The Nightmare that never ended

[Aeri`]

There were dark, rolling clouds overhead, and in the air the heavy, oppressive sense of thunder. The mute elf creeped along the path towards the Travilere Estate. It was last seen in rumbles since she had left Myken Wood, now it seemed ones had rebuilt it. The looming feeling of someone watching was ever sensed. It was the stone gray statues in gargoyle form that had given her this feeling.

She dared to move closer and watched as the looming dark building seemed to be filled with life. Flickering lanterns were seen within from the tall glass windows. It all seemed to be rebuilt as she remembered it.

She ducked down quickly as footsteps were heard near.

Two tall figures appeared along the path. The mute elf did all she could to remain quiet under the low brush. Not a sound uttered and her breath held. The taller of the two had his back to her, but she could sense who it might of been. She would know Lord Travilere's voice anywhere. He was not a broad man, but more thin and lanky. Long Raven hair was tied back in fashion. His voice deep and baratoned however.

"I told you to find that damnable elf and be rid of her! Instead you give me excuses?"

The other merely shrugged and glanced up at the lord. His manner seemed familiar too but she could not place it as of yet. Dressed simuliar to the Lord, he stood a few inches shorter of him. A soft chuckle could be heard.

"In due time, father..in due time. I've got ones watching her now or they better be."

Lord Travilere voice was cold and angry. "I don't care how it's done, just end it and soon. I'll not have her or anyone getting in the way of our plans, do you understand?"

"I'll see to it, father."

"See that you do."

The two seemed to part their ways and move off in differant directions. Little did they know the very elf they spoke of was right under their noses all that time.
She had curled up into a tight ball and had bit upon her hand to keep from screaming out...The nightmare had begun again..

[Biske]

Well, just who did Aeri think she was? The elf disappears for four months, then comes back -demanding- favors. Potentially -dangerous- favors, at that. No, if it was between Biske keeping his own hide intact and Biske sticking his neck out for someone that screamed at his very approach, the werewolf was going to stick with the former.

She had been a friend, long ago. Before she had uncovered his secret, and again when she had, indeed, stitched him up, helped him with his sickness.

But for what? The only things that had happened that he had lost control when it wasn't even -near- the full moon, the various magics and items proving useless and easy to turn. He'd spent a week in the Gaol for that, half-mad.

And then the -collar- thing. It had linked him to Jirai, and as much as he -may- had loved her before - no, it hadn't been love. It had been mutual lust. In either case, his very existance was in her hands, and she had manipulated him like so many others.

Large hands tucked behind his shaggy head, Biske brooded; it was long before he managed to drift to sleep, curled up in an alleyway in Myrken; and despite the warm night, he curled up, pulling his coat further around his emaciated body, glaring at the cobbled ground before him.


No. No matter how much Aeri pleaded, or begged, Biske wouldn't help her. This Silent Order business... she brought it on herself.

And, satisfied, the werewolf drifted into sleep.

[Aeri`]

The mute elf had asked several for help. It seemed all had turned their backs on her. She was truely alone. The Silent Order would most likely have their way and kill the elf.

Biske was her last hope. She knew in her heart he would never help. Perhaps it was a test upon his loyalty? He had proved her right perhaps. The others as well.

She would hide amoungst the rest and keep a low profile in hopes that they would not find her. The new job at Thornsbloom Asylum, run by Miss Rose Tivaurd, would keep her out of trouble and harms way.

Either way the elf would do all she could for self pervention and the rest be damned.

[Suede]

And what did she expect, after all she had done? The elf had done little garner the faith of anyone in recent time. Not even the tailor was left with any waning fondness for her.

It probably proved of little help that the endevours he often found himself admist, added two-fold to the influence the Drow was having on him, left him a far less... friendly and kind fellow that he'd often been taken for. Or maybe he was just revealing his true nature?

It was a pity, wasn't it? As for the letter she had left him? If the tailor had found it, he'd done nothing to show any truly consideration of the message, truth be told it was unlikely he'd parted the seal on the envelope, by the looks of crumpled paper sitting atop the mingled trash of his common room.

And he himself? Quitely considering the cut of threads for his latest project of the needle, just the light of a pair of laterns to guide the focus of dialated pupils.

[Aeri`]

The only thing the elf did was leave Myrken Wood to lead the trail away from Suede and her friends. She did nothing wrong but save their hides. Instead of being happy she came back and even ask why she had left in the first place, she was scorned.

The elf perhaps had changed for the better. She was tired of
being one's pin cushion. She severed ties with most from the past and started anew. It was for the best or so she thought. It did not mean however that it did not break her heart doing so.

[Jirai]

Sometimes help came from the most unexpected of places, though.

One evening, not long after dark, the dark elf slipped silently from the tailor's shop. Nothing unusual there - she regularly came and went at far odder hours. What was more unusual was the path she took. Not to one of her own bolt holes, nor yet to the tavern. Instead, the dark elf was searching methodically, seeking until she found the mute elf.

And once she found the healer, she would watch silently for a few moments, her scarred face unreadable.

"What's in it for me?"

Slightly hidden, but the offer was there. Perhaps she would help - if suitible 'encouragement' was offered in return.

[Aeri`]

The Silent Order was rich beyond means. Anyone with sense enough would know such. Even Tyralor had found out of it's treasures.

The mute elf would then in turn write upon the tablet and show the drow exactly what was in it for her.

"Riches beyond your dreams and then some?"

Of course the mute elf had no idea how to get such riches. She would leave that up to the demise of the drow and her friends.

[Jirai]

Dark eyes scanned the tablet impassively. The dark elf lesiurely took her time in the reading, then finally raised her gaze to meet that of the taller woman.

"I will consider it."

With those words, she pivoted sharply on a booted heel and had swiftly dissapeared into the shadows from whence she had come.

The elf had her wish, in a way. It just remained to be seen exactly what the dark elf would do.

[Aeri`]

The sun was sending up long rays from beyond the mountian peeks. The forest wighed in the winds passage.

The water, true to its name, mirrored the dark forest of spruce and fir, the sun-flushed evening sky. The pool ended in a falls flowing in shining smoothness over a flight of black basalt steps into another smaller lake.
The beauty of it was breath taking and inviting sav for the tense and sinister feeling about.

Two men stood near the waters edge. One would be designated to be of a gentleman nature. Tall, lean and lanky. Raven black hair tied back into fashion. His clothing was nothing but the finiest of silks and satin..breeches tucked into knee high leather boots. The other less polished and perhaps a mere peasant. His clothing was worn from many washings and torn in places. Stringy hair and pox ridden face. A toothless grin seen upon his lips that turned into a startled scream as the weapon was drawn and flashed dangerously towards the other.

The smaller of the two jumped back and lost his footing, spashing into the waters edge. He sputtered and frailed his arms, yelling out.

"Bloody hell! I 'old ye that I would find 'er, didn't I?"

"Aye, you did but I see no proof, now do I? She is not here now is she?"

"Give 'er time m'lord. She comes here everyday to bathe."

A look of malice seen upon the taller mans face. The weapon clutched tightly in his hand.

"Aye, and most likely you spied upon her doing so, eh?."

A snicker made as the other gave him another toothless grin was the answer. He thought to give his employer a full detail of what he witnessed and opened his mouth to do so. Pale eyes would look up at the man as he struggled to remove himself from the waters. His words never came.

A flash of steel head towards him once more. A scream echoed into the trees. Blood poured out of the wound and dead unbelieving eyes stared up at the man. Body limp and held by strong hands for a moment, then released again tumbling back into the water with a splash. The sword removed from the corpse and rinsed off at the waters edge.

He had no use for failures. They only got in his way and the plans would be set soon. It was time to get rid of all ties and those that know of his plans who were not in the group. The damnable elf had slipped from him far to many times. She was a enigma to him. Never had one had so much luck as she. Either it was dumb luck or the mute elf was far more smarter than she seemed. He would have her yet and then from there decide what to do with her then.

A small dagger was produced from under his cloak. He bent over and grasped the corpse by it's hair, making several gashes upon it's forehead. The marking of a five pointed star. The sign of the Silent Order. Blood flowed from the fresh wounds and dripped along the side of the dead mans face. He let go of it and it splashed back into the waters edge. Again the task of washing the metal was done along the waters edge and placed back under his cloak. Hidden from view.

The corpse would be left and perhaps a warning to her. He was told she had come here before and should heed the warning, he hoped.

The horse was unhitched from the lower branch and mounted. A soft chuckle made. "Aye elf, I'll find thee yet." He rode back down along the path, whistling a haunting tune.

[Aeri`]

She had sensed something along the waters edge near the falls. Something bobbed near the fallen tree and seemed to of been snared by a branch. She had dived in the waters and swam closer to what she thoght was a drowned anminal. She was proven wrong.

The corpse floats leasurely along the waters edge. Dark matted hair flowed in the waters murky darkness. He was of medium build and it seemed he got caught in the currents perhaps. Death was nothing new to her. She poked at the corpse and was prepaired to jump back if one was just playing a joke upon her.

Along the banks stood Ravynlord then plundged into the murky waters to his waist, boots and all. He had followed the elf up the steep path that lead to the hidden pools. His face unreadable as fingers reached to clutch the corpse. "It's best I look at that."
He moved swiftly and gently turned the corpse over in hopes to reveal the identity of the man.

She had watched him turn the corpse over with held breath. A sense of dread seemed to linger in her mind for some time now. She soon found out why as she gazed upon the corpse.

Violet eyes widened and a scream heard that could of woke the dead echoed in the trees. Small hands covered her face as she turned her back upon the scene. Silent sobs shook her form. Waters lapping at her waist in small waves.

Both had witnessed the pale blue lifeless eyes starring up at them. The toothless grin curled into a malice smile. The man was dead, but there was more.

Upon his forehead was the mark of a five pointed star carved crudely by a dagger. It was the sign of the Silent Order.

The story goes; dead man can tell no tales, but this one sure did.

[Rosalinde]

It was only a while later, after escorting the frightened elf away, and having her settled down for the evening, that the ascendant necromancer returned to the scene. Silent as death the pale fellow made his way through the trees, form swathed in dark cloak, a scarf of black silk worn to veil that pale face from reflected moonlight.

Ravynetti knelt by the corpse, and carefully bundled it up with twine, tying the limbs and jaw so that they wouldn't flop about when he moved it. A cover of black, embroidered with silver glyphs was removed in a bundle from under his cloak, and unfurled over the corpse, to subsequently wrap about it securely.

After some time, sufficient to ensure that his stealth was unnecessary, he raised his good hand to blow a piercing whistle through the trees. That Dark Treant which he had animated those few nights before lumbered up with creaks and groans, accompanied by a much quieter figure, a humanoid shape of perhaps 8' in height, sculpted of wet clay, and inscribed with a series of sigils across its forehead.

To the Tree Ravyn turned first, speaking in that subdued, but still Willful voice. "Guardian." For that was what it was named, "I charge you with watchfulness over this clearing. Pretend to sleep, and observe all that occurs within. You are not to move until I come for you." The Dark Treant took a step back, and it was so, movement ceased and soon it appeared as just another tree at the edge of the clearing.

The magist then turned to the Golem with a serious expression. "Phythori, carry this carcass home, and be careful not to damage it. I have... Questions that need to be answered, and it will provide me the best opportunity to gain what knowledge I seek." The Golem nodded, just once, and then bowed low, scooping the bundled corpse up carefully in its massive hands. Turning on a surprisingly silent heel, the Golem wandered back toward that subterranean hovel that was serving Ravyn as his home interim.

A last glance was cast about, before the sleepless one gathered his cloaks about himself once more. The scarf was pulled to conceal his face again, and then he was gone, slipping through the cover of night like some risen spectre.

[Aeri`]

He rode down the slope towards the trees near the pool.
When he reached the waters edge, he lifted off the horse and landed upon booted feet. The horse was tied to a tree near the bank and leaned down to chew upon the sweet grass below. Dark eyes surveyed the area. Brows furrowed. The corpse was not there, nor the damnable elf. Had she found his gift he had left her? A look of malice curled upon his face. He would wait. The elf would have to show up sometime.

The sun's glow came and went. Willows hung out over the pool, the long, trailing branches dropping blade-shaped, yellowish green leaves into an eddy pool at their base. When the wind picked up, the branches seemed to do a slow hypnotic dance and the waters would ripple in response. A half-drowned willow was twinned by the strong, silent waters. There had the corpse been caught in the current and tangle of branches. Freed now and only one would know of where it went to.

His patience wore thin. He had no time to wait any longer. There would be time later. The lord had other fish to fry. His men would be waiting for him in the screct cove to converse and plan the next action. In the back of his mind he knew he would get to the elf yet.

The beast mounted and steered back down the steep incline. Freed dark raven locks bounced upon the shoulders of the man as the horse was nudged into a canter and tracks hidden upon the forest bed.

[Aeri`]

Lord Travilere weighed heavily upon her mind. She seemed rather distracted and not noticed nearly walking into the low hanging tree limb. A blink made and she ducks under it, tucking a sterling lock behind her ear. Violet hues shifted from ground and up towards the heavens. A lone hawk seemed to be circling above. The same one perhaps that had been following her for awhile now. She had seen it daily and at the most odd of places. A dark brow lofts as she shields her eyes to watch said bird.

Ravynlord had also been keeping an eye on her, though his particular sending would be a bit harder to spot. A pulse in a tree branch, a slight shift in the earth, those are the only real signs of his own watchful eye upon the scene.

The bird swooped low as if debating it safe. It would come upon a lower branch and watch the elf for a moment, then decend off again..slowly circling once more. Furrow of brows made as she watched the bird. How odd.

Ravynlord leans over the scrying pool that occupies the lowest basements of his hovel. A stone bowl of some centuries age, it had been placed there only recently, moved from his other laboratories in far off lands. His skeletal claw rests upon the glyph carved stonework, its own silver inlay glints in the spectral blue flames that light the room. His form, shrouded in wispy grey cloak and robe, leans over the waters. Blue flickers of flame burn without the benefit of real eyes to entrap their glare, fixed upon the ghostly images visible on the surface.

Aeri` ducks behind a tree, pressing her back and palms upon it. It's leaves thick and with course limbs. Out of nowhere the bird swooped and landed upon the limb next to her. A startled cry made. Hands and arms would lift to cover her face and neck. She learned long ago these birds were birds of prey. The bird simply sat there and did nothing, sav for to cock it's head curiously at her. She eyed it for a moment and noted a scroll tied upon it's leg.

Ravynlord simply watches in silence, so far things were not worrying to him. He keeps an eye upon the bird though.

She would lower limbs and take a tentitive step towards the bird. She had not ever had trouble from these creatures before. A coo made as she reached to stroke the breast feathers as the note was gently removed. The bird moved not, but merely stared at her. A gleam seen within it's eyes. Once the note was removed, the bird seemed angered and screeched at her, flapping it's wings and claws lifted to swipe at her. She screamed as talons swiped at her, covering her face once again with her limbs. Thin streaks of blood streaked upon the clawed marks upon her arms. Her sleeves shreaded in places. The bird kept at this for a few moments then swooped up towards the heavens. Laughter heard in the distance or had she thought it? She sunk to the ground and upon knees, parchment still clutched in her hands.

Ravynlord s eyelights flicker, and that bony hand reaches out to touch the pool. A line of ice forms from his fingertips, crawling across the surface, until it neatly bisects the water into two, separated by a wall of frost. In one half of the pool Aeri is still seen, in the other, the image pans after that bird's sending, to track it through the sky if he is able.

Upon the cliff stood Lord Travilere. Aggrogant and poised was he. A strange laughter seemed to echo through the trees below. Words in latin spoke and leather clad arm extended for the bird as it swooped upon him. It's breast feathers stroked as Aeri had
moments before. A sneer came to his lips. Nothing further said or movements made. He would merely peer down upon the treetops, knowing very well where she was at.

Ravynlord s eyelights flicker, and that bony hand reaches out to touch the pool. A line of ice forms from his fingertips, crawling across the surface, until it neatly bisects the water into two, separated by a wall of frost. In one half of the pool Aeri is still seen, in the other, the image pans after that bird's sending, to track it through the sky if he is able.

Ravynlord steeples his fingers as he watches. He studies the area around where the bird comes up to the man, to get a sense for where he is.

Aeri` shook uncontrolably as the laughter echoed in the trees. That voice could be only one she knew. Streaks of blood were smeared upon her face once she wiped away the angered tears. The pain ignored as the parchments seal broke and unrolled. Words read over and over till brows furrowed and she crumpled the parchment in her hand. She screamed out in hopes he would hear her now. "NEVER!! YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ME!" A sob covered with stread fingers as the crumpled parchment is dropped to her feet.

A dark rumble of laughter returned and nothing more. The man turned with hawk sitting upon his arm as he moved to fetch his mount. Away rode the rider and back over the ridge. A whispered word said. When the stars are high above tis eve, I shall have you elf..

Ravynlord rubs his boney hands over his gaunt chin, staring into the image with a frown. He waves his hand over the pool again, shifting the images within. Darkness clouds what he can see, except for the two faces presented there. He speaks in a soft, hoarse whisper, which would be audible to Aeri. "be strong..." His voice carries like a dry leaf upon the wind.

Aeri` stiffens for a moment as words were heard again. A blink made as her hand is lowered. The voice noted as Ravyn's. She closed her eyes for a moment and a slow nod made. She knew somehow he could see her from afar. She would stand then and pick the crumpled parchment up, then tuck it into her belt. Ravyn would surely wish to see such. She would go to clean up first and put fresh bandages upon the cuts on her arms. A soft sigh made as she turns to move back towards the Asylum.

Ravynlord smiles darkly as he looks back to the image of the lord's face... dry, withered lips crinkle with the movement, some flake away to reveal those bejeweled teeth. Far off, near the pool, things would shift subtly in the trees and the earth,remaining out of sight, but checking themselves over.

A sniff in the air made. Lord Travilere sensed someone watching him. Dark eyes scanned the horizon and then shook it off, noting nothing there. In the back of his mind he knew otherwise. Lose dark raven locks were brushed over his shoulder once more as he rode down the steep incline and back upon the main road toward the estate once again. His horse sped up into a race as if the devil himself were chasing them.

Ravynlord passes his hand over the waters in the pool, and they ripple as the image dissipates.

[Aeri`]

He would wait till night fall, knowing full well the elf changed her ways and took her swim then. He also expected the man she took refuge to would be there. He too had a few tricks up his sleeve. His men would be waiting as well to set up the..trap.
Even hounds of hell could not stop him tis eve. He would have her. She had haunted his dreams for nearly six months time. The elf was an egnima to him. Even his men seen a change in him. He had any whore he could have, but never a lady. She would take his dead wifes place if he could have his way. The elf would have nothing to do with him. Now he would make her beg once she was tossed back into the cell where she belonged. A madness seemed to overwhelm him. It was like nothing one ever seen. A slow malice grin curled upon thin lips and raven locks were toyed with at the ends. A nod made more to himself as he rose to prepare for the -hunt-.

Aeri` had lead Ravynlord back to her favorite place of all. The waters looked inviting and she longed to jump into them once again. She would wait however till he stated it was time. A blanket and basket set upon the flat rock and made to look like they were having a romantic dinner. Her words soft and nearly above a whisper. "When do you think he will show?"

Agrippinilla arrived just after dusk, and well before reaching the falls she activates that whirling sphere of silver and gold that projects an invisibility spell over herself and her mount. The sphere lingers on its gold chain, hanging in her cleavage from about her neck. Her crimson clad form clings to the back of her Nightmare, who passes without a sound nor sign, save for the faintest scent of brimstone. It takes to the trees, hovering up into the branches, where it picks its way along.

Ravynlord smiles to Aeri and shrugs "Who is to tell... who is to know." He gives her hand a squeeze. "I suppose we shall see when the time comes yes?" his own dragonskin boots make little noise upon the ground. He leans to press a gentle kiss to her forehead.

Aeri` smiles upon the kiss and leans into him. "Let us hope things go well then."

Ravynlord walks along with her in silence. He leads her through a rather meandering path toward the rock, subtly avoiding a few spots.

Aeri` walks quietly with him. Hand upon his arm for support. Soft gaze lifts towards the heavens for a moment..watching.

Agrippinilla finds a nice spot in the branches to wait in silence. Only a slight breeze stirs her hair and duster where she stands invisible.

Ravynlord smiles and leads her to the rock, then moves as if to help her settle down. "It does look lovely tonight doesn't it.

Aeri` nods as she lowers herself to sit upon the flat rock, over looking the falls. Abundance of burgandy fabric swirls around her. "Aye, tis lovely."

Ravynlord settles himself down in a half crouch across from her, his long, wolf trimmed cloak drapes about himself. A faintest glint of silver unseen previously can be seen at his hip, before it is concealed again with his movements.

Aeri` eyes lift to his and note the glint of silver. A shiver made. She hoped weapons did not need to be used. A hand moves to the side of her skirts and pats it..indicating she too was prepared.

Ravynlord chuckles as he looks across to her, "So whatever have you planned for us this eve?"

Aeri` points to the basket near them. "Dinner perhaps and a swim?"
She knew they might do either. Except the swim for her. She planned on making sure the Lord was very well distracted so Ravyn and his daughter may do what was needed. The plot thickened and the cast casted.

Ravynlord nods as he looks to her "Sounds delightful, now what have we brought?"

Aeri` smiles at him softly and opens the basket, taking out a bottle of the wine he normally ordered at the tavern. Meats, cheeses and fruits, with fresh bread awaited them as well. She made out the spread and nodded to it.

While the elf and Ravyn had their -picnic-, plans where coming to effect. The lord and three of his men took off to the falls. He singled the three to stay behind and wait for his single. He would creep along the brush and watch for awhile. A grin creeped upon his features and the bow set beside him. He would do in the man with her then take her for his own. Or so he thought. The three would just be beyond the ridge, waiting.

Ravynlord casts a glance around the place, before looking to Aeri's eyes as she sets out the meal. A smile fixes on his blue'd lips.

Agrippinilla watches from her position in the trees. One gloved hand is laid to settle on the Nightmare's shoulders, steadying the beast with an iron will. She watches the three whom the lord had left behind.

Aeri` smiles back and leans to press soft lips upon his own. She senses another about and shivers inwardly.

Ravynlord leans to return her kiss, then his good hand lifts to caress her cheek.

The lovers scene was almost more than he could take. A jealous rage felt. He clenched his fists and waited. There would be time to set up his plans and take her for his own.

Agrippinilla slips down from the Nightmare's back, to perch her heeled boots upon the tree limb. Her spurs catch in the wood, silencing the ring that usually accompanies them before much is heard at all.

Aeri` whispers to him but louder so one could hear her plans. "Mind If I swim now...love? I feel the need for a bath."

Ravynlord chuckles and teases his thumb over her lower lip. "Only if I can watch my darling..."

Aeri` would lift her violet eyes and look into his. A nibble made upon his thumb. If thy insists. She moved and pressed her lips to his in a lingering kiss as fingers slowly undid the ties to her gown.

Agrippinilla carefully removes those spurs, and sets them in her pocket. One hand still grips the reigns of the Nightmare.

Ravynlord watches her intently, blue eyes fixing on her form as she undoes those ties. He wets his lips after kiss is broken, offering a wink.

Rage seemed to boil his blood watching the kiss, but he cooled it some as he watched the elf remove her gown. A smirk curled upon his thin lips as he watched her from behind the brush.

Aeri` smiled softly and planted a kiss upon his nose then turned her back to him, as the gown slipped to her feet. A simple shift still worn for modesty sake. Sterling locks spilled down to her waist. Her skin smooth and white as the moon, with a light sheen to it. She turned her gaze to Ravyn, giving him a saucy look, then dove into the waters below. A perfect vision for his eyes and the other to see.

Agrippinilla creeps along the branch, out over the three men that had stayed behind. An eye is kept to two other places, a tree some 10 meters distant, where three skeletal archers lie covered in branches, and a pit of spikes covered with dirt over woven wicker.

Ravynlord watches her go, his eyes seemingly fixed upon her and her alone.

The three grew restless and wished the lord would signal. "Eh, she's just an elf..why would he want 'er anyways?" The other growled at him and moved to pop him on the back of his head. "Calm it before he 'ears ye. His lordship is not in a jolly mood tis eve and I'd hate to be in ones shoes that has troubled him for so long." Not a word from the third for he was tense and looked around quickly. "Ye 'ear something mates?"

Agrippinilla tenses at the edge of the branch, going perfectly still. Hunter still. The breeze there still flutters her hair and duster a bit, but otherwise she remains silent as anything.

Aeri` made a loud enough splash for the Lord to hear and she swan under the waters, only to come up to waist deep water. Sterling locks plastered to her head and she smothed it back as the longer lengths dripped down her form. A turn made towards Ravyn and the Lord behind him for a full view. Her chin rose slightly as to beckon him in.

Ravynlord wets his lips again as he watches her, eyes roam her form. His bad hand rests under his cloak, upon the hilt of whatever weapon was there.His good hand raises to gesture to her, and a teasing tug would be given at those earrings of hers, such that the tips feel as though they were being teased.

His eyes were fixed upon the vision before him. He had nearly forgotten her beauty. He was the one that took care of her in her fevered state when in the cell. The draught ones gave her made her sick and he bathed her daily, putting clean cloth upon her. He seemed to be memorized upon the sight. Tongue tip licked his lips as they parted.

She closed her eyes as her form shook in pleasure. A soft moan made. Arms would raise to brush the sterling locks back and give both a better view of her form. She would lean back to wet the locks once again then rise, starring back at Rayvn.

Agrippinilla fishes three razorblade butterflies from her duster's pocket, holding them between her fingers like throwing knives. Each one is a finely made butterfly of hammered steel and gold, with razorblade edged wings and needle sharp legs. Tiny gemstones are set into each little construct.

Ravynlord smiles as his eyes fix on hers, and he blows her a kiss, good hand raising to provide the platform from which to blow it.

The three seem restless now. It seemed forever since their lord had moved over the ridge. Eyes would dart about in the darkness. "I swear I 'eard something." The other two just laugh and shrug. "Aye, ye are afraid of shadows."

The sight before him was stunning. A shudder made as his hand lifts the bow. He would stop however and watch her more, licking his parched lips once again.

Agrippinilla watches and waits, from her position in the branches she might see a bit of what was going on.

-------------------------{Continued}------------------------------

[Aeri`]

--------------------------------{Continued}-----------------------------------


A soft groan made. She teased. He knew such. She was perhaps making a show for -him-. Dark eyes narrowed slightly as he shifted to look upon Ravyn's form. His gloved hand clenched and gripped the bow tightly. Soon..soon it would be all over and she would be his again. He could not help but wait however for the show was more than a man could take. Lips again licked.

Aeri` would dip backwards and rise, allowing her full form to come in view again. Fingers worked the scented soap out of her long locks as she continued to rise, then brushing locks back from her face. The shift stuck to her form. A pouty look given up at Ravyn. "Come join me?"

The three grew quiet, just listening to the sounds around them.

Ravynlord smiles as he watches her fingertips "Indeed..." And he moves to stand, clambering to his feet.

Agrippinilla s breath might be heard, as well as the brimstone scent of that nightmare beside her. She watches the three men with those cruel blue eyes. Her freckled face is largely hidden by the mask she wears. In truth the only things which betray her features are her low cut jacket, revealing expansive cleavage, and those long red curls that descend to her waist. Everything else is covered in leather.

Rage seized him again and bow cocked. He would never allow another to touch her. He bellowed out quickly without thinking. "NO!! SHE IS MINE!" An arrow placed into the bow as he stood up and aimed.

All hell seemed to break lose as the lord yelled. The three quickly went into position and alerted. They would attempt to climb the ridge.
Ravynlord pauses and turns to face that shout, even in mid standing. His right hand, that gloved, boney one, raises to cover over his heart.

Agrippinilla leaps down from above, accompanied by the nightmare. Both would become visible. Agrippinilla aims for the back of one, while the nightmare, flaming hooves stretched out, leaps for the back of another. Those razorblade flies are thrown for the third as she falls.

Aeri` blinks and stares off to where the glint of the steel shown from the arrow. She screams. "Ravyn, NO!"

A scream of agony heard as one falls to his knees, attempting to pull what stabbed him in the back. Eyes would sink into the back of his head and he would land face first upon the soft ground. The other two eyes widened and scrambled more quickly up the ridge.

The arrow is shot and aimed for it's target. There is no telling if it hits or not. The elf quickly climbs out and rushes towards Ravyn. Sterling locks drip as her rushing form moves to him.

Agrippinilla lands in a crouch, one hand bracing against the ground. The nightmare lands a bit more harshly, digging up ruts of burning soil and gravel, and immediately charging forward. The razorblade butterflies begin to twitch and move, wings beat, no doubt cutting wherever they land up.

Ravynlord is struck through by the arrow, falling back as it pierces through his chest, near to one shoulder blade. Lips part as he staggers backward, then tumbles down.

Aeri` screams out as he falls, moving to him and crouching down to check his wound. The charging Lord ignored.

Ravynlord lies there unmoving, unbreathing. His chest doesn't rise or fall, and that strange, blue-violet blood of his wells up, though not nearly as much as one might expect. His eyes go unfocused as he stares ahead, though those blue flames within his pupils continue to burn a merry cobalt.

Lord Travilere moves quickly once the man is downed and rushes towards the elf. He would have her and she would be his. The screams in behind him ignored. Idiots. Most likely the three were fighting again over who would get the elf after he was done with her. He had no reason to do so. He would reach to grab the soaked locks and tug upon them. "Leave him, he is done for."

The two remaining would tumble and fall back as razor sharp objects dug into them. More screams heard.

Two of those three skeletal archers fire, their arrows aiming for the horses this time. Streaks of bone shot from bone bows, the skeletons spring into motion, having remained perfectly still since they were placed, bows drawn and knocked already. Their arrows, shafts of bone that glow with spectral enchantment.

Agrippinilla draws her sword with a ringing sound as she strides up the ridge, following those two wounded with easy steps. Her figure a vision of red leather, pale flesh set out sharply against the crimson clothing. Her katana is made of a strange black metal, that seems to ominously absorb light that strikes it.

Aeri` tugged back to losen his grip and she snarled at him. Her hands clutched at her gown. A small hand finding what she seeked. She stood up then, covering her form partly with her gown. If you wish for me, then come get me.

The two did not stand a chance as Agrippinilla's blade descended upon them. Blood was pooled upon the ground and a sickening snap heard of bone. The horses tied fell where they were shot and screams of agony and blood filled the air.

His eyes narrowed and moved to grab at her once again, giving Ravyn a good kick to his side. "Wench, I said come to me now. And this one will watch."

The magicks contained within the bone arrows surge and glow, and those hapless horses that were stricken would take the full negative charge. If the spells took, the two horses would detonate with a loud bang (and likely a startled cry), their bones and hooves turned fiercesome shrapnel, that would likely lame or kill the other horses.

Ravynlord reaches up as he's kicked, to try to grasp the fellow's ankle in his good hand.

Aeri` screams as Ravyn is kicked, moving quickly towards the lord. A glint of metal in her hand flashed towards him.

Agrippinilla steps atop the ridge and watches the scene below. She flicks the blood from her blade with one gloved hand, then strides down toward the rock where Aeri, Ravyn, and the lord stand.

The lord's footing caught and his balance caught off guard, more so with the elf advancing to him and her gown drops. He notes the flash of metal but could not reach for her since he was tumbling to the ground.

Ravynlord sits up, his face drawn and pale. Exceedingly pale, like some grim mask of death. His pierced shoulder seems only limited by the actual presence of the arrow through it. He raises his right hand, the glove removed. Bare black bones inlaid with silver are held in a claw like shape. Ripples of ominous blue flame seem to wreathe his outstretched bone hand, as he reaches to simply try to touch the falling lord.

She moves quickly but the small blade is knocked out of her hand. He attempts to reach out to grab her locks and yank her to him. An agonizing scream heard from his lips however once the clawed hand touches him. His grip upon the elf let go.

Ravynlord s touch is icy as death. Flaring with negative energies, the demilich's grasp would likely sear straight along the nerves. Unless the fellow was strong enough of will to shake it off, he would likely become paralyzed as muscles sieze up in the agonizing chill.

Aeri` falls back and blinks upon the scene. Her gown scooped up and held against her as she watches.

The Lord's form seemed to shake for a moment as his form seemed to freeze. His will was strong but not as strong as Ravyn's. He was alive, but barely. Dark eyes stared up at the both. His form paralyzed.

Ravynlord sits up, his face now literally a death's head, pale flesh is drawn parchment thin over a skull that can be clearly seen beneath. He smirks as he looks down to the paralyzed fellow, flexing his boney hand.

Agrippinilla steps down toward the group, drawing her leather mask off to reveal her freckled features. She looks over Aeri, offering a grin as she licks her lips, then turns her attentions to the paralyzed lord. She speaks in that sultry voice of hers. "Shall I do the honours?" A pair of glyphed steel shackles is produced from one pocket.

Aeri` eyes lift to Ravyn and a tilt of her head made as she reaches out to touch his shoulder gently. "Tis over?" His features not seeming to bother her at all. A concerned look fell upon her features.

Ravynlord nods to grippa, then looks to Aeri and nods "It seems to be, what shall we do with him?"

Agrippinilla kneels to begin to try to shackle the lord's wrists and ankles together.

Aeri` shrugs gently and looks to Agippinilla for a moment. "Let your daughter dispose of him? I wish to tend to thee."

Ravynlord nods. "Alright then." He then looks to Aeri and chuckles "Just help me remove the arrow when we get back?"

Aeri` nods as she slips the gown back on quickly. She moves to lift his other arm around her shoulder and help him back to his home. A grateful look given to Agrippinilla.

Agrippinilla just blows Aeri a kiss and a wink, before lifting the lord onto the back of her nightmare, and riding off with him.


***{For continuing Storyline, please see A Thorn's Bloom}***