Shadow Before Dawn

[Noriin]

I:  Alert

A windy day, the night was still young in Yliakum when both elven figures entered Kada El's, their hands caringly taking each other's. The man, maybe slightly less than five feet tall, rested his elbows at the counter to examine the tavern. The much more showy masked woman, of about short seven feet tall, followed him and waved to the waitress, her face reflecting a tiny but undoubtful grudge against her partner. The ales were served and a comfortable place next to the furnace taken, their four eyes aware, never loosing sight of the entrance to the stance where they decided to rest at.

As the conversation wheeled on the eyes of the young ynnwn girl lost reminiscence and gained sweetness upon the guy's outerings, aware of the moment to come. A present was close to reach her rather unworked hands and she was unable to hide the excitement towards it. In that precious instant, two male enkidukai reached the tavern in manifest hurry, dropping colorful flasks all around the place. One of them hasted to spit out a message in a high pitched tone.

"Citizens! I ask that you take these potions that we are dropping, and quickly drink them. There is no need to panic. The plague is still under control. This is just a safety measure. By Notice of the Octarch, I bid that you take one for yourself, and hand more out to those you hold dear."

The lack of confidence was reflected in both the couple's mimics. Head shakes and denial was all the two enkidukai recieved in return from their deeds before both left the place to spread more rations of the vaccine around the city of Hydlaa. The bunch of potions was entirely driven into bags as the girl reaffirmed herself.

"I'm not drinking a thing before somebody can tell me what is it..", she said as the beer mug reached her lips thus causing her already noticable blushing to increase. The elf responded, his brows never loosing their wrinkle.

"Did you ever see those enkis before? Who were they?"

She granted her love another head shake, "I don't know, but we should step out of here and see what others know about this".
In the blink of an eye, both were around the town's plaza to notice the place was barely inhabited, missing as well the presence of any face that would be known by any of them. She had quite made her mind up.

"Didn't Rell say his home was Akkaio?"

He nodded, emitting a short hum "Do you want to take the trip to Ojaveda now, dear?"

The girl answered quickly "If there is any real rush to drink these potions then we better get them looked at soon enough. Let's move"

He once again gave her a nod while their feet began to move.

II:  The Gathering

The couple travelled for long with the only goal in mind of coming across the one alchemist both trusted in, fatigue not being present in their minds, yet noticably influencing their blunt feet. As soon as they could gaze Ojaveda's main entrance a seemingly recently gathered crowd reached their sight. Between them, a hooded silouhette capable of bringing the most horrible memories to the ynnwn girl's mind stood silently.

Nonetheless, they armed themselves with confidence, approached the group and exchanged many opinions about the so mentioned plague and their possible effects, as well as spoke about the two male enkidukai and their message for the civilians. The potions they had delivered were given to both their friends in reach, Reapbel and Emphatico, who were also advised.

The elf frowned upon the action, "I am not very convinced of their words.. they said those are potions against a plague. I wonder though if those potions contain some poison themselves", she agreed and questioned "Aye, anybody has heard about this plague before? And most importantly, has anybody seen Rell as of late?"

Either friends of the couple shook heads along with some of the gathered around. The apparent rush in drinking the potions was noticable within the crowd; still, the couple kept trying to dissuade them.

Velh shook his head amusedly "So you guys really are that blind and mindless to drink any potion a stranger handed to you?" an impish grin grew in his lips "Never saw one infected, but all of a sudden eager to trust the word of a stranger..", he outered.

By then, Rell had been brought into town and stood near the pack. At the same time Garile, with as well an ambition focused on investigating those flasks, was noticed by them.

Rell dreadly took a look at the potions that were handed to him "I'll... see what I can do..", he said.

The enkidukai girl added "If you give me some of that vaccine I could probably have a look... to see what others think of it." She was given one and carefully looked over it before stepping away with the bottle.

The ylian examined one of the potions, "Has anyone asked Vladovic about these? I will use his tools to analize them." Mutterings followed and the crowd, hooded figure along, gathered again though now in front of Vladovic's shop.

A cautious alchemical test started and Orchibaldy's goods ran through the waiting fellows' hands and lips, easing the patent anxiety that had caught most of them. Garile stepped back into the group, she hummed "All that fuss over nothing probably" then giggled and continued "The only thing he couldn't confirm as he isn't an expert on that is if it is the right vaccine and what the right quantity should be".

Seconds felt minutes until Rell's experiment's were finished, he walked out of the shop with the flasks in his hands, spoke "Well. It doesn't appear to be any sort of poison. Should be safe to be drunken." A general nod of agreement was thrown in by the group, for the liquid was no longer resting in the flasks but driven down the folks' throats.

III:  Assaulted

Minutes later, the conversation had evolved to become an argument with two divergent sides, denying the former chatters to realise their surroundings were slowly turning the wrong direction. The shopkeepers weren't as distracted; Orchibaldy hasted to shut the bakery doors while Brintec piled one over another carpet, preparing to rush away, thus leaving only the rests of a prosper looking shop in a usually chaotic enough market. A voice coming from above shouted.

"Attention! This is a robbery, we have you surrounded... Drop your tria pouches and kiss the ground!", the disguised thug gave a quick gaze to his fellows before his voice broke again into the heated up discussion. "Outlaws, to your arms!"

Unsticking her back off the streetlight, Noriin unsheathed two of her best daggers and stared up to Chorval. The ynnwn leaned to near her elven partner and carefully whisper to him "Take a better place", just before doing so herself, gathering a wider view of their foes' positions. She shrugged, emanating confidence and despise towards the menacing man. Rose her voice, "Just you have a try..".

Chorval ignored her comment and spoke again, now pointing his sword to the enkidukai girl "You! imperialist, drop your trias or I'll sick my men on you before you can say slobberdegullion.". Her hands drove to hidden spots on her dress and wielded both daggers. Garile farewelled with a simple "Bye." and, graciously, jumped backwards to run away by the streets of Akkaio.

Velh wore his prominent hunting knives and narrowed his gaze to evaluate the situation. A second of confusion in the bandit's actions was enough for him to run behind Orchibaldy's shop and take a safe leave, or so he thought.

A moment later, Rell intervened. "Here. A present for the Outlaws.", said in a quaint, calmed chuckle. He pulled a sack out and threw it on the ground, making the Outlaws' attention loose focus on their victims to center on the sack.

Before they could mind the crowd they wished to rob, the ynnwn girl had already flown away with a mixture of thoughts invading her brain. Violence, relief and a placid calm, all forming a smile in her lips as she ran away from the danger. Her fingers clenched stronger around the hilts of the little daggers, brightening her knuckles as her sight faced the outcome she never wanted to confront again. There was her love, in front of Trasok's. And with him the shady hooded figure, maybe dermorian, maybe diaboli, of name Xeonart staring at him and once again, ready to harm him. Noriin's smile vanished at once to let her brows gather a strong wrinkle while memories of a still recent torment flashed in her mind and caused her tired legs to loose her common consistency. A strong shiver shook all her body as she silently sneaked behind their most feared foe, her blood-thirsty daggers desiring to inflict pain on him. Once either voices reached her ears she stopped.

"Just you and me? I did hope that I'd get to deal with more than one person, so unchallenging".

Velh responded with perhaps faked conviction, yet acknowledging Noriin had the foe's back covered, "What you up to now, hm?".

"You're much too calm.." replied Xeonart, just before spotting the girl behind him. His belief decreased at once, "Darn it...".

The dermorian casted a shrug as his hands drove to the bow that used to be tied at his back. Xeonart stared at him and demanded, "Are you going to let me run? Or are you going to kill me?".

Velh's lips grew an impish grin while pulling an arrow from the quiver "Killing you that way won't be much of a benefit for us", he claimed. The hooded figure replied, impassive. "Don't play the information game. Theres not much I'm willing to tell."

Both of the daggers the ynnwn wielded nailed Xeonart's clothes as an explicit warning. She spoke clear after releasing her nose of its wrinkle, hiding her evident fear "You just don't move..".

IV:  Death of a foe

Without detaching the tips of the daggers, the masked ynnwn made room for a kick. She took a backstep before swinging her leg against Xeonart's knees, who couldn't help but kneel on the floor, balance lost. Noriin hasted to shout "Velh now, run!", as she stood for a second watching the sorcerer on the sandy ground. A known voice could be heard far enough "Where did that come from?!", spit Chorval, who ran next to Xeonart in search of vengeance towards the couple. Meanwhile, the ynnwn had kicked Xeonart's side as strong as dread let her and ran away, loosing sight of the battle and of Velh who stood, still aiming at his foe, an arrow ready to be shot.

Two daggers slipped off the mage's clothing, an odd sticky liquid impregnated on their blades. "Not just yet.", he grunted, for both flew in the elf's direction while the arrow was instinctively released from pressure and rushed to pierce Xeonart's chest. The girl seemed to sense the happening so that she turned back in time to see her love catching both daggers on his thorax. Horrified, she ran back in an attempt of protecting Velh from further harm, though too late to stop the outlaw in disguise who was already lunging over the collapsing elf, his sword swipping horizontally at him. The dermorian shot a yell of pain while breaking down, his body clamped, and Chorval jumped over him due the sudden downfall for he dropped to the soil, unprotected for a moment. Noriin, who evaluated Xeonart to be disabled temporarily, was swift to notice the thug and even quicker to take her chance. She pounced on him from behind and drove her both daggers to his neck. Chorval shot a little guttural moan and stopped breathing, his inert body resting on the ground as the blood dyed the sand in red.

Xeonart seemed to be amused and so showed the grin in his face. "Enjoying?", he said gazing Velh. He slowly stood up while his hand clumsily removed the arrow that was stuck in his torso. Despite the heavy bleeding, he had enough time to grab the scythe that usually hung on his back for the ynnwn was casting a healing spell on her dear elf, thus giving him the ability to move again and hold his chest in an attempt to remove either daggers..

The witcher yelled with his sight stuck on Velh "Now you die!", as one of Noriin's daggers spinned a semicircle and was grabbed by tip of the blade. A few words came out her lips while it flew towards Xeonart, "Not if I can avoid it...". The scythe swiftly twirled in circles for the tiny weapon caused no trouble to the mage, bounced off nailing the ground far away, yet it was enough to turn his attention to the ynnwn. He took a deep breath and ran towards the masked girl, swinging again. Noriin hasted to grab another dagger from the sheathes in her belt for foolishly trying to stop the blow of such a huge weapon with them.

Noriin's eyes widened as the scythe travelled across her chest, making the thin chain mail armor under her leathers useless. She took a second to realise before kneeling down in pain, threw one of the daggers to the ground and desperately tried to cast a healing spell on herself. Her love, as well on the ground, had gathered enough strength to get hold of one of the knives in his chest. He removed it and, at the time a deafening yell of pain grew up his throat, used the same impulse to shoot the knife at Xeonart. But the sorcerer was already moving, swinging towards Noriin, causing Velh's efforts to fail for the knife flew away.

She, who had successed in her attempts of momentarily taking the pain away and was again standing, saw it coming this time for she did not try to stop the hit but swiftly dodge it. Few of her hairs were cut when the scythe's slash almost rubbed her arm, the sidestep forcing Xeonart to give his back, and her to take advantage of the same move to make use of her not always so handy height. Noriin's body leaned to the left for her right leg raised and lunged to give the sorcerer's nape of the neck a sound kick. When Xeonart was knocked forwards, strange dark marks began to appear around his skin. He fell on his knees, thus making the ynnwn pleased to consume a second in caring about Velh's health, she glared at him expecting the worse. The hunter was struggling to stand up and with pain reflecting narrowed eyes, slowly grabbed the knife that was still pierced on his chest. He took a deep breath before quickly pulling it out, therefore increasing the bleeding. Dropping it at once, the hard breathing remained while the elf fought the poison, still on his knees.

Xeonart's skin was already becoming a dark shade absolutely as he turned back to the couple when a new guest arrived to the place. A heavily armored dermorian girl ran towards the mage and kneeled down upon him with frightened gaze "Xeonart! What's going on?". She didn't get an answer, only a short, unclarifying "Help.." from the still laying mage.

Once again, Noriin wished not to waste her chance and, completely ignoring the recent intrusion, hasted to pounce over Xeonart aiming at his formerly damaged chest with both of her daggers. Too quick for anybody to react, she was already stabbing him with them. The sneer in her lips and her uncommonly brighter green glowing eyes reflected the deep and angry satisfaction that reigned inside her. She twirled and shook the daggers inside Xeonart's chest to increase the wounds' diameter while Anumesa, the elven girl, stood up in shock. Shouted a long, terrified "Nooooo!" before swinging her swords at Noriin in rage. But the ynwwn girl had prevented her move and rolled one the floor thus dodging the blades. She stood panting on her knees, while Velh had unsheathed the one remaining hunting knife in his belt. He flicked it against the armored girl and this time the blade hit the target, yet causing reduced damage due the thickness of the protection she bore.

Xeonart's skin faded to its average color as his gaze wandered from Velh to Noriin and back. He struggled to talk, "Seems I've lost...".

The elf watched his kneeling love, noticably worried about her health while momentarily forgetting about his own one. He flinched and costly spoke, "Dear, lets move out of here! Now!". She nodded to Velh and made a colossal effort to stand back on her feet, slowly moving towards him.

The mage remained still, looked up to his partner who wasn't injured enough to collapse, and asked her with lost sight "Is this it...the end...?". He collected another flash of strength to add "Anumesa...leave as well....". The girl shook her head and answered with a concerned "No, I shall not leave you."

Noriin grabbed Velh's hand and pulled of it to force him to run at her pace. Both flew away, not taking care of their foe's condition. Slowed down by the wounds, they crossed the doors of Ojaveda and left the road disappearing in the forest.

Anumesa had attempted to follow them, but fallen on her knees after her first steps. She was close enough to listen the last of Xeonart's words in our Realm. His face wore a misplaced grin...

"Its time for me....to join those who sleep in eternal darkness.."

V:  Renaissance

Velh moaned as he dropped down, reclining his back on a tree and holding his chest, shot a bloody cough and struggled to nod to her when she prompted him to keep moving. The girl once again concentrated and casted a pair of healing spells, one for each of them. Right after the magic made its relieving effect on both, she fiddled in her pockets to find a sharpened piece of coal and pull it out along with a little piece of paper. Noriin summoned her groffel out of the ring and attached the note to its necklace, the little sheet reading: "Please! We need help! Velh has been poisoned. We will be taking the left road after leaving the forest. Please help us!". Nahtus' back was patted as the ynnwn hasted, "Run, to Rell!".

She turned to Velh who was standing and outered "Let's move, can you run, love?". He replied "Yes.. now I guess it should do.." but his body didn't obey, the tremoring came back and the floor hosted his body one more time, foam spilling off his mouth. She moaned "Come on dear, just a little more.." but he could only shiver at her words. Noriin crouched and lifted his stiff body in her arms, muttering to herself words of hope as the wound in her chest began to bleed profusely due the effort.

The dermorian was carried further to the planes away from Ojaveda, and rested next to a tree, his back against its trunk. His cut breathing and the apparent halts in its pace scared the girl who caught his hand strongly, trying to calm him down if there was the slightest chance. "Hang on dear... hang on.. Rell will be here soon", she said as her love's sweated face began to grow purple. Noriin shouted at him, almost infuriated "Hang on I said!".

By then, Rell had reached the place and was at Andoryn's side, both watching the couple next to the tree, the girl crying in despair and the guy paralyzed. They approached, still huffing and puffing due the race. Rell handed a potion to the sobbing ynnwn "Vlad gave me this but I don't know if it will be enough, yet it may slow the posion's effect.". While she dropped the content inside Velh's mouth, he turned to Andoryn and demanded her help.
 
She pulled out her alchemy kit and used a vial to catch some of the foam that had been spilt off the hunter's mouth over his vest when the potion made effect and helped to breath thus opening his eyes sighting the crystal.

The alchemist mixed several liquids along with the foam, trying to gather the nature of the poison. She stated "Potions will only help for a short time. This needs an infusion of bright light to cure." and her partner replied "Are you sure it will work?". The woman nodded and added "But we'll need a lot of bright light. We should combine our efforts, Rell."

"Pure crystal energy?". Andoryn nodded once again "Yes. The purest light we can get.". Velh remained still, his nuckles paled and his teeth noisily grinding. Noriin stood and wished to sum her effort to both alchemists' ones. "Come on Rell. Give it your best shot. Together." Both concentrated as much crystal energy they could muster then released it into the dermorian's body, unnoticing the ynnwn who had fainted due the many efforts her tired mind couldn't take no more once she tried to cast along with them.

Velh's eyes were inmediately shook open, his torso began to relax and his arms lost the clamp as his stare look seemed to calm down. The tremoring slowly faded off and his efforts focused on spotting the figures in front of him. He sketched a tiny smile when Andoryn spoke to him "Hi Velh... How's it feeling? Here, drink this.". He looked down at his wet of foam and sweat hands before grabbing the potion and giving it a pull. Muttered weakly "What the.. whats going.. on?", his sight wandered to his swamped shirt still in confusion "Hm.. did I drink too much?". The Knowledge Seeker answered him with calm "You were stabbed with a poisoned dagger.", what puzzled him who tried to realise.

Rell stepped to the fainted ynnwn in worries, for the elf kept track of his gesture and flinched, asking about Noriin's health. Once again she calmingly replied "She tried to rescue you, but the strain of the magic and the wound finally overcame her." The masked girl's eyes opened wide when the couple attempted to treat her with warm and potions. Even though she spilled most of the content over the grass and refused it aggressively, the cure was enough for her to slowly recover and realise her shameful actions. At once she tripped to Velh on her knees to hug him then rest at his side. Made a deep bow to both Rell and Andoryn, "I'm.. sorry.. I should be thanking you two.. thank you very much...". The elf as well figured out and lowered his head "I guess then.. we owe you more than a thanks.". Noriin's forehead hanged low as well "You saved Velh's life... I can't.. pay you back..".

Both Seekers answered, the girl first "You're welcome Noriin, I'm glad I could be of help. There's no need to pay anything." and the man following her "I'm pleased Andoryn was here. I was a bit.. well. uhm.. panicked, and she calmed me down.". The masked girl grew interest about Rell, who couldn't stand no longer. "I hope you are fine.." she worded, as Velh added his concern for him "You look exhausted, my friend". The sitting man nodded and calmed them down "I will be alright.. But this has seen better days..", yet looking extremely tired himself. He winced as his gloves were removed, letting the others witness they had been burnt up by the massive energy. His love pulled a vile brownish liquid from her sack and put a few drops in Rell's hand. "Here. Rub that in... That will soothe the pain and makes it heal quickly.". He gingerly spreaded the liquid and smiled "Yes it's already working."

The group smiled to each others, showing peace and relief at last. Andoryn spoke as she made some creepy crackling noises with her fingers to relax them. "We should make our way back to Ojaveda or somewhere where there's food. I think we all could use a bite to regain strength.". Rell nodded "Some food.. yes..". She added "Come let's see what Reffitia has on the stove. I'd do with one of her bowls of Tefusang stew."

Noriin's stomach growled at the spoken words, she stood on her feet and gently reached her hands to Velh, who rejected the help and lifted by his own to show them his recently recovered shape. The girl hid her hands behind her back and the group began the trip back to the town.

When they reached Ojaveda the town was quiet, only the blood spilt over the soil could remind either elven figures about the horror they lived right there, just a while ago.

[Duraza]

And Shadow Again

Xeonart stands alone in death realm, searching around. "Okay where are you. I know someone lead me here. show yourself."

Suddenly from the white fog comes a strange hooded figure, "Your right."

"Who...or what are you?" Xeonart says, slowly drawing his scythe.

"I am you."

"No jokes. I don't like them, especially from strangers about something I believe they are trying to be serious about."

"But its true. I am you. And you need me."

Xeonart frowns, "Didn't I just say no jokes...and what do you mean I need you?"

"I'm the one who lead you to the staff."

"I guessed that much...why?"

"So we could meet. You don't need that staff. You have me."

"And what are you?"

"I am whats left of Diz and you are the same. Two halves, the same same entity."

Xeonart looks at Diz confusedly before speaking, "Diz?"

The hooded figure just lunges at Xeonart, "Maybe should show you what I mean." As soon as they touch the hooded figure disappears and Xeonart bends over in pain, grasping his head, "Ahh...it hurts...so badly..." He quickly drops his scythe and faints, every part of him left numb except his mind, left to wander the thoughts and memories of that which was once apart of another.

[Anumesa]

   Anumesa’s eyes fly open and she sits up in bed, a horrible feeling coming over her…She glances down at her hands and realizes they are trembling with anxiety. Frowning, she slowly slides out of bed, kisses the sleeping form of her husband, and pads into the next room to her writing desk.

What is wrong with you?? Its none of your business what he does..

And yet she still can’t shake the memory of the other day in Laanx Temple.

You said he didn’t look different, for Kenzel’s sake…but he did, didn’t he?

Something had changed in his eyes, there was a dark look that hadn’t been there before, and it was something that worried her. The small trace of hope that she has been sheltering in her heart, flickers.

I hope its not too late, please let it not be too late

Closing her eyes, Anumesa remembers the day she was recruited. Having been in a bad mood over the state of her very light money purse, she had been eager to join the enthusiastic young guild leader. Anumesa mentally kicks herself and pulls the seal of vengeance from her shirt, turning it over and over in her hands.

How could I have been so foolish? You can only help someone who wants to be helped..

She wonders what happened to that Xeonart, from so long ago, wonders what happened to herself

You have also changed, and you are toeing a very dangerous line…

Anumesa sighs and stares blankly at the candle in front of her

Things are going to get very difficult very soon, and it is going to be harder then ever to keep everything you desire

She strays a hand to the fairly recent scar at her side and remembers the battle in Akkaio

Maybe If you had been there sooner, maybe this could have been prevented

She desperately wants to hate Velh and Noriin and yet she knows she cant, there is only one person she can truly justify hating

Oh well, if it comes down to sides

Anumesa glances back at the bedroom

...You know what one you will always choose.

[Anumesa]

Anumesa wanders to the sewer entrance to meet her leader, curious at what he has called her there for

Xeonart stares at Anumesa as she approaches him "Now Anumesa, we have much to discuss...soon we will be expanding the Kingdom"

Anumesa looks wary "Yes i know....but Xeonart are you sure this is a good idea?"

Xeonart nods "Yes, it is necessary....however..I have been sensing lately that you may not be up to the challenge"

Anumesa hesitates before speaking "I pledged to follow you, yet..you have changed"

Xeonart nods, "You did pledge. However, I don't think that you're ready to take on the next series of events. At least.. not without help."

Anumesa's eyes widen and she glares at Xeonart "I do not have to aid you, i will not participate in this unneccessary violence!"

Xeonart shakes his head with a smile "Calm down Anumesa, i merely wanted to grant you a gift...one that will help you"

Anumesa shuffles uneasily but is curious nonetheless "a gift?"

Xeonart nods, and Anumesa is slightly relieved, "Now give me your arm", Xeonart says, holding out his left hand.

Anumesa hesitates and then relinquishes her arm to Xeonart, who places his right hand on her shoulder "This won't hurt a bit...Actually I'm glad it was you who I decided to do this to, you are a very loyal knight despite our disagreements."

At Xeonart's words, Anumesa tries to break free of his grip, but it is too late...Xeonart presses his left hand to Anumesa's arm, black flame suddenly surrounding it and burning her flesh.

Xeonart slowly burns a "V" into Anumesa's arm, using his right hand to keep her hand steady, ignoring her screams of pain.

Finally Xeonart removes his arm the flames disappearing.."It is done."

[Velh Krome]

- Derangement -

Velh sits behind the window. Looking outside. Lost.
It's only Noriin's calm breathing that flows through the darkness. Silence.
His eyes remain staring into the distance. Times pass.
One thought roams his mind, unaware. Over and over again. "Not tonight.. not again..".

The hunter walks aimlessly towards the plaza. Peasants walk by, some greeting him, some doing not, a happy crowd chatting here, a beggar sitting there. Fog behind his eyes blurs his vision. He sinks on the stairs at the plaza, far off the frequented smithie. He rubs his eyes, sighing, and tries to spot any known face. Any distraction. He shakes his head to wipe off the disorder of his thoughts, stands up and walks over to the fountain. He splashes the ice cold water into his face, dives his head into it. His face sparkles as he looks up to the shining crystal, his eyes dazzledly narrowed. He takes a deep breath and walks over to the smithie.
"Hey love, how's ..it.. you dont look good, how was your sleep?" Noriin mumbles, eyeing him evaluatingly. "Oh.. yes yes, I am just still a bit.. tired, you know.." With some uncomfort due to the agitation he looks around with rough suspicion. "I just will need some time.. and to forget". Noriin nods without any convincement, and keeps gazing on him worriedly.

More days, nights come and pass and grant sleepless times for the little hunter.

Thick dark clouds dimming the crystal over Hydlaa. Andoryn, Yanlora and Noriin staring at Velh, whispering, conspiratively. Distrust. "I am fine!" he almost yells in despair. His breaking voice can't hide his own insecurity. "Need more antidote, Velh?". Andoryn speaks clearly and determined, with a warm tone of benevolence. Velh's left eyebrow twitches, he rubs his mouth, then wipes over his very slightly glaring forehead. Apparently wishing to be anywhere else, he shrugs stubbornly "Its probably the weather.. I feel a bit .. shook..". "Velh... Would you be honest to me once?", "What's wrong with you dear?", "Velh? You are alright?" - The patter of questions are taking him down. The hunter narrows his eyes looking at the three ladies, trying to defend, trying to escape, like a wild beast caught in a corner encountered "By all means! What do you want from me?! I have done nothing at all!" yells the dermorian, his glaring eyes full of anger and rage before he storms off with his mind blank.
In a lonely alley somewhere in Hydlaa he collapses on a wall. Hiding.

Another day. Apathy taking over.

Velh is standing lethargically next to Noriin and Yanlora, who talk about the poison. Suddenly Yanlora adresses him "What.. was that poison anyways? does it come with a name?". Noriin shrugs to Yanlora "It didn't have a tag you know..". The elf's eyes are resting in deep sockets, fatigued. In his apathy he observes the people coming and going, no interest, no motion is shown in his face. Noriin frowns "It seemed to have some paralizing effect on him.. but not only the extremities.. also the organs.." The two woman speak softly and silently, a bit aside of the little hunter. Now and then they glance at him with concern. "Take away the breath? How do you mean?" Yanlora mumbles to Noriin. A burning needle pierces Velh's head, his face reddens and his eyes narrow sharply as he finally explodes yelling "She means it paralyzed me, caused me being unable to breath, and to choke, and my body got clamped and stiff and aching and pain!", his voice swells to an angry grumble, then shoots a glare to Noriin "Thats what you mean, huh?". The ladies wince and turn to stare at the elf completely enraged, their mouth open. He lowers his head for his expression becomes sinister "I go through that torture each and every night, each second I close my eyes I have to feel that pain and always some more adds.. No! I am not fine!"
"Greetings, my friends!", Reapbel's friendly and innocent words interrupt the uncomfortable silence. The angry one hisses and turns away from the group. He breathes.
After a while he turns around reflexively as his name is mentioned. Reapbel's warm smile awaits him "Perhaps I may have something which could help" His friend pats the hunter's shoulder carefully "Meet me at the lake on the hill.. in some minutes"


- Salvation -

Velh slows down as he approaches the hill. He pauses, huffs and puffs, his mind still vortexed, thoughts, thoughts. His eyes nailed on top line of the hill while he breaths hard.
Velh gasps as he spots Reapbel after having reached the agreed spot "Heya..!", his front twinkling in the light. His familiar friend smiles in return, approaches the lake chanting a few strange words and throws the sack containing the already well crafted knives into the water. The elf's face shows disbelief and confusion "You didn't.. throw them in .. there?", yet Reapbel seems to be off, in dreams, in concentration, in another realm. His face offers the sight of a warm and soft smile.
Velh can't even blink and word one more question, as the head of a shining figure appears above the lake's surface, and raises his attention. With arched brows he watches the figure stepping to him, out of the water, without causing a mere wave. As the body rises from the calm surface, presents itself as an almost androgynous beautiful elven lady, proud and humble in its appearance the same time, slightly glowing.
Velh closes his eyes without any chance to avoid it due to the warmth that comes raining down from the knives the spirit holds up high above her head. The encharmed hunter drops his shoulders upon it, his face raising, soaking up the energy that wipes clean his soul and his shattered mind.
With a deep feeling of enormous relief he slowly opens his eyes again and looks into a benevolent smile of the spirit who offers him those knives. Upon the shere touch of the knives' hilts his body starts to shiver once more, feeding and empowering.
While the spirit returns into the lake in a misty cloud, without any noise, Velh's friend's voice reaches him "From now on... only you may hold those knives...anyone else... man or beast will suffer the feelings of a thousand deaths". The hunter takes a deep long breath, gazing on the knives in his hands, mumbling "What.. is this .. feeling?". Reapbel slowly nods "In combination they will give you power and protection against forms of dark ways", and with a little smile he adds "..and the lady also seemed to favour you..."
Absently, maybe overwhelmed, his eyes wander over to the still peaceful lake. "She... is she some.. legate of the Mother?", his voice tremors. His easeful friends peers to the lake the same way. A gentle gust of wind arises, whispering as his friend does. "I do not know... some say she is part of the Mother herself... and when the need is really urgent, when fate turns against me the worst, I may summon and call her for she will aid.."
The hunter nods, dreamily thinking, his eyes remain lying on the sight of the lake.


- Aftermath -

In the shadow of the iron temple the gazebo provides some private place as Velh arrives with his love. He knows, the time to come now will not be easy, neither for him nor for Noriin. His eyes reflect a hint of unsureness, his face though offers an honest and warm smile.
He leans against the fence, looks down and gathers his thoughts while his love can't hide her suspicion gazing on the knives on his belt.
Still thoughtfully he starts to mumble. "Your comb.. you like it, hm?", he doesnt even await her slightly puzzled, agreeing nod, "You do know where did it come from.. and never it was a harm..". Velh keeps smiling the same way, calm and more confident now, unsheathes both the knives with care "..neither are these blades here nor shall ever be.. blessed by the same hands that guided me that comb..", he lifts a brow and now finally shoots her a look.
A cold sneer conquers Noriin's lips, her eyes pierce him scorning, glare, the more as he continues to tell her of the shiny creature from the lake and his knives.
Velh eyes down to the mighty weapons in his hands and shows her the elven encarvings "This one.. it will aid in the fight against dark creatures, this other one.. will grant protection".

[Noriin]

The Unexpected Gift

The mugs emptied and the conversation began to fade to a friendly topic in Yanlora's room. Velh and Noriin had told her about their matter towards Xeonart and about a girl who they had befriended with, who was yet in the Fallen Kindom's hands.

Something scrached the door for Yanlora opened it slowly. At once, a groffel rushed inside the room and stepped to Noriin who lovingly patted it. The note the winged pet bore was noticed as quickly as read. The little group looked towards each other and hasted to stand in search of the groffel's sender.

Anumesa sat near Jardet in the gardens, sad, in despair given the last events which she didn't hesitate to let the three know. She was checked by the six eyes that quickly noticed the tearing as her head rose. "He betrayed me!", she stated, "I thought.. he promised me a gift. Then he.. he..". The dermorian stopped talking and exposed her arm which showed a dark V burned into her skin.

The masked girl's brows wrinkled when she inspected the mark closely, she turned to Yanlora who couldn't but curse at its sight. The young hunter tried to stay positive, smiled to Anumesa. "At least.. for now it's fine, hm?", he said but Noriin replied quickly "Not really.. I'm sure this is not a common burn.. Or is it?".

The girl stared blankly at the water and continued explaining herself "It was a black flame".

Velh stood with his own good mood, yet worried about the pain the burn was causing, he dearly asked his love to ease the pain for she stepped closer to Anumesa, though making sure not to touch her. Noriin's eyes shut when she concentrated to gather as much light as she could. The elven girl paled and rushed, "Oh no.. wait!" but it was too late, the energy was released towards the wound thus causing the opposite effect. Anumesa shuddered and clutched her arm to her, the ynnwn took a few steps away, in shame and terror at once. But the elven girl was up for anything but attacking, she tried to find the proper words "Not on it....". Struggled to move, cursed, "I have lost feeling in my arms and legs...what?! Whatever you just did...please don't do it again." and finally took the potions Yanlora was giving her.

"This is not a normal burn.." said Noriin. The weapon crafter, who had been quiet, intervened "Erm... a black flame?", and Velh added "So.. do you have any idea.. what could help you?"

The girl shaked her head "Only Xeonart knows".

"Maybe Zwenze or... Rell?" asked Velh as he looked at the others. Yanlora replied, "I'd rather ask Haraun and Hassadria, maybe even ... Nixe...". But Anumesa wasn't listening, she continued "The way he looked after... he clearly doesn't think I would be capable of removing it". The crafter allowed herself a joke "Erm... I know a way.. but I don't think we want that either" which made the couple grin, yet not the recently marked dermorian.

"He has plans, some. He has been recruiting and plans something to do with the roads. I heard him mention it to Malkari". The hunter demanded "Malkari?" for she replied "The menki Xeonart is rather fond of".

"What about you and.. Xeonart now..?" enquired Noriin.

"I have to help him, he's the only one who can get rid of this", the ynnwn yelled "What?!" she then addressed Yanlora "There must be somebody else who can give it a look". Got a nod in response "Yes.. I'll speak to the felines...", followed by a slight accusing gaze towards Anumesa.

"So.. you will run and tell Xeonart aboout all this then?".

"Of course not" said the elven girl.

Velh hummed "Let's not forget she obviously got into trouble due to her lacking loyalty", as the crafter added "But... if you 'need' to help him?".

"Don't tell me anything important until we know what this does".

They all nodded to each other and seeked for one last deal. "How are we going to keep contact?".

"Once someone learn something send out a groffel that day. That way there is no planning ahead of time". Anumesa laughed suddently and added "And i can borrow my husband's" for finally standing on her feet.

"I should go... Thank you"




[ This event happens just before the told here: Malkari. ]

[Noriin]

Holy Shelter

A creepy scream of terror made the four turn towards the smithie. Still recovering form the wounds of the very recent -bloody- fight, they seemed to recognize the yelling voice as one of their attackers. One who they knew wasn't there by own will. Roberet walked away for Nixe, Velh and Noriin wheeled towards the smithie to there find Anumesa. The girl was crouching next to a tree, her knees hugged to her chest.

"Go away!", she outered at their sight.

Even though their gaze was sharp upon her, none moved. They knew when she turned to them with her -again- deep blue eyes that she was out of Xeonart's control. She continued, "I'm not safe" as the eyes nailed upon her began to relax. "None of us are safe, it's a mutual feeling, trust me.", came back from the three. Anumesa showed her confusion, winced, cried.

Calm faded in and she continued, "He healed me too... Desot did... but I still feel the wounds". The masked ynnwn couldn't but curiously ask "How have you been healed?" for her love added "Did he do so with.. some dark energy?". The dermorian girl hugged her knees even tighter to her chest and Nixe eyed either of them, "The dark magic they use can seal a wound, but it doesn't heal it... It's still there, just easier for the body to naturally heal, and it stops bleeding.", she produced a potion from her bag which Anumesa drank and that seemed to relax but her mental struggle.

She shook her head, tears again pricking the corners of her eyes, "Maybe I should leave...I don't want to hurt anyone". Noriin glanced for Nixe, still addressing to Anumesa "Where can you go for they won't find you, hm?" for the fenki answered for her "Try staying in the temple... I remember Duraza having troubles with his magic inside there, so maybe the mark will be more feeble inside the temple as well". The dirty hand of the recently marked elven girl worked to wipe the tears out "Thought I was safe from his control... next thing I know I was here. Maybe you should all just tie me up and leave me in the depths of Laanx Temple".

Velh frowned and shot a worried frown to Nixe "Hm.. we need to get rid of that mark...". She replied with a nod for letting Anumesa lean on her, "Come on, dear... You really will be safer at the temple. Probably feel it, too." and the four slowly walked towards the red iron colossus.

The dermorian girl was brought upstairs where she could finally find comfortable rest and hopefully piece of mind, but that was yet to come.

She was still shaking her head over and over, "What if this doesn't work? What if I just find myself attacking my friends. Or worse... Kenzel...". Nixe comfortingly patted Anumesa's hand with her paw, "It might not come to that. You are safer here. Xeonart will have a good bit of trouble getting to you here... Just stay as hidden as possible, you can watch for him from above, if he even dares enter here".

Seemed to calm her down a bit, but suddently rose her head up "Desot... he had the same mark! I remember...because he touched it and for a second, it was like we were connected". Once again, the hooded enkidukai replied, "From what I remember, Duraza's little cult had ranks like an army. The higher ranks did have the ability to control the lower ranks, and the lowest ranks were the Thralls, the ones who were only controled. I'm assuming Xeonart has the highest control...". The hunter gave her a glance "And from Duraza you dont know of any way to break such a ban?". She answered, "The only thing that brought me about from the insanity that mark drove me to was Irick... It was the emotion that brought me back from insanity..." and smiled, seeing that the elven girl had greatly calmed down by then. She let out a yawn and farewelled "Eck... Well, we all need rest... I think I'm going to enjoy the scenery from the tower... You three be careful".

Anumesa yawned along  but suddently looked up to almost jump out of the chair she was sitting on. She yelled "Kenzel! He doesn't know!", cursed, then added "And I have no groffel to send him news". A soft shrug came from Noriin who spoke about her own "Nevermind, if Nahtus can find you it can find Kenzel. To some extent.. both of you share smell". The marked elf calmed down again upon her words and questioned "Could I give you a note for him?".

The ynnwn threw an emphatic nod "No doubt". She summoned the groffel out of the ring and swiftly pulled a carrot out of her pocket for it to play with, reaching it to the pet and dragging it away from it as the winged animal was to bite it. It didn't take long for Nahtus to feel annoyed enough to rush upon Noriin's leg which he bit at once. The laughters echoed in the room for a while as the masked ynnwn shot a yell in pain, cursed and let the pet take his prize. She was handed the note and Nahtus sent to seek for Anumesa's future husband.

The conversation faded into banal topics until the elven girl was about to fall asleep. Velh smiled warmly to her and glanced Noriin, "I think we should leave her alone for she can have some rest..." who smiled along, "Make sure to stay safe.. We will be visiting you, sounds good?". The girl made a tired smile and nodded to both.

"Hopefully I will stay here".



[ Once again, this story is related to Malkari's and happens before this. ]

[Anumesa]

Discovery

Anumesa quickly grew bored of the temple's walls. Within a few days she had explored the entirety of Laanx Temple, from the top of the tower, to deepest depths below. She longed to leave and feel the Azure Sun's light on her face, and to sit beneath the trees once again...yet she couldn't, the cost might be too great. Kenzel recieved the letter from Nahtus in a relatively short time, and his presence broke the monotony of her confinement. Yet Kenzel could not stay with her all the time, and all the hours when he was gone fell heavily on Anumesa's mind.

After a little less then a month, Kenzel convinced Anumesa to travel with him to the mines near Ojaveda. Afterall..neither Xeonart nor any of his minions had been heard from since the terrible events that left Anumesa in the temple. Anumesa borrowed a groffel and sent Noriin a short message, telling her of her whereabouts and intentions and then left with Kenzel for the mine...The trip was ineventful, and Anumesa returned to the temple.

After about another week Laanx Temple felt like a true prison cell, and Anumesa knew she had leave...just for a few moments. So she tentatively went outside and sat on the steps, enjoying the last fading rays of the Azure Sun's light. A noise behind her made her turn around sharply. Standing a few feet away was Malkari, minion of Xeonart, and one of the last people she had wanted to see. Anumesa strayed a hand to her side where her sword hilt should have been..but with a stab of panic realized she had left all her weapons back in the temple. She now faced Malkari unarmed, without a single weapon or glyph to aid her. Malkari set his blade to the small of her back and ordered her to stand.

Malkari smiles, "You have two choices. Come back to Xeonart, or die by my blade..."

Anumesa spits at Malkari "I've changed my mind"

The fight was joined by Velh, Noriin, Nixe and Goleus, another member of the Fallen Kingdom. Goleus manipulated Anumesa, leaving most of the battle in a mindless haze to her memory. Finally Goleus was slain, but not before casting a powerful blast of dark energy at Velh. Out of love, Noriin took the full brunt of the spell to save him, at the cost of her own life. Anumesa shook her head rapidly, trying to cast the fog from her brain and gazed in horror at the scene of massacre before her. After desperately trying to heal Noriin with crystal's magic, Anumesa fainted, and was temporarily paralyzed, the effect of the crystal being tainted with the dark mark on her arm. A stranger appeared and carried her to safety..

Anumesa puts a hand to her head "What happened? oh no....Noriin!"

Release
 
Anumesa avoided contact with everyone she trusted for the next weeks, ashamed beyond belief of her actions, though accidental. A brief encounter with Velh, who had learned of the death of his love, left her with an awful guilt hanging over her, making all her actions lifeless and dead. Eventually Anumesa was confronted by Kaerli, who told her she must leave Xeonart for good.

Anumesa rubs the mark "If i could get rid of this then i could leave"

Kaerli nods, "I will speak to Andoryn about it, alright?"

A few more days passed and Anumesa began to sink back into a deep depression, realizing that she was simply a doll to be manipulated, and therefore no one was safe from her. One day while wallowing in her misery, she was approached by Andoryn and two strangers. Andoryn informed Anumesa that she had a theory about how to get rid of the mark, yet once hearing that it involved crystal way, Anumesa was hesitant. Finally desperation won her over and she agreed to let them try it.

Anumesa stiffens slightly and faints at the effects of the crystal way

Andoryn looks at the arm, and sees the mark of Compulsion fade.

And finally after several more bouts of magic..

"Look! Look at her arm!" Andoryn hugs Orgonwukh for sheer joy.

Izzabella nods "yes..but she seems paralyzed..but she is breathing better now.."

Anumesa was brought to the tavern and to a room upstairs to rest. Malkari who had left the Fallen Kingdom sat in the tavern and with curiousity, watched Orgonwukh carry Anumesa upstairs followed by Andoryn and Izzabella. He got up and quickly followed to see what had happened. After a time, Anumesa regained consciousness and was overjoyed to see the mark on her arm had vanished.

Anumesa opens her eyes again and murmers softly "At least we didnt have to chop of my arm, eh?"

[Noriin]

Unwanted Wish


Again.
Screams.
The same voice.
Is she never going to be safe?
Aren't they ever going to release her?

We run, Velh at my side.
Nixe right on her way, coming from the other end of the plaza.
Malkari is there, his sword aiming to Anumesa and she.. unarmed.
We surround them quickly, lounge at the lonely enkidukai. He is nailed, hit, punctured, kicked. Several times, all around.
Falls unconscious. Boils. Shakes. Something abandons his weakened body.
Its mouth opens and a shadow breaks out. Moves away. The boiling stops.
I want to end with this. No more of this nonsense.
End with this.

Everybody aims at him but nobody moves.
And I am stopped. By their eyes. Their compassion.
Mercy.
Why not finish his pain?
But the wounded enkidukai opens his eyes, he talks, explains.
I don't listen.
I don't care.
I only want to end with this.

Nixe needs help.
She can't walk.
I take her, place her somewhere safe.
Then a voice at my back.
Can't but turn at the shadow approaching. We all do.
Another known voice, another surrounded menki.
He is advised, threatened. Once and again.
Won't he move away?

His back is mine, my daggers nail it. Stronger.
Let's end with this.
The two blades cut the meat, they move inside. Enlarge the wounds. Goleus isn't going to blink.
But I back up, let him speak. He keeps the foul talk. Words. All in vain.
No trust will arise.
It's not a matter of trust. Anu has no choice.
Her eyes fade to black. She wants to resist. Cries. Yells.
But she can't.

She has Nixe's sword. Awkward.
The blade twirls in the air. My elf yells. He is hurt.
I have no choice now either. She is going to get hurt.
If this is the only way...
She is hurt. My daggers pierce her sides and make her pause.
Barely blinks either.
The blade twirls in the air. Now it is my yell, silenced.
My throat.

The stone is cold.
Their voices are distant. I hear Velh, Nixe... Goleus.
Anumesa is silent. They fight each other. She fights herself.
My throat bleeds. Blood.
Warms my hands up, and soon the stone. I smell of death.
I want to scream. Muted.
Not going to give up. The healing helps.
Only wanted to end with this.

Blurry silouhettes fight.
Vithos looks at me. Velh looks at me, I try to reply. My words never come out.
Don't worry about me dear, move on.
My fingertips explore the wound. It slowly narrows.
The healing helps. Not going to give up.
My vision clears up. Enough to spot the black eyes of the menki.
Enough to see my hunter's breath evade him. Coughs.
He is still alive.

Enough to see the black aura growing up in Goleus' hand.
No. It is not going to happen.
I drag myself. Crawl.
On my knees.
It is not going to happen.
Take my life, but not him.
I am big. I can protect you. I am a giant. I will protect you.
My love.

I step in between. The aura grows. The menki grins.
I protect all I have. All I want.
Velh be surrounded by my bleeding warmth.
You are not going to take him.
He moans. Mourns.
Don't worry my little elf, you are safe now.
The bolt is released.
My dusk is near.

I can feel it. Every second is an eternity.
An eternity I use to watch my handsome dermorian. Joy.
I am not going to move.
I sense it coming. Slowly. Approaching my back, inch by inch.
Wandering the air. Black.
Until it touches me.
Shakes me.
Stiffs me.

Darkness.