Topic: Sorcerer Ascension: Blood and Steel

Natolii

Date: 2011-10-23 10:19 EST
(There is a method to the madness... as mad as it seems.)

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Preface:

{The Red Dragon Inn}

There was a section of shadow by the main entrance that seemed to flare to life. Nothing menacing, to be sure, but definitely not the norm. A few moments later the shadows opened to allow a lithe form to step forth. That form was dressed in a formal seeming waist coat with breeches and thigh boots. That crimson mane most telling.

She grinned a little to his display, and his words. "... Sounds not too unfamiliar with the way my Brother's people greet each other," Renna mused, her eyes turning to the manipulation of a shadow close to the entrance. When she saw who came out of it, The Betrayer's smile faded somewhat. "I'll avoid the very long titles that are added to my name. You may call me Renna." And now she looked to Natolii, lifting one of her black gauntlet's wickedly bladed fingers towards Natolii, "There's a redhead now."

Now there was a *friendly* sight. There was a relax smile on her face, belying the sharp intelligence in those turquoise eyes. The graceful gait took her from the now stilled shadow and in the direction of the heath.

His eyes followed the hand into the corner. Frowning, he shook his head before speaking "No. He told me that I would know her. She would be incredibly beautiful and enticing. And he was adamant. She would come out of the fireplace. That one did not do this." He turned his eyes back to the fire and refolded his arms before staring at the speaker and realizing she was beautiful. In a strange way, but worth a few looks.

"And that sounds like Tara."

Tara had crossed her mind now that he spoke of the woman in more detail. "Beautiful... Enticing... Mad." She chuckled over the rim of her wine glass now, "Yes, that definitely does sound like that madwoman, now that I think about it." The Betrayer slowly stood up from her armchair, bowing her head forward, moving her wickedly clawed gauntlet out to the side in quite the masculine bow that ought to be done by a Gentlemen and not a Lady. "... A long time since I have not seen your face, my dear."

He shrugged and replied "I will know her when I see her. That is what he said. He said that he will wait until either I speak to her or she speaks to his specter. And then he will wait, but not be able to return." He nodded at the newcomer and took another drink of the brandy in his hand.

She smiled to Renna warmly now. "And you as well, my dear. Though you have been having fun once again." The slight bow a graceful tilt of her head and a dramatic gesture of her right hand.

She righted herself a touch after her bow, smoldering eyes glancing back to Dustrider. "If it is Tara you are looking for, then you will definitely know who she is when you see her. There isn't a more... Strangely unique character in this entire realm..." As Natolii bowed, she slowly sat back down into her armchair. She crossed one leg over the other, and resumed her sip of the wine. "... You could say I have been having fun, but, well, it ain't so much fun when the other players are not exactly pulling their weight... I'm kind of disappointed in their actions thus far. I take it you've been watching?" Aside to Nat.

Nodding again, he remained in place before the fire, barely moving at all to show that he understood. "Then she will be told a story. If she will hear it. It involves compassion and love. He told me that she would most likely ignore me and potentially attempt to do me great harm." The voice held almost no emotion, sounding like wind across the sand.

She glanced to the stranger. "Night time you will have better luck." She nodded a bit to Renna, "Yes, especially since... Mabon." A contrite smile on her lips, "I do have to apologize for the... students. One of the houses has a particularly strong... sense of moral we are slowly trying to ... shift. Though one in particular will be taken to task."

The Betrayer could not help but chuckle at Dustrider's words. Yep... She most likely will attack the man. Heck, she might even try seducing him for all Renna knew. Tara was one of those enigmas that no one should ever dare play with, unless your willing to loose an arm, or maybe a tooth or five... Her attention now rests on Natolii. "Ah yes, those meddling kids. I almost forgot about them... You don't have to apologize for them on their behalf, my dear. They are just children... Besides, I must admit they did catch me by surprise... But if they do interrupt me in the future again, please don't hold it against me if I, teach them a lesson?"

There was a smile at that, "Short of death, a lesson should be taught. After all, the school's lessons are not limited to... on-campus. Damien however is my heir and needs to learn better." She had provided a valuable tip as to locating said woman for the stranger.

"Short of death? How come now, that isn't very fun... How else am I to get my kicks?" She grinned wickedly to Nat, her eyes slipping from her towards the door for a split second. "... So be it. But I would rather not kill children who have yet to fully understand their potential. It would be a waste, no?" Ah look, it's the man that refuses to give her a name. Her smile widened a touch towards the dusk-skinned, twisted serpent of the sand, and she bowed her head, just so. "Good morning, my Lord." That said, she returned her attention back to Nat.

She smiled, "Precisely, and these children have... great potential." The rustle of the silk drawing the demoness' eyes for the moment. "Why else would I ... instruct them?"

Staring at the thing nearing the hearth, he nodded to both of the women and said "It was a pleasure speaking with such beauty. May the Kelar guide you." That being said, he turned on a heel and paced back to the bar.

A dark grin spreads over her lips, but then faded when Dustrider indicated his departure. Beauty? Oh my... Renna's cheeks redden, ever so slightly to the compliment. "I am sure whatever the reason is for your instruction, I would hope that it would mean that you would come out of it, the wiser."

Leaps and bounds, that smile grew like wildfires in too-dry summers. A monster in man's flesh, the Pharaoh's eyes, black as the Pits, slid to Renna. "Why, good morning," he crooned, cooed, tongue working behind cannibal's teeth. Past her, his gaze brushed over Natolii, head to toe, shameless and without reservation.

The gaze was returned, blatant, sweeping... Appraising. "Of course, dear. And if I can foster a bit more darkness, then I am content." A push of a long cluster of red over her shoulder.

(Much thanks to Renna the Betrayer, Practically Crawling and Corlath Dustrider. Especially Renna!)

Damien Tanner

Date: 2011-10-23 11:39 EST
{Office of the Mistress of Shadows}

His mother was notorious for her temper at times. He wasn?t very surprised when he was the recipient of one of her terse summons. He had been expecting one for sometime for the act that bonded him to Vliss. When the summons came, he felt he could withstand it.

He was not prepared for the reason for the summons though. He stepped to the door when his mother?s voice rang out. ?Enter, Damien.?

She did not sound pleased at all. He steeled himself for the tirade with his demons grumbling and whispering to seize control. That incessant whisper was getting worse and worse most days. He shadow stepped through the doorway, more because he could and less because the exercise of power felt good.

His mother was seated behind her desk and brooding. Never a good sign that. Those red eyes bore into him. The red gave him pause. The demon was riding her and the two within him quieted with the presence of the more powerful infernal.

?What were you thinking, Damien?? She started with a soft hiss. ?You know better than to interfere in plans of a dark being. Especially an ally.? Oh she was far from happy.

He had been caught off guard with that, ?It was not my choice, mother. I went to protect my mate and house.? Which was true to an extent. He didn?t have to rescue the fallen hero.

She raised a hand to halt the words. ?I do not care. I expect better from you. You are my heir, Damien.? She growled softly as she stood, ?You are not to interfere in Renna?s plans again? You or your mate.?

He stiffened as his mother spoke of Vliss. The Earth Elementalist was the other half of his soul and he had no sense of humor where she was concerned.

?If either of you venture into this matter again, you will be made to suffer, Boy. You are my flesh and blood, you will learn what that means.? The Demoness was in full control at that moment, ?You will not embarrass me again. Are we clear?? The voice was little more than a soft growl.

The answering growl was a combination of his three sides, ?Crystal.? It was the barest of acknowledgements, terse and angry. The Demoness did not care; she waved him off in a dismissal. She could not afford weakness at this venture, especially not from her heir.

Damien Tanner

Date: 2011-11-03 19:48 EST
{Nobilis Wing}

The young demon was enraged. How dare his mother attempt to use his mate to control him. It had been a risk he had been willing to accept from others, but not his own flesh and blood. He knew that his mate could feel the anger radiating along their bond and worked to damp it down. The blocks that worked on his twin bond were ineffectual with this bond. He, however, did not wish to frighten her with his black temper.

~Here, boy, let me help you.~ A gravelly voice rumbled in his mind with the force of a distant storm.

~Thank you, grandfather.~ The young demon replied, allowing his elder the access. The shielding settled into place, keeping most of the mood from bleeding over.

~You know this is more about her interests and power.~ The elder shadowknight murmured across the link with his grandson.

~Always is, grandfather.~ He rumbled in agreement. ~Normally it is tolerable. But not where my mate is concerned.~ The anger simmered just below the surface.

~As it should be. The girl is your mate. Your mother has no right to take you to task for protecting what is yours from her allies.~

~It has been getting more and more intrusive.~ He nearly growled, feeling like he was itching to crawl out of his own skin.

The elder shadowknight knew where the irritation came from. ~You are fragmented, lad.~ The voice seemed tinged with concern.

Damien paused slightly before admitting, ~The Yugoloth.~

~You know it is a danger to your Vliss, Damien.~

Damien could feel the demon recoil and rebel at the suggestion. ~What can be done?~

~I... once had the power to handle such things, lad.~ There seemed to be a mental shrug.