[Center][h2][Color=mediumpurple]Darius[/color] [color=#BFC9CA]&[/color] [color=lightseagreen]Artemis[/color][/h2][/center]
[color=#76D7C4]Time:[/color] Night
[Color=mediumpurple]Location:[/color] Edena
[color=#76D7C4]Interaction:[/color] [@13org] Myra | [@FunnyGuy] Darius

[hr]
[color=#BFC9CA]Artemis could only stare at Darius with wide eyes. The poor boy was being hoodwinked by these devils here. She stared at his eyes then his hair. As he tried reassuring Myra, she pursed her lips. His voice was panic stricken but he was trying to hide it for their sake, especially Myra’s. He kept referring to a “it,” and a “crystal” he had crushed to “give him a weapon”. Whatever weapon it was, it was not a friend to Darius. She stood up and smoothed her dress down. Arms folded and impassive, she stared at Darius. Skepticism was boiling inside of her but she needed to be calm for him. He was being possessed by something, but what? She didn’t know for certain, but being on Daka had taught her enough about the dark side of the magic in Avalia. She knew it wouldn’t bode well for him. His best interests weren't in the king’s hands. She bit her lip and felt a surge of fury. The only person she had found who seemed genuinely good-nature, was being turned into a weapon to be used against the rebellion.

[color=#76D7C4]”I’m sorry, what are you talking about?”[/color] She would start out small and draw out details from him. She was thinking of enchanting him to tell the truth if she had too. The protein she had eaten was giving her more energy and she was beginning to feel slightly better. Her happiness though, was dampened by whatever this human was talking about. [color=#76D7C4]”What crystal are you talking about, and what are you seeing?”[/color] Her voice was calm and slightly enchanting, though she wasn’t focusing much on it. She went over to the sink when she felt slightly faint from rushing up so fast. Her body and mind were still recuperating from the past abuse she had suffered. She turned the water on and leaned her elbows into it to hydrate herself more. Then, she fixed her gaze on Darius and waited for the human to respond. 

[Color=mediumpurple]"It was small and red. It let me… it let me see some stuff that I still have mixed feelings about. I wish I hadn't seen what I saw, but I wouldn't still be here if I hadn't…"[/color] Darius could tell that Artemis may have known more than he did about the item, so he'd try to share more since it meant he wouldn't have to explain too much on his end. [Color=mediumpurple]"Anyway, I have to speak to Aklenroth about why he would give me this thing [b]before[/b] I agreed to remain in Avalia…"[/color] Darius moved towards Artemis by the sink and leaned against the wall beside her. [Color=mediumpurple]"You seem bothered. If there's something you want to tell me, I'm all ears."[/color]

Artmeis looked at him and bit her lip. Crystals often contained dark magic, or even demons inside of them. She had seen many people with obedience gems, while others were consumed by the crystals. She had watched herself lose friends and even family from these horrible things. She sighed and rubbed her cheek with her hand with stress forming inside of her. When he finished talking, she spoke up. Artemis was going to be blunt and to the point. He needed to know the truth. They would likely punish her and it scared her to death but she couldn't watch him go dark either. The humans weren’t supposed to be here and those fucking Elves brought them. God, she hated elves. Still, Darius had helped save her and she felt she owed him for saving her life. 

[color=#76D7C4]”He did that so you would stay and become his weapon, or for lack of a better word, tool.”[/color] She stared him in the eye with sympathy now. Her heart felt like shattering again. She didn’t have any luck. All she wanted was some peace and that wasn’t happening. This boy needed her help whether or not he wanted it or knew. [color=#76D7C4]”He tricked you. Aklenroth didn’t want to lose you so he could use you against the rebellion. They are likely to have many humans of their own, so having one on his side would be in his best interests. He’s not interested in you; Aklenroth doesn’t care about anyone but himself. I’m telling you this because you need to stop while you're ahead and don’t let it consume you. It is clearly already changing you, judging by your hair, eyes and body. I have been on this island long enough to know what takes place here. Darius I know I just met you, but please take my word for it.”[/color] 

Her eyes filled with sadness as she jumped onto the counter to feel more of the water along her arms. Despite her panic, the water was soothing her. She wanted nothing more than to take this boy and the cute demon away from this land of bullshit and have some peace and quiet. [Color=mediumpurple]"Fuck…"[/color] Artemis had seemed to confirm some of his suspicions. He frowned before taking letting loose a sigh. [Color=mediumpurple]"This is a lot you know?"[/color] He went over her words as he folded his arms at his chest. Concern flooded his face.

Artemis stared at him with a furrowed brow and pursed lips. While he didn’t seem to take it well, he did appear to believe her. The catch though would be helping him without getting herself killed. She sighed heavily and looked at the concern written on his face. [color=#76D7C4]”I’m… I'm here for you.”[/color] Though it was awkward, Artemis opened her arms to try hugging him. It had been so long that she almost forgot how to hug someone. To her surprise he hugged her back. It was not a very affectionate hug as Darius seemed distracted by his thoughts. It was more so a reflex for him to hug her back. Fortunately for Artemis, the awkward gesture was quick and she was able to let her arms drop from him. Being kind wasn’t something she had done in years. Her heart was filled with coldness now, but the light that was Darius was shining through. Innocent people being hurt was something she hated to watch. However, she could care less about most of Avalia’s citizens. Only a few species or friends came to mind. Her cold heart couldn’t take losing someone else, especially someone who was genuinely good. Artemis could care less about the war and serving the lich bitch. It could all burn for all she cared, as long as her friends and loved ones were safe. 

[color=#76D7C4]”I.. I am sorry about your circumstances… I think we should sneak out or catch an amora out of here and go to the city or south to keep us safe. It’s much nicer there and pleasant. You need to get that crystal thing out of you.. Someone in the city could probably help you because nobody here will care except Myra and us.”[/color] She was careful with what she said and kept her words calm and gentle. Her gaze didn’t leave Darius, though she scanned the room for security purposes as well. They were filled with sympathy and concern, which was something she hadn’t felt in years. It felt odd to her to feel it and she was slightly uncomfortable but trying her best for Darius. 

[Color=mediumpurple]"No…"[/color] Darius didn't even look Artemis in the eyes. His thoughts had jumped from moment to moment since stepping foot on Daka. Skar, Myra, Aklenroth, the crystal, the vault, Kol, Edena, Artemis… He shook his head as a way to assure that he agreed with his own answer. [Color=mediumpurple]"Leaving seems easy when you say it, yeah, but that's throwing everything out the window to what? Making it out of the castle at best? Humans are wanted and Aklenroth is the only person with a way for all of us to get back home. They need someone who isn't just going to kill them for cash… amas I mean. And like it or not, that's me right now. People think Aklenroth is lying, but he was about to let me leave with no problem… Sure, he's not a good guy, I'm not stupid, but we both want the same thing. A human-free Avalia."[/color] Darius said plainly. 

Artemis sighed as she listened to Darius. This boy... She rubbed her face again. She didn’t know if it was true that the lich bitch would have let him leave, scott free. There was always a catch with these situations. She turned to face him and leaned against the counter for balance. Artemis was starting to feel lightheaded from standing for so long. [color=#76D7C4]”Your goal is to go home, which I think is admirable at best. You could, and I don’t want to say it, find the elves of the rebellion and ask them to take you home. Aklenroth doesn’t have the DROMS as far as I know but the rebel elves would. I don’t think he would have let you leave that easily. You’re a human and valuable in this world. I can see why you are choosing to stay here, since you would be hunted down and marked a traitor. But do keep what I said in mind, please. I am sure you are smart enough. I will also try helping you out."[/color] 

Then, Artemis fell silent and studied him. The poor boy really thought he could help the humans. Most of them, were, if not already, sucked into the rebellion most likely. What if they wanted to stay or were kidnapped by the black market? Artemis massaged her temples. The ball would be a wonderful place for bloodshed and finding humans/allies. She didn’t know what to expect, but it would be a good start for Darius. She didn’t respond and avoided eye contact. How long would it be until Darius was no longer himself until ‘The Crystal’ consumed him? Artemis wondered what it would be like when, or if, Darius and or Myra, left. Thus, she’d be alone, but free to do whatever she wanted whenever she pleased. It sounded like a dream come true. She glanced over at Myra and then back away. For now she would stick with them. It was better to not get too attached anyway. Certainly being alone was what she preferred and used too….

She then moved to sit on the bed to appease Myra’s keen interest in it and sighed with relaxation. [color=#76D7C4]”Myra love, this is amazing. You have great taste."[/color] Artemis then gradually pushed herself back up and moved to lay on the sofa. Her movements were cautious and slow, and her eyes kept darting around the room. [color=#76D7C4]"Also, Darius, I was wondering if I may use the tub, please? I need to be in more water. I'd like privacy."[/color] She kept a distance from them as well, unsure of what to do or say next. Would she wake up the next morning? Artemis sure hoped so. She didn’t trust anyone in this castle and wanted to leave as soon as possible. Hopefully they could catch an amora to Roshmi tomorrow and get the hell out of here![/color]