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[color=darkred][h1][b]Anu'Varr[/b][/h1][/color]

[color=darkred][i][b]She Who Is Scarred, The Curse Bringer, The Devil Maker[/b][/i][/color]

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Another visit from Elaria had been most unexpected, and so soon no doubt. Now her little devil knelt before her, with something new to discuss. She came with a report that might benefit her, Elaria had whispered, one that was needed to be heard. Anu sat upright in her large, maroon bed. Curled at her side much like a cat, was a sleeping Calli. Her sisters were not present, for indeed they were elsewhere furthering Anu's goals in the world. She knew not when they would return, save that they would in time. For now, Calli would keep her plenty of company.

But less these thoughts dominant her attention, she looked down where Elaria still knelt and bade her to rise. She looked upon her avatar, a being that looked like she did once, in the low glow of a dim fire, minus the scars of course. She held such great power, almost on an equal footing with Calli, but one could seldom compare such powers. Both had their strengths and weaknesses after all, for Calli's strength was physical seduction, and Elaria's was a more subtle approach at the mind and heart. A delicate smile crossed her lips at such a thought, for they were such dutiful servants. 

At last Anu spoke, her voice clear and commanding, [color=darkred]"Come now dear one, tell of your story so that I might listen. I can only imagine it is of importance?"[/color] she asked in but a whisper. 

Elaria shifted her stance and spoke, her strange tone abandoned in front of her Goddess, [color=red]"As you are aware, I was doing as you tasked me when the strangest feeling overcame me- I was being summoned. Not by you, of course, but someone else. Intrigued, I answered and entered into the lands shadowed by Osarion. To my great surprise, a lesser devil had taken it upon himself to call for help. When I saw what the black creature pointed at, I knew right away why it had gone too such a length. It was a magician, one of Dirka's own, trespassing on your land without permission. I-"[/color]

Elaria was interrupted by Anu, her voice now sounding bored, [color=darkred]"I fail to see how this concerns me, dear one. Lesser devils are just that, lesser. Of course it would call for help. Besides, if this magician had tarried longer, he would have died regardless."[/color] After she uttered that, Elaria's face twisted in shame, causing Anu to pause. The Goddess leaned forward with an angry look as she spoke again in a questioning tone, [color=darkred]"You did kill this [i]magician[/i], did you not?"[/color]

[color=red]"N-No."[/color] Elaria whispered softly, looking away from Anu to the floor.

In one quick motion Anu stood before Elaria, towering over the smaller devil. She began to speak in a harsh voice while making Elaria walk backwards, [color=darkred]"Look at me! You let the human go? You let it live? Elaria, [i]my dear sweet[/i] [i][b]Elaria[/b][/i]. How could you?"[/color] She backed Elaria to the wall of her room, and with her right hand she stroked the devil's cheek. In a softer voice she spoke again, [color=darkred]"Speak quickly before I loose my temper, little whisper."[/color]

[color=red]"I meant to kill him! I swear it! Please, I swear it!"[/color] Elaria's panicked voice spoke in a rush. Anu could feel her fear, whether it was a residual effect of the spire or her own intuition, she did not know however. What she did know was that it was a powerful feeling, and she liked it. 

Elaria spoke again, more collected now, [color=red]"Likewise, he called for help my Lady."[/color] Elaria said with fierce look in her eye.

[color=darkred]"Explain."[/color] Anu stated.

[color=red]"I commanded him to forfeit the creatures with him to your name. I commanded him to beg for life, to grovel at my feet. I would have killed him quickly if he had done so, my lady. Instead he turned his back to me, calling me a demon for the second time that night. I should have struck him down then, but my anger was overwhelming and I sought to make him suffer, for death would have been to quick. So I cursed him, using the blood magic you taught me, my lady. Before I could see if it worked, a portal opened and I could feel the full extent of Dirka's influence. They were gone before I could react."[/color] Elaria finished with a dejected voice.

Anu relaxed, feeling both satisfaction and disappointed at Elaria's account. It was reasonable that she might want to inflict greater pain upon one that had insulted her and the Goddess of Devilry. She was disappointed that the human had escaped, by Dirka's blessing no doubt. But what intrigued her more however, was the 'they' in Elaria's phrasing.

[color=darkred]"What came through the portal, Elaria? Who helped him escape?"[/color]

At this, Elaria face lit up, her voice returning to her normal tone. [color=red]"Lady Anu, two golems of crystal and a man. But this one... He felt different. Stronger perhaps? More attuned to Dirka's essence and power. Opening portals is no easy task for man, my lady. One would have to be greatly talented, using some type of power conduit or something more then human."[/color] Elaria finished speaking, leaving Anu with more questions then she had started with.

She gently stroked both of Elaria's arms, a soft smile playing at her lips, [color=darkred]"You are sure this man was human? Could it have been a disguise?"[/color] she asked.

[color=red]"He looked human, my lady. I know not if was a disguise, with it happening so quickly. But I know humans, better then most. If he was not, then it was a clever disguise, but one must take into account that the denizens of the Teeth of Madness, are crazed. Her magicians seldom think before acting, and act unpredictably. I believe what I saw was true."[/color] she finished confidently.

Anu thought for a moment, her mind jumping to conclusions and all of which she did not like. By this time, Calli had awoken and was sitting up on the bed, looking at the two with a curious look. She said nothing however, for that would have been a most grievous mistake. At last, Anu sighed, and looked down at Elaria.

[color=darkred]"A most entertaining story Elaria. I have learned a great amount I must say. For now, go and rest with Calli, I must think on this. You shall be punished later for letting the human go."[/color] Anu began to walk away.

Elaria however, spoke again, prompting Anu to stop and glance at her with a curious eye. [color=red]"My Lady, if I may. The curse I set upon him, if successful, shall eventually kill him, or turn him to a new creature. One with your line of thinking. It was a blood curse, he shall either die or succumb. There is little alternative besides divine intervention."[/color]

[color=darkred]"A most intriguing idea Elaria. Perhaps this warrants further testing? Now sleep, dear one."[/color]

Elaria bowed and made her way, reluctantly to the bed. Calli grinned devilishly as prey approached. Anu left the two of them be however, and left the chamber through two ornate doors. They shut behind her with a resounding boom. She then walked silently through the dimly lit halls of Osarion, until she reached her throne room. 

She walked past her skull throne and without pausing, began her descent into the pool of blood she coveted. She fully submerged herself in the dark liquid, letting it surround her. There she let her mind wander, let herself open to thoughts not perceived with open eyes. Dirka knew better then to send her servants to places they had no business in, especially her land. Had Dirka not told her minions to stay clear? Or had the minion become lost? Either way, Anu did not care. It had happened regardless of either prompt, and transgressions needed to be answered. Though they had made a deal, there was nothing in there little exchange that covered this. 

Then there was the other implication. Did she trust Elaria's word? If she had seen a human man, but had felt something more, then what was she to believe? She knew not. What she truly required was more information, more solid proof. Perhaps that would be Elaria's next task. Her punishment so to speak. Yes that would work.

For now, she would rest awhile in the pool, letting her twisted thoughts dominate her mind for awhile.