NationStates Jolt Archive

The night was a frightful night and all the villagers were wrapped in their small cottages. Flames licked at the sides of the fireplaces, sending shadows to the corners. Outside the bitter cold wind blew and knocked and taunted them at their doors. Some wind snuck through the cracks and the breeze touched their cheeks and sent shivers up their spines and made them grab more blankets.

In one cottage was a woman who screamed, letting out breaths that were labored. The scream rattled the pottery dishes on the ground. It was a scream of pain, but of excitement. As her voice rose the wind challenged and increased with her call. The midwife did nothing to help alleviate the pain; she thought the woman deserved. God, forgive me for aiding this wrecked woman. Yet, her heart went out to the infant trying to get out. She watched as the young woman reached out to the sky, as if grabbing air, her fingers bent and racked at nothing. Her muscles contracted and held that position. Her protruding belly wet with perspiration and slightly moving from the contractions. The midwife, old and age couldn’t tell how old she really was, placed a wrinkled hand under the blanket to check for a head of the baby.

In her voice, very stern, “Now, push. Your baby wants out, at least do this right.” Her tone was condemning. The woman screamed and pushed once more. The forced pushed the infant out and into the midwife’s frail arms. The midwife slapped the exposed infants butt and then the child let out a fragile cry and began to breath. Her chest rising with each breath she took. The woman let out a sigh of relief. The midwife wrapped the baby girl in a white blanket after she had cleaned her up. She placed the squirming child in the mother’s arms. The woman cried out of happiness then her face contorted in pain. Her voice quiet, “I thought it was over with?”

The midwife hushed the woman and checked her uterus again. Wide eyes showed more than what she could say at the moment. She pulled her hand out, dripping with red blood. “Is something wrong?”

“They did not tell me you were to have two children. Push. You are not done.”

The little girl, still with no name, was placed on a nearby table, abandoned. The mother out of breath, tried once more to get enough energy to push the other child out. With several attempts the midwife caught another infant.

A smile crossed her face, sending wrinkles in every direction. “A boy!” Excitement rang out from her scratchy voice.

“May I get to hold my son?”

“No, you may not. This is the village’s son.”

“What do you mean?” She cried out.

“You are not a part of us, WITCH. As a citizen of this holy village I will take over the rights of this child and give him to our landlord to give to our beloved king. The king will be happy with us because we have provided him an heir.”

“Well, how about I have my daughter?”

The midwife glanced at the woman and glared, “She looks a lot like you, she probably is the same as you. We will dispose of her. As for you, you will be sent to the father above for judgment by fire and to fire you will spend the rest of your wretched life.”

In that time, it was the practice of burning a woman who was found to be a witch. This woman’s fate was prolonged because she was pregnant and there was the chance that she could have a son. The king wanted an heir and with everyone trying to have children, no one could give birth to a son until now. After the birth of the twins, the boy was taken to live with the king and grow up in the royalties and riches, while the girl was placed on the edge of a dangerous forest known of horrors and treacherous animals. The girl was left for God to decide if she lived or not. The most intelligent creature that had been living on this land for ions found the child. The creature was a centaur, half human-half horse.

The name of the centaur was C’tan; he was walking in search of a specific flower that grew on the edge of the forest and the village when he nearly stepped on her. Her picked her up and carried her back to his clan. And there she was raised with creatures of wisdom and grace, but without emotion.

Now, the two twins were growing up and powers were being developed. The daughter, who was named Evenant, blossomed her natural power from her mother and gained more with knowledge from the centaurs. Her twin brother, however, learned from those who had gained power in the kingdom. The advisors who have decided to raise the potential child named Alexander, under the guidance of black powers and their knowledge.

The two knew of the other and time was drawing close to when both would meet and the world would change, as they knew it.

OOC: I am looking for several people to help me out with this story. I would like someone to play the twin brother, Alexander. I also would like someone to play C’tan my character’s (Evenant) mentor. Any other characters will be welcome. Examples could be evil advisors, the manipulated king, or anything you can think of. Thank you.

She watched soundlessly as he slept, his face calm in repose. It was moments like this that she remembered he was but a man-child...with the potential power of a God. Alexander slept deeply, his muscular chest rising and falling. She enjoyed her time with him, and his youthful enthusiasm...especially in the privacy of their bedroom. She knew that he was very much in love with her, and trusted her implicitly.

Which made it all the more easier to manipulate him.

Oh, she cared about him in her own way, much like one cares for a favored pet. He was bright and willing, and possessed a keen sense of humor. Alexander would one day lead his people, and with his burgeoning powers perhaps eventually rule the galaxy. Her job was to guide him down the appropriate dark path, to his manifest destiny. She was very good at her job.

Desdemona smiled to herself and reached down, lightly kissing his brow. The morning was coming, and the rising sun began throwing multi-colored patterns on the wall. Soon, his day would begin, and she would be at his side. In the meantime, she let him slumber, dreaming the dreams of the innocent.

The nightmares would come later.

C'tan awoke with a start. He could sense something major coming. As he patrolled through the woods his eyes moved instinctively to Evenant. He watched her sleep for a while and then moved on. After about half an hour he returned to his spot and slept fitfully.

Alexander stirred fitfully as he felt a warm buss caress his forehead.

He was dreaming, surprisingly, in color, not the usual cold black and white he was used to.

In his dream, he walked in a dark land, lit by few stars and occupied by fewer people.

And yet, as he walked, anyone who he passed by would do one of two things: fall at his feet and declare their undying devotion to him, or fall.

Dead.

Though he found it peculiar when he awoke, at the time, such occurances seemed very reasonable.

He continued to walk, through a snowy valley, down a flight of 1000 stairs and right past a river of screaming bodies.

It reminded Alexander of a poem he once read, but he couldn't quite name it.

Finally, the dream led Alexander to a simple shack, far off the beaten path (though the beaten path was far overgrown).

Without a voice, without blinking, without hesitation, Alexander walked up to the single door and opened it. Inside, he found a beautiful woman, tied to a bed in a spread-eagle fashioned. She wore a simple blue dress, reminscient of springs past, or perhaps falls foreward.

The woman strained to look at Alexander.

"T...Tom..."

Alexander didn't move.

"You... you're not Tom... Where is Thomas. Where is the father of my child."

Alexander didn't move.

The dream became more peculiar at this point. Alexander remembered it vividly.

The woman, beautiful and serene, suddenly grunted, and began to writh, as if in pain.

Or pleasure.

Suddenly, the woman screamed, and looked at Alexander. Even in his sleep, he could tell the woman was not the same as moments before.

"BEWARE! BEWARE THOSE WHO LOVE YOU, FOR THOSE WILL BE THE ONES TO BETRAY YOU FIRST. BLOOD RUNS THICKER THAN WATER, BUT EVEN BLOOD RUNS DRY EVENTUALLY..."

Then the woman calmed down.

"Tom? Where are you Tom..."

Then Alexander woke up.

She had felt a change around her even before Alex had begun to tremble. As a cold sweat broke out on his brow, Desdemona called his name, stroking his hand gently. With her mind, she probed the edge of the ether around her, tasting the atmosphere and ensuring that the tapestry was whole. It wasn't. A small rip in the fabric indicated the passage of an intruder. She cursed quietly, and quickly spoke the words that sealed the tear. If whatever had come in was still here, it was now trapped in a small space with a very nasty necromancer.

Suddenly, Alex awoke, blinking in disbelief and...fear? Desdemona smiled at him, and reached out to touch his cheek. His skin was as cold as a corpse, and he still shivered with the memory of the dream, and the brisk morning air. Whatever had touched him was now gone.

The beautiful woman reached out to him, encircling him with her arms and drawing him in close. She held him, stroking his neck and whispering soft words into his ear. She felt him begin to relax, pressing his head against her chest and breathing deeply. After a few moments, she lifted his chin and spoke to him.

"It's a new day, my love, and there is much to do. I'll draw you a bath..." Desdemona got up slowly, allowing his eyes to enjoy the view. She was a strikingly beautiful woman, lean and lithe and perfectly proportioned. She let his gaze linger, then slid into a sheer silken robe. As she walked slowly towards the massive bathroom, she looked back over her shoulder and spoke to Alex in a husky voice.

"If you hurry, I might even scrub your back..."

Under the cool cover of the trees a horse and its rider moved slowly down an old leaf covered path. The rider pulled back on the crude reins of leather and the horse came to a stop; the rider dismounted. He stood at 5’10 with dirty blonde hair and very bright blue eyes. He was young, only 17 of age, yet he was as strong as many of the older warriors of his village. He was dressed in layers of different animal hide and fur, which made his lean figure seem slightly larger. He took off the layers of hide, carefully folded them and put them on the back of his horse. He adjusted his tattered green shirt and mud covered pants before leading his horse down the trail.

Daegal open a hide drinking pouch and drank some of the mead inside. He placed the wooden cork back on and kept marching. The teenager had been traveling for five months since he had left his village. The village blacksmith had made him some leather and iron armor, some light chain mail, a helm, sword, and axe. So far, he had yet to use the devices he hoped to use to save his father. Added to his weapons, he had been given some bits of gold and silver to use as money, plenty of food, and some warms clothes and blankets.

Since entering the forest, he had yet to encounter a soul. This frightened him slightly, but he kept going. Daegal wanted nothing more than to get out of the dark forest, and back onto the open plains.

The soft buzz of insect quited Evenant into a peaceful rest. She rested her head on a pillow made of large leafs and soft blades of grass. The night air was cool, but she had grown acostomed to it. Plus her thick mass of hair that fell over her shoulders and upper body helped. She secured some behind her ear and her pale face shown in the darkness of the night. Around her was longer blades of grass that helped sheild away the wind. Although, she considered the wind to be her only companion. She often would be told secrets and she could trust the wind.

Her body sprawled out over the soft ground did not shiver under the moonlight. Her clothing blended with the elements because it was apart of the environment. Although, it had been used from an animal, it had been given to her. A soft suade leather skirt to keep her cool during the heat of the day and a top of flowers, an arrangement of colours and tones of the earth. Her hair often did cover her bossom from the sight of others, even though centaurs were not of concern.

As she settled into a deeper sleep the open tree swayed with the wind and small white flowers fell and blanketed her and get caught in her dark chocolate hair. As several flowers softly graced her face her brown eyelashes fluttered and a sweet smile crossed her face. Moments later, she was dreaming.

Evenant walked in a land not familar to her. It was dark and eerie, but as soon as her bare feet made contact with the soil the surrounding began to fill with light and chase the dark away.

The path had been taken recently, her feet followed cold hard steps. The pace, although, similar to her. In fact identical.

Soon her heart filled with pain. She came across a faceless person who had fallen to the ground. She bent down and touched the person's face and light radiated from her hand. The person, now became evident and Evenant embraced the person. The person hurried Evenant on her way, for there was much more damage to be fixed.

She continued on the horrific scene, manipulating it and molding it to one of light. Several people had seen her arrival and ran off in the opposite way.

They cannot all be saved.

She noticed that the path was getting worse, but she continued further on. Before her eyes laid a hutch, but barely staying together.

She did not hesitate, she felt the pain and was drawn to it.

She walked into the door and found a woman in the position of childbirth.

Evenant ran up and grasped the woman's clammy hand and held it to her heart.

The woman's screams softened down to mere huffs for air.

Whoever was here had left and she had missed her opportunity to meet the opposing factor. She looked down at the woman. A tender smile to sympathise with the woman's pain.

"If I could take away the pain I would."

The woman meet her gaze and mouthed the word Thomas, then took an deep breath in. "I know, but sometimes there is pain that cannot be taken and one must just fit it."

"I do not understand."

"Nor should you."

"Let me warn you. There may be those who do not trust, but you can instill that in them." The woman stopped to contemplate what else needed to stay, she looked warn out and spread thin.

"Blood runs thicker than water, yet blood eventually runs out...", the woman sighs and a look of melancholy crosses her face, "but you have what is needed to quench the thirst."

Evenant woke up. Sweating and thirsty. She walked to a nearby pond settled deep within the forest and brought the crystal clear water to her face and drank.

She watched as the pond settled down and the vibrations returned to a smooth surface. Her worried face starred back at her. She called out, "C'tan, please come here. There is much I need to ask."

Alexander rose unsteadily, as if still under the throes of slumber. He ran his hand through his dark brun hair, mustling it as if to shake himself awake.

As he walked, he began to feel... a joy overcome him. His gaze shifted upwards, and his eyes locked on Desdemonas's, who beckoned him with the crook of her index finger.

She was... *Alexander began to think, eyes crossing slightly as he followed her into the bathroom, allowing her to slowly undress him and run her cool hands over his slender body, which was slowly starting to show the results of the warrior training his advisors had set out for him.*

She was... *He continued to think as she set him gently down into the wash basin and began to lather his back with her now warmed hands.*

She was... beautiful. The most beautiful woman he had ever met. Ever since they had met in... in... Strange. He forgot how they had met.

Alexander softly grabbed Desdemonas hand and kissed it. The woman looked down on Alexander and he pointed to a mirror, which showed them both.

With his other hand, Alexander began to focus on the mirror, and soon, teh edges, egg-shaped before, and melted and twisted into the shape of a heart.

A cold, pearl heart.

"Tell me, my love, how did we meet. My memory is starting to play tricks on me again..."

*TAG-ISHNESS... okay, Panda... this will be my greatest challenge yet. Writing... an ordinary person!*

*God, that sounded sad.*

Daegal continued through the woods until he reached a patch of dry grass next to a small stream. He tied his horse to a tree and took his things off it's back; after that he allowed his horse to drink some of the water before tying it back up.

He knealt down and spashed his face, the cold water refreshed him slightly. Daegal collected some branches and started a small fire on a patch of dry dirt. He made sure it would stay lite, he rummaged through his pack and found some dried fish and some bread. He wandered off into the forest and collected some berries before returning to his camp.

A half hour later he had finished his meal and washed it down with some mead. With a full bellie he layed back against a tree and relaxed for the first time in days.

"Tell me, my love, how did we meet. My memory is starting to play tricks on me again..."

The mind-spell was fading quicker now, his burgeoning powers awakening and warring against the alien intrusion in his mind. Quickly whispering the words of Renewal, Desdemona stepped over to the young man, wiping the concern from his brow. As she touched him, the questions left his face, and calmness began to soften his expression.

"Silly boy...try to remember this time, alright? We met when you were very young...I was assigned as your tutor. As time went by, and you became the young man you are today, I fell in love with you, and was blessed when you returned my heart. Now, today, I am still your teacher, as you are mine. We learn from each other now...and here is your lesson for today."

As she said this last, she let the silk robe slide off her shoulder, exposing herself to the young mans hungry gaze. She fell into his arms, laughing gaily for his benefit, her concerns driven down deep into the pit of her stomach. He was getting too powerful, and soon it would take more than a simple spell of binding to keep him in line.

To His Majesty the King

Regrettably, in Your Blessed Majesty's realm there are still many heathens, practicing or encouraging the practice of witchcraft and sorcery which lead people astray, cause the destruction of crops and unnatural births and so on.
Your Majesty had asked for a report on this and the findings of the Holy Office are that a Witch-Finder General be appointed to deal with this trouble.
Be not deceived, Majesty, into believing that witches and creatures of darkness may be benevolent; even when they act so they do so in truth per maleficium which is to say that their intentions are foul, cruel, and in a word, evil.

by my loyal hand
Baron Stogumber, His Majesty's Chief Advisor on the Supernatural.

OOC: Panda, I'll owe you one. And I don't see this nation Lavaeoulus anywhere... are you sure it was in this thread? Well, if there's a problem, I'll deal with it... :sniper:

IC:

Sir Vladimir Myelosenovic grunted as he leapt down from his warhorse and drew his sword. Damn, this armour is heavy. The Inquisitor knocked on the door, and then pulled a large list out of his pocket. "Attention, subversives/criminal-scum. You are hereby placed under arrest in the name of His Majesty for the crimes of... of..." his lip curled in disgust at the words coming out of his mouth, "Lese majeste, witchcraft, and... Oh, dear..." the heavy door toppled onto his head, hammering him into the ground. I take back all evil I ever said about this armour. "Ah... I'll add resisting arrest to that, too."

The young man pulled himself out of the ground and shook his head, dizzily. "Okay. Now, are you going to come out of there? Or am I going to have to go in there and get turned into a newt?" There was no response. "For the love of..." he bit back on the blasphemy. The door was shoved open, and Vladimir walked inside. "Hallo the house!"

He grumbled, and pulled out a magic-sniffer. The witch had to be around here somewhere...

C'tan woke up to Evenant's call. He walked over to her and asked, "What is worng my child? Did you have a bad dream?"

OOC: Are you at Alexander's house, Ro?

OOC: Are you at Alexander's house, Ro?

((Vlad's just being a big dope. He doesn't know how to work the magic sniffer. He's broken down three doors and five sheds looking for witches. He'd be really lucky to figure it out now. Besides, Panda has plans.))

Evenant looked up to see the comforting familar face of C'tan. How did he know she had a "bad dream"? Well, it wasn't bad, it just left her with questions.

Her brow furrowed. She told him of her dream, in the way she remembered seeing it.

C'tan's silence made her think even more. She looked up. She didn't even notice that the light was breaking through the horizon and soon it would be day. In the forest sometimes time could be lost, this was one of those moments. She turned to C'tan and found his gaze on the village that laid before her.

"It can't be time. I am not ready."

His silence bore into her.

"I don't even know how to introduce myself into the village. They will think something of me comming out of the forest."

Silence.

"Why are you always like that?"

Frustrated because he was right, he always was right. She jumped up and stomped off into the deeper portion of the forest, where the light had not penetrated yet.

She pounded thru the dense brush and leaves, kicking up dust and sticks.
Crack, snap, pound. She was pist and she hoped everyone knew it. She was running now and crack everything was blacker than it was before.

Ouch.

She rubbed the crown of her head. A small knob had elevated just along her hairline. Well, now that was stupid of me. She sat there and pouted, knwoing she shouldn't because then she wouldn't be in this predicament right now.

She sat there and wondered. The light now danced through the leafs and marked her tan skin with white dots. Hmmm...well here goes nothing.

She walked back to the pond and said her goodbyes to C'tan. She exited the forest and was greeted with a blast of sunlight. She shielded her eyes.

It has never been this bright and I love it.

She took a step on the grassy rolling plain infront of her and it squished into the soft strands. Interesting. She stepped again....hmmm.

She looked up and saw the long grass stems dance in the wind and she began to dance with the wind. So freely. I am so happy to be out in the open with you. The wind tickled her ears and played and tugged at her hair. The wind, stopped and warned her that this behavior would not be smart in the village. The villagers tend to judge quickly. She haulted and frowned.

Where is all the fun?

~It vanishes with humans~

That can't be true.

~You have heard my stories~

Evenant shivered and yes the wind was correct. She could not trust them.

The wind picked up and pulled at her hair once more.

You flirt.

~Only with you~

Whatever.

Then the wind was gone and she was alone once more.

She walked into the village and came across a strange man trying to get into a house. She cocked her head at him and watched speechless.

Vladimir sighed as he came out of the house. Another dead end. I'm going to cry. he thought, looking around.

And then he stopped. Standing there, watching him, was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. "Who... who are you?" he called out, feeling that there was something unusual about her.

Then she moved, and her breasts were suddenly bared for a brief second. "Oh my..." he murmured to himself, closing his eyes. Chastity...chastity is my watchword... still, there was such a thing as common courtesy. The Inquisitor walked towards the beautiful figure, holding up his hands to show he meant no harm. "Pardon me, ma'am... are you lost?"

Evenant smiled. She musted have appeared lost, she certainly was. Her smile remained on her face, but she knew better to tell everything to this new person.

She approached the man, each step calculated and quite determined. "I do not believe I am lost, sir." Her voice rang out, as beautiful as a song bird's. "I do believe I know where I am. The question should be redirected to you, sir. Are you lost? Because of the expression on your face."

Her smile getting brighter with each word.

His mouth moved soundlessly for a few seconds, and then he looked around. "Um... err... well... it's just that..." he was blushing bright red. Surely she must notice? "Your bosom...it's very...I mean... um... it's uncovered..." he looked around once more, and then undid the clasp of his cape, taking it off and handing it to her.

Vladimir then turned around. "Uh oh... it's the Burghomeister..." the Inquisitor grimaced and quickly darted behind a house with the young woman, making a quick prayer for invisibility.

Before she could respond she was inside a house. She was looking around in wonderment. She had not been in a house, well since she was born and like she would remember that.

She looked down at her chest, the one the man was staring at. "Sir, I do not understand what the problem is. You have them also, so what is the deal?"

Vladimir spluttered into insensibility. "What?! What are you saying?" he looked down at her breasts and then back up, rapidly, bright red. "People... people don't look at things that way... Um..." he gestured to the cape. "And they're... very beautiful?" He hesitantly said, "Distracting? Who are you, anyway?"

Laughter floated out of her smiling lips and touched his cheeks, soflty tickling his ears.

Then her smile hardened a bit. "My name is Evenant. I am an Amazon warrior, traveling to aid others. It is part of our quest and when we finish we go back home. Is there something I can help you with sir?"

She hoped that would help explain her outfit, which in fact did resemble those clad hard ladies of the amazon.

"Um... I'm Vladimir..." he flushed. "An Inquisitor. I can show you around and..." her laugh made him smile, and he was drawn to her. Without knowing what he was doing, he bent down and kissed her square on the lips.

She felt pressure against her lips. So, this is what a kiss feels like. She did not let him keep the seal because she had to play her part. Seconds later, her hand was on his throat and she threw him down to the ground with a loud thud.

"Sir, I must request you do not do that again. At least not without my permission."

She still had one foot resting over his chest and ready to crush it. "Now, good sir, I will release you if you promise to control yourself."

One minute, he was kissing a beautiful woman, next, he was flat on his back like a turtle and that beautiful woman was holding a foot on his neck. "Um... I'm sorry, ma'am... but... I mean... that is why you need to cover up..." he pulled himself up, sending her softly onto the ground. "I'm sorry... um... but..." he blushed. "I... you..."

She noticed he was quite bashful. So, he can't be that harmful. She stepped back and then helped him up.

"Well, I certainly don't understand why you are reacting this way. We dress like because we can and that is what I our culture allows."

She stepped back one stepped. "And if you have a problem, take it up with my hand."

OOC: Thanks MGH, we appreciate that.

He was bright red. "Of course, of course... but... um... that's not how we act around here... you might get people... you know... um... I mean, it isn't good and... it's..." Vladimir held the cape up, feeling that his armour was too small. "Please?"

For a while, Alexander just held into Desdemona in his arms, and they floated in the water of the basin. They rarely spoke, but Alexander preferred that.

She was a very calming effect on him, he realized. Whenever he began to feel things spiral out of control, she was able to rein his emotions back in, and allow him to focus on his majik.

Yes, his majik. Powerful stuff. He could melt any alloy known to man just by thought. He could create deep fissures in the earth and manipulate objects just by thought. He was indeed powerful.

And Desdemona was teaching him how to become more than powerful. In fact, she was grooming him to be the next king.

A pity the current king didnt know he would be leaving so soon...

Alexander kissed the top of Desdemona's head, and allowed her to leave the basin.

"My love, we are late for a meeting with the King."

The woman in front of the young man covered her breasts modestly. She could sense the sarcasm in his voice.

"Yes, and it is never proper to keep your father waiting, no?"

********

Within a quarter-hour, Alexander and Desdemona entered the throne-room. The woman kneeled, but the prince and only heir remained standing.

With a flourish, Alexander bowed, but did not kneel.

"Hail, King Titus Theoden. How may I serve you today."

Titus ignored him, and instead chose to address Desdemona.

"I see you still haven't stilled his sharp tongue, lady Desdemona. Tell me, why is that..."

Desdemona bowed deeply then rose, not fearing to meet the Kings eyes.

'M'Lord...was it not your request to give Alexander all the tools necessary to become the kingdoms greatest warrior-mage? To do so, he must first be a man, and a man is only a boy until he stands up to his father."

With her hand, she wove the spell of Clouding on the King, renewing its power and causing the Theoden to not dwell on questions that were better left unanswered. She saw his eyes haze over, and his mind go on to other subjects. She used the opportunity to continue.

"M'Lord, today I will be bringing Alexander to the village, to walk amongst his people. He will see them in their natural state, and hopefully learn about humility, and respect for those that serve the Royal House. Unless there is anything else you desire from us, we will take our leave now."

She smiled at Alex, allowing him a little wink. He loved adventures, and though he was well into his manhood, at heart he was still a little boy, always seeking action and intrigue. She could see the effect her magicks were having on him, the subtle change of feeling towards his own father. Soon, the disrespect would turn to active dislike, then become a viscious and violent hate. On that day, Alex would act and would become King.

Queen Desdemona...she liked the sound of that.

Evenant smiled at him. However, she did not take his cape. "Sorry, I must decline your offer. If I were to take it and wear it, it would appear to others that we were together. How would that look on your reputation? In fact Amazon woman are not belonging to anyone. It goes against our beliefs. So, do not take offense to the matter that beholds us. Inbrace it."

She sneezed. "AHH....ahh...choo!"

She rubbed her button nose and blinked several times. I am definitely not used to the inside shelter structures.

"Sir, I bid you good day. I am off to the market, to explore. Sorry, I may not of been help to you, it is obvious I am not done here."

She stepped out of the building and took a deep breath. Ahh. Fresh air seeped into her very body.

She began to walk down the street and then a friend revisited her.

The wind.

~Greetings m'lady~

Didn't you just hear I belong to noone.

~But I can hope~

Laughter filled her heart.

~I must tell you the heir of the king and his little right hand shall be visiting soon~

What does this have to deal on my behalf?

~Things will change~

The air had slightly felt suffocating and dimfully dark.

I feel it now.

~He will be leaving soon~

~Beware~

With that the wind was gone and left her in her tracks to think. The heir. She had heard stories of this man. She was not impressed and nor by his "play toy". She, herself, was a yielder of nature, but did not abuse it so.

She sat down by a fountain. What exactly did the wind mean? She stared into the cool blue liquid and watched her face and it blended with that of the heir. She narrowed her eyes and the vision disappeared. Hmmm...maybe that Vladmir can be of help to me.

She looked up and her eyes began to search for the bubbling fool.

Titus shook his head both in assent and in an effort to try and clear the sudden attack of cobwebs.

It was strange, but he supposed he just needed more rest.

"No... no, you may leave. Both of you. And Alexander, keep good watch out for any strange persons: I hear of rumblings of so called witch-hunters, and I do not want then disrupting my business in my kingdom."

Alexander bowed once more. "Sire..."

Desdemona got up and curtsied. "Sire..."

As the two left the courtroom, Alexander clasped Desdeomana's hand and squeezed it.

"My love, do you think that the same thing will happen as last week when we were in the village?"

Desdemona thought back: the last time they were in Brighton, a street urchin had harrased them for any spare gold pieces. They had tried to brush him off but the child would not let them be.

So Alexander opened a chasm in the Earth which swallowed him whole. It was simple enough business, but no one else bothered them again...

Daegal slowly rode his horse through the streets. Once again wearing his furs, he looked very out of place of most of the people there. Some looked at him and whispered quietly as he rode past. Spotting a fountain ahead, he gently moved the horse a bit faster.

When he reached it, Daegal dismoutned and dunked his head under the water. He pulled his head out, feeling much better and moved his hair away from his eyes when he saw a woman, sitting near the fountain staring at him. He smiled at her.

"Hello."

"My love, do you think that the same thing will happen as last week when we were in the village?"

Desdemona thought back: the last time they were in Brighton, a street urchin had harrased them for any spare gold pieces. They had tried to brush him off but the child would not let them be.

So Alexander opened a chasm in the Earth which swallowed him whole. It was simple enough business, but no one else bothered them again...

She smiled at the memory, and at the ease in which he had brought the massive, mystical power into being. The thunderclap sound of the earth opening still reverberated in her memory, and she fed on the image of the fear in the urchins eyes, as he fell to his death.

"My darling, such is the way of your people. They are a small and petty race, which is why it is so important for you to quickly assume your rightful place on the throne."

She stroked his arm, amazed at the muscle that had recently developped in it. She moved in close, her breasts pressing against him, and her silken lips at his ear. Her voice was soft, seductive and powerful.

"You may do what you want with the peasants...they belong to you. Very soon indeed, so will the crown that the King now wears. The weight of it grows heavy on his soul, and eventually, the burden will fall on you. Despair not, my love, for I will be there to share in the burden."

She pulled away suddenly, her spell complete. Alexander now believed he was the rightful ruler of this kingdom, and was rapidly beginning to consider his own father as an interloper, a pretender to the crown. She felt his body stiffen, his anger flushing his cheeks. Still, it was not time for him...yet. Until that moment, she must guide his anger, and power, in the right direction.

"Today is a day of gifting. We shall scour the market for a wench that strikes your fancy, then we will return to our chambers, where she may pleasure us both. Sound interesting, my heart?"

She saw the lust rise in his eyes, and knew she had won, yet again. Men were such simple beasts.

Evenant did not realize she was staring. The centaurs had taught her through culture it was not polite to stare. Although, in this day and age many did because of differences. She really had not noticed the man in fur infront of her.

She ran over and petted his body. This man, was he half animal half human like her dear friends, or was this clothing to hide his frail skin against the elements of the earth?

Her fingers slide with the fur, it was so soft.

"Oh hi." She blushed and backed away from the man.

"I apologize, I just mess some of my friends," pausing to think of C'tan, "and you brought back memories."

She looked him up and down and desided he was harmless. Then she looked about the market place, where was that Vladmir?

"Well, my name is Evenant. I am an Amazon warrior on a mission of charity." Hmmm...getting this story thing down even better.

"And it appears you are not from here as well?"

Deagal stared as the woman stroked his fur clothes. This was by far the oddest sight he had seen in his travels. He bowed low to her.

"I am Deagal...my people are what some might call.....Vikings."

He took off his furs and put them on the back of his horse, who was now drinking from the fountain. His blue eyes shimmered in the sunlight.

"I come from far away searching for my father, who has been missing for several years. He went to war with some of the men from our village, but he never returned. I hope that he is still alive. What brings you here to this land?"

She cocked her head at him, I did not know they were still around.

"Yes, I have heard of Vikings, but I thought they would be long extint by now." A rosy flush came across her cheeks. Is this what they call embarrassment?

"I came here on my mission, like I said earlier. Once Amazon woman reach a certain stage we must go to a village, not yet visited by another woman and help people that are in need and then we return when we fill we have fullfilled our destiny here."

Vladimir shuffled his feet. "Yes, lord burghomeister..."

"Furthermore, you shouldn't be playing with women at a time like this! What would our King say if he saw you running into a house with a topless girl?"

"Lucky Inquisitor?" Vladimir winced as a hobnailed boot crushed his foot. "Sorry, m'lord..."

"Imbecile!" the burghomeister shrieked into Vlad's ear. "We need to protect this villages from heresy and witches!"

"Yes m'lord..."

"I'm having you relieved of duty for the rest of the day. Go sit in the townsquare and think about what you've done!" the burghomeister pulled out a mace. "And while you do that, hit yourself in the head with this."

"Yes, m'lord..."

Deagal looked at Evenant slightly puzzled. He had never heard of the word 'extinct' before, and did not understand it's meaning. He knew his people were survivors of tough sea travel, and tough seasons during the year. He smiled at her as she explained why she was here.

"That is a very noble mission. I'm here, on not so much of helpful mission."

He moved one of the furs slightly so Evenant could see his short sword and helm. Deagal covered them again when a person passed. He sat down on the fountain and looked at her.

"Amazon, I am afraid I am not familiar with your people. Where do you come from?"

By mid-morning, Desdemona and her charge had arrived at the outskirts of a large, open market. There was a cacaphony of noise and sound, colors and smells, enough to keep Alexander occupied and above all, happy. As opposed to the last time they had gone on one of these adventures, this time they were both dressed in the simple garb of the common folk, their hooded cloaks helping to cover their distinct features. She looked at him, and saw the joy in his eyes, a joy that was slowly being tempered and bent to become a need, and a pleasure. His need would start with the Kingdom, and end with the world.

Taking his arm in hers, she led him into the maelstorm of the market.

"Well, many of the woman who are considered Amazons are not direct descendants of the actually Amazon woman. Most of us are just little girls cruelly kicked out of the world and forced to live on our own. The older woman would find us as children starved for many things and they would raise us. Several of the women we call elders are in fact the correct Amazon. A section of women that originally were nomads, gypsies. They were tossed out by other woman into a part of the rain forest known to be surrounding the Amazon River."

She swallowed. "Several centuries ago, there was an inner turmoil between the woman and they split and those traveled around the world. They wanted to plant their trees elsewhere; where they were needed."

"I was abandoned by my family because I was not a male," which was true history for her, "it was that practice then to have male heirs and girls were of too many numbers. They had already had a daughter; they did not need another. I was found by one and raised by the elders. I was actually taken back to the origin of the practice, back to the Amazon. I was grounded as an "Amazon". One of them saw potential in me. Meaning that I was a descendant of their bloodline."

She looked at his furrowing brow. Many always asked how they could reproduce. "I see you wonder how children of a group of woman come to be. Yes, they do engage in romantics with men. I will not go into detail about that. It is all science. But really there are Amazon women everywhere. It is just if they practice the technique and culture or not."

She smiled. "Does this answer your question completely?"

Deagal sat there, listening to Evenant tell of her people. He absorbed it like a sponge, he had never heard of the Amazon River and he had never heard of a rainforest. If he got back to his people, he would try to organize and expedition to find this river.

"Yes...I think it does answer my question. Are you skilled in the arts of combat and war?

Vladimir sighed when he saw the girl again, just sitting by the fountain. Still, orders were orders. He sat down on a bench, and whacked himself repeatedly in the face with the mace. He wondered if he should remove his helmet, then shook his head.

But the Inquisitor's bonhomie disappeared when he saw her talking comfortably with the viking. "What in the name of the Lord..." he scowled, and rose to his full height, cape spinning behind him as he slowly walked over to the fountain.

With that question Evenant rose up. She slipped out of one of her leather boots a slim sword, slightly curved at the end. The handle was made out of wood and had carvings of ancient words and designs on it. With a twist of her wrist she had the sword pointed straight at Daegal.

She raised an eyebrow.

"Do you want to test my degree of expertise?"

Deagal looked at Evenant's sword. He did not expect this kind of response from her. He would of happily donned his armor and taken up his axe and fought her, but this seemed like a bad place to do such.

"I would happily test your skills, yet this is hardly the place to do combat. I'm a stranger in a strange and distant land...I am careful not to cause trouble."

Alexander, with Desdemona at his side, began to stride into the village. As they walked, the villagers began to surrepticiously sneak away, as if not wanting to be caught within the prince's aura of evil.

Of course, Alexander did not know that. To him, the villagers were sparing him from their horrid presence, and rightfully so.

They continued on, looking for a nice whore to have join them for an evening of debauchery.

"How about her?"

Desdemona turned and looked. It was a girl of about 17, fairly kempt and attractive, at least by the villages standards.

"She would be fine, love. Go and fetch her."

Alexander slipped away and walked towards the young woman. The girl in turned, screamed and ran.

The prince laughed and ran after her, entering the townsquare. However, by the time he arrived, the square was empty, save three people: two men and a woman.

The woman held a sword to one of the men's throat. Well, Alexander couldn't have that in his kingdom, now could he?

"You three. What sort of deed is transpiring in my kingdom?"

Deagal looked at the man standing sevearl meters away from him. He appeared to be a simple commoner, like himself. He could not see the face behind the hood, and was curious why. Deagal stood next to his horse, his weapons in easy reach.

"Show me your face stranger...and I will tell you of my business here."

The rage that filled her was immediate, and all-consuming. How DARE someone speak to the Prince that way? Eldritch energies flared in her, and she was considering whether to turn him into a toad, or a steaming pile of feces when she realized that Alex and herself had very good disguises on...this is why the peasant spoke with such rudeness. She decided to let her young charge handle the man any way he wanted...then she noticed the girl. Beautiful and healthy, with an exotic yet familiar look about her...Desdemona felt a sudden heat begin to grow within her. With difficulty, she returned her eyes to the scene unfolding in front of her.

OOC: Refer to the thread 'Atonement' for some background information on this character.

Atonement: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=382915

His vantage point atop a nearby watchtower afforded him a fine view of the unfolding scene below... This strange land was a perfect place to continue his wanderings, despite Makaal's other plans for him... The people below appeared to him as shades of red, blue, and gold. The buildings where mere shades of what he remembered them to look like. His lack of conventional sight would take some getting used to...

If one could describe his appearance in a word, it would be ragged. The tattered cloak he wore was draped across his shoulders, partially covering his snout & concealing his torso. A strip of cloth covered his eyes, tied at the back. His trousers where haggard & torn. A long-sleeved tunic extended to his wrists, his clawed hands where wrapped in cloth gloves, weather-worn & torn in several places, the fingers had been missing since their creation.

His scales, like his clothing, where charcoal gray. From a distance, he looked to be an odd-shaped shadow, the fin-ears sprouting from his head giving him an oddly aquatic look. The twin katanas that usually hung from his back where gone, taken at the time of his death. He didn't want them, or need them. When one had nothing to lose, one fought like it... When unarmed that translated into an eerie calm when faced with armed opponents.

He had tasted death once... It no longer worried him... Makaal would not tolerate his presence in his realm, and he would soon return to the material world. It was a painful process, but worth it to be away from the controlling deity...

The shadow-creature leaned forward, peering down at the gathering below. He had no right to interfere, but every right to observe.

He had come to seek the witch-hunters, and see that their victims where indeed under the power of Satan... He shuddered as memories of Salem came flooding back. There would be no repeats of that needless slaughter...

Evenant spun around and faced the new voice. His deep tone vibrated within her head and every cell in her body screamed recognition. Who is this guy?

She held her sword straight and pointed at the covered man. "You kingdom?"

Her laugh was cruel, if she could let it be, "I see no kingdom of worthy note here."

She slide her sword back into her boot and placed a firm hand on Daegal's shoulder. "We were only playing. A swordsman’s game, but alas, he sees danger and does not want to provoke it."

With that Evenant stepped forward, several steps in front of the male, she spoke words into his mind that would linger and only in his could he understand her tongue. *I warn you do not provoke me, for chaos is my friend, and he likes to come out and play.*

Now noticing the other figure with the man, a woman. A woman of power. She did not hide her strength and with that knowledge it would aide Evenant. Evenant was trained to withhold her power and shield it away from the many watchful eyes, she knew better. Yet, this woman must be arrogant or not scared.

I know him, don't I? The question dull and dank in her head. Her glance came back to the woman and what of her? Another witch? I should not provoke them, for I do not know the extent of her power.

Her gaze fell back toward the man. She blinked, the image of the hut and the screaming woman in birth, and then it was gone. Someone I know?

She shook her head and her long locks followed in confusion.

She remembered C'tan and his teachings. She sighed.

She extended her hand in a gesture of greeting, her voice came out clear and sweet, "Forgive me sir, my tongue does not haste my mind sometimes. My name is Evenant. How may I be of service to your two?"

She thought she was mistaken, and maybe she was. At the moment she felt the eyes of something on her, she also felt a wave of power wash over her. She traced the ripple of magic back to its source, surprised to find that it seemed to come from the young woman in front of her. Desdemona continued to remain silent, observing the female. She seemed simple enough, with a natural beauty that was appealing, and vaguely familiar. Desdemona hid her hands, and wove a small spell of probing, casting it at the girl. It shattered upon impact, the eldritch energies cascading invisibly off of her.

"How...?" Desdemona wondered, her defenses going up. She began to prepare a more powerful spell, one that would reveal herself as a great wizard to anyone watching, but one that would also eliminate the yopung woman if she proved to be a threat. Still, this was an excellent opportunity for her to watch Alexander handle himself. She hoped he would not just kill them outright...especially the girl.

'Magic...'

It had been many years since he'd smelled its use...

'The older female is a mage of some sort...'

The bright blue aura surrounding her added to his hypothesis' viability. The male next to her was surrounded by a gray aura, which the shadow interpreted as untamed power... It was tinted with blue, but not to the degree of his female companion. Either he was barely trained or his power was immense, there was no safe way to be sure...

The other female, younger & on foot, lacked the magical aura...

'Her manner speaks of independence & self-reliance... A warrior, perhaps of the Amazon race. I cannot be sure without a closer look...'

The male next to her registered the same in his new vision...

'Proud... A warrior, certainly... Yet his manner is that of a hunter, much like I used to be... He seeks something, or someone...'

Intrigued, the shadow-figure slid off the rooftop perch, kicking off of the opposite walls of an alleyway to slow his descent to the street that ran between them. He landed silently on the dirty cobbles, nearly on top of a drunken adventurer who promptly tossed the half-empty bottle away on the sight of the shadowy being, who nodded in approval.

From his alleyway viewpoint, the details where much clearer...

Deagal stood there, waiting to see what would happen. He did not trust either of the two under the cloaks. He also could tell they were evil, he did not know in what way, but he sensed great power and evil radiating from the woman. His left hand was under the mass of furs, his hand was wrapped around the handle of his axe in case the pair tried anything.

Cold air meets her exposed hand. It frosted it and she relaxed the tense muscle. Blood rushed to the icy fingers and once again they were warm.

How abnormal.

Silence drummed in her ears, almost shoddier than the most annoying noise. It stung and hung around, like must in a prehistoric putrefying tree. You just can't shake it off.

She blinked; she thought she saw a face.

"Thomas." She heard the woman's shrill voice bore into her head.

She blinked once more; it was gone.

Her eyes searched the surrounding. She smelled a pungent odor, alcohol. Then she sensed something else. A creature she had heard of, but never seen and she could not search it out now. She would not extend her power and let the woman mage sense her.

So, they remained this way. A standstill.

Alexander sniffed at the air, and turned to the Desdemona.

"This woman amuses me."

With a grab of his left hand, Alexander pulled Evenant to his side, and with his right, he gestured at the others behind her."

"The rest of you could service me well by simply dying."

The ground beneath the others began to buckle and ripple...

"Clumsy...too much power, too quickly!" Desdemona thought to herself as Alexander grabbed the young woman and began his Spell of Rending. The boy liked to use a big stick to kill small bugs, and he would soon need to learn how to temper his power and become more precise in it's application. She reflected that his magic skills were much like his bedroom abilities...youthful with lots of enthusiasm and great power spent too quickly. Desdemona quickly wove a Balancing Spell into his, so that the whole village would not be destroyed. Simultaneously, she cast a unbreakable Spell of Binding on the girl, in case she decided to try and reach one of the many blades she carried. With little more than a whisper, she spoke to her young charge, her hypnotic tone calming Alexander.

"Think well, my Prince...will their deaths further your cause? Kill them, and they are only useful to the worms. Let them live, and they can serve you well, and die for you with meaning."

The shadow-creature remained in the alley. Such displays of power where a waste of magical ability. If it came to it, he could simply charge from his hiding place & slide a kick into one of the horse's inside legs, snapping it & causing one to topple into the other to disrupt the concertration of the male.

The possibilites & angles of attack seemed endless... His mind felt oddly clear, as if it had been in a haze throughout his previous life. He felt more in tune with the world as a whole, an integrated & valuable component as opposed to a shoddy addition...

A binding spell, the foolish woman did not even know her own kind. Well, I suppose I gave her no reason to believe I have similar magic that flows in her. Although, mine is natural, but those created abstractly can still be dangerous.

A laugh erupted out of Evenant's mouth. Her eyes widened. Oops, I should not give them a reason that I am threat. I should be a mindless human. She had reflected the spell quite easily, but let it linger so that the woman would think it was on her.

Evenant's voice, sweet and tender, spoke to her friends. ~Do not worry my friends. They will have no hold over you with me here and near. They will think, but not know otherwise."

A giggle remained in their heads; I assume they wonder how I am talking in their mind. Oh the inquisitor will have many questions that will conflict in that head.

Evenant looked to her opposite mage and wondered how to dispose of the woman. She felt the pressure of someone's hand capped around her very own. His hand still held hers. She looked up at him. He would be her crutch to get rid of the woman and then it would be easier for her to dispose of him.

I shall go with these two and "please" them. She cast a spell on herself to appear to the two as if she was subservient to them.

OOC: Where is everyone?????

OOC: Where is everyone?????

I'm here, waiting for the Prince to show some sign of life.

OOC: i would like to join in as one of the kings knights...i have read the Rp but where may i fit my charactor into the script?

Unknown12, you may throw in your post whenever you like. Maybe you are following Alexander and you see what is happening and interrupt, basically whatever you want to do. As you can see it is going slow cause we are waiting on Valient. Next time I see him online on messenger I will say something. Thanks for the rest who are being patient.

A Knight in shining black well kept armor approached the dispute on a massive white horse,

" I say! what is this racket about!"

He pointed at the Prince,his face not visible but known to be VERY serious by the tone of his voice. This was the armor of the kings personal guard,the emblem of the Kingdom was also visible on the horses armor

"I say! what is going on here!"

The knight gripped his Broad Sword with right hand,

"Remove your cloaks!"

He sat patiently waiting for a reply from either the man or woman....

Sorry ATG... seems I'm always making you wait :$

IC:

Alexander shook his head suddenly, as if throwing off a bed spread that had landed and unfurled on his crown. He looked at Evenant, and suddenly did not feel so... lustful for her.

He felt another burning inside of him. One of pride... and one of immediate dislike for this "knight."

Alexander dropped his hand to his own sword, and bowed deeply to the knight.

"My good sir, please, you're addressing the prince of this land, and I judge by your crest that you are not of here... Please, come and make acquaintence proper, lest you be shy to make friends with one who is properly armed?"

The knight quickly hopped down from the horse and quickly removed his helmet kneeling to the prince,his face was young..a large scar went from his forhead over his eye

"My Lord! you have my deepest apoligies!i cannot explain my sorrow towards you!"

The knight lowered his head fearing what tghe prince would do now,

"I lend my horse to thee if you wish to ride,i will walk beside you!"

The knight trembled making his armor clatter quietly....

(OOC Any possibly of a summary so I can join in with a decent character and understanding of what is going on? Thanks.)

OOC: Kain, read my first post and then basically Valient's character has met my character for the first time. A whole lot of nothing has gone on. I am not going to post IC yet I shall wait for Gawdly to respond.

She could taste the girl's power.

Fleeting, here now then gone, Desdemona probed for the source of the eldritch flare. It was as if it had never existed, and yet the beautiful sorceress had felt the energy as if it were her own. It has a sense of the familiar about it. She looked down at the young maiden, her black eyes probing, wondering why she was so intrigued by this girl. Desdemona looked forward to discovering all of Evenant's secrets. For now, other issues had arisen.

The armed man in front of them stunk of assumed nobility and misplaced honor, and his voice was harsh with superiority and petty posturing. She had known many like this in her life, and killed an equal amount. The so-called knight saved his own life temporarily by immediately recognizing Alexander's power, and showing proper obeisance.

He was a young man, hard-jawed and rugged, an ugly scar marring his visage. Desdemona decided to let her lover handle the sword-for-hire, while she concentrated on her real problems, such as the feeling that there were other magical entities around them. This square was no longer as safe as she preferred, so she took Alex by the arm and drew him in close, her tongue flicking his ear and her breath heavy and warm on his cheek.

"It's time to return, my love, and prepare for tonight. The wench comes with us, and you can bring the armored one as well. Another sword in the stable can always be used." Releasing him, Desdemona turned back to Evenant, fixing her with a hard stare.

"Come along, young one...your future awaits..." she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Evenant avoided the woman's gaze.

She probes where she does not belong. I will teach her what she deserves. Now, to get the information I need.

She looked to her friends, hoping they could read the words her tender lips mouthed.

"I go to search their library. Stay near, but far, trust in me and you will remain unseen to her eyes. I will deal with him when the time comes."

It was now the plan, as she had found out he was the king's heir, to go to the palace in search of her past. In the library that hide many secrets was her past, well, at least she hoped to would find it. If all else she would get to fight a lot of guards on her way out of the palace.

She looked at the woman, and maybe break one bad egg.

Desdemona watched in frustration as her young charge leapt upon the sorry steed and rode off. She was now alone in the square, surrounded by fools...and Evenant. Taking the girl by the hand, she turned and began striding towards the castle, pulling her along behind her. She stopped and looked back at the young knight, still kneeling with head bowed.

"You there...scar-face: come along now, and lend your arm to my protection. This will be your first act in your new position in the Raven Guard. Hurry now, the Prince does not like to wait."

She desperately needed to get back to her lair, her base of power, so she could begin her examination of Evenant. Looking down at the young, beautiful girl, taking in her healthy chest and luscious curves, Desdemona smiled and decided that first, pleasure would be had. There would be plenty of time for an autopsy later.

The knight replaced his helmet and replyed,

"I got this wound in the civil wars for the king,i killed 32 enemys in the battle single handedly...i accept your request for the raven guard..i was 2nd in command for the kings personal guard..my name is Sir Johnathan Weiss..your wish is my command"

The knight strolled after Desmonda looking very aware at the villagers who stared without words,ever time John looked in their direction they pretended to go about their buisness.

Johnathan was a young man but built like a ox,solid as stone. He had black short hair and was quite handsome...the scar on his face was charactor..he had icey blue eyes. In the civil wars he took 2 arrows in the arm and one in neck,he survived all with one intention..live another day to protect the king.

Before long, Alexander rode back and gaffed at the group.

"Hurry up the pace, then. I want to be back in the castle by this afternoon. I still have things that need attending too. And that includes my lessons."

Alexander pointed his sword at Evenant.

"You! Up onto my horse. Ride with me." WIth a blank look on her face, the girl climbed on board in front of Alexander.

At this change in events, Desdemona sputtered, turning red in the face. "But... my love. What about me?"

Alexander looked at her, and then at Johnathan.

"Bring him to the armory when you get back to the castle. I need a new sparring partner."

With that, Alexander spurred the horse and went off back towards the castle. When he was out of earshot of Desdemona, he spoke to Evenant.

"That woman... some days I can't stand her... and other days I can't stand not being with her..."

Alexander leaned forward and took a small whiff of Evenant's hair.

"But... you seem different. Please, I hope we didn't get off on the wrong foot..."

The anger rose in her quickly, and the air around her crackled with deadly energy and evil intent as Alex rode off with the wench. DAMN HIS EYES! she screamed to herself, silently. The boy was getting cocky as he aged, and it was getting more difficult to keep the Spell of Binding intact around him. She would deal with this later. For now, she needed revenge for his public insult. She turned to the young knight.

Regarding him, she noticed that he was a very handsome and healthy piece of meat. Smiling seductively, she approached him and looked into his eyes, her powers subtly influencing his hormones. Her hand rested on his cheek, then slipped down to caress his chest. A moment later, she dropped her hand even lower.

"The Prince can wait...I too, have need of a sparring partner. Is that a sword in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" she teased, enthralling the young knight deeper into her spell.

Evenant smiled meekly to Alexander.

Better play the role.

She looked over her shoulder toward the other witch. She felt the anger directed towards him for his rejection of her.

He must feel that intense heat coming from her, why does he look so calm?

She softly cleared her throat. "I am sure things can be manipulated to turn around. But forgive me for being so forward, but what exactly are you planning on doing with me?"

She wasn't really sure she wanted the answer, but she figured his arrogance would let her know the truth. And depending on his answer would depend on her power directed at him.

If I have to kill him I will. But his eyes, I could just fall into them.

The shadow was as the shadow did. He moved with an unearthly grace & sureness of foot. It followed at a distance, remaining at the edge of perception, like a spider waiting quietly in the corner of the ceiling...

He was like an elephant on rice-paper, and the moment he moved, the trap had been sprung.

Desdemona had sensed earlier that something was not quite right in the square, that more eyes were interested than could be accounted for. The dark and beautiful sorceress had released a Spell of Stillness, which spread out from her like an oil slick on water. Like a spider in the center of her web, any who disturbed the stillness were immediately sensed. Desdemona turned her head slowly, letting her eyes roam the dark shadows of the alley in front of her. With her mind, she formed a thought, and directed it to the darkness.

"Strangers and questions are only so, until they've been introduced and answered."

With that, she turned and strode briskly from the square, not looking behind her, slapping the scarred knight on the shoulder as she passed. She spoke quietly as they walked quickly away.

"You may be tested very soon, and you best not fail. Be prepared."

There... He felt it wash over him, like a calm breeze... Magical detection. He'd been discovered... Either movement skills where rusty, or he was dealing with a powerful magic-user. At any rate, this was not a good thing...

'Dammit... Her power is great, greater than mine used to be... If only I could remember that counter-spell...'

The thought was cut short by the entry of another's into his mind... She wished for him to introduce himself? Odd... He would comply, there was no other peaceful means of accomplishing this task.

The shadow-lizard strode forth from the darkness, covered eyes scanning the people before him...

She watched alertly as the wanderer stepped from the shadows, its furtive movements muffled by the long cloak it wore. Desdemona felt the scarred knight stiffen at her side, and she lay a hand on his arm, a slight nod of her head telling him to stand down. She probed the approaching creature, subtly but with great precision, surprised when nothing was revealed. The sorceress didn't like mysteries, or surprises, unless they were controlled by herself. All she could feel was that the stranger was seeking something...

"I am Desdemona, though I fear that this is already known to you. Walk with me." She turned and continued to walk towards the castle, gesturing for the cloaked one to follow her. She continued to speak as they entered a cobbled laneway.

"These are my lands that you skulk in, and I do not take kindly to strangers entering my home without an invitation. It would be in your very best interest to identify yourself, and explain why you've chosen to violate my privacy, and invade my world."

OOC: Waiting for Valient to respond and then I can post.

OOC: Actually, Amanda? I'm still not sure what it is I'm meant to be doing in this thread. The action appears to have moved away from the square, and the Inquisitor has a job to do...

Alexander caught the corner of Evenant's eye and he smiled - a wicked grin that seemed to hide a machiavellian intent.

"You will find out soon enough..."

With a heel into the side of the horse, the prince rode through the gates of the castle, which opened just as he neared it. With a whinny and a rearing of the legs, the horse trembled to a stop outside the grand hall entrance.

Alexander hopped down, and shortly thereafter, helped Evenant down. An attendant bowed low and led the horse away.

Evenant started forward, keen to look around her new settings, but Alexander grabbed her arm, firm but not harmful. He knew what he could do.

"Before you get the tour, please, tell me your name..."

OOC: Roania, maybe he can be sent after Evenant from his boss, but has to be disguised to go into the castle. Yet, she recognizes him. While in the process of following her, he can run into Gawdly's little sorceress. How does that sound, any other ideas anyone?

A surprise look came out and across her face. She hid it behind an embarrassed smile.

Touch I have never felt before. Why did the centaurs never show me any emotions

The grip was firm, but not hard. She knew he had more strength and at this moment she wanted to rip her arm from under his grasp, but realized against her own intentions she couldn't. She had to play her part as the submissive girl. Although, she wondered if he would buy it because of her outfit.

I suppose I can explain that later, again I can use the Amazon story.

Her eyes meet his, probably not something a servant would do, but she was not accostumed to their cultural practices. "My name is Evenant, m'lord." She bowed her head slightly. "Do forgive me for being so bold, but I do not like to be surprised. Can you please inform me of your intentions?"

She watched alertly as the wanderer stepped from the shadows, its furtive movements muffled by the long cloak it wore. Desdemona felt the scarred knight stiffen at her side, and she lay a hand on his arm, a slight nod of her head telling him to stand down. She probed the approaching creature, subtly but with great precision, surprised when nothing was revealed. The sorceress didn't like mysteries, or surprises, unless they were controlled by herself. All she could feel was that the stranger was seeking something...

"I am Desdemona, though I fear that this is already known to you. Walk with me." She turned and continued to walk towards the castle, gesturing for the cloaked one to follow her. She continued to speak as they entered a cobbled laneway.

"These are my lands that you skulk in, and I do not take kindly to strangers entering my home without an invitation. It would be in your very best interest to identify yourself, and explain why you've chosen to violate my privacy, and invade my world."

Oddly, he followed...

"I was once known as Whiptail, of the Longtail clan... I am a hunter, but these past days I have sought to find something to seek. I heard of the so-called witch-hunts of your lands. Such things are delicate procedures, easily taken to extremes. I have come to quietly oversee such hunts... My recent curse may turn out to be a blessing after all..."

As Whiptail spoke, he turned his head in Desdemona's direction. His eyes are hidden by a tattered black strip of cloth. The cloak he had once worn was wrapped around his snout & shoulders instead of hanging from them like it had once done...

"I am no invader. Such beings have hostile intent, seeking to vanquish & slay. I only seek to prevent unnessecary deaths. I have expeirence in such matters as witch-hunts, and could possibly offer my services..."

Again, the former Dark Argonian pauses...

"You have the scent of a mage about you..."

Oddly, he followed...

"I was once known as Whiptail, of the Longtail clan... I am a hunter, but these past days I have sought to find something to seek. I heard of the so-called witch-hunts of your lands. Such things are delicate procedures, easily taken to extremes. I have come to quietly oversee such hunts... My recent curse may turn out to be a blessing after all..."

As Whiptail spoke, he turned his head in Desdemona's direction. His eyes are hidden by a tattered black strip of cloth. The cloak he had once worn was wrapped around his snout & shoulders instead of hanging from them like it had once done...

"I am no invader. Such beings have hostile intent, seeking to vanquish & slay. I only seek to prevent unnessecary deaths. I have expeirence in such matters as witch-hunts, and could possibly offer my services..."

Again, the former Dark Argonian pauses...

"You have the scent of a mage about you..."

"And you, the scent of a killer...a scent that fades the more I seek it out, to be replaced by the scent of...a saviour? What madness is this?" Desdemona was stunned, never believing that one such as this could be...but no, it was impossible. She pushed the thought from her mind, for now. She looked at the creature, now intrigued by the dichotomy of scents and aura's it exuded.

"You...you are welcome to join us, Traveller. Perhaps we can be of service to each other. At the very least, you'll allow me to properly pay homage to you as a visiting guest? A feast would be in order, I would think..."

She needed more from this stranger, and she needed the time to get it.

"And you, the scent of a killer...a scent that fades the more I seek it out, to be replaced by the scent of...a saviour? What madness is this?" Desdemona was stunned, never believing that one such as this could be...but no, it was impossible. She pushed the thought from her mind, for now. She looked at the creature, now intrigued by the dichotomy of scents and aura's it exuded.

"You...you are welcome to join us, Traveller. Perhaps we can be of service to each other. At the very least, you'll allow me to properly pay homage to you as a visiting guest? A feast would be in order, I would think..."

She needed more from this stranger, and she needed the time to get it.

Whiptail reguarded her with a knowing look, his manner somewhat confused...

"I have taken the lives of others before, that is true. Some where in cold blood, others in the name of a diety I thought exsisted, while still more in pursuit of a cause I never really believed in. I am no savior, I am simply one of many lost souls that wanders this plain of exsistance seeking a higher purpose."

Through his new aural vision, the woman still retained the reddish glow... He would need to be wary...

"I would prefer that there was no feast in my honor..."

Whiptail added as a quiet aside, keeping his senses alert. Now that he was in the open there where many opportunities for things to happen...

Alexander grinned again, showing his teeth and flashing his eyes in a terrible manner. They were blue, and yet hid a blackness behind. They were truely bizzare, and yet not unattractive.

He moved closer to Evanent and was about to speak when a commotion came from the great hall. He turned, along with a startled Evanent to see Titus bash his way through the hall doors, with two nervous looking handlers trailing behind.

"Alexander. Why must you always test my patience and the sanctity of the royal pride?"

Alexander turned towards his father and cocked his head in mock confusion. "Why father, what do you mean?"

Titus looked at his son with blatent disdain. "Why... why do you play this game?"

"What game?"

"This... front you put on with the populace? Terrorizing them and running around playing your games."

Alexander huffed and scowled at the king. The handlers looked from prince to sire, and back again. The heir to the throne smiled another wicked grin and turned away from his father.

"Who said it was a game..."

With that, he walked away, seemingly forgetting about Evanent. In turn, Titus turned back and strode into the throne room, seemingly unnoticing of her.

Evanent was left alone...

What just happened here? A fight with the pops?

Evenant seemly lost in thought, remained alone and then she took off running in the direction Alexander went.

I will not lose him, once I have tried so hard to find him.

She did not pay heed to her surroundings, materialistic items mean nothing to her.

She stopped and saw him standing there, obviously pissed off about something. She would be aware of what she said to him.

She slowly walked up to him. Placing her hands upon his shoulders, softly she massaged and then worked up to his neck and carrassing back down to the small of his back. She spoke no words, but let her hands do more of the talking.

If my submission can not get him to talk, my seduction will.

She noticed his body was becomming more relaxed with her very movement and she turned him around to face her. She pulled her hands away, so that they were close, but not touching and she knew her energy would still radiate off onto him.

No words spoken from her mouth, but she knew he understood something quite important was needed at this time, but there would be a confusion, which is what she wanted.

She smiled, be in intelligence like a cat knowing it had its mouse, or seduction of a tempress, he would not know. Yet, she would.

Moving quickly, Desdemona arrived at the castle, trailed breathlessly by her small party. After issuing orders for the young knight to be billeted with the other guards, and for Whiptail to be given a royal suite, she hurried up to the outer offices, hoping to find Alex. Find him she did, lost in the embrace of the young woman, Evenant. Desdemona watched soundlessly for a moment as the woman massaged Alex's neck, her movements more erotic than therapeutic. She waited another moment, then cleared her throat.

"Excuse me, children...my apologies for interupting this tender moment, but I am not used to seeing prisoners in the process of sexually-arousing MY man."

Desdemona's power was great here, so close to her center of power. It bubbled within her, and she prepared to let loose with a torrent of eldritch energy. She held her spell, waiting first to hear the reply from the young couple.

Evenant knew what she needed to do. She stepped back behind Alexander, not looking for protection, but this is what a subservant girl would do. Well, at least that is what she assumed they would.

She bowed her head and would let him deal with the other woman. She made sure all of her powers were on low key and she awaited what the woman would do.