Paper, dibs, and sealing stamps filled the air in a flurry with a single sweeping arm across the desk.

She stood watching him as the last piece of paper fluttered to the floor. How long had she stood there, unnoticed, unheard, watching him in his cloud of somber?

A once delicate hand screamed across the flesh of his cheek. She blinked back the traces of tears pooling in the corners of her red eyes even as the red rose to the surface of his skin.

"These, things, have waited a year for you! It can wait one more day. Its your family that's here and now you are mourning? Or does it pain you so much that your daughters see a ghost of their father? Do you not care that my soul mate is soulless as he stands beside me?!"

She heard the little pause in the air at the door of the study, and her heart sank slowly and reflected in her voice. Her fingers dug into the desktop as she hung her head in a curtain of scarlet.

"Wake up Brian, before you lose the only family you have left."

While hers were hidden from view, twin sets of doll like blues looked to him from the door before being ushered off and back to bed by the whispers of Henrietta.

She didn't really know what to say. So many things, so many thoughts, questions, answers drifted through her mind like snow. Furniture upended, delicate things lost, like the study her life was a mess after one fell-swoop.

"I want to yell, scream, even plead to you..." Her hand reached out to weave her fingers slowly in the crown of his hair as spoke softly in thought. She let the much shorter strands slip from her fingers so used to the lengthy locks that once were.

"I have never been more angry yet happy. You almost seem a stranger to me, yet I'm just as lost as you. While you shroud yourself in what ever darkness... you blind me too."

What really can you say?

If you love someone you have to, must have to, understand. So then why must it be to to protect someone you throw them in a room of knives?

"You ask for time," she whispered even more softly. "I've never stopped waiting..."

?What you feel is sadness, remorse.. Shame, and regret, is it not??, asked a voice that seemingly came from the darkness..

She went through a torrent of emotions so quickly she couldn't even name them as they happened. The final one was a sense of disgusted ire.

?Flammara..?

She tried to keep it from her lips as she felt her jaw tighten to keep her words at bay. Her face hide her feelings poorly. It wasn't a problem of not wanting to say the right things, but whom to lash out at first. She'd wanted nothing more then to destroy everything in site. All she'd wanted was answers, his attention brought to where and on what it needed. Even if it was his own demons. They needed to be faced even if he didn't want to. And just as she felt a part of her soften and chide her for feeling this harshly... the stranger, the interloper... intruded not just in on a private moment but in their very home she'd set so many precautions against.

?No.. Not like this.?, replied Brian softly..

"That is, unless you are not prepared..."

Frustration, to pity, to animosity.

"How dare you," she growled at Flammara, as she took a step back from Brian to look at them both. Her tan hands opening and closing tightly at her sides.

"unprepared? Unprepared?! What on earth, this one or the next makes anyone think I am ever unprepared for the worst after all I have had to endure and suffer quietly... alone" She shot a glance to Brian as some of her anger gave way to something she couldn't put her finger on.

"Did you really think all those days and nights you were the lone soul of the universe that suffered?"

Her gaze darted back to Flammara, as a million questions screamed for their turn to be asked. Only one would win, "What makes you think I'm unprepared when I have been only waiting for answers? Asking questions?"

"And No? Not like this? Like what Brian?" She paused and ran her hand slowly over her face as if the motion itself washed away the irritation and left nothing but sadness as she her eyes stared at a nothingness on the floor. The pattern in the office rug blurred, bending its lines as she looked through them, forgot them and studied them all at the same time.

Even as her lips pouted, truly filled with sadness her words felt bitter and haunted.

"I've never known true heartache until they day you left... nothing more could hurt me by seeing the truth. And if you aren't strong enough for that, for me..."

<Again special thanks to the amazing players on IMVU, Lyn, Rei, Muse, Gali, Lea, Adrinna, Acua, Mar, Desire, and everyone else, who assisted in this endeavour!>


Images, came and images went.. Soon, something else came into view.. Literally, were the three in the room atop, a building.. Looking at what looked to be a small town..

Flammara spoke softly, "This is something, you both need to see.."


The sky opened above the vacated town of Milliport, as the heavens let loose with a torrential rain, the likes of which, by no means was natural... Lightening crashed, as the wind howled furiously, causing those present to shield themselves somewhat.. Trees, gave way to the force that was, as they bent to it's will, and more so the destructive intent. And then they seemingly appeared from nowhere, dead in the center of Milliport itself...

Atop the fountain was he.. Heartless incarnate.. Darkin, and by no means was the Dark One alone, as a phalanx of Death Knights, appeared around the fountain, warlocks to the ready behind the soldiers, as a barrier was erected.. The shrill cry of a child, the only sound that came from the procession, as they remained where they were..

Adrinna and Althalos strolled into town, enjoying the fine weather. Althalos was happy to see her out and about, she had preferred to be alone and slept a lot the past couple days.. However, the weather changer dramatically and Adrinna and Althalos looked around at the sky then back down to the ground as an army appeared around the town center.

Imogena Sat up on the Bridge at Millport, again wearing the bright gold armor, that made her feel a bit foolish, but she was visable, she could be seen that was the point. Word had spread of the night before and Muse needed her people to believe in her ability to protect them. So upon the bridge she waited, where from a distance she'd be a glowing dot.

Gali broke the kiss with Lea and his eyes immediately snapped out his window. He released the embrace from Lea, and ran over to the window to peer out. There he saw Darkin standing atop the fountain... and all the soldiers... he gasped, "No.. not now... why now..."

Lea followed him straight away to the window. Her bright green eyes glazed over as she stared upon Darkin once more, hoping with all her might that his shoulder hurt.

In a brilliant flash of pure white light, Caera would stand quietly. Bold and strong, while opal curls wash over her shoulders. A dangerous look upon the Magess' face and features. The sky above becoming a torrential chaos with intensity. This is where her aura shines brightly, along with those glowing cerulean orbs, that flash just as the lightning does. Such energy readily available to her, with a teasing smile to cross those ruby lips. A glare as any to be given to the appearance of the Death knights and Darkin. An intrigue is offset from the shrill cry of a child amongst them..by no means a pleasentry in her mind.

T'was then, that Lyn Shimmered in, holding both Sunstones.. Landing on the edge of the bridge, her steps swift to Muse, not liking the feel of the place, removing one of the sunstones, holding it out to her.

"Muse...sister...ye need this."

The child held closely to his chest as the Dark One's eyes of frost panned the expanse, looking around what was left of the town, known as Millport.. His knights to the ready, as the warlocks kept the barrier active.. With a voice akin to the thunders crash itself, he called out!

"Come out!! Each and every one of you.. The time of reckoning is at hand, and it begins here, and it begins NOW!"

Lea turned to Gali pulling his face round to look into her eyes, "You love me?", her voice was strong and flat.

Gali looked to her, once more, and replied, "With every ounce of fiber, that is my being.", looking deeply into her depths, as his hand was brought up, taking hers into itself.. A gentle squeeze, of her hand, to affirm, the warrior's convictions. Lea nodded in reply, as if it were possibly the final time, the pair would speak, this way.. A finality, if you will.. That done, she then drew her bow, from her back, tearing her eyes from is own, as she did so.

Merewen is poised with her Mithril bow drawn taunt. Emerald orbs flicker and flash in silence.. In darkness of the cracking storm there was much better cover to keep her hidden. Just waiting... For the opportunity to sink one of her lovely arrows into the chest of one of those Death Knights, even the unsettling beasts at their backs.. Just to watch it explode. She'd scoff at the futile attempt to draw her out, she was no ones fool and kept on her toes for many more reasons than he had to offer.

Adrinna stood strong facing the dark being, not shying away as she had done previously. Athalos stood beside her with a look of pure hatred on his face. Adrinna's thoughts were on the young child that the Dark one held.

Imogena flinched as the shimmer appeared and looked at Lyn the sunstone then back at her fountain, almost growling. She had recently fixed the rountain herself and now he had fouled it with his presence, "I sent them away!", Muse shouted from the bridge not taking the sunstone, just yet, as she continued, "You'll have no audience tonight."

Gali's eyes panned back to the window, addressing Lea, "When all hell breaks loose... Keep cover from this window... I'll need your support."

The child cried aloud once more, as Darkin, ran a gloved hand over it's little head, eyes of frost, and utter contempt glanced about once more, as he held the child aloft, in the air by it's arm.. The child once more crying out loudly in a pure hearted fear, as Darkin replied once more!

"You are all I require for this, elf! Tonight, I assure that NO one, or thing will stop, what I have set into motion, tonight, I assure that NO Ravenlock, neither here or on Rhy'din will ever stand in my way! And each of you, will be an example and a testament to all that I will become!"

Lea bit her lip, not daring to look at Gali. She stepped up onto the window ledge and then lept outwards, landing neatly below on the stones, her face set and her bow in her hand. This time, with his love, she knew she was going to stay gold.

T'was then, that one Mythril Elf, namely, Reileena, crossed the bridge. As she did so, she blinked listening around for the voices that caught her attention.

With her other hand, her sword was drawn, as Lyn looked from Muse to the fountain, the cry from the babe racked over her, as her eyes narrowed, she wiggled the sunstone to get Muse's attention.

"Althalos, we have to do something!", Adrinna shouted in fear, not knowing what either of them could do to save the child.

Caera rolls her eyes and begins tapping into the elements readily available. Purity above all else she held in mind. Darkness could never prevail over light and she aimed to intensify such things more than she had her first encounter with this man. Soft chanting to begin beneath her breath listening..waiting..anticipating and planning her own actions maintaining a focus on where everyone was.

Lea's eyes narrowed at Darkin, her face rigid. She smoothly pulled an arrow from her quiver with un-trembling hands, waiting almost relaxed for the next move. She was aware of the others in the town, all eyes drawn to the same spot, the Dark One himself..

Merenwen, hidden holds her bow quite steady aimed keenly at the heart of one of the caster looking beings. Watching, listening and waiting...A Sadistic grin set upon pale glossed lips while Emerald orbs set true to their sights.

"What in the name of the nine hells did I come upon?", was all Reilenna could say, as she took in what literally was before her.

"I come to take back what is rightfully mine.. When that is done, I will rend each and every one of you, from this mortal coil..", the Dark One cried out, to those gathered.

Gali's heart sank as he watched Lea leap out the window, and in kind, he then jumped out himself, landing softly infront of her. His words low enough only she can hear, "I'm not gonna be able to stop you am I....."

"Oh nevermind.", chuckling as Rei heard Darkin, "You've yet to remove mine."

In Adrinna's eyes, shone raw determination, although she did not know what to do. Althalos stood beside her as he unsheathed his sword.

Lea didn't move an inch as a single, solid word escaped her lips, " No.", she tried her hardest, not to let any emotion seep into it.

The child cried out, yet again, as Darkin violently shook it by it's arm, with no regard whatsoever.. The child flopping around like a ragged doll, again, and again, as the Dark One looked over each and every one of them, with such a deep hatred, as the child continued to cry out, in fear, and pain.

Gali sighed and steeled himself. His emotions and any thoughts were cut off from the outside world. He would become a blank book to any who could feel emotion or read thoughts, as he prepared himself, for what he knew, was to come.

Imogena saw the sunstone and shook her head, "Keep it.", she said. "I don't need that tonight.", wrapped in a blanket easily missed by the corner of the bridge, Muse unveiled part of one hilt of a pair of blades.

"~But this you may need~", Muse sent softly to Lyn.

Lea's stomach muscles tensed in repulsion at what Darkin was doing to the child.

"Let him go!", Adrinna cried out pointlessly. "We have to help the child!", Adrinna shouted looking about the faces of her allies, such a look upon the young lady's face, as she did so.

A raised brow did Lyn offer to Muse, "~I hath me own.~"

?~Not like this one. Brian, wanted you to have this one.~?, Muse sent back quickly.

From his waste the Dark One drew a rune dagger.. Dark was the blade, it?s runes of blood pulsing to much so, there was no mistake, as to what he had in hand.. And with such a vile expression, Darkin raised the blade and swiftly, sliced downward, cutting the child?s back ever so..

The razor sharpened blade, literally slicing so cleanly, yet the effect was devastating, as the child reacted in kind, literally shrieking in such an ungodly manner! Blood came forth, as the child?s back was now deeply crimson, as the blood smeared with each jolt of the Dark One?s arm.. The locks keeping the iced barrier in check, as deathknights reinforced the effort tenfold..

Reileena closed her eyes, pulling in a deep breath, trying to shut out the awful screams.. Yet the screams, would not cease..

Caera covered her face partially unable to watch him dangle the child as he did.. That however only pressed her resolve allowing her to concentrate on just him.. She cared not for the peons of the bunch.. She wanted him.. Just for the sole purpose to pull the life out of him if she had to.

Lea's whole body shook in repulsion and anger. She closed her eyes briefly to regain control. ?How dare you!!?

Blood flowed freely indeed, as it dripped into the fountain, bit by bit.. The child writhing in such agonizing pain, screaming more so, as Darkin once more raised the blade, and down it came.. Again, and again, across the child's backside. Back and forth.. And as he did so, his eyes of frost, looked upon each and every one of them with such disdain..

Lyn was taken aback briefly, she nodded to her sister. She placed the sunstone back around her neck before taking the sword, now wielding both swords, she swiftly made to the fountain.

Shaking the child yet again, the Dark One cried loudy, "From the mouth of babes!!!"

"Flammara, NO! Stop this now, please!" asked Brian.

The elemental responded in kind, "Forgive me, but this has to see it's course now.. It has begun, and cannot be stopped.. You have to face this, and she has to see, this for herself."

Before Brian could respond, the air cracked with thunder.. Lightening about indeed, as the room began to shift once more.. A new setting had appeared.. A darker once.. More serene.. Slowly, did the focus improve, as Flammara spoke softly..

"Ebonholt.. A day earlier.."

"Henrietta..?

Quietly, seemingly from literally nowhere, did the female Death Knight appear, heeding her master's call.. A somewhat smile took form, upon her face, as she offered a low bow to Darkin, responding with..

"You have called, Master?"

Slowly did Darkin, rise.. Eyes of frost glanced about the large room, as they then landed upon his First Knight, of sorts.. His 'hand'.. Moving towards her, the dark one, set a hand upon her shoulder, offering a gentle pat, as he then moved towards the armour rack, across the room.. Speaking the while.

"I have.. Henrietta, my dear.. First among my own.. It is time, to take this gambit, to it's next juncture, and finally, see the fruition of our efforts here. The set backs, I have suffered.. Have given me time to think.", said as he began to pick out particular pieces of armour, setting them upon a near table..

Joining him, Henrietta too began to pull her own dark armour from the rack, inspecting it piece by piece, as other Death Knights, began to file into the room.. Eleven others, giving them thirteen in total. Silently those who joined also began to inspect their armour, with not a word what so ever.

Henretta then broke the silence.

"So we are to sack Darrowshire, my Lord?"

"No, my darkest of hearts, we will not.. Not yet, at least."

"Then, my Lord?"

"It is time to reclaim that which is mine.. The little bundle that Drea seems to think is her child.. We will take it back, and then.. We will pay a visit to Milliport, once more. It is time, to let them know exactly, what we are capable of my dear.. This time, they will fall, and what was left of Ravenlock will fall with them.. This game shall come to an end, tonight.. So see to the knights, my darkest, and I shall return shortly with our prize.. This time, I will make sure, it is done."

"It shall be as you ask, Master.", Bowing, Henrietta turned, leaving her armour, as she began to bark orders to the knights. In response, they scrambled, as the clanging of dark steel, and more so, filled the room.. Ghouls began to appear, in turn, and went back and forth in a harried back, gathering equipment, and supplies.

Turning from them, Darkin made his way outside, the catherdral, as he then headed down the slope, across the bridge, into the Cemetery of Ebonholt. Warlocks, slid in behind the dark one, following in his wake, not a sound from any of them,as they did so..

A lightly traveled path, taken, as they veered to the north a bit, winding about the head stones, and momuments of those who had passed fromt his life, into the next.. Still no words, spoken, as the small group began to navigate, a somewhat bothersome thicket, yet Darkin gave no care, as he strode through, letting branch, and thorn alike cut into his skin, leaving streaks of crimson in their wake, as the Dark one, continued, the warlocks still in tow.

Moments later, they had come a clearing.. Circular in shape, as torches gave light from the perimeter, allowing all to see what was ahead..

In the center was a large stone slab.. Actually a pair, of them.. Rectanglular in shape, roughly seven feet long or so, and about three wide. The weathered stone offering a somewhat glow, as the intricate runes that had been carved so long ago, along it's sides, gave an eerie somewhat glow..

Around the slabs, were a pair of ghouls each, chains in hand.. Standing still, indeed, as their souless eyes beheld their master. Each offering a low growl in greeting, as the warlocks then began to file out, from behind the Dark one, each taking their place around the slabs, as Darkin himself strode towards the large stones..

It was then, that the ungodly screams began.. Piercing the crips air, of the night, echoing to no end.. And still, no one else gathered, said a thing..

The source.. The two young women, who were bound tightly to said stones, had finally awoken..


The screams finally drawing a sharp reply, as a sickening laughter came from the pair of ghouls, as they literally began to them mock the captive females, one even delivering a good back handed slap for added measure, as the screaming slowly began to subside.. An utter fear had settled into the bound pair, as wide doe eyes panned back and forth between the Dark One, and his minions..

A gloved hand lifted, to offer the slightest of caresses, to the one closest to him, and then the other.. A cant of head, as the Dark One looked to a particular warlock, who had joined him..

"Twins?"

"Yes, my Lord, from a nearby farmstead.. No others will be coming, no surivors were left, it has since been razed. Forgive me, but I felt.. Twins, were somehow.. Appropriate? If I have over stepped, I offer you my life, as penance, Lord and Master."

No words, from the Dark One.. Instead he offered, a slight of nod, to the Warlock, and then turned his cold eyes upon the captives.

Darkin, seemingly stared at the pair for what seemed like an eternity, as he then softly asked them, "Your names, and do not think to decieve me."

There was no reply.. Still in shock, it seemed, as two pairs of wide eyes, stared directly at the Dark One.. The only sound was the rattling of chains, as the captives continued to shake violently, one so much so, that she soiled herself..

Once more, he asked.. This time, a hand lifted to the one closest to him, as he reared back, striking her in such a manner, and with such force, that when her head recoiled, she literally spat her own blood upon her sister, next to her.

Again, his hand lifted to once more, 'pursuade' her, as he was then interrupted by the other's voice.

"Dinnae hit her anymour! Please! We be, Theresa, and Serena McDarren! Please!"

"Ah, so you can speak.. Good.. Theresa.. Ironic if anything.. This is a sign.. A sign, that I am on the right path indeed.. In my eyes, you are Aleyah, and Nathressa Ravenlock.. Oh yes.. If he were to see me, in this way.. He would be so cross.. Such anger.. Such rage... Would I draw from him.. Yet he is not here.. Still, in my mind's eye, I can see him.. And that fae mate of his.. Jenai.. His sisters, and brothers.. The whole damned clan of them!

Then again.. Perhaps, he is closer, than we think.. What say you, daughters, of the fallen? Hmmmm?"

No.. This time, it shall be different.. This time, my will be done.. And all shall fear what I am.. All will understand that, Darkin.. That I will finally take what is mine, take my place, as I raze each village, each city.. As I lay utter and complete waste, leaving no one in the wake of my destruction, save those who stand with me... So yes.. Aleyah and Nathressa, your father will weep in hell to NO end, knowing I will end your suffering here, and once more in Rhy'din, where I will finally put an end to the Ravenlock Clan, and anyone else who decides to cast there lot with that bastard's family..

"Sair, what do y'mean? We're nae any Aleyah, or Nathressa! We dinnae harm anyone or done any'tin to desearve this! Please let us go! Please!"

"Oh, but you did.. For you were born, my child.. Each of you.. Born for this very moment, when the sacrifice you make here and now, will unleash a torrent chain of events, of the like, that NO one in this realm has ever seen.. I will see the final reckoning of that, which I detest to NO end.. Which will open such doors for myself, and my own.. Such freedom will we have, and no one will ever attempt to have the audacity to contain all that we are.. It began in Rhy'din, so long ago.. So long.. And tonight, it will end here!! In this very realm, and your lives will be the key to open those gates, that contain the flood that I am!!"

"NO! Yae cannae do this! We dinna--"

She never got any further, as a resounding back hand was delivered to her jaw.. The force, the likes of a well swung dwarven made, as bone literally shattered! Blood poured from the mouth of Theresa McDarren, coupled with bits of tooth, and flesh.. Try as she would to speak, she would only bring forth, a sickening sound.. The result of a mixture, of blood, spittle, and more so.. Eyes rolling in the back of her head, as she fought so hard to remain awake, her sister's screams barely registering to the literally dazed woman..

Once more Darkin raised his hand to her, yet for some reason decided against it, as he looked to the warlock that was posted next to him..

"The Blade NOW!!!"