NationStates Jolt Archive

Freedom.

What defines its parameters? Who truly has it? How do we know that they are truly free?

Is freedom obtained through governments? Or perhaps through religion? Is it tangible to the real world?

Or is it all just simply an elaborate illusion?

I have lived for one thousand and six hundred years. I have lived twenty lifetimes, a curse unto itself, masked in the silver lining of beautiful longevity. I cannot count the number of steps taken in my time, but I can tell you the names of those I have slain. This life mocks me, for it refuses to release me to eternal bliss. Instead, I am condemned to remember the faces of my foes that have fallen to their deaths, receiving a gift in their passage.

Some are lucky to only live their lives in under a century.

Some are not.

The earth turns, and the moon pulls the tides to and fro. The sun shines, giving the promise of life, and yet death can be found in its rays. As strong as the sun’s light is, it still fails to bask half the world in its glow. Storms rage and devastate the land, terrorizing the populace.

Some say that everything has a beginning and an end, as if it were an unbroken circle. Clearly, however many deities exist have screwed up their work, because I am still here.

She is still here. And she has been here a lot longer than I. She has lived nearly six and a half centuries more than I, and somehow, she still trudges on. I don’t know how she does it, and if I were to ask, she’d simply say there was no other choice. You see, when you’re an Ancient vampire; an often disputed, yet undefeated Queen of the Underworld; you don’t get the luxury of ending your own life. That is not the way of things. To do otherwise would mean a catalytic change in the hierarchy of power.

Skadi says she was once a warm person, friendly to all whom she encountered. Then, fate dealt her the worst hand imaginable. She became a subzero personality. She grew to the point of hardly being able to even express her innermost emotions, those human emotions that blatantly refused to die to the carnal, vicious nature of the vampiress that had come to stay. Had she and I met later in time, I probably would have been long dead, buried under the immense mounds of bodies that lay in her wake everywhere she went. Just another face mounted on her wall of kills. And what a wall it is.

Myself, I can only say I’m lucky to both know death from a personal perspective, and yet, I wish I didn’t. You see, I died just over half millennia ago at the hands of an unlikely, and quite unworthy foe. Never mind who it was that claimed my life then. Their name bears no respect in my eyes, and so they shall die nameless for all eternity. I remember the anguish I felt when I learned that I was to be sent back, that my time had not been served on this treacherous world. I was nowhere near parole. What had I done to gain such a sentence, that I am sent back indefinitely?

I honestly don’t know.

So here I was, a new shell of a body harboring an ancient, weathered soul. My job was not done, I was told. I tried to find out what it was, but they refused to speak any more. Such cruelty from those that supposedly “loved” us so much that they created us. It makes me wish to spout obscenities until they shrivel up and die. But wait, I guess I’d be cheated out of a blissful death yet again, wouldn’t I? Damn this all.

Damn you all.

I’ll find some way to beat your game. I hate this game, and so does she. Even if it means your death as the price, your game will be broken. After all, you’re just another head on the wall, right?

I’m Sigrun after all. The campfire and bedside stories say I can do anything, that I am invincible. The mighty Sigrun Greenwood slew hundreds in the streets of Assington, an advocate for the equality of living for all! He slew many a foe to prove his worth to the throne of Tarlachia, and how they roared his name in approval! And what more, he was from the streets. He lived the hard life. He’s just like many of us, a commoner risen to the highest ranks of political and worldly power. A classic hero, they’d call me. No matter the method of sparring, whether it be by crafty words, by sword and bullets, or by magic, Sigrun rose above it all, a people’s hero. Who wouldn’t want to be like him, the mighty, defiant, invincible Sigrun?

I beg for correction.

My name, roughly translated says ‘Secret Victory’. A secret victory over what? My so called death at the hands of the unnamed? The very thought makes me laugh in bitterness. You want to know my secrets on my long life? Proper nutrition works for mortals. If you’re an immortal like me, then you’re just shit out of luck. You can’t kill yourself.

I already tried that.

I’ll tell you how I’ve lived so long.

Take a good look at the bodies in my wake.

---------------------------------

The knocking of the door received no response. The hand rapped softly once again, this time a little louder. Still no reply came from inside the home that sat peacefully next to the waterfall. The elven woman opened the door and entered quietly, making her way to the bedroom. Strangely, the bed appeared as if it had not been touched overnight, the window allowing the morning sunlight to bask the room in a soft glow. She walked over to the desk, and picked up a piece of paper that was fastened with a wax seal that bore the Greenwood emblem. After several moments of looking at the letter, she broke the seal and opened the letter.


Arleni,

I’ve gone on a trip. Take care of things in my absence.

-Sigrun


On the desk, under a paperweight, sat a distinct and unique leaf. Picking it up with gentle fingers, Arleni turned it over, and then laid it down on the desk again.

Puzzled, Arleni looked up outside the window to the waterfall, listening to the water crashing with an unmatched melody upon the rocks. She turned and left the small home heading southwest. As she traveled, she looked about the forest, noting the leaves had captured the glow of the morning sunrise, making the forest appear to glow with a golden light amongst the green leaves. She returned her gaze as she entered the clearing that had a sole tree in the center. It was the largest, and oldest tree in the forest, and was the first to be sown unto this land. It was from this tree that the rest of the Aria Forestlands had grown. Thousands of years ago, this tree was sown by the first of the Greenwoods to set foot upon the land out of the River Aria. It now stretched great thick branches outward in every direction, proudly claiming its right as the first, the oldest, and by far, the strongest tree for thousands of miles around.

As Arleni neared the tree she could sense the tree’s essence recognizing her, and slowly a great root became free of the earth, rising higher and higher into the sky until it had opened a passageway. Clumps of rich ancient sod fell to the ground, but did not hit Arleni as she passed under the root. Once she was inside, she felt another root rise up under her feet and carry her upwards for what seemed an eternity. As she passed, she could see the many openings that led to the different descendants of the Greenwood line. Their voices called out to her softly, begging quietly her audience for their stories. Higher and higher she rose, until at long last, she stopped.

She turned to face one opening. She watched as the branch that represented Sigrun’s place in the lineage slowly push closer to her a long object wrapped in sturdy elven cloths. Taking it with both hands, she pulled apart the layers of cloth and beheld the item. As she recognized it, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Taking the item in hand, she descended to the ground and waited as the great root rose upwards once more. She soon was walking down the path toward Upper Taria, back to her home. There were things to be done. She made her way into the elven city, heading directly to the home of Aeris, her daughter. Aeris was the one to open the door, Zero nowhere to be seen. It was what she wanted, for Arleni wished to speak to Aeris alone.

“Mother, so nice of you to come.” Aeris greeted with a smile. She stepped aside as Arleni entered and beckoned for her to sit down. Aeris looked at the wrapped object in Arleni’s hand, silently asking her mother what she held. She did not have long to wait.

“Aeris, I am here for a grave reason.” Arleni began in their native elven tongue. She placed the item onto the table between them, unwrapping the cloth only slightly to allow Aeris a view of the item.

“Sigrun left this in the Great Tree, wrapped in this cloth.”

Aeris looked up at him puzzled, “Mother? I don’t understand.”

Smiling kindly, Arleni patted Aeris’ face softly and replied, “You will, one day.”

Aeris frowned, wishing her mother would share more of her wisdom.

Arleni nodded, pleased that Aeris understood the weight of the issue. “I want you to go and take this to Turath. Place it in your room and lock your room. Tell no one what this is.”

Aeris nodded in understanding, carefully wrapping the item once again in its cloth. She studied her mother’s face, “What about you? What are you to do?”

Arleni took a deep breath, “I have things to do.”

---------------------------

Elsewhere…

Crunch…crunch…crunch…crunch…crunch…crunch…

The soft footsteps of the vampiress traveled alongside my softer, silent footsteps. The path we were traveling was illuminated by the clear yellow moon of autumn. A cold hand reached out to grasp mine, clenching it firmly but softly. Even after all this time, the coldness startled me at times. I turn my head and look into Skadi’s eyes. Our eyes mirrored the other’s, telling of long, arduous years riddled with mystery, bloodshed, and fallacies of every kind. Yet, from those early years, we had remained together, companions, and fellow warriors of the battlefield of Earth.

Yet, as she had lived in the dark, I had lived only half my life in the dark as well. I had been the lucky one. Skadi, would never get that chance. Yet, I had gone through so much more in less time than she. She had always enjoyed the luxury of being an Ancient, but I had started from nothing. I had muscled my way to the highest ranks of respect in both the world and the underworld. Whether it was with covens, or elven strongholds, or even the government, I had battled them all. It seemed that I never would stop fighting. I had given much, and had reaped much in return.

Crunch…crunch…crunch…crunch…crunch…

“Where are we going?” she finally asked, breaking the hours long silence we had been holding. Even telepathic speech had been silent during that time. I didn’t answer immediately as I scanned the trail ahead, noting the next marker. The steps slowed in their pace.

Crunch…crunch…crunch…

I reply quietly, “We are going to the Sunken Mountain.” Giving her a sideways glance, I continued, “We’ve both been having troubling dreams lately, dreams that revealed to me the location of the Sunken Mountain. It is far from here still, and we have much ground to cover.”

Crunch…crunch…crunch…crunch…

Skadi nodded slowly, thinking over the new information shared. I could hear her sigh deeply as she stared down at the ground in front of her. Nearby, an owl gave a series of hooting, to which I turned to look at the bird. After the next hoot, the bird fell quiet, and now watched our progress carefully.

Onward we went, a pair of travelers on an unending path to somewhere, and nowhere. Time crawled by, yet it seemed that it mattered not to us. After all, the shadows of the night were our comforts. The shadows offered security, anonymity. In stark contrast, the sunlight revealed all, and gave identity. Unfortunately, we were not alone in this journey, as there had been someone watching. I had sensed their presence by sheer luck of a very subtle mistake of arcane nature. Whoever it was, had done a visual scan, most likely for weaponry, in order to determine our threat. I chose to appear oblivious, and I knew Skadi suspected nothing.

She was not one to be without caution though. One does not roam the world without a sense of wariness about them, especially after two thousand years. She would scan the area, using all her senses, and take note of foreign objects and creatures. However, the presence barely detected by me would be completely invisible to her.

Whoever it was knew exactly what they were doing. That much I was sure.

At last, the sign I sought became easily sensed. The watcher had created a ripple, a wake as they traveled between planes, moving into the fifth dimension. Upon recognition of the movement, I held a hand out to alert Skadi. She looked to me, a questioning look in her eyes. I merely shook my head to her, indicating in the same movement for her to exhibit faith in what I knew.

However prepared I was mattered not at all, as we were suddenly engulfed by the surrounding environment violently altering itself. Trees raised their roots and shook free the dirt. Their limbs lowered like arms or formed into wings. The tree trunks shuffled through random colors until they rested on a white shade.

“Remain calm!” I cried out to her.

My senses flared with arcane energy input.

The most important question has always been why.

Why has all this happened? Why have I continued to do this? Why didn't I do things differently? Why can't it end?

These questions and many others have plagued me over my two thousand two hundred and twenty-three years of existence as a vampire. They call me the Ancient for I am the only one still alive. Once there were five of us but I killed three of the others, just like I killed my family. Again I ask myself why?

Things are the way they are because of my choices, good and bad. At one point I would have regretted these deaths but that was long ago during a time where weakness was inherent within myself. I wouldn't be alive today if that weakness still existed.

Many would agree I have endured a hard existence and this is true. But do I want their sympathy? Of course not, I would sooner want their blood. This life has given me few friends save for those I have made myself, leading me to believe you can only obtain what you want by taking it because life is not about you or anyone, life has no meaning.

He stands beside me to this day, despite my harsh nature and bloody deeds. Whilst his hands are just as bloody, he is one that supposedly fights for the so called good of this world. Sigrun or Maximus, as you will, is a noble spirit, perhaps that's what drew me to him all those centuries ago upon the streets of Emerald City. We are an infamous pair in some respects, though I care not for our reputation. All that matters is him. At one point I mourned his death and yet now I would wish it upon him, as he would me. Ironic how these things change.

Many would envy my long life, I would call them fools. What is immortality? Many think it is the highest goal mankind can strive for, many are wrong. Immortality is a joke, a cruel joke played upon us lesser beings by whatever exists out there, above us. I'm not one to know about such things but Sigrun is and I trust his knowledge and judgement. The gods if you will are cruel bastards, it's all a game to them.

I've come close to death many times and yet it has never taken me. I wonder why I can't die. I'm no true immortal, there are ways for my life to bleed away and oh how I wish for that to occur. But why? Why won't it happen?

Again this is a matter of taking what I want. We've seen strange things lately and so we must travel. I tire of travel but perhaps this will be our last journey? Then those that speak of us will say.

Why did they die?

That could be said for every life that has fallen at my hands. Why?
__________________

Emerald City, Assington

A sense of serenity had fallen over Emerald City since the war twenty-three years ago. The vampires were low in numbers, as were the VP forces. Since everyone was still recovering from such a brutal conflict, a sort of peace had fallen over the city, albeit an uneasy peace.

Hondur sat within the newly constructed coven mansion, comfortable at his desk within his office underground. This building was modelled closely on the previous mansion but contained several extra features and designs that Hondur felt would be necessary. The building had a less gothic style to it and appeared more modern, much less suspicious to humans that walked by.

He couldn't help but wonder where his life was going, what his purpose was here. Skadi had left with Sigrun to live in Tarlachia for some time and so he was left to direct the coven, so many vampires looked up to him and yet he couldn't help but feel they should look elsewhere. Hondur had lost his passion, the tremendous loss and death he had experienced left him depleted. He simply couldn't take anymore.

Idly scribbling away upon order forms for certain supplies regarding the operation of the coven, the darkness of the room was suddenly destroyed as a grass green rectangular outline burst into life upon Hondur's desk, attracting his attention immediately. With the hairs upon his neck standing up, Hondur realised he was witnessing magic and by familiarity recognised it as elven. Within seconds the glow disappeared and was replaced by a soft parchment, illuminated by glowing letters.

Hondur,

I fear we may never see our beloved friends again. Perhaps you should join me in Tarlachia? I assume your answer is yes and so I ask you place your palm upon this message. I shall see you soon.

-Arleni

Hondur couldn't help but sigh. What now? It seemed he was never allowed a single moment of peace, something always had to happen. Sighing once again, Hondur didn't even bother informing others as he place his palm upon the parchment and waited.

Immediately the green glow returned, this time illuminating the parchment and Hondur in a brilliant flash of light. Hondur felt odd, tingling all over as the magic touch his very being. He never questioned how these things worked, it was beyond him. Remaining calm, Hondur disappeared in a final flash of light, leaving his office in complete darkness and empty.
_____________________

Crunch…crunch…crunch…crunch…crunch…crunch…

The forest was a strange place. It had never really been a place I was naturally comfortable with, despite growing up near one. These days I've learned to accept them and even move through them comfortably. That's mostly thanks to Sigrun of course, we are constantly learning from eachother.

I look back upon my life with a bitter taste. I don't feel I've lived a fulfilling or great life, I feel I've existed, endured, reacted. I haven't lived.

My boots continue to squash leaves and other soft materials upon the forest floor, despite my soft tread there is no avoiding making noise in a place like this unless I life myself off the ground. I have no desire to do so.

Sigrun speaks to me of this Sunken Mountain with some importance in his tone. We've both had dreams, strange dreams that confuse us both. I've seen this mountain but I couldn't locate it out here, that is where Sigrun's nature lies. I suppose I'm at home in the vast city, the hard roads and buildings seem less sinister than the depths of trees and a mountain.

Crunch…crunch…crunch…

He seems wary of something, I don't know what. As an ancient vampire I do possess highly sharpened senses and yet I am aware of nothing abnormal. Unfortunately this is not my element and there are things in this world beyond me, far beyond me. Something has him mildly concerned and therefore my hand remains close to my blade.

Finally his raises a hand. He's noticed something that I haven't, this is his element of course and he can do things I can't dream of. Something is watching us, he knows it and I believe him. Now gripping my blade I'm prepared for an attack and yet it never comes. Only chaos ensues.

Trees begin moving, shifting colours and even physical forms as the ground shakes and the air is filled with an electrical hum, as if the oxygen itself is charged and ready to unleash its power. I've never seen anything like this ever before, the entire forest seems to be plunging into chaos, this is worrying.

Sigun tells me to remain calm as the hairs on my arms and neck stand wildly, magic is in the air. I remain calm as I fear nothing would emerge from my tight vocal cords. Fear attempts to take over but I won't let it, instead a stand by Sigrun and wait.

Again I can't help but ask. Why?

Why couldn’t things simply go the way we wished, whenever we wanted? I swear, sometimes, I feel those above are deliberately tossing every problem and obstacle into our path, just to spite us.

Damn them.

Of course, you could simply say, ‘Why it’s just to help us learn how to pick ourselves up after we fall.’ Well, that’s all fine and dandy, but what if you’ve been falling and picking yourself up for thousands of years? Don’t you think it is stupid to keep by the same philosophy? So then, we fight. But in the end, we’re back to the beginning again. We’re faced with yet another problem, another obstacle. There’s always a bountiful supply of those, or so it seems.

So now what? If picking ourselves up, and fighting back won’t work, what will? Submission to death? As I’ve said before, that doesn’t work.

The only thing I can think of now, is groveling. Damn it, I hate to grovel. I have more pride and self-respect than to do that. But…I suppose everything deserves at least one chance. How I hate this idea.

How I hate this jinxed game called “Life.” It reminds me of the game that humans created some time ago by the same title. The object was to earn the best life possible for your character, and retire in splendor. However, this character is stuck on the never-ending circle, stuck somewhere between leaving home, and sitting my happy ass in some old whitewashed nursing home. I should burn every one of those board games simply for their falsehood. It’s never that simple.

Humans are so ignorant.

Now, we’ve got ourselves another damn problem. What the hell is this in front of us? Surrounding us? Yet again, we are faced with the inevitable question: To fight, or not to fight?

Damn you too, Shakespeare for your poetic crap.

_____________________

The trees grew some more, and finally closed completely around us, entrapping us in a circle of white. Their very surfaces had changed to become cloths of fine design, but plain. Their faces, almost equally white in color, are expressionless save for their eyes. How their eyes bore into us and inspired true fear!

These were the Seraphim guards, rumored to surround particular ports to hidden and far-away locations. Few came to them, fewer passed by. Their voices spoke as one, yet their mouths moved not. Like a great wind that blew from the clouds on high, their words flowed around and through us.

“Speak your purpose for disruption!”

Great. We’re disrupting them. From what?

“We are traveling to Natallah-Sephax, to the Sunken Mountain.”

The voices on the wind came again with troubling strength.

“Why do you seek this place?”

What is this? Twenty Questions? Care to know the names of those I’ve killed while you’re at it?

“We seek peace.”

The forms shifted and leaned forward, making me feel like we were becoming more entombed in their outstretched limbs and wings.

“Peace exists in you. You need not go here.”

“Peace that is not of this world.” I clarified, becoming annoyed slightly.

“We see. On whose seal do you travel?”

Damn. An unseen obstacle. Yet again, you bastards.

“What do you mean? We travel of our own accord.”

“Your seal is not worthy. Nor is hers. You must have the seal of Seraphim to travel.”

“Whom do we give audience to for this?” I implored, the annoyance heard in my voice. No wonder few traveled to these ports. They were just too troublesome.

“You know who to seek. The Seraphim you know resides in your homeland.”

The wind died down again, and I stood there, thinking carefully. Who could they be talking about? My thoughts traveled over the court, quickly dismissing the humans and focusing on the non-humans. Aeris herself was part angelic, but who was her father? No one that I knew, I was almost sure of it. Arleni had hinted to his name once, long ago, but she had never said it aloud.

So who else was there?

Celadrin. Liam Celadrin, master of the Celadrin clan!

“I know whom you speak of.” I said at long last, glancing to Skadi. Her face was puzzled, yet she kept silent, trusting me to get us through this.

“Go, and obtain the seal we require.”

At once, the guards leaned back and faded back into their earthly forms of great trees and their color returned to the aged wood of the forest. The arcane powers that be, were gone from my senses, although I knew they were still there.

“We’ll have to go back and seek the counsel of Liam Celadrin.” I stated to Skadi, “He’s the only one who is so called “worthy” to give us what we seek.”

The two of us began to walk again as a silence filled the space between us. I could not remember the last time Skadi had ever met any other Tarlachians without hostile intent; more due to her nature than anything else; but I was pretty sure she had not met Liam yet.

We found ourselves traveling back the way we came, but once we reached a somewhat larger clearing, I indicated that we stop. “I can contact him, and his wings will get him here faster than our travel by foot.” I explained. After all, seraphim had an unearthly trait for flight speed and agility. Despite the great distance we had covered, it would only take a few hours for Liam to get here.

Watching as Skadi settled herself against a tree nearby and gauging the time until sunrise, I then turned and initiated an elaborate set of sigils into the air before me, carefully orchestrating my threads of power into formation. Then, I spoke aloud, “Liam Celadrin, follow this chart and meet me here. I request an important task from you. Sigrun.”

With another set of sigils to seal the message, I gave the entire set a gentle shove in the direction of Tarlachia and sat down next to Skadi. There, we would wait until Liam arrived. It would only be a matter of time. Until then, my words to be spoken to him were forming carefully in my mind as I sought the best speech to give to him. After all, I didn’t expect Liam to simply hand over his seal lightly.

I've become resigned to the fact that things will always happen when we don't want them to. There is no use being optimistic in life because that is fooling yourself, life is a cruel bitch and that's the cold truth.

Fate is something I've never given much thought to. To this day I still don't believe there is such a thing, despite Sigrun's own notions on the idea. We don't have predestined tasks or purposes, we're merely play things for whatever else out there exists above us, insignificant little pawns.

Over my long existence I have become a cynic and I find this vision upon things to be clearest of all. The optimist would say 'Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.' Not true, 'Whatever doesn't kill you will tend to cripple you for life...' Now that makes more sense doesn't it? Of course that really isn't the case in a physical sense for a vampire but we are not just physical beings.

I don't know what is before us, I don't know what the hell is going on around me, it's rare that I actually do. Many say I am so brave and such a strong leader, what would they know? I've been scared shitless most of my life from the shit that has come my way. The only difference between myself and others is I simply won't let my fear govern me.

And so we find ourselves facing a new problem, one I have no idea about and probably can't even combat. I guess I'll have to trust that Sigrun knows what the hell is going on.
_______________________

The trees had taken on a slightly humanoid form. They had limbs and eyes, those cursed eyes that made you feel white hot death was inevitable. I don't know how they made Sigrun feel but I was edgy, doing all that I could to keep my blade in place. The demonic part of my screamed in terror and warning, urging me to get as far away from these beings as possible. This meant one thing. They were of an angelic nature.

And so they spoke. The voices of these angelic trees unnerved me to the core, giving me that feeling of vomit surging up my throat despite my solid knowledge that such was impossible. I figure it's best to remain silent in such a situation. At least Sigrun appears to be a creature of respectable standing with those of the Light, I would appear to be an enemy in the guise of a slightly altered human.

I could tell he was getting annoyed, these trees were certainly pissing me off. So it seemed we needed some sort of seal, great. Another blur of reality passed and the trees were back to normal, the feeling of grave danger finally subsiding. Sighing deeply I looked to Sigrun as we turned and began walking away from these angel trees.

"He's an angel I assume?"

I dind't like the idea of seeing an angel but Sigrun knew what was necessary, I wouldn't question that. We finally reached a fair distance away from the odd trees and so I sat, pondering over recent events. Sigrun would call this angel and save us the long trip.

Wrapping my arms around him as he sat next to me, I flashed Sigrun a small smile.

"I hope this works."

Hondur lost all sense of time as he was engulfed in the swirl of elven magiks. Whilst it seemed like hours upon hours to Hondur as his mind floated between the fabric of existence, his teleportation only took a few minutes, shifting him from his own home in Assington to the dwelling of Arleni Greenwood in Tarlachia.

Another green pulse signified Hondur's arrival, his shape forming in a hand carved wooden chair, seated at an equally well carved wooden table. It took a little longer than usual for it to all sink in as Hondur was still gathering his bearings, the teleportation was certainly disorientating.

Immediately Arleni appeared from within another room, covered in a familiar elven gown that hid her figure and yet upon certain movements also displayed it quite well. Arleni's face did not match the peaceful movements of her limbs as she approached at sat before Hondur. Instead she appeared stern and slightly worried, something obviously wasn't right in the slightest. After several minutes of bleak silence she finally spoke.

"Skadi and Sigrun are gone."

"What do you mean gone?"

"I doubt we shall ever see them again."

Hondur knew this day would eventually come. He'd seen it in Skadi, life had finally worn her down and she was sick of fighting, she didn't want to do it anymore. It had simply been a matter of time before Skadi decided it was enough.

"I've been fearing this day for some time... are you sure?"

"Yes, Sigrun left his blade within the Greenwood tree. He won't be coming back for it."

"I see... then there's nothing we can do..."

Arleni sadly nodded her head. She knew very well, as did Hondur, that there was almost nothing that could stop that pair when they were determined to do something.

The air was musty, the floors covered in dust long settled. A hand pushed the weathered door of the Celadrin mansion further open. The hinges protested, and I could sense the magical words and designs that flowed subtle through the fine architecture. I had sent what I could to Liam, yet he had not replied. It had been several days, far too long enough for one such as him to make the trip to our location. We had discussed this, Skadi and I, and decided that we would have to visit in person.

What has taken him so long? I wondered as my eyes sought the dim rooms. It appeared that no one had been here in decades. It probably was true, for much of the furniture and bookshelves were covered in a fine layer of dust. Age had come to claim this home in the absence of its owner.

As far as I knew, the Celadrin clan still remained scattered throughout the region in which Tarlachia was only a part. I closed my eyes, recalling the last meeting with Liam I had. Where are you?

Skadi has moved out of sight into another room, her senses alert, her movements moving with graceful silence. Her eyes studied the strange items scattered about the mansion. Her attention was drawn to two stone pillars, rounded smooth at its edges. It was in the center of a small room down the hall from the vestibule. Narrowing her eyes, she moved with caution further into the room as she neared the stones.

Against her internal instinct, she stepped closer, her hand outstretched. Hesitating for a few moments, she at last touched the stones, expecting something dramatic to occur. She was relieved to see it was not so.

Sigrun, come here. I’ve found … something.

Within moments, I had arrived, my eyes quickly finding the stones. I took a step closer, and immediately stopped as I saw a faint glow start up. Skadi had noticed it as well, and quickly moved further away before she turned to watch.

The glow dimmed to darkness once more.

I took another cautious step, then another as the stones reacted. I could feel the mansion’s arcane strength centralizing, focusing before me. Then, my hand reached out to touch one of the stones.

With sudden ferocity, the mansion rumbled and screeched as lights from every direction imaginable surged into the stones and from between the stones, hovering in perfect balance and spinning slowly, a feather appeared. Another surge of energy caused both of them to take precautionary steps back, before it formed into parchment floating in the space as well.

The parchment moved slightly, and the feather struck its surface in rhythmic motions until it ended. I stepped closer, and read the words aloud.

“What lives countless years and defies laws of nature?”

Raising an eyebrow, I turned to Skadi, who shrugged while scanning the room. Oh well, here goes… I turned back and replied, “Elves.”

The feather struck again. No.

“Vampires.”

No.

“Angels.”

No.

I frowned, and thought long and hard, looking occasionally to Skadi. She kept returning the same shrug, equally confused. Then, she froze and looked me in the eyes. Her words flowed softly into my mind. There was something that began long ago, in a dark alley in a dark corner of the world. Something that should not have been, and yet it was. Something that should not have been possible. Something beyond the parameters of this world.

Her eyes sparkled then she smiled. Of course… I thought to myself. I turned and faced the feather and parchment. “Love.”

The feather replied, Yes before it suddenly evaporated in a wisp of smoke and blue flame. The flame burned the parchment as well, and the room fell silent, dark once more.

Frowning again, I looked about the room in confusion. “That’s it?”

Another voice spoke in reply, “Yes. That is the glamorous part.” A figure strode forth into the room, his very essence alighting the room in unearthly glow. He had blonde hair and deep blue eyes that penetrated deeply into mine. He nodded silently to Skadi. “So nice to see you again, Sigrun Greenwood.” He kept his gaze locked with Skadi’s, as if he were silently tearing apart her secretive aura, revealing her life before his eyes. Then, he ceased and turned to me.

“And you.” I replied, clasping the seraphim’s hand in greeting. I glanced quickly to Skadi, Whatever happens, do not act harshly.

The room suddenly shifted in the shadows and light, and three chairs became visible. “Sit.” Liam commanded. Reluctantly, Skadi did, but only after me. Her natural instincts as a creature of the night clashed with the essence of this room, this mansion, and most especially the seraphim. She felt vulnerable.

“We’ve come to—“ I began.

“To get my seal. For what?” Liam finished, crossing his arms as he sat before them, his wings spread out behind him in a relaxed manner.

“Liam, we need to leave.”

“Leave?”

“Yes.”

“Are you being hunted?”

“No. Nothing like that. Liam…we’re tired. Tired of this life. Tired of this world.”

“I see. So, you seek death?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes.”

“A natural death.” Skadi chimed in.

Liam gave her a look of understanding. “A natural death that is not obtainable by your current lives. Eternally blessed with life, and yet you see it as a curse.”

The room fell silent, and Liam rose from his seat to face a nearby bookshelf. He reached out and pulled a single book free. He turned and showed us the cover, stating the title aloud. “The history of Tarlachia. What of the throne?”

I nodded, having expected something like this, “The next ruler shall be known soon, and only at the appropriate time. Even I do not know whom it may be.”

Liam nodded slowly, “Alas, one cannot have every answer, can they?” He closed the book and turned back to us. “There is a time for everything, and it appears your time is soon ending.” He stepped closer to us, and focused upon Skadi. It was clear that his close proximity was painful to Skadi, as she began to bare her fangs ever so slightly. He spoke to her, “I shall grant you the seal.”

In her mind, he spoke, You have done much for Sigrun, and have taught him things that he may not have learned in his human life long ago. Fear not, vampire, of my wrath, for you have earned far more than that. You have earned my respect. That is something I did not expect of this world, to give respect to those whom I normally slay with ease.

A hand reached forth and unfurled itself to her. A seal sat upon his palm, clearly depicting the symbology of the Celadrin clan. “Take this, and continue your quest. You are only one step closer, yet it is a step few ever gain.”

She found his presence not so painful anymore, although she was still irritated. He laid a gentle hand upon both of our shoulders and spoke something strange to us in a language we did not understand. As our eyes blinked, we found ourselves at the clearing of the morphing trees.

Liam was gone. The mansion was gone. We were back where we had first truly started. Only this time, we had what was required.

It's been many years since I've entered a mansion, not since the days when Hondur's had been rebuilt. Whilst this one is much larger than Hondur's, it appears as though there is no one to occupy the vast rooms. The air is thick with dust and so I choose not to breathe, something I sometimes take for granted.

Despite the obvious affluence of such a place, I am not impressed with this Liam character. Sigrun sent his message days ago and it appears the angel simply ignored us, I can't stand rude bastards. Moving deeper into the building, the hairs on my neck stand. This place is full of magic, bad magic, angelic magic. Already the burning has begun, I can feel it in the back of my head.

Moving away from Sigrun I continue to explore this empty mansion, looking for anything that may give us a clue as to where this angel is. There are many strange objects sitting withing the darkness, some draw me towards them whilst others appear threatening to one such as myself.

Within the centre of another room rests two pillars, identical stones sitting upon each. I don't what it is but something draws me towards these stones, my judgement would say wait for Sigrun but I can't. I reach out to touch one.

"Sigrun, come here. I’ve found … something."

Sigrun arrives just as the stones begin to glow, I step back now, more cautious of my actions. Darkness returns to the strange objects and it causes Sigrun to step forward, ready to touch them himself. As he does, the magic within the air reacts suddenly, power surging around the room.

Jumping back, a place a hand upon my blade and prepare to draw. Chances are whatever is causing such won't be affected by my blade but it's the only weapon I have on me. Covering my eyes, I wait for the light to subside before gazing upon the forms now present between the stones. A feather and parchment.

Within seconds there was a question upon the parchment. Sigrun steps forward to inspect and attempts the question several times. His guesses are similar to mine, we are both equally wrong.

After many minutes of thinking this over, it dawns on me. I can only assume this parchment wants an answer relevant to us. Something that should not have been, something unnexpected among such beings. I think back to when I first met Maximus. Vampire meets vampire hunter, who would have guessed? Sure of my answer, I inform Sigrun and he smiles in return. He sees it too.

We answered correctly and now all was dark. Of course that didn't bother my sight but now what? As if to answer my question, a voice appeared from behind us as a blonde man strode forth, his very presence lighting the room and stinging my eyes. He's an angelic. This is Liam Celadrin.

He doesn't speak to me but his gaze won't shift from mine. It's uncomfortable having a being of the light look into you like he is right now but I match his gaze, I'm strong enough to endure it. It hurts but only faintly, I'll get by. Suddenly three chairs appear and we sit. I wait for Sigrun, his acceptance meaning my acceptance.

And so Sigrun began informing Liam of our plight, our predicament, our curse.

"A natural death."

I felt that was important. We weren't asking for Liam to kill us, we were asking for him to aid in our quest of relieving ourselves of life. After crossing the issue of the Tarlachian throne, Liam turned to me. He moved closer, the burning intensified. By sheer reaction I bared my fangs, his proximity was becoming more unpleasant.

Once Liam's voice had finished within my head, I smiled briefly. Perhaps this angel wasn't so bad afterall. At least he was understanding.

"Thankyou."

Clasping the offered hand, I shuddered slightly as the seal was shifted into my hand, a physical manifestation of the seal that would allow us to pass through the forest.

Once I had the seal, Liam laid a hand on both our shoulders and began muttering in a foreign language. I could feel magic again. A bright flash and a swirling of senses resulted in us being back in the forest, before the guardian trees once again.

Looking down at the seal upon my right hand then up at Sigrun, I nodded.

"Shall we continue?"

With a slight bewildered look, I nod silently. Liam’s arcane abilities were powerful, and considerably more so than even my own. I guess it sort of made sense, for it is said that elves were descendants of angels through mortal bloodlines. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward to the trees, with Skadi beside me.

I glanced sideways to make sure she still held the seal, though I knew I didn’t need to worry. She caught my gaze and smiled slightly. I didn’t have time to reply, as the trees of mysterious origin began their process of manipulation. Before we knew it, the seraphim were there once more.

Once again, the voices traveling as one upon the gusts of wind surrounded us.

You have the seal we require?

“Yes.” I replied. Skadi held her hand out and displayed the seal. One of the guards reached forth and held his hand out. Yet, he did not touch it. Instead, the seal floated up into his outstretched palm.

Authentic. Very well. Your passage has been granted, Sigrun and Skadi.

The seal was returned to her. Hardly a second after she had pocketed it, the clearing suddenly was surrounded by white fiery flames. There appeared to be no escape. The surge of energy nearly caused me to collapse, so powerful it was to my internal readings. Skadi too could feel the effects, but in a different manner.

The flames drew closer and closer. Skadi clung to me, her fangs baring in the glowing fire as she held her sword at the ready. I raised a hand to hers holding the weapon, urging silently for no hostility. I knew she could help it. It was an innate trait to survive. Suddenly, she yelped in surprise and quickly withdrew the seal in her pocket. She dropped it to the ground, watching in bewilderment as it suddenly emitted it’s own fire, one that was of a golden hue. It quickly surrounded us both, holding a protective shield around us.Fear filled us both in such ways that we never thought possible.

Just as it seemed that the flames would engulf us and burn us to death, they disappeared in a flash. The seal-fire retreated back into the seal and lay at our feet again. Panting from the exertion of trying to remain conscious, I fell to my knees. What kind of portal was that? I hadn’t liked it one bit. It seemed so…deadly.

I looked over to Skadi, checking to see how she had fared. She didn’t look much better herself. It almost seemed that she had been drained of energy more so than I had. I wondered if that was because of her nature.

Rising to my feet, I looked around us. We were in the middle of a deserted and run-down city. Buildings lay in ruin; bones lay all about. This land hadn’t seen care in ages it seemed. Had the portal malfunctioned? I dismissed that thought immediately knowing that it was hard to malfunction angelic magic. They were simply too good at it.

I looked up to the stars, attempting to get a bearing on our location, as well as a rough estimate of time. The stars were different than that of Fatal Terrain. Some constellations, I didn’t recognize. However, there were a few that I could see that I recognized.

“I think we’re here. Natallah-Sephax, although I have no clue where that is exactly on a map…”

I turned and studied the horizon, noting that there was a ring of mountains that seemed to stretch in a circular motion all around us. I wondered if there were some great shield-magic keeping outsiders where they belonged. If so, I was impressed.

I turned to Skadi. “Well…we’re on unfamiliar ground now. The scroll never spoke of how to get to the sunken mountain once we had arrived. Shall we explore a bit, see if we can figure something out here?”

Within a few steps I found that feeling of extreme danger and peril rising once again as the trees began to change into whatever one would label them. All I knew was that angelic magiks were at work, I could feel it to my very core. Whilst I couldn't ignore such a strong feeling I was confident in the knowledge that I had the seal, we would pass.

You have the seal we require?

I nodded as Sigrun replied, holding my hand out towards one of the lumbering forest guardians. The pain was insignificant compared to the end result of this task and so I endured the proximity of such a being as the seal floated off my hand and came into contact with the tree.

Authentic. Very well. Your passage has been granted, Sigrun and Skadi.

Deceit. The second flames sprung up around the clearing my blade left its place at my hip, ready to cut. Of course I realised that my sword wouldn't do well against flames but I have nothing else. I can feel the angelic energy surging around me, draining me of strength. It appears the angels weren't so friendly afterall. The bastards had betrayed us.

Within seconds I was clinging to Sigrun merely to remain standing. This place was sapping my strength, draining my very life. Sword still raised and ready, Sigrun's hand layed it down. At least he'd kept his head in this siutation. My blade could do nothing here and would only be viewed as a futile hostility.

As things couldn't get any hotter with the intense white flames approaching, I felt the surging heat of the seal within my pocket, threatening to burn through my leg. Ripping it out of my pocket and dropping the seal, I watched as golden flames erupted from the seal, quickly engulfing us.

It must be over. The angels had instigated our death. Flames were a sure way to kill a vampire and even Sigrun wouldn't be able to combat the power of angelics. Fear was not something uncommon in my life but I'd never gone through anything like this. This was complete instinct, my demonic nature reacting to that of the angelic flames. There is no word for what I felt at that moment.

Before the moment of truth, before the flames consumed our bodies, everything stopped. The white flames disappeared in a flash and the golden fire was sucked back into the seal. I opened my eyes and fell to my knees instantly. I was so depleted of energy that even opening my eyes was a task. A blink and I lay face first upon the ground, simply not moving as I attempted to recover myself.

Sigrun was beginning to stand as I remained still. Strength was returning thankfully and after another minute I stood by him, examining the ruins surrounding us. Whatever had existed here was gone, only skeletons of former glory remaining. Looking around I noticed the mountains and the night sky, much clearer than the sky of Assington.

I nodded at Sigrun as he spoke. Hopefully we were here, unless the angels were simply playing a sick game there wasn't any reason to asusme we weren't. We'd get there though, eventually.

"Might as well. I'll take a look from the sky once I gather the strength."

Replacing my blade and putting the seal back in my pocket I resume my observation of our surroundings. There was no telling exactly where we were now.

At least an hour had passed, and our explorations unveiled nothing to our use. Frustrated, we both returned and met where we had begun. Skadi held a displeased look on her face. It seemed that the angelics were once again testing us. It annoyed me enough to fume about it silently, yet I kept my cool. If it were a test, then it would be like all the others we had gone through. We would figure the correct answers, find the correct path, and do whatever was necessary to come out on top.

I had traveled through most of the immediate area, and a little bit beyond, and so I had gathered enough information as to the layout of this new land. Although nothing was found to benefit our search, I did happen to find a small, weathered book bound in what appeared to be human flesh, the spine made of bones. Inside there were inscriptions in a foreign language, and a few images drawn by authors and artists long ago. I didn’t know the importance of this book to us, yet I kept hold of it, if only for my scholarly pursuits.

I retrieved the book from my pocket and held it up to a small light I had illuminated at the end of my finger. My eyes scanned the pages, and they flipped slowly to the next with care as I studied the pictures. From what I could guess, it seemed to be a historical recording of some bygone age. Near the end of the book, I stopped at one page, studying the picture. My eyes widened after several moments.

Skadi, having noticed the ceasing of pages turning, turned to look at me from her perch atop one of the buildings. She had been scanning the area, searching for something, anything. “Find something?”

I nodded slowly, “I think so.” Then, I turned my eyes skyward and studied the stars, before returning them to the book. I see…yes…the stars are a guidance. Follow the heavens. “The irony of this all…” I muttered to myself.

It had taken me some time, but once I had gotten a bearing based on the astronomical points above, I had only to match up the accurate stars inscribed with care into the picture. Studying the picture some more, I looked up at last to Skadi. “I need you to take me up high enough to see in every direction.”

Skadi wasted no time in complying with my request and in no time, we were high above the ruined city, hovering in place. My eyes kept looking to the stars, before I finally pointed toward the east. “There. That way lies the sunken mountain.”

Skadi followed my gaze to the eastern mountains. “Why east?” she muttered. I understood her concern. It would decrease the time we had in the shade of night by approaching the dawn horizon. “I…cannot fly no more tonight. I am too exhausted.” she stated before returning to the earth below.

Back upon the ground, we began to make our journey eastward, a renewed sense of hope in my heart as we traveled. It wouldn’t be long. It better not be long. Gauging from memory of the distance to be traveled, we would make it by sunrise to the edge of the mountains, but only if we hurried.

After all, sunlight was still Skadi’s greatest and most immortal enemy. Through the ages, she had been running, hiding every time the great scorching beacon of the world came searching for more land to burn for another cycle. I had been lucky to die once and relieve myself of that curse, but still, I felt the pain she felt. I hated to see her forced to never enjoy the sunlight upon pain of death. She would never see the sunlight of her youth as a friend. Even the moon, which reflected light from her Enemy, caused her to be wary. She had grown accustomed, but had never fully embraced the light of the moon. It was just too similar, just as promising of death as the other.

After an hour of searching I was beginning to tire of this. Nothing was ever simple in this world, everything was either complicated beyond necessity or outright impossible. Whilst I would normally call myself a being of patience, lately I'd lost such a virtue.

Returning to Sigrun's company I gazed upon him with an unimpressed face. I could tell he too was frustrated with the search but he hid it much better than I. After a few silent minutes of standing around, Sigrun withdrew a book from his person and created some light to read by. At least he'd found something. An hour of searching from the air and ground had produced nothing for me.

Turning the pages, we encountered a language foreign to us both. I didn't recognise it in the slightest but my knowledge of language only really spanned between ancient Assingtonian, English and modern Tarlachian.

Finally stopping at one page, Sigrun seemed to have found something.

"Find something?"

Upon confirming my question Sigrun looked up to the sky and muttered something about following the heavens. Ironic indeed. These so called forces of the light really did have a twisted sense of humour, much like mine. Of course it wasn't funny when we were the victims of such humour.

Lifting Sigrun into the air gave us a much better vantage point and he seemed to be getting a much better idea of where we needed to go. Finally he pointed east.

"There. That way lies the sunken mountain."

Damn. East, the sun rises in the east.

Lowering us to the ground a voiced my exhaustion. Our recent ordeal had certainly drained me of strength and moving close towards the sun was not particuarly appealing. We didn't have much time.

Putting me tired muscles aside I looked at Sigrun and grabbed his hand. We can both move quickly but we both knew I could move faster than he if the need be. Turning back towards the mountains, I ran.

It took us longer than expected as our feet pounded over the cracked desert earth but we did make it before the sun, if not minutes before it. The next problem. A cliff face. Sure I could fly over it but then where? The top of a mountain certainly wouldn't hide me from the sun.

"Now what?"

Sigrun looked down at a diagram in the book than back at the vertical wall before them.

"We'll see..."

Muttering a brief incantation, Sigrun waved a hand and waited. For several minutes nothing. Then without warning letters began to appear in the rock face, glowing a faint green. Whilst they appeared to be in yet another foreign language, I could somehow understand them. Just as Sigrun could.

I stand against the passage of time, changing yet forever the same. Nothing of nature can compare to my integrity as my weakness is not apparent to any. If you wish to pass through me then you require a substance plentiful upon this world and yet scarce to your senses. Feed me this substance and you shall pass, otherwise you are denied entrance to the Sunken Mountain.

Sighing aloud, Skadi looked to the sky and noted the faint glow of the sun was becoming obvious. Shit.

"We don't have much time."

The riddle flowed through my mind and I struggled to find an answer. Somehow, I knew that it was a simple answer, one that I should know easily. Yet, for some reason I just couldn't think of anything.

"What would create entrance through a rocky mountain?" I asked aloud as I paced in front of the entrance. Suddenly, I paused and laughed, "I can't believe it. It's entirely simple. What's the one thing that can destroy rock?"

Skadi gave me a confused look. It appeared that she wasn't familiar with what I was saying. I replied to my own question, "Water! Water wears down rocks with the passage of time, and can even topple mountains from beneath!"

Skadi gave me an exasperated expression as she waved her hand to the door, "So, that still gives us the problem..." she reminded me.

"Not a problem." I stated and turned away from her. I stood still as I looked skyward and reached upward with both hands. Tendrils of magic, barely seen in the pre-dawn light of the morning snaked outward in every direction from my fingertips. I sought carefully, grasping, and pulling what I required, closer. Skadi watched with interest as she hugged the rock wall.

With a crackle of lightning, clouds rumbled across the skies and covered the earth with thick curling swaths of thunderclouds. At last, I lowered my hands and turned to her. "It is complete." I stated, just as the first drop of rain fell upon Skadi's nose.

It was so simple one wouldn't expect it. I certainly wouldn't have guessed such so quickly, but Sigrun was much more competent in such things than I, it was part of his elven culture. Of course there was still the problem of the sun about to rise over the horizon and being in the middle of a desert, water wasn't exactly plentiful.

Pointing out the obvious, it seemed Sigrun had a solution for this problem too. I couldn't help but release a breath in relief as the thick black clouds covered the sun and rain began to fall. Cupping my hands, I held them out in order to catch the rain, watching as it pooled within my white palms. It was useful to have an elf as a companion in such situations.

With what I assumed to be enough water I spun around and launched the handful upon the stone wall before us, right where the glowing writing had been moments ago. Initially nothing happened and yet I did not doubt Sigrun's solution, these things would merely take time.

Finally a deep rumble flowed forth from the flat surface before us and within seconds an arch had formed as the rock before us simply crumbled away. With the path open to us, I took hold of Sigrun's arm and dragged him inside. Despite the cloud cover I'd prefer something a little more solid to prevent the sun's beams from reaching me.

With us both inside the door reformed, leaving no trace that it had crumbled in the first place, plunging us into darkness. Of course that wasn't bothering for me but Sigrun did have a little more trouble seeing in the dark and so he employed his arcane abilities to light the tunnel.

Looking down the tunnel then back at Sigrun, I gave him a brief smile.

"Shall we continue?"

The path leading us deeper into the heart of the mountain was surprisingly smooth, even the walls. It had been carved by expert stone-crafters, and to our passing gaze, held no flaw. “The walls, the floor…they’re strange.” I muttered as we continued on carefully.

Skadi silently raised an eyebrow, unsure of what I was getting at. He explained, “They’re too perfect. No cracks, no seals, nothing. It’s as if this whole tunnel was cast of glass or something.”

She understood now, and looked about again. I knew she saw what I saw now. Naturally, she became more defensive in her steps, and peered with alertness. Suddenly, she froze and held my arm, halting our progress. Her gaze was focused upon the ground. In front of us, a strange emblem was carved into the stone. It took the shape of a candle, although the flame-tip was farthest from our position. It seemed to be an indicator, a marker.

I looked over to her, puzzlement crossing my face again. “I think we’re supposed to do something.”

“Try putting a little fire on the flame symbol.” she suggested. My hand opened palm forward and a green and yellow flame went forward and touched the ground at the appropriate location. Instantly, and silently, the candle took three-dimensional form and rose up until it stood at half our height. It’s light filled the corridor, and so I extinguished the one I held hovering over the palm of my other hand. A darkness lay on the ground beyond the candle, and I pointed, “Look, it’s a doorway.”

“Leading downward.” Skadi completed as she eyed the candle-flame. “Odd.”

Moving to the left of the candle, I slipped past it without it touching my clothing or me and stepped down into the darkness below. I half-expected to fall; yet my feet found steps leading downward. “There’s stairs here.” I called back to her, and watched as she too slipped with caution around the candle. She followed me downward.

At first, the stairs were narrow and low, forcing us to stoop as we continued. Then, after about fifty steps, it suddenly opened up into an enormous cave that was pitch black. I knew that even Skadi’s vision wouldn’t be able to penetrate the darkness here. There was nothing to even reflect any miniscule light that might be present. It was the master of darkness, perfect and secretive.

A flicker of light emerged from my palm again and I held it up. I increased the size of the flame and watched as the light perimeter increased in diameter. Still, it seemed that the darkness threatened to extinguish the flame. The ground this time was jagged, with rocks jutting upward in crude formation. As we progressed, a shimmering light came into view. Before long, I was able to identify it as an underground lake. Its source seemed to come from below, as there was a light bubbling in the center.

Next to the lake, there was a pile of skeletons. I could see the skeleton of centaurs by the dozens, and those of great beasts unidentifiable. Skadi sniffed the air, and spoke, “No blood here. It’s completely bare.” Her eyes caught sight of an object hanging from chains mounted in the ceiling of the cave far above. She indicated toward it, and I shone the light there. A metal plaque hung with an inscription in the common language. I read the words aloud,

Stars are born not of celestial clouds,
But from extinguished flames
of terrestrial origin.
Like the Phoenix, death and life are one,
Cycle unbound, never-ending.
Sacrifice executes gain;
Death breathes Life.

The blind eye shall see
the havoc it wrecks upon thee.
Powers to share
beyond compare.
What exists forever,
shall face death,
and live...
or die.


“Another damn puzzle?” Skadi muttered as she glared down at the bones. “Why can’t we just have what we want so easily?” I placed a hand upon hers. “It’s not a puzzle.” I replied, “It’s a narrative…instructions.”

“Instruction for what?” Skadi asked.

I turned to the waters. “I think we’re supposed to kill ourselves or something.”

Without waiting for her reply, I took a step into the lake. In mid-stride I froze completely. “What?!” I cried, struggling to move. Not a single muscle moved. “Skadi!”

“I can’t move either!” she replied, her voice growing more frantic. Even her psychic strength was no match for whatever bound us.

The flame atop my palm rose upward some, then plunged into the depths of the lake. Strangely, it did not go out. Rather we watched as it went deeper and deeper, until it was nearly gone from sight. There, it froze far below the surface for several seconds until with sudden ferocity, the waters began to quake, and a brighter light engulfed the first and rose vertically until it hovered above the lake. It took the form of an angelic, this one female. Her eyes were jade in color, and seemed to penetrate our minds and souls. She had a perfectly flawless form with great feathery wings that spanned out behind her. In her right hand, there appeared to be a staff with blades. I recognized it as reaper, like one would use for harvesting crops. It wasn’t a simple reaper however, for it was elaborate in its design. Her hands were held out to her side slightly as she moved closer to us. I couldn’t hear her wings moving, though I could see them. Logic failed me and I could only watch as she approached.

She lowered herself until she stood ankle deep in the water, bringing the reaper blades to dip into the waters slightly as she held it with both hands. From her mouth, a soft voice flowed softer words as she questioned us, “You are here for a quest.” Her head tilted, “A unique quest, rarely seen anymore by myself. Even more rarely granted.” Her hand pointed toward us, “You seek completion.”

“Yes.” I replied, my struggling having ceased. I didn’t know how Skadi was faring, though I knew she must have been struggling against the overwhelming raw power that flowed from this angelic. I wished I could at least look at her.

The angelic’s head turned in Skadi’s direction. She mused quietly, her lips pinching together the only indication of her thoughts churning through her mind.

“What will you sacrifice?” she asked.

It was good to be away from the sunlight, even watching a sunrise made me feel uncomfortable. When I think about that it saddens me, I haven't seen a real sunrise in over two thousand years, not since I was a young girl back home, in a time when Assington was far less complicated and my worst worries were having to get up early to milk the cows and figure out how to let the boy next door down nicely. I wish for such simple times once again and yet I know they'll never come so long as I'm living.

As we progressed through the passage, Sigrun mumbled something regarding the walls, I wasn't quite sure what he was talking about yet all was soon clarrified. It was odd, the walls were completely and utterly smooth, no obvious construction markings or anything. Evidently the method of creation was of an arcane nature as even modern technology could not do such a thing. This realisation immediately made me more aware. One of the many things I don't trust is magic.

Keeping a hand close to my blade I led Sigrun down the pathway for several minutes before stopping in my tracks, there was something on the ground. After we both examined the symbol engraved upon the ground before us I decided to put voice to my thoughts.

"Try putting a little fire on the flame symbol."

Almost instantly Sigrun's fire spread throughout the tunnel, illuminating the entire thing in the dull light of a naked flame. With the sudden ease of sight now available, our attention was drawn to a doorway at the end of what we thought to be a near endless tunnel. Sigrun commented on such, as did I.

"Leading downward. Odd."

Navigating our way past the candle, I followed Sigrun as he seemingly stepped upon nothing, the stairs not being visible unti you stepped onto them. Whilst I had my doubts, Sigrun found them to be safe, although somewhat cramped as we progressed. Keeping my balance I followed quietly, pondering what would meet us upon the end of this stairway.

Finally the end was in sight as the stairway led us out of a cavern ceiling and into a massive open area, darkness the only evident. Normally I could see in the dark when most others couldn't but this was different, it was true darkness like nothing I'd ever encountered before. There was no escaping it.

With Sigrun's light guiding the way once again we progressed onward, weavin through the crops of jagged rock before finally coming across a dim light source. Eventually we discovered why it was so dim, the light was under water. Strange.

Upon looking around it became evident that others had been here and died, their intent lost in time. A quick sniff of the air resulted in no foul odours associated with death stinging my nostrils. Either they had been there for a long time or something had completely destroyed all organic tissue upon their bones. Bored of the bones, I look upwards and am immediately drawn to something just out of sight, hanging from the rooftop.

Upon Sigrun completing the narration I couldn't helpt but sigh.

“Another damn puzzle? Why can’t we just have what we want so easily?”

Of course Sigrun remained calm as he always did, pointing out this wasn't quite a puzzle but soemthing of an informative nature.

“I think we’re supposed to kill ourselves or something.”

I didn't like the sound of that one bit. Before I could say anything in response, Sigrun moved into the lake and to his dismay found he immediately regretted such an action.

Sigrun couldn't move, the panic evident in his eyes. I attempted to move toward him and yet found myself stuck as well. The water had moved up and taken hold of me, we were both trapped. Shit.

Whilst not being able to move, it appeared Sigrun could still control his magic and so he willed the flame underwater, watching as it didn't expire but simply plunged deeper into the abyss, searching for something. It certainly did find soemthing. Immediately I began to feel uneasy as another light appeared, this one rushing upwards until it took position and form directly above us. Another damn angelic.

Despite the pain she caused me I remained silent, she landed in the water and I almost went blind from agony. This one was stronger than any angelic I'd ever encountered before and that part of me, deep inside that was demonic was howling in pain. Attempting to calm myself, I barely made out the words to her question.

"Anything. What would you have?"

There is something strange about ultimatums, I’ve come to realize. I gave them to others by the thousands, and yet I couldn’t even take one myself. I could see that even Skadi was troubled by this, and I was even more so. Such a strange thing they are. Either do one thing, or do something else. What if you wanted both, or neither? What if you could see the looming danger, the great trouble that it promised as clear as day? Such was with this angelic with no name.

And yet, Skadi gave the perfect answer. ‘Take what you will.’ I wonder if she understood the very weight of the words she had uttered with hardly a second thought. She was desperate, I could tell. She was willing to give it all up for the promise of the one thing she had been denied for millennia.
The question is…would she follow through with whatever this angelic demanded? Would she truly give all?

I feared to know.

-------------------------------------

A sickening smile crossed the eternal beauty that was the angelic’s face. “Take what I will you say? My my, Skadi…humble? You’ve proven yourself different from my expectations.” Her hands waved about as if she were in the midst of some invisible dance. The reaper sliced through the air in every direction, moving with such a graceful motion that even I was slightly impressed. It was said that elves had obtained that grace in motion from angelics, and now I knew it to be true. To Skadi, it was nothing more than that some dramatic posturing. Yet, there was more, much more to this. I could see quite literally, the waves that roared from every direction. Waves of power, raw power that gathered as an approaching tsunami nearing its break line.

She rose higher up until she was above us, her wings spread in all their glory as her inner light, her raw power began to resonate. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she was preparing for an attack of unseen proportions. At long last, her fearsome eyes gazed downward unto Skadi. Her voice, once soft and velvety now was filled with a cold harshness, almost demonic even. Strangely, it was a voice that even demons couldn’t epitomize even remotely. “The decision is made.” Her hand moved and her fingers all curled into a fist. All except one.

It was pointed straight at me. “You want it all? You want freedom? He is your binding, your prison. Sever his entanglements, extinguish him at once and you shall be free. Use not your weapons, but rather use the very weapons cursed upon you two thousand millennia ago.” Her hand then moved upward and froze the walls of power all around. I could see them churning in anger tones as they swirled about like a great hurricane. The calm amidst the storm, we were in the eye of this incredible hurricane.

A hurricane that roared ever so silently…underground.

Skadi’s face drained as she listened. I turned, surprised to find the arcane bindings released momentarily. Then, as soon as I was finished turning, Skadi was released. I looked upward toward the menacing angelic. She grinned again in her sickening manner, but said nothing. Her eyes flicked to Skadi, waiting.

I too looked toward Skadi. I chose now to speak to her, “Love. Destroy the most precious thing to you,” I rose a hand to my chest, “Me.” Skadi shook her head negatively, “I…I cannot. I will not.” She turned her head upward to the angelic, “How dare you! How dare you demand that which cannot be done! There must be some other way!”

The angelic’s face remained stone hard, her eyes glaring. “Are you sure?”

“Skadi.”

The vampiress turned to me. I could see tears in her eyes. I swallowed. Only once before I had seen those tears. To take my life against her own will. The last time I had seen her cry was when I had begun my return and had visited her in her dreams. Except this time, they were tears of remorse.

“You must.” I said at last. “It is the only way.” With that, I reached up and tore the cloth at my neck until the pieces dropped to my feet, floating atop the cold waters. She had to do it. There was no alternative.

I waded softly through the waters toward her. She made an attempt to retreat, yet I snatched her hand and pulled her close. “Do what must be done.” I whispered. I’ll always love you… As she drew near at long last, we turned slightly and I looked upward to the angelic over Skadi’s shoulder. Cursed be you! I growled silently.

“You have no such power.” She replied flatly as her mouth opened to reveal those perfect teeth again in that bastardly smile.

Even before the angel answered I had a good idea of what her answer would be. Now I wished I'd been a little more careful with my words. There are few things in this world that I hold dear and unfortunately a true sacrifice means giving them up. And what is more important than him? I'd forsake my blade in a blink to save him, and yet that is what she demands.

Despite my dire expectations, hearing the words from her pure yet somewhat menacing mouth rip at my heart. Normally I would refrain from such sayings but there is no other way to describe it. What a bitch. Energy surged around her very being, power emanating from her presence, power that burned at my very core. Her presence offended me and it wasn't just that she wanted me to kill my beloved, there was something different about her as opposed to other angels.

Following her finger, I turned my eyes upon Sigrun, my elven companion, my love. She knew this was tearing me apart. I can't kill him, I won't. She wanted Sigrun to experience perhaps the most intimate death one could, the life drained from you by a vampire, by me.

Turning back to the creature before us, I try to speak...

"I…I cannot. I will not. How dare you! How dare you demand that which cannot be done! There must be some other way!"

Of course there wasn't though. Deep down I knew there was no other way, I just didn't want to admit it. Sigrun saw this too, he knew. Despite our current predicament he stood firm, accepting his fate. I knew this wasn't the way he'd pictured dying, but he could deal with it. If he could then so must I.

Taking hold of me, Sigrun urged me on, to do what must be done. He cursed the bitch behind me and I echoed it silently as I gazed upon his bare neck.

You'll have my love eternally, never doubt that."

With that said, I bit into him, softly lowering my razor sharp fangs into his tanned elven skin. Whilst I'd drunk his blood before many times, the taste was bittersweet today as I knew this would be the last. I closed my eyes as the blood flowed into my mouth, gulp after gulp robbing him of life. As this happened our minds were as one, expressing our true feelings in a manner beyond the physical or words, beyond anything else. I could feel him weakening, his mind slowing as his body protested his brain beginning to shutdown.

"In the next life my love..."

He was almost dry, his mind now plunged into the depths of darkness. His heart continued to fight yet soon discovered it had nothing to pump, hence causing the brain to die and the rest of the body to follow. Tears streamed down my face as I finally took in the last drops. He was gone. No pulse, no consciousness, nothing. With the warmth leaving his body I carried him back towards the shore and lay hid down gently, his peaceful form laying there as if in slumber. Eternal slumber.

Turning back to the angel, my eyes red yet filled with resentment, I squeezed out a few words.

"It's done."

She grinned at me, that horrible smile boring into my core.

"Good... now you'll see."

I was about to question her when I felt it, something deep within me. Something distinctly unfamiliar and yet somehow known to me, forgotten perhaps. Then the pain followed. Agony like I'd never felt before, worse than cursed silver or anything I could imagine. Falling onto my hands and knees I roared in anguish as this pain ravaged my body, causing my muscles to spasm in protest.

Rolling onto my back I continued to scream, paying no attention to the aura of light surrounding me. Air swirled rapidly as a brilliant white light blinked around me, surging towards me and yet just stopping before it touched my equally white skin. I could swear the earth below me was shaking, the whole cavern itself, the water. I could not answer why though...

As the pain continued to violate my being, something brief and distinct came to my attention. A thump resounded within my chest. At first I thought it nothing, but then another, and another. I couldn't believe it, my heart was pumping. Alas I didn't have long to marvel at such a thing as a new pain erupted within my gut. This was much less than other pains yet still noticeable, especially since it seemed to morph into something quite different, more of an urge than a pain now. An urge of sustenance.

It was actually happening. I could feel Sigrun's blood rushing through my veins as my heart beat picked up, pushing it all over my body. If I could see myself I'm sure my cheeks would be near rosy from the warm blood now flowing through them. I felt naturally warm for the first time in millennia. Muscles still spasming, the pain began to subside as my lungs inflated, then urged me to exhale. I had no choice now, I had to breathe. Now able to sit up I noted the white light bathing me, covering me from head to toe. Feeling my warmed face, I allowed fingers to wander into my mouth to encounter... teeth. No penetrating fangs, just teeth.

An attempt to stand found me on the ground once again, my head spinning. My body was fully functioning once again but it wasn't over. My mind shifted as the light entered my brain, removing that which was unnatural. My senses plunged back into the dull perception of an ordinary human, I could no longer sense the full functions of my body, the nature of things around me. My vision dimmed and I could only see thanks to the light. There was no longer the option of reading minds or moving objects, those doors were closed. I felt so much weaker, so inferior to my former self. And yet I smiled. Finally.

Scrambling to my feet with much less grace than I previously possessed, I gazed upon Sigrun's form, then at the angel.

"I'm glad to see you hold true to your word..."

“That I have.” The angelic replied with a broad smile as she gazed upon the human before her. Strangely now, her near-demonic persona had all but disappeared as she hovered closer to Skadi and stood before her. The two locked eyes and studied each other in silence. Skadi watched as one of the angel’s hands moved up to lightly caress the side of her face. “Such a beautiful woman you are, even for a mortal. It’s a shame you had the fate that befell you. You would have had an interesting life as a servant girl. There was much in store for you then and only as a mortal!”

The hand receded, and the angel smiled again. Her gaze traveled to the still, cold form of Sigrun. The elf seemed at peace, almost as if he were merely resting. She returned her gaze to Skadi, “For every beginning, there is an end. For every life, there is a death. You know this very well, for you were dubbed by the fates as an executioner, a catalyst to end lives that required completion.”

She spread her wings and gazed upon the woman with a stern look, “I am the chief executioner. I am Death. Yet, there is a clause.”

She gazed to the elf once again, then looked unto the tears that slid down Skadi’s face as she too looked sadly down at her love. “What’s the clause?” Skadi asked at last. Her eyes, brimming with tears looked up at the angel.

“In death, I can give life to those I wish.”

Skadi’s eyes widened in wonder, confusion. “I don’t understand.”

“Watch, and you shall see.” The angelic replied with a gesture toward a tear that began to slide down the end of Skadi’s nose. Skadi watched as the tear broke free of the nose and tumbled over and over until at last, it seemed to freeze momentarily just above the earth. The angelic’s voice returned, “There is a cycle to everything. You took blood-drops of life for two millennia, and now you give life with a single tear.”

--------------------------

The air was still for the last nano-second, before it suddenly erupted in swirling light and immense power, circling above my still form. It spiraled downward counterclockwise and covered my entire body. Skadi could still see what was happening, although she had to shade her eyes with her hand.

At first, there was little change to be noticed. Then, the skin changed tones and grew rougher in appearance. Tendrils of magic whipped at my hair, changing the natural blonde hair of the elf to that of a dirty blonde of sorts. Strands of blonde mixed with strands of black hair. Skadi recognized the hair color as that belonging to Maximus. Skadi watched as the magic eased tendrils of magic out of the shell of my body and hovered above my cold corpse, changing tones, while simultaneously emitting multiple voices speaking elvish. It ceased at last and retreated back into my corpse, drawing all of the surrounding energy along with it, packing into every bit of flesh there was.

The angelic silently moved closer and knelt down to hover above my face. Her voice was soft, her gentle hand on my chest. Her wings spread out softly and surrounded the two of us like a protective cocoon. Looking up at Skadi, the angelic gestured for her to approach. “Upon these lips of mine, death lingers in perfect union with life.” she whispered.

With that, she lowered her head, her lips lightly touching mine. Time froze momentarily as my body glowed white, then returned to normal. My heart began an impossible feat under normal circumstances: Thump…thump… The sound of my gasp was like music to Skadi’s ears, and she reacted with her own gasp. She watched as the angelic pulled back. My eyes opened after a series of flutters, attempting to clear the foggy vision I had. Turning my head slowly until I met the angelic’s face, I held the gaze. A frown crossed my features. “I’m not dead yet, am I?” The angelic shook her head negatively, then looked across to Skadi. I followed the gaze, and blinked as Skadi’s eyes met my own.

I took in her flesh tones, her beaming smile that spoke loudly of a missing presence. “I missed something…” I muttered as a hand reached up and for the first time, touched the warm flesh of the woman whom I loved. “and yet…it was here with me all this time…”

She helped me move to a sitting position, and then wrapped her arms around me as she cried softly. How strange it was to hear her cry so freely, so humanly. I held her close, cherishing in her touch. It was like the first embrace we had ever shared, intimate, unique, and forever memorable. At last, we pulled apart and rose to our feet. We turned to the angelic whom stood in silent repose, her wings wrapped about her like a cloak of feathers. She smiled softly. “A day has passed already, and most of the following night. Return the way you came, and fear not of the sun, for you are free.”

Suddenly, her wings unwrapped and spread wide as she rose into the air. She looked down at us, “Savor the life that awaits you.”

We nodded, and watched as the angelic returned to her formless energy shape and returned to the depths of the lake. Darkness surrounded us quickly, but was soon chased away as a torch appeared near us, leaning against a rock. It burned bright, awaiting our trusting hands.

Moving closer, Skadi picked up the torch and looked back to me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an excited, and carefree look upon her face before. Gone were the years of oppression. Gone were the years of hard earned cold-heartedness. Gone were the years of the ancient vampiress and her equally formidable elven companion from the world stage. Gone was the violence that had been so entwined with our souls. Gone were the worldly concerns and tribulations that defined our lives.

It was all gone.

All that remained was the coming dawn in only just under an hour’s time.

There was no doubt this being was playing games with me, attempting to distress me as much as possible then confuse me with her riddles. I wouldn't let her defeat me, I may be mortal but my resolve hasn't changed. She could just as easily wipe me out now as she could have before, nothing was different.

Sigrun is dead, I'm mortal and she's a bitch.

It certainly was a bittersweet moment as I stood there watching the lifeless body of my love. The angel was enjoying it too, enjoying my tears as they fell freely, enjoying my pain. Of course it would be over soon but this moment lasted far too long for my liking.

She continued to spin words this way and that, I wasn't really listening until it finally started to dawn upon me. She was indeed the angel of death and could hence control it, that included preventing it. As I turned to gaze upon the angel she explained further, watching as a single tear ran off my face to land upon my beloved.

After momentarily halting midair, my tear finally fell upon the calm face of Sigrun, the angel's words echoing in my head.

"There is a cycle to everything. You took blood-drops of life for two millennia, and now you give life with a single tear."

There was a brief moment of silence as the angel and I gazed upon eachother before it happened. All hell seemed to have broken loose as the air crackled with power and winds spawned from no where. I had to leap back from Sigrun's side as a blinding white light fell upon his form, completely shielding him from my eyes. There was nothing I could do but wait.

My heart raced as the notion of Sigrun not being dead flowed through my body. I felt blood rush to my cheeks and became short of breath, my body reacting in fashions I'd completely forgotten about. Evidently I was excited, having Sigrun back would make the remaining time I had in this life actually enjoyable.

After some time the brilliant light faded away to reveal the living form of Sigrun. He was different though, he looked much more like Maximus now, the darker hair and eyes. I noted the lack of elven features, he was mortal once again as well. As he spoke I couldn't help myself, I had to rush forward as our eyes met. He saw it too, my own mortality and confirmed it with his touch. Placing my arms around him as he sat up I could barely contain myself.

"We did it..."

Eventually we both rose to our feet, slightly more in control of ourselves. With her work done the angel didn't waste anytime and telling us to leave, which of course didn't bother us. She returned to whatever the hell she did in that lake and I retrieved a torch of flames. Fire was no longer the threat it posed to me as a vampire, that was certainly reassuring.

We were no longer bound by some higher forces to perform violent tasks of necessity. I could forget the violence, the countless numbers fallen before myself and the tools of death I employed. Gripping eachother's hands we made our way back up the stone stairs, back into the perfect tunnel illuminated by arcane fires.

Silence reigned once again but it was a comfortable one. We couldn't communicate mentally anymore but there was no need to, no one knew us like eachother. It took some time to finally reach the exit as we walked slowly, enjoying are newfound mortality.

Finally upon the stone door once again we stood in silence. The sun would be rising soon, my first sunrise in thousands of years.

My warm hand is intertwined with Skadi's own, and it feels almost as if we were doing so for the first time. I see her smile ever so softly, an archaic smile. Her other hand has placed the torch in a mount on the wall, and is now feeling the walls as if she were rediscovering her senses. In a sense, she was. I watch her for several minutes before I move a hand up to rest on the nape of her neck. A kiss is given, soft, short and sweet.

Her smile only widens as she reopens her eyes. I swear, she looks like a child excited about embarking on a much anticipated trip to a theme park. I'm sure I also have a similar way about me as well. My thoughts linger on Arleni and Aeris. I silently wished them well and wisdom to guide their decisions. The throne of Tarlachia was vacant now, it only awaited the next ruler to step up and continue to direct the nation's progress as it departed its Golden Age at lightspeed into the Universal Age; the age of space travel.

However fast the rest of the nation may continue on, I was not to go with them. No, my time has come to remain in the shrouds of history books awaiting the knowledge-hungry minds of young and old alike. It is a sad and equally exciting time, and my heart gives a skip to attest. In the history books, my story will encompass my early days in the aging world through the long tenure of my hold of the Tarlachian throne.

Skadi's hand clenches mine a little tighter and I can hear her excited tone, "Come." She turns and pulls me along with her as she reaches out to touch the stone doorway. Yet, she hesitates slightly. Was it fear? Uncertainity? I didn't have long to ponder this as she finally lays her hand upon the stone door. Instantly, it begins to slide upward with an earthly grinding. Our eyes look down to the ground as we see the first of the pre-dawn light faintly illuminating our path.

_____________________________

Several hundred yards away and leaning against a mature elm, a lone elven woman watches the mountainside begin shift as the doorway opens slowly. She tilted her head up slightly as she took in a breath. Her eyes allow her to see the figures standing there. She blinks a few times in sadness.

She could see Sigrun clearly now, but he didn't look like the elf she had come to love. Rather, he had returned to his mortal image. That in itself was a surprise to her for she knew he had been decapitated, his head removed far from the body.

I suppose nothing's impossible for the Mysterious Ones. she commented silently as her eyes moved to Sigrun's side, to Skadi. Even at this distance, Arleni could tell a great change had been done in her as well. Her demeanor no longer bore a threatening atmosphere that could be felt for miles around. Instead, a calm serenity had sprung up and taken place. Arleni gave a smile.

She watched as the two of them walked out quietly, hand in hand. Not far from their location, a cliff hung over a valley, facing eastward. There, they finally stopped in place, their gaze fixed upon the eastern horizon where the sun had yet to rise.

_________________________________

The sky is alive with the coming dawn as the pitch black sky is replaced by purple, navy blue, and streaks of yellow close to the horizon. Clouds move away from our range of view. I suspect the angel must have had something to do with that. I did not mull on this long.

Taking a lung-cleansing deep breath, I pull Skadi in front of me, wrapping my arms around her waist. Her head settles back slightly onto my shoulder as mine settles into hers. She turns her head to deliver a kiss once more as her right hand moved up to hold the back of my head in a relaxed manner. Her other hand rests atop mine on her abdomen. Once again, her eyes have returned to the horizon. It is undoubtedly captivating, especially to one deprived of such events for thousands of years.

And then, like the perfect timing of a well tuned orchestra, the sun breaks the horizon and sends magnificent rays of light in every direction. It hits the both of us fully, and I can feel Skadi gasp. Yet, it is not the gasp of fear. Rather, she was pleased greatly. Even to me, the feel of the sun's rays are exotic, captivating my every sense. I close my eyes and I smile widely. Nothing is said, for we did not wish to break this magical moment which we had awaited for so long. Our due had finally come...

__________________________________

From her place by the elm, Arleni watched silently as the two of them enjoyed the sunlight's warm rays to the fullest of their being. A wind began to come from the east as well, and before long, their clothing began to ruffle actively. To her, they seemed like they were dancing. Arleni felt no wind herself though, and knew what kind of wind this was.

It was the wind that promised their very dream in every detail. As Arleni watched intently the wind's power upon them, she raised a hand in a gesture of farewell. "Namarie...Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au'...Amin mela lle." (Farewell...My heart shall weep until it sees thee again...I love you.)

Tears slid glisteningly down her face as her hand lowered slowly. She watched as the two of them seemed to dissolve in the entrancing wind that blew only around them.

_______________________________

It has been long in coming, and now I cannot get enough of this. For countless lives, I dealt death, and never understood its tantalizing bittersweet effect on my victims. Even when I died my false death, I did not feel this mysterious peace that now enshrouded my soul.I can feel my feet lifting up off the ancient earth, detaching themselves from my legs as they dissolve into nothingness. Following after them, the rest of my body begins to dissolve as well.

How peaceful I am!

How carefree I feel!

How beautiful is this...I conclude that I have finally found what I'd been looking for all along. I have found it at last, the very reward that had eluded us for so long.

Freedom...

I watched the door slide open with an almost unbridled anticipation. The sun had been something restricted to my eyes for over two thousand years. It's true I find comfort in the darkness but that's merely because that's all I had. I've forgotten what a sunrise truly looks like, how it feels. The door finally opens and we move outisde, my hand still gripping Sigrun's tightly. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather experience this with, ever.

Time obviously passed much differently inside that place. When we entered we just escaped sunrise, now as we exit the sun still hasn't risen and yet I could swear at least an hour has passed. Nevertheless we walk into the sunlight, or at least the scraps of light apparent before the sun truly rises.
_______________

Hondur watched as though he were standing a few hundred yards away, leaning against a tree of some description. Of course the tree wasn't important, the two figures exiting the mountain were what mattered. Arleni's vision honed in on them clearly, identifying them as Skadi and Sigrun.

Unfortunately Hondur couldn't be there himself as the sun presented a very lethal barrier to such a venture. Evidently that was no longer an issue for Skadi yet he was still bound by the ways of a vampire. Thankfully Arleni had offered to share her eyes with Hondur, casting a spell that allowed him to see what she could and so she tracked down her cousin and Hondur's sire.

Watching as the pair moved forward, towards the sun and away from the rockface, he couldn't help but note the obvious differences. Not just physically but mentally. Skadi actually seemed happy. Not content or merely not angry, she actually seemed pleased with herself and her current situation, as if a great burden had been lifted off her shoulders forever. Sigrun seemed in a similar state of mind.

As they approached the cliff Hondur sighed. He knew they would be gone forever, yet he didn't see them jumping off a cliff.
____________

Standing on the edge of this cliff, I can't imagine a more perfect moment as Sigrun holds me before my fist sunrise since I was a mortal girl. Nothing else matters anymore, my sword is at rest, as is my heart. Taking in the sights before me I can't help but be awed. Is the sky always like this in the morning? I can't remember.

Embracing Sigrun right now seems so perfect, so right. Despite the hardships he has experienced at my side and I at his, we have always been together, he is my only reason to be here. Some my claim my presence and actions were arranged and I'd call them fools. I know why I'm here and we both know it's time to go. To hell with anyone that says otherwise.

The sun finally erupts over the horizon, bathing myself and Sigrun in magnificant light, actualy sunlight. The warmth tingles all over as I gasp as the feeling, the pure sensation of feeling something so many take for granted. Closing my eyes I merely feel the sunrise, despite being mortal again there are some things that can just be felt. Sigrun realises this too as we stand there in silence. As we stand there I removed my scabbard and drop it to the ground. I will no longer need this.

We could finally be at peace...
____________

Arleni knew it was the end, as did Hondur. A wind had erupted around them, unlike anything he'd seen before. Whilst he couldn't help but feel sorrow at losing his sire and close friend, he was happy for her. Hondur knew she'd never truly been happy in this world. Hopefully she could find it somewhere else.

The wind licked at their clothes, swirling around them as if it had found a treasured prize. Arleni said her goodbye and Hondur couldn't help but cry. He remained silent as the tears poured down his own face whilst watching through Arleni's eyes.

"You shall be missed..."

Now they were gone. Swept away in the wind that no longer existed, not a trace of them left besides Skadi's blade. They really were gone.
________________

Death wasn't so bad, at least mine wasn't. In retrospect I'd say others have suffered much worse fates at my hand, but I don't regret it. Purpose or no purpose, I did what I did and it won't be undone. I'm free of all that now, none of it matters. I have no physical being now, I have nothing but myself... and Sigrun.

What is before us?

I cannot answer.

Nothing matters anymore, not a single thing.

After all those years I finally get what I deserved.

Release.

Liberty.