[i][b]Taris looked around at the walls, at a place he hadn’t been to in decades, the darkness hiding nothing from his eyes. He knew it very well, this place that had never seen light. It was where he was raised. It was where he was trained from birth to be a killer. He hated this place.

A sound echoed further down the tunnel, and he walked off to investigate. Another sound, it was moving away from him, but still closer than before. Whatever or whoever it was ahead of him was leading him up and out, towards the air and light. He started to run. Another sound, clear this time, a bare foot against stone, the rustle of fabric, he was closer now. He kept running, but now whoever was ahead of him was running too. He heard a woman’s laugh and ran harder, the air was clearer now, he was near the surface. Taris rounded one last corner and skidded to halt.

He was in the open now, gazing out at the opposite wall of the ravine that housed the true home of Zerrinomin city. The sky was dimly lit by the stars, the rock wall above him blocking the moon from view. He was home. A throaty laugh came from behind him, “It’s good to see you again, Mirn’zelnen. Or is it Taris, now?”
He turned slowly, as if afraid of what he might see. “Layne,” he muttered.

She smiled, pale ash-lavender skin glowing, violet hair cascading over her back and shoulders. Her red eyes softened as she looked at him and she stepped forward into his arms. Her lips were like fire against his and he broke off reluctantly, “Layne, this is a dream isn’t it?”

She spun away, the curve of her hip entrancing him just as they always had. Her smile was just as mischievous as he remembered, “Yes, and no. I’m a spirit now, remember?” Her smile became sad, “There’s no barriers in the After, like there are above. Simple matter to jump into your unconscious mind. At least it is normally, you’ve been keeping me out.” She held up a hand to forestall his words, “No, I know… it’s still painful for you, and I don’t blame you, Mirn’zelnen. And I know, about her.”
Layne’s form flashed and shifted, and for a moment Aera stood before him. Taris blinked, and it was Layne again. He tried to say something, but she put a finger to his lips. “No, Mir… Taris, no. I’m glad you’re moving on, I’ve wanted to tell you for so long. I love you Taris, but you need to let me go, not just block me out.”
She stepped forward and kissed him one last time, before turning back into the tunnel. Taris started to run after her, but before he could reach the tunnel, a stone slab slammed down, cutting him off.[/b][/i]

Taris sat bolt upright in bed, drenched in a cold sweat. He took a moment to bring his breathing back under control. The elf glanced at the window, judging the time. It must be nearly noon. Taris scowled into the mirror. He got dressed and stepped into Shadow. There was something he needed to take care of.

The assassin came out inside the tunnels of the Thieves Den. Just ahead was the chamber where he’d found Aera the day before. Envy had already spotted him and was swiftly coming towards him as well.
“What are you doing here, assassin?” Envy asked when they were within striking distance of each other.
Taris glared back, “I know you sent him, Envy. I felt him in my head. Never again.”
“I had to be sure you wouldn’t hurt her,” the Kartaian replied.
“She is the only reason I don’t kill you right now.” The assassin turned away, “And you could have just asked.” He opened the shadows again, and stepped through it, back to his flat. He needed a bath.