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LadyRunic The Laughing Raven

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Arc I - Terreille in Trouble




Location: Winton

"Which is made more difficult by this interloping Warlord Prince perhaps belonging to our Queen." The door opened to Faeril's rooms where she had been treating the Dea Al Mon earlier in the day. Sitting on the bed, Faeril had amused herself with transcribe one of the more ancient of her ancestral books. The delicate fingers inkstained as she carefully phrased each word true to how they were in the decrepid tome. "But until I can look at him myself or Fatima can confirm that bond we can do nothing, so we shall turn our minds to this requirement... Which is what?" The matriarchal woman cast a stern eye on Mikhail as she pointedly ignored Gennar. The Eyrien Warlord was a source of pain for her.

Gennar, to his benefit, did not let the cold welcome of Faeril reach him. He had misstepped and he knew it. "Oh, she- the Priestess- needs to make the black candle. I think the older priestesses stopped making them as another precaution to try and stop the spread of the rotten Queens from reaching Kaeleer. But besides the candle, she just wants Fatima to take a certain Black Jeweled Warlord Prince with her to Kaeleer." His face was stone as he told the Black Widow.

And the pen Faeril had been using dropped onto the page spreading the ink blot for a second before Faeril snatched it up and used her Craft to right the wrong. Her face was still a mask of shock. "Please tell me he misheard?" The Black Widow's voice shook as she looked to Mikhail, her hand shaking as she set the pen aside.

Meanwhile in a lovely dress shop, Linda beamed at Fatima. "New! Silks, satin, a few furs even." The woman seemed slightly startled by the younger woman's appearance, but she quickly pushed away thoughts of what a Hyallian would do if not pleased. It was her job to make customers happy, if the well being of her shop deepened on it? Well, that hardly mattered perhaps. This young Hyallian Queen was with Sybl so perhaps she was not as bad as the reputation would lead Linda to believe. Such was the woman thoughts as she offered for Fatima to follow her over to a wall with rows of neatly folded cloths and small books pinned with snatches of the fabrics. "We keep some of the smaller bits here so we are not forever carrying bolts back and forth. A weary fabric does not make a good dress and we deal with only the best." The robust woman declared with pride as she gave Fatima a critical look. "Perhaps it green or gold would look best with your coloring, though I would hazard it's often so. So why not dress with a lovely cream? We have a fresh batch of fawn fur that would just go lovely with delicate saffron, if it would please the Lady?"

As the owner chatted up Fatima, Jandar would find a smaller girl of perhaps fifteen years pinning up an evening gown on a mannequin in the window. For all her shop discouraged guests coming to her, Linda did need to get clients. The girl herself was a Purple Dusk witch, looking much like the people from Chaillot with her curly blonde hair and big blue eyes. Though there was a terrible scar from a burn that peeked from the neckline of her high collared gown. Smiling at Sybl as the quite man leaned against the wall, the young woman stiffened as Jandar approached her a suspicious look coming into her eyes. "Can I help you find something, Lord, while your Lady is occupied?" The tone was very formal but there was sharpness that warned she would not be taken advantage of.

The streets were quite but as Dareen waited a small figure detached themselves from the shadows with a second, fluffier shadow on their heels. Dressed in a white work shirt that Faeril had acquired and a cap Thom looked the part of any villager. The cap was a help to shadow the all too light hair of a part Glacien. Pausing by Dareen, he stopped to pet the Kindred. "Is Lady Fatima alright?" His voice was soft but worried as he peered up at Dareen. "Dunny was with me when... Well, he smelled Lady Fatima and wanted to see her. But- There's a stranger?" The Kindred stirred the dusty with a long tail, his narrow muzzled pointed towards the door as he bared his teeth in what could possibly be the doggy smile if the ears were not pinned back in disapproval.
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Winton


Mikhail entered Faeril's room in silence as she spoke. Indeed, it was like she said. Until Fatima could confirm the bond she felt with Sybl, they could do absolutely nothing but to wait. That didn't meant that it wasn't risky though and Mikhail himself didn't like to work with assumptions. Either he trusted Sybl or he didn't. Thankfully, he wasn't going to be alone with Fatima. As Fatima changed subjects, asking about the requirement the old priestess talked about, Mikhail was starting to open his mouth to speak before Gennar started explaining to her. The moment he finished, it became clear due to Faeril's expression that she wasn't expecting that answer.

"Unfortunately, Faeril, it is as he said." Mikhail said with a heavy sigh, a clear indication that he was equally unsatisfied with the old priestess' requirements than Faeril was.

"The candle isn't the problem but... We can't afford to have that black jeweled warlord prince with us... At least not the way he is right now." he continued.

"Volatile, unpredictable, he is a black jeweled warlord prince that might not even feel the pull towards Fatima. He has absolutely no reason to be our ally, just like we have no reason to trust him. Convincing him to come with us will already be a problem and even if we do, it would be akin to walk around with a bomb that could explode at any moment..." he said with a serious tone.

"We need a very good measure to put him under our control before we can even consider taking him. The risk would be too great if we don't." he finished, looking to Faeril in a manner that, despite his lack of words, suggested that she could be the one to create such 'leash' to keep SaDiablo under control.
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Outside the Dress Shop


Dareen stood straighter as Thom and Dunny approached, bracing herself for whatever words were coming her way. This kid...the one in the alley that she had acted like a total fool around. What was he doing here? Wasn't Faeril supposed to be watching over him, or something? There was a tense discussion about him. One that the Pruulish witch had little stake in, and she didn't want any stake in.

He seemed to be here on Fatima's behalf, of course. The dog wanted to visit.

Dareen pushed herself off the wall and went a little closer to the door, putting up her palm to ensure the two young beings didn't enter the building. Could Sybl hear them through the wall?

"Fatim-" Dareen began a little loud, and lowered her voice and her upper body. "Fatima is busy right now, okay, kid? She's meeting with someone. It's---it's special business. Don't worry about it." She looked to the dog.

"Don't go in there." She whispered harshly to Dunny with a point. Then she glanced back to Thom. "Just lay low, kid, it's fine. Now get outta here." She pointed back to the shadows from which he had appeared. Street kids were good at vanishing. If she could count on him to do anything right, it was that.
Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by SilverPaw
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Jandar Varan
Winton

“Merely some business talk if you don’t mind,” Jandar replied, brow politely raised. The woman was prickly, and had a burn wound on her neck; perhaps the two were correlated or perhaps this was just the natural wariness of the town-folk amplified because the threat felt was greater when confronted by someone. Such a peachy town, truly.

“I am curious about this town’s imports and exports. General information or even things relevant just to your shop are alright. I’m looking into some opportunities for trade, since I often work for my uncle who is also a merchant,” he explained. “Though if that topic is not to your taste,” he added, aware the young attendee might not wish to reveal much or perhaps didn’t even know, “then you could simply help me pick out a new attire. Some of my outfits are getting a bit dated, I believe.”
Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by LadyRunic
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Arc I - Terreille in Trouble




Location: Winton


Faeril sat listening carefully to Mikhail while the Dea Al Mon spoke. Her lips were thin and her skin pale. Whatever she had been expecting, hearing that they would be tangling with that one had not been a part of her plan. Oh, she knew sooner or later they would need to get the infamous Warlord Prince on her side. Closing her eyes slowly, she debated on what to tell Mikhail before giving a reluctant sigh. "We cannot afford to leave him. For all his violent nature- which I might remind you is a part of the caste he is from- he will feel the pull to Fatima just as she and I feel the pull to him." The Black Widow ran a hand through her dark locks.

"What pull? Ashke?" Gen's voice was sharp with worry as he narrowed his eyes. He did not like the tone of regret and reluctant defeat in Faeril's voice. She was not one to take news like she had already given into it.

The Black Widow tilted her head and nodded slightly. "It's complicated. I only know now, because I stumbled across it the tomes. Mikhail, seeing as you signed up for experimentation by some two-mark witch, let me explain a bit of the Hourglass to you." The woman gestured and the room filled with a shield of her own power. A risk, but one that was needed. "Black Widows are a natural phenomenon. Most are born so, but there are ways to create them. Something which should, and will be, lost to time if I have my way. The Hourglass is our coven, unlike any other. Most will be a group of relation and friends or a court centered about a Queen. The Hourglass is the Sisterhood of the Black Widows and it spans all the Realms."

"All the- You do not mean-?"

It seemed Gen could not help interrupting, Faeril gave her friend an annoyed look. "All the Realms. Terreille, Kaeleer and, yes Gennar, even Hell. The Dark Realm." While the living occupied both the Lighter Realms, Hell was the realm for the dead. Where the legends of demon-dead came from. Where the hell-hounds lived with harpies, those witches who died violent deaths. It was all in the tales children were told, but there was a subtle fear of it that resided in most people. The land of the dead was no place for the living. "But we're speaking on The pull and Black Widows, and why we are getting the Black to join us." Faeril continued, her tone clipped as though this wasn't a discussion she wanted to have. "Only women have even been part of the Hourglass, until we initiated one boy. A Black Jeweled, boy. No, I do not believe it was Saetan Sa Diablo. The book outdated even it's creator's hand so I would hazard it was his father. Either way, we had a High Priest of the Hourglass. Our loyalty was to him as his was to us. It was the same with Sa Diablo when he took the title. Which I will bet you my wings is the reason that bitch Queen wanted us gone. Our support and aid shrivelled up and unable to help him." Faeril pinched her nose. "Mikhail, we must take the Warlord Prince who is also a Black Widow with us. We have no choice, and only Fatima can hope to control him. If she wishes to control him at all. I am starting to be convinced things are not exactly as they seem with the Queen's pet."

The shop was a riot of movement as Fatima was piled high with dresses and different options. But there was something that could not just sit right with the little Queen. But Dareen saw a lucky break, just as Thom and Dunny disappeared into the shadows a young courtier came hurrying by, his face pale white as he rushed in the direction of the Queen's Residence. Jandar was having a good time of getting the information out of the young woman when she saw he wanted to chat to stave off the boredom. Light came into her eyes and her wary nature dropped considerably as she told him of the local exports of fish and pearls. The sea seemed to be the largest bounty in Winton, but as for imports? "Anything that doesn't come by sea. Honestly, we get more imports for paper, jewelry and such. The Aristo like it but a lot of the shops are struggling with all the gifts-" The young helper caught herself and blushed. "Ah, my apologies. We do export olives as well." She continued on the crops that were grown about Winton. Olive, grapes, anything that could be grown successfully so close to the coast.

It was right when they were getting ready to leave when a thread of sorts tapped against Sybl's mind "I do not suppose you would be able to slip away, Prince Syble? I am hardly in the mood to deal with that pompous, cruel bitch of a Queen and I believe one of her little psychopaths already saw me on the beach." The cool tone of Saetan slide against his mental walls, yet there was a weariness to that tone. "Laska was such a lovely darling, but I don't think I'd do well being shaved."
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Winton


Mikhail heard in silence as Faeril began to talk. The further he was dragged into Faeril and Fatima's problems, more complicated things got. Things which normally, in his 'previous' life, would never be an issue nor Mikhail himself would even care about, were important points. Forced to deal with things he abhorred, such as castes, courts and the very same phenomenon he tried to avoid and flee from... The pull. Ironically enough, said phenomenon could prove to be a boon to his and Faeril's cause... As long as Saetan SaDiablo felt said pull towards Fatima, of course... Which... Strangely enough, was a subject Faeril herself pointed out while talking... Apparently, there was more to it than what both Mikhail and Gennar previously thought, at it was obvious by both Mikhail's expression and Gennar's interjection.

The moment Faeril mentioned the Hourglass, Mikhail's expression almost immediately became darker. The Hourglass was shrouded in mystery. Knowing little about it's inner workings, he only knew how dangerous a Black Widow could be. Hence why he usually avoided those unless strictly necessary. As Faeril began explaining more about it to Mikhail, his expression clearly indicated that he was paying close attention to her words. As she mentioned how Black Widows, which normally were a natural occurrence could also be artificially created, Mikhail raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by what Faeril was telling him. Not only that but the fact that the Hourglass was a coven of it's own, which extended itself through all the realms was another important information.

The things Faeril told him next made Mikhail seriously worried after realizing that the situation he was now part of was much bigger and more complicated than he had previously thought, to the point that a lone assassin such as he would never, willingly, put his nose inside such a big problem. After being told by Faeril that not only Saetan SaDiablo was also a Black Widow only made him an even more threatening existence and to make it worse, one they had no choice but to take with them.

"This... This is bigger than what I had imagined..." Mikhail said with a grim tone and a heavy sigh.

"Faeril, does the Hourglass still have complete control over the process used to artificially create Black Widows?" he asked, in a serious tone. It didn't need much more for Faeril to understand why he was asking such question. If the answer was no, then it wouldn't be unlikely to exist rogue groups of Black Widows, which could possibly bring a lot of chaos if they aligned themselves with the wrong people.

"Regarding Saetan... We can only hope Fatima will be able to control him. He is much more dangerous than we previously thought. Unfortunately, as you said, we have no other choice but to take him with us..." he said, sighing.

"Fatima already met the black jeweled warlord prince before. Any idea of how we might find him again?" Mikhail asked, looking both to Faeril and Gennar.
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Outside the Dress Shop


Dareen had successfuly warded the boy and his dog away from the dress shop. It was a good thing she was standing out here, then. Had they entered the shop, Fatima might have had to come up with an excuse. The fewer lies one had to tell, the better, right? Dareen didn't know much about this social engineering shit but that's what common sense dictated. Standing up straight, she remained casual as an aristocratic figure rushed past. The courtier reeked of aristocracy. No doubt a servant of the Queen Alice. Thankfully he rushed blindly on, no doubt under pain of punishment were her to fail whatever task he was undertaking.

"Heh," Dareen chuckled grimly. "I know the feelin', kid." She mumbled to herself. Adjusting, she re-crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. Quietly taking in the sights of the city around her, on the lookout for more trouble. Hopefully she wouldn't see anything. The last thing she wanted to do was get into a fight because Fatima wanted to buy some stupid dresses. Or was pretending to want to buy some stupid dresses. She couldn't quite tell, so she really didn't want to fight anyone because she didn't even know why. If there was one thing Dareen Kahina was sick of doing, it was fighting people for no reason.
Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by eclecticwitch
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Location: Linda's Shop




She could hardly keep up with the woman as she piled her arms high with clothes. So many different types of fabrics brushed her arms and face. It was sensory overload. And that wasn't even to speak of all the colors! She felt dizzy from it all. She had to use a bit of Craft to keep from buckling under the weight of the treasures.

Fatima was then urged and rushed into a fitting room - a literal room in which to try on all of these lavish clothes. She felt uncomfortable being in there alone with Linda but was not keen on having either man in the room either. She did not see Dareen in the building, having her there would have made her her feel less exposed while she became more exposed, as it were.

Of course, she was just being a tad silly. There was nothing to fear from Linda. And Jandar was there in the store. The shopwoman was unlikely to pull a knife on her. In fact, the worst wound she could expect from the woman might be to accidentally get stuck with a pin. Perhaps a small way the townsfolk could fight back against the Aristo. Or perhaps they would be too afraid of retaliation to even do something that could truly be a mistake.



Location: Winton - Linda's Shop




Sybl was enjoying watching the little Queen flit about and talk fabrics with the shop woman. Especially found it quite adorable when her arms were quite overloaded with cloth. She took it so charmingly. Not a complaint. She didn't call for him to come carry the clothes for her though he would have gladly done so. She was quite singular.

A knocking at his mind's door called him from his thoughts. He listened without any outward sign that something was disturbing his peace. The psychic scent surprised him and that surprise passed back along the thread as the connection was made.

'It is not her, dear friend. This one is different. I could spare a moment. What do you need?'

”Not her?” There was silence before the mental voice of the Black spoke against with a hint of less an edge and curiosity. Pain traveled down the connection. Something Saetan wouldn’t allow if he could help it. "I am in need of assistance, but who are you with then?”

'She calls herself Fatima. She is a Queen without a castle. You are hurt?'

"A Queen without a castle?" Without a court? "Laska was less than pleased by my excellent tongue. Especially when I noted her for what she was." Was. Was no longer. But there was no hiding the pain and curiosity that shook the bond between the two men.

'Aaaah, well. When one dabbles with fire… I am her escort in town, I cannot leave her without it becoming suspicious. Where are you?' But, truly, he did not wish to leave her. The despair of that thought sang along their psychic thread.

“There is a cave down on the beach. That unpopular spot…” Which was unpopular because that was where the Blood had been drowned for ‘disloyalties’. No one knew outside of the Court, but the feel was there and thus the townspeople avoided it.

'I shall come directly. I must excuse myself first.' With that he broke the thread. He did not think to excuse himself to Jandar or Dareen. That was not how things were done. He approached the fitting room door and knocked politely.

“I’m decent,” came the call and so he opened the door. He had to stop a moment for the pale cool blue, nearly grey gown of taffeta that she wore was stunning. There were deeper grey pipings on the dress and black embroidery along the skirts. She shimmered. With a smile, he closed the door and approached Fatima.

Bowing deeply he said, “I’m afraid I must leave you.” His voice was horribly cracked now and the words pained him deeply. He straightened and coughed. Sybl felt the gentle brush of her mind against his. It was like warm summer rains come to soothe him. He readily allowed it entrance.

‘Let us speak this way, I am sure it is easier for you.’ She folded her hands in front of her and Sybl was refreshed by her kindness.

‘Yes, thank you.’

‘What is calling you away so soon?’ The tone he heard from her voice, that coquettish whine did not match the calm energy of her mind’s touch.

‘My humblest apologies, but I must see to a friend in a bit of trouble.’

‘Trouble?’

‘Yes, do not worry. He shall be fine. I will return soon.’

‘Do you need a healer? I am well versed in the arts.’ He thought on this moment. He wasn’t sure how well Saetan would take the young woman appearing alongside him. But Sybl knew himself to be no healer. His only balm and potion being alcohol. He sighed.

‘I’m afraid your entourage will not be welcome. And you might not be as well. He is a private man.’

‘Private or not, if he is in need of help I am poised to offer it.’ The stern and collected way she was speaking with him now was so very different and took him off guard. His brows furrowed as he surveyed her. What was this little lamb of a Queen? She was unlike anything he had ever experienced. How delightful she should be his.

‘Alright, I will take you. I just hope your hounds do not do me grievous harm.’

‘I wouldn’t let them.’ He doubted she could keep them from hurting him but, regardless, he had a friend to attend to. And a chance to see what his Queen could do. He passed Linda a handful of coins, scooped the tiny Queen into his arms, and used a site shield to hide them both from prying eyes. He exited a back way, thrilling in her arms around his neck and, for to make haste, he ascended into the air as if climbing a flight of stairs to the sky. She gasped and her pure ecstasy of it tickled him.

“We’re flying!” She exclaimed.

‘No, just walking on the air. I have no wings,’ his tone was bemused and he looked down but her face was turned away, looking out across the vast ocean. And Sybl knew, in that moment, as the salty breeze tousled his hair and brushed her across his face, that he would die for this woman. For she meant change.



Location: Winton - Linda's Shop




Before being entirely whisked away Fatima sent Jandar and Dareen a simple message.

'Someone needs help. I will be back soon. Worry not.'

Naturally, they were going to be very worried. And very, very cross with her. But as it stood, she could not leave someone in need if she could help them.
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Jandar Varan
Winton

“As expected of a sea town,” Jandar nodded amiably. He had no idea what the witch had meant by ‘gifts’ but didn’t dare ask about it and come across as ignorant, since the way she said it, it seemed to be common knowledge. “I must try some good seafood recipe when I get the occasion, then. Any recommendations?” After her answer, Jandar noted Fatima and Sybl left the premises, and excused himself. “Ah, lovely talk, but My Lady seems to be finished, and I must leave as well. Thank you for the chat,” he nodded in goodbye and exited the shop, looking for the escaped duo.

“Dareen? Did you see where they went? They just left all of a sudden a–” Jandar stopped mid speech as he received Fatima’s mental message. “That fucking snake, he lured her somewhere as soon as he learned of her helpful nature,” he hissed, enraged. The Warlord was as angry at himself as he was at both Sybl and Fatima, the former for having taken his Lady and the latter for being still so damnably reckless. “I’m going after them,” he growled. Of course, since they were using a sight shield – and, not that he knew about it, also flying – that would be a tad difficult. He concentrated on the connection between him and his Queen, and attempted to follow. He had a tight hold on his Craft as well; if he sensed the sight shield and got an opportunity to break it, he would do so.
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Outside the Dress Shop


Dareen turned to Jandar, who asked her if she had seen Fatima. She was about to say no, she hadn't when both of them recieved a message. Dareen's first inclination was not to be worried at all, and she was about to quip "Well, that explains it," when Jandar grew very upset.

In the past, when she was very briefly assigned watch over Fatima, Dareen simply looked away. When they were in the middle of a battle and Dareen was the ranged support of the group, Fatima had been told to stay behind her. The archer at the time had assumed that that was where Fatima wanted to be, and thus focused entirely on her archery. She didn't suspect that Fatima would actually want to get closer to the battle. It had tickled her then, as it did now as well. At that moment, she wondered if Fatima ever got sick and tired of hearing how much she was different from the other Queens. Well, it was true. No other Queen would escape from their own protection detail to help out the friends of an ally to our enemy.

Phrasing it like that made Dareen worried. Sybl was not to be trusted. Not yet, anyway...right? At the same time, Fatima wasn't an idiot. And she didn't seem the helpless type. This would be the third time, to Dareen's knowledge, that Fatima had run off somewhere while she was supposed to stay in one place.

Dareen chuckled quietly, to herself, shaking her head as Jandar threw himself into an angry search. "Well, I'll help, too," Dareen said. "If you didn't notice them either, they must have gone out a back door." Dareen surmised, at this moment much calmer than her male counterpart. The mercenary travelled through the shop, lightly pushing the door open. She scanned the environment for sign or trace of Sybl and the precious Queen.

The dusty and sandy covered cobblestone meant tracks, if very rough ones, might be able to be found. Certainly not as useful as freshly printed desert dunes. Conversely, most people didn't think to cover their tracks if they were on cobblestone, so there was a give and take. Dareen knelt down and narrowed her eyes, rubbing her chin. She found one pair of fresh foot prints, far too big to be Fatima's, take one step, two steps, and then...nothing. Dareen's index finger traced them, before she moved all of her fingers in a whimsical, disappearing gesture. "Hmm." She hummed.

"This is just a guess, but there's one fresh set of rough tracks that only goes out a few steps." She narrated to the air, so Jandar could hear if he wanted too. "Then, nothing. So maybe he flew away, or something." Dareen studied the ground a few more moments before casting her eyes upward. No sign of them. Either he was fast, or he could cast a sight shield. Really, she could be looking at them right now, and she wouldn't know. Dareen waved goodbye to the empty sky, hoping Fatima could see her distant form.

Her smirk vanished however, when she noticed something peculiar. A dog's tracks...followed by a small set of footprints. They were headed off, determined. Dareen rubbed her face, groaning slightly, that turned into another chuckle at her own expense. How embarassing. Thom and Dunny must have cirled around and continued watching the shop. That dog could probably track Fatima through Hell and back. Fatima was, to be honest, fine with Fatima vanishing off on some whim. But if that kid followed her and got into trouble...ugh. Kids were so annoying. The worst part is, Dunny was probably their best shot at finding Fatima. She knew from experience that a hound's sense of smell was one of the best ways to find somebody you've already come into contact with. Well, "hound" was a strong word, but the pup would have to do.

"Look," Dareen indicated the pair tracks to Jandar. Her voice was even, and casual. "I, uh, saw Thom and Dunny earlier. They wanted to see if Fatima was in trouble. I shooed them off, but it looks like they stuck around. Now, I wonder if they're following Fatima from the ground." Dareen rose to her feet.

"And they probably didn't tell us, because, y'know, I told them to go away." She admitted. Dareen began to follow the tracks. She was tempted to start broadcasting a message to them, but her low jewel level meant it might get picked up on by anyone nearby. She didn't want to throw Thom and Dunny under the bus and alert any unwanted guests. So instead she picked up the pace and followed the tracks as far as they went, hoping to catch up and have a conversation with the inseperable pair.

"The tracks head this way. Thom and Dunny might be able to help us, if they're already going after her." Dareen said. "Or, it might just be some random girl and her cat. Hopefully, I'm not that rusty yet."
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Arc I - Terreille in Trouble




Location: Winton

Faeril considered the questions carefully as she traced a finger over her hand in a random pattern. "Any member of the Hourglass, any Black Widow who knows how could make another a Black Widow and train them. A dangerous process and not one anyone would undertake lightly. However, I will tell you now Mikhail. I do not believe anyone would create an army of my kind. Black Widows are dangerous and hard to control, especially if the Queens wish to remain in power." If it was only a Queen behind this corruption, though Faeril did not say such. There was no need to bring more worry upon the man. "I have no idea, where he would be other than where you saw him last Mikhail. Gen?" The large Eyrien Warlord shrugged in agreement. For all he was trying to remain impassive, he was worried about having to find the infamous Warlord Prince. The Black was the strongest jewel and would be a terror to try and force. Shaking her head, Faeril sighed and leaned in her chair. "I wish I knew more of what happened when Fatima did meet him. I should have questioned her."

The sky above Winton was peaceful and from the top down it looked like a child's dream. Colorful roofs that could use a fresh layer of paint from the weathering, but that was still pleasant to the eye. The roads winding towards the market cut clear out in their well used paths as they wound into the hills or trailed along the coast. The white sand of the beaches a pleasant border to the crashing blue-green waves. Winton was the picture of the idyllic life that anyone would seek who wanted a lovely seat by the sea. No one seemed to notice the pair as Sybl walked them over the city towards the darker cliffs that held a pristine white beach protected from storms.

The sand was a fine grain, but there were not the depressions of regular use. The sandcastles from children could be seen further from the small town. A good walk, but not unreasonable. This cove to Fatima felt slightly off. Something was unclean about it. As the waves gave their gentle song against the shore, Fatima couldn't see anything out of place. But the few poles sticking out of the sea which might have secured a dock at one time. The path leading up the steep slope was well cleared and neatly paved, but a smaller path wound out from it along the edge of the beach and cliff towards a small depression that was in the base. If she looked closer she might see it was a small cave made by the pummeling waves into the weakened rock. Around it was scattered boulders and slabs of stone that looked to have fallen from the slight overhang above.

Within the cave, Saetan stiffened. He felt a familiar presence and was torn between wanting to see what had come to the beach and retreating further into the cave. As it was, he was in one of the carved stone benches that some Queen had put in the cave for entertainment. When it was in use by one of those twisted bitches, it would be cleaned beforehand and softened with cushions. As it was the stone had been dried by this Craft and his coat, now ruined, was serving as the only cushion. Raising himself up on his elbows, he glanced towards the entrance before twisting to sit up. Wracked with pain he couldn't quite hide it from his Sending to Sybl. "Who did you bring?" The Warlord Prince certainly did not bother to hide the annoyance in his tone as he crooned, "Sybl... You know I do not care for Queens. I can smell her from in here." And he did not want to be found and betrayed while his back still felt raw from the beating and whipping from Laska. A distraction he had paid well for. Yet Laska had only grown more furious as he refused to accommodate her sick wishes and increased the torment til Saetan had been unable to bear it.

His chest and back was a mess of cuts, deep and shallow, some infected some not. His hands were bruised and cut from the guards, his wrists and ankles showing the wear of restraints. Old blood stained his skin, but most of it was hardly his. He had made sure Laska's court would be remembered. Their bodies twisted and ruined, while Laska sat with terror stretched across her face as she was twisted in the agony his poison induced. He had used all his skill to prolong her suffering, and he had reveled in it.

As Dareen followed the tracks of Dunny and Thom, she soon found the 'hound' leading the boy out of a dead-end alley. Spying the Pruulish witch, Dunny wagged his tail and gleefully moved to jump on her. Then he saw Jandar and felt the rage rolling off the Warlord. Pausing the young Sceltie looked a bit puzzled. *Dareen! We were following the strange 'in air' trail, did we do something wrong?* Jandar's anger was worrying the young Sceltie and Dunny was not very positive he wasn't doing something he wasn't supposed to. Thom looked between the three and remained silent, thinking better than to say something that might or might not confirm either way.
Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by eclecticwitch
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eclecticwitch The Effervescent

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Location: The Secret Cove




Fatima was feeling hesitant. Her stomach rolled with the psychic scent of the place. It wasn’t right here. She clung to Sybl’s arm as he placed her feet into the soft sand. She would have loved to take off her shoes and run into the waves. But this was a solemn place. She turned her eyes up to Sybl and then to the mouth of the cave. Therein lay something hiding from her sight, something powerful and masked. And for the first time since they had left, she wondered if she made the right decision.

Sybl was feeling awfully commanding at that moment. His dear Queen clung to him. And though he did not like to see her in such a state of discomfort, he took secret glee in that he was her safe place. He felt the insistent, sharp message from Saetan and that glee deflated. Ah yes, there was the bear to contend with. ‘She is a healer, and from the smell of things you need one.’ His tone was breezy and he tried to show, through feeling along the psychic thread, that there was nothing for Saetan to fear from his little Queenling. He turned his eyes down to Fatima. ‘Come with me,’ he said as he lead her toward the mouth of the cave.

‘It doesn’t want me,’ came her shaky response and he immediately put his arm around her shoulders pulling her close. The fear he felt on her was boiling his blood in a way he could not recognize. His senses became sharp and he felt anxious - too much energy with no outlet.

‘It will be alright,’ he soothed. ‘Calm down a little, you are terrifying her. She is just here to help.’ There was a slight sterness in his tone, a bite to his voice he had never used with Saetan before. It came from that odd, clawing animal inside of him of which he knew not how to control.

Within the cave came a sharp intake of breath as the two drew near. While Saetan could only make out the outline of Sybl and the woman, he knew that scent. It stank of fear, but it had then too. Fear and outrage. ”Help? Her?” He spoke aloud that time, his voice bitter as he narrowed the golden eyes in slight disbelief. Sybl was not one to be caught unaware by a Black Widow and in truth, Saetan had been stunned by the younger Warlord Prince’s sharp words. ”Did you bring her ‘cousin’ along as well? He seemed keen to put a knife into me. I might even welcome it this time around.” It was unkind to say such, but Saetan was in a great deal of pain. Which was because he had caused a distraction so the little Queen hanging on Sybl’s arm could get out of that bookshop without Laska calling for her head. Not so she could walk into another mess! Had he misjudged her so badly?

Fatima thought she recognized the voice and the psychic scent but things were so mixed up here she was having a difficult time deciphering anything. It all felt so very wrong. And she was absolutely not wanted. Maybe she shouldn’t have come? Silly, foolish girl. She always said she was going to be good and not just run off but as soon as the moment of truth came what did she do? Run right into danger. It was amazing she was still alive, quite honestly.

‘Cousin? No, I’ve brought no one else.’ They stood at the mouth of the cave, darkness dwelling in its depths. He created a link between the three of them so what he spoke to one the other could hear - as if he were to speak aloud.

“I promise I’m not here to hurt you. Let me help please.” She spoke softly, pulling away from Sybl. The action set him on edge, she could feel him tense up and he made a feeble attempt to keep her close. But he did not restrain her. She took a few steps into the cave, her eyes slowly adjusting to the darkness. And there he sat, the Black. Her breath hitched and she took an involuntary step back as if she had been slapped. Fear coursed through her veins and her heart screamed for her to bolt. Run. This man would mean her death!

But the healer inside of her, the part of her head which controlled the irrational self, said that she needed to stay. So she calmed her breathing and took the step forward again. He was a mess, that much she could tell. “I should probably change, I don’t want to get the beautiful new dress you bought for me to get soiled.” She turned and smiled at Sybl. “In the meantime could you get a fire going in here? I shall return shortly.”

‘As you wish,’ Sybl said before setting about to collect bits of driftwood.

Saetan was a bit stunned by the change in attitude. The Queen he had met had been, to put it bluntly, hideous. True, he had suspected it to be a disguise though what troubled him more was the spell he felt coiled around her. A lure cast by a Black Widow to draw a Court to a Queen. To bind a Court to a Queen, but why would anyone-? He watched, unable to get a word in edgewise as the woman sent Sybl off to collect wood. The spell was wrapped about her as it had been with the ‘cousin’. Not a binding, but a lure for certain. How often had he used them himself? Though his was more of a romantic nature. Not this subtle game of angling. Fishing. ”Little Queen… What Black Widow wove that spell-?” The words were strained as he pushed himself up again, needing to see what the strange Queen was doing. More than to just see what she was doing, if he was honest with himself. But this entire set up stank of a trap.

She went off to someplace she felt was private and vanished the beautiful grey dress from her body before summoning much more simple garb. Cotton trousers in dark brown and a loose tunic in soft green. It was cinched at her waist by a leather belt. She went barefoot. No need for shoes in the sand. She came back as Sybl had begun to kindle a fire. She had grim determination set on her face. She would help him, no matter what it cost her own being. But she was NOT going to like it.

She lifted white gold eyes to meet his gold before averting them quickly. “What spell?” she asked as she summoned the trunk of her arts to her. “I’ll need you to undress.” Her tone was even but her heart was thumping madly. He terrified her and she would have to touch him. He could kill her stone dead.

Calm.

She breathed deeply and began rummaging through her trunk. When she lifted her eyes again she found he had not done her bidding. The sharp healer’s tongue left her lips before she could stop it. “Undress, I promise you’ve not got anything I haven’t seen before.” The sharpness of the tone was lent power by her fear. Breathing again she decided she should add some levity to the situation. Everything was less scary if you laughed at it. “If you do, I’ll throw a stick at it. Fair?”

Throw a stick at it? Was this woman insane? Most likely as she wasn’t running in fear. ”I’d rather you not throw anything at me.” The large man growled in annoyance, pushing himself so he was sitting fully and began to unbutton the dress shirt, though Fatima could see the blood that ruined it. As he lowered it from his arms, the shredded back and shoulders were seen. His chest was not much better off, though the wounds seemed done with a knife rather than a whip. Blood seeped from the wounds while he arched a brow. ”I can assure you, they did nothing lower. Unless you would like to inspect there as well for any wounds?” His words were tart and unamused as he frowned deeply. ”You are a pawn in a Black Widows game and do not know it… Perhaps Dorothea put you as a lure for me.” That would explain it, but what of her cousin or Sybl? Those pulls were also there, but he had no interest in either man. Still he watched the Healer-Queen’s face for any hint that she knew more than she said.

The sight of his wounds caused a pang of empathy in her heart which mightily drove back her fear. She picked up the ruined shirt and tossed it into the flames. “No, I’ll believe you. It is your own fault should your… organ become infected then.” A joke? She wasn’t rightly sure. She didn’t like the way he was asking her about Black Widows. It put her friend in jeopardy to even speak of her. From the trunk she pulled a cloth and doused it in a sharp smelling liquid before approaching him. “I am so sorry but this is going to hurt.” She knelt behind him and gently dabbed at the wounds. The stinging astringent she had put on the cloth to quell the bleeding was not kind. She placed a hand lightly on his shoulder and did her best to use her healing ability to block back the pain. She did not want to use up too much power just yet. It was going to take some work to ensure some of these wounds did not leave lasting scars.

“I am no pawn of Dorothea’s,” she said, perhaps a bit too harshly. Her tongue spit her name as if it were poison. “I am my own woman,” She worked slowly down his back, her other hand following to dull pain. “No lures, no nothing. I am simply here to help you.” And take you to Kaeleer… She wouldn’t and couldn’t make the man go anywhere. She had a moment of clarity that showed her how fortuitous this meeting had been - should she take the initiative. Not yet. Certainly not yet.

As she dabbed at his wounds, Saetan jerked slightly from the ointment then held himself still. Still, he did not want to move so fast and scare this Queen. Though it made him wonder. She seemed to have no idea the spell wrapped about her. Not at the bookstore, nor in this cave. Glancing towards Sybl he sent a thought on a male thread. ”How did you find this Queen-?” Aloud he gave a soft chuckle. ”Yes, and you also were simply looking for a book.” He felt the pain dulling and felt surprised. For a Queen she knew healing craft more than he had thought. A Healer and a Queen who seemed to hate Dorothea? More than that, she was alive and the twisted rulers of Hyall hadn’t murdered her in the cradle. He was impressed. Wary and suspicious, but Saetan would admit that it took skill and some crafty thinking. Even if this was all a ploy.

She finished his back and moved around to the front. The cloth was stained deep red but it did not hinder her. Her brows furrowed as she worked, her main concentration on the task at hand. “Book?” she asked, confused. Their first meeting. That’s right. “That was obviously a lie, as you know.” After a pause she looked up to meet his gaze. “This is not a lie. I am here to help.” She then returned to her work, hand running down the flesh of his chest while the other cleaned wounds.

‘She came into town with her group of friends. She sent an Emissary to meet with Alice and they are to have a meal together at some point. Alice appointed me to watch over her. Naturally I obeyed. What I had not expected was that she would be mine.' He poked nonchalantly at the fire, keeping it built to bring warmth to their small area of the cave. The way he said mine was with such zealous fervor, though not romantic or sexual… More like how a man speaks about God after he has lost his way. He was watching them with hawk like, predatory precision - a wrong move from Saetan surely spelling Sybl’s death. For the man would likely attack the Black without the slightest understanding of why.

”Yours… Sybl, are you certain? She is, and you are, wrapped in a Black Widow’s web.” Saetan’s psychic voice was gentle as he tried not to ruffle the mute man’s ruffled feathers. Sybl was a good man, but he was a Warlord Prince and if he thought that this Queen was his? He would defend her. ”I’m more interested in the truth.” Saetan crooned in a dangerous silky tone. The wounds across his chest were slightly deeper around his middle. Laska’s fury had only grown til she took the knife herself.

‘Certain as the night,’ he responded curtly. He did not much like being questioned about his assuredness of this. How long had he waited and pined? How many times had he thought he’d felt it? And now, here it was, nestled deeply in his heart, twisting the pit of his stomach. He was sure.

She barely heard him at first, carefully working on the deep wounds in a way that would clean them and cause minimum hurt. It was a moment later that she realized he had spoken. “Hmm? Oh, yes, I suppose most people would be,” she said in an offhand sort of way. She was bored by the conversation and much more absorbed in her work. Fatima set aside the cloth and took up a new one. This one she doused with clean water to gently wipe away the caked blood from his body. Fatima was back at her trunk and pulled out a large, squat container. When she opened it an earthy, fresh smell greeted their noses. “Again, it will hurt. I will do my best to allay it.” She swiped a hand over a cut and it fell numb beneath her touch. She could only do this in short bursts and took a lot of her concentration. She worked smearing the salve into the wounds before the numbing completely wore off. The concoction was designed to do its own numbing but burned horrendously first. Sometimes the numbing of her abilities did not last as long as it took for the burning to completely subside. She made sure to do the worst of the cuts first, while her concentration was at its peak. A sheen of sweat covered her brow as she did this with each gash.

Saetan gasped as the wound was packed with salve, which smelled better than it felt. Gritting his teeth so hard his jaw ached, he snarled deep in his throat. Even as she numbed it, the feel of his cuts being filled with the stuff, the smell… It was less than pleasant. Grateful for the numbing he felt himself begin to sweat as that sweet bliss faded to leave the wounds burning. The growl in his throat became a roar as one particularly deep cut trailed fresh blood down his side as it was packed. ”Lady, if you mean to kill me there are less painful ways to repay me for distracting those guards.” Saetan gasped out, his arms shaking as he braced himself.

His roar caused her to jump back, surprise etched into her features. Then concern. “I’m sorry, I’m so so sorry. I must not have numbed that enough.” She immediately put her hands over the wound and pumped power there, pulling relieving feeling from the spot. She grasped his hand then and looked worriedly into his face. “There, is that better? I am sorry, I fear using too much of myself now before the real healing takes place. I beg your patience.” She released his hand and gently dabbed the blood away. Back to work. She was nearly finished with the wounds.

Sybl bristled with the roar, his whole body tensed. Each muscle winding up to release like a spring. His eyes flash dangerously but then came Fatima’s response. Her calm and concern caused him to fall back and he had to wonder why he was in such a touchy mood. Especially around a friend.

”Keep going.” Saetan growled roughly, his eyes closing tightly. Trying to push the pain to the side. It worked only partly, but for Fatima it took his mind completely away from the puzzle she represented. ”Sybl… Why don’t you go keep watch? On my word, I will not harm your Queen.” It was worded as a suggestion, but the tone was a order.

Sybl huffed but felt it was a good suggestion. Perhaps a good sea breeze would clear the clutter from him. He was too tightly wound and so he stood and left the place to stand outside. He wasn’t sure if not seeing her was worse than watching them. Here he could do nothing to protect her, should Saetan strike. No, he would believe his friend. He brushed a hand through silky black locks and looked out to the sunlit sea.

She nodded briefly and continued her work until all of the wounds had been properly coated in the salve. Fatima produced a needle and thread - she was a deep believer in some of the landen healing arts aiding in proper recovery. The salve would have caused sufficient numbing to allow her to sew the flesh closed - he would feel slight pressure, perhaps an occasional prick. “What will you do after this?” she inquired. The sewing took less concentration than numbing had.

”Kill Queens.” The answer was brief and one eye opened to watch the woman as he held himself sitting by will alone. Gasping as he felt the numbed pain of the needle, Saetan glared at the Queen. ”Do you know what you are doing?” He was beginning to wonder.

She winced at his reply but continued her work. Maybe some of them deserved it. She paused to look up at him, pulling the thread through to bring flesh together. “Yes. I use less power to knit your flesh shut when it already touches. The body does the best healing all on its own. My job is to guide it.” She bent her head and continued the stitches. Sewing put her in a trance-like state. “It is not the first time I have sewed closed wounds. And I have had my fair share of fixing ones worse than this. Life and Queens are not kind.” What was making her tongue so honest? She felt like she should have nothing to hide before the Black.

”What Hayllian Queen heals wounds? Wouldn’t you rather enjoy your time with good companions?” Saetan spoke softly, to not disturb the young Queen and to coax the answer out of her. The truth. He was feeling that pull of the lure towards this Queen, but with the spell of a Black Widow in place? How could he trust it? STill, Fatima would be able to see his pale face, the blood that streaked the stone bench and the floor of the cave. He had lost quite a bit and resting had helped, but it would take more.

She laughed lightly, “I suppose the kind that comes to the aid of a complete stranger - even if he could mean her death.” She sighed, and shook her head slightly. “And who says that those who are in need of healing are not good company. I amputated the leg of a farmer once - his ox had gotten spooked and pulled the plow over him - and the whole time he told me jokes and stories about his life before.” She bit off a thread and moved on to the next gash. “I lived a long time among the people of Terrielle. My happiest days were when I was among the low trodden. I may not have had enough to eat, I may have been beaten… but I had the kindness of friends and people I considered family.” She paused to look up at him again. “Hold on a little longer. We are nearly there. Tell me a story while I work. Will help to keep you awake.” She dipped behind him to start sewing on his back.

Beaten? Not enough to eat? What sort of Queen was this? And she was a Queen, there was no mistaking that. He was growing more curious and more ready to hunt down this Black Widow to find out what spell had been cast, and why. ”A story?” He thought, his eyes tired as he tried to ignore the pain. ”I knew a Queen once. She enjoyed gardening, and testing out new spells. She was a young Queen and growing in her power. Her court however, kept changing. The men were always eager to come and serve her, but grew bored. She was never one for parties. Hated any celebration. Hated any social function. Give her a garden and she would never leave it, would have been happy spending days planting and growing things. Leiland was a sweet woman. She would have made a good queen for a village, but her fair and good hand kept her rising up through the ranks of the Blood. More than she wanted.” Saetan trailed off, remembering Leiland in those terrible days before he had left her court. He should have stayed, but he didn’t feel the call to serve her and she knew it. They both had known what was coming. That Leiland would rise to Territory Queen of Dharo. A large and prosperous territory and Leiland could not refuse that need to serve her people. In the end, it had destroyed the woman. Drained her of all her happiness and joy, and Saetan wished he had stayed, despite his youth. To give the sweet woman some laughter as her court grew more grim. ”She did however have one other great flaw. Terrible fear of birds.” In fact, it had been such a fear she had paid a servant to keep a shield over the garden whenever she had time for it. The one time a bird had been inside the shield, Saetan had thought the Queen would kneel over in terror.

“Fear of birds?” she said with a soft laugh, “Completely understandable.” They could be quite rotten when they felt their young threatened. She knotted off the last thread and stood. “Very good, we’ve made it to the end. Now comes the hard part for me and the easy one for you.” She straddled the bench and indicated he should do the same. “Lean on me as much as you need,” she stated. She then placed her hands on his chest and closed her eyes. “Sybl, please come keep the fire,” she called. He obeyed readily and watched.

This was the part she most enjoyed but was the most draining. She took a few slow breathes, Her psychic thread melted into him, along with her hands. It was as if they existed just beneath his skin, entwined with muscle but causing no dent or pain. Her thread spread out along his natural network and began to knit back together the parts of him rent. She needed the warmth of the flame for her body, as it quickly grew cold with exertion. Sybl did not know this and did not know to keep the flame high. But she was not cold in the area her hands met his chest, for she was a part of him there. But the rest of her left with the tendrils which now knitted him, leaving her body freezing.

His flesh, at first slowly, began to heal. As time passed the healing became more pronounced. A calm energy soothed hurts, numbed pains, and offered its self up entirely and completely. Take what you need from me - and a healing body always took. After fifteen minutes his wounds were healed in such a way as to allow him movement with no pain - though true exertion or stretching would have caused the delicate seams to split. The rest was up to his body.

She removed her hands from him and sat back. She felt tired and bleary. She opened her eyes and blinked. Had it always been so bright? She rubbed her eyes and stood. Fatima swayed just a moment before she approached the trunk to get gauze, wrappings, and a final salve for the wounds. She plunked back down on the bench harder than she intended. Wincing from the pain in her tail bone she set back to work - salve over the wounds, gauze, and then wrapping to keep it in place. She found she was having trouble keeping her hands from shaking terribly. She was cold, frozen to the core. She was tired, down to the marrow of her bones. But she would finish this task.

Saetan felt better by far as his body was mended, but he, too, felt a toll. In part, it was from the blood loss, in part from keeping awake far too long. Slumping slightly, he watched the Queen stagger to her trunk and back again, working to wrap the gauze about his wounds. But her hands were shaking… Frowning, Saetan gripped her hands and pulled her close. Rubbing the small fingers. ”Sybl… We need a larger fire.” Hoping the man would hear his psychic communication, Saetan pulled Fatima closer. Standing to guide the witch closer to the fire. ”You’ve done enough, witchling. Let Sybl take care of the rest.” His hands rubbed at her arms, attempting to warm the too cold body.

His body was so warm. The hands wrapped around hers… They thrilled shivers of delight for the warmth. His arms then pulling her close... She nearly clung to him. The instinctual part of her took over and she nestled readily against him. Warmth. Heat. She craved them badly. “Your wraps… they’re not… done,” she mumbled drunkenly. She did not resist his steering. She dropped to the sand by the fire, her body desperate for the warmth it provided. She would have thrown herself upon it if the preserving part of her had not insisted this was a bad idea. So she sat, still, shivering, eyes locked on flame.

Sybl was quite concerned, watching his Queen sway that way. She shook. It was most terrifying. It was as if someone had dropped an iceberg into his gut. To see her so drained was distressing. The Warlord within him roared and searched for something to blame and maim. But his worry kept him in check. He stoked the fire as high as he could. There was not much wood to be had at the beach. He finished tying off Saetan’s wraps haphazardly before leaving the pair in front of the flames and going in search of more wood, moving further inland to get the precious material.

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Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by Zoey Boey
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Zoey Boey better than the alternative

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Winton


Dareen prepared to get jumped on, but then blew air through her lips as the dog recoiled from Jandar's bad vibes. It seemed they had reached a dead end. No doubt it was much more difficult to follow a flying target when you're on the ground. Still, the Sceltie's message confirmed that they were following an 'in-air' trail. In other words, Fatima. For once in her life, she found herself hoping Jandar would let Dareen take the lead on this social interaction. Usually she left the talking to others, but, she was worried Jandar might frighten them. They were basically just two annoying kids. Even though Dareen had, unbeknownst to even herself, taken a small liking to the pair of underdogs.

"No no, it's fine. You were right- Fatima was kidnapped." Dareen explained, making a motion to everyone here not to panic. "Right now, we could use your help tracking her. There might be some bad guys. Do you think you can help us by following that trail as long as you can? If there's a fight, leave it to me and Jandar." As if discussing a contract, Dareen rattled off some terms and conditions. Quick, but calm. This was the type of pressure excelled under. Either way, the question was out there.

"We'd be thankful?" Dareen added with an optimistic shrug.

If they agreed, Dareen would nod, smirking warmly. "Alright. Let's get to it, boys." She would follow after the brave hound. She passed Jandar as they turned out of the dead end alley. As she did, she thudded him reassuringly on his shoulder with the palm of her hand.
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Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by SilverPaw
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Jandar Varan
Winton

Jandar hear Dareen’s voice, but it was part of the background as he furiously and blankly stared into the mid distance, head buzzing, and body trembling from a pent-up fury he had no productive way to express. His hands clenched, drawing blood on his palms as his nails bit in, and that finally pulled him together somewhat. He exhaled loudly through his nose, turning when he saw the Pruulish warrior ambling back from wherever she’d been.

“I see. Flight is possible with Craft, of course, though I hadn’t expected it,” he said, speech clipped and biting. He stared at her blankly, berating himself for not having checked for tracks, for having let his eyes off of the Queen long enough that she was able to flee, for being so helpless, and for feeling so self-pitying.

He smiled grimly when Dareen told him about the child and sceltie duo, though it was much more of a grimace. “That’s…good. Thank you,” he said, not elaborating how truly glad he was that there was someone keeping their cool next to him right now. It helped immensely, though he was still silently fuming – the turmoil of his emotions was definitely starting to lean towards worry, however.

He silently followed the witch, letting her handle the duo, since he wasn’t in the mood to do so. “Yes, please do lead us to the kidnapper,” Jandar requested, the last word emphasized with a hissing growl. “As swiftly as you can,” he added. Then, when he properly looked at the pair, he realized they were spooked, and attempted to force an apologetic smile. “We couldn’t find her without you. I- thank you,” he echoed the gratitude he’d shown Dareen, briefly bowing his head.

Then, he started to follow after Dunny, and was nearly startled into stumbling when Dareen thumped him on the shoulder. He blinked at her, smiling wryly, and simply nodded in reply. Then, he proceeded to jog after the sceltie, silently urging both the hound and himself to move faster. He had to find Fatima, ensure her safety, and then scold her. Thankfully for everyone involved, he burned off some of his rage during the run, and settled on a steadily churning anger with swirls of anxiety and concern mixed in.
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Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by 13org
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Mikhail nodded in silent as he heard Faeril's words carefully. Even though Faeril herself said it was unlikely that someone would create numerous Black Widows to serve themselves, the possibility wasn't completely nonexistent. It was a fact that most queens feared Black Widows due to how powerful and notably hard to control they are and Mikhail himself knew well how most of the queens treat anything that could be even a remote threat to them or their plans. Even though the possibility for 'rogue' Black Widows being created by someone wasn't completely nonexistent, it was unlikely enough for Mikhail to not be too worried about it.

"I see... Judging how queens have a tendency to 'eliminate' anything that can be a threat to them, I don't think any 'normal' queen would willingly surround herself of Black Widows." he said, nodding.

"But that is only true for 'normal' queens. If we have Fatima by our side, it's not unlikely that there might exist other queens with a rather... 'unique' way of thinking." he finished.

"Regarding SaDiablo, finding him will either be incredibly easy or incredibly difficult. In one hand, people like him naturally attracts a lot of attention, but in the other hand, powerful people tend to have a very good way of hiding themselves from the public eye when they want to do so." he said. Finding SaDiablo wasn't exactly a task he was looking forward to but he had no choice but to comply.

"I will walk around the town, maybe try to gather some information. I wouldn't expect too much of it though. It is, after all, a shot in the dark. We can split in order to be able to gather more information and cover a bigger area, Gennar." He said to the Eyrien with a nod.

"We should go. Something tells me that finding him won't be that easy." Mikhail said to Gennar before turning to Faeril, giving her a small bow before walking away.

Mikhail walked through the city for some time without much success. It seemed the feeling he got turned out to be true. Saetan SaDiablo didn't seem to want to be found or noticed by people. While his name wasn't unknown to the people Mikhail asked, none of them had any information about his location.

After some wandering though, he was surprised to find Dareen and Jandar talking with both Thom and Dunny as they got out of a small alley. What did make Mikhail alarmed though was the fact that Fatima and Sybl, who were supposed to be together with them were nowhere to be seen. Out of all the situations, that one was a very bad outcome...

"Jandar, Dareen, where is Fatima and Sybl? What happened?" Mikhail asked in an urgent tone as he approached the group. It didn't need much for them to guess what Mikhail was thinking that happened.

"Finding and dealing with SaDiablo is already a problem of it's own but Fatima is perhaps the only one that might have a good chance of keeping him under control. We can't lose her now." he said, following them as they jogged behind Thom and Dunny, still waiting for a reply regarding the current situation.

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Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by LadyRunic
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LadyRunic The Laughing Raven

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Arc I - Terreille in Trouble




Location: Winton

Carefully as to avoid detection, Saetan placed a warming spell about the small Queen. Hopefully, the one who was in control would not notice the use of Craft and he had enough practice that casting small spells wouldn't be noticed. If he wasn't sloppy and as tired as he was Saetan was concerned that some slip would reveal his location and thus this Queen's location. Which he found he did not want to happen. For Dorothea to learn of this Queen, the Territory Queen would destroy the dual-caste Healer and Queen. "Hurry Sybl." He urged in a psychic sphere thread.

Faeril watched Mikhail go, and raised a brow as Gen plucked a coat from the trunk and quickly followed. They were leaving her alone and unprotected? Well, that was hardly expected. "Denvar? Bellinar?" She asked, wondering where the two Warlord Prince brothers were.

"He just came in downstairs. Denvar is a good tracker, but I'm better." The 'as you know' went unspoken even as the question about Bellinar's whereabouts was left unanswered. Hurrying after Mikhail, Gennar shielded himself in a sight shield and took to the air. He could at least see if he could pick up a trail, just in case they were following the wrong one. Within the inn, Faeril folded her hands and sighed looking across the room to share a worrying frown with Denvar. This was not going as they had hoped.

Though, Dunny found himself being very pleased. He was following a trail and doing something important to help his Queen. His tail waved in the air like a furry banner as he led the group out of town and to a cliff edge, whining as he paced along the top of the steep hill. *It is very steep, and the scent leads down there! But I am not supposed to get dirty, Faeril said I would not be allowed in the bed if I got dusty.* He explained his complex problem of pleasing Faeril and helping his Queen. As steep as the hill was, his paws slipped on the dirt and threatened to spill the young Sceltie down the hill.
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Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by SilverPaw
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SilverPaw

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Jandar Varan
Winton

Jandar’s eyes widened momentarily at Mikhail’s sudden appearance, but his questions had him gnashing his teeth, looking away as the turmoil within him was stirred to a maddening urgency. “They left. During the few minutes that they were alone in that damned changing room, Sybl seems to have convinced Fatima to go with him.

“They must have used a sight shield to sneak out of a back door, then they took to the air,”
the Warlord explained bitterly before finally looking back at Mikhail. “Fatima only informed us both mentally that a ‘someone’ is injured and that we shouldn’t worry, after she had already left, of course,” he smiled tightly.

“It is my fault that I have left her out of my sight for even a second. I should have hounded her every step, regardless of how crowded or improper it got. However, I mistakenly believed that she would not trust a stranger so easily, and grew lenient. If something happens to her, I-” he shook his head, a raspy sound escaping him, something between a choke and a strangled, horrified laugh. “Let’s hope we get to that bastard before that,” he concluded, continuing to jog after Dunny.

However, Mikhail’s next muttering couldn’t be ignored by Jandar. “What do you mean about SaDiablo?” he questioned, utterly bewildered. He didn’t know yet why they had to find them and what the Prince meant about dealing with the man, but the former certainly aligned with Jandar’s own interest.

With worries and conversation to spice their way, the group soon arrived to a cliff side. “You needn’t go down the cliff, we will be the ones to do that,” Jandar explained to Dunny. He saw him slip, and immediately crouched to grab him by the ruff of his neck and pull him back from the edge. “Careful there. Now, can you tell us where exactly the track leads? What exactly is down there?” he questioned, as he peered down, enhancing his sight with Craft to attempt discern the answer for himself.
Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by Zoey Boey
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Zoey Boey better than the alternative

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Outside of Winton


Dareen followed behind, sharing somewhat in the Sceltie's energy. For the first time in a long, longe time, Dareen felt useful. An unseen had lifted off her shoulders. Her brown eyes were undampened by sardonic bitterness. It was just her, trying to find her friend. The thought hit her unexpectedly. She wondered if Fatima considered Dareen her friend as well. Ultimately, it didn't matter. Such things could be left for later.

Mikhail was all business it seemed. He had appeared from nowhere, like he tended to do. Apparently, the only reason they should find Fatima is to further their goals. Hmm. Was that really all? Or was he just being extremely practical? It seemed cold, but, that was kind of his whole deal.

Meanwhile, Jandar was the opposite of that. He seemed like a boiling cauldron of water that was struggling to keep it's lid on. He also assumed the worst. The mercenary wasn't so sure the situation was entirely dire. It didn't feel life or death. Maybe it was just her tainted intiution.

Dareen continued jogging along. Soon, they reached the cliff's edge. Finally, Dareen turned her analysis inwards. She was probably the only one in the group who's mood had actually improved at this dilemna. It was strange. She would feel guilty if Fatima really was hurt.

She chuckled lightly at Dunny's low stakes issue. Jandar asked a question, and the answer, to Dareen, seemed entirely self evident.

"C'mere, Dunny." Once more the dog would be picked up. With a bit of telekinesis, Dareen lifted Dunny and hoisted it over her shoulder. She allowed him to get into whatever position he found the most comfortable.

"Only one way to find out what's down there." Dareen commented aloud. With that she began to make her way down the hill, using her telekinises to adjust her balance as need be. Her pace was casually brisk, not entirely worried about falling.
Hidden 3 yrs ago Post by 13org
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13org Stay fresh!

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Winton


Mikhail heard Jandar's words in silence, although his expression clearly betrayed his feelings. Despite Jandar and Dareen being together, something somehow still happened. Knowing Fatima, he somehow had a suspicion that she willingly put herself in a situation that made it easy for Sybl to take her away. Mikhail could relate to how Jandar was feeling. If only their situation wasn't already complicated enough, it was incredibly frustrating that things kept getting wrong... Especially when Fatima was involved. She was too naive and kind for her own good... So much it was almost foolish. To trust some random stranger just because someone was wounded...

"That woman is too kind and naive for her own good... She needs to understand the situation we're in and think more about her own safety." Mikhail said with a somewhat annoyed tone.

"Somehow I'm not surprised she left of her own volition..." he finished with a cold expression.

As he continued following them, his hand was already on one of his daggers, hidden beneath his clothes. Hopefully, Fatima's luck didn't run out yet but if it did and the situation showed itself to be exactly what both Jandar and Mikhail were fearing it was... Blood would probably have to be spilled.

The moment Jandar expressed his surprise upon hearing SaDiablo's name, Mikhail couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he looked at him.

"Fatima and Faeril... Didn't tell you about him yet, did they?" he said with a sigh. He knew very well that such news would make Jandar even more worried than he already was.

"To keep it short, one of the conditions for the old priestess to open the portal to Kaeeler was for us to take the black jeweled prince with us... and Fatima is probably the only one that could convince him and keep him under control." he said in a low tone to Jandar, explaining what was discussed back when they met with the old priestess and what he talked about with Faeril.

The moment he finished explaining it, the group saw themselves near a cliff side, following the track Dunny had picked up. According to Dunny, the trail led further down the cliff side. As he went on, explaining that he shouldn't get himself dirty, due to how steep the cliff side was, he almost slipped, ending up being grabbed by Jandar, who explained that he didn't need to go down, only tell them where exactly the track lead.

Before Dunny or Jandar could say anything though, Dareen picked up the small sceltie, putting him over her shoulder as she started going down the cliff side after commenting that there was only one way to find out what was happening.

"Be careful, Dareen! We have no idea of what is happening. This could be a trap." Mikhail said, although to no avail as Dareen had already started going down.

"I just hope that somehow, my instincts are wrong about all this..." he said with a sigh, nodding towards Jandar as he unsheathed one of his curved daggers, assuming a combat stance and putting up a sight shield as he began following Dareen down the cliff side, ready to react in case anything happened.
Hidden 3 yrs ago 3 yrs ago Post by eclecticwitch
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eclecticwitch The Effervescent

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Location: Winton - The Wood by the Cove




Sybl moved as quickly as he could. Worry made him shake, his hands not doing exactly as he asked of them. But he worked hard and brought a sheen of sweat to his impassive face. The little Queen had managed to ruffle his well-groomed and well-practiced feathers. Larger branches and thin sticks, it did not matter. He bundled them into his arms to vanish them into the psychic holding area available privately to each of the Blood. He did not have much to carry on himself so there was plenty of room for the wood he collected haphazardly.

He heard voices and saw a flash of color. There was the Pruulish woman coming down the side of the hill with a dog on her back. He stared wide eyed, wondering how they had come so quickly. It should have taken more time for them to realize Fatima had disappeared. It was not too far behind the woman that two of Fatima's Court followed along with a boy. He frowned and the first thing that came to his mind was - 'Shit. I'm so dead.'

Heaving a deep sigh he carried his bundle of sticks to stand in a more visible area to greet them. If he was going to die he may as well do it with his head raised and the ability for someone to reach the cave with the needed materials. He sent a message to Sadi- 'Her Court has come. I shall be there soon but I cannot keep them from coming to her. Get out of there.'

"Good day," he croaked and then coughed. He let his mind brush first against Dareen's in a request for speech psychically. It held in his tormented understanding of this cruel matriarchal society that the woman should always be addressed first. He also brushed against the minds of the other two but felt Jandar's anger keenly and a snowy coldness from Mikhail. The boy just seemed nervous. 'It is easier for me to communicate this way, please let me explain before you lop off my head.'



Location: Winton - The Cave




Fatima's shivers lessened as the warming spell cloaked her. She could feel it settle over her like a warm summer evening. She smiled slightly and leaned heavily against Saetan. "You should not exhaust yourself. I will be fine," she assured him through chattering teeth. She tilted her head up toward him and studied his face a moment. "I am surprised. They speak of you; I have heard of you. There was such cruelty described. But here... I feel your kindness, comfort. Like a big fluffy blanket and a cup of cocoa on a winter's day. And you are all three. The blanket, the drink, and the freezing snow." She was speaking in delirium now. There but not there. It was not that she walked along the edge of the Twisted Kingdom. Just a tired sort of rambling.

She laughed lightly and her white-gold eyes fluttered closed. "You are keeping me safe and alive. How strange. Thank you. I hope I can properly repay that someday. It must take a lot to do this. Not just physically. But... mentally. Thank you." She opened her eyes again and they were glossy with tired tears. "Would you meet me again?"
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