Seeking of the Butcher

[Eardstapa]

The Xacha stranger’s eyes stare unseeing. A hilt protrudes from the blood-soaked clothes covering his chest, and he has been propped up — hatted and stiff like a scare-kikiri. What macabre tableau is this? with even a rolled up scroll by the corpse, as if explaining an exhibit? Her stomach turns, but, drawn to comfort Dannae and make sense of the death, Eardstapa picks up the scroll and scans its contents, drawing quick conclusions.
 
In rhyming lines … to a miss Pomolle … ‘tis the game of a sick imagination, to leave a calling card that mocketh the sanctity of life thus! —

A sudden movement interrupts Eardstapa’s thoughts — the corpse is alive! No — with a disembodied sigh it collapses in on itself, crumbling to a pile of dust that the wind soon sweeps across the plaza.

What sorcery, this?

Waesed and Celizan have mentioned previous murders in the plaza, and attacks on Ketta, Sanrai and others! Eardstapa’s hand closes around her pendant. To think her return to the Dome had been full of pleasant expectations only moments before! Now, seeking out the jeweller Ametes for that commission would have to wait. She stares at the dagger lying unencumbered on the cold stone. Dannae is saying that someone — a klyros woman — is investigating.

Well, miss Pomolle, if thou art the investigator, I pity thee ... This killer's connection with thee is loathsome – the details of that letter – I am almost sorry that eyes other than thine should have read it. But o, thine hands look steep’d in bloodguilt as deep as the killer’s … if indeed thou playst his – or her – foul game. Tread carefully, thou art in mortal danger. Perhaps thou wilt not heed any of my questions – unless I hold an item of worth – Ah –

Gingerly she wraps the dagger in a clean handkerchief without touching blade or hilt. She needs answers, before talks are convened and the guilds gather. Confound the business, and Dakkru take the Stillwater rabble! How conveniently they have gone into hiding, when lives are at stake. Perhaps it is no coincidence. If any of the generals' ranks are involved this time in the shedding of innocent blood …  she vows to sidestep the ineffectual octarchy through deft politics and bring the damnable House to its knees under the might of armed citizen combat, so help her Vodùl!

[Aramara Meibi]

Eardstapa, yer the coolest. 

[Mariana Xiechai]

  I concur with Aramara. Awesome.

[Eardstapa]

  Too kind! It was you all who first made it fun - thanks for doing that - looking forward to more.

[Mariana Xiechai]

[Was just too much fun, I had to post it.]

(21:03:23) Barsidious glances up from the candle flame and at Moiregawna. "Hm? Oh, most assuredly. Perhaps somewhere more...private, though?"

(21:04:26) Moiregawna shrugs to Shiyara for approval,

(21:04:50) Shiyara looks around briefly and nods to Moiregawna, then replies to Barsidious herself. "If you have any suggestions."

(21:05:32) Barsidious gives a faint shrugging of his shoulders. He stands, and makes a motion with his hand, moving towards the exit of the tavern and out, angling for one of the alleyways.

(21:06:21) Barsidious makes a polite bow, and gestures into the small enclosure. "Ladies first."

(21:07:13) Moiregawna looks to the stranger, "what shall we call you?"

(21:07:43) Shiyara inspects the area for a moment, then discreetly grazes her pocket from outside and finally takes a relaxed stance against the wall.

(21:08:25) Barsidious smiles in a sense of self-satisfaction. He takes a seat and crosses his arms over his chest, relaxing himself, it seems, and enjoying it greatly. There is something strangely arrogant in his mannerisms. "You can call me Barsidious," he says. "Now, what were your questions hm?"

(21:10:44) Moiregawna shakes her head moves a bit closer to Barsidious, and extends her hand out with grace, "pleased to meet you, I am Moiregawna and my companion is Shiyara, we are just new to this city so are very obliged to you for speaking with us"

(21:11:27) Shiyara takes a sip from her wine, her eyes staring at Barsidious and beyond. As she withdraws the glass, she proceeds to examine the ylian as well. "Well met, Barsidious." She says politely, then her eyes narrow a tad. "My first question would be why does this have to be done out of any others sight. A group of priestesses... one would say it's nothing to hide from."

(21:14:01) Barsidious reaches up to clasp Moiregawna's hand warmly in his own. He then leans his head down to gently kiss the top of it, strangely, though it contains an air of total politeness, rather than one that could be taken as flirtatious. Releasing her hand, he leans back casually and nods towards Shiyara. "I'm a traveling merchant, and while my knowledge is not incredible, I do know that the Daughters are well loved. I was uncertain if you were going to...speak ill of them, and wished to spare you further..." He gestures towards Moiregawna's eye. "Painful and physical incidents regarding their particular sect." He smiles pleasantly, his eyes crinkling in the expression to further highlight his twinkling brown eyes. "So, tell me, what shall I address you both by?"

(21:17:39) Shiyara's right eye goes into a quick and brief blinking tic just for a second at the question. "As my friend said, my name is Shiyara." She replies, seeming just for an instant, very impatient. Soon enough her expression goes back to the regular and she gives a tiny smile. "It does sound, by your words, that they have an affinity to trouble."

(21:18:51) Moiregawna smiles to Barsidious, holding her hand to her chest, "and I am Moiregawna, I agree with Shiyara, I believe you are saying there is some concern on the topic of these Daughters?"

(21:20:37) Barsidious shakes his head. "Actually, miss Shiyara, I'm rather surprised by your story. Except, of course, that you were dealing with Ixi. I do not know of her personally...it would seem that she herself is a strange one, not the best representation of her sect. Dannae is a nolthrir, not unlike yourselves, if I may be so bold, and she is quite well loved amongst the people." He waves his hand indicatively, a chuckle rumbling warmly in his chest. "Please, ladies, take a seat. These cobbles are not the warmest cushions, but you're making me feel quite short. I assure you if my aging bones can take it, so can yours." He clears his throat. "I am curious though...what DID you say to the woman to garner such a....violent reaction?"

(21:25:17) Moiregawna settles down and leans on the wall, takes a sip of her beverage then sets the empty glass aside, looks to Shiyara to explain

(21:26:30) Shiyara gives in to the petition and sits down a little closer, legs crossed. "I swear to the Gods I do not know. We had a deal with this woman, she seemed eager to show us around. Was quick, too. Soon as she met us, she engaged in conversation and very honestly exposed some of her most personal issues." She takes a sip of the wine. "She was friendly, and somewhat flirtatious I'd say. We were walking out of the town, continuing our tour and all of a sudden it was like... a complete personality switch."

(21:28:20) Barsidious frowns, the corners of his mouth tugging downward definitively, as he sits listening. He nods periodically as Shiyara explains, looking for the most part rather surprised by her reply, as though he'd been expecting that particularly venomous words had triggered the fight rather than an abrupt shift in well-being on Ixi's part. "That's...interesting." He runs his fingers on the amulet around his neck, and taps it, thoughtful. "You said she mentioned having issues with her...personal life? Can you elaborate? Did she seem particularly distraught?"

(21:32:11) Moiregawna smirks at the mention of Ixi's behavior, "she was quite a mess, blabbering about her history and being enslaved by Dakkru lords, I do believe she had us confused, as well we were rather friendly and very clear about our intentions, she then lost her manners and I woke up after being unconscious for sometime..."

(21:34:24) Barsidious dips his head slowly, nodding to show that he understands, though he makes a show of furrowing his brow like a concerned father figure. His fingers again touch the amulet on his neck, hidden by the deep scarlet robes he wears, and a soft, almost imperceptible blue glow begins to emanate at its center. He continues to speak. "It's possible that with a history like that....she could be prone to boughts of madness."
 
(21:38:48) Shiyara gives a small nod to the assertion. "Certainly. Although she assured she is reformed and faithful to her Goddess. Everything was very quick, we were sitting by a lake and the next thing I know I’m taking care of my friend who's unconscious on the grass."

(21:40:47) Shiyara continues with wrinkled brows, slowly raising her gaze up to Barsidious. "She did shout something when she left, too, but I couldn't understand."

(21:43:10) Barsidious turns his attention back to Shiyara, and arches a curious brow at her, certainly wondering at what that something might be. The glow gets a bit brighter, and it seems he's attempting to weave a spell of some strange sort, though in the soft half-light of the crystal, the working of it is hardly obvious. It seems as though he's trying to cast a modified version of sleep, one that would invoke heavy lids...the urge to just curl up, and lie down for a while..."I see," he says, his voice ringing still with a genuine, paternal concern. "And tell me, won't you, what could you make about about whatever phrase Ixi shouted?"

(21:50:02) Shiyara's usually most open eyes seem to come down a bit. She gives her wine a brief glance and casually stands up, obviously unaware of the action but wanting to keep herself. The glass is left resting on the floor. "Something about 'She' being... onto us? Or... into us? I do not really recall. I believe she was in a state."

(21:51:11) Moiregawna rubs her bruised head and watches the glaze, uncomfortable in her state she shifts a bit and sits up, pulls a small flask from her jacket and drinks a hearty amount, a bit of thick red liquid appears on her chin she wipes it quickly as to not draw attention, her eyes come into clear focus, she taps the silver flask loudly on the floor as to get Shiyaras attention, before turning to Barsidious, "I was hoping byou might answer some questions for us, or have you forgotten why we came out to this horrid stable?'


(21:54:57) Barsidious gives his head a curious sort of skew, and the spell continues to hum in the air, though he himself remains seated. "I do believe I have been answering your questions...unless, of course, there was something I have missed..." He gives a pause, reflecting, it would appear, though he may just be channeling more power into the small waves of his spell. "Do, though, please, continue in your inquiry. What else is it that you would like to know of Ixi? She's wed to Dannae...that much I believe I know, but considering what she revealed to you on such a personal level I've been lead to suspect that you are already aware of this." He raises both of his brows, and waits in silence, expecting the duo to continue their impromptu interrogation.

(21:54:59) Shiyara spurts out a chuckle at the last words, still though blinking a few times and obviously trying to hide her momentary confusion.

(22:06:54) Moiregawna raises her chin, in dignified restraint, an acute awareness about her gaze upon Barsidious, she speaks direct and with serene grace as she rises slowly and moves towards the seated Barsidious, "I do so enjoy the art of your seduction from a personal fetish I have for such a thing, we unfortunately shall not be the prey this evening" she leans forward and places a clawed hand on his heart, the nails just grazing his chest, "I do also believe that your art form will never be as quick as how I may open your flesh and expose your most vital organ, how I do so wish to taste your blood I shall refrain, seeing as you have showed us you have manners" she peers into his eyes waiting his move

(22:08:14) Shiyara's chin raises a little bit with each of Moiregawna's words, her eyes telling evidently that she's found herself back again. She takes a step closer too, accompanying her cohort in the gesture.

(22:11:58) Barsidious's expression shifts, though it does not fill with the fear one might expect as a response to being threatened in such a fashion. The claw tears through his shirt and some of his blood trickles slowly down, starkly red against pale skin, his veins seeming outlined in a way that defies the healthy norm. His smile is crooked, and it appears as though the idea of death does not come as a fearful thing to him, but instead of simply retaliating, he first gives a verbal dismissal. "Such an interesting pair, and yet such a shame to have to give up the chance to teach a lesson to you both. You would have enjoyed it, I imagine...I can see the lack of fear for all things macabre in your eyes, though I think we utilize these tactics for...vastly different reasons. Yours is a passion...mine, more controlled concise, with a well-developed point." He stops his dialogue, and makes a show as if he's merely going to rub at his chest. But, at the last instant, he summons a powerful, galeful wind, surrounding himself with it and causing it to kick up the dust. Hoping that this will be enough to distract the two, he stands, and makes as though to bolt, leaving them to chock on the debris.


(22:17:30) Shiyara , who had already a hand in her pocket, of course to grab some sort of weapon or device in it, bounces backwards at the spray of dust in her eyes. She scoots and covers her face with her forearm, glaring at Barsidious above it. Still keeping her guard up, she manages to throw a tiny dagger, almost handle less, into his direction, although it's admittedly not excessively accurate.


(22:20:11) Barsidious turns around the corner of the building just in time to let it clang with the wood. It splinters out towards him, but not enough to harm him, simply getting caught in the confines of his billowing robes. The man keeps running, out of sight, laughter bursting from his lips as he does. What was once warm now holds a manic tone to it, and it's clear the man is quite off his rocker, though in present company, that probably just means he fits in well. "Perhaps next time, I'll show you a bit of Truth," he calls, before disappearing from sight, his spell leaving with his absence.

[Phantomboy86]

Poor Barsidious, no murder for him =C

[Mariana Xiechai]

[Oh look. Travosh being a softie. <.< >.>]

(20:38:46) Evirea tilts her head at Aramara, listening to the conversation for a brief moment, before lowering her head into her hands.

(20:39:54) Travosh says: You look like you need to sleep

(20:39:55) Travosh says: badly.

(20:40:00) Aramara eases back into her normally relaxed state and offers Chraz a smile, "Think nothing of it... whether or not Miomo and I are wed, we are certainly bound together."

(20:40:47) Chraz grins "just asking cause I would need to restrain a certain guild mate, who chases every fenki's tails

(20:41:18) Travosh blinks a few times. "Every menki?"

(20:41:32) Travosh says: I can't very well say Caraick, as you aren't an Adani...

(20:41:34) Evirea mutters something beneath her breath, rather softly, so it's not particularly easy to hear. "Can't," is all she mumbles, but she does chuckle softly at Travosh's quip.

(20:42:36) Travosh looks over. "Can't you say? I'm pretty sure I could make you sleep. By blowing you over if not by magic."

(20:43:16) Aramara nods to Chraz, "Thank you, but of course I can handle myself just fine."

(20:43:37) Evirea removes her hands from her face and gives Travosh a withering look. "You wouldn't dare," she says, her tone indicating a rather pointed threat. Not that she could probably carry it out, but....it's the thought that counts, right?

(20:43:50) Travosh says: I dare quite a bit.

(20:44:06) Travosh says: You're in no condition to investigate anything if you're delirious

(20:44:20) Evirea scoffs. "I am hardly delirious."

(20:45:04) Travosh says: lack of sleep will lead to it.

(20:45:13) Travosh says: Hallucinations, Delirium,fatigue, then death.

(20:45:34) Evirea narrows her bloodshot eyes at Travosh. "I'm fairly certain I'll just pass out before lack of sleep actually kills me."

(20:47:31) Travosh gives Evirea a suspicious look. "can't be too sure."

(20:48:25) Evirea sighs loudly, shakes her head, and then lets it fall to the table with an audible thud.

(20:49:29) Travosh considers sending Evirea to sleep right now, hesitantly lifting an arm

(20:49:56) Aramara nods, "There's some nice pillows and blankets at the top of the stairs behind me"

(20:50:22) Evirea hardly notices Travosh's movement, as she's one, got her eyes closed, and two, is pointedly ignoring him.

(20:52:37) Travosh holds a hand above Evirea's hand, slowly gathering a charge of Brown way

(20:54:13) Evirea mutters something at Travosh, but she's not aware of what he is doing. If she was, she might smack him, or reach up and bend his fingers back the wrong way until he squeals. Sadly, she does neither, and only clenches her eyes shut tigther.

(20:54:19) Aramara says: but she's welcome to sleep on them, they're still very soft and plush, quite comfortable

(20:55:40) Travosh uses his spell, a small smattering of sand and other assorted particles appearing to fall from his hand and onto Evirea, carrying a potent sleep.

(20:55:40) Travosh did just use a dirt nap.

(20:57:39) Evirea gets very tense, as of course her first reaction is to fight the spell. Unfortunately for her, she has little to no experience in this, and she loses the battle rather abruptly. She mumbles something about 'regret that,' before her shoulders relax, and she slumps in her chair, her head perched just on the edge of the table and ready to fall right off.

(20:58:06) Travosh says: Problem solved.

(20:58:35) Aramara sighs, "Now I gotta get a dustpan and broom..."

(20:59:09) Travosh laughs as the dust itself dissapated shortly after falling

(20:59:14) Travosh says: It's magic, Aramara.

(20:59:16) Aramara rummages around for said cleaning devices

(20:59:46) Aramara says: what's that?.... oh

(20:59:56) Aramara quits her search

(21:00:42) Aramara says: well, carry her upstairs, it wouldn't do her good to wake up with a stiff neck and sore back from sleeping on a table

(21:01:33) Evirea would giggle, but she's unconscious.

(21:02:05) Travosh does a quick strength on himself to prepare

(21:02:22) Travosh says: Wonder if this will work on a person...

(21:02:22) Travosh snaps his fingers, trying to cast Ant Weight on Evirea

(21:03:40) Evirea gets a bit lighter, but I have no idea how else to describe this action with words.

(21:03:47) Travosh carefully attempts to pick up Evirea from under her arms

(21:04:22) Evirea doesn't react, as she's in a nice little sleep coma, and is lifted quite easily. After all, she didn't weigh much to begin with.

(21:04:57) Travosh uses his spell improved strength along with Evirea's little weight to begin moving her

(21:06:06) Travosh unceremoniously dumps Evirea down

(21:06:17) Travosh says: There, happy now Ara?

(21:06:25) Evirea just sort of plops down with a rather loud thud.

(21:06:50) Aramara says: Yes, thank you Travosh

(21:07:19) Evirea begins to twitch in her sleep, muttering something beneath her breath.


(21:07:46) Travosh isn't a dream-reader, but snaps his fingers and dims the lights inside the weird pillow nest thing

(21:09:15) Evirea continues to twitch, wracked with tiny spasms. Her brow furrows, and her mouth appears to be forming words, sentences, though she doesn't actually give voice to them. A hissing sound issues from her teeth, distressing, and she curls up tighter on the pillows.

(21:10:03) Travosh can't really do much about dreams, and just watches

(21:10:21) Aramara takes up the mug and drops it in a bin full of dirtys, for the next bartender to clean

(21:13:00) Evirea clenches her teeth, showing her anguish further, her claws curling up and digging into her palms as she lets out another hissing sound. Then the face falls, showing a pained sorrow, her brows arching upwards and her lips parting to utter a soft and rasping, "Nooooooo..."

(21:14:14) Travosh says: Bah, girl needs to learn to stop dreaming.

(21:15:23) Aramara speaks in a hushed whisper, "Everything alright up here?"

(21:16:15) Evirea appears to have been reduces to a soft trembling and a subtle crying, her chest jerking in quite sobs.

(21:16:20) Travosh says: Yeah yeah, girl's just having a nightmare.

(21:17:29) Aramara kneels beside Evirea but does not touch her in fear of waking her, "The poor soul.... who is she Travosh? A friend of yours?"

(21:18:17) Travosh says: Somewhat I suppose.

(21:19:45) Aramara gives Travosh a quick astonished look, surprised he'd admit to even that much, "She looks like she's been having a rough time, would she take anything to help her relax?"

(21:20:15) Evirea lets off a rapidfire sentence, far too fast to actually be decipherable, and probably mostly gibberish. She remains totally oblivious of the two people watching her sleep, but if she were aware of it, she might question Hydlaa's entertainment venues if this is more interesting to do than partaking in any other activity.

(21:20:47) Travosh grumbles, standing and moving over to sit closer. "Fine fine fine, I'll make her be quiet."

(21:21:05) Travosh reaches out, trying to find the chain around Evirea's neck

(21:21:21) Evirea obviously doesn't not draw away, and the chain he seeks is quite easy to find.

(21:21:53) Aramara watches with her telltale curious tilt of her head, "What's that?"

(21:22:04) Travosh grasps ahold of it and draws out the amulet, touching it with his finger and muttering something, likely a charm, as the edges of the jewelry begins giving off a faint azure light

(21:23:11) Evirea makes no reaction to this yet, other than to continue her mumbling, and to furrow her brow in a show of either confusion or consternation. She'll probably yell at Travosh for this later.

(21:26:27) Travosh closes his eyes, furrowing his brow as the light from the amulet envelops his hand

(21:26:49) Aramara recognizes the use of Azure Way and can only guess at what Travosh is doing if he does not feel the need to answer her

(21:35:40) Aramara sits in awkward quietness as Travosh does whatever mindmeld he's doing to Evirea, "Ummm.. I'll go lock up... leave you two alone... watch over her Travosh."

(21:36:01) Travosh can nod, that is about it.

Evirea's mind is as organized as can be, except for the fact that at the moment there appears to be a whirlwind at the center tearing this careful order apart. Separate area convey a deep knowledge of both the arts and the sciences, are categorized in different sections, as though the woman has acute obsessive compulsive disorder, even within her own mind. One strand of thought, presumably the nightmare, and the cause of the chaos at her mind's center, glows a fiery and angry red.

Travosh manifests himself within Evirea's mind, his form a representation of himself, though it is made of a shimmering blue light. He alternative strides and floats through the femros' mind, approaching the nightmarish thought. Upon getting close enough, he grasps ahold of it. Rather than squelching it out however, he disappears from sight. entering the memory.

The nightmare is indeed more memory than it is dream, composed of both, which is probably what makes it so effectively terrifying. Evirea, having no way to be aware of Travosh's presence, does nothing, and the hallucination she is experiencing caves to him without resistance. Once inside, the distinct scent of blood can be detected. Presumably this is some kind of building, there is no light, the windows and shutters have been locked shut, and there is nothing but darkness. Something wet is on the floor, covering it, and the sound of bone-rattling, mournful sobs can be heard roughly from the center of this enclosure.

Travosh strides through, unperturbed by the blood, this is not his first time in a puddle of it. He flicks his wrist, a flameless light appearing in his hand, casting a shadow upon himself but illuminating the rest of the room.

Evirea is sitting in the midst of the room. Travosh's light illuminates scattered parts of two klyros' bodies, their decapitated heads strung from the ceiling like someone went fishing and wants to boast their prize catch. Judging by their features, it can probably be easily ascertained who these people actually are. Upon the wall opposite the weeping klyros, who is a young rendition of Evirea just coming out of adolescence, are words written in blood: "Regards, the butcher."

Travosh grunts, but holds his unseen composure. He moves himself over towards Evirea, the light glowing brighter as he makes his presence within the memory known to the girl. "Oi, you, time to get up."

Evirea's head jerks up, and she opens her mouth to say something, but confusion renders her speechless. She scrambles to her feet, stumbling backwards more out of a reaction to being startled than anything else, and trips over an arm, toppling back down again and splashing herself with the remnants on the ground. She makes a gagging sound, and presses herself against the wall, showing the wide-eyed panic of someone in debilitating shock.

Travosh stays where he is, perhaps to prevent frightening her. "Not the Butcher. He's dead now."

Evirea purses her lips into a flat line. "I'm not afraid of you," she grates out, the usual defiance of a teenager. Nevermind that she's sitting in a pool of her parent's blood and talking to some strange glowing enigma.

Travosh gives a wry grin, which more or less just looks like his head moving somewhat in his personal shadow. "If you are not afraid of me, then why are you afraid of this?" He gestures around the illuminated room.

Evirea glances around at the scenery, then back at the figure in front of her. To her, she's just figured out that both of her parents were brutally murdered. Her chest heaves as she glares at Travosh's shadowy image, thinking no doubt that the question is stupid, and cruel. She lowers her head back into her hands and starts to sob anew.

Travosh looks down, and reaches out an arm towards the girl, attempting to grasp her chin lightly. "Evirea, Look at me."

Evirea puts up no fight against this, and she does look up at Travosh through bleary eyes. Her hands grip her knees tightly, and her chin quivers, but she doesn't pull away, and she doesn't say anything.

Travosh draws the girl to her feet, before reaching out his free arm. It appears to reach 'past' the backdrop and into nothingness. When he pulls back his hand, he drags out a fragment of a memory, a dead Butcher.

Evirea shudders, probably a combination of having a memory drawn out of her, and also of having a non-corporeal slice through the dream. The memory that dances on his fingers is real, very real, depicting the torture and slow death of the so-dubbed butcher, by the klyros' claws, which drip with his blood.

Travosh holds the orb of memory close. "Look at this, Evirea. See your future. Your parents lay still in the well, avenged. There is nothing to fear here but for this mans soul."

Evirea's brow furrows again, as she watches the image. An eerie smile briefly flashes on her lips, then subsides, watching this prophesied retribution with joy rather than with chagrin. She draws her gaze away from the image, and looks at Travosh once more. She does not recognize this entity. "Who are you."

 Travosh stands closer to Evirea, snapping his fingers and creating a glowing red circle around the two. "I'm... A memory. One you'll forget." The circle gives off a brief fountain of sparks, before exploding outward in a wall of flames, dissolving not the house but the dream itself, as well as all evidence of Travosh's presence besides him settling her mind. His flames are not a scorching heat, but rather benevolent feeling, as if a campfire.

Evirea opens her mouth to offer a retort, or to protest, but clearly is outmatched in this particular situation. She blinks at the burst, and her own image fades into nothing, the state of her mind returning to a calm and restful one, like the steady ebbing and flowing of a tide. Her fingers unclench, the furrows in her brow disappear, and her erratic breathing becomes more steady and controlled as she slips into a deep, recuperative sleep.

(22:05:08) Travosh releases his hold on the amulet, slipping it back under the garment and letting the Azure glow fade away.

(22:05:34) Travosh gives a small chuckle. "Sleep well."

[Phantomboy86]

YOU DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING.

[Mariana Xiechai]

Getting closer now.

The steady breathing of his newly captured Ylian friend kept a certain tempo as he threaded and looped his way around the tiny pouch of dust, sealing it firmly shut. Tiny particles hovered in the air as he pulled it taut, and he marveled at them, even now still shocked that they had once been part of a full and functioning sentient being. Now they were so much dust in the empty space above his head, hovering as an insignificant reminder of an ultimately insignificant life. Exhaled from the leather like the final breath of a body long dead.

He would have three packages to deliver when the time came. His employers would be pleased. Already he sensed soon they would be chomping at the bit, demanding that he provide the compensation they were due in exchange for the valuable...lessons he'd been taught regarding this intricate form of alchemy. What they wanted with this disintegrated collection of dust, he had no idea. He himself had never met the one in charge, supposedly pulling the strings of the people who came by now and then and opened their eager hands to accept his meager offerings. Nor did he care to know what their goals and ambitions consisted of.

He knew his purpose as sure as the waxing and waning of the crystal at dawn and dusk. There was no reason to concern himself with such nit picky details as these.

Enjoying the solid feel of the stone beneath him, Barsidious turned his attention towards where Timil Deeps, his newest companion, was sleeping soundly upon the ground. For some reason the man had struck him as a pertinent one to take, and so he had, and it had been quite simple, inebriated as he had appeared to be. Something told him that the level of intoxication he'd displayed had been a guise, however. In truth, most likely this man had been trying to find him out, had been sticking his nose where it should not have been. Not that it truly mattered. Soon enough he would pay the price for those actions, and soon enough he would join the victims he'd sought to avenge upon the balustrade by the fountain.

He settled his back against the firmness of the ruined tower's wall and pulled out a strip of parchment. Quickly, he scribed a short and simple note upon it, much less flowery than his usual pieces of literature and considerably less enjoyable to entertain, but nonetheless, it had to be done.

Additional deliveries are ready.
A meeting is required for discussion.
B.

His fingers worked to tear off the corner of the paper he'd used to write the note, and he sent it quickly off with his groffel. Folding what was left of the paper, he set this bit down and placed  a rock on top of it, to assure that it would not be coaxed away by a stray wind that stretched its fingers down into the roofless abode. I'll use it later to write Evirea another letter, he thought, laughing internally as already his mind began formulating the words he would use. He wanted to invoke sheer terror, and to do that in someone like the klyran detective took...talent. Tact.

Barsidious left the paper in the tower. He turned and walked out into the open air, taking a deep breath, stretching his legs to work the kinks out of his muscles. For once in his careful planning he'd made a mistake, one that he was oblivious to, but one that could lead to considerable issue for him in the near future.

He'd left Timil inside, with his ring of familiar still firmly attached to his own hand.

And the Ylian was beginning to rouse.

[Mariana Xiechai]

  Time to give people a chance for a knock down drag-out fight. Just the lead up to an RP I'm planning to try to do this weekend. Well, planning loosely anyway, who knows how it shall end! Dun dun dun.

[Phantomboy86]

Took the idea to heart eh? Should prove entertaining.

[Mariana Xiechai]

(22:30:40) Barsidious dips his head towards Timil. "Where are you running to this evening?"

(22:32:02) Timil nods to Barsidious. "Oh, jusht heading home. I had a little too much in Daka el's, I think. Gonnasleepitioff...

(22:33:21) Barsidious chuckles softly, moving towards Timil and trying to offer the man his arm as if to steady him. "Perhaps I could accompany you and make sure you get there safely, you hardly look like you could handle the treacherous streets in this state, I'd wager."

(22:35:30) Barsidious tilts his head. "So, which way are we going, my good fellow? I'm afraid I don't know the way to your home."

(22:36:38) Barsidious glances down at Timil. "Having that much trouble, friend?"

(22:36:40) Timil staggers.

(22:37:17) Barsidious laughs quietly again. He moves to allow more weight to be shifted from Timmil to his own shoulders, and continues walking, one arm firmly around the other ylian's waist.

(22:37:43) Teshia glances at the two men, finding that very unusual, and certainly not expected of Timil.

(22:37:49) Timil looks over to Barsidious. "Would you believe I never drunk a red in my life?"

(22:38:33) Barsidious lets out a hearty laugh, looking over to nod in Teshia's direction, the twinkle of humor clear in his eyes. "I'd believe it, friend," he replies.

(22:39:18) Teshia blinks, taking a closer look at her guildmate, peering curiously at him.

(22:40:01) Timil is either unaware of Teshia's presence, or is ignoring her. It is unclear which.

(22:42:26) Barsidious laughs once more, but this time it seems decidedly false and plastic. The tips of his fingers begin to glow a dull, soft azure, as he waves a subtle spell of sleep in the air. "Of that I'm certain," he replies. "Now, what does your house look like, precisely?"

(22:44:15) Timil glances around, trying to keep up his ruse. "It.... It looks... Wait... What're you?...."

(22:44:44) Timil starts to breathe more heavily, oxygen not helping.

(22:45:03) Barsidious smirks slightly as he reaches to plant his fingertips right at the base of Timil's skull, trying the channel the spell directly into his mind. "Time to sleep, good sir," he says. "I believe you could use the rest, you do so look very tired."

(22:45:58) Barsidious picks Timil up and slings him over his shoulder, turning to walk off with his prize.

(22:59:46) Barsidious chains Timil to the wall, cuffing him tightly, and then placing a blanket around his prone form to keep him from getting too terribly cold.

(22:56:54) Timil regains consciousness, but is still dizzy... not unlike waking from sleepwalking.

(22:56:57) Barsidious breaths steadily though his mask, before turning on his heel and taking a brief step outside. He leaves the bit of parchment and the charcoal beside it near Timil, within reach of the other Ylian's feet.

(22:58:59) Timil eyes Barsidioius as things come into focus. Timil briefly turns his attention to do a mental check of his own body for any damage, and to see what is mobile. Hands and feet bound. Mouth not so. Laying prone on his back. Hmm. Timil glances down at the charcoal and paper at his feet.

(23:00:48) Barsidious appears to be adjusting his robes, rolling his shoulders. He tilts his head back and takes a deep breath of the fresh air, enjoying the feel, it seems. To him, it's going to be another rather momentous day, and he doesn't want to miss a bit of it.

(23:02:01) Timil remains silent, continuing to do an inventory of his resources. Weapons gone. Glyphs gone. Damn....

(23:04:27) Barsidious takes a seat on the edge of the tower, his hands playing at the amulet wound round his neck. He stoops to pick up a snow bud and twirls it between his fingers, chuckling to himself. "Soon, soon, a lesson I'll teach. Soon soon, your ears I will reach."

(23:06:54) Timil eyes the charcoal and paper suspiciously, trying to see if anything is written on it.

(23:09:07) Barsidious's paper has nothing written on it. whatever was written has been torn off, and taken with him.

(23:10:57) Timil grabs at the coal with his feet, awkwardly trying to scribble something on the paper.

(23:12:18) Barsidious doesn't appear to notice this move, his attention oddly fixated on this flower. He's still muttering rhymes beneath his breath as he waits for a sound to indicate Timil is awake.

(23:12:58) Timil says: the coal drops from Timil's boots with a clink on the paving stones.

(23:14:31) Barsidious raises his head slightly, chuckling softly. "Good morning, Mr. Deeps."

(23:15:35) Timil looks up, heart thudding in his chest. "H... How do you know my name?"

(23:16:45) Barsidious turns around and strides up into the tower. His robes are dark, and dusty, his hood concealing his hair, and his eyes and mouth barely visible behind the ragged slits wrended into his mask. "Oh, I've been listening around a bit. This and that. A good heart-ed person in general. Well loved. Admirable, some might even say."

(23:18:43) Timil frowns. "And foolhardy at times." He says this mostly to himself.

(23:20:49) Barsidious laughs softly, in a shockingly gentle fashion, and sits down. "I like you, Mr. Deeps. I truly do. You are...not like most. I think perhaps you do truly believe that deep down, you have a good heart. Like most, you're deluded into it by good deeds. Well...nothing to be ashamed of...thus is the state of most of us."

(23:22:37) Timil looks up again, squinting at Barsidious. "And you. A murderer, terrorist. Committing seemingly random murders, but all centered around one Klyros. Why?"

(23:23:39) Barsidious snorts softly. "Not centered, no. She's just..." He waves his hand, rotating it slowly. "A finale. A final statement, if you will." He leans forward. "As for my intentions, well. They are mostly philosophical, but don't think I'm unemployed." He laughs quietly to himself.

(23:26:47) Timil thinks back to something Barsidious said. "I won't claim to have a good heart. I struggle with evil impulses just like anyone. You apparently have given up struggling.

(23:27:36) Timil tries to hide the bit of charcoal behind one of his heels.

(23:28:11) Barsidious shakes his head. "Oh, no no, my dear man. That's hardly it, hardly it at all," he replies. "For you see...well, hmhmhm. Timil, tell me, would you leave a blind man stumbling in his own darkness, or attempt to guide him towards the light? To...better himself?" He does not seem to notice the charcoal.

(23:29:22) Timil says: I would attempt to guide him... but how if I were blind, myself?

(23:30:07) Timil says: Or worse, insane.

(23:30:29) Barsidious laughs. "Ah, but there's the thing. I'm not blind, Mr. Deeps. My eyes are very much open, and now I simply seek to spread that openness to others. Everything else is simply a...means to an end." He stands up, crossing to a table, and begins to work with some of the tools there, chopping up some kind of dark, inky root.

(23:31:30) Timil pushes the charcoal with his heel, back towards his hands, and then reaches again for the paper with his toes.

(23:33:47) Timil remains quiet, hoping Barsidious will remain distracted by whatever he's doing.

(23:35:17) Barsidious indeed does, whistling softly to himself, stirring up ingredients after mashing them with mortar and pestle.

(23:42:43) Timil surreptitiously writes the note, then, looking up once more at Barsidious, tries to summon his groffel as quietly as possible.

(23:43:20) Barsidious turns slightly and reaches for a bowl of paste, removing a teaspoon of this and pouring it lightly into the pestle, where the crushed root awaits. He stirs it dutifully, still whistling to himself.

(23:51:15) Apricot obediently picks up the note and poofs away.
 
(23:55:59) Barsidious turns back to Timil, holding a dagger. This, he begins to sharpen against a stone, as he carefully sets his dark potion beside his thigh upon the ground. "I trust you are comfortable, Mr. Deeps."

(23:57:33) Timil shivers slightly, jaw clenching involuntarily. "I... thought you said you liked me," he says grimly.

(23:58:42) Barsidious sets the knife at his side. "I do, Mr. Deeps. I like you very much, which is why I've taken the time to bring you hear, and teach you the truth about yourself."

(00:00:22) Timil eyes the dagger, and looks down at his own free hand. "And what truth is that?"

(00:01:02) Barsidious leans forward slightly, the tips of his fingers beginning to glow a soft blue light. "I'll show you," he replies.

(00:02:22) Caraick walks quietly towards the ruined tower, staff held loosely, but warily at his side. He steps up a bit nearer, still remaining at a comfortable distance, and speaks. "I suppose this would be the murderer, would it not, TImil?" he asks, slowly, announcing his presence.

(00:02:37) Timil glances past Barsidious

(00:03:09) Timil says: "Aye, sir."

(00:03:53) Caraick allows a ghost of a wary, dangerous smile to cross his lips, as he looks from Timil to Barsidious. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to let me friend go, would you?"

(00:03:54) Timil says: Be wary.

(00:04:48) Barsidious slowly raises his brows, which obviously cannot be quite glimpsed beneath his mask. "Well well well, Mr. Deeps," he says. "You've proven resourceful, have you?" He carefully and gently begins to dip the dagger into the poison, not looking back at Caraick. "Now, good sir. We both know you've no intention of willingly letting me leave here, so..." His hand flashes, as he makes a slashing motion at Timil's left bicep, trying to cut him.

(00:05:35) Teshia drifts up slowly, looking over to Thidin and nodding once.

(00:06:32) Thidin pulls back on Arnou's reins looking around

(00:06:37) Caraick tries to move a half-step nearer, the end of his staff pulsing brightly as a small beam emerges from the end noiselessly, aimed for Barsidious' torso. It doesn't carry an exceptional amount of force, merely enough to knock the man off balance

(00:07:28) Teshia drifts nearer to Thidin, seeming a bit on edge. She glances over the scene in the ruined tower, and gives Caraick more than a passing once-over to be sure he's alright.

(00:07:39) Timil yelps as the dagger makes momentary contact, but it's enough. Blood oozes from the wound, as the poison also starts to sink in.

(00:08:47) Barsidious spins to the side in reaction to Caraick's spell, rising to his feet, Timil's trace amount of blood weeping from its crevices and dripping off the edge. He stands, and backs up to the wall, tilting his head. "I'd bind that injury tightly. If you want him to live, that is...and good luck discovering the antidote, you have a few hours at best."

(00:08:59) Timil summons his rivnak in desperation.

(00:09:03) Teshia dismounts, slapping her drifter to send him out of harms way.

(00:09:35) Teshia says: Thidin... was this figure anywhere near you? Did he have anything to do with what happened?

(00:10:00) Caraick takes another step nearer, re-angling his staff towards Barsidious' new position, the bright end of the length of wood humming and crackling loudly with an odd Azure light. "Tesh, we get him away from Timil, then you heal that poison."

(00:10:13) Barsidious swings his dagger loosely in his hand, and makes no move to advance. Oddly enough. He appears to be waiting.

(00:10:26) Thidin says: I don't remember

(00:10:33) Teshia backs away suddenly at the magic humming from the wand "Uh...."

(00:11:02) Barsidious lets out a laugh. "I wouldn't try that, dear, it won't help." He nods towards the Ylian. "We've met before...haven't we? Perhaps you remember."

(00:11:58) Teshia bites out a retort "I recall vividly. Tell me, does your bravado in the dream world make up for your shortcomings in reality?"

(00:12:56) Caraick continues to eye the Ylian warily, the color on the end of his staff changing from a pure Crystal, to a more definitive Azure. Thin tendrils of smoke begin to drift from the light on the staff's end.

(00:13:30) Teshia moves steadily closer to Thidin's drifter, glancing away periodically from the staff as if it pains her even to look at the magic.

(00:13:50) Barsidious only laughs once more. "I quite like you you know. Your mind was delightfully easy to mold. You're so very...uncertain. Base. And you know this. Fascinating combination really." He glances at the clamod, his breath wheezing past his mask. "I promised you an hour, IF you bound the wound, menki. Mind it quickly, or you lose that one."
(00:14:41) Thidin doesn't really move or do anything, to shaking from previous events

(00:17:46) Timil summons his Groffel again.

(00:18:23) Caraick glances briefly over his shoulder, as though noting Teshia and Thidin's positions. Noting the effect the light appears to be having on Teshia, the Azure whisps of smoke fade, to be replaced by the brilliant glow of pure Crystal energy. Crackling sounds, and a loud humming eminates from the staff's tip.

(00:19:07) Timil tries to make eye contact with Caraick.

(00:19:10) Barsidious chuckles. "Boy, you really want this one to die, don't you?" He laughs more loudly. "More illustration, is it! I hold this lovely blade, and you are too afraid to move. Tut tut." He turns...and slams the thing into the table beside him. "There you are...nice and sound. Now...which of you is brave enough to take a shot, hm?" He smirks beneath his mask at Caraick. "Smart move, clamod."

(00:19:40) Teshia relaxes almost immediately, and steps closer, trusting Thidin not to let herself be harmed in her slightly less-that-tip-top-shape. She begins to roll her hands before her in a complex series of hand and finger gestures, slwoly building a concentration of very cold air before her. "Caraick... distract him please."

(00:20:46) Timil shouts: Ah.... Allow ME!

(00:21:20) Timil's sends a mental command to Apricot to go and attempt to bite or claw Barsidious on the leg.

(00:21:44) Thidin looks to Caraick's wand as her eyes grow grim and black, her shaking seeming to stop as she gets off her rivnak.

(00:22:44) Caraick flicks his gaze briefly to Timil's action of summoning the Rivnak, then steps back a half-pace, angling his wand towards a spot above Barsidious' head. A brilliant, blinding light bursts into existence, burning brightly enough to blind someone looking directly at it for the few seconds that it remains in existence, before the spell is terminated by its caster.

(00:23:35) Barsidious is rather distracted by the groffel now trying to tear at his leg. He raises it and moves to kick the creature away from him, and as such isn't looking directly at Caraick's light, but is still at least momentarily distracted by the animal.

(00:23:40) Teshia darts over to the side behind Caraick, gripping the walls of the ruins tightly, and sending a rush of powerful magics into them. if effective, the spell would send a layer of ice coating the stones.

(00:25:38) Barsidious's eyes widen slightly as the floor suddenly becomes quite painfully slippery. The man curses loudly, falling, managing to catch himself on his hands and scrambling awkwardly on the sheet of ice. He summons a powerful spell and begins to weave it in the air, attempting to distract the part as gusts of wind begin to tear around angrily. "You've got minutes, boys and girls!" He shouts over the wind. "Choose wisely!"

(00:26:38) Timil passes out, and his groffel disappears.

(00:27:04) Teshia narrows her eyes, utterly unconcerned with Barsidious, strongly believing that Caraick and Thidin can take care of that. She takes advantage of the slick stones, and the glyphs in her boots to step into the ruin, sliding over to Timil, to try and look him over quickly.

(00:27:46) Caraick slashes his staff through the air, meaning to counteract Barsidious' wind spell with a curious sort of Defensive wind spell. He follows with a quick burst of three small, rounded beams towards the fallen Ylian.

(00:27:55) Timil hangs limply, one arm chained to the wall, and feet chained together.

(00:28:43) Barsidious appears to still be chuckling at the situation. The entire thing is funny to him, clearly. A bit of an issue with sadistic tendency. He slides his way towards the exit and hops just clear of it, away from the ice, Caraick's beams managing to catch his sleeve and sear through it to his arm. He cries out, but manages to catch his feet, still aiming to run.

(00:29:26) Teshia frowns, knowing first hand how dastardly the poison is, and knowing full well that she cannot counteract it on her own. She furrows her brow in concentration and begins to murmur, tracing a rune over Timil's body, trying to first slow the spread of the poison with spells, and secondly, to lower his body temperature, to almost put him in a catatonic state, until help can arrive.

(00:30:44) Caraick moves to his left, narrowing the angle between himself at Barsidious, as the man begins to flee on his feet. A slower moving, compared to the beams, spell bursts silently from the end of his staff, moving in large, pulsating waves focused on the Ylian as he flees. If connected, a powerful Ray of Faith spell awaits the man.

(00:34:37) Barsidious is running mid-step, when the ray strikes him. He looks down in surprise to see a rather interesting array of pretty lights bursting a hole straight through his chest, carrying his heart and various other internal organs out with it. Shocked, he manages to mutter out a few syllables, something like, "Oh...bugger," before falling flat on the ground, quite dead, and vanishing into the realm, leaving not much more than the smell of singed skin and clothing left lingering behind him.

[Mariana Xiechai]

(00:35:44) Teshia is paying no attention at all to the fight, more focused on the Ylian before her, trying to keep him alive.

(00:36:04) Caraick quickly turns his staff in a half-spin, returning it to rest across the front of his shoulder, as he darts over nearer to Teshia, and Timil, taking a knee near the man. "How is he?"

(00:36:31) Caraick calls out as he looks over Timil quickly. "Thidin! Watch our backs, if he comes back!"

(00:36:44) Teshia says: No, Thidin! come here, quickly... please.

(00:37:18) Thidin blinks, her names being called for many things, but follows Teshia and comes over by them

(00:37:19) Timil breathes in ragged gasps, still unconscious, though.

(00:38:03) Teshia looks up at Thidin "Do you know anything of poisons? Anything of how to hold them at bay?"

(00:39:10) Thidin starts shaking a bit more, her eyes turning normal again "Tie off the limb."

(00:39:13) Caraick glances back ,and stands, allowing room for Timil.

(00:40:07) Teshia nods, using the ties from her hair to make a tourniquet.

(00:40:22) Teshia says: Caraick... send word to Vire, please. She will know what to do.

(00:41:28) Thidin seems to stutter when she talks, not dealing with the situation well and she stumbles back against the wall "You have to cut below the injection sit an suck out the most amount of the poison as possible..."

(00:42:03) Caraick steps out of the small tower, dispatching a groffel to the klyros in question.

(00:42:42) Teshia nods jerkily, and looks to Caraick "I've lost my dagger... do you have one?"

(00:44:09) Thidin says: Don't.. don’t swallow it.

(00:44:27) Caraick glances back towards Teshia, and spins a dagger out of a sheath on his belt, sliding it across the stone to her.

(00:45:24) Teshia takes a deep breath, closing her hand around the hilt of the dagger, before turning back to Timil. She winces, and tries to make a slit below the poisoned cut, all the while silently praying that Evirea is on the way.

(00:47:44) Timil reflexively winces as the dagger cuts the skin, almost bringing him awake again.

(00:47:53) Timil says: uhnn...

(00:49:06) Teshia frowns "Caraick... can you put him to sleep again? I can't chill him much more."

(00:50:10) Caraick sends off his groffel, then turns as Teshia bids. He walks over, and immediately casts a Magical Sleep spell on the wounded Ylian ,strong enough to knock him out for any amount of pain, but not quite enough to kill the man in his weakened state.

(00:53:48) Timil's breathing slows to a deep, even cadence.

(00:54:10) Teshia frowns and makes a face, before dipping her head to try and suck some of the poisoned blood out.

(00:56:27) Timil continues sleeping under Caraick's magical influence, nearly snoring.

(00:56:53) Evirea pulls up short, panting slightly, and hops up into the tower. She eyes Timil and strides towards him, her hand already in her bags, already groping for her antidote. She finds it, filed neatly as it is in there, and jerks the cork out with her finely pointed teeth, grasps and Timil's arm, and douses the small injury thoroughly.

(00:56:49) Evirea pulls up short, panting slightly, and hops up into the tower. She eyes Timil and strides towards him, her hand already in her bags, already groping for her antidote. She finds it, filed neatly as it is in there, and jerks the cork out with her finely pointed teeth, grasps and Timil's arm, and douses the small injury thoroughly.

(00:56:54) Teshia spits repeatedly, her mouth numbing with the taste of the poison, overall growing a bit queasy "oh thank the gods."

(00:57:51) Evirea tosses what is left to Teshia. "Drink it, now," she says, and begins working her
 fingers into Timil's arm, drawing out the venom as it bubbles and foams in response to her antidote.

(00:58:19) Teshia makes a face, but downs the remaining contents, unsure of what it will do when taken orally.

(00:59:22) Evirea removes a strip of clean cloth and wipes at the seeping poison. "It'll make sure you aren't contaminated," she replies, to Teshia's silent query. "You should not have come without me," she adds. "Where is the killer."

(01:00:21) Teshia stands up, and brushes her legs off, looking about for Thidin "When someone is dying, I do not have the convenience of waiting for you to be found. Same as you do not have the luxury of waiting for guards."

(01:01:59) Thidin is just looking down, shaking

(01:02:13) Evirea hisses quietly to herself. "Yes, yes nevermind that," she says hastily, clearly not wanting to discuss this. "WHERE is the killer, and did you get a look at him? Can you identify him?" She finishes wiping the venom from Timil's arm, before leaning forward and pressing her face close to his, checking his breathing.

(01:02:36) Teshia tosses the empty bottle down, and steps closer to Thidin "Hey... you ok?"

(01:02:51) Teshia seems to be ignoring Evirea for the time being.

(01:04:10) Evirea rolls her eyes and returns the favor, at least for now. Despite her callous behavior and apparent obsessiveness, she seems to be very much concerned about Timil, perhaps more concerned than she was for Teshia. She places her fingers against this neck and checks his pulse, nodding once. "Good job keeping him alive," she says gruffly. A compliment if there ever was one. "I think he'll pull through."

(01:04:53) Thidin says: I'm fine...

(01:05:48) Teshia murmurs quietly "It's lucky you arrived when you did." It's certainly not unusual for the people around her to be more concerned about others, and even the gruffness is so commonplace, that she merely takes it in stride. She nods to Thidin "You look like you could use a drink."

(01:06:20) Thidin nods to Teshia

(01:06:22) Thidin says: Please.

(01:07:10) Evirea pulls a blanket out of her travelsack and begins to wrap it tightly around Timil's unconscious form. Then, rubbing her ring, she summons her rivnak and stoops low, trying to heft some of the dead weight up. To no avail. A heavyweight lifter a klyros does not make.

(01:07:48) Teshia glances to Evirea "Move." She nods and motions for Thidin to go ahead and mount up.

(01:08:30) Evirea gives her eyes another roll, but obliges the command well enough, stepping to the side.

(01:08:53) Thidin walks out of the enclosure, hoping on Arnou

(01:09:21) Teshia carries around three cubs, one that weighs almost as much as his daddy, so one Ylian isn't too much for her to move. She bends over and tries to lift the unconscious man up.

(01:09:51) Evirea steps aside, holding the reigns of her Rivnak.

(01:10:07) Teshia then moves outside, trying to lift the man atop one of the waiting mounts.

(01:10:42) Evirea slowly arches a brow and then runs the ring on her own finger. She strides after Teshia, following the other woman.

(01:11:44) Teshia says: Let's get you both to the Stonehead. A fire and ale should help.

(01:11:52) Thidin heads off

(01:12:07) Evirea silently follows

(01:18:58) Rizula wanders back in and looks surprised at the crowd.

(01:19:05) Emmara glances to the bottle of milk, "that's it right now. I might have some water in my pack if you want me to check."

(01:19:06) Atagal snickers "Find drinks behind the counter."

(01:19:48) Teshia looks to Evirea "Can you check him while I go look for something back there?"

(01:19:55) Emmara's head snaps around to the entrance. She stands suddenly and growls outright at the familiar figure.

(01:20:25) Rigwyn wanders into the stonehead wearing a long black riding cloak. A cowl hands over his head casting a shadow over his eyes and nose. Quietly, he takes a seat in the corner.

(01:20:31) Thidin shakes her head "i don't need anything! I'm fine!'

(01:20:41) Thidin looks down at the table, still shaking.

(01:20:53) Evirea walks closer to Timil, hands already wrapping round the strap on her shoulder, and flings the parcel onto the table. She rummages through it, pulling out a needle and thread, searching for the injury on Timil's arm.

(01:20:59) Rizula's gaze turns toward the cloaked figure. She approaches him, giving a little smile. "Hiya."

(01:21:12) Atagal whispers to Emmara

(01:21:51) Teshia heads around behind the bar, smiling to Rizula on the way. She digs around, producing a very dirty bottle of some unknown vintage.. "this will have to do."

(01:22:27) Rigwyn shifts in his seat as if uncomfortable - cursing the metal pants.

(01:23:12) Teshia moves back to the table and thunks the bottle down. She looks back over at Rigwyn and smiles "Fraid there's not a barmaid here right now. But the fires warm, and there's plenty of room."

(01:23:33) Emmara watches the figure in the back of the stonehead.

(01:23:34) Evirea finds the injury and quickly moves to douse it with alcohol. She doesn't notice the commotion from the fenki beside her, nor Rigwyn's presence, since he is wearing a disguise. She takes the needle after dipping it into the sanitizing solution, and begins to work it back and forth over the knife wound to stitch it shut. "I told you not to get involved, Mr. Deeps."

(01:23:38) Rizula moves closer to the table. "This seat taken sah?"

(01:23:48) Thidin sets her cheek on the cold table, looking at the fire.

(01:23:49) Rigwyn keeps his head down and waves dismissively at Teshia.. "I'm fine"

(01:24:20) Rigwyn peers at Rizula and nods, "Please.. feel free"

(01:24:57) Teshia surreptitiously begins to observe Thidin, completely unphased by the two behind her. She obviously doesn't recognize Rigwyn through his disguise, but she knows Rizula, and is rather fond of the girl, so she assumes all is well.

(01:25:43) Thidin begins to trace the table with her finger

(01:25:51) Rizula unbuckles a shortsword from her belt and lays it on the table in front of her. She can barely lift the thing.

(01:25:58) Atagal looks at Emmara

(01:26:07) Timil's eyes start to focus, and he sees Evirea working on his arm. He winces as the needle punctures his skin, despite the lack of any serious pain, and more because of the Klyan's words.

(01:27:02) Rigwyn quietly looks up at Rizula as if studying her face for a moment, the glances at her sword and comments, "That's one hell of a bread knife there... I take it you're not a chef?"

(01:27:05) Rigwyn smirks

(01:27:26) Evirea finishes the stitching and begins to wrap the arm tightly in swaths of gauze. This finished, she tucks one end neatly into the other and then pulls the blanket tightly around the Ylian's shoulders. She keeps her hand pressed unwittingly against his back, between his shoulders, and studies him. "It is not meant as offense, Mr. Deeps. You could have gotten yourself killed."

(01:27:39) Rizula giggles. "No sah, but I a'int a swordswoman eithah. I found this lyin' around."

(01:28:05) Rigwyn says: Oh, Mind if I take a look?

(01:28:08) Teshia looks Timil over, frowning softly "Does it pain you? I can numb it some..."

(01:28:32) Thidin suddenly stops moving her finger and stops shaking, recognizing Rigwyn's voice.

(01:28:32) Timil shakes his head. "No, thanks Teshia... I'm numb enough."

(01:28:40) Rizula unsheathes the sword and pushes it towards Rigwyn a little.

(01:29:29) Emmara nods and speaks lot into Atagal's ear. "I know, Ata."

(01:29:52) Evirea frowns at Timil and moves her hand up, trying to massage gently the muscles present on the back of his neck. "How is your sense of feel? If you cannot feel that could have lingering effects and I'll need to administer something more. Can you feel?"
(01:29:59) Rigwyn touches the sword, then looks into Rizula's eyes. After a second, he lifts it up to examine the blade. "Thats a fine fenki skinner miss."

(01:30:22) Rigwyn chuckles - peeking at Rizula from under his cowl.

(01:30:24) Atagal sighs

(01:30:48) Teshia frowns softly, watching Evirea, and trusting the klyros to know what is best.

(01:30:53) Rizula smirks. "S'menkies I'd skin, if I could swing it. Not all of 'um, mind ya, I just...got some enemies."

(01:30:56) Timil nods. "Yes, thank you Evirea... I'm just... cold." Timil takes a deep breath.

(01:31:44) Evirea frowns once more. She digs to the bottom of her travelsack and pulls out a thick woolen fleece. Using this, she wraps it around the blanket already present, very tightly.

(01:31:45) Rigwyn nods, then puts it down and slides it back towards Rizula - pomel first. "Don't get me wrong... got nothing against 'em just one or two.."

(01:31:56) Teshia tisks softly, unable to ignore someone talking about skinning the glorious creations that are menkis. "for shame!"

(01:32:33) Thidin seems to be just listening, still looking into the fire

(01:32:56) Emmara watches the exchange but stays still.

(01:33:42) Rigwyn says: Faking a caught, Rigwyn mumbles, "Say eh ... My back is killin me, and my throat's a bit hoarse.. Got a bit of a cold. I’d offer ta buy ya a drink, but I'm too lazy to get up or shout... Mind orderin if I pay?

(01:34:24) Rizula tilts her head. "Heard the stuff was free here."

(01:34:34) Timil mumbles, "He said something about the truth... What..." Timil looks into Evirea's eyes, with an expression he's never worn before. "What was he going to show me?"

(01:34:49) Rigwyn says: Oh? Heh heh .. even better

(01:35:38) Emmara moves away with a soft comment to Atagal. "Elady, wouldn't want the customers to go unattended. I'll get some things from the pantry."

(01:35:41) Rizula says: I know where they keep it, too. Be right back sah.

(01:36:00) Emmara steps off the bench, "Does anyone else need anything to drink or eat. I can open the pantry."

(01:36:03) Teshia's eyes glaze over a bit, and her expression darkens as she watches Timil and Evirea. The tips of her fingers even begin to frost over just a tad as he frowns deeply. She listens to see what manner of explanation Evirea will give for the lies spun by Barsidious.

(01:36:08) Atagal looks to Emmara "Take the bundle with?"

(01:36:35) Teshia shakes her head to Emmara "no thank you."

(01:36:48) Thidin mocks Rizula saying "Sah." softly.

(01:37:14) Emmara looks back to Atagal and shakes her head slightly.

(01:37:31) Rizula sets a red liquor in front of Rigwyn and a water pouch in front of herself. "Always liked this place for it. That and how far away the guards are."

(01:37:33) Evirea's face flickers with a wide array of emotions: anger, resentment, bitterness. Sorrow. These pass by quickly, replaced by a calm, serene expression. Her hand moves to try and take Timil's chin gently as she raises his face towards hers. "Listen very carefully to me now, Mr. Deeps. It does not matter what he told you, you only need know that it was false. The man is insane, he's a killer, and he is evil. There is nothing more you need to know. I've dealt with psychopaths like him numerous times. Whatever 'truth' he wanted to teach you is only tainted, you should disregard it, and banish it from your mind. Do you understand me?" She looks him straight in the eye and awaits affirmation.

(01:38:44) Teshia snorts quietly, knowing first hand of these truths, and how invariably they hold some degree of certainty, despite what the klyros would try to tell the wounded man.

(01:39:19) Rigwyn sinks slightly, then glances over at Thidin. Looking back at Rizula he takes the mug and raises it with a grin. "I know what you mean. Sometimes its nice to just get away for a while..though that can be hard at times. " Slowly, he begins to draw from his mug.

(01:39:39) Timil gazes into Evirea's eyes, expression hardening, then softening with acquiescent nods. "Okay. I understand.... Thank you."

(01:40:16) Emmara slides past Atagal and moves toward the far side of the tavern.

(01:40:47) Evirea sighs. "You need to get some rest, Mr. Deeps," she says. "You should find a bed." She keeps her hand against the man's back as it shifts away from his face, a strangely protective gesture, and finally, she turns her attention to the other commotion in the room, centered around the cloaked figure in the back.

(01:41:56) Timil looks around the room for a bed, still not thinking entirely logically.

(01:42:02) Teshia gives Evirea a strangely hard look, golden eyes narrowed at the crystalline orbs. She murmurs in an unobtrusive enough voice "our temple is not far, Timil can rest there until he is recovered."

(01:42:09) Rizula says, a little too loudly, "I mean, a'int like they got no reason to give me trouble," she lowers it to a normal volume again, "but them guards back in Oja all thought I was a crook just 'cause Mama worked our street."

(01:42:19) Emmara walks up to the table with the nolthrir and the cloaked figure. "Can I get either of you something to eat?"

(01:42:40) Rigwyn looks down and shakes his head as if to gesture no.

(01:42:44) Rizula looks back at Emmara and nods. "Yeah...a fish, sliced real thin. Raw, please."

(01:43:01) Evirea returns the look right to Teshia. She may not know why she's receiving it, but she can take a gander. "Better to be cautions and let a weary mind settle before flinging other ordeals upon it," she says, her tone firm.

(01:43:14) Emmara smiles to Rizula, "A fine choice. I'll see if we have any in stock."

(01:43:25) Thidin looks back at Rizula and Rigwyn and the conversation get louder.

(01:43:51) Teshia replies coolly "I see your wisdom and kindness knows so few bounds. he is quite lucky to have been entrusted to your care."

(01:43:51) Emmara heads to the pantry.

(01:43:58) Rigwyn slides his hand into a pouch and pulls out a quill and a small scrap of paper... then begins to write a single word.

(01:44:23) Rigwyn slides it towards Emmara with his left hand.

(01:44:30) Timil nods, agreeing genuinely with Teshia's words, if not her tone.
(01:45:00) Teshia forces a smile to Timil, looking on the man with kindness, if not tenderness. "You're safe now."

(01:45:05) Thidin raises a brow as she watches them but soon looks back away, putting her head down

(01:45:07) Evirea smirks slightly at Teshia's reply, as though she finds it amusing. "Oh, but no more lucky to have been entrusted to yours, Mrs. Dastrid," she replies. Strangely her tone is considerably less cold, or sarcastic, as she adds, "He would have died without your assistance, rest assured."

(01:45:31) Teshia narrows her eyes slightly "pray don't mock me. I was being genuine... for once."

(01:45:47) Emmara catches the motion as she starts to head for the pantry. She turns back and takes the paper. She opens it casually and looks at it. With a smile and nod to the stranger. "Ma'am I'll be back with something suitable, hopefully fish."

(01:46:59) Evirea winks an eye shut in one sluggish motion. "Ah, but there you see....so was I."

(01:47:40) Teshia tosses her hair dismissively, looking instead to Thidin "are you sure you don't need anything?"

(01:48:06) Evirea smirks in self-satisfaction and looks back to Timil, closely studying his vital signs.

(01:48:07) Rigwyn whispers rather loudly, "That fenki that took the note... Heh heh.. She's a sneaky one."

(01:48:39) Rizula tilts her head quizzically. "I allowed to know what was on it?"

(01:49:11) Thidin says rather bitterly "Something strong."

(01:49:13) Rigwyn whispers rather loudly again, "Trust me, you don't want to know."

(01:49:25) Teshia pushes the bottle over "try that."

(01:49:30) Rigwyn looks around suspiciously, then smirks.

(01:50:06) Atagal glances to Rigwyn "Stop disturbing the peace."

(01:50:32) Rizula nods and then turns to Atagal. "He a'int causin' no trouble. We's just talkin'."

(01:51:09) Thidin picks her head up to look at the bottle "What is it?"

(01:51:26) Teshia shrugs "strong. Should get the job done."

(01:51:55) Evirea seems to take note of Thidin suddenly, and tilts her head at the clamod fenki, studying her condition with pursed lips and tightened eyes.

(01:52:57) Teshia leans forwards and taps her fingers lightly on the table. She looks up from under her lashes at Evirea, a very solemn, almost wicked expression, one that is clearly protective in nature.

(01:53:51) Thidin pulls it towards her before throwing the bottle into the fire, a small explosion as a result as she sets her head back down.

(01:54:02) Emmara brings back some fish. "I found some fish in the pantry." She looks around confused, "Your friend left?"

(01:54:19) Evirea either doesn't notice this expression, or does not care about it. She seems to be pointedly ignoring or, perhaps due to her own lack of social graces, unaware of the tension coming from the ylian. "Have you cleaned all of those properly?"

(01:55:05) Teshia chuckles softly at Thidin's actions, her fierce expression never leaving Evirea.

(01:55:24) Thidin sighs "Not good enough."

(01:56:11) Evirea stands up, rotating her pack so that she can have easy access to her utensils. She studies the bandages on the fenki's arms. "Allow me," she says.

(01:56:35) Thidin suddenly sits up as she looks to Evirea "What?"

(01:57:06) Teshia makes absolutely no pretense about staring at the klyros as she's attending Thidin. Her demeanor is rigid, and tense, but she speaks quietly and with a forced calm to Thidin "She's quite skilled. it will help you."

(01:57:53) Evirea quirks a brow. "Wounds will not heal well if they are not properly cleaned. I am inquiring if you would allow me to clean your injuries to ensure that no infection is possible." She blinks at Teshia, this time not able to dismiss her obvious tension, though she clearly does not understand its source.

(01:58:21) Thidin points to Evirea "Shangshi caused this. No one touches them."

(01:58:41) Teshia says: Thidin... please...

(01:59:06) Emmara brings back some fish. "I found some fish in the pantry." She sets a piece of paper on the table and slides it back to the cloaked patron. "I'm sorry, I forgot to give you your paper back."

(01:59:17) Thidin seems rather strong about her answer.

(01:59:37) Rigwyn keeps his head down, then reaches out and takes the paper back.

(01:59:37) Rizula nods her approval at the raw fish that definitely isn't Carp Delight. "Thanks, miss."

(01:59:46) Emmara sets the fish dish on the table in front of the Nolthrir. "If you need anything else, I'm Emmara."

(02:00:06) Evirea tilts her head curiously. "I don't know who that is, but that does not dismiss the fact that infection could occur. I will not stitch them. I'll leave them open and bleeding to your heart's content. I want only to wash them. You can show them to your boyfriend if you want to."

(02:00:24) Teshia leans down and whispers something emphatically to Thidin, gesticulating rapidly with one hand.

(02:02:01) Rizula says: I'm alright, thanks, miss Emmara

(02:02:22) Thidin quickly looks to Teshia, obviously bothered by her words before she slams her head onto the table, covering it with her arms "leave me alone!"

(02:02:22) Emmara nods politely, "Enjoy." She moves away.

(02:03:05) Evirea blinks. Then, without warning, she plucks up her bottle of alcohol...and unceremoniously attempts to dump it directly onto the clamod's arms.

(02:03:07) Timil glances at Thidin with concern.

(02:03:18) Teshia gives a deadpan face and snaps "if you break that table with your hard head, you'll be buying a new one!"
(02:03:25) Rigwyn takes the note, reads it, then crumbles it into ball. Within seconds, the note is surrounded by a thick black shadow. From his lips fall a faint whisper, "Curse your home."

(02:04:05) Atagal looks over to Emmara "Ever noticed those who wish to cloak themselves seem to always stink?"

(02:04:49) Timil says: By the way.... Did anyone see my weapons and glyphs back at the ruins? Barsidious took them offa me.

(02:04:53) Emmara gives a casual smile to Atagal.
(02:05:05) Thidin screams as the alcohol burns her arms. She looks up to Evirea and in her rage goes to tackle her.

(02:05:07) Rigwyn leans to the side and pulls a flask from his sack. Looking at Rizula his whispers, "Sorry, I must go."

(02:05:20) Teshia frowns and reaches out, trying to grab Thidin from behind.

(02:05:24) Rizula nods. "Nice meetin' ya, sah," she says through a mouthful of fish.

(02:06:05) Rigwyn leaps from his seat, then splashes the contents of his flask at Emmara's nose as he darts past her.

(02:06:16) Thidin is stopped just in time by Teshia, screaming "Why would you do that you idiotic piece of flesh. You should go soak in the sewers with the rats!"

(02:06:52) Atagal lifts her paw so that a flame vaporizes the content

(02:07:11) Evirea shrugs once. "Madam, she says, looking at the clamod calmly. "You'll thank me for that later when you don't die of some nasty bacterium that locks you in tetany."

(02:07:37) Teshia tries to calm Thidin "shhh... I know it hurts, but it wont last long."

(02:07:48) Rizula turns around to watch the things going on behind her.

(02:08:11) Thidin looks back at Rigwyn, noticing his leaving "And where are you going?!"

(02:08:32) Emmara flinches away from the splash instinctively, but it is not enough to keep it from hitting her face.

(02:08:48) Rigwyn barrels out the door and down the ramp.

(02:08:56) Teshia smirks a bit, and steps back, figuring it's better to let Thidin tackle him than the frail klyros. she murmurs under her breath. "nice knowing you."

(02:09:10) Thidin runs after him

(02:09:11) Evirea turns back to Timil. "I've your weapons and glyphs," she explains to him, and moves towards him, depositing her load before him. One might wonder how that small fry manages to carry all of these things.

(02:09:27) Emmara's hears try to lay down but even with a soft hiss from some of it vaporizing. Her nose is dampened by some of the liquid.

(02:10:34) Timil smiles gratefully to the Klyros. "Thank you. I appreciate it very much."

(02:10:35) Rizula buckles her sword back on and picks up her water pouch. She walks towards Teshia. "What's with the fenki?"

(02:10:44) Evirea looks around. "Well!" She says, slightly animated. "It has been an interesting evening, has it not?" She turns her head, looking Timil over once more. "I don't suppose you got a look at the killer of have any idea who it was. No? Shocker."

(02:11:00) Teshia looks from Evirea to Timil, moving to sit tiredly down on the bench. She wipes some fo the puddle of alcohol away, letting the thin layer evaporate "My guess, man trouble."

(02:11:17) Atagal moves up to Emmara "Lurre?"

(02:11:25) Teshia winks to Rizula and pats the bench "come sit."

(02:11:55) Rizula sits. "She one of the fenkies he apparently wants to skin?"

(02:11:58) Atagal glances over to Teshia "You may wish to follow the fenki before she gets hurt more."
(02:11:59) Timil grimaces. "He was wearing a mask... but..." Timil smirks, "If he's the same man who had his arms healed at Kada El's, then I could recognize him again."

(02:12:11) Emmara lefts her face to look at Atagal. Her muzzle curls into a snarl. "Not here...not ever again."

(02:12:29) Teshia glances over to Atagal "I'd be more concerned with him coming back intact than her. My sister can fend for herself well enough."

(02:12:49) Atagal says: Yeah seems like it..

(02:13:11) Emmara turns to leave.

(02:13:14) Atagal looks to Emmara "Lurre sa." she pulls a cloth from her pack and rubs Emmara's nose with it (if she lets him)

(02:13:29) Evirea notes Teshia's term of endearment with a slight smile, one that fades upon hearing Timil's words and turning them over in her head. She reaches her fingers up to rub at her temples, and massages them, closing her blood shot eyes. "Thank you Timil, I will keep you posted," she replies, her voice slightly high and strained.

(02:14:09) Atagal reaches for Emmara's paw "Lurre we both saw you at the ulber furs."

(02:14:15) Teshia shrugs absently to Rizula, not really inclined to discuss Thidin's apparent love-life. She traces a design on the stone bench and gives Evirea a wicked grin "Oh, but I saw him leading you across the plaza, Timil"

(02:16:56) Timil glances over to Teshia, looking awkward and slightly embarrassed. "You saw that? How was my drunk act?"

(02:16:58) Emmara's paw is caught by Atagal's. She turns back as she feels the restraining force on her arm. Her voice is tense but not loud, "Let me go, Ata. I just want to make sure is out of the area."

(02:17:18) Teshia says: Quite convincing. *She winks*

(02:17:36) Timil is not sure how to take that. "Uh... thanks?"

(02:17:38) Evirea laughs softly to herself, observing for a moment longer. Then, the seemingly exhausted klyros gets up without a word, and makes her way out of the tavern.

(02:17:57) Atagal hisses lightly "So some one can get you with a arrow?"

(02:17:59) Timil calls after Evirea "Thanks again!"

[Mariana Xiechai]

Being dead was really quite bothersome. For one, there was the whole process of having died, which in this case had been wholly unpleasant. Not that dying was ever a particularly enjoyable experience, but having an incinerating ray shot directly through your chest had to at least be up there somewhere on the list of unfortunate demises.

Shouldn't have forgotten the ring of familiar, he thought, turning his head and listening to the silent echoes throughout the death realm. Always remove the rings. I'm getting sloppy; it was my own fault, really.

Glancing down at his ankle, he tore off a section of his robe and wrapped it around the shallow scratches the blasted groffel had left there. He was certain that they were sitting up there in self-satisfaction at the moment, quite proud at having saved their friend from this dastardly villain. In truth they'd only denied Timil the chance to have the most valuable, soul-searching lesson he ever had...but, he supposed he would simply have to live with this failure. He had a few more slots to fill before his pièce de résistance. Another target would have to be selected, and he merely needed turn his attention to that endeavor.

Once he found his way out of this damnable place, at any rate.

Now the true loss here was the loss of his anonymity. He had no doubt that they would succeed in stopping the poison from doing its work. Which meant that, unless they were the most incompetant lot imaginable, (not wholly impossible but sadly rather unlikely,) they could peg down who he was. He needed a new face, as it were. He could create that illusion well enough. With a bit of spell application he could weave himself a new body, even, in the eyes of anyone without the expertise to see through the guise. Unforunately, there were those who could peer through the facade and see the truth behind it. So he needed something to throw this off, somehow. To create something behind this new mask that would make them instantly turn their eyes away with guilt, chagrin at having tried to search him out.

He sighed. This was going to be more of a bother than the actual dying, sadly. And would hurt a great deal. Such a pity. He really rather liked his face, too. He was not the most handsome man, no, but he did think it had kindly enough qualities. Good for his deception. Ah, but there was yet some hilarious irony in what he now had to do. The insides coming to bear on the outside, some might say.

But first the clothing. He imagined such notable robes as these would be noteworthy in one's description of him. So, without too much thought, he removed them, and tossed them over the metal grating to hover in the air briefly before floating down into the empty abyss.

Finding a change of clothing was not difficult in this place. Quickly enough he found a corpse, which  provided a ragged ensemble to be certain, but it would suit his needs. He stripped the deceased of its sparse wares and observed as the desicated husk crumpled into so much fine, white powder. Shaking the threadbare tunic, he relieved it of most of the remnants of its previous owner before pulling it over his own head. The pants came next, patched nearly beyond recognition and tattered at the ends. Luckily the shoes weren't an issue; his boots were common enough not to be notable. Grasping his ruby amulet in his hand, he dropped it beneath the newly found shirt and was comforted by the cold feel of metal agains his skin.

Now wearing peasant's garb, Barsidious turned to his next task. One that would more most...distasteful. And yet it was necesary. He would not stop, could not stop, in his pursuit of Truth. He would do anything to enlighten those around him to its persistence, to its presence. It was his calling, after all. His duty to the world.

Down in the bowels of the Death Realm, the crazed Ylian worked quickly. He had precious little time. His employer would be making demands soon, sending messangers to seek him out. He could hardly meet them at specified locations, found out as he was. First, he had to secure a certain secrecy.

Sitting down on the rusted bars and grimy grating, he pulled a bottle of acid from his travelsack. He soaked a length of cloth in a combative agent so that his eyes would not be devestated, and tied it tightly around them, blinding himself. His fingers groped until they found a bit of twisted metal, and this he wrapped with yet more fabric, before thrusting it between his teeth and biting down harshly, the muscles in his jaw evident in the exercise, making sure that no part of his mouth was open.

He tilted his head back. And he poured the acid over his face, his screams echoing so loudly that the nearby carakas shuddered and warily drew back in fear. It made quick work of his skin, tearing the cells apart, leaving bloody rivulets dripping from his chin as it bit down deep into muscle and sinew. Finally, when the pain was beyond bearing, he grappled at what was left of the more basic liquid and splashed it over his face. His hands glittered with inexpert Crystal Way, not enough to remove this manic self-mutilation, but enough to hasten the process to its inevitable scarring.

For a long while he sat there, his hands covering his throbbing face, sobbing in the overwhelming agony. Dakkru would surely have enjoyed such a display, had she been privy to it. The act of masochism was like a final declaration of mania. Perhaps not in his own mind, yet it was nevertheless a truth.

When finally he found the courage, Barsidious removed his fingers, the white glimmer of magic dispersing as he stopped channeling the spell. He ran his hands over what was left; feeling the exposed muscle along his left cheek, the tiny gap left there where the flesh had been thoroughly eaten through. His skin felt dead, numb, the feeling ebbing away as the nerve endings responded to his healing by becoming necrotic faster and quickly dying off. The shape of his face had been lost entirely, leaving this amorphous, hideous mask, one that he could never remove.

His breathing ragged and hoarse, the ylian began to crawl on his hands and knees, feeling his way along the grating, the blindfold still present. He reached back to loosen the tie when he bumped into some object or other, and it fell away easily. Between his hands was a battered remnant of a breastplate, rusted and dusty. Feeling suddenly desperate, he began to claw away at the erosion, wiping at it with his sullied sleeves, until he could use it as a reflective surface.

The pale-white palor of his skin unsettled him. He truly looked as though he were walking dead. The wrinkles that he'd gained over the years were gone, replaced by an unnatural smoothness, except where the ruddy fingers of the acid had left furrows and deep, painful crevices in his skin. The exposed muscle was darkened and had been covered by scar tissue, appearing as though he had suffered this accident long, long ago.

It took a moment to connect this face with his own. When he did, he could not help but laugh at the thought of it. Yes, he would still use a shaky illusion to try and cover himself, when he could. And when people suspected him because of it, they would force him to drop the spell and expose what was behind it.

And they would wail in astonishment and disgust at what they saw.

But they would certainly not know him for who he was. And that was what he had needed in the end, was it not?

The man stumbled, still deranged, to his feet. He began to shuffle along the grating, searching for a cloak among he skeletons and bones, something to cover himself with. He found one; black in color, strangely in good condition as though it had recently passed on with the wearer. Snatching his up, Barsidious swung it over his shoulders and tied the string round his throat, still chuckling softly, still breathing as though every lungful would be his last. He had traversed this realm before, and he knew that it would not take him long to find his way back to the surface.

It was all only a matter of time, and everything would be as he had ordained.

[Phantomboy86]

Poor Barsidious, don'tcha know anyone competent would expect a disguise after that?

oh wait, competence. Nevermind, good idea!