[sub]in collaboration with [@SunsetRoses] and [@Fetzen][/sub] [h1][center][i][u]"Getting to Work"[/u][/i][/center][/h1] It had been the first time for Andri to see Alphonse. There had not been an opportunity to speak to the assassin colleague, but still he was glad to have met him. Sometimes only an utterly destroyed rumor was a good rumor. The remainder of the meeting had not revealed anything new to him, so there were two tasks at hand: Visit Lorelai and collect his new armor, which he had absolutely no idea of, and meet Elizabeth in order to find his role in the upcoming war. The latter one was a thing he would have liked to skip more than anything else, but his involvement was unavoidable. He knew that some kind of contribution to the common effort would be expected from him as well. Once again the hunter knocked at the door he had become quite familiar with, but this time he already started to open it slowly before he heard anything. It was clear that he was expected. As the door creaked open and Andri walked inside, Elizabeth met him with a smile. She had been expecting him, and in a neat stack on the table sat his instructions and assignments. [color=magenta]”Sit, and I'll explain to you your new task.”[/color] Though her voice was friendly and her posture had eased, she meant business. There would be no bargaining, because it wouldn't be fair for him to stay out of things while others fought with everything they had. The hunter raised an eyebrow. [color=00a99d]"Everything's already prepared ?"[/color] Andri reached for a chair and put down his massive body on it. [color=00a99d]"Sorry... Hello Liz."[/color] The speed at which the huntress was pushing things forward did surprise him. He took the first item from the stack, his fingers dove into the envelope and he pulled out the first piece of parchment, didn't start actually reading it however. [color=00a99d]"What do you have in store for me ?"[/color] He tried to relax the situation a bit, but it was a very fragile, artificial, false layer on top of what was really going on in his mind. Elizabeth blushed, she was making him uncomfortable with her no nonsense approach. Liz had to admit, she was falling easily into this position. With young witches she had to be assertive, get them through the tears or anger and push their assignments on them. Maybe she could be a bit softer with her friends...but would it be effective? [color=magenta]”My apologies, hello Andri.”[/color] She cleared her throat, pointing at the parchment he held in his hands. It was full of instructions and rules, and at the top was [b]ESPIONAGE[/b], all written in neat print. [color=magenta]”You, and a special group of witches, have been selected to be a part of our espionage task force. The people you will be answering to are me of course, and Alphonse secondly. I have decided that you will be second in command.”[/color] She waited, allowing it to sink in, before she continued. [color=magenta]”The specifics are inside your packet, but you and are going to briefly go over the basics.”[/color] Elizabeth suddenly felt stuffy in her armor, which she had been wearing since the meeting. It was awkward giving commands to Andri. [color=magenta]”Before we begin, do you have any questions? I'll answer all of them.”[/color] [color=00a99d]"May I delay answering to that question until I've read through this ?"[/color] He attempted a smile, but what came out could easily be interpreted as sheepish, a schoolboy thad had dared to object to the speed his teacher wanted him to progress. However, the reason behind his action was a very honest one: Questions required time and a solid knowledge they could condensate on. Liz could see Andri's eyes quickly scan the document line by line. It took some time, and the assassin was very lowly whispering what he was reading to himself. Then he jumped to first conclusions: [color=00a99d]"It would be a wise thing to know the terrain in advance. Am I right about guessing that you will send me on an exploration mission right away ?"[/color] He wasn`t explicitly referring to the teleportation stuff, but even without it it seemed to be a very reasonable thing to ask. Elizabeth smiled, trying to put him at ease. She knew smiles wouldn't cut it though, he didn't want to mess with her, and she doubted he would relax during this meeting. [color=magenta]”Of course, I made the assumption that Khan can only take you to places you know...so I've already planned a special outing for you.”[/color] She reached down, grasping a smaller map of the castle and the grounds just beyond it. It was marked with the locations of traps and the different things they did, she handed it over to Andri. [color=magenta]”You and I will be given a special pair of glasses, from the forgemaster. He's working on your armor, and I'm sure he's excited to meet you...hasn't had this much work in centuries.”[/color] Elizabeth laughed, relaxing in her seats to tell Andri all about the forgemaster. [color=magenta]”I met him myself when I went to Lorelai's citadel, he's a giant, funny too. Very passionate about what he does, you should see the weapons lining his wall.”[/color] She tapped on her suit, her eyes sparkling with mirth. [color=magenta]”I need him to forge me a new whip, the last one was incredible.”[/color] [color=00a99d]"A giant... you mean... a real giant ?"[/color] Andri's eyes appeared to partially switch into christmas-mode. That would be the first time in his life he would not have to look at someone else facedown, but upwards, and given his 25-year experience, it would not so unlikely be the last time as well. [color=00a99d]"I don't have any idea about the armor yet, but guessing from what yours looks like I should expect it to be awesome, shouldn't I ? The glasses are for preventing me from accidentally trapping into our own traps, right ?"[/color] [color=fff79a][i]It will be tight! It will be tight! It will be tight! I tell you! I know Lorelai a bit better than you do... I've already had to do with her![/i][/color] Andri tried to ignore Khan for the moment, despite it being difficult. [color=00a99d]"So I am to scout this area ?"[/color] Elizabeth laughed, her hand shooting up to point at the ceiling. [color=magenta]”Yes! A real giant! Twenty feet tall and then some. Oh you're going to love meeting him! He's an ancient fellow, you wouldn't believe his name though! Lenny!”[/color] Elizabeth was turning pink laughing, the most fun she had had all day. Business was wearing down on her, and she was thankful for Andri. [color=magenta]”Your armor will be great, and I think the glasses will be nice enough to keep up the guise.”[/color] Elizabeth paused, wiping a tear of joy from her eyes. [color=magenta]”Yes, the glasses will prevent you from tripping them as easily. I would love to join you on the stroll, but I fear I may be busy. This room gets claustrophobic after a while, I'm glad you stopped by.”[/color] Lenny... that was fun. Andri felt infected by Liz' cheer, but it still wasn't entirely able to blast away that curtain that had been resting on his mood since it had become apparent that war against the hunters he had been with just days ago was near unavoidable. [color=00a99d]"Should I leave ?"[/color] he asked. He wasn't disgruntled and he tried to make sure that there wasn't even a slim chance of that being a reasonable interpretation of his tone and words. [color=00a99d]"You seem very busy. I could walk over to Lorelai and see if the stuff's already finished."[/color] Elizabeth felt the sting of rejection, though there wasn't any in Andri's voice. She looked around the room and at the pile of papers that still needed to be handed out, sighing. [color=magenta]”I suppose it would be best. Tell Lorelai I love her, would you? Also, tell her I miss the outside world and I'm going to die from the lack of fresh air.”[/color] Elizabeth laughed, lighting another bunch of tobacco and breathing it in, she swore it was the only thing that was keeping her sane. She waved Andri off, telling him to read his packet thoroughly before she got back to work. Andri kept watching her while he was backing off towards the door. [color=00a99d]"I'll tell her, promised. Perhaps we can talk later."[/color] Smiling he closed it, keeping his eyes locked on the huntress as long as he could in the process. The instruction package felt his firm clutch as he wandered off. Next destination: Lorelai. The hunter was really curious about what would expect him. [hr]Several minutes after Andri's departure a knock came at Liz's door. [color=lightgreen]"General? Are ya' in?"[/color] a gruff female voice accompanied the knock. Elizabeth stared at the door, as if her eyes could see through it and at the person in the hall. She didn't recognize the voice, but she assumed it was just another witch that needed guidance. [color=magenta]”Come in, and make yourself comfortable.”[/color] She called to the voice outside, tilting her head down at her papers and continuing to scan them. The door swung open and in marched three witches in plate mail. [color=lightgreen]"Oi General. I'm the Captain o' the guard."[/color] in the center stood a witch well into middle age. Her face was littered with scars both old and new, and she bore a vigorous bronze complexion. She extended a hand in greeting. [color=lightgreen]"Name's Jules, and dese bitches are my sub-captains."[/color] Elizabeth stood, nodding respectfully and extending a hand to shake Jule’s. Hers were the calloused hand of an aged warrior, where Elizabeth's had retained their softness. [color=magenta]”Nice to meet you, Jules. It's an honor to have you in my office, I assume you wanted to talk to me?”[/color] She smiled slowly, gesturing to the seats before her. [color=magenta]”Please, make yourselves comfortable.”[/color] Jules turned curtly to the youngest of them. The woman in question had sneering at Elizabeth since they'd arrived. [color=lightgreen]"Not you welp, you get to stand. Silently."[/color] She smiled at her new boss before flopping into her seat. [color=lightgreen]"You'll 'ave to excuse the young cunt, sorry replacement for Vespa."[/color] [color=lightgreen]"We was thinkin'. There's not really a need to break our chain o' command other than putting you up top of it aye?"[/color] Jules grinned. [color=lightgreen]"So I thought I'd save ya some work, and come get my girls's assignments. I'll pass 'em around and make sure they get done."[/color] Elizabeth glanced at the girl who had been sneering at her, giving her a sad smile in response. She didn't want to be anyone's enemy, but some wouldn't be swayed no matter what she did. Her focus returned to Jules, and she found herself agreeing with the Captain. There was no need to take away Jules’ title, Elizabeth would just be the one Jules answered to. [color=magenta]”Of course, Jules. Please, call me Liz.”[/color] Elizabeth suggested, pushing a thick stack of papers towards the Captain. [color=magenta]”Feel free to make strategic changes, you know your girls much better than I. If anything major comes up, please feel free to come to me, my door is always open to you.”[/color] She felt a weight lift off her shoulders, all the soldier witches would be dealt with by their commander, someone they had already been exposed to, someone they trusted. [color=lightgreen]"Aye, Liz."[/color] Jules offered a small bow. [color=lightgreen]"I'll see 'tall gets done, bellyachin' or no."[/color] She cast another withering glance at the younger witch. [color=lightgreen]"Some o' us remember wot a damned Dragon Knight looks like."[/color] She winked as she turned to leave. [color=lightgreen]"When s'all said and done, I'll 'ave ta get enough booze in ya to get the story."[/color] Elizabeth chuckled, Jules was quite pleasant. She was glad some people in the castle agreed to her position, even if she couldn't please them all. [color=magenta]”Thank you so much, you don't realize how big of a help you're being.”[/color] She called after them, silently accepting Jules’ offer for a drink. She knew she could use one. A few minutes after Jules and her two right hands had left, there was another knock on her door. Liz raised an eyebrow, but gave them the okay to come in. In stepped an anthropomorphic cat, in a well fitted overcoat and top hat. He tipped his hat to her, stepping aside so his other companions could come in. Next was a humanoid thing with a hideous face, whose horns caught on the door, forcing him to crouch down to step inside. Elizabeth's next surprise was a strange skeletal creature on all fours, legs as thin as the bow of a violin carried his giant figure, which could've been the explanation for his scarf, covered in beautifully embroidered musical instruments. The last creature to come inside her door resembled a gargoyle, dull moans coming from mouth on his hip as his batty ears twitched and his wings folded behind him. Elizabeth blinked a few times, recognizing them immediately as demons. They must've been Lorelai's, but she had no idea why they were in her new office. Without another word, the gargoyle pointed towards the papers on her desk, and Liz. The skeleton thing presented itself to Liz, like a steed, and Liz climbed on its back afraid it would crumble under the weight. Surprisingly, it lifted her easily, and trotted out the door. Soon, the other demons came out behind her, carrying all of her tools and other things she had left on her desk. They took her to the garden, and set her down in the central gazebo. They made quick work, setting things up just as they had been, whenever one made a mistake the cat would point its claw in a new direction and they would go to fix it. Elizabeth cleared her throat, and their heads snapped up to meet her. [color=magenta]”Thank you...very much. All of you.”[/color] She waited for them to introduce themselves, but they simply sat down in front of her, looking at each other as if they could communicate with their eyes. Elizabeth had the sudden realization they had no names to introduce, Lorelai had taken them when she had captured them and made them into servants. Feeling a bit bad, Elizabeth commanded them to go to the gardens and play. They did her bidding instantly, and Elizabeth was alone with her thoughts for the time being. [hr]Lorelai leaned back in her chair sighing. Her head swum with figures and calculations. She felt around the pockets of her robe, realizing she'd left her pipe in her office. She stood and opened the window of her room, looking out over the grounds to break the tedium. She was just beginning to wonder how Elizabeth was faring when a knock came at her door. Finally, something to tear her from the banality of plotting. [color=00aeef]"Come in."[/color] [color=00a99d]"Hello Lorelai. Quite an impressive speech you delivered."[/color] The giant slowly pushed the door closed with his heel, then leaned onto the backrest's top edge of the next chair with both his hands instead of sitting on it. [color=00a99d]"Liz wants me to tell you that she loves you."[/color] He smirked. [color=00a99d]"And that she will probably die from the lack of fresh air. Personally, I'd like to add that it would probably alleviate the issue if she stopped burning stuff in her pipe all the time."[/color] [color=00aeef]"She's sweet, and thank you Andri."[/color] Lorelai snapped her fingers, causing several menial labor demons to spring from the walls of her room. [color=00aeef]"Could you displace my sweetheart to the front gardens? With everything she needs of course. Stick around too, she'll need servants."[/color] Reducing Elizabeth's stress was a grave concern for two reasons; Firstly a General performed better when they were clear headed, stress has been the downfall of many a military endeavor. Secondly she loved the woman, and that was self-explanatory. She resolved to retrieve her pipe later, instead she turned to the task at hand. [color=00aeef]"I presume you're here for you armor and lens?"[/color] She walked past the giant on her way to the castle's basement, gesturing for him to follow. [color=00a99d]"That was the second thing on my list, yes. If possible, I'd like to pick it up before attending to my duties. I've been assigned scouting."[/color] Andri followed Lorelai into regions of the Castle unbeknown to him. It was rather hilarious to see how many of Lorelai's steps he covered with only a few of his own. [color=00aeef]"Seems like a good fit."[/color] Scouting would make good use of the giant's paradoxical talent for stealth while not placing him in direct conflict with the hunters that he once called comrades. Yet another impressive foresight on Elizabeth's behalf. Lorelai was becoming more satisfied with her decision by the minute. She lead the hunter down into the bowels of the castle. The oppulent luxury of the upper halls and terraces gave way to roughly hewn stone and dreary torch-light. The steady rhythm of metal work could be heard echoing off of the stone walls, growing lounder with each passing minute. By the time they'd arrived at the forgemaster's door the metal clangs had become nearly unbearable, each resounding through the walls and the frames of the two visitors. Lorelai's knock at the door caused the sounds to fall silent. [color=00aeef]"I don't suppose you've seen an actual giant before have you Andri?"[/color] How deep did this castle go ? The building kept surprising him. Andri had already been thinking about that a sound of metalwork that intense could not be caused by an ordinary blacksmith, but a [i]true[/i] giant had not exactly been on the top spot of his list. [color=00a99d]"Erm... So far people have considered me a giant. So... no."[/color] [color=fff79a][i]I know where this is going. Ask him to present you his spear, perhaps even hit you in your face with it. That would be sooooo fun![/i][/color] Khan didn't get a really satisfying response, at least if one considered a mental 'KHAAAAAAN!'-growl that increased in loudness over time not such a thing. Lorelai smiled and pushed open the small door. Inside was a vast room with a vaulted ceiling. Adorning the walls were racks bearing a multitude of weapons and armors. Each piece was forged with a nearly impossible craftsmanship that far surpassed anything of mortal make. The room was lit by the bright glow of coals from a massive forge built into the wall, sending long shadows across the floor. The centerpiece of the room, however, was its occupant. Standing nearly twenty feet tall, the forgemaster's skin was a deep burnished bronze cracked by long scars. Grey hair cascaded down his immense shoulders in loose tangles. The room shook as he greeted his visitors. [b]"Mistress! Is this the Andri you were telling me about?"[/b] [color=00aeef]"Yes it is."[/color] Lorelai grinned up at the giant. [color=00aeef]"Did you finish the armor I requested?"[/color] [b]"Of course![/b] He chuckled. [b]"I haven't anything better to do after all."[/b] He extended a fist nearly the size of Andri's chest towards the hunter. Laying in its palm when it opened was an exquisite suit of a leather-like material. Stark black, the armor's material seemed much softer than traditional leather. Much to Khan's satisfaction it took only the briefest of glances to realize that fitting this over Andri's frame was going to require... patience. Khan exploded in laughter. Even if she didn't know it, Lorelai had just managed to regain a lot of his sympathy in an instant. [color=fff79a][i]Tell Lorelai I love her! Or I'll poof you out of your clothes again![/i][/color] Andri hesitated, but Khan started to zap his brain, causing a slowly increasing amount of pain. [color=00a99d]"Khan want's me to tell you that he... loves you. So he says."[/color] The hunter spoke this out very fast, wanting to get rid of this sentence as soon as possible. [color=fff79a][i]Now grab the thing and find out if it's tensile! If you continue drinking that much like yesterday, your ass will soon cry for more space![/i][/color] Andri touched the material. Not for Khan, but for trying to distract his attention from his chuckle. In one word: It was amazing. Just by letting it glide through his fingers, the hunter could tell that this would feel better than what he currently had. He smiled towards Lorelai, trying to let a certain topic drop under the table. [color=00a99d]"May I ask what type of leather this is ?"[/color] [color=00aeef]"Nightstalker hide. They're abyssal predators known for their invisible hides"[/color] Lorelai smirked at Andri's earlier comment, but she refrained from commenting. She stroked a finger over the leather, and it seemed to ripple in its wake. It shimmered for a moment, before becoming completely invisible. Another stroke returned it to norma. [color=00aeef]"Khan will teach you how to control that."[/color] [color=00aeef]"It also bears some enchantments that will help it turn a blade much more readily than traditional leather."[/color] She patted Andri's arm, considering his shoulder was too much trouble to reach. [color=00aeef]"It's not quite plate-mail, but I hope it will serve, Andri."[/color] [color=fff79a][i]I want you to try it out, now![/i][/color] [color=00a99d][i]I will have Triss hunt you down for this! I won't give up until she has invaded your little realm and completely torn it apart or at least put so many pervy memories in front of your consciousness that you won't be able to bother me for a long period of time![/i][/color] [color=fff79a][i]Blah blah blah! She would have to find a way in there first! And I could ambush her while she tries to do so! I know what your mind looks like, Andri! Now put it on and search for a mirror! A giant one![/i][/color] One could see that the hunter was battling something inside him. This entire issue had turned out to be a full-scale victory for the demon worm - and he had not only to accept this, but, from a more objective point of view, even grateful for this. And after all, he realized that the armor would make things noticeably easier for him, so it was a damn good thing to have. [color=00a99d]"Want me to try it out right now ?"[/color] he asked Lorelai. [color=00aeef]"Sure, go right ahead."[/color] Lorelai gestured to the door behind her. [color=00aeef]"I'll give you some privacy if you're modest."[/color] Andri lifted the black armor out of Lenny's hand. He would have liked to shake his hand or something instead of just shouting "Thank you!", but given the difference between his giantness and the forgemaster's giantness, attempting this was too likely to be futile. Behind the door, it took the hunter [i]suspiciously[/i] long to get things done. When he came out again, it was obvious why: Andri now looked like a giant, walking, black anomaly inside space that invaded the forge. An anomaly whose every breath was quite visible for everyone as the armor left no doubt about the existence of muscles in Andri's body as well as it left no doubt about the existence of a behind and the area that was on the same height, but on the opposite side. Even most of his face was covered in Nightstalker hide, with the exception of a rather small gap left open around his eyes and his nose. [color=00a99d]"I assume the glasses you've spoken about fill up the gap ?"[/color] He pointed at the area within his face, his voice muffled by the material covering his mouth. [color=00aeef]"How dapper!"[/color] Lorelai giggled in amusement. As funny as it may have looked she was satisfied that it fit and that the man seemed to be able to move around in it well enough. She retrieved a pair of goggles with a black strap and crimson lenses fron a nearby rack. Handing them to the hunter she grinned. [color=00aeef]"They should fade when your armor does. Is everything to your satisfaction?"[/color] Andri played with his fingers, checking if they could move as he was used to as well. [color=00a99d]"To my satisfaction ?"[/color] His tone was like 'Is this a rhethorical question ?'. [color=00a99d]"It is absolutely fascinating, but... Given the current circumstances, I hope you can understand that I won't say 'I can't wait to try it out.'."[/color] [color=fff79a][i]Get to a mirror! I can only tell if it's satisfying when I see the result myself![/i][/color] [color=00a99d]"May I ask a question though ? Why is it [i]so[/i] skin tight ?"[/color] [color=00aeef]"One part to ensure it doesn't snag any underbrush or other debris while you're working."[/color] Lorelai held a straight face for several moments, before descending into giggles. [color=00aeef]"And I'm afraid the second is for my amusement. I hope you can forgive an old witch her whimsy, I swear the first reason was practical."[/color] In this instant, the hunter became glad about the fact that the face mask was hiding the color of his skin, too. Why ? Because both embarrassement and momentary anger had the ability to change it to a bright red. He couldn't help but not say a word for some seconds, just looking at Lorelai and how she giggled. [color=00a99d]"I can absolutely agree on the first one, but the second one gives Khan a total victory. Is it that that gives you this amusement ? How many of the coven's members will now stare at me when I walk along the hallways ?"[/color] [color=00aeef]"Somewhat, yes. Mostly because you seem like the type to be embarassed by these types of things."[/color] Lorelai stated, smiling. [color=00aeef]"Also, as tight as it is I figured you could wear clothes over top of it. Yet another practical purpose, also there's no real need to wear your armor around the coven you know."[/color] She arched an eyebrow at the man. [color=00a99d]"Tell this Khan!"[/color] A bit more loudly, he repeated [color=00a99d]"Tell this Khan!"[/color]. Andri shook his head, not wanting to believe his own expectations. [color=00a99d]"He will most likely torture me to wear it inside the coven, for reasons that are obvious. Difficult times awaiting me..."[/color] His own eyebrows weren't visible anymore, one could only see movement below the black material. [color=00a99d]"Please tell me... What do you know about Khan ? He had seemed to be a bit afraid of you... till now at least."[/color] [color=00aeef]"It would be wise for him to maintain a healthy fear of me. I still haven't forgiven him for the last time he failed me."[/color] Lorelai glared at Andri's head, directly at the spot where the demonic worm was neslted in. [color=00aeef]"For now though I'll stay his sentence so long as he continues working with you, and lays off of his more onerous demands."[/color] [color=00aeef]"As for the rest I'm afraid you'll have to be more specific. Are you looking for his history? 'Biology'? Helpful tips on controlling his... urges?"[/color] Lorelai began leading him back out of the basement. [color=00aeef]"There's not a great deal I don't know about him. Somethings are better left forgotten. Others, however, may prove insightfull."[/color] Khan getting blackmailed - that was fantastic! In fact, after rescuing Liz from Seren's Folly with his power is was probably the second thing to go right with him after all. Andri was close to giving Lorelai a hug for her decisive statements directed at the worm and he was cheering up as they were leaving the basement. [color=00a99d]"I'll cut this short: Tell me everything... I want to know [i]what[/i] he really is. Where he comes from, if he is alone or if there are others of his kind. And... yes... tips about him would be helpful."[/color] [color=00aeef]"First thing to realize is that he needs you as much as you benefit from him."[/color] Lorelai counciled. [color=00aeef]"You can survive without him, and continue to do your work. He, however, lacks the proper anatomy to persue his interests without help."[/color] [color=00aeef]"So keep that in mind when he threatens to eat your brain, or whatever he's saying nowadays."[/color] She laughed. [color=00aeef]"He's less eager to do that as you might think. Keep him happy, as any good partner should, but don't put up with too much of his drivel. Lest he learn to walk all over you."[/color] [color=00aeef]"As for his kind, there are six more."[/color] Lorelai paused for a moment. [color=00aeef]"Khan embodies lust... and trangression as I'm sure you've noticed. Even his teleportation stems from his ultimate disdain for taboo and social norms, as he travels sympathic pathways instead of being constrained by the notion of objective distance."[/color] [color=00aeef]"There is a similar entity for each of the 'seven deadly sins'."[/color] She placed air quotes around the last few words, rolling her eyes. [color=00aeef]"Although I think you've little to worry about from them. They don't get along with each other all that well."[/color] The more Lorelai told him about Khan, the slower Andri's pace got, until the last thing had caused him to stop completely and lean against a wall. He didn't know what 'sympathic pathways' were, nor was he sure about if he really wanted to know how that worm in his head looked like. The story about the seven sins was a real shocker however. [color=00a99d]"So you are telling me that out of the zillions of demons and other things that are lurking down there in hell and up here, I've managed to pick out one of just [i]seven[/i] especially unique ones ? How likely is that ?"[/color] [color=fff79a][i]There! Appreciate me! I'm something very special and you should consider yourself a very special person to have met me![/i][/color] Andri's mind was hit by another shock. What if... [color=00a99d]"Is it possible that there's something unknown about me that could attract the other worms as well ?"[/color] His voice was affected by quite a noticeable amount of fear. Six other terrible entities were waiting somewhere out there... [color=00aeef]"Hmmm... possibly."[/color] Lorelai paused a moment while the shock set in, then she smiled. [color=00aeef]"If that comes to pass though I'll do what I can to ensure you remain whole Andri. You're a member of the coven now, that makes us family."[/color] [color=00aeef]"Maybe I should've just squashed Khan, oh well."[/color] Lorelai motioned for the hunter to pick up the pace. Khan didn't say anything when Lorelai mentioned squashing him. He was afraid, really afraid, but of course he made a top secret out of it. He couldn't have done any worse to his host's mood anyway though as it was plummeting incredibly faster than the hunter had cheered up before. Andri tried to get away from the topic himself, but even as he spoke he could already feel that his attempt would not be much of a success. His face, as far as it could be seen, had turned pale, and his voice dry. [color=00a99d]"Perhaps I should just read through my instructions package and get to work before I get crazy..."[/color] [color=00aeef]"I've always found that to be best."[/color] They'd arrived in the castle proper and came to the intersection between her personal tower and the rest of the common area. Lorelai stopped and turned to the hunter. [color=00aeef]"As I said, you've little to fear. If Khan or any of his 'kin' give you too much trouble come find me and we'll sort it out alright?"[/color] [hr]Evening came sooner than anyone expected, or wanted. The sun kissed the mountains surrounding the castle, bathing the garden in its orange deaththroes, and signaling the end of the first of many busy days to come. No witches lingered in either the halls or gardens, electing instead for private time with loved ones, or simply extra rest. [color=00aeef]"You're going to have to teach me to use one of these someday."[/color] Lorelai rounded the last hedge on her way to the central gazebo. She turned Elizabeth's new whip over in her hands, examining its exquisite make. She laughed and leaned against one of the pillars supporting the roof of Liz's new 'office'. [color=00aeef]"Then again, I'd probably just end up cutting my arm or leg off."[/color] Throughout the day, Elizabeth had taken it upon herself to ease her new demons into enjoying her company. She had given them new names: the cat was Bo, the humanoid was Beebop, the one in charge was Butch, and the skeletal monster was Bob...because she had ran out of ideas. They had all opened up to her, and were passing around a pebble as they shared stories in their strange voices. Bob was turning out to be her favorite, his tone was that of strained violins, and Bo had to translate for him. As Lorelai appeared, all of the demons fell silent, it was apparent that they weren't used to speaking unless they were spoken to. Liz told them to go for a walk, and have fun, and they walked off. Only Bob stayed, trotting around and bellowing in a high pitch. Elizabeth laughed, looking at Lorelai with a passion she had kept to herself all day. [color=magenta]”I could always teach you a thing or two, I used to have a little red ribbon on the dart when I was a child. It tells you where the dart is, to avoid accidents.”[/color] Liz leapt up from her seat, walking over to Lorelai and giving her lover a hug. [color=magenta]”Anything exciting happen to you today? I for one, received four new friends.”[/color] She winked at Lorelai, tilting her head to Bob who screeched a hello. [color=magenta]”Hope you don't mind, I gave them a couple privileges.”[/color] Lorelai's eyes followed the demons with amusement. Elizabeth had a way with people it seemed, and demons were no exception. [color=00aeef]"Do with them what thou wilt, love. They're yours for so long as they please you."[/color] She grinned. [color=00aeef]"Better you than me, in their esteemed opinion."[/color] She leaned up and left a lingering kiss on the huntress' lips. [color=00aeef]"The image of a much younger you playing with a ribbon is stuck in my head now, and I must say it seems adorable."[/color] She layed her head against her lover's shoulder. [color=00aeef]"You should teach the girls, I think they'd love it."[/color] [color=00aeef]"Oh, in some exciting news, Sousiel seems to be enamoured with Miss Felminah. You know her as Triss."[/color] She laughed. [color=00aeef]"I'm not sure who to be worried about."[/color] Elizabeth felt her heart flutter when Lorelai pulled her into a kiss, all the day's stress faded away. She planted a few more kisses along Lorelai's jawline, until her lover brought up training Lotte and Abby with chain whips. She pulled back, smiling at the thought. [color=magenta]”It's best for them to start young, the more they work on it, the better they'll be when the time comes.”[/color] She approved of them learning, she wanted them to be ready for whatever the world threw at them. When Lorelai brought up Sousiel's love life, Liz felt her pale cheeks turn red. [color=magenta]”Oh, she told you? I didn't think she would, but I'm very happy for her.”[/color] [color=00aeef][i]'There it is. That amazing moment where her voice and touch make all the pain dissapear, and everything seem worth it'[/i][/color] Lorelai thought to herself as the stress of the day, deep as it was, dissolved in a flurry of sweet things. Her jawline ached sweetly, her lips burned, and her heart thudded against her chest in harmony with Liz's. The only dark cloud that remained was her concern for Sousiel. That and a small twinge of jealousy, Sousiel had been her first love after all, but that was irrational for the most part. [color=00aeef]"I'm... happy that she's reaching out again."[/color] Lorelai sighed into Liz's neck, planting a few light kisses of her own. [color=00aeef]"I'm just worried that if it doesn't work she'll lose hope for good this time. Sousiel's very dear to me, and I'd go to great lengths to spare her pain. In this though I'm powerless, which is an unwelcome sensation after all these years."[/color] Elizabeth stroked Lorelai's hair, pulling her close as she sighed. The concern for her familiar was evident in Lorelai's tone, but Elizabeth knew very well that somethings weren't meant to be monitored or controlled. [color=magenta]”I can always kill Triss if Sousiel's heart is broken, but for now…I think it's better if we let Sousiel do things on her own. It's a learning process. Is there anything else on your case?”[/color] Elizabeth snapped, and a few moments later Bob moaned out the sound of a violin’s string being plucked. Gathering Lorelai up into her arms, Elizabeth fell back with a gentle plop. She landed on the leathery hide of Bob, who was still about four feet tall when pressed flat on the ground. Bob lifted, taking them into the air and trotting along with a proud flick of his neck. Elizabeth looked down at the beautiful woman wrapped in her arms, and winked. [color=magenta]”Bob makes the perfect accomplice.”[/color] Lorelai'd never admit just how hard her heart flipped everytime Elizabeth lifted her into the air. There was an unexpected sweetness to being cradled, and it was yet another thing she'd never shared with anyone other than her huntress. The waiting steed was an exciting new twist on what was quickly becoming a timeless classic. [color=00aeef]"Perfection seems to follow you, love."[/color] Lorelai let out a girlish giggle as she rested her head against Elizabeth's shoulder. [color=00aeef]"So far I've plotted me and Alphonse's course. Prepared everything we'll need,"[/color] Lorelai ran through her mental checklist yet again. [color=00aeef]"I'm just afraid of homesickness now. I... I've never been homesick before."[/color] She wasn't sure which was more embarassing; admitting that, or burying her face in the knight's shoulder like a schoolgirl to avoid her blush being seen. Elizabeth made a quick mental note to take Lorelai on more rides with Bob, it seemed to be amazingly effective. [color=magenta]”You may think I'm perfect, but if you asked my mom, she’d give you a whole list of things I'm terrible at.”[/color] Elizabeth laughed, amused at the thought of her mother even writing something for her. That was one of her sacrifices, she would never be able to make amends with her family, and she had no idea if it was worth it yet. Her father probably already knew that she had stormed into Seren's Folly and made an attempt at a fellow hunter’s life, she could never imagine his disappointment, or her mother's fear. When the tears began to raise up to meet her eyes, she pushed the thoughts away, focusing on her new family. Lotte, Abby, and the wonderful lady burying her face into Liz's shoulder. [color=magenta]”There's no reason to be embarrassed, Lorelai. Everyone gets homesick, whether they want to or not. Sometimes they miss their bed, other times they miss the people, or maybe just the peace and quiet found in the woods of their home. I'll give you a token, so you can hold it when you feel alone.”[/color] Her eyes sparkled, as a plan formed in her head. She would have Lotte and Abby write their mother a letter, there was nothing Lorelai loved more than them, and nothing that could make her feel happier than a personal gift from them. Lorelai's heart trembled at the mention of Elizabeth's family. Oh how she wished she could meet them, and speak to them as their daughter's suitor properly. Perhaps she'd come to like them, she could easily see enjoying her father's company from the way Elizabeth described him. Some things would have to remain wishes though. The worst thing about the entire situation though, was that the woman was giving up her family to preserve her's. Lorelai just hoped that she'd find her new family worth the price, because as things stood that's all she could offer. Lorelai's heart warmed at the thought of a token. A small representation of Elizabeth's affection, such a simple thing, yet something she'd never have considered on her own. [color=00aeef]"Like a lock of your hair? Maybe something with your scent on it?"[/color] Her face brightened. [color=00aeef]"I would like that very much."[/color] Lorelai's heart trembled at the mention of Elizabeth's family. Oh how she wished she could meet them, and speak to them as their daughter's suitor properly. Perhaps she'd come to like them, she could easily see enjoying her father's company from the way Elizabeth described him. Some things would have to remain wishes though. The worst thing about the entire situation though, was that the woman was giving up her family to preserve her's. Lorelai just hoped that she'd find her new family worth the price, because as things stood that's all she could offer. She looked up at the wonderful woman that had so deftly conquered her heart. Her hand came up to stroke her cheek. [color=00aeef]"I'm sorry Elizabeth. All I have to offer is my love, and the promise of a new family. I hope you don't come to regret it sweetheart."[/color] Elizabeth's eyes widened immensely at the thought of cutting off her hair, she hadn't done that in years. Instinctively, she reached for the tight braid swinging across her back. A couple of inches wouldn't hurt, right? She looked back down at Lorelai, who was so very vibrant, and she knew that her hair was a worthy sacrifice. [color=magenta]”Of course, love, if it keeps you sane in the abyss I'll do anything.”[/color] A very large part of her hoped the hair wouldn't be used in any rituals, but she wouldn't tell Lorelai not to. Lorelai challenged her with the talk about family. Of course, she didn't regret her decision yet, but she had no clue how things would turn out in the future. She leaned into Lorelai's small hand, appreciating the warmth. [color=magenta]”Your love is all I need, Lorelai. Our family is the most beautiful thing I could ask for, Lotte and Abby are endearing.”[/color] [color=00aeef]"You're sweet, and everything I could ask for."[/color] Time would tell how things turned out. For now Lorelai would simply have to hope. She finally tore her eyes away for Elizabeth's divine visage long enough to note her surroundings. [color=00aeef]"Elizabeth? Where are we going?"[/color] [color=magenta]”You're more than I could ask for.”[/color] After planting a kiss on Lorelai's cheek, Elizabeth looked around, they definitely weren't in the gardens anymore. [color=magenta]”I...don't know actually. I thought Bob would just prance through the gardens for a bit.”[/color] She glanced at Bob, who was humming a rather pleasant tune. The demon's head snapped back as he felt her eyes on him, and with a sickening crack his jaw stretched into something close to a smile, but not quite there. [color=magenta]”Where are we going, Bob?”[/color] She asked him, straining to look through the thick wall of trees. The creature screeched, something that could have been an ‘I don't know’ or ‘It's a surprise’. Elizabeth shrugged, letting him guide them. Soon, the trees gave way to a small clearing, full of wildflowers. A lazy river ran through the center, and Bob's voice rang out when he looked at it. Taking the hint, Elizabeth made him crouch so they could safely jump off of his back. The moment they had left, he charged towards the river, his scarf flowing behind him. Elizabeth laughed when he jumped in, sitting down in a patch of blue wildflowers. [color=magenta]”Why are demons so cute? First Sousiel, then Bo, and now Bob.”[/color] She glanced at Lorelai, smirking. [color=magenta]”Oh, and Lady Nocticula, she was one beautiful lady.”[/color] [color=00aeef]"I think that's just you, darling."[/color] Lorelai's eyes followed the demonic steed as it... frolicked in the... [color=00aeef]"Okay, I see it now. Although to be fair it took Sousiel nearly twenty years to get cuteness down, she gave me nightmares when I was little."[/color] She layed her head in Elizabeth's lap. [color=00aeef]"Bob's found us quite the spot hasn't he? It's beautiful."[/color] Their small clearing was bathed orange in the sunset's glow, the orange sun setting just over the treeline. The air was filled with cricket's songs, and the babble of the small sapphire stream running through its center. Even the wildflowers against her back were soft and inviting. Her eyes closed slowly, a smile of contentment curving her lips. [color=00aeef]"Not much light left, love. What shall we do with it?"[/color] Elizabeth ran her hands through Lorelai's soft hair, taking in the refreshing smells of the forest. The day's activities began to wear down on her, and as night closed in, she knew she just wanted to relax for the remainder of their time. [color=magenta]”Not to disappoint, Lorelai, but I say we enjoy the sunset together and be lazy. Then, before we leave, we can partake in some strenuous activities.”[/color] Elizabeth cooed, closing her eyes and laying back in the grass. It swallowed her up, a perfectly soft bed. The wildflowers filled her nose with their wondrous scents, and the crickets lulled her. [color=00aeef]"Napping amidst wildflowers is a time honored lover's tradition."[/color] Lorelai agreed entirely. The day hadn't be easy on her either, between witches protesting her decision and preparations for her expedition fatigue had settled into the woman's limbs. She shifted her head to rest on Elizabeth's stomach, her hand finding her lover's and lacing their fingers happily. [color=00aeef]"A lovely plan dear."[/color]