[RP] The Bloodline

[Rigwyn]

A Skirmish in Ojaveda

Rigwyn rode into Ojaveda on his Rivnak in search of those who openly support Kore Irka Clan. He spent a considerable amount of time searching the dusty and nearly abandoned town to no avail. Turning back, he spotted a fresh set of hoof marks in the sand. He followed them with his eye and spotted a heavily armed Menki atop a rivnak. He peered closely and then moved in, suspecting that it might be Akaiddo.

Taking care not to make excessive noise, he took his Rivnak into an alley where he dismounted and crept along the pavement, slowly and steadily as he approached Akaiddo. He squatted behind a table slowly with a dagger in hand waiting for the right moment. Akaiddo's Rivnak seems to get agitated and he started tugging on the reigns at him and cursing his odd behaviour.

Carefully, Rigwyn drew back a sharp dagger and threw it at Akaiddo, aiming for the back of his neck. Akaiddo's Enki reflexes kicked in, and Akaiddo almost instinctively leaped out of the way however the dagger hit him in the shoulder, penetrating deep and causing his right arm to go limp. Quickly, he pulled a saber out with his left hand as he approached Rigwyn.

Drawing a sabre, Rigwyn darted forward through the canopy only to be met by Akaiddo's Rivnak which reared upward, flinging it's hooves at him. Rigwyn jumped back and swung at one of the Rivnak's ankles giving it a severe gash. Akaiddo leaped off the Rivnak and landed heavily but on both feet. Looking at Rigwyn he grined maliciously. "You... " he then chuckled. Rigwyn tossed the sabre from one hand back to the other with a nasty grin and then turned to Akaiddo.

"You do realise", Akaiddo said, "I have the Ynnwn you want?"

"I know of no Ynnwn", Rigwyn replied.

"His sister, you impotent fool. I have his sister."

Rigwyn spat into the dirt and then stretched his head to the left cracking his neck, "I dont know what your talkin about.. I say yer just scared a gettin whats commin to ya." Akaiddo laughed, "She confirmed you're working for him. So I got two options for ye. Either run back to your halfbred master and tell him I have his sister, or I send ye back to ye master via Dakkru."

"I still dont know what yer talkin about", Rigwyn replied, "I'll go for option B." With a grin Akaiddo replied "So be it." He lightly lunged at Rigwyn with his saber, remaining conservative in his movement due to his wound. Rigwyn slapped Akaiddo's sword with a metalic clang and then swung towards his neck. Akaiddo ducked down, avoiding the slash and whirled his saber toward Rigwyn's knee. Rigwyn hopped on his left foot as a reeling pain ran though his knee. He hopped back taking a defensive position with most of his weight on his left leg.

Akaiddo stepped back a little, and grinned maliciously again. "Still want Option B?" Rigwyn spat again shaking his leg to see how bad the wound was. He held up both hands in an inviting yet taunting gesture, then bent his left knee a little as he waited. Akaiddo laughed. "So be it." He charged toward the Diaboli again, shoving his left plated shoulder into a tackle, his saber ready for a following strike. At the same time, Rigwyn attempted to punch Akaiddo in the face with his right hand.

Akaiddo pulled even lower to avoid it, his tackle now aimed at Rigwyn's left thigh. The two collided and Rigwyn tripped forward tumbling over Akaiddo and into the dirt. He turned quickly with his sword pointed forward, again crouching with most of his weight on his left leg.

Akaiddo stooped onto three limbs, a murderous gleam in his eye. He swung his sabre at the left leg, attempting to avoid contact with Rigwyn's sword. Rigwyn jumped off his left leg attempting to avoid the blow. The blade was incredibly close but not close enough. Akaiddo growled viciously, swinging again, this time at Rigwyn's sword arm.

Biting hard as the blade banged against his armor and putting him off balance, He staggered, turned, and then shoved Akaiddo with his left hand. Akaiddo fell backward landing on three limbs again with a menacing smile on his face. Rigwyn tried to bend his arm but found that the elbow joint no longer worked properly. Pissed, he jumped back and reached for a small black and red glyph. Seeing the glyph, Akaiddo grabbed the table desperately and flung it at the Diaboli who had already begun casting a spell, uttering the words "Taste of Death."

The table hit and the spell was interrupted half way though, causing it to backfire. Weakened, Rigwyn tried to cast again. This time the spell struck and Akaiddo growled as the spell hit his chest. He charged forth in a rage with his saber swinging mercilessly.

Rigwyn lowered his hand quickly seeing Akaiddo rush forward. He jumped back and pointed his sword forward as if preparing to lunge. His damaged armor had hindered his motion. Akaiddo continued his charge, his sabers swinging at Rigwyn still. Rigwyn attempted to block but failed, the sword again butted against his plate armor worsening the joint.

Akaiddo pulled back, grinning. "Still sure about Option B?" With this, Rigwyn tossed his sword to his left hand and smiled, "Bring it on Menki!" Akaiddo charged forward again, and threw a kick toward the Diaboli's chest as Rigwyn darted forward attempting to lunge at Akaiddo's face. Akaiddo tried to step to the side, but his wounded shoulder took a considerable knock and the dagger fell out. He clenched and unclenched his right hand, and grined. He then pulled a dagger from his back.

Rigwyn stepped forward and spun counter clockwise chopping at Akaiddo's neck! Akaiddo dropped flat, and stuck his dagger into Rigwyn's left knee as he fell. The blade landed Rigwyn on the ground screaming and reeling in pain. Looking at Akaiddo angrily, he grabbed a fist full of sand with his right hand and raised it quickly. Akaiddo swung his saber at the raised hand fiercely, seeing Rigwyn attempting to pull the trick he had used many times in his youth. Rigwyn however managed to throw the sand in Akaiddo's face.

Akaiddo spluttered, some grains getting in his eyes. He threw the dagger in the direction he sensed Rigwyn to be in, and visciously slashed his saber in the same direction. Rigwyn managed to dodge the dagger however with a dense thud the sword struck his helmet knocking him to the ground where he rolled, dazed and confused.

Akaiddo kicked the sabre from Rigwyn's hand. It flew and hit the rough stone wall with a metallic clang. He mumbled something incoherently as he rolled the sand. Akaiddo clambered on top of Rigwyn, grinning. "You're lucky I need you for better things than simply tossing you off to the Octarchy. Find your master Jakular, tell him I have his sister. Akaiddo then took his sword and thrust it though Rigwyn's left hand striking the sandy pavement below. Rigwyn screamed in agony. His eyes watered as they stretched open wider than ever before. He pulls his hand back as the blade was pulled out and bled profusely.

Akaiddo grined, and cocked his head to the side. "Forget not the day you were bested by Kore Irka Clan, and trouble our people no more!" With that he drove his sword into Rigwyn's throat. Rigwyn, grasping his punctured, bloody hand let go and his eyes fluttered and the blade made its way through. Blood oozed down his neck and into his armor as the cold steel was felt sliding out the back of his neck. It came to a stop as it hit the ground. His eyes closed. Akaiddo drew his saber out, and pulled himself off Rigwyn. He wiped the saber off. Rigwyn's hands softened and open up. His head flopped to the side slowly. After a short period of time his body began to fade away. Akaiddo clambered back on his Rivnak, pleased.

Edit: Spelling corrections

[Akkaido Kivikar]

[Thanks for posting, I've been rather busy with uni assignments. It was a great and fun RP!]

[Rigwyn]

Tormenting Truth

Jaida had traveled to Ojaveda by caravan as she deemed that she would not be safe in Hydlaa. The arid climate of the Akkaio dsar had been hard to get used too, but keeping in mind that the streets where regularly patrolled it made the exhausting heat worth while.

She had originally traveled to Ojaveda to seek help from the rogue named Kisatol. Jayose assistant Lori had described him as a man of action, a man with the recourses to solve any problem, if the price was right. The idea of seeking the help of a criminal was revolting to her, but the people of Hydlaa had showed no interest in bringing Jacula to justice. As if they where scared of getting involved in his capture.

Luckily she had encountered a menki named Akaiddo. He seemed well respected within the Akkaio dsar, several others bowing to his wishes. It came to show that Akaiddo and his clan of Enkidukai where hunting Jacula as well, yet from what she understood they had all suffered a terrible fate at his hands.
Jaida was crushed, feeling as if she had been better of dismissing the rumors as lies. With sorrow in her hear they came to an understanding where Jaida promised to help Akaiddo and his clan, but sadly the safety in Ojaveda was no better than that of Hydlaa.
As had Jaida walked back to the tavern to rest a rogue dressed in black appeared out of an nearby alley, giving her no chance to react before she felt a blade sink into her chest. The shock masked the pain, sending her slumping to the ground. Her vision slowly blurred as her eyes transfixed upon the crystal, the surly voice of the rogue hard to make out as everything turned black 'Kisatol sends his regards.'

She awoke in something similar to a cave. A morbid stench of death spreading in the darkness as she rose to her feet, part of her claimed by Dakkru. Forced to seek herself through the horrors of the deathrealm..

A Flower In The Dark

"Akaiddo grinned, and cocked his head to the side. "Forget not the day you were bested by Kore Irka Clan, and trouble our people no more!" With that he drove his sword into Rigwyn's throat. Rigwyn, grasping his punctured, bloody hand let go and his eyes fluttered and the blade made its way through. Blood oozed down his neck and into his armor as the cold steel was felt sliding out the back of his neck. It came to a stop as it hit the ground. His eyes closed. Akaiddo drew his saber out, and pulled himself off Rigwyn. He wiped the saber off. Rigwyn's hands softened and open up. His head flopped to the side slowly. After a short period of time his body began to fade away. Akaiddo clambered back on his Rivnak, pleased."

Rigwyn awakened in the death realm, fully restored and with his belongings in tact less a very expensive saber.  He wandered through slowly feeling morbidly depressed. He looked over the edge of the walkway but saw nothing but darkness. As he continued along the path he thought to himself about what true death might be like. Perhaps something like that endless abyss?

He crouched upon a track and peered down watching once-dead souls as they scrambled to find their way out of the death realm. One soul looked rather familiar. He squinted as he tried to get a better look.

Jaida tried to find her way through the darkness, terrified of the beasts that might lurk within. Her eyes filled with tears as she found herself standing in a crossroad, not knowing which path to take. Rigwyn grabbed the edge of the walkway and leaped down at the Ynnwn, still not certain who she was. He landed in a squatting position, touching the pavement with his fingertips. He looked upward at Jaida.

Jaida was shocked at seeing the Diaboli land in front of her, she fell back in horror as she gasped for air. Rigwyn asked her, "Jaida? Is that you?" She hid her face in her palms and shuddered. As she heard Rigwyn's voice her face and her eyes became blank as she struggled to crawl backwards away from him. Rigwyn walked forward with his arms stretched out and a compassionate expression. He said in a sympathetic tone, "Jaida, Its me, Rigwyn."

Jaida continued to crawl backwards, evading his extended arms 'You.. You lied to me!' she stuttered 'Get away from me!' She stood up with the help of the nearby stone ledge, continuing to back away from Rigwyn, who donned a shocked expression and tilted his head, "Lied ? What a terrible crime.. Oh, the horrible things some folks do. Telling lies is surely at the top of the list"

Jaida yelled, still terrified of what he might do to her 'I know what you and my brother have been doing.. I.. I know that he is alive!' Jaida stumbled slightly as she continued to slowly back away. Rigwyn placed a finger on his chin thoughtfully, "Your brother ... Oh ! You mean that guy who you permanently disfigured? The one you tried to burn to death for no reason at all?" Rigwyn advanced towards Jaida as he spoke.

Jaida's eyes teared up. Shivering from the ambiance and scared to death as Rigwyn advanced she sobbed loudly, 'So it's true!  How could you do this to me? How.. What have you become?' Rigwyn continued to advance with a condescending tone, "What have I become? Look at yourself before you hurl such accusations. Your brother would be better off if he had died. You made sure he wouldn't die. That he would live life half burnt, half alive!"

Jaida cried, struggling to keep her balance as she continued to back up 'You told me that he was dead!' she yelled obviously upset 'I thought I was getting revenge.. And I hate myself for it' she added. "You should hate yourself !", Rigwyn said, "I was just trying to protect him from assassins like yourself! Who sent you!?". Steadily he continued to advance.

Jaida shivered, coming to a stop as the fear took over. Leaving her petrified, she looked up at Rigwyn with tear filled eyes 'Please.. Please don't hurt me. I'll leave Hydlaa, you wont ever see me again. Please Rigwyn..' Rigwyn chuckled looking around "Hurt you? Leave? No no no.. Jaida, I just want to know a few things, thats all. Like who told you where your brother was! Who was it!"

Rigwyn snapped his head around staring at Jaida as he slowly continued to advance. Jaida swallowed hard. Her breathing becoming even more panicked as he approached. She tried to run past him in sheer desperation but Rigwyn reached out and grabbed her arm as he turned to chase her. Jaida pulled her arm away. Her wrist slipped from his sweaty palms. Not wasting time he continued to chase her. Jaida stumbled forward and turned into a narrow walkway nearby, running as fast as her legs could carry her.

Rigwyn chased Jaida into the Library. He looked around only seeing endless shelves packed with dusty old books. "Come back Jaida.. I wont hurt you!" Rigwyn continued to look around as he grew frustrated. Jaida hid behind one of the bookshelf's, her heart pounding wildly as she closed her eyes. Wanting to sink through the floor.

Rigwyn called out in a song-like voice "Jaaaaaaaaaaida .. come out and plaaaaaaaaaay Jaida", and then peered between a gap in the bookshelf and spotted Jaida standing there on the other side. He thrust his hand though the space and grabbed her by the collar. She screamed as Rigwyn pushed her back before pulling her towards him with a fast jerk, slamming her face against the shelf. Jaida was no match for his strength, Her head bounced back with tremendous force as she fell onto her back. Her eyes fluttered wildly.

Rigwyn shoved the books off the shelf scattering them all over the floor. He jumped forward and climbed though the shelf. Jaida was unable to pose much resistance as her head ached from the trauma. She twisted slightly where she lay as her lips parted in a plead 'Please... Don't..' Ignoring her plead, Rigwyn picked up a rather large book. The title read "The Six Truths". He smirked at the title as he raised the book high and brought it down with both hands. Beating her over the head with it repeatedly. Jaida was swiftly silenced, Her pleads smothered by the vicious beating. Her body twitched as the book was slammed into her head over and over. She tried desperately to raise her arms to defend herself, but to no avail.

Rigwyn tossed the bloody book over his shoulder and then reached down to lift her. Jaida went limp, not able to fight back as she was lifted from the ground and slumped onto Rigwyn's shoulder. Her forehead bloodied by the beating. Rigwyn gasped slightly at the weight of the Ynnwn, then jogged out the door in search for the portal leading topside. He began to make his way through the deathrealm with Jaida on his shoulder.

After a brief jog he suddenly fell into deep hole and landed on a rough railway dropping Jaida in the process. There was no point in trying to keep her from getting bruised. The bars that protruded from it were old and rusty. The hard surface doing nothing to soften the fall as Jaida fell onto the ground like a ragdoll, injuring her back in the process. She regained consciousness given the pain, but was too battered to flee. Rigwyn grabbed Jaida again, slumped her over his shoulder and continued to jog. She squealed given the pain in her back, but could do nothing but cry as Rigwyn carried her through the remaining path. After what seemed like hours they reached a portal in the shape of a face, magic energy glowing within it's mouth.

Rigwyn looked into the portal for a moment, wondering if he would return to the living in close proximity to Jaida or not. After contemplating for a minute he chose to risk it. He closed his eyes and charged into the portal with Jaida over his shoulder.

Both of them returned to the living on a spot of grass, appearing only a few feet from each other. Jaida laid limp on the ground, feeling as if the curse had placed a giant boulder on her chest. She struggled to turn her head, her breathing growing panicked as she saw Rigwyn rise to his feet. Rigwyn rubbed his eyes and looked around. Seeing Jaida he ran over, scooped her up and ran off.

After a while they reached the sewer entrance, Rigwyn peered down the foul hole. Grasping Jaida, he turned backwards and proceeded down. While hauling her though the sewers they passed Gag, a strong, upstanding citizen. Fortunately he did not appear to notice them. Perhaps the shadows had obscured the Diaboli and the Ynnwn. Gag shouted "I will offer any other loot for rat eyes!" but Rigwyn ignored him and continued to make his path onward.

He entered a giant red room with Jaida in his arms. He looked at Viscarina and and dragged Jaida behind a stone pillar where he unloaded her limp body onto the floor. He looked though his sack for something to bind her with. Being the first time she has felt Dakkru's curse upon her she was rendered powerless. She tried to crawl away from him, but she eventually ended up with her cheek pressed against the red stone floor.

Rigwyn pulled out his sword and raised it, aiming the handle at Jaida's head as he brought it down. Jaida was knocked unconscious as the handle connected to the back of her head. Her breathing faded given the extent of her injuries. Rigwyn removed a thin rope from his sack  and tied Jaida's hands and feet. He placed a sack over her head and leaned her against the pillar.

Jaida seemed unaware of her surroundings as she was leaned back against the pillar. Rigwyn wrote a small note and then summoned a groffel. He placed the note in Yuck's neck and sendt him off. He thought to himself, "Go Yuck .. find Jacula... Heh heh .. "

Jaida slowly began to regain her awareness, her breathing became panicked as she realized there was a sack over her head. She tried to free herself as she realized that she had been bound, but failed miserably 'Why.. Why are you doing this?' she pleaded. Rigwyn knelt down and whispered to Jaida "There are things far worse than death. Tell me who told you where Jacula was and I'll set you free'

Jaida sobbed, her tears filtered by the sack over her head. She tried to remember the name in fear of what horrid fate awaited her 'It was the menki.. The menki told me!' she cried. Rigwyn grabbed Jaida's shirt and shook her. "Remember the name or I'll skin you alive "Who was it!" Jaida shivered in his grasp. "Mowgeh! she screamed in terror 'Please.. Please don't hurt me!'

Rigwyn slapped Jaida shouting "Don't lie to me wench ! Who was it !" Her head shuddering as she screamed again 'Mogmew.. Mogweh, the menki! please, let me go.. I can't take anymore!' Rigwyn drew a sword and grasped Jaida's arm holding the blade to it. "Missy I'll skin ya alive, one strip a meat at a time. Tell the truth or I'll start removing strips"
 
Jaida cried out in fear 'It's the truth! I swear on Laanx. It's the truth!' Wanting to be certain that she wasn't lying  Rigwyn took his sword and slowly sliced a length of flesh off Jaida's supple forearm. She twitched and screamed in agony as the sword cut in. She repeated the sentence over and over 'Mogweh.. Mogweh!' Rigwyn grumbled looking at Jaida with a disappointed expression. With the hilt of his sword smacked her over the head once more knocking her to the ground.

"Dammit !" Rigwyn thought to himself.

Blood gushed from the wound in her forearm, slowly spreading over the floor. She gasped now and then, having trouble breathing given the sack over her head. Rigwyn watched the sack move in and out as she breathed. To prevent her from dying he cut a little tiny slit in it. He then and reclined as he waited for Jacula to show up. Jaida gasped for air through the tiny slit. Her skin growing unusually pale from the blood loss, her speech slow and forced 'Let me go... Let me go..'

Rigwyn tilted his head examining Jaida who squirmed on the ground, her forearm still bleeding heavily.He took a small healing potion from his side and grasped her flayed arm with one hand as he held the healing potion in the other. Jaida desperately tried to loosen the ropes around her arms. Screaming as he bunched up the loose skin on her arm so that it does not line up right, he began to spill the healing potion on it in an attempt to scar her for life.

A enormous figure suddenly stepped out of the shadows approaching Jaida and Rigwyn. His eyes snapping between the two before setting on Jaida. Jacula had arrived..

To be continued

[Akkaido Kivikar]

[D'oh, my plan for victory just hit the fan harder than a pile of Trepor dung.]

[jaculapundactum]

"The Flames Of Fate"

[The following text contains violent material inappropriate for those faint of heart. If you disapprove, skip this post.]

Jacula sat cloaked in a flowing robe. Watching as a group of Hydlaa residents argued over an unknown topic. His eyes widened slightly as the body language of those who argued grew increasingly violent. His disfigured lips parting in a smile as they tried to contain themselves. Slowly but surely sadistic traits had settled into his mind. leaving him a man controlled by malign urges. As he pondered this alleged predicament while watching as those who argumented desperately tried to contain themselves from bursting he realized how liberated he had become. The enjoyment brought by acting on these newfound instincts was beyond any other, yet the consequences were severe. He had grown careless in that regard, inclined to take his time with whoever was foolish enough to cross him. Slowly ripping them limb from limb as they pleaded for mercy. His contemplation was soon disturbed as a groffel tugged at his leg. He reached down and grabbed the small animal by the neck, lifting it off the ground. He observed as it shivered in his grasp for a while before removing a note from it's usual placement in the animals collar. He let his eyes wander over the writing slowly "Meet me in the red room .. behind the broken pillar. Urgent!". Realizing who it was he quickly rose to his feet, pacing off into the sewers. Rigwyn had found Jaida, the moment of truth was upon him.

The stench of the sewers did little to restrain him as he ran through the narrow catacombs. His his heart pounding with anticipation. Vague cries and pleads could be heard as he sought himself into the giant room hidden within the sewers. He skulked past the giant pillars within, letting the shadows conceal him as the cries grew louder.

A enormous figure suddenly stepped out of the shadows approaching Jaida and Rigwyn. His eyes snapping between the two before setting on Jaida. Jacula had arrived..

As Jacula reached the source of the noise he stepped out of the shadows, his eyes snapping between Jaida and Rigwyn. The diaboli looked up at Jacula while holding Jaida's bloody, seemingly cut up arm "Ah .. so glad you decided to come. I have a little gift for you" Jaida cried as Rigwyn poured healing potion over her injured arm, struggling to breathe with the sack on her head.

Rigwyn reached out for Jaida's collar. lifting her from the ground by it, holding her up to Jacula. He stared at her as he snarled obsessively 'Master be praised..'
Rigwyn shook Jaida, pushing her into Jaculas grasp as he shouted "Who sent you out to kill this man? "
Jacula looked the woman before him up and down. Letting his fingers close in a firm grip around her shoulders, holding her in place. Jaida cried loudly as she shivered in his embrace. Fearing for her very life.

Jacula let a hand wander to her throat, holding her in place as he ripped the sack from her head. He seemed rather surprised given her appearance, staring blindly at her ebon eyes 'Answer his question wench!' he snarled disturbingly,Rigwyn adding to his demand with another shout "Who sent you to burn this man ? "

Jaida shuddered in fear as the masked man ripped the sack from her head. She adverted her gaze, to frightened to look at him 'Mogweh.. It was Mogweh!' she cried. Rigwyn slapped Jaida's back with his palm shouting "Liar ! Mogweh died long ago !" before adding "Its a know fact!" as if playing a mind game with her.

Jacula let out a twisted hiss as he let his hood fall to his shoulders, ripping the metallic mask from his face 'You will look at me when I speak to you, you filthy wench!' he dragged her closer to his disfigured face, his eyes glowing with malign intent. The diaboli shouted again, seemingly wanting her to alter her claim "how does a permadead man send you to kill someone?!"

Jaida was visibly startled as she was forced to look at Jacula, squirming in his grip to get away. She broke down given the hopeless situation, unable to respond in between her sobs. Rigwyn grabbed Jaida by the back of her hair and jerked her towards himself, shouting again "Tell the truth of suffer! Who sent you!"

Jacula smacked his disfigured lips as jaida was pulled back against Rigwyn 'You will feel my pain.. My dear sweet sister.' Rigwyn eventually began to wonder to himself if she was telling the truth after all. But none the less he continued with the interrogation. Jaida cried loudly as she was dragged by the hair, ending up in Rigwyns arms 'I told you!' she screamed 'Please.. Please don't hurt me. I'll do anything! please!'

Rigwyn locked Jaida in place, looking at Jacula and gave him a nod. As if to indicate that he was willing to let her die in his arms. Jacula got a disturbing look in his eyes 'Are you sure wench.. Are you sure that it was Mogweh?' he sneered viciously. Jaida placed her hand on Rigwyn's arm 'Please.. You don't have to do this!' she pleaded as he held her still.

The diaboli spoke to her in a low voice "If this Mogweh is in fact the person that sent you .. Then his wife, five children, his pets and his two closest friends will be tortured. They will not be offered death. I appreciate your honesty Jaida. I would not want the wrong man's family to suffer.'

Jaida gasped in terror 'You.. You monster!' tears slowly seeking their way down her cheeks. Rigwyn continued to mock her "You have done the right thing. The man who order you to do this has a committed a terrible crime. It's only just."

Jacula suddenly punched Jaida in the stomach as Rigwyn held her still, his eyes widening with malevolence. Rigwyn continued to mock her in a child-like voice "Mummy mummy .. father's dead .. and look ! A bad man with an axe ! "

Jaida gasped for air as she was struck, leaning forward from Rigwyns grasp 'Please.. don't..' Jacula began to beat Jaida savagely, his reinforced gauntlets pummeling her ribs and stomach, wanting to cause her as much pain as possible. His eyes widened even more, as if obsessed with the very thought of hurting her. Rigwyn taunted her in the same childish voice , "Mummy . mummy... make him stop !"
Jaida tried to scream, yet as her ribs broke under Jacula's knuckles her voice was smothered. She fell to her knees in pain, uttering a weak plead 'You promised..'
Rigwyn continued to mock her, enticed by the brutal scene "Mummy why does he do this .. just out of nowhere .. what a monster !"

Jacula aimed a final punch at Jaida's jaw, his nostrils flailed wildly as as the bone breaking thud of his fist connecting rose to the ceiling. She was knocked out cold. Her eyes rolling back in her skull as she went limp in Rigwyns arms. She coughed blood from the savage beating, left completely helpless.

Rigwyn felt the weight of Jaida's body in his hands as she fell. Letting go as her muscles went limp, causing her to sag to the ground. "What shall we do with this pile of meat ? " he said. Jacula looked at Rigwyn briefly before his eyes snapped to Jaida's limp body 'The time has come..' he said as he reached for a pouch in his belt, removing a vial containing a flammable liquid. He brought the vial to his mouth, biting the cork from it, spitting it to the ground before pouring the content onto Jaida. He let out a revolting laughter as his eyes glistened with obsession 'Now.. You will feel my pain!' he roared from the bottom of his lungs. Rigwyn looked at the fluid inquisitively, "Acid? Gobble Pheromones? "

Jaida laid limp on the ground, struggling to breathe given the savage beating. She slowly placed her hand on Jaculas boot, as if asking for mercy 'Brother.. You.. You..' she was unable to finish the sentence as the liquid was poured onto her. Jacula threw the vial to the floor as it was emptied, kneeling down to grasp Jaida's hand in his as he spitefully exclaimed 'You are not my sister.. For loyalty is thicker than blood!'

Jaida shivered, blood spewing from her mouth. Smothering her words. She could do nothing but stare at Jacula as he grabbed her hand. He gave Jaida a distasteful look 'You sicken me!' he sneered as his hand incinerated in a spell, causing the flammable liquid to ignite in a scorching flash. Rigwyn stepped back as he saw the flame emerge, Jacula lets go of her hand in turn and stood to his feet, taking a step back as he watched the flames spread over her body. The obsessed glisten in his eyes growing brighter. Rigwyn taunted Jaida once more shouting "Mummy ! mummy !"

Jaida turned and twisted on the ground as her body was engulfed by the flames. A horrid scream rose to the ceiling, her suffering beyond what she has´d ever felt.
Rigwyn turned to Jacula and looked at him thought the flames. "You were right ... I think I'll be having a chat with a certain someone in the near future". Jacula stared at Jaida as she slowly burned to death, as if the world around him seized to exist. His lips parted in a disturbing expression, his eyes seemingly transfixed.


"Jacula stared at Jaida as she slowly burned to death, as if the world around him seized to exist. His lips parted in a disturbing expression, his eyes seemingly transfixed."


Jaida eventually stopped moving, her burning corpse soon fading. Leaving only a vile smell of burning flesh. Jacula did not take his eyes of the fading corpse, as if not wanting it to vanish, he continued to stare until her body faded completely. He finally looked up, tilting his head backwards before closing his eyes. Taking a deep, satisfied breath. Rigwyn sighted, "Mogweh ... how could you? .. "

Jacula slowly opened his eyes, letting them settle on Rigwyn 'Show no mercy for the serpent my friend..' Rigwyn looks back at Jacula "Mogweh will be dealt with harshly.. I can assure you. Say nothing to him. I don't wish to treat this as a family matter.. rather a personal matter instead." Jacula clasped his hand behind his back 'The family will never know Rigwyn. I have a plan, but first.. There is something I must know'

Rigwyn answered eagerly 'What is it? What would you like to know?' Jacula looked deep into Rigwyns eyes, as if searching for emotion 'Have you learned to trust my judgment?'

The diaboli answered as if ashamed "I trusted Mogweh..What a mistake ..." he stopped for a moment as if to think his words over "Trust takes time, but for what it's worth I trust you a lot more than I did before .. and now more than I did Mogweh." Jacula kept his eyes locked with Rigwyn 'You will come to find that we strive for the same goal Rigwyn. We have a rich history, and I appreciate..' he stopped for a second as if having a difficulty with thanking him 'Your strong faith and determination'. He cupped his chin in his hand as he adverted his gaze seemingly contemplating 'I have a simple request, a final favor.. So to speak'
Rigwyn remained seemingly eager "Oh? A favor, What sort of favor?

Jacula looked back at Rigwyn, visible hate burning in his eyes 'I want Mogweh. I want him to suffer for what he has done to me.. I want to confront him first.. Alone.' he said with an obvious hint of malevolence in his words. Jacula placed his hands on his sides as he bowed his head slightly, as if to indicate respect 'if you would grant me this... favor. I would be in your debt' Rigwyns answer brought a distinct feeling of success to his mind "I don't see a problem with that .. But in order to keep things in the family in balance I'll need to remain disguised.."

And so it was that Jacula had won Rigwyn over, knowing that Mogweh had no one to shield him from what was to come. Jaida had tended to his wishes, and in return he had stabbed her in the back. Sealing her fate in the manner she failed to seal his. The preparations had been made, and Mogweh fate alone remained to be planned.

Why did Jaida lie and claim Mogweh to be the one who had imparted her on Jaculas whereabouts?

[MellasFenixxes]

Why did Jaida lie and claim Mogweh to be the one who had imparted her on Jaculas whereabouts?

That's what I'd like to know too! Very impressive lying skills, I have to say xD
As for the write-up, that was evil at it's best, Jacula and Rigwyn make a team of pure terror

[MellasFenixxes]

"When It All Falls Down"

Mellas shook her head and turned around. 'I will tell Mogweh everything!'
Jacula looked after Mellas as she left, anger filling his eyes. He turned to Thidin and nodded, knowing what had to be done.

PART ONE
Asking yourself the question of how things got that far… no, it would surprise no one. Jacula had spent most of his latest weeks consumed by anger, rage, wrath. She would be a liar to say she didn’t notice his fierce moods.
Mellas stood in the alleyway to the octarchial house nearby Kada-El’s. Sinking down against the wall in misery and not paying attention to the two guards nearby, watching her with alert eyes. She could still feel the sharp steel of the galkard he pressed against her neck, and the hard smack he had placed on her cheek, causing it to redden and burn as she tumbled sideways. Rubbing her neck, she remembered facing him, trying to talk with him as others ran into the room, filling it with chaos and fading their discussion to a silent nothingness when her other words were ignored. Why was he together with Thidin in a locked room? Why would he press his weapon against her throat the moment she entered? And why… why did he hit her?

She had tried, done what she could. Nothing else mattered to her that moment, only him. It seemed that wasn’t returned as her lover focused on protecting Thidin from Mandrith and others instead. Mogweh was right, he was right all along. Why had she been so blind? Jacula didn’t care anymore, he was angry with her, had enough of her. She had betrayed all her friends, killed and left those who cared for her, lied about so many things to protect him from Yliakum’s citizens that she lost count. She ignored his anger, his need to kill, but slowly, it seemed even her chances of bringing back the old Jacula had vanished.

Her fingers caught the tears that fell from her eyes as she thought back… back to that moment on the ledge, when she spoke of what had happened between her and Jacula when he had confronted her about Mogweh, and what was yet to come…

Mellas gestured for Mogweh to take a seat beside her, and nodded. 'There was a moment I thought he was going to kill me, it was a bit of a...' she searched for a word. 'Burst of emotions between us, I guess. He thinks you sent Jaida after him...?' With that she sent Mogweh a questioning look. 'Did you?'
Mogweh took a seat next to Mellas and bumped her shoulder with his gently and gave her a wink, 'We used to come here a lot, remember?' he said with a smile then clearing his throat he answered, 'No, I saw her once in the tavern with you and never since. He asked me to keep an eye on her, but to be honest, his kind of involvement with people ends up getting them killed, and I don't like killing, no fun in that at all.'
Mellas smiled up at him as he took a seat beside her and searched for his paw. 'I didn't believe you did it either, I told him to find proof before he would try anything, seeing that it wasn't you, he won't be able to find any,' she said reassuringly. 'I agree with you, that killing is on fun whatsoever, but I don't know how to make him...stop whatever he's doing.'
Mogweh replied flatly, 'He's killing Mellas, that is what he is doing. He is paranoid of anything and anyone. You won’t believe that, and I'm tired of trying to make you see. But, that is the truth. If he get's his way, I will be killed too. He believes that I am poisoning your mind against him and I suspect that he needs you as either a cover or as a link to people he wants to destroy.' The menki sighed heavily and gave her hand a squeeze.
Mellas looked away, the words hurting her more than she'd like to admit. 'I guess there's only one way to find out... and we both know where that will lead to...' she said, returning the squeeze with her hand, and a sad smile on her face. 'Thank you for your honesty, though, if this is indeed true, then I can be blind no longer.' She then sighed and let go of Mogweh's paw, pulling her knees closer to her chest. 'I don't want to die either... why do I fear so?'
Mogweh turned to Mellas and exhaled long and deep,'Finally' he murmered. Then putting his arm around her shoulder he gave her a squeeze,'Well, you won’t be dying if I have anything to say in the matter. Even if I have to...' but he didn’t finish, he just trailed off and gave another squeeze.
Mellas leaned against Mogweh when he put his arm around her shoulders, and a familiar feeling of safety returned. 'There's one way to find out only, but I need you to remain vigilent.'
Mogweh nodded and turned to kiss her forehead, 'Sure, Mellas,’ he said, leaning his head against hers as the two look out over the city. The nolthrir’s face lights into a soft smile before she drifts off once again, her thoughts with their tasks ahead.

Little did she know something started brewing then and there…

Jacula had watched Mellas and Mogweh from afar. His hands tightening into fists as his eyes narrowed.
Mogweh gave Mellas a small kiss on her head and said in a low voice,'Take care Mellas, and don't worry I'm sure we will be able to resolve all this in due course'. And with that he slipped over the edge to the soft grass below and had gone.
Mellas lay asleep on the ledge, murmuring something while she began to dream...
Jacula seemed enraged, yet he remained silent.

She shook her head and wiped the tears from her face as she got up, not giving the guards nearby a second glance. Obviously they assumed she was a drunk troublemaker from Kada’s, a rather regular occurrence in that narrow alleyway. Guards… how she hated always to evade them. Turning the corner, feeling slightly better, she decided to freshen up at the fountain by the plaza, only to run into someone she was hoping evade from now on… Jacula, riding his rivnak. His gaze dark, angry. The first thing that occurred in her mind was to run. Yet what difference would it make given the speed of his rivnak? It took only a matter of seconds before he blocked her path atop his mount.

Jacula looked down at Mellas 'We need to talk.'
Mellas stopped when she realized running against a rivnak was no use. She prepared a sarcastic comment, but then thought better of it. 'I guess we do.'
Darmyr looked at the ongoing scene, making no sound.
Jacula glared at Darmyr before returning his gaze to Mellas 'Get on. Now!' And offered her his hand. 'I am so sorry…'
Mellas hesitated, then jumped on Jacula's mount, shaking her head. 'Just.. let's just go.'

TO BE CONTINUED...

[jaculapundactum]

"Compulsion"

[The following text contains material which some readers may find disturbing. If you disapprove, skip this post.]

Mellas hesitated, then jumped onto Jacula's mount, shaking her head. 'Just.. let's just go.'

PART TWO
Her grip around Jacula's waist tightened as the rivnak began to pick up speed. He kicked it in it's sides with the heels of his boots, wanting to escape Hydlaa as fast as possible. they rode down the stone path into the woods, the drumming sound of the rivnaks powerful legs fading as they approached the place where Jacula had once proclaimed his love for Mellas. The moment she saw the stone face rising out of the mist in the distance her face softened slightly, doing her best to disguise it as as Jacula slid out of the saddle and landed with a loud thud. It was not the place where they first met, it was the place where their hearts had first spoke… Oh so long ago.

Jacula's will was divided as he stood in front of her. The very though of her helping Mogweh made him sick, he spat as if a disgusting taste had sought itself onto his tongue. His gaze lingering over the lithe nolthrir where she stood. Her beauty had always rendered him powerless, yet earlier that very day he had struck her. For the first time in his life he had crossed the line of violence that had kept him from hurting her. The savage compulsion of ripping her to shreds fought the abstract feeling of love and compassion which he had suppressed for so long. His reactions rendered impulsive given his torn state of mind..

Mellas stood before him, looking at the weapons in his hands. Jacula stared down at the rough surface of the stone. 'you remember this place?' he said as he turned his galkards around in his palms. The blonde elf nodded as she unsheathed her own sabers. 'Of course I remember, how could I not?'

Jacula exclaimed swiftly 'You need to listen to me.' Mellas raised her eyebrows, stepping forward to press the tip of a saber against Jacula's chest. 'Or what?' she hissed as Jacula continued 'You don't mean what you said. You will not tell Mogweh anything.' He turned swiftly turned one galkard around in his palm, striking the saber away from his chest, the cold steel exuding a deafening crash.
The vague vibration of his blade sought itself up his arm, his focus sharpening as his breathing grew faster. A heightened sense of things consumed his torn mind, yet something kept him from burrowing the steel into her chest.

Mellas twirled her sabers in her hands as one of them is hit to the side. 'What does it matter if I do? I already seem to be dead to you anyway.' Jacula turned the second galkard around in his palm 'You don't understand!' He got into a stance as if readying for an attack, but stopped halfway. 'I have to kill you if you do... The bidding... but I...' he almost roared 'I can't! After the hundreds that have fallen by my blades… I can't!'. His breathing grew frantic as his muscles contracted, his menacing expression fading as if a wave of weakness had sought itself over him.

Mellas seemed to be taken aback by the outburst, and gave Jacula an uncertain look. 'This life is not for me... you know it as well as I do. Thidin is more devoted to your... master. You two could be a great team,' she said the words with difficulty, keeping her hazel eyes firmly planted on his. She added thoughtfully, 'maybe you don't have to kill me, maybe I'll just... vanish.'

Jacula knew that she was right. Her initiation into the temple had been a priceless benefit to the blackflame, yet it had slowly torn them apart. He couldn't let her oppose the alleged bidding, his greatest obsession. And so a mind game began, he exclaimed emotionally 'They will come for you if you tell him Mellas, And I will fight them... I will oppose them. But they will kill us both, or even worse!' Mellas growled, stepping forward once more, but keeping her sabers a safe distance from Jacula. 'You would fight them? But why? Why have you been so... so...' she sighed as she couldn’t find the word she was looking for. Jacula dropped his galkards to the ground, the heavy steel landing with a metallic thud. He raised his arms to his sides as he said, 'You know what I am Mellas... You know the monster I have become. End me, for Yliakum's sake.' His breathing grew frantic, nostrils flailing wildly where he stood. Knowing that she wouldn't hurt him at first, yet soon enough a paranoid thought slithered into his mind. What if she did? his twisted little game brought excitement to his mind, his fate left for her to control. A feeling of being helpless which he slowly began to enjoy.

Mellas looked down and sheathed her sabers, then with a swift movement she jumped up to reach for the collar of Jacula’s leather, trying to pull him down. The ynnwn let her bring him to the ground, his back pressed against the stone as he closed his eyes. 'Do it.' his lips began to part in a twisted smile, his heart racing faster than it had done for an eternity. Is this the way his victims had felt as he had taken their life's?

Mellas sat down on top of Jacula and chuckled. 'You sound like me now, you know,' she teased darkly. 'I'm not a killer, unlike yourself.' he breathed heavily as she sat down on top of him. Opening his eyes as he looked into hers. He was left helpless in his state, yet he refrained from freeing himself. The feeling slowly but surely growing on him, getting a sick pleasure out of his predicament.

Maybe it was the surroundings, maybe it was the look in his eyes, maybe it was everything all together that causes a tremble through Mellas’ body. Not one of fear or pain. It was like a spark of the old Jacula returned, or was she only dreaming, was it all another lie? She closed her eyes and leaned down to kiss him, her hair falling around them like a golden curtain. 'Yet I...' she murmured, 'Why do I care so much about a murderer? Ending lives in a split of a second... yet I want you to live, so badly.'

Having felt a moment of weakness Jacula crushed their lips together as she held him down. He bit her bottom lip teasingly as he exclaimed 'And I want you... So badly' Mellas moaned into the kiss, having lost it for a moment as her soft hands slid over his leather clad chest, trying to work it off him. But suddenly, she stopped and leaned back to her sitting position. 'It's too late, Jacula,' she whispered. 'I sent Mogweh a groffel note.'

Something broke inside Jacula given her words. His mind shattered like a branch snapped in two. She had helped him after all, his plan of using her ring to summon Mogweh useless. Part of him wanted to place his hands around her neck and break it, yet the other seemingly whispered to him of lies and deceit. He knew that Mellas meant everything to Mogweh, his urge to ruin his life growing stronger. He leaned in and kissed her again as he exclaimed 'We are dead... Lets make the most of it.', And so it was that they made love.

The darkness of the night had awoken Jacula, He had carefully risen to his feet from Mellas embrace and gazed into the distance of the woods. A soft breeze sought itself through the trees and through his hair, caressing his disfigured cheek. He looked over his shoulder at Mellas where she lay, a peaceful expression adorning her face. His fingers danced lightly over the pommel of a dagger which rested in a sheathe in his belt, to send her piece by piece to Mogweh would had been so easy. He could imagine his crushed expression where he stood, yet he had began to believe in his own lies. Maybe they could be together after all, maybe they could leave everything behind and just vanish? He shrugged as his obsession soon infused his mind again. He had to give her a chance, a way to determine who's interests she had at heart. He laid down beside her again and eventually drifted of into a dream, the soft breeze which had been brought forth by the night eventually fading.

TO BE CONTINUED..

[EStripus]

[*falls out of her chair while leaning forward in anticipation for the next installment*]

[Akkaido Kivikar]

[yeah, needless to say everyone is hooked on the drama. More addictive than half the TV shows out there.]

[Sarras Volcae]

[i lol'd... well, i would have if it wasn't for certain peaceful sleepers. oh the drama! jacula should just dump mellas already. he's too clingy for a murderer.]

[Akkaido Kivikar]

[dump her loving, or dump her body? XD]

[jaculapundactum]

"A Web Of Lies"

[The following text contains material which some readers might find disturbing. If you disapprove, skip this post.]

"Maybe they could be together after all, maybe they could leave everything behind and just vanish? He shrugged as his obsession soon infused his mind again. He had to give her a chance, a way to determine who's interests she had at heart. He laid down beside her again and eventually drifted of into a dream, the soft breeze which had been brought forth by the night eventually fading."

PART THREE
Dreams of past endeavors had frequently haunted Jacula in his sleep. His lack of a conscience seemingly compensated by the horrid images of his enemies. These morbid delusions often rendered him to awake screaming and soaked in cold sweat, the gore and mutilated remains of those who had crossed him reminding themselves every time he closed his eyes. Even though he had powerful sadistic traits the dreams failed to bring him enjoyment. The lack of control he experienced in a sleeping state where no less than frightening, he was always left an observant. Unable to interact or communicate with his past, as if his imagination had been restricted by something. His voice muzzled and body chained down, hopelessly trapped and submissive without the means to escape. The scenes of past sins replaying over and over, as if trying to make him understand the error of his ways.

Why did Jaida lie and claim Mogweh to be the one who had imparted her on Jaculas whereabouts?

A particular dream infused his mind that night. The delusion was amazingly lifelike and left him able to interact, leaving him more than a mere observant to his surroundings. A state which he experienced very rarely. He found himself standing in the ruins which he often visited to expand on his understanding of magic. While experimenting on a spell Rigwyn had appeared out of the shadows, the diaboli had an emotionless expression as he approached, both of them engaging in a conversation. Rigwyn had been suspicious of his accusations towards Mogweh, seemingly determined to find her and uncover the truth. His determination had brought doubt to Jacula's mind, and as they split ways he realized that he had to find Jaida first.

The lifelike textures of the dream seemed to grow abstract as he made his way from the ruins, pacing through the terrain with eyes glowing like jewels plucked from the bowels of hell. More animal that ynnwn, driven by the obsession of inflicting Mogweh suffering. As he ran through the wilderness her lithe frame appeared in the distance, his breathing grew heavier as he approached. She turned to him with fear in her ebon eyes, He had found her. The events of his dream grew distorted by this point, as if his mind had suppressed the realistic images of his endeavors. She had screamed at first, yet soon enough he had entangled her in his web of silky woven lies. She was reluctant, suspicious. Her perception consumed by the tales of his deeds. He in turn was amazed how beautiful she was, her traits resembling his before she had burned him. Yet unlike himself she was frail and vulnerable, her eyes filling with tears as he spoke. He told her that he had been framed, his good named spoiled by the false Enkidukai rulers of Ojaveda, as well as the deceitful populous of Hydlaa. Her mind was weak, her naive and trusting demeanor making her so easy to deceive. Yet he nearly failed to contain himself as she told of what had happened, she had been left a note telling of his whereabouts which she showed to him. Yet she had failed to see the who delivered it. In turn she had followed it's instructions, making her way to his shack and burning it to the ground in the belief that Garosan. Jacula's supposed murderer, Had resided inside. this misguided notion bred by Rigwyn's initiative.

A sudden movement cut through the silence or the room, a dark presence seeming to absorb the air as it approached her. Thick dark smog filled her lungs as where she sat, unable to move she gasped for air as she fell onto her back. Her muscles constricted, causing her to shake frantically on the cold ground. As her eyes began to close a blurred figure approached, placing a sealed note in her twitching hands before disappearing.

"Yet he nearly failed to contain himself as she told of what had happened, she had been left a note telling of his whereabouts which she showed to him."

Jacula had slowly but surely began to realize his folly, his blood boiling as he stood before her. Tempted to slowly rip her apart, making her pay for the damage she had done to him in the belief that she was avenging his death. Mogweh suddenly seemed out of reach, his obsession left unfulfilled. The Blackflame would not be pleased if he decided to act out on his urges, yet his malign compulsion blinded his sense of reason. He told Jaida that he was all she had, and that they after all these years they could be together again. He told her that he forgave her, and so it was that he deceived her in a way which would make most sick to their stomachs. He knew that Rigwyn would torture her, he knew that he wouldn't let her go unharmed. He told her "If you truly are my sister, If you truly love me.. You will do this for me'. And so it was that Jaida had lied when Rigwyn found her, only to be betrayed by Jacula himself, sent screaming into Dakkru's cold embrace by his hand. Mogweh was innocent, yet given Jacula's obsession of him it didn't matter anymore. He had turned the followers of the Blackflame against one of their own, deceiving them all. He would stop at nothing to ruin his life, to quench the malign thirst of his obsession. Yet in doing so, had he not betrayed the Blackflame itself?. The dream eventually ended as the first rays of the azure sun sought themselves onto the stone head where he lay next to Mellas.

Jacula slowly opened his eyes, his lips parting in a smile as the first thing he saw was Mellas, knowing that he had to ensnare her in his web of lies to quench his obsession. She stirred beside him, snuggling a bit closer against his red, warm skin. 'Hmm...' she murmured, not really wanting to wake up. Jacula gave Mellas a slight squeeze 'I had a dream..' he said seemingly absentminded. She blinked a few times, then tried to rub the sleep from her eyes. 'Hm? Dream? Was it a good dream?' she asked softly.

He trailed his hand gently over Mellas stomach 'What if..' he said, seemingly deep in though as lies began to escape his lips 'A dream of you and me.. Starting a new life. Far away'. Mellas smiled warmly and kissed Jacula's cheek. 'Sounds lovely, but... just how possible would it be?' She stretched out beside him, trying to arrange her thoughts. 'Are you serious?'

Jacula placed his hand on Mellas stomach as he exclaimed 'What if you got pregnant?' he gave her a clearly concerned look. In turn she placed her hand over his, a slightly unsettled look crossing her face. 'Then I wouldn't want to die... then I would want to run away to give birth to your child... and face death afterwards.'
Jacula let his hand trail upward over her body. letting it settle on her cheek 'I have the means to make us disappear Melamin.. But we have to stop them from following us.' he sighted deeply as he added 'We need to give them Mogweh. It will keep them looking the other way as we vanish'. Mellas frowned, her gaze darkening. 'Give them Mogweh? Is this some kind of joke? No one can hide from the whisper, right? Isn't that what they always told us? What was written in the books in the library?'. Jacula met her gaze as he answered 'Listen to me. Things are not why they seem' he let his hand settle on hers as he added 'I refuse to let you die for him Melamin. His crime is unforgivable, and life is for the living.. Not those with sealed fates. We can run far away, and they wont know where to look'

Mellas exhaled slowly, turning her head to look at the nature surrounding them. Lush grass, big trees, the occasional consumer wandering about. She felt an inner peace flow through her. 'I'm not dying for him, I'm dying for my own faults. Use your azure magic on him, beloved, and I'm very sure that you will find him innocent of the crime committed against you,' she turned to look into his ebon eyes. 'Truly, can't we just run away? Without any more murders?'

Jacula gave Mellas a blank look 'I have kept the truth from you my love. Only to protect you.. I will not keep another word from you, if you but promise to trust my intentions.' he looked down and closed his eyes 'Can you do that for me?'. Mellas closed her eyes as well, sighing sadly. 'I thought there was no more need to protect me since I joined you in the darkness of the temple that day, I thought the secrets were done for...' she whispered, entwining their fingers. 'I do... trust your intentions... but please do not harm the innocent, it only leads to...' Her other hand was raised up to touch his disfigured face, caring and gently. '...this.'

Jacula looked down at their entwined fingers as he exclaimed 'I have them fooled my love. The servants of the master are as blind as the rest of Yliakum. I.. I want out' he stopped for a moment as his face formed in a uncharacteristically fearful expression 'We need to break the bonds of the whisper, and to do so.. He must be punished.' he searched her eyes affectionately 'He is not innocent in the least. He is a murdering snake.. He must be sacrificed. For the sake of our future.. For the sake of our.. Child'

Mellas smiled, her eyes shining when he mentions he wants out, out of the darkness that consumed his soul since the little boy he once was. 'There is a way to break the bonds with the whisper, truly?' she asked hopefully, stroking her stomach. 'It's not even sure yet if I am pregnant, but to be free once more... you told me once to see Mogweh for who he really is. I need you to know he only means well to me, and that he did not harm you. It's like you two are hunting each other with a certain obsession, I don't understand it...'. She added softly, 'but if it has to be that way... then let me think about it, please.'

Jacula took hold of Mellas hands gently 'You have to realize that this is the only way. This is beyond my personal disliking for him, this is about our future.. And our safety. I would die to protect you Melamin, but it's better to quench the masters thirst with the blood of a serpent, is it not?' he tightened his grip on her hands slightly 'His punishment is our salvation.. Our way out of the darkness!'

Mellas felt the cold stone pressing into her back as he talked to her of Mogweh's blood, the quenching of the whisper's thirst. 'The mere thought,' she murmured , 'makes me feel sick. I want to live... I want you to live... and I want him to live too. Is that such an odd request?' she closed her eyes, feeling his warm hand tightening around hers as she thought. 'To live a life of peace, raising our child... for you to heal and become who you once were... it's, not a mere dream, no more?'. Jacula let his lips part in a reassuring smile 'It can become a reality. No more death and decay.. Only a life of joy and wonder.' his expression suddenly turned into a serious one 'The price for our future lies in his death. It has to be done Mellas. If you trust my intentions. You know that there is no other way'

Mellas shifted uncomfortably, feeling pressed into a corner. A familiar feeling she have had more often, ever since the stepped foot into the dark temple, it seemed her entire world twisted around her bringing decisions before her that would always leave someone hurt. 'Very well...' she whispered, closing her eyes and pulling herself closer against Jacula. 'If there is no other way, then do as you must...'
Jacula embraced Mellas and held her close 'After it is done, all this death and destruction will be a thing of the past. Feel no guilt for him my love, for he is the destroyer of many lifes.' he leaned back slightly as he looked into her eyes 'I need your help. He is hiding in fear of what he has brought upon himself, I need you to contact him and bring him to a secluded spot. Once there.. Our future will be at stake'

Mellas wrapped her arms around Jacula, pressing herself closer against him as she placed a soft kiss on his lips. 'You have my help, I will find him and bring him to a secluded spot, and contact you,' her voice breaks halfway, but the look in her eyes is stronger. 'For our future.'

Jacula seemed delighted by her answer, yet refrained from showing it. 'I love you Melamin.. We will thrive through this hardship' he closed his eyes and returned the kiss affectionately 'Avoid him until this final encounter, don't let his lies ensnare you. All that matters to me is your safety.'
Mellas manages a warm smile, stroking his red chest with her azure hand, once more intrigued by the color combination they made. Jacula, red like an eternal, strong burning fire, and herself, azure like the clearest of waters. 'I love you too, and I trust you. I guess this is our only chance for survival.'

Jacula's lies had seemingly convinced Mellas, yet her alignment was still to be revealed. Would she aid Jacula in capturing Mogweh, and thus quench his obsession?

[Shangshi]

[[ Well....

"If you truly are my sister, If you truly love me.. You will do this for me'.

That's why no one should trust you.... 

But fantastically twisted Jacula, very well done

And Mellas....

Shangshi says: Her sight is clouded by love.

I was right it seems.

**Shangshi sits back and enjoys the show, munching on some cookies**

]]

[Oronec]

[ *steals one of Shangshi's cookies*

The suspense is just about as murderous as Jacula's personality.   Can't wait to see what happens next!  

P.S. I always get a giggle out of natural selection and reproduction. Mini fishelved giants running about.   ]