The Master Mage was conflicted.  On the one hand, before him stood a terrifying visage of a person who he had bonded with and who he care for very much yet was not truly Eilis.  This visage was a darker manifestation that overtook the poor girl and he knew was something that probably frightened his protégé at not being able to control it. 

On the other hand, his inquisitive mind wanted to find out more of this alter ego.  How had it come to be? Was it perhaps the darker nature of the beautiful and kind lass he knew?  Was it perhaps the thing that needed to be bound by the magical tattoos covering his charge’s body?  All these question begged to be asked and answered.  Yet, all he could do was look on. 

The sheer power that this dark Eilis wielded sent a shiver of fear and excitement down the spine of the mage.  A small part of him was jealous, another marveled at the feat as he saw the destruction of the frigate in front of them as it was nothing more than tin foil.  The magic energies around her screaming as the Aether was manipulated and the Thread itself could do nothing but bend to her will. 

What finally got Arn out of his trance was the wet speck of blood that was running down the delicate arms of the lovely blonde girl.  The strain of both commanding such powerful magic and the binds etched on her body, very much damaging his companion. 

When dark Eilis, though was this a proper description seeing how bright she was glowing as the Aether itself coated her, spoke it was not with the same melodic voice he was used to.  The dissonant sound appeared to him as if two people were trying to talk at once and the sound was clashing.  It also sounded somewhat distant as if the speaker was in a sort of long corridor. 

Destruction, different than the normal battle carnage, was right before him.  Even the Archmage would be hard pressed to wield such might with such ease.  Indeed, it would have taken a group of powerful casters to toss around a frigate as the shadow of his companion had just done.  The words that the being spoke also sounded so alien to the usual caring and shy Eilis.  

This Eilis knew its power and was not afraid to use to a deadly effect.  Arn, having witnessed countless deaths, some at his own hand, could not help but wince as the poor offending mage broke like a rag doll.  


[color=ed145b]“You’re the one she wants…Firemage…you’re the one that defied me before…”[/color]

Arn returned her stare, though in his eyes tender concern could be seen.  His voice was calm and confident but also caring.  [color=0054a6]“I do not defy you. I am just trying to protect her, Eilis.  You, whomever you are, command a power that is too much for such a fragile vessel.  I do not mean  you any harm because I want no harm to fall on Eilis. Look…”[/color] he  slowly lifted up a hand that had some of her blood that had collected in his palm.  His other hand was still wrapped around Eilis’s waist. [color=0054a6] “I am not sure what would happen to you if Eilis dies or her body is damaged.  I care not what happens to me, just please let me help her and by extension, help you.”  [/color]
It was the Master Mage’s turn to look at this bright persona.  This was the second time he had witnessed her.  What made it appear?  Was Eilis somehow unconsciously summoning it?  Why and how was it able to wield such power?  Did that dark haired witch and her coven were somehow responsible for this?  So many questions which Arn hoped he would live long enough to ask much less answer.