NationStates Jolt Archive

Rikanth turns and salutes Nathicana before turning again and resuming the interesting conversation with Chris.

"All right." He took her arm and they began to walk away. Jaime murmured, "I heard that Dragonisia may execute the man you left in charge of your country. Something about conspiracy and desctruction of evidence."

He looked down at her, wondering what her response would be.

She grinned wryly. "I wouldn't be suprised. Given the nature of many of our ministers ... for all I know, he is guilty, of something at least."

Clearly mulling it over in her mind, she then shook her head. "But this? I doubt it. He does a fair job of running my pr, but he wouldn't have the balls to pull off something like this. That, and I've never heard the man nearly shriek over anything before ... you probably heard his yapping from where you were standing. The man was terrified."

Jaime's phone rings, and he groans. "Curse this invention..." he mutters as he answers it. "I see." are his only words on the phone before he hangs up and takes Hathicana's arm again. "It appears Erik left quite an impression on the Dragonisian military. His half-demon form can do that sometimes. If we decided to depose the Dragonisians and retake the Dominion, he'd be with us all the way."

---Post deleted by NationStates Moderators---

OOC: ignores previous idiot post ...

IC:

Nathicana stops in her tracks. "Would you repeat that last bit, please? I don't think I heard you correctly." she looked at Jaime directly. "Half ... what?"

Jaime clears his throat. "Erm ... Half-demon. Luckily, he's more human than demon. About the only trait he can't control is that whenever he gets angry hs eyes turn from green to red. It's really scary."

Arching a brow, she looks Jaime over carefully again. "And does this trait run .... commonly, in Haraki?" her meaning clear.

"No." he states firmly. "He actually was created during a sole demon rampage 500 years ago. Another trait of being a demon is that you don't age. The demon, well, went on a rampage. This was during the very early years of Haraki. The demon was killing, pillaging, and it raped a woman, resulting in Erik. The demon was eventually hunted down and killed by an ancestor of mine. Erik has vowed never to have children, in case they take after the demon, instead of the human, as he did."

She nodded, visibly relieved. "So many different suprises with these cultures," she murmured softly. Reaching her door, she opened it and stepped inside, knees nearly folding as the door shut behind them.

He grabbed her and supported her, keeping her upright. His eyes showed obvious concern. "Are you all right?" he asked her.

She simply shook her head, leaned against his chest, and finally allowed herself to cry.

He allowed her to lean on him, and cry as much as she wanted. He stroked her hair, calmly whispering, "It's all right, it's going to be okay."

He leaned down and embraced her, still whispering the same words.

Holding onto him tightly, she cried til she couldn't anymore, taking comfort in his strength and whispered words, not able to remember the last time she'd allowed someone to see her this vulnerable, and lacking control.

"Thanks ..." she managed in a hoarse whisper, not daring look up from where she huddled against his chest, nor letting him go.

He leaned down, and breathed deeply. Then, he suddenly kissed her on the cheek. Then he drew back in horror, turning towards the wall, "I ... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have ... I mean ..."

"Don't." she said, reaching up to touch his cheek, looking up at him.

"Please ... stay." She tilted her face up for a kiss without another word.

He leaned down, and embraced her, kissing her. Inside, he was thinking, What am I doing? Think of the consequences of this. Then he lost himself in Nathicana.

OOC: Aaaaaand I think that's 'bout as far as we can take that and keep our PG-13 rating. *impish grin*

OOC: Aaaaaand I think that's 'bout as far as we can take that and keep our PG-13 rating. *impish grin*

Yeah, let's just say THIS:

IC:

Chris turned to Jane, and murmured behind his hand, "I don't believe Jaime and Nathicana will be returning to the party tonight."

Jane merely giggled.

OOC: Indeed - not if she has anything to say about it. *whistles innocently*

We would be happy to send a representative to your party.

OOC: though I would not presume to speak for Gothicum, I recall earlier his suggestion to latecomers that they assume they had already been here (there is quite a crowd after all) and pick up where they'd like. Will submit to a mild beating about the head and shoulders should I be amiss on this one.

A small mist arises outside the party. From that mist a slender young women emerges. She is dressed in white buckskin. Beside her a very large white wolf also emerges. They proceed toward the party.

As they cross the lawn, other party goers cannot help but notice the pair. They are shocked when the wolf suddenly transforms into a large man with flowing grey/white hair...He is dressed in black hides from head to toe with a row of raven feathers bradded down the back of his hair.

One of the people present recognises the man and his "assistant" and comes forward to great them.

"Ahh Waabishka Niimki., Glad you could make it. "

WN replys "Anything in the name of peace. And we wished to contribute to rebuilding the forests too of course. To give my 'brothers" somewhere to run....

OOC: Nice. :)

General Skyhopper walks in to the party and drops by the refreshment table

"By any chance do you have corrilian ale?"

General Skyhopper shrugs and sits down in a chair.

"I wonder when Corstar will get here."

General Skyhopper shakes his head gets up and leaves the party

RIkanth looks at the leaving general and raises an eyebrow. "hmm...he left soon...wonder why that is...'

As Pyrite was once again on a futile search for something, he was sidetracked as the primitive walkie talkie he kept with him at all times started beeping loudly. he rushed to answer it, trying to remember which button to push or dial to turn to talk. "what is it?"
Pyrite's annoyed tone dropped away as the man on the other end talked. His eyes bugged out. "Are you sure? The dominion, led by Dread Lady Nathanica?"
the voice answered.
"Shit. Any chance she had nothing to do with it?"
"You don't know? please, find out as soon as possible. I'm going to speak to her now."

"NO! I know that I might be in danger, but i can handle this! if we keep not taking risks, we'll end up with very few friends, and the few enemies that we gather will have their way with us. I need to know."

Pyrite headed straight for the bar, where he had already been heading, and opened the door. Heads turned, noticing he walked with a bit more determination than most people coming in for a drink. "I need to speak with Nathanica."

(ooc i left that open because i'm not sure if she's in the room right now.)

OOC: she's uh...."talking" with Jaime in her room right now. :)

No, she's very definitely not in the room.

IC:

Chris walked over and laid a hand on Pyrite's shoulder. "I don't think you'll get Nathicana until tomorrow."

ooc: oh. didn't see the part of her post where they left the bar.

"oh. I need to speak to her as soon as she becomes available." then, in a quieter voice. "I suppose you all have been informed of the situation, likely before I was."

OOC: Great ... not only is Nathi in trouble, but she's in trouble as well. *chuckles* She fervently hopes she's made a good enough impression to maintain a bit 'o support after the latests news conference, which I doubt she'll see til morning - whenever that is.

OOC: Just picture this scene a few hours further into the night...

IC:

Jaime woke with a start, starting to form a yell, "NO!"

He was sweating. He was in a bed, but whose? He didn't know. The dreams were getting worse. In them he was forced to watch as everyone he loved and cared about died.

In the dreams he was older, by several years. It was a cataclysm. The world seemed in the middle of a nuclear war. He was back in the trenches, with everyone he knew: Alek, Jane, their bodyguards, Chris, Erik, Phiera and his crew, Kulikan and his. He then watched them all die as their enemy attacked. He didn't know who their enemy was, but he watched them all die.

He had to watch the PM get hit in the stomach, watch as Doc told Jaime that Chris was most likely going to die. He watched Jane's bodyguard get picked off by an enemy sniper. Phiera's entire crew, except for Kris, died. As did Jane, Alek, and Klihk. He watched as Darkeye and his squads came running back across the battlefields, half of them being killed in the rout. The dreaded atomic mushroom cloud was in the background, everywhere, it seemed. He watched as Erik grew angry, and shifted into a demon. He watched him wreak havoc amont the enemies, until he was brought down by a lucky burst. But in the background, farther down the trench, he could see a new shape. It looked like another person, but they were shrouded in darkness. Who was it? Who? He moved closer, to try and see them more clearly, and then turned, and watched Kris die at the hands of an enemy. Then he turned towards the dark person, again, and they started to step out of the dark ... and he woke up.

This one was worse than all the rest. He hugged himself, and started to cry. He would do everything in his power to not let that happen.

OOC: Woof *blinks* Not a pleasant line of thoughts there ... mind if I jump in?

OOC: Woof *blinks* Not a pleasant line of thoughts there ... mind if I jump in?

Not at all.

Nathicana shifted ... something wasn't right. Stretching & rubbing her eyes sleepily, she sat up on one elbow.

She laid a gentle hand on Jaimes' shoulder. "S'everything ok?" she slurred. Feeling a tenseness there, and the silent shaking, she sat up fully.

"Jaime ... what's wrong?"

He turned. She could see the tears in his eyes. He was shaking. "Na - Nathicana ... I ... I ..." He collapsed into her arms, sobbing.

She held him awkwardly at first, entirely suprised given his strong, irreverant, and sometimes brash demeanor.

Whispering unintelligible words of comfort, she stroked his hair, and held him close, hoping she hadn't done anything to cause such an alarming change in him.

"I ... I ... watched them ... all ... die.." he said, in between sobs. "They ... all died... And ... I didn't ... do a thing..."

Truly alarmed now, she asks gently, but firmly, "Who did? When? You've been right here, boy. Look around - it's all fine."

He starts to calm down, "It's ... these dreams ... I have them all ... the time ... It's ... cataclysmic ... nuclear war ... and they all die..."

Relaxing visibly, she lays back, and pulls him down to the pillow with her.

"Just dreams, Jaime ... we all have bad dreams, sometimes." snuggling closer, she lays her head on his chest. "Let them go - it's nothing. You'd no sooner stand by while the people you love are hurt than ... " she searched for a moment, her sleep-clogged mind fumbling, "than I'd be likely sprout three heads and a tail."

He laughs through clenched teeth, and mutters, "But ... they seem ... so real..."

"Those who carry the heavy loads of leadership or responsibility, I believe, pay for it in one form or another ... " she murmured. "Don't think any more on it. Dreams can't hurt you. Not if you don't let them."

She briefly glanced over to her pda laying on the table, pondering ... then firmly dismissed the thought. What's done was done. She would deal with it in the morning. A part of her cringed with guilt, but she pushed the nagging feelings aside.

He nodded, and tried to get back to sleep. He couldn't for several hours, and when he did ...

The dreams were back, but worse. There were more people, and they all died this time. He approached the shadowy figure, and saw them beckon him closer. He moved in, but still couldn't see who it was. Then he felt an excruciating pain in his side. He colapsed to the ground, trying to see what had heppened ... and found a knife stuck there.

He woke up, feeling sudden pain in his side. He felt it, and could find nothing wrong. However, the pain continued as if he'd just been stabbed...

Assuring herself that he was all right, Nathicana slipped back, oddly contented, into a deep and dreamless sleep. The hardness that she generally put forward melted away to be replaced by a deceptively innocent visage ...

Jaime couldn't sleep for the rest of the night, the pain in his side kept at it.

OOC: I didn't do it - it's not my fault - no really! *grins, wondering where this is all going/leading up to*

Rikanth sits at the bar, sipping at some light alchohol, waiting for the competiton.

Rikanth sighs...wishing something would happen...

Rikanth sits at the bar, sipping at some light alchohol, waiting for the competiton.

OOC: true 'nuff ... and the auction. Have my eye on at least one of those items. It will be mine ... oh yes, it will be mine ... Darndably hard with so many with such varying schedules, neh?

Yeah, several assorted people from my nation have their eye on items :shock: . For various different reasons.

OOC: think it'd be impolite to get on to morning, sans any earthshattering happenings without the hosts? As there are a few to interact here ...

Rikanth sets his eyes on one of the items, longing to own it...

Rikanth sets his eyes on one of the items, longing to own it...

And I bet I know just which one!

OOC: I sincerely hope it isn't the rather sharp pointy one ... *arches her brow imperiously*

OOC: I sincerely hope it isn't the rather sharp pointy one ... *arches her brow imperiously*

I do believe it is :) .

OOC: er....of...course not... ;)

OOC: sinister laughter, stage right

OOC: man, now you're gonna make me feel bad if i win the bidding... i mean..er...i'm no bidding..on..that...er...

OOC: Don't make me come over there and wrestle you for it ... I'd embarrass you into giving up. *grin* Can see it now ... "WHAT are you grabbing me like that for?!?" Much blushing, appologizing and stuttering on behalf of my opponent ensues. :twisted:

OOC:hhahaha!

Seems like it would be an interesting competition, to see wrestling between Nathicana and someone else.

OOC: *blinks innocently*

OOC: just remember - I fight dirty. *chuckles* At least that's what I've heard men say ... Now, is that a challenge, boy? ;)

OOC: I wonder where Gothicum got to? Possibly sleep. D*mn these different time zones!

OOC: *nods emphatically* SilverCities mentioned something about Gothicum and sleep earlier today. Could always take all this idle banter to a chat or completely silly thread, of course. General forum perhaps, whilst we wait.

OOC: *nods emphatically* SilverCities mentioned something about Gothicum and sleep earlier today. Could always take all this idle banter to a chat or completely silly thread, of course. General forum perhaps, whilst we wait.

Possibly. Or we could stay IC, and have all our characters get roaring drunk and start having this conversation...

Rikanth, in boredom, starts throwing things at poles.

OOC: just got 5 hours of sleep, now getting ready for work I'll announce the results of the auction and start off the competition

btw, thx for bringing this thread to R rating.

OOC: oooh ... dare we? *grins* Rikanth? What say you - wouldn't do anything to disrupt the party (think we've done enough of that)

OOC: just got 5 hours of sleep, now getting ready for work I'll announce the results of the auction and start off the competition

btw, thx for bringing this thread to R rating.

We never actually got it to R, just about PG-13. Besides, we were RPing our character's actions.

OOC:*madly refreshes page*

ooc: they didn't specifically say anything. it was all left to the imagination. Who knows why they were sleeping in the same bed?

ic: Pyrite, talking to Cris. "So, would you have any Idea if these alligations are real? This is very serious business, and my associates are getting pissed at me for continuing to put myself in supposed danger."

"The allegations of Nathicana attempting to assassinate a world leader? I personally believe it's a fabrication, something Dragonisia created so that they could attack the Dominion. Otherwise I would not have allowed Jaime to send in 10,000 marines."

Rikanth joins the conversation. You know what i think? either Dragonisia is a warmongering nation jsut itching for a brawl, fabricating reasons to attack other nations, involving "injuring" their own emperor, or they jsut want Nathicana dead for some reason."

"Remember the press release of theirs, in which they stated that if they discovered that Nathicana was behind the attack they would keep her land? Well, there you have it. Dragonisia could have fabricated Nathicana's involvement in this attack, just so that they could take her land and her dominion away from her. Who knows why."

He also throws in, "Hey, maybe we should retake her country for her?"

Rikanth rubs his hands together.

Chris shrugs, "Well, you know, we could. Especially if I made a good case to NATO about it, we could get their might on our side and really crush Dragonisia."

Chris,
(Possible) Head of Council, NATO

Pyrite raises an eyebrow. "So it's been occupied, then? I wouldn't know, My sources, as one might assume, are not very established yet, and we get no clear Television waves, so we have to see anything important sent to us by a contact on tape."
"Also, is there any chance that niether country is at fault, and that someone is playing them against each other?"

"There could be, but I doubt it," Chris comments. "And yes, Dragonisia has completely occupied the Dominion. We've offered Nathicana asylum in Haraki, with diplomatic immunity, so that if Dragonisia goes after her now, we'll bomb them to hell and back."

OOC: could easily move this convo to the other thread, thereby not cluttering up this one for Gothicum ... just a thought. Appologies - had to reboot computer. Twice. *grumbles*

"So, you've had bad relations with Dragonisia before, or are you just assuming?"

"So, you've had bad relations with Dragonisia before, or are you just assuming?"

"We've had somewhat bad relations. Us blowing up about 300of their troops in the invasion of the Dominion counts, doesn't it? We had also deployed 10,000 marines there to defend the capitol, but then Nathicana gave the order for surrender. My commander i there, well, he got mad, and I think we've been on bad terms with Dragonisia ever since."

He winked at the others, "Just verbal abuse, though."

"Well, I mean, before the incident."

"No, nothing before the incident." Chris tells them. "Hey, what do you guys think of those auction items?"

Rikanth points at the claymore and drools.

Chris laughs. "Yeah, pretty neat, isn't it? And impressive. Don't know if I'm gonna bid on anything, though."

OOC:er...which other thread? theres several others...

Pyrite smiles sheepishly "i wish there were more. with just three, i have no chance of winning one without cuttign my kingdom's treasury in half. I feel that i likely represent the smallest nation here."

OOC:er...which other thread? theres several others...
OOC: eh, most likely the shortest/most recent ... http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=31200
At least any talk of the Dragonisia stuff and all that ... has really gotten out of hand on this thread whilst everyone else has been afk. But hey - play as you see fit. I only play a dictator, after all. *chuckles*

OOC: my, my, kids what have you all been up to while mummy was gone? smiles

Hey, we're only RPing our people, and now we've moved on to the acution items!

IC:

Chris turned to Pyrite, "So, did you make any small bids on anything?"

He looks over again, "Hey, if your treasury's that low on funds, I'll donate 2,500,000 Haraki dollars from our treasury to yours, as soon as the party here's done."

OOC: nuffin ... *sheepishly kicking at a pebble*

OOC: Relax its all good ... i will probably be back later on.. cheers!

PS LOL Nathi.. dont think i dont know now girl...

OOC: *blinks innocently* What's wrong with a friend lending a friend a comforting shoulder/chest/pillow? Completely above board. ;) *sings "A kiss is just a kiss ...." *

Pyrite rose his hands. "we are a proud people, and would not look well on accepting cherity if it is not needed. besides, I mostly assumed that it would be quite a large sum, being that such huge countries are here to bid on things, and most of them want to win these things quite alot. I kind of expected it to go into the hundred millions."

"Well, see, we can't get it that high because we don't know just what the others are bidding. The Gothici are keeping that secret from us."

"Well, that would not stop a country from trying to secure their bid by bidding an amount like that. I would expect it to go a bit higher than normal bidding would, since no one knows how much the other countries are willing to spend."

"It is true," Chris muses, "It is true."

OOC: gothicum, didn't you jsut say you were gonna post auction results?

Rikanth says "i know what you mean, you never know what everyone else is bidding..."

Chris nods to Rikanth. "Although, if everyone was bidding in the tens of millions and someone bid in the hundreds of millions, wouldn't it be a bit overkill? Because you never know who is bidding what and what to expect fro them, you cannot bid accordingly."

OOC: I believe Gothicum may have logged off.

OOC:*rips his hair out*

OOC: Yeah, I'm pretty sure Gothicum's gone to work.

Rikanth excuses himself from the conversation, makes his way to his room and falls asleep on his bed

OOC: i'm going to bed, good night everyone.

OOC: curses ... lost another. *shrugs & smiles*

OOC: curses ... lost another. *shrugs & smiles*

Lost for now.

OOC: true ... true ... must learn this thing called 'patience'. I hear it's a virtue. ;)

I'll be logging off now (12:50 EST). See you all later.

Lady Ihlana leaves, tying up a loose plot thread as she goes.

*bump*

OOC: i'll be at school all day, so farewell. i have a three day weekend after today though. :)

OOC: I'll be at school all day too :cry: , but I have a weekend after this, so :twisted: ...

Zaek wakes up as the bell rings nine times, he looks at the beautiful Rothana laying by his side, and softly kissed her cheek. He put on his black jeans and a black cotton shirt, and went downstairs, smiling as he caught a last eyeful of the goddess in his bed.

Downstairs, servants were rushing around, getting things ready for breakfast which was supposed to be served in half an hour. Zaek was gonna announce the results of last night's auction and explain the rules of the competition then.

He asked a maid for a coffee.
"How d'you want it M'Lord?"
"Black, of course..."
"Yes, M'Lord"

The maid ran off and returned with a steaming cup of black coffee

Rothana felt Zaek leave and her mind protested... still half asleep she placed her hand where he had been but minutes before... she wanted to stay right where she was, but knew her sisters would probably be waking soon and wanted to be mostly together by then....her mind begain to go over what she had brought to wear and then decided that none of it would suit.. she wondered if she could go shopping...

))C: okay, did all the couples get together for the night?? lol. oh my...

OOC: well it seemed a couple of them did at any rate.. smiles...

OOC: we needed to 'celebrate' the engagement

OOC: Definitely - not your every-day event. :) Expect to hear the announcement greeted with rousing cheers. And much looking forward to hearing what lucky duck got what from the auction! Um ... reading back ... *blush* Well, looking forward to the public announcement/celebration at least. Three sisters and all - quite cool.

OOC: lol, okay then, let's have marcus and siren "celebrate" as well.

alhana catherine burst into his brother's room as is her habit to rouse him out of bed for their usual sibling talk. as she got closer to the bed, she noticed two heads partly covered by the sheets. with a big smile, she went to the larger form and shook him awake.

"wake up... or have you had too little sleep?" she whispered.

marcus groaned and shielded his face from the sunlight streaming out of the huge windows.

"sister, what -" then he remembered all that occured. he stole a quick glance at siren's direction and hissed at alhana catherine. "um, we'll talk later. i don't think siren would be as comfortable as you are with this - um - situation. now go!"

laughing gaily alhana catherine floated out of the room.

"i'll see you for breakfast!"

Siren sleepily whispered, "Was that your sister? What time is it?"
She then sat up as the events of the night came back to her sleep fogged brain, "My sisters!" she quickly kissed Marcus and headed for the bathroom, hoping to get up before they did.... "I'm never going to hear the end of this.." she muttered

marcus treid to grab her before she went to the bathroom but she was too quick for his sleep deprived mind.

with a growing smile, he said, "angel, don't go. please? let's stay here together for an hour or so? a few minutes? it's early, believe me it is."

Siren turned and smiled, "Early huh? Well maybe a few more hours.." She then hopped back into bed embracing Marcus.....

marcus snuggled up closer to her, filling himself with her perfume.

this is happiness...

he watched her, appreciating how innocent and peaceful she looked with with her eyes closed, her hair tumbling down the pillows, and her gentle breathing.

OOC: *grin & sigh of 'awwwwww' from the peanut gallery* Sucker for happy endings, I guess. ;)

OOC: *grin & sigh of 'awwwwww' from the peanut gallery* Sucker for happy endings, I guess. ;)

OOC: bad for me since i'm a straight woman lol. i really have to get alhana catherine a man...

OOC: LOL poor AC... well get ya hooked up....

OOC: Since I expect other the other guests to come online shortly I'll put things in motion.

Zaek saw that all the guests were awake and seatened at the breakfast table. It was still dark, sun wasnt due up untill 11 am, another hour and a half.

Zaek stood up from his seat and hit his spoon against his glass of carrot-juice to get the guests attention.

"Honoured guests, please be welcomed at the second day of this feast. I have a few announcements to make, whic I'm sure you are very eager to hear. Namely the results of the Auction. In discretion we will not reveal how much was paid. Please respect that and don't ask the purchasers how much they bid.

The Legacy of Kings goes to
...Daryinia
The Tome of Druids goes to
...Motriola
and the Tiara goes to
...Alhana Catherine

I wish to congratulate these buyers and thank them for their generous offers. It seems our forest will grow thicker then ever.

Furthermore, today is the first day of the competition, you can sign up at the entrance of the spire (TM me). Later today, all contestants will be given a yellow band to go around the arm. Every contestant can challenge anyone with an equal number of bands. In the event of losing a fight, you give your band to your victor. Only YOUR band, not the ones you received from others... This will proceed untill two contestants are left. They will battle for the honour of fighting our own Chancellor, Zaek Invictus, the prize for victory being 10 kegs of the Chancellor's favourite brand of Wolvesblood.

Now, please, eat, you will need your strength."

lady alhana catherine was seated on the left side of marcus, as siren was on his right. she leaned over to him and whispered,

"i'm glad i was able to get the tiara! it would a nice present for siren don't you think?"

"i think she'll like it, thanks, that was nice of you." marcus whispered back.

Nathicana lifted her glass in salute to the auction winners, and to Zaek, then set to her breakfast. Looking around at those present, she wondered idly how the competition would go, hoping to put in a good showing.

OOC: oh well, i have to go. got lots of things to do which might occupy me for the rest of the night. so i'll make my excuses here.

marcus placed a hand over siren's wrist to get her attention.

"i will have to leave the party for the most part of the day. i have several things i have to attend to in a neighboring country. please call me if there's anything you need. it is only a 2 hour flight and i'll be back before dinner."

marcus stood up and kissed siren on her forehead.

"i'll miss you angel. now i'll have to inform the chancellor. have fun watching the competition." he kissed his sister's hand quickly, bowed to the ladies and was off.

Siren was sad to see him go but smiled..

Rothana came down dressed in black denims, with a black silk peasant top, her hair was pulled back in a long ponytail..she saw her sister and moved to join her.. "So sis, have a pleasant evening?"

Siren just blushed, and Rothana laughed...

Zaek looked at Rothana

Oh my god she actually looks like a Gothica

Then he remembers the stunt he pulled with the guard unifrom while he was in Silvercities

Alek sat at the table, looking around for Daeva.

---

Jaime sat in his room, facing the window. He had chosen not to go down for breakfast, trusting Chris's safety with the others. He sat on a chair, with a stony face, looking out the window at the night sky. He could never forgive himself for what he had done, and what had happened after he remembered his dream...

Daeva was in the kitchen coördinating waiters...but her mind was still on Alek's back. She couldn't bare it anymore and walked into the breakfast hall, and marched towards the PM

"I have to talk to you"

Rothana felt a surge of emotion, she looked to see if Zaek was close but then Siren asked her, " So how are you this morning? you look well rested."
"I Probably got as much sleep as you did." she asked a passing Gothica if she could get some Orange juice...

Richenda came down and joined her sisters, "So girls, Wild night eh?"

Chris turned to Daeva. "Yes, what is it?" He got up and walked over to a corner of the room. Alek watched them go, wondering just what was going on.

Enjoying her meal, Nathicana idly wondered what had happened to Jaime, and why he wasn't down getting something to eat.

Seeing the sisters of SilverCities beaming, she smiled, raising her glass in a congratulatory toast when she caught their eyes.

the trio noticing Nathi, smiled then Rothana motioned for her to come join them....

"Oh, god, I'm in such strife know. You probably know I fainted yesterday, and I don't know what to tell Alek when he asks why. Should I tell him the truth or lie to the man i love. Is it my task to tell. I succeeded in avoiding him yesterday, but i can't keep that up. What should I do?"

Taking her glass of juice with her, she walked over to the sisters.

"You all seem particularly pleased this morning." she smiled.

Chris looks at her with a look of sympathy. "I don't know him the way you do, thus I cannot give you proper advice. The only bit of advice I feel I can give you is, do what your heart feels is right. I feel I may have felt the same way as Alek when I didn't know whether or not my wife would be okay. She was shot by a terrorist, whom I hope shall be brought to justice. I was sitting on a hospital bed, with no idea where or how she was."

Rothana laughed, "So do you Dread Lady"
Siren shook her head blushing, then added, "Will you be competing today?"

"Well, I um ... " she blushed slightly. "Yes, I do hope to have an opportunity." Looking around at the crowd, she gestured to some in particular "Though I'm rather uncertain of the outcome, given the competitors." she chuckled.

Zaek walked over to the women.

"Hello ladies, how are you this morning"
He kissed Rothana on the cheek and smiled, his face flooded with happyness.

"Well, you never know what will happen" Rothana glanced at Richenda,"I'm surprised you didn't sign up for this.."
Beams at Zaek, "Morning love"

"Well, you know how i dont like to draw my blade unless neccessary,"Richenda remarked, "besides I came to have fun not fight, even if it is harmless"

Nathicana gave Zaek a deep bow.

"I thank you for your efforts on my behalf. I sincerely hope that we may be able to enjoy the rest of the festivities, and put behind this most recent unfortunate situation."

"On a much lighter note, I have to say ... I hope that I am found worthy to have the opportunity to face you, High Chancellor." she smiled. "Though as I mentioned to the ladies here, I fear the chances are slim, given the competition."

"Aye, there are many great fighters here, a piece of advice... You see the big guy with the houndshead? He lets the guard on the left side slip down."

Zaek bowed down and whispered into Rothana's ear
"You were wonderful last night"

Nathicana nodded, storing that little tidbit away for future reference. She noted, however, that the gentleman was rather ... intimidating.

Scanning the hall again, she looked for Jaime, wondering again where he'd gotten off to. Maybe I should go look for him ...

Rothana sent a torrent of feelings and emotion through the link they shared, "Im still walking on air"she whispered, "How do you like the outfit? seemed fitting considering the surroundings.."

Jaime still sat watching the window, when he heard a knock at the door. He ignored it. He heard Jane's bodyguard's voice, "Jaime, come out!"

Jaime continued to ignore.

Jane's bodyguard (By the name of Thanar) pounded the door, "Jaime! Whatever you're regretting in there won't get solved if you just sit there!"

Jaime kepy silent.

Thanar growled, and reached for the door. It was locked. He shouted, "JAIME! Come out here, NOW!"

Jaime finally spoke. "Go away."

Thanar hissed, then leaned down and calmly picked the lock. He opened the door. "Jaime."

Jaime turned. "Thanar, I said GO AWAY!"

Then Jane stepped into the room.

His voice a whisper, hardly audible
"If there weren't so many people around, I'd take you to the nearest haystack. It becomes you very much."

Jane stepped in, and said "Jaime, this won't get solved if you just sit there. Whatever it is, it won't."

Jaime growled.

Jane turned away, saying over her shoulder, "That's all I had to say. Please, don't do this to yourself."

Jaime's eyes burned. He hissed, "Leave now or you may regret it."

Thanar, knowing he would be no match for Jaime in a fight, turned and led Jane out of the room. Jaime walked over and locked it again. He sat down in his chair, facing out the window. He could see the night, and a sole bird flying through the air. Jaime felt like that bird, but if it was locked in a cage of its own thoughts, with the pain of a dream burning in its side.

Thanar led Jane down the stairs, to the banquet hall.

Rothana flushed in pleasure, "You will be careful out there today won't you?" she then kissed him softly...

"Like I would ever gut hurt in a fight"

Excusing herself from the others, Nathicana went off towards the rooms. Seeing Jane enter the hall, she stopped and made a small courtsey.

"How are you feeling today, Jane?" she smiled pleasantly, then softer. "I hope I didn't cause you more harm than good last night ... truly, regret having upset you. Was never my intention."

Jane murmurs, "No, I'm fine, but thanks for your concern."

Thanar mutters something unintelligible to Jane, the only word Nathicana caught was "Jaime.", and Jane began to move on.

"You better not," Rothana then turned back to her sisters, "We should go on a shopping trip later.. they have outstanding clothes here."

Siren nodded liking the idea of having a Gothici outfit to briing home...

Richenda consented thinking that there might be some unique weapons to add to her extensive collection...

Reaching out to touch her arm, Nathicana paused. "Is there something wrong with Jaime?" concern, and a bit of alarm clear in her eyes.

Jane clears her throat and looks down at her feet, and Thanar puts his hand on Jane's shoulder. "We should go," he says. "Jane hasn't eaten anything."

OOC: Sorry for the delay, it was the LAG!

OOC: GAH! I suffer from the lag beast as well. *grumbles*
IC:

Nathicana's brows flew up at that exchange, and hurriedly begging Jane's pardon, she quckly stalked towards her room. Finding it empty, she grabbed a passing Gothici servant, and asked for directions to Jaime's room.

She got there, a tad breathless, and knocked firmly on the door.

"Jaime ... are you there?" she asked in a steady voice.

Queen Saraii regrets that she will be unable to accept this kind invitation, but would be pleased to send her parliamentary representative for ecology.
The honorable Ms Oakii will also bring along Queen Saraii's gift of 1,000 of the latest instant grow oak-tree acorns, part of Saraii's program of immense success in the export of timber.

Regards,

President Joii, Principality of Saraii

Jaime listened as Nathicana knocked on the door. He knew he shouldn't talk to her in this state, but... He knew she would know he was there even if he did not answer. He sat still, listening for her next action.

Slamming her fist against the door she growled. "Boy, if you don't open this bloody door and tell me what's going on, I'll break it down myself."

Jaime, inside himself, heard a lone voice of reason ... He answered in a weak voice, "Na - Nathicana, please leave."

OOC: Hmm, I'm sorry, but I have to go to an Anime Club meeting now ... at the University. I'm leaving in a few minutes. Please don't let it get TOO far ahead without me...

She paused for only a moment before her usual stubborness took over.

"No. I wish to speak to you. Now." she stated imperiously, chin tilted up and eyes flashing. "I am ill accustomed to not having my wishes granted."

She paused briefly, then began to count.

"One ... "


"Two ... "

OOC: *laughs* Well then, I'll pause it there. *chuckles*

OOC:assuming we got the auction items.

Rikanth holds up the claymore, admiring it for a while. (read:about an hour) before sliding it into a sheath on his back. "hmmm...three swords...i can only use two in the competition...i don't want ot destroy this, i'll just use my katana and wakizashi." Rikanth says, mainly to himself, but loud enough to hear.

OOC: I'm green with envy. *grin* Congratulations on your prize!

OOC:thanks, i payed a LOT for it.

OOC: You must have. *wicked grin* Pondering though ... I suppose it would be somewhat ... well, difficult, to back up the entirety of my bid, considering my latest turn of fortune. *chuckles*

OOC: ok all Goth had to go to bed... ok i sent him to bed..lol but he should be back in about 6 or 7 hrs ... cheers!

OOC: See how you are? Wearing out our host with AIM convos? *grin*

Rikanth suddenly realizes that he forgot to bring a cahnge of clothes along to the party. "Doh!"

OOC: Get thee to a clothing store ... go! :D

OOC:seems like the party's wound down a bit

OOC: Were we all in the same time zone, I think, and schedules more closely matched, it would be a different story. C'est la vie *shrugs & smiles*

OOC: tell me about it i keep having to remind myself that certain personagages live Half a world away.. sigh makes things interesting to be sure... BTW Nathi...lol i was a good girl.. really... what?... you dont believe me do you..lol 8)

OOC: this hasn't moved much at all since i moved *shocked*

marcus hurried outside to the grounds where siren and a few other women where gathered. he nervouslly ran his fingers through his hair and walked to siren.

"hello..." he said with a tentative smile

So where do we all live then?

alhana catherine ran to her brother before even siren can look up and hugged him.

"and why are you here? i thought you'd be gone all day when it's not even near lunch time."

"please, sister. call siren, i need to speak with her." he whispered anxiously.

siren frowned. "what is it about?"

but before she can anything more, the rest of the women had wlaked up to them. he had no choice...

OOC: silver, please, please... be here.

Siren turned seeing Marcus gave him a big hug... "We were about to head off shopping you are more than welcome to come with if you like.. "

Rothana smiled, "Sure why not Marcus you can give us a male opinion.."

OOC: I"ll be here for a bit no worries

marcus felt trapped with all the women. they all had large expectant smiles on their faces. he had to do it here.

"i didn't expect to be back so early because i thought it would take a long time... but well see, when i got there, it wasn't that i couldn't find anything -rather it was all too much! i couldn't decide..." he kept babbling on.

Rikanth overhears the beginning conversation and walks over to find out what is going on.

OOC:I live in Houston, Texas. Central time zone -6 GMT

OOC: Well, I'm from the somewhat western US - mst. Not sure about the other folks.

Siren looked puzzled for a moment but could feel his nervousness... "Girls could you excuse us for a moment?"

Rothana smiled," Sure thing sis, we will be right over here,"
she and Richenda left the couple alone....

OOC im on the west coast, Goth is in Belgium...

marcus felt worse. he couldn't take the embarassment. he decided he preferred that at least his sister would be there to cover up for his fumblings.

"err- no! please come back!"

the women laughed with puzzled looks and walked back.

"well what is it marcus?" alhana catherine said impatiently.

he drew a deep breathe and began.

"okay... i couldn't decide on what you'd like so i, well got three... would you pick one out? um, alhana if you'd like to help, please..."

(OOC: okay, give me sec. i'll make another thread...)

OOC: sure thing.. smiles

Siren looked puzzled but thought she would let him work this out his own way.......

marcus brought out three small boxes and opened them. sheepishly, he held it up for siren.

"pick one?" he laughed nervously "or get them all if you wish -but um, i don't think that's right."

decription is OOC
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid63/p253b04aca755534d0cd7138bb0460be6/fc171d6c.jpg.thumb.jpg
square 2.5 carat diamond, pwhite gold
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid63/p03c582c0a8061da6845a53aecda2ce8c/fc171d6e.jpg.thumb.jpg
circle (?) 3 carat diamond, platinum
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid63/p2d6621e3d4f0a0be4a40b360c0a98f1f/fc171d70.jpg.thumb.jpg
center diamond 1.5 carat, 2 circle (?) .8 diamond, platinum

OOC: darn, i thought i made the images bigger... can you see the details though?

EDIT: tried to make it bigger... my file is 4 times bigger than what's showing, the size won't change :( sorry

Siren smiled, her eyes shining, she carefully looked over them all, thinking about what would suit her best...then picked the first ring.. "I'ts beautiful Marcus..." she then held out her left hand " would you put it on for me?"

OOC: yep its fine..

marcus looked relieved. he grabbed the first box and in doing so dropped the other two. he blushed as he heard the women giggle around him. he took it out of the box and slid it in siren's finger.

"it fits!" he let out a sigh.

he stood up and kissed siren softly, holding her close.


OOC: i'm from spain. btw

Siren kissed him back, reassuring him through the link they shared.. "It truly is beautiful..."

She then turned to the other women, "Isnt it lovely!"

Rikanth just stands there looking jealous.

James after along night sleeping near his Dragon came up on the proceedings...

OOC: well, it was fun hunting around for them lol. personally i'd go for the circle, or whatever you call it.

now why can't i get one of those alhana catherine mused. she smiled at siren.

"it's beautiful siren, it would go well with the tiara i just bought you." she laughed. " i WAS going to give it to marcus when he gives you the ring, but he rathered surprised me here with an uncommon act of spontaneity."

"Tiara?" Siren looked amazed, with tears of gratitude in her eyes she hugged Alhana... then turned back to Marcus and embraced him as well, then kissing him passionately, "I've never been so happy in my life"

Rikanth says "Congratulations!"

"Thank you kind Sir" Siren says to Rikanth, "I appriciate the setiments, it was a long hard road to get here.." she smiled at Marcus..

Rothana clapped her hands happily..
Richenda Just shook her head rufully, "Are we going shopping or what? I want to get back before the tounament starts.."

OOC: *Applauds wildly* Once she has rejoined the party, I'm certain Nathi will be very happy for you. :D

A small speck appears in the sky, along with a small humming noise. The Object grows larger, and the hum grows to a roar. A modified Soyuz capsule soars over the crowd with a deafening scream, and begins to stall. The capsule craters about a hundred yards away in a field. The hatch opens, and A nearly eight foot tall metal man in a tux emerges, walks over to the bar and says; "Two of the strongest you got."
"oops" he remarks, "sorry. my names Charon M Hades. Blame my name on my insane father."

Rikanth notices Charon over by the bar, excuses himself from Marcus and his crowd, and walks over to the bar. He sits in a stool by Charon, and says "hey Charon, how's it going over there in Gobbledygornmk?"

Charon replys (sp?) "Fine. yah, im sorry bout the field over there. But hey, gotta make a grand entrance..." he looks at the crowd, "guess what everyone is gonna ask me now?"

Rothana notices the odd entrance, and decides to introduce herself, "Hello My name is Rothana Siren currently of SilverCities.. Our host had some buisness to attend to, but I am here to welcome you to Gothicum, Charon Hades."

Rikanth chuckles. "Aye, I tried to make up for my late arrival with a grand entrace. I skydived, but it went unnoticed since there was an assassination attempt right before i arrived" Rikanth flicks Charon's chest and listens to the resounding metallic noise.

Charon nods, "Thank you- thats not for you by the way, Rikanth, youre lucky im not gonna kill you!"

"Gotta watch your temper Charon, it'd be kinda bad if you killed an international leader..."

"You are very welcome, if you would like to try a strong drink i reccomend the Wolvesblood but if you plan on competing you might want to take it slow, i've heard its a mite potent" Rothana Curtsied and returned to her sisters waiting impatiently for her..

Rikanth nods in agreement with the statement about wolvesblood. "But i do not think Charon does much swordfighting...i think he sticks to his magnums.."

Charon replies, "Yarr. Magnums my miiddle name. Literally. Once again my father was insane."

Charon grabs the two drinks and heads off to get a room.

OOC: g2g. seeya another time

Rikanth says "g'night Charon." He proceeds to get an ice water, and walks back to the other group while sipping it.

OOC: I'm back. Canada BTW, exactly EST.

IC:

Jaime turned to the door. "Nathicana," he said in a stronger voice. "I have something to ask you, and something to tell you. Both are bad news. Only if you want to hear these should you enter."

Before she answered, he crouched down, facing the door, silently offering a prayer, and pulled out a katana. He crouched, facing down at its handle, watching the ground, the katan point on the floor.

A cold apprehension crept over her, and for a moment, she said nothing.

She took a deep breath, then said firmly. "Then open the door."

"Come in, it's unlocked." Miraculously, the door now was.

He offered another silent prayer.

OOC: Nathicana, when you decribe your reaction, picture him as a wreck...

She turned the handle, and opened the door.

Good lord ... he looks like ... what on earth has he ...

Various thoughts ran quickly through her mind, trying out all scenarios she could think of, eyes wide at his haggard appearance. Her gaze was immediately drawn to his katana. Looking back to his face sharply, she spoke as calmly as she could.

"Why did you leave? And what on earth have you done to yourself?"

He didn't look up. "Hello, Nathicana. I have committed a crime which I cannot ever forgive myself for. I took advantage of you while you were in a state from the invasion of your country. I request permission to kill myself."

She could see and tell that he was completely serious.

As he spoke, and without watching, he began spinning his katana, shearing off some of his hair as it hung from his head. Then it came to rest again... All through that, he didn't look up.

Her eyes narrowed, burning with a suprising intensity.

She crossed the floor with alarming speed, sharply striking his cheek with the back of her hand.

"How dare you." she hissed.

She nearly shook with anger, chest heaving as she clenched her fists at her side.

"How dare you suggest that I am not capable of complete control of my choices, in times of duress or no."

"I don't recall you insisting to escort me to my chamber last night. Nor do I recall anything of the time after to have been anything but completely mutual."

She forced herself to unclench her fists, taking deep, measured breaths.

"Permission denied. Now get to your feet, and cease this foolishness."

He bowed, and got to his feet. "Yes, milady." he said, sheathingh is katana. "But that's not all. That was the question. This is the statement. My dreams are coming true." She could see he was favouring his left side, as if there was pain there.

"In the last dream I had, I watched them all die, and in the end I had a knife stabbed into my side." he felt his left side, showing her the undamaged skin on the side of his torso there. "And I woke up. My side was burning, as though I had just been stabbed. At first I thought it was merely afterhtoughts of the dream, but then ... it continued, and it's getting worse. This makes me think that the rest of my dreams will come true as well, and I will be forced to watch them all die."

He turned to her, "In one way or another."

Just as easy as that, he dismisses it ... of all the hairbrained craziness men think up ... She blinked, slowly, trying to sort out what he meant about the dreams.

Forcing herself to calmness, she moderated her tone.

"Let me see." She gestured. "Your side, Jaime."

He rolled up his shirt, allowing her to see it. Whenever anyone touched it, he winced in pain. Even just standing there, she could see he was concealing his agony from her.

"A muscle ... strained, perhaps ... " she grimaced, hardly daring to touch and cause more pain. It made no sense. Dreamed pain, manifested?

"Have you seen a physician about it? I'm sure Zaek has skilled doctors here." She tried to sound relaxed, positive.

"This silliness of bolting yourself up in your room ... You had Jane petrified, I think. And I ... " she paused for a moment, then softer. "And I was concerned."

He nods, muttering, "I think it may be more than a pulled muscle."

He turned to her, "And ... I grieve for all those I have killed. All those people who have died at my hand. Although I only kill in defence of those I love now, I cannot help remembering all the assignments that never happened ... All the people I killed, in invisible missions. While they all had it coming ... They had never done anything to me."

He grimaced suddenly, and collapsed to his knees shrieking, clutching his head in extreme pain.

And he was back on the battlefield, watching them all. There was only one difference. Now he could control his actions, and he knew what was going to happen... He watched as the man raised a gun to fire at Chris ... And he would not let it happen again. He dove in the way, the bullet penetrating his chest.

In the real world, Nathicana saw Jaime suddenly start breathing erratically, as though he was having trouble with his lungs, and he began coughing blood.

And he was lying there, and they were dying. They pulled him into the trench, and he lay there, wactching them die. The soldiers were there, enemy soldiers, capturing them. One croushed down, and started kicking Jaime in the stomcah.

And in the real world, his eyes slammed open, as Nathicana could see him reacting as though he was being kicked in the stomach, coughing up more and more blood. He lay there, breathing eratically. His eyes, unblinking, stared up at Nathicana, and seemed to be pleading for help.

"Stop it, Jaime ... whatever you're doing to yourself, stop!"

She dropped to her knees beside him, hands shaking, at a loss of what to do. She tried holding him, comforting him, wiping the blood away with her sleeve and stroking his face.

"Let go your guilt. Do not let it have a hold on you. Please, Jaime, I don't know what to do!"

Casting around for something to help, she yelled "MEDIC! Someone, please - I need help!"

And suddenly it was over. He started blinking furiously, and coughed up a last bit of blood. He started to sit up, and then collapsed onto the floor. "What ... just happened?"

He couldn't understand why he was coughing blood, and having trouble breathing. His stomach also was in intense pain, making him glad he hadn't eaten any breakfast yet.

Her eyes narrowed once again, a brief suspicion in her eyes.

"Boy, if that was your idea of a joke ..." she nevertheless, tried to help him into a sitting position, supporting him against her chest and shoulder as she wiped some blood away from his lips.

She could see the sincerity in his eyes, "No ... I ... I have no idea (cough) what just ... happened." His face was pale, and his eyes were showing confusion and fear.

Rikanth hears a muffled cry (Nathicana's call for a medic), puts down his water, and dashes up to the room to see what is wrong.

She recounted all that he'd told her, all that she'd seen since she had come to his door, watching him closely for his reaction.

As Rikanth entered the room, she looked up sharply, taking up Jaime's dropped katana and assuming a defensive stance, while still supporting him. She relaxed only slightly when she saw who it was.

Jaime coughed blood, "All I remember ... for all of today (cough) is the dreams ... And the pain."

He looked up, "Ri - Rikanth, isn't it ... Ungh..." He started to collapse forward again, and was only stopped by Nathicana.

Rikanth raises his eyebrows in surprise, seeing Nathican jump up with a Katana. He relaxes when she relaxes. "what's going on up here?"

EDIT:OOC:man i'm too slow

"Rikanth, please ... help me get him to the bed." she asked quietly, seeming reluctant as she put down the sword.

Rikanth assists Nathicana in placing Jaime on the bed, looking him over for injuries.

His eyes opened, and he muttered, "I ... need the ... sword..." and they closed again. In hat brief instant, Nathicana could see in his eyes the clear message:

If you take away the swords I will die!

"He had a bit of a ... " She fumbled for a proper word, "a spell. I don't think even he understands it." she explained to Rikanth.

"Do you have any medical training?" she paused, thinking. "Or mystic?" she said, not quite believing she'd actually asked that.

Alarmed at the intensity of Jaime's eyes, she nodded, and retrieved his swords for him, closing his hands over the hilts, and leaving hers clasped over his.

Ergh...no...i'm trained in martial arts, swordfighting, circumventing annoying politicians, many forms of weaponry, running a nation, budgeting, and many other things..but alas, no first aid, or mystisism..

She nodded, thanks clear in her eyes.

"What skill I have is useless ... physical ills, I've had some training in dealing with, but ... psychosomantics are beyond me. In fact, I've never seen the like."

She looked at Jaime with clear concern. "You feeling any better, boy?"

"The ... swo-" he gasped out, and she could see his breathing slowing down.

Rikanth runs back downstairs, grabs an acolyte (think that's the gothicum equivalent of a medic) explains the situation in about 10 seconds flat, and bodily drags them up to the room.

She took the time to more closely examine the blades as he held them ... unsure of what she could do to help.

She stroked his hair back from his face, and looked up at Rikanth as he re-entered the room, worriedly.

As she placed the blade into his hand, his breathing began to return back to the way it was before it began fading. He was still coughing blood, but not as badly, and the pain in his stomach was beginning to die down. "Na-" he rasped out in a hoarse voice, "Nathi-"

"Shh ... I'm right here." She continued stroking his hair, trying to be comforting, watching his progress closely.

Rikanth pulls out his nifty-looking cell phone (think Matrix style) and tries to call Zaek, but he cannot be reached. "I can't seem to reach Zaek, he must be off doing something important..."


OOC:yes, i am a matrix nerd.

OOC: There are worse sorts of geeks to be, my friend. *grin* I'd assume the accolyte would do what they could - again, don't wish to presume to play any Gothici characters here, but ... *shrugs*

OOC: hmmm..where did silvercities go? they were filling in for Gothicum.

He began to calm down as he heard Nathicana's voice, and felt her touch, until suddenly-

He was back in the trenches. Again, he could control his actions, and he knew what would happen, regardless of what he did. He crouched in a huddled ball inside the trench, repeating over and over again, 'No, no, no, no...'. He watched as enemy troops stormed the trench. One of them aimed a pistol at him...

And he was back in the bed, coughing blood, rasping out, "No!"

His eyes snapped open, and he saw Nathicana, although she could see a look of intense panic on his face.

She looked at him, alarmed. Then to his sword. To him ... to his sword ... pondering.

"Jaime, where did you get that sword?" she asked quietly.

"It's ... It's ... I got it ... made for me ... given to me ... everyone I love and care ... about ... Present ... I think..." he murmured. His voice was so weak that she was barely able to make out the words.

Rikanth stands nearby, ready to stop Jaime if he tries to kill himself, or hurt himself, or something.