger at her daughter's folly. She'd have to apologize to him the next time she saw him as she'd ruthlessly battered him in the ring with Morvinyon. That was unneccessary.

Sylus had reminded her that Alia Anor was no longer a child - but Alais was furious with herself for summoning Alia Anor into the events of RhyDin. She should have left her in Nitesong, away from the temptations of the city. This friendship between the priestess of the Temple of Light and her daughter needed to be dissolved, and quickly.

Farek had managed to douse enough cold water of reality on Alais with a trouncing match that left Alais worn out.

Sylus had taken all of this with good grace, and presented Alais with a green, mist filled sphere that he'd told her could bring him to her side, immediately if needed. She was curious about the workings of the sphere, but did not inquire at the Arena. She did keep covert watch over Rhaine and Seraphina however, and noted that the 2 remained on friendly terms to all outward appearances.

Alais was escorted back to I' Taurn by Sylus, and they sat for awhile out on the 4th floor balcony overlooking the great fountain. The sound of it splashing and gurgling below lent peace to their surroundings as stars wheeled overhead in the obsidian sky. It was here that Alais opened the conversation with Sylus on how the sphere worked, and what the effects on him might be if it was used. She also shared her thoughts on the meteor shower and her ring for him to consider.

What began with great anger and frustration ended in quiet moments embraced by the calm of the night.

I had taken part of the day to visit the Guild Hall of Rakeesh; the resident Liontaur and Paladin Guild Master. While waiting an audience with Rakeesh, I discovered the registry for the Guild, and found therein the sworn statements of both Rhaine and Sylus.

Rhaine had not spoken falsely, but a vampire in a Paladin Guild still seemed very improbable. Rakeesh did little to further my enlightenment, but then, I am not a member of his organization.

After leaving the Guild Hall, I made my way to the Annex with no intention of dueling, but more to see if Seraphina returned to continue her recruiting. There I met again Rhaine. Her preference for telepathy is pronounced and during the course of our discussions, I learned something very interesting, actually 2 things. 1) Rhaine hates the sounds of Elven speech. I could feel her flinch when Eldarie was spoken. Her own language is hard on my ears as well. It seems she and I should stick to Common to be comfortable. 2) Rhaine does not see in the usual spectrum of visibility. She warned me that she saw green around Xeno and myself. Precisely what it meant she could not or would not say except that green was never a good color to see.

Xenograg was there, and we spoke about Alia Anor and her trips to the Temple. I do not think it's wise to let her go without the company of the Queen, but were I to forbid it, there would be no point in her presence in RhyDin.

Sylus joined us, and we discussed the re-appearance of Legendazona. This is very bad news. She'd been silent for years, and now she'd contacted not only Sylus, but it seems his twin brother Artemus! The question now was whom would be the veangeful ghost's target? Alia Anor? Sylus? Xenograg? Me?

Rhaine had questions about the ghost, and I told her the highlights of how Legend had died. The smaller details could wait.

Sylus has a psychic twin! It seems Artemus experiences what Sylus does, and vice versa. I must confess I am mortified to discover that aspect of their link! While I was not faced with meeting Artemus, I shall hope Sylus can keep some aspects of his life separate and contained.

Seraphina did show up in the Annex, as expected. She hung on every word Xeno said, and at length when he left, she followed him out. As Darelir clan, and wathu-Darelir, it is my sworn oath to protect the family. I rose to follow, but Sylus bade me wait for another few moments, where upon we departed as well. No mischief was promulgated by the robed woman this night, and we returned to I' Taurn.

My evening was quiet. The silence hung over the house and nothing seems to stir. Holding it's breath, that's what it feels like. I could not take the silence, and decided to go to Twilight Isle.

The isle was rather quiet, but the Arch Mage honoured me with a duel. Who would have thought that he would accept a sorceress unproven in his island? He was a great pleasure to duel. I would step into the ring with him again any time.

By today, Max should be up to his neck in little silver spheres as I set them to multiply exponentially every 30 minutes. I could not resist the temptation as he kept after me for a strip duel. Max is bound for disappointment.

I have been pondering Sy's relating of the warnings from a long dead friend and confidante, for Legend had once been both of these things. Now, she was gone, and I had allowed no one to be that close again.

It was this line of thought running through my mind when I approached the library doors. As I walked through, the Shadow Watcher murmured to me. "Something" had touched the shadows. "Something" had rippled the deep shadows, but what that "something" was, the Watcher could not say. Could not say if the "something" was still present.

As I closed the doors to the library, I could not help but wonder if the ghost of my old friend had come home to I' Taurn, or was there a new visitor to the house?

Darkness.

Blackness of the Stygian deep.

Nothing moved.

No sound.

Sentience came slowly through this deep black void.

I was alone in the dark. There was no question that I was alone. There was not even a breath of breeze or movement in this lifeless place. Sleep had claimed me at I? Taurn, but now I was in a place beyond sleep. I had been here before. The utter misery of the blackness told me where I was.

Annara

The thought sent icicles shooting through my veins. Why had I traveled to Annara now? My body chilled to match the place beyond the grave where my soul now traveled.

In the black void, something stirred. Its sentience touched my thoughts tentatively at first, and with dreadful force suddenly struck brutally with painful images of people I knew and trusted committing acts of depravity and cruelty with seeming glee. Faces of friends and loved ones were transformed into masks of rage and violence.

Death,
Suffering,
Blood.

My soul cried out for escape from the madness of the images being forced into my mind. Images that ripped and tore through my brain with pure agony pounding relentlessly against my telepathic barriers sent me to the brink of that same madness I was being forced to see.

Morrin?s thoughts cut through the visions, and the pain. Morrin. I clung to the familiar mind touch to avoid becoming lost in the roiling images of humanity gone bad.


Wakefulness snapped me back to the present and my own bed. The normal darkness of night, with its starlight and the artificial lights of the city could be seen as I lay there with my eyes wide open. My body was drenched in a cold sweat, and I was trembling from head to toe. The cold that can only come from beyond the grave moved slowly through my veins. I knew from years of experience that at the moment, I would have no color in my skin, and that I could not touch a living soul without bringing agony or death to them. Grabbing a gossamer robe, I slid it around my chilled body and silently headed for the balcony. I stood there beneath the starlit sky as the night breeze ruffled the robe, and lifting my hair in tendrils to coil and float around me. It is said that when you look deeply into the void, the void looks deeply into you. I can vouch for the veracity of that statement.

This had been no simple dream. It was a warning of things to come.

Our arrival at the Emerald Isle coincided with another guest. I did not know that Tass was bringing Caleb into this meeting as well.

Tass got straight to business with his question "Who is Legendazona?"

What a simple, and yet complex query. I sighed.

"Tass, yer quera ist a complicated oone. Legendazona was th' 'igh Priestess o' Nitesong manna years ago. Whence Ah lived 'n Nitesong, she was mine friend, mine confidante, an' mine advisor. Th' oonla person Ah trusted enou' tae share effery 'ope, d'sire, an' goal wi'."

"Whence Ah met Uly, she didst b'lieve 't was wrong fer me tae take 'im for mine lifemate. She tried verra 'ard tae stop th' union. She dids't b'lieve Eldarie mus' needs keep tae Eldarie blood, an' nae dilute th' 'eritage o' th' Tuatha de Danaan."

"Whilst Ah understood 'er disagreement, Ah alsae ken'd tha' Ulysses was mine true lifemate, an' Ah dids't nae heed mine friend. She was cool tae Uly, bu' 'e didnae mind 'er. 't was th' announcement o' th' conception o' our twins tha' didst put Legend o'er th' edge."


I paused, telling this tale again is very hard. Legend was my closest friend and ally until Ulysses entered my world. I was trusting Tass to have this room well warded against the wrong ears hearing the tale because it hurts to this day to remember what happened next.


"Tass, ye mus' needs understand, Legend was un'inged by th' news o' th' pendin' birth. We Eldarie dinnae haff manna wee ones, an' tae Legend, th' thought o' twins o' mixed 'eritage didst unsettle 'er mind."

"She didst seek tae d'stroy our bairns b'fore they breathed their first breath by poisonin' me. Whence tha' failed, she sought tae slay Uly. Th' war she started saw th' deaths o' manna from th' sacred mountain."

(vs) "Legend died wi'in 'er mountain 't th' 'ands o' Uly an' Xenograg."



Silence descended over the room. My throat constricted and threatened to cut off my air, and the thought of going on was too much. How do you tell an old friend that your best friend is back from the grave seeking to kill your children, and drive away the first man in my life since Ulysses? How do you put these things into words?

Dimitri is convinced that Vanion's atrocities to others is his fault. This latest attack on a new comer to RhyDin has hit him hard. Thankfully Illusia was able to reach him. I hope that what ever she talked to him about will ease his pain.

The words Sylus and I had almost sounded silly as I reached my room, but as I closed the door, the room chilled, and I knew Legend was back. She rushed at me and I screamed.

The next thing I knew, there was the sound of breaking glass and something leapt into the room. It had claws and the face of Artemus. Against my will, he grabbed clothing, covered me in a black robe with rosaries and abducted me into the night.

We crossed the roof tops before reaching open country. At last we arrived at a place he called Kurgen Keep.

Now, how to escape? I will not stay here! The first thing I did was pull off the black robe and rosary. Staring at Artemus, I demanded to know just what he thought he was doing??

His answer was pretty funny - it was the safest place he could think of.

"Artemus, I am going to join the Temple of Light, I can be no safter than surrounded by priests and priestesses. Let me go."

I reached for my clothes.

"Invisible, Rhaine turned her palms to the door - raising her hands, as if in a greeting. The Shadows opened, welcoming her, allowing her to sink deeper than anyone in RhyDin ever could. Shadow-walkers of this world knew little about the sub-reality they used! Rhaine, a healer and life mage, hadn't used the dark side of her talent for the last two centuries - but it was the time to awaken finally from the slumber. It was no issue of entertainment anymore. Now she could watch the elven lady without being seen even from the shadows accessible by "normals". Rhaine never liked spying, but there was no choice."

Alais and Rhaine have been talking, working around or through some of their mutual distrusts and prejudices, but the common ground between them remains uncertain. However, as things continue to change for the worse, Alais explains the problem with the Ghost of the Druid High Priestess, Legendazona. Ghosts in potential alliance with the necromancer Vanion is a concern that they all need to be aware of and prepared for.

Sylus was in the library, practicing his skills with the twin scimitars, and the apartment was silent when out of the shadows walked Rhaine! My home was not as well warded against shadow walkers as I had thought it to be. After getting over my initial shock at seeing the woman step from the evening shadows, and determining that she had not come with intentions beyond talking, I invited her to have a seat in the great room of my private residence. There were 3 topics on her mind, and I confess they were also on my mind.

We sat facing one another, and regarding one another over hot cups of apple and spice beverages. She had seen me searching for answers to what precisely she was, because by now, it had become extremely apparent that she is not a vampire. Oh, she does a very convincing mimic of one, but there had been too many subtle things that precluded her being simply vampire. What she revealed was astounding. In all my travels with Ulysses, I have never met or seen the likes of this mage. Her powers are formidable, and she experiments with lethal concepts that most sane mages would avoid. It seems she chose to come enlighten me rather than risk unexpected reactions when I found out on my own. Her secret remains safe in my care. I will help continue the myth of her simply being vampire.

Her second topic added credence to what I?d been noticing as well. Darker things were happening all over RhyDin. Events which should not have been possible were happening with regularity. The free use of shadows by so many indicated to her that the shadows were weakening, the energies required to walk within them lowered, making it easier to travel them. My watcher did not recognize this because it is part of the shadows themselves, but Rhaine had felt it. Studied it, and knew for certain that the shadows were less imposing than they should be. There is a grander plan at work than most people realize. The rise of the Temple of Divine Light is not the only danger. The presence of Vanion, and his growth of power in the Twilight Isle, the weakening shadows, my unexpected trip to Annara, these are all part of a greater evil that is already in motion.

We talked long into the evening, and I have newfound appreciation for Rhaine, even if old prejudices die hard. It is a relationship that will not always be easy, but Rakeesh may be vindicated in his acceptance of this mage into the guild house.

Daigotsu finally came to my prison, for that is what it was. My sorceries were damped, and I could not manage the simplest spells. He'd laid this plan well. He came with a request. One that I would usually be capable of doing, but one that goes against everything I hold dear.

"Raise my first one... raise Shahai and I will let you go"


The blood mage stood there in his long dark robes, the blood tendrils appearing and retreating beneath the sleeves sending chills down my spine. Would he? Is it that simple?

"Who is Shahai? Why do you not raise her yourself?"


In that silence we stared at one another, and I knew he'd chosen me for the skills Morrin had taught me. Skills I vowed never to use, but would now reconsider to return to my family and friends... and Sylus.

"Shahai is first Bloodspeaker follower, and I want her here, with me. You will raise her."

In a swirl of blackness we were gone. The iron fortress, the ever present smell of blood vanished. Above me, a moonless sky glittered where for the last several days only bleakness and absolute dark reigned.

Shahai smiled a feral smile. "It seems you are not for me- today." Her essence shimmered at the boundaries of her body, and the Annaran words flew from my lips. The shield leaping between us. "Ah am nae fer ye effer dark oone. Our power doth coome from th' same place."

With laughter that echoed off into the night, she vanished, leaving me alone in the middle of some of the most desolate ground I'd seen in RhyDin. This must be the Badside. A place I'd heard about, but never visited.

In the distance, I could see a fire roaring, but I could not tell if it is a bonfire or an unwelcome fire. Since there would be people there, I headed toward the leaping flames.

Cloaked in stealth and darkness, I approached the flaming building. People stood about as the flames devoured the timber structure. There were women crying, and men struggling to put out the roaring monster, but to little avail. Murmurs swept through the people of dark horrors loosed in the night. Had this been the work of the woman I'd raised?

Directions back to RhyDin proper I would not request here this night. Further down the street from the now collapsed tavern was an Inn. Time enough for directions in the morning.

After bolting the door to my room, I collapsed upon the bed. My thoughts in chaos as I reached tentatively for a mind touch to Sylus.

Nothing! He was not there!

Concerned that Daigotsu may have destroyed my telepathic abilities, I touched the weirding bond to Xenograg.

Nothing!

I had never initiated telephathy with Rhaine, but I was getting seriously worried. I traced the path backwards to....

Nothing!

Where were they????? There was one last person to try ......Artemus

Home.


The familiarity of the house wrapped itself around me and it would have been easy to remain within the stone walls and wards.

The obsidian hot tub was a luxury that was invaluable at this moment.

My home had been violated yet again, by someone appearing to be elven, but with powers clearly not in line with my own people. I suspect he'll return, there was no malevolence, but the sheer act of intruding was enough to warrant the hours I'd spent in the lab creating new wards for my home. The sorceries had flowed easily, soothing nerves that had been stretched beyond the breaking point. The Annaran language had become more familiar than the Eldarie language for me. That should have troubled me, but Morrin's teachings had saved my life, and acceptance of my situation would serve me better than denial.

Rhaine had come from the Hells. Perhaps she could undo the taint from Daigotsu. It was a taint from hell, I could analyze it, but not drive it from my blood. I would speak with Rhaine. Our "friendship" was tentative, fragile, but seeking her assistance would be necessary. If she could not help me, I would seek out Tass. He'd offered the library, but I would rather not let Tass see me in this state. The darkness has completely consumed my eyes, which are the mirror of the soul.....

Sylus arrived in my library about the same time my Seneschal knocked to announce the arrival of a guest. Joku Shoyia, an elf from a distant and foreign land. We sent Mauritaurn, the Seneschal, to admit our guest and went to await him at the entry to the Great Hall below.

Scant moments passed before Joku was shown into the white entry hall, his name announced, and I finally had the chance to meet the elf who'd entered the volcano to rescue my daughter from Vanion Shadowcast.

We invited Joku to the more personal environment of the fourth floor, and settled there before the rhodochrosite fireplace to hear his tale.

Joku's words chilled me to the bone. He'd rescued Alia Anor from the vampire only to deliver her to an evil that feels even worse! I know Joku could not have stopped my daughter, but his news is most unwelcome, and now, matters are worse.

The foreign elf appears to be trustworthy enough, and I extended an invitation for him to stay at the House if he desires. The guest rooms below have not been used in many years, but the staff has kept them in presentable condition, and it will give us a chance to discuss the things my daughter said in greater detail, though I must travel to the Emerald Isle in the next days. A missive from Tass' older brother had arrived earlier that day. Khirsah had sent the missive, and now with the news that Alia Anor was now a member of the Temple, I needed to use the resources of the Isle. The only place I knew of that had a better library than I have.

I excused myself from the company and returned to the library and penned the reply missive to Khirsah.

"M'Lord Khirsah,
Thank you for your invitation to the Isle. I shall look forward to seeing you the day after tomorrow. I have dire news to share. My daughter has become an initiate of the Temple.

With my deepest gratitude,

Lady Alais d' Arma Graham 'd Nitesong Sidhe"

Soft Annaran words send the parchment into the flames of the library fireplace where the missive turns to ash and seeks the hearth of Khirsah.

My thoughts have been dark and moody since my return from Hell. Rhaine had freed me from the blood speaker?s taint, but the touch and shadows of Annara will never be removed. My combining of Morrin?s magic and tying it irrevocably to my own have wrought changes to myself that run so far into my soul that there is no going back. Returning to RhyDin was a mistake. I should never have left Riverbend. Solitary existence is what I am destined to live. That, or join Morrin in Annara.

I found my way to the Arena, and sought diversion in the form of a duel with Marzan. It momentarily took my mind off my depression, but then my friend and teacher arrived. I knew Xeno would see the changed colors of my robes, and know what I had done. We would need to talk. Marzan did me the honour of recalling days gone bye when I had once held the respected title of Overlord. Days when I felt I had belonged here.

I thanked Marzan and stepped from the ring, moving toward Xeno?s table. I paused, uncertain of my reception in light of the changes I had made to myself. He bade me sit, and we opened our discussion with his telling me he didn?t understand.

?Mine life hath 'ad 'mpacts Ah neffer sought Xeno, thin's haff changed, an Ah dinnae like th? changes. Alia Anor hath been initiated intae th? Temple, an an' 'ad Ah nae brought 'er 'ere, 't wouldst nae haff 'appened.? Xeno reeled at that news, clearly he had not yet heard. Queen Teleperien joined us at this point.

We?d had this conversation years ago, when I?d left my twins in his care and sought refuge with Morrin. That had been nearly 20 years ago, and now I was once more resolved to seek solitude. Only this time, that solitude would be eternal.

The Queen had already heard the news. ?when I returned and found my charge missing, I sent out messengers to find what happened.? The Queen has my gratitude for caring enough to seek to find out what had happened when Alia Anor had left Eldicor. The Queen felt she?d failed me, but I know that if I had not brought Alia Anor to RhyDin, none of this would have happened. The fault does not lay with the Queen, it lays with me.

Vanion joined our conversation, and I shudder to consider his meaning when he?d said, ?, I care. Your daughter and I...? He deliberately left his thoughts unsaid, and given the evil she has embraced, I must wonder whether there was something to the vampire elf?s words.

I confessed to them both that I was responsible for raising Shahai, and despite the fact that Xenograg views that action as one of duress, I cannot help but feel responsible for the death and destruction she has wrought since her raising. But, the most damning thing for me is that I can no longer use Elven magic and have it remain untainted. I?ve been trying before my combining Morrin?s and my sorcery, and everything I have done is tainted with the shadows of necromancy. This is a thing that no elf should live with.

Xeno?s words cut through my reverie, ?Regarding Annara, wait.?

?Xeno, th? longer Ah dae stay, th? more mayst gae wrong.? I argued.

?You can always go later, I will need you concerning Alia Anor, I am not her father.?

No, Xeno was not her father, but he?d been the next best thing. He?d been there when I had not, and from what I had heard, Alia Anor held that fact strongly against me at the moment. The fact that I had gone to Riverbend to be isolated from those I loved to protect them from what I had become. No one seems to understand this thing, this darkness that I do not trust around those whom I love most.

The Queen asked me what my actions would achieve, how would leaving help? I told her that by leaving, I could not hurt others again. My absence would prevent more mistakes of the kind I?d made during my return to RhyDin.

Xeno has a good idea of how I feel, he reminded me that his entire upbringing had been focused around destruction, his training had been only aimed at destruction and violence. ?That does not mean I am a monster, though. Or a failure. Not everything we touch is destroyed or ruined. We can choose.?

I admitted then that no matter what I have done these last weeks, no pure elven sorcery remains for me. The Queen interjected that she has made errors and mistakes in her life, and sent people to their deaths, but those are the decisions a Queen will be forced to make, and not choices such as I have willingly made.

Xeno was using logic to try to make me see differently. ?You can master them, my friend -- master yourself again, you can forgive yourself. This is a next step?. He studied the new sigil I had written for him. ?You are still integrating your new powers with your old. That will take years, decades more. This is part of that. No, you are not what you were. That does not mean you are at an end, of anything. You have been isolated too long, You are in error, Mage.?

I raised my chin at his statement, but words failed me. My oldest friend in RhyDin had just relegated me to ?mage? rather than Alais. What was wrong was my raising of Shahai, bringing my daughter here, and staying!

?Your thoughts are wrong, which is worse than any action. You are a stubborn woman, Alais. We have been through this before.? And we had. We?d had nearly this same discussion when I?d left Nitesong and my twins in his care.

?Solitude hath served b'fore,? My absence had not caused pain and suffering to anyone but myself, the world had gone about it?s business and not suffered for my actions.

?And misserved as well.? About that time Khirsah entered the room. I had never seen Khirsah leave the Emerald Isle, and his presence was a mystery, and I wondered what was critical enough to bring Tass?s older brother to RhyDin.

The Queen interceded at that point, ?May I speak please? Aye, you made error.. and your pain of guilt is unbearable at this moment, Leaving now, without trying to set right the mistakes made would be worse. We will help. You cannot do it alone. But escaping into eternal darkness will ease your pain, but will not solve the problem.?

In shock, I asked her, ?m'lady, 'ow dae ye undae th' ruination o' sae manna lives??

?I cannot, but we can make right what can be. You are not alone in this, you will leave the mess for us to clean up on our own.? Her accusation hurt.

Xeno added, ?You isolate yourself from your friends and loved ones. That is the poison killing your spirit.?

Khirsah approached, this was not a discussion I wanted The Elder to hear, but would be unavoidable now.

I glared at Xeno. ?Ah isolate m?self oot o? necessity Xeno!?

?I never accepted that answer and still do not. You need guidance and support, above all things at this moment, and you belittle us.? He charged me.

This accusation incensed me. ?Ah haff neffer b?littled either o? ye!? Khirsah?s clawed hand touched my shoulder and I nearly jumped out of my skin.

Xeno continued, ?You judge us to be in danger by you. That is either arrogance or fear. Either way, we are not the equal of your power or your problems.?

?Is ?t wrong tae fear fer mine friends?? Khirsah?s voice was collected and calm, ?do you?? I turned to look up at Khirsah. ?Aye, Ah dae.? He glanced at Rhaine, then back at me, ?then you are correct to do so.?

Xeno added that he knew the dangers, and was no fool, not that I would ever call him such, for he has been a friend and supporter in many times of need.

Khirsah?s hand stayed on my shoulder, and a good squeeze came, ?the question you should be asking yourself, Lady Nitesong, is who are your friends, not should you fear them...?

?Ah am nae risk tae ye Xeno, bu? tae oother innocents,? but I paused as Khirsah?s claws dug a bit deeper into my shoulder. I closed my eyes tightly, (s) Khirsah.... ?Ah haff been manna years alone...an? whence Ah r?turn, sae much hath gone wrong.?

?Alais, you are my friend and I love you -- even when you are being self-centered and self-absorbed,? Xeno?s words cut through my thoughts, but Khirsah?s snort had me studying the dragon long moments. ?Have you now?? The dragon was older than time itself, and loneliness was something he?d seen plenty of in those aeons.

?None o? ye ken? and I made to rise and leave, but Khirsah?s hand remained firmly on my shoulder, prohibiting my escape. ?Khirsah, le? me gae.?

Xeno?s words bit deeply, ?Alais, we have done all this before. I will not stop here. I *should* run you until you drop.?

I replied quietly, ?An' th' last time ye didst let me gae, an' th' world was quiet?

?Not true, you just did not see it. The world is irrelevant.? Xeno would not let me quietly disappear this time.

Khirsah?s voice took on the very business like tone he?d used on the Isle, ?You will be expected upon the Isle, Lady Nitesong?, and with that, he removed his hold on my shoulder.

I rose immediately, nodding my acknowledgement to Khirsah. Then nodding respectfully to the Queen before turning to Xeno, his gaze challenging, as he touched our weirding bond lightly, and I knew that what he felt was a cold he?d never felt from me before, but a cold I could no longer change nor hide. From his side came a warmth that had never been there before, and with soft Annaran words, I dissipated into a column of dark silver with is farewell whispering in my ears. ?Take care, my friend.?.

I stared in horrified fascination as Daemonbane lay within easy grasp at my side. There was the temptation to reach out and take the potent blade. Accept the responsibility for the dark blade and in so doing take up one of the most terrible weapons in history. The sword that had seen the destruction of Annara. The sword that had destroyed my mentor. But, fear laced and tempered that tantalizing desire to grasp the hilt of Daemonbane. This blade destroyed all who ever wielded it. Was Daemonbane seeking a new hand to wield it? Or, was Morrin showing me that I still had his protection?

Dragging my hand away from the black blade and it's writhing form, I backed away and left Daemonbane beside the sofa. Locking and warding my lab before heading to the arena to seek my oldest friend, Xenograg.

I arrived in time to hear Dimitri express reservations about belonging to the Guild to Rakeesh. He cited the arrival of the Blood speakers, and Vanion. Rakeesh's words rang true, "Dimitri, these evils have nothing to do with you."

Dimitri's words were heartfelt with pain. "What about Vanion? He owns me. Shahai and Daigotsu are mad at me because I didn't fulfill the deal."

I learned then that Shahai had attacked Rakeesh directly in the Guild Hall. Rakeesh believes that they did it out of fear. At that point, I asked Dimitri, "Do you feel things would change were you to leave the Guild?"

"Maybe" he replied.

I shook my head, "I do not think so, and I have been to the Citadell of Daigotsu, they will not stop."

He objected, "Yes, I could have gotten you back sooner."

"No Dimitri, you would be dead or worse now. I was stolen for a purpose, and your arrival and exchange would not have helped. You could not have raised Shahai, could you?"

"No," his reply.

"Then you would be dead, I would have done the raising, and what would such serve? If the Guild does not serve your needs, and you it's needs, then you must depart, but I beg you to look deeply into your heart before you leave the sanctuary and honour of the Guild Hall."

About this time a Dwarf walked in, and was greeted by Rakeesh. He was introduced as Anheuser Steinforge, the newest member of the Guild Hall. He is a master brewer of Dwarven ales. His armor raised gales of laughter from Cheyenne, but I confess he did look a bit like the porcupine Chey sited.

Sy's arrival brought a smile to me, but tonight his dual scimitars were replaced by a very large broadsword. I paled for a moment as I remembered Daemonbane back at I' Taurn, but the blade Sy carried was one from his own lineage. It is very old, with runes that shone along the blade, unlike Daemonbane's deep black length.

At last Xeno arrived, and I invited him to join Sylus, Dimitri, Rhaine and I for I needed to tell him of the dream and the presence of Daemonbane.

"Xeno? You remember Morrin?"

"Certainly", he smirked at me.

"Do you recall the day we met him in Glum's forge? We had taken the shards of Morvinyon to Glum for re-forging?" I was hoping he remembered that day as clearly as I did.

Xeno looked at me, "That day is the reason why I remember him - his dominance was palpable."

"Do you recall the words he had for me that day?" I asked.

He did not, and so I recalled Morrin's words that day so long ago. Xeno's eyes narrowed, and I proceeded, "Last evening I dreamed of that meeting, and I awoke with Daemonbane beside me."

Sylus and Rhaine both grew quiet at my words. Rhaine's eyes grew wide, and telepathically she asked me if the name implied what she thought it did. I confirmed that Daemonbane is from Annara, and is a sentient daemon killing blade.

Xeno asked what I made of waking up with Daemonbane beside me, but I am not certain what to think, and I have not the gift of divination. I did confess to Xeno that the blade had come alive in my presence for the first time since Morrin's absence, but only after I'd combined our sorceries. My fear is that Daemonbane can feel Morrin's touch in my presence.

Xeno's words were not comforting. "I told you that you are on a new path, however alien and disquieting. I cannot deny this seems directly connected. I do not like it, but that is not up to me. It seems a very major step so soon upon the path."

I shivered, "Xeno, Daemonbane was a burden most horrible for Morrin...."

EXACTLY!

Sy added that I would not need to carry the burdern alone, but I had spent years in Morrin's company, and I know that whomever wields Daemonbane does so completely alone.

Raising silver eyes to Xeno, "I do fear the blade Xeno, and the meaning of it finding me for the first time ever."

"All invitations can be refused, perhaps it is only a sign" offered Xenograg. "Can it be returned to its proper place without harm?"

Rhaine observed that there are too many artifacts collecting in one place, and I do agree. What darkness drives this congregation of powerful magic items in this place and time? Rhaine has a lot of experience with artifacts, and she's asked to see Daemonbane, which I will take her to the library to view it and see what her spectral vision can determine.

I looked at Xeno, "I have thoughts about why the blade sought me out, with my combining our sorceries, Daemonbane may have sought it's former Master, for I am not the King of Annara, and the blade is only for them."

Xeno misunderstood me and asked, "you are?"

"No, I am not, but Morrin was." I corrected.

Xeno thought a moment, "you are his heir in a way."

Rhaine's voice lifted, "Blades of that sort, they carry a kind of spectral print of their true wielders. You were Morrin's student, so no wonder Daemonbane came to you."

"But Xeno, I am only his heir in Riverbend, I have not yet joined him in Annara".

"Connections. There are connections there that go well beyond yours and my understanding." Xeno's words rang true, and those connections have now been strengthened beyond anything they ever had been previously.

I nodded at Xeno, "Yes, but this is not the first time Morrin has come to me in need. I've been having bad dreams, and I did wind up in Annara by accident, and Morrin was there waiting."

Xeno reiterated that I needed some guidance, and that Morrin's would be best in this case.

I sighed. "Morrin will not return."

Morrin, What I would not give to have him back.

The evening took on a lighter tenor as we introduced Rhaine to Amaltea. I know she is not overly fond of elves, and we had quite an assemblage with Amaltea, Dimitri, Queen Teleperien and myself. Rhaine's sense of humor showed when she said, "Walking into a company with elves and having these fangs, Lady Alais? That's dangerous. For me."

Amaltea seemed a bit uncomfortable trusting vampires, but then I shared her misgivings not so long ago myself. So far, Rhaine has not shown herself to be anything like Exentry had been.

Tea left, and Dimitri showed us a piece of obsidian he'd been able to remove from a dagger Shahai had thrown at him. The other shards remained buried in his flesh. I do wish he'd told us more, but we were joined by Anheuser, and talk turned to Dwarven ales. I will seek Dimitri to inquire more about the obsidian shard.

Bapheloc joined us late, and discussed with Xeno his new lair, and his offer of support should the Darelir leader have need.

At this point, I asked Baphe if he had had any time to think about the problem we'd discussed days ago.

"Aye, I have devised a trap." I could feel Xeno and Teleperien's gaze on me, but I cannot face them knowing what I am about to do to an old friend.

"Whence yer ready, sae am Ah." was my reply to Baphe.

He needed a good way to lure her to his trap, and I know precisely how to lure her there, "Ah shall assure'er presence 'pon th' time an' place ye d'fine."

Baphe nodded. "This will not destroy her I do not think, but it will at least banish her from RhyDin's plane of existence."

I nodded, "banishment ist betta thence wha' ist now."

This thing must be done, once and for all, even though it pains me deeply.

Rhaine had come to I' Taurn to see Daemonbane. It was not comfortable to show anyone the black blade that had been the Annaran King's. This blade was the cause of the destruction of Annara. Morrin had slain many of his own using this blade, and now it felt Morrin's touch in my presence.

As Rhaine entered through the shadows, I sat on the floor beside the dark blade, my hand hovering over the hilt, and watching as the blade writhed within it's scabbard. I still do not know how it came to be here, for it had been on the wall in the Great Hall 3 floors below.

I am hoping Rhaine can shed some light on the sentience within the blade without touching it, for it would kill her. She is not the rightful heir, and Daemonbane has killed many times. Her ties with hell would only please the blade, for it had been designed to slay those from the various levels of the Hells. It would find her death a pleasing thing.

Rhaine approached the blade, and I could feel it writhe, seeking my hand, which I pulled away quickly. There could be no accidents now. I am not ready to take this blade and everything it represents.

Rhaine seemed drawn to the blade, nearly transe like and this worried me, I summoned Morvinyon to my hand, preparing to push the blade away from her should she come too close to Daemonbane. Then, collecting herself, Rhaine began to explain what she'd seen.

Preparations before leaving for Harmony were taking more time than anticipated, and I was due in the Arena to meet Sylus for some dueling.

The office door to Uly?s private area was before me. My hand slowly touched the sensor pad, reading my hand print before sliding open. Stepping through the door, the dust motes moved with the change in air pressure as the door slid silently closed behind me. We?d have to use the teleportation device Uly?d taught me how to use to get to Harmony, and now I stood before it. I reached for the cool metal structure?s door and paused as I let the coolness of the metal slide beneath my hand. Closing my eyes, I could hear Uly?s instructions. No mistakes. There could be no mistakes. I could kill Sylus and myself if I was off even a little bit. Teleport us into the wrong place and no one would ever know. Teleport us into the star that now held what remained of Ulysses.

Pausing at that thought, I decided to send Ozymandias a notice, make sure the device was working, and tell him that I was coming, and not alone. It had been years since I?d seen Ozymandias, and I began to wonder how he was faring in the time since Uly?s death. The automaton would neither approve nor disapprove of my taking a new mate, but still I wonder what will go through Ozy?s thought processes.

Quickly penning the missive, I opened the door and laid it in the center of the platform. Turning to the control panel, I input the destination coordinates, checked them with the notepad still kept in the top drawer of Uly?s desk. I activated the teleportation system and watched as the parchment dematerialized and vanished. I sat down in Uly?s chair, the faint fragrance of his cologne still lingered here. Tears welled into my eyes, and slowly dripped off my lashes onto the dusty desk top.

It was only a matter of moments before a recording device formed on the platform where the parchment had lain. Blinking back tears, I rose and opened the door to remove the recording from Ozymandias. The golden automaton?s voice chirped from the machine?.


?Lady Alais, I am very pleased to hear that you will be coming to Harmony. Rest assured everything is in order here, and your books are well stored. I will make them available upon your arrival. Remember that when two travel, you must account for the increased mass. If you send me that information I will calculate the changes you will need from the values used for you and Ulysses.

Ozymandias?


Sylus? mass? I?d never thought about it. Turning off the recording device, I sat in silence, surrounded by memories and a lingering scent that had once been the focus of my world. Ulysses, life mate, father of my twins. The man who should have been the only one was gone. Morrin had understood the pain of that loss. He?d been the one to help me deal with the devastation that can only come from the loss of yourself, the wrenching destruction of half of a whole. In my many years so far, there had only been Ulysses to reach out and touch me such that I couldn?t breathe without him. These last 20 years had been unfathomably hard. Going back to Harmony brought back memories and feelings that have been buried for decades. And now I was going back with a new mate. Someone who touched those scarred remains of emotion.

The sun lowered in the sky and I realized I was running late. I penned Sylus? height and weight and sent it back to Ozy. Then turning to go, I took one last lingering look around Uly?s office before activating the door to leave once more. When the door closed, I leaned heavily against it.

Tomorrow we would go.

I looked around the familiar room. Nothing had changed. Ozy kept the estate in excellent repair, but with no one living there, the automaton had no reason to make changes.

"Ozy, thank ye fer guardin' an' carin' fer th' 'ouse. Ah'll be back 'n a moment."

Stepping out onto the balcony, I shaded my eyes and looked up at the blinding Harmony sun.

I couldn't breathe.

That sun that had taken Uly from me shone brilliantly overhead, oblivious to the years of suffering it had caused.

My lungs would not work. They burned for air that would not come. And still that white orb overhead shown down on the Harmony landscape.

Blackness wrapped it's arms around me, and I knew no more.

I placed the books back into the library, entrusting Ozymandias to once more store them safely away.

There was no need to wait for Ozy to show us to our rooms as I was actually "home". I led Sylus along glass corridors toward the master suites. The house is a marvel of glass and metal construction. It is as different from I' Taurn as night is from day. Mechanical devices abound, and natural products such as stone are only minimally present. Ulysses' world is one of mechanics and science rather than nature and magic.

We arrived at the master suite, and I paused before the ornate metal doors, hesitating before touching the palm reader. The doors slid open, and my breath ceased. Ozy had been busy. I had only told him 2 days before that I would come with a new mate, but in that time, he'd reworked the suite almost completely.

The sitting room resembled my own at I' Taurn, right down to the ivory carpet and rhodochrosite fireplace. Deep green chairs faced the fireplace. The scent of eucalyptus and fir blended with the sweet scent of stephanotis.

I had not looked forward to facing Uly's ghost in this set of rooms, and thanks to Ozy, my lifemate's memories would not stare me so starkly in the face.



Morning light filtered through the blinds in a soft grey twilight as I slipped from bed. Wrapping a gossamer robe around me, I stepped out onto the patio and watched that white orb reach for the sky once more. Wrapping my arms around myself, I watched as the sun steadily rose above the morning mist. "Uly, Ah dae 'ope ye ken th' reasons, an' tha' ye dae approve."

Turning my face up toward the light, and closing my eyes, the morning breeze lifted my hair in tendrils as I stood there in silence.

Returning to the master suite I found Sylus gone. He?d done some of his own wanderings while I had studied the second book. There had been subtle changes to us both in our short time in Harmony. For me, facing the ghosts and the cause of Uly?s death had brought some closure to a long standing pain.

For Sylus, he?d noticed a lessening of his magic, but that is inherent to the Harmony world. It was this reason that I selected Harmony to hide these books. Magic was inconsequential in Harmony. He?d not wanted to shape shift despite his body?s response to the twin moons. Tonight however was a full moon, and I know that at home, a full moon means a forced change. But this is an alien moon, and may not affect him as profoundly. He?s been restless, and tomorrow I will finish the third book. We will be free to return to RhyDin.

I wandered around the suite in the darkening room. I couldn?t sleep, and my thoughts were drawn to the time I?d spent here with Uly. An abrupt flare of starfire from my lifemate?s ring drew me up short. The starfire ring had not shown more than a faint glimmer. The flare of light caused my heart to skip a beat. The ring glowed brightly for several minutes before slowly returning to its faint glow. I nearly ran out onto the patio, part of me expecting to see the meteor shower, but overhead was the darkening sky and nothing more. Disappointment washed through me. I sat down upon the chaise, and sometime later drifted off to sleep.

Dawn found me still in the chaise on the patio, and no sign of Sylus. Today would see the final act of combining my sorceries with Morrin?s. I know what that third book contains. I know what this last step means. I dressed carefully. I made every action a ritual to assure I am properly prepared for what is to come. At last, I was ready to go to the library.

Ozy met me as usual. Taking the small, ice cold book out onto the balcony, I paused to look once more at that great white orb overhead.

?Uly, Ah dae ?ope ye understand.?

I would not be walking this path had Ulysses survived. I can only hope he understands why I do this thing today, and I do believe that his essence resides still within the sun shining so brilliantly above me right now.

I laid the small book before me. It contains only 3 spells, but these are so awful, I wish they had never been created. These are spells so profound, no one should have access to them.

My fingertips trace the last of Morrin?s sigil. The bold lines evoking images of the mage himself. The book is innocuous enough in appearance, small black leather binding with gold sigil. The leather is without any gloss, and seems to absorb light, but is otherwise unremarkable.

With one last look up at the orb, I began the spell to combine my sorceries with the remains of Morrin?s, but as my finger tips touched the sigil, power surged hotly, burning my fingers and raising instant blisters on my skin. With a yelp, I pulled my fingers away, the spell broken, and I stared at the book. The black leather appeared to move like the blackness of Annara. Looking at my fingers, they?d been burned as if I?d touched the surface of the sun itself. Blisters rose and a blackened line where I?d been in contact with the sigil marked my hand. Pain radiated up my arm. In shocked silence, I regarded the book.

Taking a deep breath, I prepared to try again, but as the words formed and I reached once more for the sigil, I heard very clearly my lifemate say? ??Lais! Nay, this is not for you.?

Once more the spell was broken. My hands were shaking, though I cannot say if it is shock, pain, or something totally different.

I reached for the book again, without the spell, and it rested coolly in my hand, the sigil like ice. Holding the book in my hands I gazed up at the sun. After several moments, I closed my eyes against the glare of that white orb, I could again see the after-image of the sun, but this time the silhouette of Ulysses stood rimmed by the sun.

I spent the night time hours roaming around the rooms of the Graham estate. The rooms were familiar, and yet foreign. It was an odd combination of regret and relief as the white orb slowly reached for the morning sky.

Home, we were going home.

One last time I went to stand beneath that white sun. Once more before turning the page of my past to resume life in the present.

Sylus arrived in the teleportation room. I slipped into his arms as Ozy sent us back to RhyDin, along with the books.

Home.

The fire crackled strangely, and just as I reached for my staff, Khirsah formed in the flames before stepping out into the lab. I stood there facing Tass' older brother with my fingers wrapped around my staff. The dragonette atop the rowan wood staff called softly to Khirsah.

"M'lord Khirsah, yer arrival hath startled me, pray forgiff mine d'fensive reaction tae yer arrival."

I bade him be seated before we spoke. I do not know much about the Elder, but I could sense his power, and his evaluation of me. Tass would do the same, but Khirsah didn't know me before, so the changes should not be quite so noticable. At least I can hope Khirsah can't see before and after clearly.

"Khirsah, prithee dae p'rmit me tae bring th' books."

I rose and went deeper into the far recesses of the lab for the books.

As I laid them upon the low mahogany table between Khirsah and myself, the wards flared to life in proximity to Khirsah. I unwove the warding spells before sliding the books toward the dragon.

The first book, the one bound in human leather retained a faint glow as Khirsah's hand passed over it. His attention seemed totally focused on the book. As his hand passed over the second book, the combined rune flashed brilliant silver before returning to the dark charcoal metallic color. Khirsah paused at the third book. He looked up at me, the sigil remained unchanged, and the black binding seemed to pull all light into its depths. Khirsah's hand passed over the book, and brilliant red light flared between the book and Khirsah's hand.

He pulled his hand away and turned his unnerving gaze upon me fully.

I waited, my breath held.

There was a calling? voices long distance and far in the past? of a time before time?

Darkness is where you belong; for it was there you were born?

The books called to him?


He lifted his gaze and leveled it on to the Lady Nitesong. Her face showed no reaction to having heard the words. Keeping his looks schooled, he sat and listened as she confided in him her worries concerning those close to him.

It was her soft whisper that struck a cord? ?What shall I do?? It was a voice he had heard before, speaking those same words?

Taking but a heartbeat of a moment, he took control again. ?Lady Nitesong, no one has the power to force another on a path that they want to see them on. It does not matter if you do this only out of the good of your heart, and know that only ill will come from their decisions.

?All that we can do is to control our own affairs, our own destinies, if you will. As for the ones which we wish to help, it must be their choice to receive that help, and if they do not wish it, then all we can do is stand beside them and support them.?


His gaze shifted a moment as she looked out the window. It was once more riveted by the books, but was quickly turned back as the Lady returned her attention to him.

He watched her as she changed the topic both in her mind and in her demeanor. He would not press the issue with her? not yet. Yet he would not relent on this issue. It was something she would need to face sooner or later.

He, once more, turned his attention to the books which laid before him. Indeed, they would be safe on the Isle, but he was unsure what the results would be of them being on the Isle. Yet, as she had said, RhyDin would be more affected by these items.

?The Emerald Islands can protect these books, Lady Nitesong. Would you be able to part from them that long??

He could see the changes which the books had brought upon her, and in truth, it troubled him a little. The fire that had burned within her was darkening.

Perhaps she has more in common than I thought?

The missive was delivered shortly after it's arrival. The penmanship recognized immediately as belonging to Artemus. I sat down with breakfast to read the document, and nearly dropped my glass.

I had been there, helping Bapheloc as he worked so diligently to save Cheyenne from her affliction, and had been there when Daigotsu had sent her soul to the Hells and could not stop him.

Artumus' pain as his beloved Cheyenne came back, but not as the woman he knew and loved must be close to what I'd felt at the loss of my own lifemate. That wrenching, tearing destruction that makes one want to end one's own life. The desire to rend and tear everything around you can become nearly overwhelming, and now Artemus would face this horrible aloneness.

Nothing I say or do will help. Many tried 20 years ago, but this pain is one that does not abate with words or deeds.

I took a quill and parchment,

"Artemus,
My soul answers the cry of the pain you feel as I too have lost the soul mate, life mate, part of myself. No words will console you, but know that I am here when or if you desire someone to rage to, or to shed tears upon.
Lady Alais"

Soft Annaran words sent the parchment into the fire, where upon it disintegrated into ash, seeking Artemus' hearth, to reform there for his eyes only.
_________________

Khirsah is an enigma to me. I've come to know Tass reasonably well over the last decades, but his elder.... I do not know what to make of him. He is painfully formal when we do speak, and yet I always feel as though he knows every thought before it is voiced. Tonight is the first time he's ever called me by my name rather than by my title. He does not believe I can force my daughter to abandon the Temple, but if she is ensorcelled, perhaps we can undo the vile sorcery that has taken her away from what she truly is. I must cling to that hope.

Khirsah's abrupt departure is troubling as though he'd sensed something close by and needed to remove them post haste. Those uncanny sapphire eyes had darted to the window, and after he left, I stepped out onto the balcony. "Khirsah, prithee wha' didst ye sense oot 'ere?"

As I stood there seeking the night air for hints to what had alerted him so suddenly, I found it. There it was - faint, but unmistakeable. Legendazona was somewhere close by. This would be helpful. I stood on the balcony deliberately letting my presence be felt, knowing Legend would appear, she would not be able to resist. I let the darker side of my sorcery leach across the ether.

It was not long before she formed off the balcony. I studied the remains of my old friend as she floated before me. "Legend, prithee wha' doth bring ye back nae?"

Her visage smiled slowly, "The legacy of the Eldarie, Alais. The need to set things right before you err again."

I laughed at her, "Legend, ye cannae win this d'bate. Matters o' th' 'eart cannae be mandated."

She hissed a cold sound. "You are still a fool Alais, holding more to matters of the heart rather than matters of duty and honor."

"Ah dae invite ye tae coome fer th' bindin' ceremony if ye dinnae believe Ah'm serious." I used the Eldarie formality of a public ceremony that promises an Eldarie to her mate. A pledging ceremony used prior to the formal acknowledgement of a sanctioned mate. This would anger Legend greatly, and I know she will come to stop such a ceremony if she can. I hope Bapheloc's plan will work. Now, I must let him know the bait has been cast.

In a show of power to Legend, I cut off all traces of my necromancy. the things she'd been able to sense earlier were abruptly gone. Such cloaking is only accomplished by sorcerers of great power. I don't flaunt what I've become very often, this time however, I want her to know she's taking on a sorcreess who has progressed way beyond what she was those many years ago with Ulysses. This time, she was facing an Arch Mage, and not simply an Eldarie sorceress. Let her mull on those thoughts as we prepare to send her to another plane of existence.

Silence lay deeply around I? Taurn. Silence is something I am very familiar with in my long years. The staff below stairs went about their tasks and duties without troubling the above floors.

Khirsah had been gone with the books for several days, and I felt marginally better for that. I wonder what effect they will have on Tass?s Isles. Morrin?s sorceries cannot help but have an impact, but if they can be mitigated, I know Tass can dampen them and keep them from falling into hands that should never have them. Khirsah had been drawn to them. His eyes were drawn to the books even as he and I spoke. The darkest sorcery imaginable will lure many. I pray Tass and Khirsah are sufficiently able to deal with the call of the darkness.

Sylus and Dimitri are gone. They left last evening for Kelvar. I know that Sylus must return, but knowing it and being happy about it are two different things. Sylus is accompanied by Dimitri, and I pray to the Valar that they will be safe. Sylus would like to ask Dimitri to take his place in the kingdom?s hierarchy, as the Royal Assassin, but I do not believe Dimitri is the right mindset. Artemus would be better suited in my opinion, but Artemus has locked himself within Kurgen Keep to deal with the pain of his loss of Cheyenne. The young woman?s influence in his life had been profound, the closest thing I can liken it to is lifemated and bonded. To see the image of Cheyenne in this new entity who does not recognize him must be pain beyond imagining. At least for me, Ulysses did not walk the land in a slightly altered form to torment me with this loss beyond the torn soul I still bear.

The bait was set for Legend. My oldest friend would hopefully trouble no one again, and find peace in the after life. I must be the one to do this thing. I cannot leave it to others, but Baphe?s help is required. Between us, we should be able to end her haunting of RhyDin.

My daughter. This is a subject I have not addressed as fully here as I should. She has taken the vows or initiation rites, and I cannot reach her. She refuses my missives, and leaves unanswered my repeated requests to see her. I hear from others that she harbors me no love, and in fact has declared I am no longer her mother, and that she has found her family within the Temple.

I roam the apartment alone. I am surrounded by the history of my lineage. This home was built by my grandparents almost 2000 years ago. The furnishings, the art, the grounds, are all part of my heritage and history. One day these things should pass to my daughter and my son. The family tradition should continue through them once I make the final trip to Annara. My return to RhyDin has been filled with pain. In Annara, that pain does not touch me. The pain of my daughter?s rejection weighs heavily upon my heart as I spend these days alone in this house.

Alia Anor d? Arisa d? Nitesong. My daughter. Initiate of the Temple of Divine Light, and rejecting every bit of her heritage. Everything that she should be she has turned her back upon to take up the cause of the Temple. I cannot allow this to continue. I must seek her return.

Taking my staff, I stepped onto the tanzanite gate rune and whispered the spell to take me to the center of RhyDin in search of my daughter.

I had not expected Sylus and Dimitri to return from Kelvar so quickly, and to say that I was a bit surprised to see them would be an understatement, but as I headed into the Annex last night, I was teasing Lupton as he requested a duel with me. I accepted, and only then saw Sylus sitting on my sofa near the back of the room.

I ran up to give him a quick hug, and he yelped in pain. Only then did his arm in a sling register with me, but I was already headed back into the ring for my match with Lupton.

I was furious with Sylus and Dimitri that neither of them had let me know what had transpired in Kelvar, and thankfully my match with Warlord Lupton was brief.

Returning to my sofa, I asked them what had happened. Seeking to keep my temper as they relayed that Sylus had been arrested, condemned to die, taken to the headsman for beheading, and no one, not either one of them ever bothered to let me know what was going on and how serious things were in Kelvar.

I held up the green sphere Sylus had given me, knowing both Dimitri and Sylus held their own. Sy's had been confiscated, but Dimitri's had not.

I excused myself and returned to I' Taurn, furious that such events were not deemed important enough for either of them to share with me.

MEN!

The Temple district was busy this time of the morning as I stepped from the temporary rune gate. Pausing to scan the area, I spoke low to the dragonette atop my staff. Caleb would be secreted away. Tass had told me Caleb would watch but not be seen.

Walking slowly along the streets, I sought a signal of Caleb's presence. I found that indicator as I approached the bar Dancing Dragon. It was closed, but within I could sense the presence of Tass' friend.

Shifting into ghost form, I slid through the gap between the door and frame, into the darkened interior.

"Caleb?" It was unneccessary to call to him, he knew I was here, and the dragonette called softly as well before his form became visible in the darkened interior.

Of Tass' family and friends, Caleb is the one I've seen the fewest number of times, yet Tass had entrusted my daughter to his care.

"Shall we sit fer a moment?" I took a seat and leaned my staff against my chair. The dragonette regarded Caleb long moments before uncoiling his tail and flying to land on the table top and walk tentatively toward Caleb.

"Caleb, Ah haff need o' yer assistance tae get mine daughter away froom these Temple influences. Khirsah doth b'lieve 't ist a mistake, yet Ah ken Ah mus' needs try. Th' Alia Anor taeday ist nae th' young woman whom didst come tae RhyDin. There're darker influences thence effen Ah currently influencin' 'er life. This alone wouldst nae be sufficient Caleb, 't ist mine concern tha' she hath nae free will that doth drive me tae mine r'quest. Ah wouldst haff yer 'elp tae r'move 'er from th' Temple that Ah mayst speak wi' 'er whether she doth will 't 'er nae. Will ye 'elp me?"

I awoke to the butterfly soft touch of Sy's good morning kiss. A smile curving my lips. It was wonderful to have him home again, even as I realized that Caleb would be bringing my daughter home, and that the tranquility of this morning would be fleeting. I was in for a struggle with my own daughter, and right now, it looked like it would not be an easy thing.

I wrapped my arms around Sy, wanting a few more moments of this warmth and happiness.

The preparations were completed. The Elven suite was warded and safe guarded to keep my magic wielding daughter safely locked within. While she is a mage, she is not experienced, nor yet as strong as I am.

Conscience pricks at me as I think about the cage I have created for Alia Anor. No matter how you look at it, it IS a cage for my own daughter.

Now I must wait. Wait for Caleb.

Alia Anor's eyes opened and she focused on me with an expression of hatred so intense it nearly felt as if she'd actually struck me. This is not the young woman I'd called to RhyDin from Nitesong. This person was as foreign to me as meeting someone from the other side of the world.

Her eyes held shadows that moved fleetingly as she glared at me. I cannot believe that my daughter is making her own choices. There is a darkness within her that I cannot name, but I can feel.

"Alia Anor, ye've been verra ill lass. There ist a poison wi'in ye tha' dids't nearla take yer life. Caleb dids't bring ye 'ere tae undae th' effects o' tha' poison."

My words were not ones she wanted to hear. "You lie! You probably had me poisoned so you could make me a prisoner here rather than allow me to live the life I have chosen! Release me! You have no right to hold me here in this cage of your design!"

I sighed. The one word that could destroy my resolve - cage. She'd accused me of caging her, and I have.

"M'dear, it ist oonla fer a short time. We mus' needs heal th' poison, an' ye an' Ah mus' needs speak. Ye haff giffen me nae choice lass."

Anger twisted her beautiful elven features into something grotesque. "I am not your 'dear', and we have nothing to talk about. Release me."

I tried to speak with Alia Anor, but she withdrew and would no longer acknowledge my presence. It was going to be a very long road indeed.

Leaving my daughter immobilized like that was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I sought the solitude of my lab as pain and remorse tore through my thoughts. Khirsah's words came back to haunt me.

"forcing your will upon others only brings grief, both to you and to them."

Grief.

Pain.

Am I a monster for wanting to save her from what ever darkness dwells within that Temple? Rhaine disapproves, Khirsah disapproves, and even Tass was upset with my choice to bring Alia Anor here to I' Taurn. Am I wrong? Doubts chased themselves around in my head.

Caleb had worked long hours in this lab. He'd found an antidote to the poison that had come uncomfortably close to ending her life. Tass told me gold would be acceptable to Caleb for his assistance, and I will happily pay Caleb any sum he names.

The oral antidote sat sealed in a container on the counter. A lingering scent of herbs in a combination I have not seen in years. Not since....

I could feel the blood drain from my face. Not since Legend had poisoned me!

The Druidess used some lethal combinations in life, and it appears she's retained those abilities in death.

Rhaine had asked me who would want badly enough to get to me, or my children to poison, and I could only think of two entities. Legend and Ghrial. The old Lich hadn't been seen in years, but he'd made it plain he would haunt me to the end of my days. I had not wanted to believe Legend would go after the twins after all this time. What logic is there for her to return after all this time?

Her hatred of what she calls half breeds is virulent, but she'd not troubled Nitesong where they lived these last 20 years. Why now? Why come back to harm them simply because I've chosen a new mate? It is not as though there will be children now. And slaying my existing twins will not undo the choice of mate. It makes no sense.

I sat and penned twin missives to Xenograg and Queen Teleperien, advising them of my actions in abducting Alia Anor. I seek their recommendations how to proceed. That young woman is not the daughter I know.

Soft Annaran words send the missives into the flames to seek out the two people in this world who's advice has been invaluable to me.

Sylus has been gone these last days back to Kurgen Keep, and I have spent a great deal of time in the lab working on the plans for a new home in Tass' realm.

The Dragons will provide sanctuary for me for a time, and protection for Morrin's books.

Now I must build the structure to house them, and set up a system in concert with Tass' dragon kin for the island he's asked me to manage.

I was working on construction plans when a portal opened in my lab and the mind touch of Rhaine reached me. Her mood was unusual, and I asked her whether she was joining me, or I her. It seemed the portal was my invitation to join her.

I stepped through to find her seated on the floor in front of a low table, whereupon I sat down across from her.

Our discussion ranged over many topics, but it took some time to get to the one that troubles her this night. I am certain an outsider would think it very strange to see an elf and a biodesigner sitting cross legged on the floor having such discussions as we had.

She had over heard conversations with Vincent that lead her to believe I may be in danger from the Temple, and while I had not considered myself much of a threat to the entire Temple, her warning must be heeded. There could be retribution that I have not considered. And she had first hand information from the overheard discussion.

At length I left Rhaine, she was seemingly in better spirits. I don't know if she realized in our conversation that my move to the Emerald Isles presages a final return to Annara. Once things are resolved with Dimitri and Alia Anor, and Sy lives out his days, I shall find the peace and silence of Annara.

But, these plans are my own, and I do not intend to share them, with anyone.

There is no other feeling to rival the embrace from someone you love.

Warmth, comfort, the scent of that special someone, expectation, and satisfaction all rolled into one simple action.... a hug.

Sy's hug spoke a million words, a thousand feelings.

He inquired about the blue prints, and I turned slightly in the shelter of his arms, "Ah dae b'lieve th' plans 're reada tae b'gin buildin'. Th' 'ome fer th' books ist d'signed tae th' state o' th' art. Th' Dragons shouldst be shielded froom their influence..... bu' Ah must needs get 't built soon. Ah dinnae ken th' risks tae Khirsah tae be in constant contact wi' 'em fer sae long. Ah dinnae ken 'ow long Ah'll be away Sy, an' Ah'll miss ye effera moment o' mine absence."

He had spent long hours looking over the plans concerning the new manor which would be built, both to house Alais, and the books. Each detail had been thought through and every angle covered, with the exception of one? Khirsah.

He could feel the changes that were taking place in his elder, and in truth, he felt they were for the best. Yes, there was the chance that the books would take control of his brother, but even if that were to happen? well, that was a bridge which need to be crossed if that river ever developed.

He looked over the plans a final time, and then turned to the desk to pin his reply.


Alais,

While the plans look good, there is one flaw which I foresee. While I do understand the need you feel to be close to the books, and to have them in your care, I, however, do not like that they will be within the area of your living estates.

What I propose is this: Build a separate housing for the books, a shrine, if you will. Yet, while this shrine, on the ground floor, will be whatever you deem appropriate, it will be just that, a shrine. Below this, however, I would seek to place the books. The books would not be accessible in any case, be it from the ground shrine, nor through any tunnel.

This detail will be something which I would care to discuss with you in person. The plans for this underground sanctuary will be provided at that time as well. I will be awaiting your arrival.

~Tass

The lab and office area for Alais held a series of book shelves, low tables with parchments and writing inks of many different types and colors.

The lab bench held crucibles, containers, sealed jars. All of the components of a gifted sorceress.

File cabinet stood at one end of the work bench, locked and sealed.

Tome stand with a large tome stood beside the bench. The black wood was carved into a dragon rampant with a sorcerer entwined with the dragon. A Tome Guardian lurked unseen near the book, which is bound in greenish serpentine stone, black leather bindings, and bears the blended sigil of Alais and Morrin.

Nothing on the shelves, nor in the drawers would lead to Riverbend.

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Though the residence remained quiet, there came a change to the boundaries. For a moment in time, everything stopped.

Even the darkest of souls would have missed what transpired then.

There, from the ground, rose a dark wall? ebon-black if a color could be described for it. The wall simply rose to meet itself in a bubbled dome. Yet, even the dome encompassed the ground in and under the residence.

Then, simply, the darkness faded from site. Oh, it was still there, yet it was once more unable to be seen. And, with that fade of the ebon-black, time had resumed.

The power of Morrin had been used. The darkness was called forth. I?Taurn was protected with the barrier that had come to encompass Riverbend. Yet, it was altered. Those who were touched would be allowed to enter and leave.

All others would simply cease to be?*all* others?

It had been a very long evening, and as I left Dimitri, Sylus arrived, looking bone weary and still burned from his backfired spell 2 evenings previous.

We have not had much time together, since the Baronial challenge, and my retreat to Riverbend to be alone with my thoughts and my failure.

Last evening has been our first together in weeks, and we?d taken that time to share some heart to heart discussions, and to once again find pleasure in each other?s arms. It had been a few moments of happiness in weeks of darkness.

Tonight my thoughts were again on Matlal, and Sylus seemed withdrawn, separate, and disinclined to speak despite my efforts to find out what troubles him. I was returning to the Emerald Isles, and I told him to call me if he needed me. I must have left in too much of a hurry as I heard him whisper my name as I vanished.

Upon reaching the Isles, I poured the mirror and sought him out. He was not only disinclined to speak, it was as if he could not speak. His thoughts were disjointed, chaotic, and not entirely human. As though a part of him were missing.

I returned immediately to his side, he was cold and ashen. Wrapping my arms around him, I spirited him from Twilight Isle to I? Taurn. We were at I? Taurn in moments, and as we passed into the house and through my wards, I nearly lost Sylus. A new ward, not one of my making surrounded and protected my home. It had the feel of Annaran sorcery, and yet, it was blacker, darker, and more ominous than any spell I had ever wrought. I tested the ward, felt its texture and dark layers as they enclose and guard my home. They are protecting my home, but they are not mine.

Tass?

But Tass doesn?t command Annaran sorceries. Khirsah? I cannot tell until I see him, but the power makes me suspect him, and the fact that the Elder has the last book also makes me suspect. But why? Why would Khirsah use Annaran spell craft to ward my home? What he has created here is death for anyone who would seek to cross it that is not identified to the wards as belonging here. It is a ward of immense power, and extremely dark consequences.

We reformed into solidity in my apartment and I laid Sylus gently onto the bed. Sitting beside him, my hands sliding about an inch above his body, I sought the source of this malady.

His hand rested upon my stomach, and I felt the brush of his animality. The wolf slid into my essence, and I gained images of what was going on from him. The silken glide of fur against my insides as Sy?s disjointed images flashed through my thoughts. Sy had left part of himself within me the previous evening, and now, he was no longer whole within his own body.

Now, how to return his spirit and animality back to him?

Artemus had come to watch over Sylus, and I had retreated into my lab to review the drawings, and consider Tass? words to me, ?the chamber will be sealed away from the house.? It seems Tass is going to insist upon keeping the books separate from the house. I believe he is in error on this matter, but given the consideration of all that has changed since I left the books in Khirsah?s hands, there is not time to argue with him about it.

As soon as I can reach Sylus and return to him this essence he?s left within me, I must begin construction on Matlal.

In the silence of my thoughts, a flare of an alien presence disrupted my thoughts about the house and the books. It was pain and darkness, torture beyond torture. A pain that seemed to try to tear a soul apart, and then nearly incoherent words??no strength to make a choice? and then numbing pain struck, pain that soothes the searing torment of inner conflict, followed by the sensation of a slow, gradual dissolution and indifference.

I stopped dead in the middle of reviewing drawings and focused on the images that had exploded in my conscience. They were so alien, and yet, there was a familiarity to them.

The images shifted to a figure clad in blackness that was slowly drowning in a pale mist. These images swirled in my thoughts, and I focused on them, following the trail, ?Rhaine??

The path led to a place deep under the surface, and there had been no reply to my call. The pain filled words continued, ?No choice, none, no way out, leaving.?

I called again, ?Rhaine?? Feeling my way telepathically along the path of her howl of pain, for it was nothing less than a soul wrenching howl into the void.

The path led to an underground place, removed from normal space and time, and warded with signature work that I recognized. This was Rhaine?s safe haven. I reached out tentatively to touch the wards, and while the protections seemed to sense my touch, there was no aggressive reaction, and only a slight stir of space that seemed to open the wards. I pushed a bit harder against them, and they did not resist, in fact, they assisted in warping me into the haven. The warp is always an odd sensation, but I focused once more on the words, ?No choice Rhaine, what do you mean??

I searched for her in the room that had taken on a very different look since the last time I had been here. It was lit by pallid, lifeless, colorless orbs. The silvery fur on the furniture and the floors seemed to shimmer in the dead light. A pale, milky white mist is slowly filling the room, and thin strands swirl around everything, the ebony table, the weapons, and then around me. The mist was chilling, the chill of the grave. Something I recognized instantly.

A whisper came from the mist. ?No possible choice, problems of normals are always a conflict.?

I went very still, listening to the tormented thoughts. ?No choice about what Rhaine? Come talk to me lass.?

The mist retreated a little, it condensed around a black shape near the dead fire. ?There is no need to talk, talking is a return.?

I nodded, knowing just exactly how she was feeling right now. The lure of not being can be a powerful lure. ?Yes, it is, but some times it is in our best interest, even when we do not agree.? I will never admit this discussion outside of this room, but my words to her are heartfelt.

There was a sad laugh, ?Why should I return Alais? No reason, no sense to it.?

?I know how you feel lass. Those very thoughts did run through my own mind very recently.? I had not told her the pain, the source of why I find such solace at Riverbend. Why the lure of that kind of peace pulls at me so often.

Her voice strengthened slightly, ?I will pay off my debts, do as I promised, and leave. Sick and tired of having to make a choice where I don?t want to make one.?

?But what does that resolve for you? And what improves without you Rhaine?? I?d learned from that old dragon, and that lesson came in handy now.

The mist retreated into the pale cyan gems, ?And what improves if I?m around? A biodesigner in a normal world only brings trouble.?

I thought long moments before responding to her, ?Many things improve Rhaine.?

There came a sigh, from everywhere and nowhere, ?Alais, I should have never started studying Bloodspeakers, I should never has spoken to Mystic.?

?We all do things that we should not, but lass, you?ve done far more in your past than investigating a new mage type and studying magical creatures. Please, why has this upset you so?? There was more lurking here than simply investigating the bloodspeakers.

The mist disappeared, and the lifeless figure near the dead fire stirred. We spoke about how biodesigners have most of their feelings dimmed, but that some are infact modified to be extreme. She told me how she felt about Mystic, and that there seems to be a conflict between that caring and the Bloodspeakers, specifically Daigotsu. We spoke about the Guild, and how that allegiance enters into the conflict within her. And, she worries that she?s losing control. Her binding world is not the one she inhabits, and there are effects that she is trying to compensate for.

I do not know how long we talked, but I think we both learned from that conversation, and in the end, she decided to remain, for which I am profoundly thankful. When she told me about her fears of losing control, we talked about possibly finding a way to strengthen them artificially since she is no longer in her binding world, but she was uncertain we would find an alternative. She grinned at me, ?well, if I go rogue, you know whom to blame.?

I gave her a wry smile, ?Yes, but I?ll just send a small dragon after you.?

She shuddered visibly, ?A Dragon??

?Yes, is that a good enough reason to seek to regain some of that control, and not to go rogue.?

She laughed slightly, ?Yes, dragon?s are not to be messed with.?

I left her then, slipping through the wards to return to my home as her words rippled through the aether, ?They will always let you pass.?

My summons had not worked, and I was simply worn out, and out of ideas.

I?d been back for several days from my visit to Rhaine, and sleep had not come readily. Tonight I had time on my hands in the Emerald Isles, and weariness had me seeking my bed early. I?d not felt comfortable seeking sleep since I?d heard Rhaine?s pain and gone to seek her, and tonight I needed the rejuvenation of a good night?s sleep.

The moon was rising over The Pearl, and glimmered off the water below my balcony. I left the doors open and the gentle lapping of water against the shore was soothing. I lit several scented candles, drawing the familiar fragrances of ginger and stephanotis to blend with the unique scent of the Island.

I laid upon the bed drifting between wakefulness and sleep for some time, but sleep when it came was dark and troubling. Images of life and the building blocks of life slid through my thoughts. Formulas of undecipherable letters and symbols shifted as living things in my dreams. Strange creatures in stranger worlds followed by utter destruction, a blinding flash of fire, leaving a world barren and utterly bereft of the life that had been there moments before.

I woke in confusion. My dreams have never been like this. These images were alien, and held little meaning for me beyond the life and death of worlds. Experimentation, similar to what I do with my spells, but on a scale unimaginable, and using living things?. I shivered in the darkness.

I conjured a cup of hot tea, rose and stood on the balcony in the moonlight. The images of my dreams haunted me out on the balcony. Vials, bottles, glassware, none of it made any sense at all. Finishing my tea, I returned to my bed, laying down amidst the silk pillows and bade my mind go blank, seeking restful sleep once more.

The dream began in darkness,

The hellfire eyes of dracolich stare into mine, I should be terrified, yet somehow I agreed to go on a hunt, whatever it may mean. The bone dragon has no saddle, nor anything a dragon-rider may need... but somehow I know I won't fall. The sky and the dracolich accept me. We soar into the sky as a pair, matched and comfortable together.

Two patrolling dragons, they are not the familiar dragons of the Emerald Isles, they are more like Krynnian silvers. There is an unfamiliar elf riding one, a being of celestial beauty that seems to have wings rides another. Grim laughter of the dracolich seems to shake all of my being - but I laugh with him, my hand in black glove resting on his neck. I jump up, balancing between the wings, as the dracolich breathes out a spell... one dragon is caught off guard, and falls from the skies, its soul screaming in agony. Another tries to fight. I leap on its back, and talk to its rider in the language of sword and spell. The dragon seems to try to shake you off, but has to take care of its rider too... while the celestial is still alive. His spells seem to be stopped by some kind of magical shielding on me. Finally a sword in my left hand... a black longsword with dark-violet pommel jewel... slashes across his chest, almost cutting the warrior in half, not even noticing silvery mail on him. A scream. Power streaming into me. I leap up, the dracolich catches me, and another spell slams into the remaining dragon. The most odd thing seems to be the feeling of friendship... friendship with the dracolich... the joy I seem to find in fighting the silver dragons and their riders... concern for your dread "comrade", not the elves.

I woke with a start, sitting bolt upright in the silence of the early hours. The memory of the dracolich seared into my thoughts. The death of one of my own kind at my hands echoed.

I sat there alone in the blackness shaking. Sleep would come no more this night.

The dreams of elves are usually pleasant things. Grace, beauty, the joy of nature and creation. Teaching the trees to speak, understanding the babble of a brook. These are the dreams of elven kind. Music and beauty.

But my dreams are dark. Full of death, destruction, horror. Religious rites to a dark god. Strife, anger, power and control. And always in these dreams, my perception is that I am at the center of the destruction. I am the one perpetrating deeds of unspeakable darkness.

There is a black blade with a glowing lavender gem in the pommel of the hilt, and a joy almost at the death of my victims. Elves have died at my hand in these dreams. There is a partnership with a dracolich, a dread creature I have never before faced, and yet, I am almost one with it.

My nights are broken into fragments with these dreams. I am beginning to fear sleep, and am focusing on construction, I must, for my own sanity, because these nightmares are glimpses of insanity!

I had come from Matlal to the Arena to stand as Second with Tass for his Baronial defence against the lovely Kaja, who?d challenged him earlier. Xenograg was there, along with Rhaine. When Tass arrived, I summoned Morvinyon from oblivion and waited for the Challenge to begin. Imp was there to call it, and as always, he?s a very entertaining sort of creature.

Xeno greeted me with troubling news. It seems that Legend is back, she?d paid him a visit at the Dojo. My absence from I? Taurn has not gone unnoticed it seems. I do hope Baphe comes back soon, I?d like to get Legend banished as quickly as possible.

Tass and Teleperien joined Xeno, Rhaine and I briefly before Imp called him to his ring. I rose and excused myself to go and stand outside his ring at attention during the duel. Dimitri was there, but until the match was concluded, I needed to remain where I was as Tass? second.

The duel did not go as I would have liked, but Kaja dueled superiorly and Tass was ever gracious. We congratulated Kaja and wished her the best of success as the newest Baroness.

Tass has changed since the last time I?ve seen him. He?s got an inner fire that has not been evident until now. He is also armored tonight, something I have not seen him do in many years. More surprising however are the three blades he?s carrying. Blood I rather expected since he is wearing armor beneath the simple cloak he now wears.

We joined Teleperien and Xenograg at a table, and I invited Dimitri to join us. Xenograg poured us all Eldarie tea, which is rich and hot, providing a soothing sensation that it appeared Teleperien needed. There is still a fair amount of mistrust and thinly veiled hostility between Rhaine and Teleperien, which is too bad, but will need to be worked out between themselves.

I spent some time speaking with Dimitri. He looks better than the last time I?d seen him, and he tells me that he?s seeing Alia Anor again. That in fact, she has helped heal some of his wounds. Alia Anor had never shown healer tendencies, but if she can ease some of Dimitri?s suffering, this is a fine thing. He offered to set up a meeting between Alia Anor and myself, but I do not think my daughter will allow such a thing. I?ve asked him to give her time and not to push too hard too fast.

Rhaine once again retreated and sought a duel when Tass approached. For some reason Rhaine fears Tass above almost everything. And tonight, the look in Tass? eyes suggests she has good reason to fear the dragon.

Tass spoke at some length with Teleperien. It seems the dwarves in her lands are seeking their own state, and a reduction in taxes. She is troubled deeply by this, but told Tass she?d not come to the Arena to discuss them.

Xeno poured the tea, and we sat and talked for some time. And Tass worked to keep the cloak about him to cover the armor. Teleperien must have recognized it when he put his arm around her, but she didn?t say anything.

Teleperien noted Tass?s inner fire, and the talk soon changed to one of war. The Queen excused herself and returned to Eldicor, while Tass? attention shifted to Xenograg. Their mutual salutes were those of experienced warriors acknowledging one another and then Xeno departed with the Queen.

Tass?s words in parting were very soft, and I am not certain even Xenograg heard them. ?May grace go with you, General, for I cannot see it will for me.?

I studied Tass long moments. He was deeply worried over the tear, and what he expects to come to pass. ?Tass, you?ve brought out two blades I did not expect to see.?

He lifted a brow. ?Two??

I nodded at the twin scimitars. ?Blood I did half expect.?

He softly said, ?things are worse than I had hoped. The tear has been located.?

I could feel color flee from my face, ?where??

His smile was tight, ?the one place which you cannot go on the Isle.?

I pondered that, he?d not told me anywhere was off limits, ?You have not told me any place was off limits Tass.?

?No, but the place itself is a place which you cannot reach.? The fire in his eyes was one of determination and clarity of purpose.

?Where Tass??

?The summit of The Pearl? he told me. I now understand why he says I cannot go there. When we?d come back from Riverbend, we?d stepped through the place he?d left his home from, and that was with his sorcery and my own that I survived the biting cold and desolation of that mountaintop.

I reminded him that he?d taken me there, and that I had survived, but he told me he would not risk me.

I studied him long moments. ?I have things to prepare Tass, and the tear does affect me as well you know.?

He nodded, ?Alais, the chamber must be finished, and quickly,? he lifted a finger to keep me from speaking, ?and with this change, the House will not be sufficient protection.?

Warily, ?What else is required??

He sighed, ?Less Annaran influence I fear?? his voice trailing off.

I was shocked. ?This is not the way it was supposed to be Tass. The books are Annaran, and must be held by Annaran sorcery.?

He shook his head, ?No, it wasn?t, but would you have the Annaran protection fail to prevent those who are Annaran??

I pondered his words, he worries that the Annaran dead may come through that tear, and that Annaran sorcery would be needed to control them. That would mean Daemonbane coming back into play, and neither of us desires that.

?No, I would not, but the ties between my sorcery and the Isle?s is woven already Tass.?

He nodded again, ?but the chamber is not made, and thus, is not tied to you.?

His meaning became clearer. If the chamber were protected by Annaran sorcery, it would be easier for the Annaran dead to reach the books, and loose the destructive powers of those books upon the world again. I summoned my staff from oblivion and silently regarded the old dragon. ?The chamber will be ready.? And with that promise to my old friend, I departed the arena to return to Matlal.
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Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 6:36 pm Post subject: Loss of the Elder

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I'd met Tass upon the Twilight Isle, and in his eyes I saw something terrifying. The tear is widening, and there is true worry in my friends heart.

Added to that, there is the loss of his contact to the Elder, and this is probably the biggest concern of all.

Creation of the chamber had taken a lot out of me, and it was in a state of exhaustion that I entered the Outback, with no intention of fighting, but only of keeping my fingers on the pulse of events in RhyDin for as long as I may. As I entered the Outback, I discovered Sylus sitting with Rhaine, and he was more than 3 sheets to the wind under the influence of alcohol. He looked at me with blood shot eyes and took a very long pull straight from the bottle. His greeting, attempted in Elven was nearly unrecognizable, and he took another long drink from the bottle he held.

Rhaine sighed, ?I think that shifters are crazy, absolutely. I had to drag one out of intoxication yesterday Alais.?

I looked at Sylus and asked him why he was burying himself in this state of inebriation. He turned and poked Rhaine hard, ?You dham struuurt, we crazzy.?

Rhaine?s gaze narrowed, he was pushing the vampire to her limits of tolerance, and I am completely lost in the rationale for this behavior. He raised the bottle to his lips again, and I gently rested my hand on the bottle to stop him. ?Sylus, prithee, what is this about??

?Unsterdanting?. a ?.. cat.? He pulled the bottle away from me and downed the remainder of the whiskey.

Rhaine rose and headed to the bar for a cup of hot coffee, ?Yeah, Art got damn drunk yesterday and as I?m his guardian devil?? her voice trailed off leaving the thought unfinished.

He hiccupped, ?shoo neww hiii I getting dunk? (To know why, I?m getting drunk.)

I tried to keep my temper under control, ?I do see this, and getting yourself falling down drunk will help you understand Artemus?? I simply shook my head and took my drink to my sofa, leaving Sylus at the bar to continue his stupidity.

He squinted at me after he?d fallen over the bar, setting down the bottle he now held. ?I thins I knowsshh whlll Artmast got dunk.? As he pointed at Rhaine, ?he fears that if he uses you, you?ll call upon him for some need you?ll have.? Then he looked pointedly at me, ?The other reason, he cast the Keep from this world, but can?t bring it back by himself.?

I quirked a brow at him as he hiccupped again. ?If Artemus cannot bring the Keep back himself, why does he not simply seek help from you? The two of you together to bring the Keep back into this realm.? Personally, I feel that if Artemus was foolish enough to use a spell that he couldn't reverse, he had no business using it in the first place, but those were the things Morrin had taught me decades ago.

Rhaine handed him a cup of hot coffee as he continued, ?He?s the stronger sorcerer. I know the world of steel.?

Rhaine was pacing, ?Fears I?d use him as a puppet. Shifter.? She had her voice laced with derision. She then turned toward me, ?Do you think they could use a spell coil??

?Aye, with the right help, I believe they could.?

Sylus was sobering up fairly quickly, ?He thinks cuz he caused it, it is his problem and no one elses.?

I closed my eyes and shook my head, ?Foolish notion your brother has.? I knew full well that this comment had been directed at me as well.

Sy?s voice grew bitter, ?Tis a notion I?ve heard and seen others do,? giving me a very pointed look.

?Then you have witnessed foolishness.? I told him over the rim of the crystal snifter I held in my hands.

He took a seat at the bar rather than joining me, his look speaking volumes about what he was thinking.

?You don?t understand the difference? I told him at his expression.

?Thas because you deem it important to keep me out of the loop on such things, thinking that by shielding me, you will keep me from the reality of your problems.? Bitterness was evident in both his tone and his words.

?The books are my problem, and I have help. I have not chosen to go alone. I do know when to ask for help.? There are things that I cannot allow Sylus to be involved in, despite our feelings for one the other, but at the moment, he is unhappy with this choice I have made.

He gave me an angry look, ?and how far has that help gotten you? The books you sought to lock away from the world, so you went to the dragons for ?help?. Now the third book has gone rogue, Khirsah is missing, and Tass has no idea where to start looking. That is as far as my knowledge of your current problem goes. If there have been anything new, I don?t know of it.?

?I have not been in RhyDin to speak of the status Sylus. And yes, things have not gone as expected. It was not expected that Khirsah would become immersed within the book.? My patience was wearing thin with his anger, but I tried to keep a rein on how I felt.

?You said the books come from the primordial darkness, right? And Khirsah is that old, yes?? Anger flashed in his eyes as I answered yes to both questions. ?You didn?t think that such power would reach out to that part of him??

Now I was furious, I?d given a lot of thought into this before I?d consigned those books to the dragons. ?What better guardians may there be? Yes, I knew that, and do believe it is still the safest way to ward them!?

?You thought the dragons were beyond the influence of such power?? He made it sound as though I had no brains in my head at all.

Fury rippled through me. ?No, but I did not count on Khirsah taking the books head on, and neither did Tass.? I knew the books would work on the dragons, but I also knew the dragons would be the most immune to their power and their call. No one counted on the Elder being curious enough to be lured by the books so soon.

He took a sip of his coffee, ?You don?t even know where to find it, do you??

?Not precisely? I told him. Then, very calmly I told him ?I?m seeking the Darkness tomorrow.?

?NOT? ON? YOUR OWN,? his voice was calm, but reinforced with an iron I seldom heard in his tone, and his look was glacial.

I met his cold gaze with one equally cold, ?I must.?

?NO? you mustn?t, not alone anyway. Tass needs to go with you, he knows that darkness better than anyone else.?

I shook my head, ?The Darkness did seek me earlier, I have contact with it through the Isl?es, and through the books. Tass must deal with the mountain and the tear.? My fingers clenched around the crystal snifter I held.

?What tear?? His amber eyes locked with mine. I did not respond. ?WHAT tear?? His expression hardened even further as he walked toward my sofa at last.

?Please do have a seat my dear.? I told him. ?There is a tear between Riverbend and The Pearl.?

He glowered at me, ?And you think that contacting the darkness is more important than closing the tear??

?I cannot go to the top of The Pearl Sylus. Tass must deal with that. Khirsah is changing the past, it is important that I find him before too much more changes.? I tried to remain patient, but the sensation of being treated as an imbecile that has not thought things through grated on my mind.

?If it is from Riverbend, then that means Annaran magic possibly made it,? he mused. But he is very wrong on that point, it is dragon sorcery that did not close properly that has resulted in the tear between the worlds. I shook my head and told him, ?No, it was dragon sorcery that did not seal correctly when Tass and I departed. Tass should never have come to Riverbend, it is the land of the dead, and no place for the living.?

His frown deepened. ?He wouldn?t have gone there if you you hadn?t doubted our faith in you. You ran, someone had to drag you out of your shell and smack some sense into you.?

I sighed, ?it was so much more than just that Sylus. I did what I needed to do. There is much in my past you have not seen yet, and Riverbend is my home too. I did not ask Tass or anyone else to come for me, but accomplished is accomplished and now must be dealt with.?

He turned for the door, ?The things we often need most are the things we never ask for.? With that he left, and never heard me say that it sounded to me like the pot was calling the kettle black.

Rhaine nor I fathom the minds of men, and must wonder how such irrational creatures survive in this world.

My last night in RhyDin was very strange. It began with an apology from Artemus. First that he would apologize was strange, but the expression in his features was stranger still. Neither was in keeping with the man I've come to know.

Rhaine does not believe in either apologies nor people changing. There is something seriously amiss with Artemus' behaviors.

Then, Vincent. The Arch Mage was nearly ready to exchange blows with Artemus when I walked back into the outback, and when he saw me, he came running at me with a wild look in his eyes. I summoned my staff in case it would be needed, but he shoved a bouquet of flowers into my hands instead.

Vincent and I have not spoken much since he joined the Temple. I do not trust his actions nor his words since he made that choice, and now, out of the blue, he gives me flowers?

I did not see Sylus, though I had hoped I would, to tell him what had happened with my attempt to seek Khirsah. The morning would see my trip to Annara, and I returned to Matlal after a very strange evening indeed

The water in the mirror ripples, as though disturbed by a falling object.

The image of the book wavers and fades from sight in within the mirror, replaced by shadows moving within a stone keep. Thousands of shadowy forms move amidst the stone walls, and a single elven figure moves furtively through a stone mausoleum.

The stone effigies are the only thing that does not appear to be moving.

The water ripples slightly.

The journal sat in one of the finished rooms in Matlal, it was not one of the books protected by the Tome Guardian, but it was protected by the wards of the growing house.

The mirror is tied to the Eldarie sorceries, but the influence of the power shift in Riverbend have abruptly dried the mirror up, a very curious, and ominous phenomenon, a harbinger of things to come.

Flames and the fires of destruction flicker in the future. The Annaran source of power has taken on a new and dark influence that seems to wither any elven touches or influences.

The mirror rippled, and the room of stone figures faded.

The surface of the mirror stilled, leaving a blank reflection, slightly darkened as the liquid transmitted only the bottom of the stone basin of the mirror itself.

The scented candles in the apartment fluttered and went out.

I left the Hospice, returning to the home that I never knew. Vines grew in abundance over the beautiful mithril gates, obscuring the view of the property almost completely. It appeared as though someone had tried to trim back the vines, but the enchanted plants would have taught whomever it was how unwise that move was.

I crossed the street, reaching out to touch the white flowers, smelling the slightly spicey sweet scent. The growth of the vines meant the house was once more deserted. Once again the woman who claimed to be my mother was again gone. Left everything and everyone behind to seek her own greedy purposes.

A shiver slithered down my back, and I looked around... once more the sensation of being watched... but no one could be seen.

It was time to go. There is nothing here for me anymore.

I was about to take Sai Jon into the Great Hall where I'd found Daemonbane after Morrin and I had exiled his people, but before I could finish the sentence, a tear rent the air in the foyer, followed by three heavily armed figures.

First came Jacob, whom I'd thankfully already met as my hands had already reflexively curled around my staff in preparation to defend my home.

Jacob swung the firearm in a three-sixty circle around the room as though expecting to be attacked my some unseen horde.

The second creature through the rip nearly stopped my heart. He was huge! A demon is bad enough, but with the cybernetic enhancements and twirling swords, I found myself taking another step back. It took a moment to recognize Saltera from Sai Jon's memories, but there is little doubt that is who Jacob's backup is.

Then a young man of about 20 summers stepped through. His resemblance to Sai Jon was amazing, but Sai Jon had slain his son.

Laughter broke the tension in the air, and all three of them looked at Sai Jon with puzzlement. "Problems?" Sai Jon queried as the newcomers all realized there was no enemy they needed to vanquish here.

Jacob answered for the trio as I stood in the doorway until Sai Jon introduced me to the three unexpected arrivals. He introduced the young man as Tobias. He must have found an alternate time when his son had survived.

Jacob was already scoping out the entry hall, standing and inspecting the finely carven oak dragon doors leading to the Great Hall. After recovering a bit from the entrance of the three armed warriors in so dramatic a fashion, I took them into the Great Hall. I gave Jacob a quick smile in response to his question, and told him that the mortgage was paid over 1500 years ago.

The central portion of the fireplace was empty as I swept my hand toward the conspicuous vacancy. "This is where I found Daemonbane after the Banishment. It had replaced my own family coat of arms, hanging here, as though saying to me, 'you are the last Annaran'." My gaze flickered over the cybernetically enhanced demon as I spoke the name of the black Annaran blade. "The three books lay upon the hearthstone. All four artifacts survived the Banishment, and were here waiting when I returned."

The Nitesong coat of arms and familial blade Morvinyon hung upon the fireplace still, but it was clear they were not the central focus. That item now lay on the foundation stone of the house on Matlal.

"If you will come with me gentlemen? We will house here while we are in RhyDin, and I will show you to your rooms. From there, we need to go find Baroness Topaz and Queen Teleperien. The Baroness should be in residence at Dragon's Gate. Queen Teleperien will either be in RhyDin, or Eldicor. If she is in Eldicor, we'll need permission to cross her borders."

After showing them to rooms on the third floor, I took them to the fourth floor to discuss next steps. I provided them with a map of the city, showing them where Dragon's Gate was, and where the dueling forums were, since these are the most likely places to find both women. I also showed Sai Jon where the burned brewery could be found, since it was where we'd encountered Tass' mind.

Tobias seemed very quiet and almost pensive as the men studied the maps and grew familiar with the streets of RhyDin.

It had been a terribly long day. Sai Jon and his companions had made a spectacular impact on the few household staff still at I' Taurn, and I am not completely convinced that having a cybernetically enhanced demon in the house is something they will quickly adjust to. Saltera is very reasonable, but elves and demons do not usually spend amiable time together. Especially when the demon is armed to the teeth.

I had shown Sai Jon to the second floor where they could practice swords, magic, and hand to hand combat. The room was not designed for firearms or laser weapons, but I told Sai Jon I could ward it for such if he so desired. The room contains a multitude of swords, edged weapons, and if they dig deeply enough, some of Ulysses laser weapons are still there.

I left them to do whatever recon they felt would be useful, and headed to Twilight Isle in search of Rhaine. Once again, I kept to the trees as I searched the rings and spectators areas. Sylus was volunteering, but he caught sight of me among the trees, and a whisper soft mind touch told me I looked tired, which meant I looked as I felt.

I told him I was seeking Rhaine, but that I was going back to I' Taurn. He wondered if our guests were settled, and I told him that I thought so. I hadn't had an opportunity to introduce him to Sai Jon and the others, but he knew of their arrival.

It was late as I sat in the library. A small fire crackled in the fireplace. I had not seen Topaz or Teleperien, and somehow I suspect that Sai Jon and crew are not particularly body guard sorts. As I considered how to go about protecting Topaz and the Queen, I felt a tear open across the table from me. The dark rift shimmered in the mostly darkened room, and I felt a familiar presence, "Rhaine?"

Her voice drifted from the tear, "want to come or would prefer me hopping in?"

I smiled. The woman could come through my wards like they did not exist, and yet, she maintains the courtesy of asking before doing. She is unusual in this realm. "Please, do come join me lass."

She stepped through the rift, but her form was almost translucent, at first I thought it was just a trick of the light, but as she seated herself on the floor, I could see she was not entirely solid.

"Good evening lass, the Liquid Fire is on the table."

She nodded, telling me that she thought it best not to delay talking. It seems things have been changing in RhyDin as well during my absence. "It's too dangerous to wait. Vanion has become more active. I fear he will be trying to get the Key of Earth from Artemus. He kidnapped your Queen, and we had to run to the Temple of Myr'Khul."

I had heard that Vanion was once again stirring, but I had not heard he'd taken Teleperien.

She continued, telling me that "Myr'Khulians are masters of torment," and that Teleperien was in bad condition when she was found. She passed her hand through the bottle of Liquid Fire, "I'm still regenerating after the encounter with Vanion."

When I asked her what had happened to her, she shrugged, "I was just dragging Artemus out of another problem, and got my body annihilated, nothing too scarey."

I blinked at her, "that's not scarey?"

She smirked, "it is not important. And I kept Artemus from feeling my pain. In any case, the regeneration is almost complete, so don't pay attention." She gave me a most serious look before continuing. "The bloodspeakers, and your dragon friend, and what you told me - that is trouble, not some regenerating monster."

I frowned inwardly. She is no monster, and as my friend, it concerns me that she could have been lost to me, and in defense of Artemus! The man simply makes my blood boil. He is Sylus' younger brother, but I cannot harbor warmth for the man in any shape or form.

Rhaine sighed, "anything about that demonic being, that Rael?"

I shook my head, "the 'Others' do say he's from the 9th level, and that he is amassing a huge host, at least 200,000 now in the rivers flood plain in Annara."

She smirked a bit, "such hosts are not uncommon for Baator, but 9th level?! How could a half Tanar'ri come there?"

I had no answer for her, but the story remains the same from all of the banished Annarans.

She told me that in Clandestine, it had been a being from the 9th level that had deceived Tenebris, and stole his soul, and plotted lethargy for them all, the Asmodeans. She was worried.

I thought a moment. "If Rael brings them through, the Annarans would be free to take up their old lives."

She bit her lip, "and there it is."

We both understand the threat Rael poses to us all. I closed my eyes, "Rhaine, I had to show Sai Jon the depravity of the Annaran world." The pain of remembering still bit deeply into my soul, but I knew Rhaine would understand what it had cost me to show that to anyone.

She glanced up at me, "Sai Jon? Who is he?" She was in deep thought as she manipulated cyan sparks on her fingers.

"Sai Jon is an old friend of Giles, he's come to help Tass. He is a priest, and has come to try to heal Tass from the wasting malady."

Her old animosity toward Tass was still there, and I have resolved that my two friends cannot be friends. It happens, no more than I could expect to take Saltera to Legend and expect them to get along.

Rhaine chuckled, "I see, so Tass needs some healing and a Priest to bash some common sense into his head?"

I laughed quietly, "Mayhap that too."

We spoke at length about Vanion, and her concerns that the vampiric elf would go after Artemus' Key since it is the only one Vanion has not been able to touch with the crystal. "So, the only logical guess is that Art should beware."

Frowning slightly, "I have no love for the man lass, none."

She chuckled, "Art may be a silly shifter, but he isn't half as bad as Vanion. Hopefully Shan will teach him to be more serious."

I growled, "aye, well, he has made an enemy of this elf."

She grew more serious, "Vanion is not the only concern, I don't like what's going on with Vincent. His doubles, they appear too often."

I muttered some elven imprecations. "That damned Temple does corrupt all that it touches."

She nodded, but added, "I would not try to enter it, the Grim Lord would not approve. And Vitus, he's here and I am happy to see him. All of us considered him dead after certain events involving his father."

I asked if that was the Arioch they'd spoken about.

She said Arioch was Vitus' father, and a demon who loved to make mindless drones out of everyone.

I closed my eyes, "Rhaine? I've met two demons today, and now you're talking about a third!" No elf in her right mind willingly associated with such creatures!

She grinned, "remember our talk about fabric on a frame? New marbles are falling."

I opened my eyes and studied her a moment, "yes, they are."

She rested her forehead on her hands, "and the visions, visions the Lord has sent me, they predict another marble."

I sat up a bit more, "what visions?" She hadn't mentioned previous instances where the Grim Lord had spoken to her.

She looked up, "for a long time He has not spoken to me, but now he has. He has shown me a rift - rift and four figures walking out of it."

We spoke at length about her vision and what it could portent, but in the end, we agreed not to discuss it. For now, it would remain just between us.

I teased her then, telling her that Vitus and Saltera should meet. She blinked and wanted to know why. When I explained that Saltera was 100% demon, and currently in I' Taurn, she chuckled, "This guy Tanar'ri?"

I explained what little I knew about Saltera, that Tharkold was his home. She nodded, "not one of the Baatezu, that is for sure." Then she asked me why they should not meet, and I laughed, "the irony of having two demons about." It was so un-elven, have I come so far from my heritage? The thought is sobering. Have I become so influenced by the Annarans?

She broke my reverie, "Trouble is guaranteed. I will talk to my brother, and will get to talk to you again. I think we will need your help. Something should be done about Arioch."

I nodded and told her she could count on my help.

The imp in her surfaced as she said, "even if that means helping a half demon?"

I winked back as she opened a rift, "only because he's your brother."

Kor Jon
Adventurer



Joined: 30 Jul 2005
Posts: 127


5771 Silver Nobles


Posted: Fri Sep 30, 2005 9:31 pm Post subject: Dogs and Demons

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Saltera had sent the others to prepare. With two more dragons out there he knew there would be trouble and Jacob would undoubtably find it. He waited at the practice room and suddenly a huge dog came bounding around the corner and squared off in front of him growling menacingly. Saltera could sense that it thought him to be a threat so he dropped to his knees, and bent his head to the left exposing his throat and letting out a low whine. The dog stopped growling and cocked his head to the side. Myr inched forward slowly and sniffed Saltera's outstretched hand which he then tentatively licked.

Alais came racing around the corner to find Saltera kneeling in front the dog that was now barking at him playfully. She laughed at the scene and called Myr to her.

Saltera shook his head and waited for the others impatiently. It was past time to be going, Jacob could be up to anything by now.

The burning of Cassius' home, which is practically across the boulevard worries me. The smoke drifted across I' Taurn like a smothering blanket, bringing with it the scent of suffering as well as destruction.

When I arrived at the Annex, I found Sylus sitting on a sofa near the back, looking as tired as I felt. He said he'd spent the morning training, and when I asked him what he was training for, he enigmatically said, "just training, was either that or watch the demons rock the stonework."

I laughed, "Saltera has his hands full with Tobias and Sai Jon, I've not seen Jacob of late."

Sy smirked, "I'm sure he's fine."

I laughed with true mirth, "have you met Jacob yet? Jacob will be the one to get them all into the soup!"

Sy shook his head, he hadn't really met any of them yet.

I smiled, "Myr met Saltera."

His eyes widened slightly, "I bet that was.... interesting...."

Shaking my head, "can you imagine a demon nearly 7 feet tall on his knees with his throat bared to Myr?"

Sy thought about it, "Poor Myr, doesn't stand a chance."

I laughed merrily, "Myr was not very worried. I was!"

He wrapped an arm around my shoulder, "for Myr, I bet you were."

I glanced at Sy, "you've heard about the fire? With the Baron's home just across the street, that is entirely too close."

He nodded, telling me that he's considering taking a position with the City Guard just to be of more help. I knew I' Taurn could not burn, but the forest could. He suggested that we ward for fire, but I cannot ward the entire area.

He sighed, "we protect what we can, the rest we leave to luck."

Frowning, "we do have need of catching the arsonist." Leaving things to luck would mean that whomever was setting these fires would seek out weak wards, or unprotected buildings to strike.

He'd clearly been thinking about this for some time, "alright, first we'll need to set up a night watch for the area, should be made of citizens, the arsonist is most likely watching for members of the guard."

I slid a glance at him, "the dragons have begun to arrive." I know that they are searching for Tass, but I must hope that Sai Jon finds him before these new dragons do. I told Sylus that this burning of the Baron's home would give Cassius more reason to imprison the unfortunates.

Sy suggested that by implementing his plan, Cassius would have more on his plate than the unfortunates, he would be looking for an arsonist now.

"I do fear he'll become intollerant, very quickly," voicing my concern softly, but my words were caught by another elf, and Pslyder's thoughts came through clearly as amused, "Cassius? Intollerant? Heaven forfend!"

I glanced at Pslyder, "Have you heard his plans?" Sometimes telepathy can get you into discussions better left unopened. I explained to Pslyder that the Baron had plans to impose torture and execute all assassins, vagrants, thieves, and homeless ones, and that he has plans to build a dungeon for such purposes.

Psly nodded, "Oh yeah, I heard about all of that. I'll tell you one thing, he's going to have his hands full trying to root out all the 'miscreants'."

Sylus glanced at the Marchioness as she and Psly debated the issue, "that just means Cassius will have all of the more intelligent criminals to deal with, the dumb ones are the ones that get caught."

I muttered softly , "barbarism doesn't fix the problem, it sounds like a veritible witch hunt." Glancing up at Pslyder, "I worry about abuse of power," and he agreed, saying it was the reason that the squad wasn't the only group of people doing the right thing for the people. He had his own plans which were in motion.

I told him that I did not believe having Baron's making such moves was right, but that they did not listen to anyone.

He agreed, saying it was the preview of the Overlord, or the city counsel. He felt things were very much like his home where the only way to stop them was to take whatever power you could back and use it against the authorities.

This is a dangerous time, where the powers that be in RhyDin will be tested. I hope the outcome is one of justice and law.

Ozy and I moved into the rift, arriving not quite where I had initially expected. We were in a work room/laboratory that I had not seen before, but that was very clearly Rhaine's. Her wards scanned Ozy, but otherwise did not touch the automaton.

Rhaine barely glanced at Ozy, her experiences around technology and automation meant he was no surprise for her, even though he accompanied a magic user and not a technical world entity. I greeted her, but she began immediately, "I do not know if your shalafi taught you much about soulstones."

This told me that our task was immediately crucial to her. Her focus was narrowed solely to this 'experiment' as she'd called it. I had expected it was Arioch we were seeking to contain, and I told her that Morrin had not done much with soulstones. I knew they existed, but very little about creation or use of them.

She told me that we needed to transform a set of gems into an aggressive soulstone, one that would drag a demon in, and trap him there. This would take a strong energy infusion, as well as traps and anchors a demon could not undo. It must be so complex and strong, the demon would be unable to escape.

She reached for a small, black metal box, and in it were a set of gems that were similar in appearance to the one she had embedded in her own skin. Somehow, she'd gotten it away from Artemus. It had once belonged to someone she knew. Artemus had killed him, and taken the gem.

She handed me the stone, and the sensation was swift and immediate; as though trying to stand in the eddy of a fast running vortex, as I closed my fingers slowly around the gem, absorbing the intensifying sensation that threatened to drag me away. I anchored my energies to the ley lines, and the stone pulsed with a chaotic energy; as though imbued with both magic and matter. There was a link that I could sense, but it was broken, incomplete, and remained at the heart of the stone.

Rhaine smiled and unbuttoned the shirt slightly, exposing her own gem at the base of her throat. A cyan crystal that glowed softly as I studied the green gem I held. She explained that the vortex or pull that I felt was even stronger when the stone is connected, but instead of a one way current pulling you in, her's was a 2 way one. What we needed to create was a current strong enough in one direction to pull Arioch in forever. She invited me to touch the gem she bore, warning me that it would be shockingly strong. I did so, my curiosity aroused about such potent magical tools.

The impact was stunning. The chaotic energy was magnified as the rune flared at my touch, but this time the pull was not a suffocating vortex, it was a current. I asked Rhaine if she felt the current, or was she the source of the pull. I had to anchor myself firmly to the ley lines to keep from being dragged from where I stood.

She smiled, "I feel that pull... every day, every hour, every second. But for me, this is a two way current."

"But, it will be a one way for Arioch."

She grinned, "absolutely."

So began a long evening of work for us both. The bindrune was strong, and Rhaine had ideas how to enhance the strength. What I would bring to Arioch's new home was two fold. One: The anchors to prevent him from pulling free of the vortex, and Two: The unexpected and hated chains of elven sorcery. That would be a very nasty surprise for the demon we seek to bind here.

Rhaine took on the life-death spellwork, and as she began, images from my earlier nightmares flickered at the edges of memory. I'd seen some of this when I'd been connected to Rhaine's thoughts months ago.

I told her that my favorite anchors would be mithril based, and she went to a small niche, returning with several boxes of ingredients. She told me they used mithril in her home world for rune sets, and channeling swords. Some of the ingredients in the boxes were true stuff of nightmares, and must have come from the Hell's themselves, but I found what I needed. There was also an odd, milky white crystal, something similar to a quartz crystal, but not that I must ask her about when we are finished.

I told her that my preference would be to set the anchors last, right before the closure of the spell, and she nodded and moved toward the pedestal where the green gem rested. Her disguise faded, leaving her true form visible as she turned faceted eyes on me, "Do not come close, for your own safety."

I asked her if I could summon my staff, as I would need it, and her wards parted enough for me to bring the rouwanwood staff into her lab. The clear crystal held by the dragonette hummed in a soft vibration to the magic Rhaine invoked. A pallid mist began to flow around her, and the runestone, which quickly became a true vortex. Sparkling flecks flew in the maelstrom she was creating. There was an electric cold that emanated from the mist that I dared not touch. The green rune flared, and an answering cyan flare as dark streams blended into the mist, absorbing the green rune.

I touched the uppermost mithril rune on my staff, beginning to pull energy to the crystal, and as I did so, the outer gems of the bind rune darkened as the inner gem became brighter. My clear crystal began a soft glow as the ley energies collected there. Picking up the mithril in my other hand, and curling my fingers around it, I began the transfer of energy from the staff into the mithril.

The green rune was subdued, quiescent, and the energy it emanated was cold. The cold of absolute nothingness.

She looked at me, "ready and set for the anchor."

I nodded, "I need you to used a cold knife to cut mine hand, across the palm, across the life line, the blood must coat the mithril."

She produced a knife with a very thin dark blade that she used to slice deeply enough to bring a line of crimson welling quickly to the surface. The blood seemed almost drawn to the mithril. I moved closer to the rune stones, closing my hand tightly as the Annaran spell riffled from my lips in a melodious cascade. Crimson and silver dripped from my hand over the bind rune, absorbing into them, vanishing within the matrix of the stones. I heard Rhaine whisper to be careful not to touch the stones or the mist. As I felt the anchors settle into place with the matrix of the rune, the blood and mithril ceased flowing. The anchors were completed, and would draw no more from me.

It was time to finish. She slashed her right palm, and dark crimson curled around the rune and anchors. The mist filled with bright cyan sparks, the runes flared, and the mist dissipated. The green rune was glowing, and the inner stones were bright and cold.

She turned and thanked me. We both agreed we'd like to see Arioch's face when the trap is sprung. Ozymandias remained silent, hovering nearby.

We retired from the lab to her living quarters for a drink. She healed the monomolecular knife cut, for which I thanked her. It would have healed quickly, but was appreciated none the less.

She brought us a bottle of violet liquid with red sparkles from an ebony case, her use of telekinesis brought a smile as she did a bit of showing off, "try.... might be curious."

I picked up the glass, "what are we trying tonight?" I asked her as I sniffed the bouquet of the wine. It was apparently made from a very specific sort of grape grown in one region of Lerdann, and had an herbal mix included. I sipped the violet fluid, letting it drift across my tongue. It was very good, and she savored each drop.

We spoke about Arioch, and how she planned to lure him into the bind rune trap that we hope would become his home. Vitus was safe on consecrated Asmodean ground, so with time, Arioch would come looking for his son. Arrogance should be the demon's downfall.

Ozy and I left Rhaine and returned to I' Taurn. Once we arrived, Ozy spoke up, "You know Lady Alais, once the demon is entrapped in that matrix, it would be possible to seal it for eternity in the transmogrifier. While the magic used by you both is good, given enough time, or the demise of one of you, that entity could eventually escape. If you sent the rune into infinity, it would have each molecule entrapped, separated, and would be unable to pull itself back into existence."

I looked at Ozy, "you can program it to do that?"

He blinked an almost indignant blink, "of course I can."

I laughed lightly, "I'll be certain to advise Rhaine of your concept Ozy, thank you."

Elven mirrors are tools that can show you the past, the present, and the future. Sometimes it is difficult to tell which you are seeing, and when the future is involved, the images can shift and change with each choice made along the way.

I have touched Primordial Darkness. This is darker, stronger, something different. As the blackness encircled me, I summoned The Third once again. Calling to it in the Annaran summons which should bring the book to my call, but thus far had failed to retrieve it.

Time may already have turned against us and it may already be too late. Khirsah may already be irrevocably changed by the book - and only the Valar know at this point what those changes will mean.

The man I saw in the mirror was Khirsah, and yet he'd changed almost beyond recognition.

The darkness swept out of the quicksilver, curling around me as I watched the image that was Khirsah fade into the mists. In an instant, the darkness enveloped me with a caress so gentle at first I thought it imagined, and then, it pulled me into the mirror. Into a darkness unimaginable.

I clung to the image of Khirsah. "Where dae ye take me, 'n why m'lord?"

The black stones I'd seen in the mirror glittered in the blackness, and I could sense there were more upon his person. They drew power to them. They drew life and energy, and in that moment, I knew the book had changed the Elder.

I stood beside the altered Khirsah in that place of beginning. This image of Tass taking hold of Daemonbane has shaken me deeply, for death awaits my old friend. None have ever survived. None.

I glanced at Khirsah. His demeanor one of unyielding granite that I could not fathom. "The shrine, that is what is locked away behind the dragon's blood wards." It was a statement rather than a question as realization dawned on me.

Home. We needed to return home, with Tass and Khirsah. "Khirsah, we need to go home. You would not come before - please tell me you will come now. We need you. Tass needs you."

Khirsah brought forth images of Matlal that made my blood run cold. The entire island was over-run by the armies we'd seen when Sai Jon and I had both been in Riverbend. They had come through, and now, the once beautiful emerald green of my new home was being laid to waste by hordes of dead and daemon kind. Rael had corrupted not only the islands, but he'd gained some of the dragons of my home for his guards, and now, the structure I'd put such careful planning into before building was being guarded and defiled by dracoliches created from the very dragons who'd been helping me build on Matlal.

Khirsah bade me go heal Sai Jon, who apparently had drawn the taint of Daemonbane from Tass, and who now suffered the effects of the Annaran curse because according to Khirsah, we would need the Guardian for the battle we were facing. My focus however remained riveted on the image of the dragon turned dracolich guarding the despoiled remains of my home. Denial of what I saw roiled in my stomach. Garl would never willingly join Rael. NEVER!

The images faded away and the blackness turned into the normal darkness of night. I looked at Khirsah, "th' wards tae th' Emerald Isles 're closed Khirsah, Ah've need o' yer 'elp tae r'turn tae 'em."

He'd never answered my questions. The always enigmatic Khirsah kept his own counsel despite my elven curiosity.

He stood there quietly as she bombarded him with the questions that he knew were boiling at the top. There were many more questions that she held in check. He still found it perplexing that she still had not understood that she had the answer to most of these questions herself. But, if she was to ask them?

?Lady d?Nitesong, you, among all those around you, should know that I know and understand what has, and is, happening to the Younger. There is nothing that has happened that I do not know about when it concerns him. It would?? he stopped suddenly, and blinked. Then he chuckled softly. ?...actually, it is the same for the Second.?

He stood there a moment, quietly, musing over this new information. It was information that was very useful, considering the Younger?s influence with their sister. After a few minutes, he turned once again to Alais.

?The book? Oh, yes, the Third. You seek to finally embrace your inheritance?? He looked her over, weighting each feature of her. Then, he finally shook his head. ?No, you do not seek to do that. You are still haunted by the past.? He watched her face shift to one of anger, and her mouth opened to protest, but he lifted a finger to forestall her. ?You are not ready because you have not accepted your past. You have been giving a charge, and a test, if you will. You must embrace your past to succeed in the test. That is all I can tell you. When the book feels you are ready, it will come to you.?

He knew she would not like, nor probably accept this answer, but was the answer that she needed, and the only answer which he could give. She would just have to understand. His hand came to rest upon the sword that adorned his him, and his gaze caught hers, and the slits of his eyes narrowed, drawing her into them.

?I will not be coming with you to the Isle?s. The Younger is now back. You have no need to use me to open the wards.?

He broke his gaze from her, and turned to look out the portal at those before them. ?Your time grows short here, and you are needed elsewhere.?

He turned then, and started to walk off into the darkness.

Khirsah?s words replayed in my thoughts as I found myself walking the sand on Twilight Isle. Memories flooded my thoughts as I paused in the shadows of the tree line. Shadows that fall not only on my body and the ground, but they seem to reach right into my very soul. Darkness and shadows. I know now how Morrin suffered. I understand better the shadows I?d seen in his eyes, for were I to look into a mirror, I am certain I would find those shadows in my own eyes.

Sylus approached me on nearly silent feet as I studied the red line in my hand.

?Alais??

Slowly, as though it were difficult to drag my attention away from the scar that would forever remain, I looked at him, simply saying, ?it has begun?.

He stepped closer, it was as though his wolven half were on intense alert, ?Tell me what you have seen.?

What have I seen? How do you put words to such things as I have seen standing in that darkness beside the oldest dragon? Closing my eyes brought the images into crystal clarity, and I related to him what I?d seen ? ?The Isles are over run with them, turning the green to utter ruination. They do hold my home, some of the dragons have been turned into dracoliches, so many others are dead.? My voice lowered in pain, ?Khirsah. Khirsah has remained in the darkness.? I stopped. Pain radiated through my essence.

Sy?s words were distant as he said, ?this fight is beyond my skills Lais. I do not know how I can aid you, but I will do what I can.?

?Lais?, he?d called me that since the night of the meteor shower, and I focused now on that variant of my name, pulling my thoughts back from the dark pain sitting at the edge of thought. ?The sheer numbers Sy ? Sai Jon and I did see them in Riverbend, but here they?re destroying everything.? I paused. My next words were too horrible to contemplate, and yet I have been ever since Khirsah had come for me. ?I may have to take up Daemonbane, it may be the only way.?

Sylus took that news better than I expected, but perhaps he does not reckon the import of that action as clearly as I do.

He asked me if there was any other way, another choice, but his words and tone to not convey the true horror of such an action on my part. ?I do not know, but it may come to that,? was all I could tell him.

He frowned, ?They are far more evil now, than when they were alive. Though Daemonbane will influence them, they will kill any who are not of their numbers who try to claim it.? He has a good grasp of the Annarans, better than he may realize, and yet the Annaran?s are only a portion of the horde now destroying Matlal.

I kept my gaze focused on a distant point, ?some may be foolish enough to try to claim it, but it is behind wards they cannot breach. Rael has laid claim to Garl, and the dead are everywhere. Garl. Sylus could have no way of knowing how special that dragon was to me. I would find a way to avenge what Rael has done to my friend, with the Valar as my witness, I shall.

Sy waited patiently as my thoughts formed, ?is there any way to slay them? Or is that not your desire?? he queried me.

Uncurling my fingers, and studying the long red line once more, ?there are many ways to slay them, but I?d rather send them back.?

He slowly took my scarred hand in his, ?and should they break free again? Remember Alais, you are the last of the Annaran rulers. You take up Daemonbane, the game changes completely.?

My gaze slowly focused on his hand, startled to find it wrapped around my own. ?I know, but they?ve already died once, and been banished. The tear was opened by Tass, by accident. We must sent them back and seal the tear.?

He brought his other hand up, holding mine between both of his, ?it will take a lot of power Alais, maybe more than you have. It took two of you to banish them the first time. There is only one of you this time.?

?I know, and that is why I do believe it may take accepting Daemonbane to accomplish it.?

He reached up and lifted my chin, forcing me to look into his amber eyes, ?no matter what you decide, I will stand by it. I may not like it, but I will stand by it.?

Silence enveloped us for long seconds, ?we may not survive this, you do realize that?? That thought did not seem to trouble him.

Slowly pulling my hand free, I wrapped both around the staff, ?Khirsah will not come Sylus. He is needed.?

Sy frowned slightly, ?He is still in the Darkness??

I nodded once, ?yes, he did take me there, to show me several things, but something is bothering him. He will not tell me what it is, but I think the Third has done something to him and that he cannot return right now.? I did not tell him how much the oldest dragon?s human form has changed, nor about the mysterious black gems that radiate power that he now wears. They seem unimportant to Khirsah?s failure to leave the darkness.

Sylus mused regarding Khirsah?s actions as I told him that Khirsah believes I have the answers I do not yet see. That I must embrace my past.

Sy frowned, ?then perhaps you need to delve into your mind, search your memories. Just because you are not aware of it does not mean it is not there in your subconscious.? He abruptly noticed the stain etched into the Rouwanwood staff, ?how did you receive the injury on your hand??

Opening my hand, I glanced again at the angry line, ?The first time I did seek to find Khirsah in the Primordial Darkness, the containment ward was a blood ward, but?.? My voice trailed off ? Khirsah had rejected me, and that still stung.

Sy wasn?t going to let it go just yet, ?but????

?I did touch the darkness, but Khirsah would not permit me to enter. The sorceries were for nothing and still he would not come.? He could not know the anguish, nor how many hours I?d knelt in the black sand before Garl had come for me.

His frown deepened, ?So you received that injury from touching the boundaries??

?No, the cut I did inflict upon myself to create the ward, to contain the power, but the power it took to form such a ward will leave a scar even upon elves.? My thoughts drifted again, ?I have a need to heal Sai Jon. We do not know where Tass is, and while Khirsah tells me that Sai Jon did draw the curse from Tass, he now suffers the effects of Daemonbane?s curse.? I have to pray he does not inquire how Tass had become afflicted with that particular curse, because I should have recognized what Tass was capable of doing, and stopped him. This should never have befallen my old friend.

But, now it was time to return to I? Taurn and see what I can do for Sai Jon before we make our return to Matlal and face what awaits us there.

He stepped into the hallway, though the portal he had torn open, as Alais began her discussion with the tecno-demon. He stood there quietly trying to listen to what she had to say, but found no words coming. That, however, didn't prevent their faces, nor their lips from being read.

So, what I have been feeling is true. The war has begun. He continued to watch them a moment, though his thoughts were elsewhere. If the war has begun, at least the Manor will be safe, and thus Spike and Indigo.

He snapped out of his revive. He would be there soon enough to make sure for himself. He had been gone too long,? as Lord, as Protector? as husband and father.

He stepped away from the portal and sealed it tight. He had learned to check to make sure the portals were closed after the incident that had started all this. It would be a mistake that he would not make again.

He laid a hand on the door handle that lead to Sai Jon?s room. ?He needs to know everything. He is now family.?

With those words, he opened the door and walked in to the room, leaving Salterra and Alais gaping in the hall.

Ozymandias listened to the comings and goings inside the house. War was the topic of discussion, and the guests were re-grouping. Ozy stored the information, calculating what would be needed in terms of supplies. They were seriously out numbered, and Ulysses? fire power would have been nice, but was, alas, unavailable.

The automaton went back to his former owner?s office, bypassing the locks on the door and entering.

Messages were sent back to Harmony. Tomorrow he should have some help to send with the sorceress and her friends. They were going to need it.

He left the office, in time to hear the commotion at the other end of the hallway. The one known as Sai Jon had a weapon pointed right at the old Dragon.

Emotions must be strung tightly for that to happen.

The weapon lowered, and they all disappeared into the suite of rooms.

He flew toward the room, hovering beside the sorceress as she introduced him.

?Gentlemen, Ah?ve d?cided tae bring Ozymandias wi? us. Tass, wilst ye allow ?im through th? wards wi? me??

He finally turned his attention away from Sai Jon. He could feel it as well. The time would come when they would need to discuss what was happening, and the implications of it. But now was not the time.

His gaze came to rest upon Alais as she descended the stairs with her automation. His eyes scanned her quickly, and found the gun which she clutched tightly. She would need all the help which she could muster. Including Ulysses.

His gaze shifted around the group that has assembled. There was still one missing which he knew to be crucial in this war, but he would come in his own time.

?Mr. Momus, take us to war.?

Sai Jon had no idea.

Carefully, he wove the pattern that was needed to bend the reality to him, first protruding the barrier that encompassed the entire set of Isle?s, then the one that encompassed his home. Then, turning, he nodded, and stepped through, leading them to the Manor.

Once through, he quickly and tightly sealed and tied off each barrier; first the Manor?s then the Isle?s. He would not allow another in or out of this world. What ever was to happen, it would stop here.

It was only a matter of moments of his arrival that Phal, his wife?s dragon, found him and began to flash the images through his mind. As the small dragon continued, and finally finished, Tass?s face grew paler and calmer with each passing moment.

Then the world around him exploded. Rage ripped through him. His body tore apart, leaving the tattered remains of his clothing behind as his dragon-side emerged. Each shining and brandished green scale dimmed, and the golden wings blackened with his rage.

It was Sai Jon who recovered first. His question came softly. He knew this kind of pain. ?What has happened??

Tass? voice was soft and pain filled. It, too, was laced with rage and insanity. ?They have taken them.?

I' Taurn House is nearly empty. A very small staff maintains the house and grounds, and yet there is an air of abandonment.

The mirror in the private suite reflects the battle being waged upon Matlal. It reflects the destruction and violence. The mirror does not soften what is happening, and the only ones there to see are the great wolf hounds.

There is an air of stillness in the house, a held breath, a waiting.

There are memories we cherish for a lifetime. Images we commit to memory for the indelible impressions they leave upon us. Some memories we would like to forget. We would like to obliterate them from our minds for all time, yet they linger where they are not wanted. Haunt us in the quiet moments, or break free to run amok at the most in-opportune times.

The images of that valley intrude upon each coherent moment I have. Flooding past the bliss of oblivion, where there is no pain. I try to remain in the warm cocoon of nothingness. I want to keep out the memories, yet they force past the darkness into my thoughts.

I can hear movement beyond the magical construct that surrounds me. It is quiet and purposeful, but not threatening. The ley lines here are magically enhanced by powers way beyond anything I have known before. I do not move. There is too much pain associated with trying to move, and so only my mind works. I have tried to focus on the magic, to keep the unwanted memories at bay, but that endeavor has been without success.

Alais was alone on the top floor of I? Taurn. Outside of Ozy and the small retinue of house hold staff, that is the way it had been for a long time. Therefore, it came as a surprise when Ozymandias arrived bearing a sealed letter wrapped in ivory. It was simply addressed: Lady Nitesong. It bore no markings, no sigils, nothing to indicate from whence it had come.

Ozy scanned it and found no threats that he could discern, and she could see no wards or other magic about the missive, and so she broke the seals.

Inside was a simple statement: ?The crownless king will fall by the hands of the Ancient.?

She considered the words, and knew with certainty that this was about Sylus and the Chimera. Rhaine had told her about this weeks ago.

Was Artemus up to his usual maliciousness? He would be the only one who would be likely to send such a missive to her about Sylus. And, it would fit that Artemus would seek to cause her more pain over Sylus than had already been.

She glanced at Ozymandias, ?prithee Ozy, wouldst thou seek oot th? Druid whom doth call ?imself Artemus??

Ozy left immediately to search for Sylus? brother. He located the man sitting in Battlefield Park mending the leg of an injured fox, ?alright little guy, now stop trying to pick fights with that old mallard. I know eggs look tasty, but he?s not up for dealing with ya.? The druid scratched the fox behind his ears before sending the creature on his way.

The golden automaton landed near the Druid, ?You are also known as Artemus??

Faded eyes studied the mechanical being, ?I am? and as Ozy moved toward him, he raised a brow. Memory told him this creation had belonged to Alais, and had come with her to rescue Sylus many months ago.

Ozy?s golden eyes blinked once, ?the Lady would speak with you, if you have time. A missive has arrived.?

Artemus gave the owl a curious look, ?must be something pretty damned important for her to request my presence.? He rose from the ground, brushing off his robes as bits of leaves and grass clung to him. His ashwood staff came to hand, ?well, lead the way. Your mistress is not one used to being made to wait, I would wager.?

Artemus took the missive, ?and just for posterity, I hold no personal opinion toward you in any way. Good nor bad.? He then turned his attention to the document in his hands and read it aloud. His brow furrowed, ?and this concerns the wolf?how?? There?s more kings without crowns than just my brother.?

Alais preferred the cold detachment between them, and she folded both hands into the sleeves over the robe, ?none tha? wouldst find tha? warnin? ?pon mine oon doorstep.?

He frowned as he re-read the sentence, ?still not sure why you think I?d be the sender.? He was genuinely flummoxed by that, and Alais read honesty at least in that regard. He looked again at her, ?could be right, but not sure what can be done about this. I haven?t seen him since he dropped off the key to the forge in my shop and left town. Could be anywhere by now.?

Alais felt something cold as Artemus spoke, ?Ye?ve a cold ?eart Artemus. Ye came tae mind fer tha? trait.? She turned for the stairs, pausing to look over her shoulder at him, ?Ah?m sorra tae haff dragged ye ?ere.? She continued up the stairs.

If Artemus hadn?t sent it, he should be more worried about his brother to her mind. But, he did not much seem too disturbed at the threat against Sylus.

He remained in the foyer, ?no, there?s nothing to be sorry for. I may have a cold heart, but he?s still family. I?ll see if I can come up with anything on where he is. Rhaine may know. She saw him last as far as I remember.? He re-read the missive, ?you should keep this. It came to you, means you?re supposed to have it. For whatever reason.?

She paused about 5 steps up as Ozy flew to retrieve the parchment. ?Ah?ve me oon last means o? findin? ?im.? She did not turn, rather she waited for Ozy to bring the piece of parchment to her.

Artemus frowned and said, ?that would be?.?? But he quickly stopped himself from saying anything more on finding Sylus. Rather he shifted topic slightly, ?I think this is to be your dance Lady Nitesong. I and Rhaine will help if needed, but something in the blood says this is for you, and you alone.?

He looked down at the floor a moment, as if gauging his next words carefully, ?I feel him. There?s a resonance at the back of my mind saying I should return to the Keep. He?s beneath it. The lowest dungeons, his tomb and his prison as you have seen for yourself. I just don?t know why now ? he?s slept all this time ? I almost want to say something else is causing it, but that?s absurd. The only Kurgens other than Sylus and myself are Amaris and Mystic. Though Mystic doesn?t have the blood, she has a part of the essence.?

If Artemus felt the call to return to the Keep, so would Sylus, and the hawk, if it existed, and that complicated things considerably. ?An? whilst ye answer tha? summons??

He shook his head, ?not until I know where Sylus is. Though I won?t be able to hold it off for long. It gradually gets stronger.? He adjusted his grip on the staff, ?I already know, if it comes down to a fight with Chimera, I can?t do it as a Druid. My vows would prevent me from fighting at full strength.?

Wonderful. If the Ancient woke and began wreaking havoc, Artemus would stand on vows and not give his all to win. Alais raised a brow at him.

He had the grace to fidget under her scrutiny, ?my order focuses on balance. For every life there is a death. Every tree cut down, one is planted. The Great Balance is all that matters. I am forbidden from taking sides in a fight, I must remain neutral. Chimera is an ancient and powerful creature. To kill it would create a void in that balance for something else to take its place.?

Balance would be tipped out of stasis if this think awakes, ?an? prithee wha? doth ?appen whence this creature doth awaken??

Artemus?s pale eyes met her own, ?it will no doubt return to what it did while awake before. The age it came from was one where the dragons were at war with one another, metallic dragons fighting their malevolent kin to protect what little life there was at the time. One side sought subjugation, the other side wanted to stop them. The two sides went to war, and the smaller life forms were still dying in the battles. Caught in the cross fire, Chimera unified the two sides by killing all dragons who fought. And given it?s blood flows in our veins, I think there may be a small chance it could control Sylus and I. Turn us to work for it.? His tone belied no emotion at all, and that chilled the elf.

She gave him a suspicious look, ?work ?ow?? Just what did he mean by that? Her new home amongst the dragons made his answer crucially important. If Sylus could be commanded to kill dragonkind, she would be obligated to stop him any way she could.

?Well, given the small pull I feel even now, I don?t think it would be too far off to say compulsion of some type. Doing it?s bidding, whether we want to or not, so you see, killing this thing is the only option. And I can?t do that and still follow my vows. I will have to set aside my station and all that comes with it. I worked hard to get this far. To cast that aside means having to start over. Yet, I am willing to do it.?

Alais let her Annaran legacy slip into her bearing. The dark power she?d learned and inherited from Morrin rose from within as her own body cooled to the unearthly cold of death itself, ?th? power ist there, ?t ist th? shapin? tha? mayst be ?unnatural? tae thee, bu? nae th? power ?tself. E?en th? dark power o? necromancy hath ?t?s good uses Artemus.? The power of death and beyond was as natural as the powers of life and earth to those who would shape them.

He shook his head, ?just because you can do something doesn?t mean you should.?

It was a na?ve stand from a man who had dabbled in powers far more unnatural than death, which is a part of everything that lives. She was surprised at his narrow view of natural magic.

?Whence oothers dae, someone mus? needs haff th? ability tae counter.? It was after all, all about balance she thought. Who better to counter a dark art than another who could wield an offsetting darkness? Rhaine would understand this, even if Artemus claimed not to.

?There are ways to counter without following the same path.? He steadfastly clung to his notions regarding necromancy, but Alais knew the differences in power between elven magic that is based in light and life and the earth?s ley lines, and the darker Annaran magic, and she would never forsake what Morrin had given her.

?Efficacy and efficiency ?re lost wi? oot usin? similar paths.? She told him, but refrained from adding that necromancy has values beyond his reckoning.

?Then we disagree again, and we get no where with this discussion. My powers are rooted in the earth element at their deepest core. You said you had a way to find Sylus. We might want to save this discussion for another time, when a life is not in the balance.?

She smiled coldly. He may not have gotten anywhere, but she had learned something invaluable. She gave him a wry quirk of her lips, ?ye didst nae seem tae care a wee bit ago.?

His expression remained aloof, ?Sylus dies, that means I have to see about manipulating a couple into creating a new life. Fun as that is, I care not to.?

She turned and walked up the stairs, leaving it up to him whether he followed or not.

He remained behind, muttering, ?that crap with Vanion in the districts about made me lose all of my hair. So much death, so much waste of life.? He sighed as she departed, waging an internal battle whether he would follow her or not as he was concerned this was not his task. ?Ah screw it, better to have an idea rather than guess,? he muttered as he followed her up the stairs.

She glowered at him, ?ye?ll nae be ?ere tae see tha? part Artemus.? When she made the attempt, there would be no witnesses.

He half smiled, ?I hoped you?d say that.? He appeared rather relieved.

The dog sidled up beside Alais, it?s rich brown eyes watching every move the Druid made.

Artemus gave a polite inclination of his head, ?I will leave you to try and summon him. I?m not sure what more there is to talk about on this issue, though it did kind of dishearten me when you two split. I was kinda looking forward to the possibility of you in the family. You remind me of my second mentor. She was elven, though of high elf lineage, but sometimes you act like her. Ephraim taught me the Seven Flaws in all men and women. He taught me druidry from the human viewpoint. She taught me the elven view on earth magic. You ask it to do what you like, no bending, or forcing, simply asking.? With that, he turned and walked back down the stairs to the front door.

She closed the private doors. Artemus apparently never realized that all elves traced back to the Tuatha de Danaan. She and Teleperien were nearly the last of that line, but that was not something Artemus needed to know. Let him assume her lineage as he may.

She sat down upon the sofa and laid the orb on a low table. The dog sat beside her as she contemplated the tiny sphere and the dangers it engendered.

The orb sat upon the table as Alais pondered what to do next with it. Should she use it to try to summon Sylus back? Would she be doing the right thing? Bring him to her only to have him sent off to deal with Chimera?

A knock came at her door, and she sighed. She truly did not wish to deal with Artemus again. She rose and went to the door, and as she opened it she started to say, "Artemus, wha...."

But it was not Artemus at the door. It was The Elder.

Shock rippled through her. "Milord Khirsah? Prithee, coome in." She opened the door and stepped back.

Alais moved aside and the Elder stepped across the thresh hold of her private residences for the first time in the many years she had known him. Always before he had come to the Library downstairs. Somehow, this felt very different.

She then closed the door and took a steadying breath before turning about to face him. She stepped toward the matching sofas before the fire place and offered him which ever he would be more comfortable upon.

On the table before both sofas lay the green orb Sylus had given her, and that which had been occupying her thoughts when Khirsah had first arrived.

She sat down where she could study the Elder, and his voice when he spoke touched not just her ears and her rational side, but the question went even deeper.... "what weighs on your mind and your heart, Ralo d'Nitesong?"

Alais curled up on the sofa, pulling both legs beneath her as she closed her eyes and turned her thoughts inward. She and Khirsah had a connection that went beyond description.

At last she opened her eyes and regarded Khirsah. "Ah've a dilemma tae r'solve m'lord. This missive didst coome, an' 't first Ah didst thin' 't was sent by Artemus..... th' broother o' Sylus. Bu', Artemus d'nies sendin' 't, an' fer all tha' Ah dislike th' mahn, Ah didst nae catch d'ception 'n 'im aboot 't."

She handed Khirsah the missive with the cryptic words.

"th' uncrowned king ist Sylus. Ah cans't feel 't as certainla as we sit 'ere nae. th' question is, dae Ah seek tae summon Sylus back tae me tae warn 'im? Tae giff Artemus th' 'elp 'e'll need tae face th' waking Chimera.... 're dae Ah leave Sylus tae find 'is oon way.... an' mayhap unleash soomthin' tha' shouldst be d'stroyed?"

She took a deep breath. "Ah'm torn milord. "

She did not add that Matlal had become her home, and that her life would be among the dragons henceforth. Those were things that she was not prepared to say, but abruptly the scar in the palm of her hand warmed.

He gave her a very slight lift of a brow, ?I shall leave if that is what it takes for the matter to be settled.?

Quickly shaking her head negatively, ?nay, tha? ist nae mine meanin?. Ah?d ?oped ye?d r?turn tae Matlal b?fore Ah left tae come tae RhyDin fer th? Carpenter, bu? ye didst nae.? She then gave him a quicksilver smile, ?an? nae ye?ve come all this way.? She knew he hated to leave the Isles. He had never been comfortable in RhyDin, and still he?d come. Why?

?I have been always there, though the light has not shined in my wake. For the time being, it is for the best. There will come a time when those that question will have to face me, but it is not right yet.? He had infact been on Matlal, and remained unseen and unsensed.

That he had been there and not let her know hurt a bit, ?Whence ye dinnae let th? light shine ?pon yer wake, ?t ist difficult fer me tae ken yer there, ?r tae speak wi? ye.?

A marginal rise of his brow came again, accompanied by his eyes shifting to her hand that harbored the permanent scar, ?is it??

Alais gave him a sad, wry smile, ?bu? tha? ist yer way?. An? Ah?ve caused ye enou? grief.? She knew the Elder was never going to have strong emotions about anything, and yet the elf in her kept hoping. Besides, she?d caused him enough trouble and as she caught his meaning filled glance at her scarred hand, she curled her fingers over the scar. ?Ah haff missed th? ability tae walk ?pon th? isle an? talktae ye aboot bringin? back th? life there. Mayhap this tie b?tween us doth nae speak tae me ?s clearla ?s yers speaks tae thee.? She knew he felt more from the connection than she could, but she had no idea how much he felt. It was safer to change the subject. ?Th? Dreamer?? She paused at the rhodochrosite fireplace, kneeling before it and whispering to coax flames into the tinder there.

Khirsah was not to be distracted just yet. ?We will teach you how to listen.?

Alais rose and turned again with a nod, still not comfortable with discussing this connection they shared. ?Ah?ve nae seen Tass o? late. Doth th? Dreamer still stir? An? doth th? Dreamer still bring change??

?The Younger has been?. Detained? for a time,? came his answer, and the pause before ?detained? caused Alais?s blood to chill as she asked him his meaning. Khirsah never moved, ?as for the Dreamer, he still walks.? Khirsah took a moment to consider her question about Tass, ?I believe that those that are detaining him call themselves at this time Dewy, Cheatum, and Howe, and the change is more than any wish.?

Alais blinked, ?th? lawyers ?n town??

?if they wished to be called such.? Khirsah?s expression gave no hint to how he felt about all of this, and Alais then inquired if he would go to Tass since he knew where the Younger was at the moment. He told her he would not, and this seemed very odd to her.

She paused and then returned to stand before the window as the sun slipped behind the trees and twilight sent velvet tendrils of dark purpler across the lawns below. Khirsah?s voice whispered across the distance between them, ?You do not approve of my answer.?

She did not turn toward him. ?Ah dinnae ken yer answer milord? ?t ist nae approval nor disapproval? ?t ist lack o? understandin?.? And in truth, it was that she could not understand why he would not go to Tass if Tass were being held and detained. If Tass had been himself, this would not happen, and still Khirsah remained separated from it all, even though it was about his sibling.

Khirsah gave her a faint quirk of his lips that she did not see, ?it is simple to understand, he does not need me.?

She studied the gathering darkness, ?mayst Ah ask ye ?ow ye ken tha?? ?ow mayst ye ken fer certain??

?Change.? Was all the Elder said in response to her query.

?Changes th? Dreamer hath made ?pon ye both??

Khirsah shifted ever so slightly, ?I am not the one detained.?

?He is, but that is not the issue of the balance of the Isles.? She agreed, that was not the issue, and she told him that it was the Elder and the Younger that ARE the issue. He disagreed, ?It is a matter of his detainment has at the moment separated him from the Isles, for he needed then that part him to draw strength upon, which has left the keeping of the Isles to me.?

She frowned, ?Tass didst once tell me tha? ye didst nae wish th? rule o? th? Isles? an? yet he played ?n integral roll ?n ?elpin? ?im.?

He shook his head, ?it is not my place ot be the keeper of the between worlds.?

She gave him a puzzled look, ?b?tween worlds? Wouldst ye r?turn tae another?? She was instantly concerned that when Tass returned, Khirsah would return to the Primordial Darkness, and there she could not go.

?I am of another, as you know.? Came his simple reply. Yet he did not respond to her question.

She chose her words carefully, ?tha? ist nae mine query milord. Ah ken well enou? yer world. Wouldst ye r?turn tae ?t??

Khirsah regarded her a moment, ?as you are now part of the Isles, you need know of those upon it. There are some who have come there to escape the worlds they were of. Others, upon their deaths chose to come rather than to be part of the stars. It is the Younger?s place to oversee and care for them, and the place they come to.?

Alais shook her head, ?Aye, tha? Ah?ve been told, bu? yer nae answerin? mine query tae thee.? This was one thing she needed an answer to.

?Need I? the answer should be plain enough.?

Alais turned his hand palm up, in her own cold hands and she studied the scar on his hand for long moments. ?No.?

Khirsah?s smooth, strong fingers turned with her hand and then wrapped around hers in return. ?I am not here for me tonight, but for you, sho Ralo.?

Alais thought for a moment, ?mayhap yer place ist nae tae rule th? land, or ?t?s inhabitants.? He never wanted it, and she knew that, yet for him to leave entirely would be all wrong. Then she paused and gave him a puzzled look, ?Sho Ralo? Prithee, dae tell me wha? tha? doth mean? ?t hath an appeal tae mine ear.? The term she had never heard before, and yet it felt comfortable.

He lifted a free hand toward the orb as it remained untouched upon the table. ?You have made your choice, and I stand as I would for the Younger, behind you and that choice.? His features softened slightly, ?you will learn the language with time.?

Alais curled her fingers around his again, ?indeed Ah shall m?lord. Thank ye fer supportin? mine decision.?

He gave her the slightest of bows and he stepped aside so that she could do what was needed. And she inclined her head to him as she released his hand, and walked with purpose toward the green orb.

The orb was cool in my hand as I glanced once at Khirsah before following Sylus? instructions how to use the sphere. Once it had been warm to my touch, but now it was distinctly cool, almost cold. I have no way of knowing why the orb has changed. Did it mean I could not reach him with the orb? Or had something already happened to him?

I have no idea whether or not Sylus will even feel the call, nor have I any idea how long it will take for him to return to the Orb. The activation had been accomplished, and now I would wait to see if Sylus returned. To see if he could return.

Khirsah faded into the shadows as I settled in to wait. As though he knew if the orb was successful, I would need time alone with Sylus. He had left RhyDin with no memory of this time and place. That would be difficult.

Some time later the warning tingle of an intruder slithered along my spine. I reached for my staff and stood as a pale mist gathered in the room, and was followed by a colder aura before the man himself became visible.

It was Sylus. He had come. He was dressed in black that was relieved only by a silver and white vine pattern. The twin scimitars were at his hip with gloved hands resting upon their hilts in what could only be called a caress, but it was his eyes that made me hang onto the staff and summon ley energies to my command and waited.

This was a Sylus I had not known, but I recognized the Assassin who now stood before me.

"Sylus...."

I waited a moment as he took in the surroundings, yet no sign of recognition lit his features. It seems the rumors that Sylus had lost all memories of his time here are true.

He sought to lull me into relaxing my vigilance, but the man I faced was not the man whom I had shared my life with for nearly a year, and it would be most unwise to become less ready in the presence of an assassin.

?Ah?ve summoned ye back fer strong reasonin? Sylus. Though ye dinnae seem tae r?member giffen me th? orb.?

I moved slowly toward the windows that overlook the rear grounds of the house. ?Ye?ve r?turned tae RhyDin fer nigh? pon a week?? Interesting that he had returned so long ago and I had not seen him in the city. I have to wonder what he?s been doing in that time.

?Ah didst r?ceive a missive tha? doth concern ye?.? Slowly hands him the parchment she had earlier shown to Artemus. ??t ist naught bu? yer life tha? doth cause me tae summon ye tae me. Tae assure m?self yer alrigh?.?

He snapped his fingers and rather than raising the missive to read, he scented it as a hound or wolf might do before he spoke. He didn?t think the missive was very descriptive, but I knew it for a threat against Sylus. But this was not the Sylus I had known.

He gave me a cool smile, admitting that King of Millenia had a ring to it before he put the parchment on the window sill and shifted to stand before the fireplace. He regarded me long moments before pondering aloud if it was simply the threat upon his life that had caused me to summon him back. He then admitted that he knew my name, and some imaginings of what had passed once between us, but that much remained clouded in mists that hurt his mind when he dwelled upon it.

He then shifted to stand directly before me with only a single step between us. Deep, burning curiosity lit his eyes as he studied me.

?Sylus, Ah dinnae ken why ye cannae r?member wha? transpired ?ere wi? me, but Ah didst summon ye back b?cause Ah dae still care fer ye an? wouldst nae see ye slain by th? thin? ye?d be callin? ?Chimera?.?

I remained holding my ground. His actions had deliberately put him into my personal space, but perhaps that was what he needed to help him remember. Scent and sound have a major part in memories.

?Ye?ve a need tae speak wi? yer broother Sylus. Artemus hath information aboot thin?s tha? haff been ?appenin? wi? yer ancestor.?

I reached up and sought to slide my fingers through his hair, ?mayhap thence we can discover why yer memories haff left ye.?

"Not sure what I remember. Just an image then a headache. And this friend I have known for nearly ten years. Pre-dating this...place and time."

His gaze watched her movements softly, holding back other questions to keep with the general topic. However he felt it best not to sit down just yet. She remained on edge, and he figured this would go for some time, let her enjoy the comforts of her own place of power.

"I wish to remain standing, for now if that is all right. And this friend often sees that which I do not."

The lavish decor of the room grated on him slightly but that was only from years of seeing such efforts as a waste of money that could go towards better endeavors. Like feeding starving children. A mental shake and he turned his full attention back to this Alais.

"If it is any information you want. You can start by answering a few questions...and perhaps offer proof to your claims?"

"Were we lovers?" such felt a safe place to start, and it would give him a chance to see how uncomfortable she could get. Sylus made sure his tone remained distant, almost like a scientist seing what made an insect tic. "And how did we first meet?"

These were questions she should have no problem at all answering. If she truly cared as much as she claimed, and had they been what he felt the orb offered an image to, this Alais would know the answer to that. Which would give him a time-line to work with.

"Were our places reversed, would these not be such to be asked?" he turned to her with a slender raising of a brow as a rogues smirk settled onto his lips.

"This place and you feel very familiar, but I remember nothing of it at all. It feels safe here, unlike any other place I have ever been to. Though..." his eyes scanned the shadows a moment. "I picked up the scent of another person having been here and recently, perhaps moments before you summoned me..."

Slowly Sylus turned back to the elven woman with a slight softening around his eyes. "What would you do in my place, Lady Alais? What would you do?"

It was all he could truly say at that point in time as she seemed to think he was asking the wrong questions, yet they felt like the ones to ask from his perspective. Could be elven arrogance, or she truly knew something he did not. This would answer the speculation.

"Ahh, but you then all ready know how I feel in regards to you, Lady Alais. You feel familiar, yet you are like nothing I have encountered before. And as for being truthful, since arriving here I have been nothing but. You say I'm buying time and not asking the right questions? I call it establishing a timeline to get a complete image of what all has come to pass that I am not allowed to remember." His steps moved towards her now, his boots barely making any sound as they moved across the floor.

"I am giving you every benefit of the doubt, my dear, for if I truly wished to hurt you, trust that I would have done so already. There is no contract on you, and I have no reason to draw my blades. I have taken lives for many reasons , but to kill without reason has never been one of them." carefully he knelt down in front of her and steepled his hands over his knees while looking at her, his face still a mask, but the eyes, it was the eyes that melted a few degrees showing a touch of warmth.

"I ask these questions about what took place between us because if it was as special as that figurine," he pointed to it on the window sill. "feels to be, then hearing you talk about it may trigger a memory."

He could only smile a little as she continuted to dance around his own inquiries and press her own. This game was interesting at best, but it still gained neither of them any ground.

"If I remembered why I gave you that sphere, would I have asked what happened between us? No, I wouldn't have."

It was his turn now to let those words fliter through as he watched her carefully with scrutinizing eyes that seemed more like a scientists watching an creature in a jar and wondering what made it tick

"And yes, I once gave such items to clients should they have need of my services more than once, it's called being on retainer. But from what I sense in you and from this place, you were never a client nor did you pay me to do anything.

Yet, you still called me here to warn me about some plot on my life. For that I thank you, and since then I have asked you questions about our former relationship to which you have offered general statements. You are dancing around my questions and asking your own. It almost feels like you do not want me to remember what my mind has lost..."

Those last few words held an edge to them as the mask came back in full swing with that smile that could mean everything or nothing at all. In that moment the jewels on Redemption flashed soflty in their blue incandescence, the sentient blade speaking soflty into his mind to press that statement.

It was his turn to offer a slight shake of his head. Redemption had been right on the money. Yet one more reason to trust that blade. His eyes watched the floor for several moments as he listened to her go on about his family. He knew full well how dangerous his kin could be. Yet the way she spoke hinted that he may not have been fully understanding of it during his time here.

"Could my time here have truly made me a weakling who is guided by emotion rather than logic?" the words were a bare whisper under his breath, though he had not meant to say it out loud.

"I am well aware of how dangerous my family is, Lady Alais, for only the worst sort of family would give their children away to be raised by strangers. And if it is Chimara you refer to, as does that missive, then I am also aware of how dangerous it is, despite the fact that of all I have seen and met since my return, it is the only bring that has offered to return my memories...."

Alais watched him fade into the shadows with a shake of her head.

"Yer nae th' mon Ah didst ken Sylus Kurgen, an' yer choosin' a fate ye dinnae haff tae."

He left her alone in the house and she pondered telling Artemus what had just transpired.

Silver eyes remained fixed upon the flames as they shrank away from the Elder. "Ah didst try Khirsah tae ge' th' mon tae see tha' 't ist folly tae play th' way 'e ist wi' tha' power, bu' Sylus hath b'coome soome one Ah dinnae ken anna longer."

The flames changed from the warming yellow reds to a colder blue interlaced with the pale yellows. She had never noticed that the Elder had such an effect upon the flames before, yet somehow it seemed to fit him.

"Ah'll warn Artemus, much as Ah dinnae care fer th' mon. 'e'll need tae ken wha' Sylus ist daein'."

A big hound padded into the room, pausing to give the Elder a long look before curling up beside Alais. His almond eyes however never left the tall man near the fireplace.