RP Log: Change Of Heart

Esylana: Spring was coming, as was apparent by the small crocus that poked their little heads through the melting snows. Those little flowers always had a way of knowing when warmer weather was coming. They weren't blooming yet, however, and if they did, they'd probably have received a rather nasty surprise with another bout of frost. Winter liked to linger after all, and rarely did it relinquish its hold so quickly to softly romantic springtime. But the woods were quiet, it was early afternoon, and it was a clear sky. No clouds overhead meant no snowfall today, and hopefully not in the evening, either. They were near the edge of Espanino, the nearby town of Mosswood only a brief thirty miles away.

Aeternita: Nita walked leisurely through the woods, it had been quiet since her run in with the performers and she appreciated that the cold lost some of its bite. She had been traveling for so long, and none of it had been easy, but this break in the weather was certainly appreciated by the worn out Fae. If she was right, the trip to Mosswood would be over most likely by the next sunrise. She was a ways away from the road leading towards it and still several miles off so she kept her hood down, lowering her guard for a bit until she knew she would be in range of any Empire patrols.

Rheksas: She heard something out among the trees, the clanking of armor against the heavy footfalls of boots on snow. The drawing of a sword came next, then a long, whistling tune that sounded almost merry if all those things coming before it weren't tainted with that sinister edge. A black-armored figure came into view, a human man so pale and sickly-looking that it was any wonder he could stand upright in all that gear. His face was thin and characterized by its many scars, his beakish nose probing the air with great sniffs. "I smell me a fairy," he all but sang, clapping his blade against rocks and trees. "Come on out, fairy! I promise not to hurt you!"

Aeternita: Her heart jumped the moment she heard the familiar sound of armor grinding against itself, then that of metal slowly being pulled from it's sheath...if anything, she could determine where it was in relation to herself. Immeadiately she pulled her hood up and picked up her pace, hearing no hooves she figured he traveled on foot, or if he didn't his horse at least isn't around. He's encumbered with weapons and armor and she's in rather light cloth and a cloak, as long as she moves quietly and away from his clattering she should out pace him with little trouble. With her right hand she snapped off the branch of a tree she had passed and as she walked she dragged the leaves behind her, hoping to use it to erase her prints as she moved.

Rheksas: "There's no point in running," he called out, his voice calmer, less manic. A confident smirk spread across his face. "You and I have something to discuss, my fae friend." In truth, Rheksas felt a bit silly calling out in the woods like that, but had a feeling she was listening intently, wherever she was. He knew she was close, however; close enough for them to carry on a dilaogue even if she wasn't in sight. With any luck she'd yell back and reveal her location even more. "You're going to want to talk to me, girl. The lives of your friends depend on it!"

Aeternita: She stopped, her back against a tree wanting to hear what he has to say and also wanted to gauge whether or not he's gaining or not. Now she wasn't stupid...opening a dialogue would only benefit him in this situation, speaking of him...who was he and how did he track me out here? Questions she figured didn't really need an answer, priority is losing him so she can continue what she needs to do. Her nose scrunched as he mentioned "friends" and in truth she only really had one that she was aware of, the others she barely knew...and the one she did know, didnt know her. Not that she'd allow harm to them either way, not if she could prevent it. She sighs. "...What do you want from me?!" She asks before quietly slinking through the snow, taking a hard turn knowing he'd track her voice, she had to make sure she was elsewhere when he approached her voice.

Rheksas: He did indeed track her voice, but his pace was perhaps a tad more slovenly than even she expected. He was taking her capture slow and careful, whoever he was. "Why does the empress want you captured, Aeternita? You're some kind of collector's item to someone, but why you? What does she stand to gain from this? Why does she want the folks from the grove?" he called out, stomping audibly through the snow. "I've been hired to capture you, but I'm starting to second guess things here. I can't abide this cruelty any longer."

Aeternita: "If that's true..." she says stepping out from behind a tree some 40 feet to his right. She doesn't trust his words but this game won't end until he finds her, so she puts her trust in words. "...drop your weapon, stay where you are and we can talk." She lowers her hood revealing her soft features, her deep amythst eyes glued to him. Her head is tilted slightly to the side as she tries to read his expression, ready to retreat if she needs to.

Rheksas: With a scoff, he stuck his sword into the snow and stepped out into the open, distancing himself from the weapon. It was an intricately inscribed longsword, his many writings all but illegible to anyone who didn't know the language. "I'll give you this, fae. I'll give you this satisfaction if it will get you to talk to me. Tell me about the leylines, about Esylana. Tell me what the Empress has planned and what she's doing to keep herself in power."

Aeternita: She gave him a satisfied nod, before offering a half hearted shrug. "I don't have answers to all those questions. I'll tell you however, what I do know...and what I'm comfortable sharing." She paused for a moment as she thought out exactly what information that was. "...The leylines are..how to put this." She thinks a moment before continuing. "The leylines are the veins that pump magic across the world..." She stops to correct herself. "...were the veins.." Her lips turn into a soft frown. "The Empress, who I'm sure offered you quite a generous sum to hunt us down...had them stopped. Ceasing magic around the world..." She opened her arms in a gesture of futility, before they flopped back to her sides, her eyes glistening with the onset of tears, for the act she speaks of now left her essentially useless, broken and without a home. She then took a calming breath. "...Im afraid I don't trust you nearly enough to reveal anymore to you Sir. What I do know...is at one point you accepted this job for coin, and threatened people I care deeply about. So..clearly your morals are in question. " She rose a suspicious brow. "So, if that's all, I'd say this is were our paths part ways."

Rheksas: "Who gives a flying fuck about morals? This is about survival," he spat, folding his arms across his chest. "She's doing bad things, Aeternita. She's using children for those crystals, invoking dark rituals best left untouched and unremembered." His eyes glazed over, giving her a thousand-yard stare that seemed to imply he was looking through her, as opposed to at her. Indeed, it like he was peering into some part of his mind that knew of the darkest things, of some pitiful, terrifying past that he was desperate not to repeat. He broke out in a cold sweat despite the snow, his forehead showing a gossamer sheen. "She could do much worse if she is allowed to continue this. Something else will take notice, fae. It won't only notice her, but it will -answer- her. That will spell the doom of your world."

Aeternita: She blinked totally confused...the only crystal she was aware of was the one Esylana was doomed to become when she fixed the leylines. Rituals, children...the threat of some impending force that may come from whatever the Empress does...this was all more information than she ever had. "Wh-what are you talking about? I don't know anything about any of that. I've only had a few weeks of freedom since the Empire turned our world into...this. I spent the rest of my time living like some kind of trophy for my old master, chained and on display so he can show off his "rare catch. All I'm trying to do is save my friend and help her bring back balance to the world. So kindly..." She stares sternly into his eyes, a deep determination radiating from her gaze. "...step aside."

Rheksas: "She has a crystal, you fool! It came at the expense of child sacrifice. That's why she has power when others do that. She is monopolizing it all for herself. That is why the empire thrives, I'll bet you any amount of coin," he approached the fae, slow and deliberate so as to come off less threatening. Then again, it was Rheksas doing the approaching, so it was difficult for him to come off as anything BUT threatenining. Still, the man had to try. "She doesn't seem to understand that dark rituals draw dark powers. Giving life is an inherently dark thing. It will come back to her in kind."

Aeternita: As his voice grew more aggressive, and he began to close distance, Nita walked backwards cautiously. "St-stop where you are..." She commanded with as much confidence as an unarmed, magicless Fae could muster when confronted by a fully armored mercenary who's job it is to hunt her. "...Even if all of that is true, there's absolutely nothing I can do about it until the leylines are restored." She continues, her voice full of regret. Of course if that's true, which is in question considering who's in front of her. "Look at me.." She opens her arms. "...do I look like I can do anything for anyone?! I'm nothing! Useless in every way. The only thing I can do is try to learn what I can to save Esy! I can't fight, I can't heal...I can't...I can't.." Her lower lip quivers as tears roll down her delicate cheeks and along the line of her jaw. Finally getting off her chest all those feelings she has of being powerless now, once a powerful priestess who could do real good throughout the world, reduced to hiding from basically everyone with no way to do anything about it.

Rheksas: "Then tell me what you know. Tell me where Esylana is," he said, solemn and serious. "Something has to happen, Aeternita. If you cannot be this catalyst for change then I've no more business with you. Help me help your friends avert this terrible doom."

Aeternita: "..I..I don't know. I can only assume you've been to the caravan because you brought it up. If she's not there she could be anywhere, I don't know where the leyline sites are...but I'm going to find out, I'm on my way now to try and get into the Empires library, so I can learn everything I can to fix and restore magic to the world...and make sure Esy doesn't throw her life away doing it.." She stops backing up as she presses back against a tree. "...Its the only thing I can do." She adds looking up at him with pleading eyes, hoping he'll understand her position.

Rheksas: He retreated back to his blade and plucked it from the snow, but sheathed it rather than turning it on her. "Go then, and find what you will. If Esylana plans on giving her life to restore magic, I will find her and stop this nonsense. The darker this gets, the darker your future becomes. I will not let the madness from beyond claim more than it already has."

Aeternita: As he retreats her brow furrows, his words were disturbing and she can't help but wonder where it's coming from. "...Who are you?"

Rheksas: He paused. "Call me Rheksas. It's all I have to give to you and any others."

Aeternita: Her eyes widened and she stood there speechless for several moments. It had to be a coincidence clearly but what were the odds that she'd randomly find Esylana...and then so shortly after run into someone that's called "Rheksas". If fate existed it was certainly doing it's best to tell her she's on the right path. "W-wait...I'm coming with you." She said as she approached him. The Oracle essentially told her that her heart was her guide, she can't ignore this serendipitous event, there's significance to this person's presence and she needed to follow her instinct.

Rheksas: He looked to her like she'd grown a second head. "Huh?" his mouth drooped open stupidly. "Are you sure about that, lady? From what you've told me, you sound pretty terrible. Your words, not mine." Rheksa wasn't joking, but was more dumbfounded by her sudden offer. "I mean, if you're serious about this..."

Aeternita: Her lips pursed as she folded her arms over her chest. "...Its true I can't help much in a fight, but it seems unlikely you'd need my assistance anyway. What I do have is knowledge of the land, which I'm guessing for whatever reason...you lack seeing as how you don't even know what the leylines are." She looked at him smugly. "...I'm going to just follow you regardless, it's just a matter of how far back. " She almost winces, praying he doesn't just cut her down to end the conversation.

RP Log: Just A Drop

Esylana: It was one of those days. The sort of days where you woke up, stretched in bed, looked out the window, and felt simply elated to see the bright spring sun cascading in and warming whatever chilly place it touched. It was a -perfect- day to go to the Arena. After all, the silver-furred furkin known as the current champion was still, as of yet, undefeated, and she was simply thrilled at the idea of watching him kill again. Sad her husband wouldn't be joining her, but the Empress knew she'd have company, regardless. Certainly not in the droll frightened servants, or the dull spineless guards. She decided to bring Crystal with her, let her enjoy a little more luxury before Rheksas came with the -other- woman. Zenra. This would be interesting, she was looking forward to it. She lounged in the private box, letting Crystal sit in the seat beside her. There were no chains, no bindings, she let the girl be free, if only because the guards were a major deterrant towards anything...stupid. It was late morning, the warm-ups below going on, and the Empress leaned over with a conspiratorial smirk, pointing out the very muscular, silver-furred jaguar-esque furkin who was, as of yet, undefeated. "Wouldn't his pelt simply make a -lovely- coat?" she asked Crystal, though really? She didn't care if the girl answered. Stewards would know to send Rheksas there to her today, and she kept glancing with a vague impatience, wanting him to show up sooner than later.

Rheksas: He was back, and with another prisoner in tow. This time it was Zenra, who came with him willingly once he used Crystal’s life as leverage. It was a poor choice he had to make, as he wouldn’t normally want to stoop to such measures, but seeing as how he needed to bring the woman alive and undamaged, he felt it was his best option. Fighting her would only lessen his pay, and that was unacceptable. The gardens weren’t his destination this time, but rather the grandiose arena and, even better, the private box of the empress herself. She sure knew how to live in luxury, he thought as he dragged a hopefully compliant Zenra through cavalcade of armed guards, demure servants, and sycophant bootlickers all the same. Rheksas carried with him that same arrogance as before, sure in his superiority over these servile fools. His stride was long and confident, his armor clanking rhythmically with each step. The pair arrived soon enough and were inducted into the empress’ presence without incident, he and her personal retinue exchanging the stink eye as per usual. There he saw the radiant ruler and… Crystal? She was not only alive but still in royal company, at that. The confusion on his face showed, Rheksas stepping into the box with carefully contained urgency. Was this a trap? “Bow your head,” he whispered to Zenra, urging her not to look Elleinad in the eye.

VampyrVixen: Zenra, dressed in her hooded cloak and leather armor, followed. It remained up so the sun did not reach her ears or face. Going through the corridors and passing many guards made her feel that at any moment she would be called "knife ear." She thought it was ridiculous to think that, because her skin was grey and her ears were long, she was any less than the humans she saw. She only hoped that she was to end up in place that would not make her some sort of pleasure slave, she would not allow herself to be in such a position again. She held her head high. Unusually calm for someone who was about to become a prisoner. She wasn't about to make her drow brethren appearance and reputation bad. She only wished to change it. She walked gracefully to the arena entrance, her emotionless face glanced at her captor. She seemed so... dull. No distress. No anger. Nothing. She couldn't allow herself to be, to show emotion. Not now. Not to the empress. Her charm, her persuasion must get her through this. She stood with confidence she merely had buried, whether it was fake or not it did not matter. As much as it sickened her to bow to a woman that took her daughter away and that has cursed the name of her people in such a way, she knew that causing a scene would only make matters worse. So she did as Rheksas said, with the elegance of her once noble life, a hand rested on her stomach and she bowed her head. Her white braid swinging forward out of her hood. "I suppose it is intriguing to finally meet." she says in monotonous voice.

CrystalOnyx: -It had been a difficult night even though Crystal had gotten all the plesantries the Empress had given to her. She was even given new clothes and one of the servants had done her hair. Now they were sitting in box above an arena, though the curse that the Empress had set upon her was still lingering in her mind. It had even started this morning, her tongue felt tingly when she ate. Sitting next to the Empress, Crystal glanced back as she heard the door open. Once again she laid her eyes upon the man that had brought her here. Her eyes suddenly moved to the figure behind him, her face lighting up with joy to see her friend. She had stood in the excitement and was ready to rush up to Zenra and hug her, but something stopped her. She cupped her hands in front of her body and gave a soft smile. She wanted to speak, but she couldn't find the words. As if asking permission, Crystal looked to the Empress for a moment to see if she could embrace and talk to her friend.-

Esylana: The Empress sighed, her eyes briefly lingering on the silver-furred furkin as he left the arena with the others, the sands now being raked and prepared for the first fight of the day. The crowd was lulling below, the vague rise and fall of a multitude in conversation wafting through the air, before she finally turned her attention towards Rheksas and Zenra. She ignored the standing Crystal at her side, and barely even inclined her head in acknowledgement of Rheksas and Zenra. At Zenra's words, she smirked slightly. "Yes, I can tell you are intrigued. Enjoy it. Not many of your kind get to meet me in person." She then looked at Rheksas, her attitude entirely dismissive of the drow before her. "Again, Rheksas, I am suitably impressed. I was right to hire you." She reclines against the arm of her seat as she nods towards the steward behind them. "On your way out, you will receive your payment, as promised. As well as an extra 200 gold. I need you to deliver Miss Crystal, here, back home to her little...-grove-." She said the last word with clear distaste. Why anyone would want to live out in the dumpy wilderness was beyond her.

Rheksas: Before the furry creature had a chance to leave the arena, Rheksas looked around the empress and spotted it on the sands, immediately thinking of ways to kill it. And there were many. But back to the issue at hand – his attention snapped towards Elleinad, a thin smile blooming across his scarred features. “You’ll have to forgive my captive’s impertinence. She’s an idiot,” he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. It was then he crossed his arms, glaring at Crystal as though she were an uninvited guest to their little soiree. “So I take it the two hundred is payment for bringing her back? Her company is enough of a bore that I’d not see her anywhere were I not being paid for my trouble.”

VampyrVixen: Zenra glanced to Crystal, and the urge to hug her only dug into her unbeating heart. But she gave Crystal an icy stare, telling her to stay back out of care for her. Her Attention is brought back the Empress, her words boiled her up like the sun is touching her skin, but she was not about to make that noticeable. She only wished to set an example; to charm, to inveigle. She tentatively thought of words to say, saying the wrong thing could be devastating. She wonders, if she could gain the woman's favor some how. "I suppose it is something to enjoy." Her head would be held pristinely. She was simply proud the woman knew nothing of her past rule, no. Whether it matter or not, she spoke with prestige. Hearing Rheksas speak, all she did was smile. She made him believe she had an army with her, when it was simply herself, yet she is the so called idiot. She saved him the trouble, letting him keep his foolish pride. The trick he played was dirty, and she would not stoop to such a level. She almost wished to laugh.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal remained where she was, noticing the look that Zenra had given her. She scratched her arm that was healing from the cut the Empress had inflicted on her. Hearing Rheksas' comment about how boring she was, made her roll her eyes. It wasn't like he was any better, he wouldn't even talk most of the time they were together. Her tongue was tingling more now, almost a distraction from the conversation.-

Esylana: "Tell you what," the Empress said, raising an eyebrow and leaning forward with a little conspiratorial smirk as she regarded Rheksas. "If you get bored, I don't care if she's returned in one piece to her home. Alive, yes, but if she needs some...convincing...along the way..." Her eyes glinted cruelly suddenly, a hand coming to stroke her neck as she tilted a hand towards a nearby flask, unopened. "In fact, if you need some of the "Empire's Kiss" we use on our pleasure slaves, I'd be willing to provide it. A bit of additional compensation for the unexpected request of delivery." She winked, her meaning quite clear that Rheksas was being given permission to do whatever he wanted with his "new" prisoner. She seems to be ignoring Zenra entirely for the moment, and even Crystal is merely an object to be delievered.

Rheksas: "I'll take that into consideration," he said, smiling his fake smile as he reached over and hooked Crystal by the arm. From there he dragged her outside the empress' personal box, not even so much as lingering long enough for her to bask in Zenra's presence. No, Rheksas was determined to get out of there as quick as he could, and as he received his payment and then some from one of the stewards, he actually scooped up the pouch and handed it to his new, once-returned captive. "Hold this," he told Crystal, escorting her from the arena grounds with all haste. He'd lost his stomach for the job, the blatant cruelty of the empress grating on his nerves. When they were well out of earshot of any guards, he asked "Do you know what this is all about, lady? What are we getting into here?"

VampyrVixen: Zenra's eyes glance between Crystal and the Empress. For a moment, she felt distraught. The empresses words made Zenra's hand clinch, a reaction of anger. If he touches a hair on her head... Looking at a woman she couldn't protect although promising. Seeing him drag Crystal, she wanted to step in. She wanted to peel his grimy hands off her. It was odd how close she attached herself to Crystal, like a daughter more than anything. It was those long nights of travel in the north, cuddling for a shred of warmth. She bit her lip watching him leave with her. He wasn't cruel but his lack of empathy made her fill with disgust... Oh dear... Her daughter, where is she?... is she even here?... She couldn't help it, but doubt seeped into her mind. The empire is cruel, but would they kill or harm a child even if she is an elf? No, the fact turned her stomach.. Lythia is only 6 years of age. She has a couple decades before her mental maturity even peeks... At the point she couldn't worry, even it was inevitable.

CrystalOnyx: -As the Empress spoke, Crystal's face flushed. She wasn't some kind of object or toy, she wanted to speak up; but now wasn't the time. She bit her tongue, but even the sensation of that was now gone. She was grabbed and pulled from the box, her gaze turning back to Zenra before the door was closed. She held onto the bag of coins that was set in her arms and soon followed him. They were out of the guards hearing, by the time he started to ask questions.- "She doesn't want the leylines to be restored, she wants to stop Esylana. . . The thing is. ." -She stopped as she looked up into his face.- "The Empress has magic, but no one else does. She has her own Master Crystal. . She's using magic to strike fear into people." -Her eyes seemed pleading as her mind rushed to Esylana. Where in the world was she?-

Rheksas: "I knew she was a tyrant," Rheksas scoffed. "They pay the best, if you ask me, but that's besides the point. What do you mean there's no magic than what she's got? Why does she want to capture you lot to begin with?" he asked, making their way into the city proper, taking her down side streets and away from prying eyes. "Something isn't right about all this. Normally I can take the jobs and be done with them, but this is different. She doesn't want any of you killed. Why?"

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal kept up with him as they walked, her eyes not wondering very far as they went the back ways.- "The leylines are ways of getting magic throughout the land. Once the Empire had come in they disturbed those leylines and rendered them useless unless someone returned them to normal. Esylana and I started to the journey to repair the leylines. I'm actually not sure why she has kept us all alive for so long." -She racked her brain for answers, but nothing came to mind.- "Once Esylana has repaired all the leylines, she will become the Master Crystal that keeps the magic flowing. The only reason that the Empress has a Master Crystal is because she sacrified an infant to make it, so only she has the power of magic to her disposal."

Rheksas: He stumbled as though struck, catching himself on the wall of an alleyway. She could tell, in some strange way, that the news hit him like a brick. “So that’s why she wants all of you,” he said, beginning to put the pieces together in his head. “To keep herself fat and happy, like every tyrant wants. No matter the sacrifice.” He stood there regaining his composure for a long time. “What do you think I should do?” he asked of her.

CrystalOnyx: -She noticed him stumble and rushed forward to help him, but the wall had caught him before she could. She still held the bag of coins in her one arm as she looked over him with worry. She took a breath as he began to regain his composure. A bit of shock washed over her as he asking his question.- "Join us, if we can delay the Empire from getting Esylana she'll have the leylines fixed. Once magic is returned to the land we start planning to attack the Empire. We can make them fall, make them suffer like they have done to so many people over the years."

Rheksas: "Here," he took part of his money back, leaving her with the extra he was getting paid to bring her back. "Go back to your grove, or wherever you wish to be. I still have one more of you to capture. Perhaps she can tell me more of what I want to know." That being said, he shoved the rest of the coins in her hand, pouch and all, and began to split from the alleyway and into the world at large. He stopped some ways ahead. "I won't say I'll join you just yet, but something about the empress' doings has soured my stomach. It smacks of something familiar and... unwieldy."

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal took the coins, staying where we was. She watched as he began to walk away, soon hearing him off in the distance.- "I'll keep you to your word." -She called back, yet was the word she was hoping for. Maybe he would join them, though they had their trust issues she somehow believed that he would help. She soon glanced around, she had never even been here before. How in the hell was she going to get back? She let out a sigh of frustration as she headed in the direction that Rheksas had went, but she soon glanced around. At least with the coins he had left her she wouldn't have trouble buying what she needed to get back.-

~~~

Esylana: Zenra and the Empress were now alone in the box, save for the guards that stood at the back. Of course the Empress would never let Zenra be fully alone with her. "Sit," she commanded with one cold word, turning her gaze back to the arena below. It wouldn't be too long before lunch would be served to the Empress on lavish gold trays, overflowing with fresh vegetables and cooked meats, and sweetly spiced wines. Things that were fully in season, and some that were out of season, somehow preserved for the pleasure of royalty. She tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair as she waited for the first fight to begin - a pair of twin elves set to fight each other - and then offered a bowl of grapes to Zenra. "Would you like some?" Her voice is laced with sweetness, an almost sickly kindness.

VampyrVixen: Zenra's ear perked up under her hood. Her eyes narrowed for a moment before she knew she must comply, for more. She sat besides the empress, sitting upon the edge like a noble with a perfect straight back. It's been a while since she felt a need to succumb to such norms of royalty. Sure, the seats, the dishes, and everything seemed prestigious but she felt sick being here, next to a woman who despises her for something she cannot help. Zenra's hands tipped with sharped black talons lay upon her lush curvaceous thighs. She wishes she could easily revert to her form, the one her mother blessed her with, but it wasn't so easy. She didn't even know how such a thing had happened and now her mother's voice is silent within her, filling her with unwanted anxiety. Glancing at the elvish twins, she felt distress. they couldn't be that old, not at all.. Her heart ached as she is reminded of her twin boys. Hopefully the empire has not touched them for they are lucky to have looked human with only slight point in their ears that could easily be dismissed as natural. Allistair, Zerxes... Please be alright. She sighs, now turning to the Empress. She eyes the food within her finger tips with an awkward glance. "I apologize, I can not accept what I can not eat." She says tenderly, with no sign of disrespect.

Esylana: The Empress gave Zenra a very long look, her eyes slowly going over her all-too-shapely form as she pursed her lips. There was amusement on her beautiful face, but there was a strange look in her eye that somehow diminished that beauty, like a spring breeze that carried the scent of cherry blossoms on it, but had a cutting bite to it that still needed the warmth of a coat. She took a slow bite of a grape, letting it linger on her mouth far longer than normal, before looking back at the arena. The two elves were going at each other. But...there was a lot of hesitation. A lot tears. A lot of pain. When they swung, it was without any fight. There would be no blood drawn at this rate and the Empress sighed. "It's -so- disappointing when they don't put their hearts in it, don't you agree?" She snapped her fingers, and a steward stepped forward with a tray. On it was an intricately designed hand-crossbow, a singular bolt loaded in it. She took it, stood, much to the audience going silent and watching her, and took aim. One beat, two beats, and suddenly the bolt was freed, and one of the elves keeled over, the bolt planted neatly in the base of his skull. The crowd was shocked to silence for a moment, before a tremendous roar rose, in approval, a cheer so sickly victorious that even those outside the arena might hear it. The Empress smirked, watching the living twin fall to his knees in devestation, even as a gate behind him opened and a starving lion was released without ceremony, going to finish the job.

VampyrVixen: If Zenra had the ability to vomit, now would be the point she would. She was disgusted with this woman. She wanted so deeply to separate that woman's head from her head like shoot an arrow through an apple sitting upon a wooden fence. She placed a hand over her mouth in thought. She couldn't be so cruel, but her eyes couldn't decieve her. She wanted to ask, no she didn't want to talk. She wished those guards weren't sitting there, she would love desperately to watch the life leave this woman's eyes. torturing these children... Oh dear, Lythia...

Esylana: She returned to her seat, watching as the arena was cleaned from the event. "Well, that was entertaining, but I'm ready for the real show," she said, conversationally. The way she spoke, it was like Zenra was a dear friend visiting from some foreign nation. "I hear," she said, leaning in with a murmur, much like a gossip, "That the main event not only features my favorite Silver Fur, but that it's going to be the debute of quite the promising talent. Only six years old, can you believe it? But this girl, hm." She smirked, sipping her wine and then shaking her head. "I wanted to watch them fight each other, but it's going to be the two of them against a pair of lions. Working together. Rather droll, but I suppose one shouldn't be wasteful."

VampyrVixen: Zenra remained silent. this was not entertaining, it was disgusting. It was cruel, it was inhumane. Unequal. Degrading. Distress filled her heart. It wasn't about her daughter anymore, it was about everyone there. Being forced to fight eachother just to live on as a slave, to be slain another day. It made her metaphorical stomach turn, "6 years of age...." Almost glaring at the arena, watching the two now upon the field. Zenra stands from her place with widened eyes, looking over the edge of the private box, "That's my daughter..." Her teeth grit with anger, burning with a fiery rage of the nine hells ever blazing infernos. Looking like she is about to well up with tears, she only wishes to jump into the ring, and caress her daughter, to take her home. To be normal, like she wanted. "Lythia... She, she won't lose. Not with what I have taught her." She tried to convince herself, Lythia learning archery and hand to hand combat was a good choice, and her.. "power" was undeniable but she was, IS so young...

Esylana: "Oh? Is -that- who that six year old is? Hard to tell. She's quite lovely, while you're so..." she paused, looking Zenra over briefly, before shrugging. "Well, I suppose if she ate as well as you, she'd put on some weight too." She was interrupted, briefly, by the crowd suddenly growing quite excited. It wasn't quite time for the main event, but some of them weren't here for it - they were here for the tittilating side shows. Naked pleasure slaves paraded into the arena, shackled together, and then uncuffed to perform the most degrading acts before a leering crowd that was simply drunk on its hatred for these poor people. Most of them looked like they loved it, too, from the dead-eyed lust-filled look that lingered on their faces. The Empress didn't seem to care, giving a long yawn, before she rolled her eyes. "So. I suppose my question is, then, since we have some time before the main show, is what do I do with you?" She now looks fully at Zenra, her gaze, her attention, her everything briefly focused on the drow at her side.

VampyrVixen: "Weight and curves on a woman are seen as regal in my culture; it means they tend to be nobles, priestesses, and queens since normally we are quite thin." She doesn't really seem offended, but she figured she'd explain a bit more, may she'd be willing to be more... "respectful" if only she knew. She knew Lythia was not eating properly, not at all. She clearly dropped weight from the time she had seen her daughter last, it was excruciating to see. She bite her lip so hard, she drew from her own blood. Slaves, naked and degraded entering the ring, Zenra immediately sat back in her chair. That... that could easily be her soon, to live a life similar to how she did with Mal'khar. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment and distress. She wouldn't allow herself to be touched unwillingly ever again. She wanted to puke, she wanted to gag. But nothing. Her daughter would be exposed to this too. No, she's so young. She can't understand, she can't process what is going. Her blood boiled, and it showed in the glare she had towards the arena. She could barely soften it to look at the empress. "What do you want to do with me?" Her voice was clearly upset, with something.

Esylana: If it hadn't been for the sound of the crowd getting off on the slaves getting in each other below, there would've been complete silence in the box as Elleinad gazed at Zenra. Suddenly, her hand darted out, tightly gripped Zenra by the wrist, and shoved back the protective layers of cloth covering her arm, the sunlight falling upon her exposed skin with warm, searing rays of pure light. She watched Zenra start to burn there, the wretched stench of burned flesh filling the box before she releases Zenra's arm to let her tend to herself how she would, watching her reaction in silence a moment, before speaking. "Did you know we had a vampire in here just last week? The audience absolutely -loved- watching them burn to dust and ashes there in the arena. They were taken out, dressed only in a robe. How he hissed, and struggled, but once that robe was removed..." She sighs, shaking her head. "It was over so fast, if you blinked, you missed it." She smirked. "I'd rather -not- have that happen to you, my -dear-." She snapped her fingers again, a steward approaching with a small pillow on which sat a tiny clear vial of some nameless liquid.

VampyrVixen: Zenra's eyes gazed upon her tight grip, resisting the urge to pull away. But She would hiss as the sun blazing rays touch her skin without coverage. She felt as if her arm was rising in flames quickly with steam radiating off it like a grotesque meal being cooked. She grunted in agony as it spread upward -even- to skin that was covered in layers. The smell of her on body blazing was disturbing to her, gaging once again. She pulled herself away from the empress, a glare in her silvery eyes. "Why do you wish to even keep me alive when you clearly despise me?" Her voice was distressed, angred, and rather rattled by the woman infront of her. "W-What is that?"

Esylana: She pauses then, holding up a hand to stop the steward. "You know what, you're right! Why should I keep you alive? Having you dead would be so much more convenient. You clearly hate what I'm doing here, when I'm giving -everything- up for my Empire. These poor people, look at them. They lead such boring and pitiful lives, some of them practically live at the arena for the taste of excitement it gives them. Why, I would even bet they'd love to watch as another vampire sears, and burns to a crisp before their very eyes..." She stands, walking away from Zenra as she muses loudly. "Tell me, how do you think that precious daughter of yours below would feel having her mother's burning corpse fall from this balcony now to land in front of her, and have her watch as you fall to dust right before her eyes? I wonder what delightful nightmares she'd entertain..."

VampyrVixen: She narrows her eyes to the woman with annoyance. All she wished to do is claw deeply into this woman's neck, having her blood rush over her hands down the balcony of this arena. She felt no desire to feed from such a creature. And her heart isnt beating, yet. This woman is much more heartless than her. She felt herself wanted to crumble, she wished dying would be easier. Her child though wanted, no, needed her. "May I see my daughter?" She doesn't disregard what the woman says, but she desperately needed to know if she was alright. Her mind filled with anguish. "I will do anything to see her."

Esylana: "Anything?" The Empress turned back. She put her hands on her hips, appraising Zenra again, before once again motioning to the steward. He comes forward with the vial again, it's such a small, delicate thing, and it can't possibly hold more than three drops of, well, anything. "I want you to drink one, single drop from that vial. And then...well, I don't know if your daughter will be alive -after- the fight." She shrugs, a feigned helpless look on her beautiful face.

VampyrVixen: "What is this?..." Her eyes soften to the woman, now filled with curiousity. It clearly wouldn't kill her, mainly because mentioing of death made her spill that it wasn't for that reason. But what could such a thing be? She simply analyzes it, hoping it that it would go down without taste or burn back upon it. She raised a brow. "What would such a thing do?" She tentatively picks the vial up with her nimble fingers. The glass was smooth against her own lush skin, she then reverts her gaze to the empress. "I do not doubt she will stand and be alive. She is my child... But is there anything else I must do?" She questions carefully, she knew she must submit for now for sass and frustration would only make matters worse, clearly.

Esylana: "A single. Drop. If you drop the vial, or drink more than one drop, then I'm afraid I will have to kill you anyways." It was all she said as she crossed her arms. She was watching closely, her eyes without mercy or mirth.

VampyrVixen: Zenra felt uneasy, her lingering worry did not subside as she eyed the vial. "Alright I suppose, for Lythia." Instead of placing it to her lips, she places her finger on top of the vial, turning it over to let gravity pull the liquid down upon her finger and only allow the amount she specified quite... aggressively upon her finger tip. She pauses, gazing it for a moment before bringing it to her lips and tongue. It tasted like it had a quick or spice to it, but she couldn't pin point it correctly. She tentatively put the vial back upon the pillow. "What was that..?" She scratched her head. It didn't take long before she was hunched over in the chair, the innards of her body felt like they were burning, the sun is inside her very veins. It felt like her blood crusted over and then rejuvenated itself. Her body felt hot, was she... sweating? Her body shook, and she was nauseated by this. She gagged, feeling acid settle and irritating her throat. She had to sit herself up, as much as she can. Her body cramped and twisted her face. Distortion, confusion, distress. She couldn't help but pant. It wasn't long before her chin was at her knees once again. She was overwhemed, and actually crying because of the searing and piercing feeling, as if needles entered every inch of her skin. She tried to lift herself up again, her hood now falling back as her head hit the back of the chair. She sees the light upon her with widened eyes, about to bring her hand up to cover her face but then realizes it no longer burns. "W...what the fuck did...." She just looks astonished by this. She pulls off her gloves, revealing her taloned hands, no burning sensation. "I....I...."

Esylana: " 'Thank you, my Empress', Why, you're quite welcome, loyal subject, anything for my people. 'But surely I don't deserve this', Oh, please, don't mention it." The Empress sashayed over and smirked as she leaned in, her firm grip now grasping Zenra's chin to make her look at her. "I think you'll last longer being naked in the Arena now." She slaps Zenra once, twice, light but enough to sting, before she snaps her fingers. Two guards come down and start to roughly strip Zenra of her clothing while she's still disoriented from being brought back to life, as it were, until she's completely naked before the Empress. But the Empress doesn't seem to care. "Fine silks, I think. She'll perform in the Arena like the pleasure slaves, but I think I want her for a highlight act. I know my husband's been dying for some new...-flavor-." She returns to her seat, letting the guards drag Zenra away. She'll get to see her daughter. And her daughter will get to see her. But she won't let them be caged together. And Zenra's acts would all be either solo, or with another single person. It would be hell, degrading and humliating. It would be very delicious.

VampyrVixen: Before she can even say a thing to the empress, whether snarky or plain confusion, she is now touched by two people whom she doesn't... hasn't even spoken to. Her response immediately is to push them away; she kicks, punchs, bites, claws... she wasn't about to be touched again no matter the state she was in. Her eyes glared at them, seeming more white than the silver they own were. "I don't enjoy being touched." She pants, but the crippling pain crumples her to the ground making it entirely much, much easier for them. Soon her scars upon her back and abdomen are revealed and she is exposed. Curling up in embarrassment, it's going to happen again? Would this be worse with spectators watching? No... What if her own daughter is... she grits her teeth barely having the energy to kick anymore. She simply tears up as she is dragged out by them. "Why must it be this way?" She whispers to herself, worried for what is to come.

RP Log: The Senseless Curse

Esylana: Spring time in Espanino was something of a legendary thing, immemorialized by bard and poet alike. And no one questioned why, because Espanino was a -very- romantic country, known for its vineyards, its fine wines, its orchards that blossomed full and fragrant. And its rose gardens could not be compared to anything else in all of Rembrant. One of these gardens, -The- Rose Garden, was centered in the heart of the palace that sat by the sea near the port city of Cyranos, and it was in this palace that the House Cordivae made its home - and therefore, it was also the heart of the Empire. The Empress lounged lavishly by one of the many fountains, enjoying an impressive spread of artichokes, their spiny leaves fanned out and prepared in a variety of flavors and designs meant to tantalize and please. The Empress didn't look pleased, much to a nearby nervous servant, who stood at attention as primly as he could in his toga. She was considering one such leaf, drenched in a mix of garlic and oils, when something caught her eye. Or perhaps, someone.

Rheksas: Perhaps against his better judgment, Rheksas had decided to not only separate his two prisoners, but escort them one at a time to his ever-gracious employer, the grand Empress. His presence was a black mark on the spring festivities of Espanino, his strange appearance and dark, warlike attire clashing harshly with the romantic culture he found himself bumbling through every time he passed into the country. Nevertheless, he was all but determined to see himself paid, and thus was dragging Crystal by the arm into the gardens to meet with whoever was going to give him the money. As it turned out, it was the Empress herself. “Ah, I see the day finds you well, Your Highness” he greeted, stealing arrogant glances at her servants and guards alike. Rheksas carried himself with an air that suggested he was somehow better than these people; he had some secret honor that they could not approach, some way of life that felt was superior to theirs. They were wine-drinkers and fig-eaters – not his people. “I present to you the good Lady Crystal,” he said, pulling her to the forefront before snatching her by the hair and bowing her head for her. A common woman such as she had no business looking royalty in the eye. Especially if that royalty was about to pay him for his troubles. Of the men that returned with him, two were injured and one was missing.

CrystalOnyx: -It was so beautiful, the fragance of lovely flowers, the bitterness of the wine that was in the air - it was all like Esylana had described, especially the romantic feel in the air. If only this would have been a different occasion to come here for. Crystal was being tugged by the man named Rheksas, who she thought was someone she could trust. This trust was broken when he came looking her and her friends, killing their horse, hurting Alaihandra. Her boots thumped against the stone as they walked, soon a woman of nobility coming into view. She admired her beauty for moment, but then was forcefully pushed into a bow. This man was getting on her nerves more and more. Her eyes were to the stone now as she heard the man speak. This was going to be an interesting chat if Crystal couldn't keep her mouth shut. Though for the moment she remained quiet, chewing on her cheek.-

Esylana: Elleinad threw the leaf back onto the plate, and then stood, snapping her fingers at the prim servant who looked like he was desperate for -any- reason to leave. Her snap was like a wish being granted as he hastily took the plate, bowed low to his Empress, and then retreated without even so much as a second glance behind him. She stepped down closer to Rheksas and Crystal, her eyes slowly sweeping over both of them with a cold appraisal, before she reached down and with a firm, and somewhat chilly grip, lifted Crystal's face to better look at her. She looks at her with disdain, the kind of air one might have for looking over a cut of meat in the marketplace and finding it to have just a little too much fat and not enough substance. "...Hm...the mirror didn't do her justice. I thought she'd be a little prettier," the Empress murmurs with a faint tone of disappointment. She releases Crystal's chin, turning her attention now to Rheksas. The most beautiful smile blooms across her face, and she spreads her hands. "I am impressed, I was expecting another week or so to prepare for her arrival, but here we are." She snapped her fingers again, and another servant, far more well appointed than the previous boy, steps in with a bow. "I do believe payment is in order," she announces, nodding to this new servant, a steward. He comes forward, carrying a golden tray that has a fine leather sack on it, marked with the Imperial seal. It's clearly filled with gold.

Rheksas: Rheksas watched the proceedings with keen interest and when the empress’ attentions were finally upon him, he reciprocated her smile with one of his own: that same crooked grin that became him so well. “I caught them at a good time,” he explained, snatching up the sack full of coins and testing how it felt in his hands. “An older woman was with her, but she was not in any fighting shape. In the end, this one came willingly. All I had to do was kill a horse and burn a few things. Simple stuff, really.” His words were almost casual, laced only with the bare minimum of respect he felt he needed when dealing with Elleniad. A beautiful woman to be sure, but there was a pervasive coldness to her that he shared an opinion with her servants about. “I have Zenra on her way,” he followed up, peeking inside the pouch to make sure it was indeed filled with currency. Thankfully, he was not to be disappointed. “She thought she was being clever when she struck us while I was making the exchange with this one. Feisty, yes, but all it took was to threaten this one’s life before she buckled and came with me too. Separated them for safety, so she’ll be along yet. Logistics and all that.”

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal was touched by the hand of the Empress, her ice blue eyes staring up into the face of somewhat beauty. Her ears caught the comment that the Empress had spoken which made Crystal tense some. She knew she wasn't as pretty as most women, but she could at least sugar-coat it some.- "At least my face is not getting wrinkles already." -She spoke softly before the Empress had let go, turning her attention to Rheksas. As he spoke, Crystal could only looked saddened. She missed her friends, being separated from Zenra was stressful almost. As she now stood straight she glanced about the guard and servants. How horrible it must be, expecially with someone as cold as this woman.-

Esylana: If she heard the comment, she didn't respond. It was as if Crystal were being tuned out entirely now, a mere dog waiting to be put away in its kennel. She regarded Rheksas silently as he spoke, but as he gave her his detailed report, she started to look far less interested, until she finally waved a hand dismissively, almost interrupting him as he made mention of Zenra. "And the fae? You did not find her yet?" She was curt, the smiles were now gone. She was, perhaps, even more beautiful in her impatience, but it was a sharp beauty, much like the beauty of a frozen world after an ice storm. One couldn't deny how stunningly pristine such a world was, with its pure white and sparkling ice, but one also would be quite foolish to disregard just how -deadly- such a world could be, if unprepared. Her hands rested lightly on her hips now, with only the smallest taps from her fingers on her thighs - the only physical indication that she might be growing vaguely impatient.

Rheksas: Just for his own amusement, Rheksas weighed the bag of coins in his hands a moment more, his face serene against the cutting edge of her icy impatience. He twisted the bag near the top, tied it off, settled it into his belt, and then and only then did he level his gaze back onto the empress, hoping she took careful note of how he was treating the situation. “The fae is more elusive,” he said. “Zenra I was lucky enough to have come to me. The winged one will take some time yet. I should have her soon, but they are tricky by nature. Are you sure I can’t prune those wings a bit before handing her over?”

Esylana: The smile was back, like fresh sunlight that cascaded across her face. She ran a finger down her neck slowly as she shook her head slowly, a soft laugh rising from her lips that sounded gentle, and sweet. For a moment, one could almost forget just how cold she really was. "Oh my, Rheksas, I do love the way you think. But alas, she does not belong to me, she is being returned to her previous master. He has quite missed her, she was a star piece of his collection. You understand, I'm sure. No, any harm that befalls her will result in less coin for you." She ends with a stern look, though the smile remains.

Rheksas: He understood and expected this answer, but thought he may as well have made the offer just in case the terms changed. It would be much easier to capture a fae after crippling them, but if he was not to do so, it couldn’t be helped. Making less coin was unacceptable, and barring disaster, he’d bring her in fully intact. “Very well then,” he answered, maintaining his smile. It wasn’t so strange in his mind how fake the two of them were being to one another: this was simply politics, and everyone did it. “If you could,” he paused, thinking over his next words carefully. “If you could, don’t kill this one yet,” he said, hiking a thumb over to Crystal. “Zenra seems to hold her in high regard – though I can’t fathom why – and that ill-placed fondness was key to reining her in. Keep this one on a leash and use her to lure Zenra in how you want. I know I’ve captured her too, but she’s still a potential danger.”

Esylana: Her gaze hardened slightly - after all, who was he to tell her what to do with her prisoners? He was only being paid to bring them in, after all. None the less, she spoke in an almost reassuring manner, "Oh, I do not have death planned for this one..." She smiled down at Crystal, almost friendly and motherly now. "No, I have other plans...though, perhaps when I'm done, she'll wish for death instead." She shrugs, as if she couldn't be bothered one way or the other with Crystal's feelings on the matter. She looked back at Rheksas and nodded. "Well, bring me my fae, hm? And then we'll see if you get your bonus as well as the payment for her head."

Rheksas: With the exchange done, Rheksas gave a short bow before turning on his heel and walking out the garden. Elleniad’s talk of making Crystal wish for death was not sitting well on his stomach, but he refused to show it on his face, not until she was well out of sight. His scarred brow furrowed with a hint of regret, his heart tugging against his more pragmatic sensibilities. Was this what he should be doing? Was it worth trading blood for money when said blood was that of a harmless wench whose only crime, as far as he knew, was a loose association with a band of rebels. His gut told him this couldn’t be the whole story. He was missing some important pieces, and he knew he wouldn’t get them from Zenra. No, he would get the from the fae, he decided. Money was good and all, but being able to make money in the long run was better.

Esylana: And now, the Empress and Crystal were alone. Or rather, "alone". There were still plenty of guards nearby, patrolling and standing at their posts, ready for any sort of trouble. And there were, doubtless, a small army of servants ready to be summoned at a moment's notice. The garden was beautiful, the newly blooming roses of early spring perfuming the air and complementing the sweetly soothing tinkling sound of nearby fountains...so why was it so hard to feel at ease? The reminder came with a soft tone in Elleinad's voice. "Will you walk with me, or am I going to have to chain you up and drag you along?" She looked impatient, hands still on her hips as she gazed at Crystal with that same disdain she had earlier.

CrystalOnyx: With Rheksas now gone they would have a moment themselves. Well, if you thought being surrounded by guards and servants was a moment alone. "Lead the way, I suppose." -Her voice was filled with annoyance as she motioned forward with her still bound hands. The knife in her boot was stuck into the side of the leather as the wooden handle rubbed against her ankle. As Crystal took a moment to let her mind wander, her eyes moved to the Empress' gown. It was fancy, looking very soft to touch while her two-toned dress looked wrinkled and dirty from the journey. At least her wrists and back were covered up so the Empress wouldn't see her scars from being a slave. The Empress' hair was pinned up with so much care, not even a flyaway sticking up. Her hair was tangled, not being able to brush it or at least run her fingers through it; she really felt under-dressed compared to the Empress.-

Esylana: The Empress walked with her through the garden, leading her down a quiet side path that led into a wing off the Palace. It was beautiful, with open collanades and ornately etched pillars entwined by vines, the fresh breath of spring wafting everywhere. Why did so much beauty belong to such a dark household? She soon paused before a wall, where there were no guards or servants anywhere to be seen. She glanced behind at Crystal and smiled vaguely, imperiously, as she took Crystal by the upper right arm, just above her elbow, and pulled her into the wall with her. Together they went through, as if it wasn't there, and Crystal would find herself suddenly inside a very tight corridor that wound upwards into what might be a tower, the steps thin and dusty. Elleinad released her hold on Crystal's arm and started to ascend the steps, not even looking to see if Crystal followed - she didn't have much choice. There was only a wall behind her, now. A solid wall, as if whatever door had been there had silently sealed and held no handle or lock.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal couldn't help but take in the beautiful etched pillars. Such darkness within these people, but yet they have such an enchanting place under their names. She could only shake her head as they came to the wall. She had noticed that the guards and the servants had disappeared from view. Suddenly she felt the firm grip again on her arm, only this time it was the Empress. She was pulled, without much choice she followed the woman as they seemed to sink into the wall that was there before them. This was different, how could that have happened if not for magic? She climbed the stairs with soft steps as she continued behind the Empress. The knife moving up and down with each step she took up the stairs. Now a solid wall behind them, what would she do if something happened? Was this woman leading Crystal to a more nightmarish place?-

Esylana: In silence, they climbed. Up, and up, and up. ...And up. And finally, she paused as she came to the top of the tower, a thin gauzy curtain wafting in the air that came through another door across the chamber before them, leading to an open-air balcony. There wasn't anything to be seen over there, at the moment. They were too far away, after all, but as a bird sailed by, Crystal might get the impression that they were very high up, and perhaps not in Espanino any longer. At least, not at the Palace - there was an eerie absence of the ocean. But all of this was honestly only peripheral. The main item of interest would be a darkened chunk of crystal, no larger, perhaps, than a small child, mounted on a silver stand. It pulsed with some sort of energy, and while she didn't have access to the magic, Crystal would definitely feel the pressure this room had in it. Around the edge of the room were various items used for alchemical work, jars of familiar, and not so familiar, herbs near an empty cauldron. There was a matched pair of ourobori in one area, against a wall, the strange symbols slightly familiar - she'd have seen at least a few of them etched into Esylana's skin at one point. And there were other items that she had no idea what they could be used for - but they certainly seemed to have a magical aura around them. Elleinad "floated" majestically into the room and stopped before the small crystal, turning to face, well, Crystal, and smirked as she clasped her hands, waiting for the reaction. She knew that Crystal had known what it was Esylana was trying to do, so how would she react to seeing a real Master Crystal?

CrystalOnyx: -As Crystal stepped into the main tower, she froze, glancing around. The air felt nice as it wafted through, were they even still in Espanino? There was no more sound of the ocean, not even the smell of salt. Her eyes rested on the crystal, its color seemed to be darker. She walked further in, the pressure of the room almost suffocating. She noticed two of the symbols that had appeared on Esylana's legs, the symbols of the elements. She had walked up to the crystal, attempting to touch it. It was so surreal in her eyes, why would the Empress show her this?-

Esylana: Almost immediately, Crystal's body would seize up as a solid amount of electrical energy would flow into her body from behind, the Empress' hand extended with the white-fire lightning arcing from her fingertips. An almost gruesome expression was on her face, shattering the beauty into a horrific mask of hatred. As soon as the shock had begun, it had ended, the brief attack only meant to knock Crystal away from the Master Crystal before she could touch it. "-You- do not touch, -you- get to look, and that is -all- you get to do, unless you want me to cut out your eyes, -girl-," the Empress said coldly, her voice low, but still echoing throughout the chamber.

CrystalOnyx: -Her muscles tensed painfully as she was thrown onto the floor by a sudden shock. Her body twitched after the shock had stopped, her chest heaving lightly. She pushed herself up with her tied hands as she gave the Empress a cold stare.- "How did you exactly make this Master Crystal?" -She slowly moved to her feet as her legs wobbled underneath her.-

Esylana: The Empress smiles at this, walking over to a nearby table. She stands there, looking over an array of rather sharp-looking instruments, before she carefully selects a particularly cruel-looking ceremonial knife, and an empty crystalline vial. "I'm sure you'd love to know that, wouldn't you? So I'll answer your question with one of my own - what do you know about making a Master Crystal?" She turns back to Crystal and, with the slow sashay of her hips that isn't entirely different from the way a cat approaches its prey, comes closer towards her. She seems to be taking her time, almost as if she were enjoying her time with Crystal. The horrific look that was on her face has vanished, and once again, she is a vision of perfect beauty.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal watched the Empress carefully, soon swallowing hard.- "All I really know is that you need a person, someone to form the crystal..." -She stole a few more glances at the crystal, it was quite smaller than she thought one would be. Then again it would depend on the size of the person. Her eyes began to widen as her mind raced, it was the size of child.- "You used a child... Didn't you?" -She looked up slightly to the Empress as she approtched, noticing the ceremonial knife in the woman's hands.-

Esylana: Elleinad paused, considering Crystal for a long moment. "So, you're smarter than you appear..." She placed the tip of the dagger against her own finger as she spoke, her eyes roaming thoughtfully over Crystal, as if looking for a good place to cut into her. "I used an infant - a newborn. Did you know they can't fight back? It was really quite simple. Though I was worried it wouldn't hold its form afterwards. The vibrations almost gave away to shattering. Would've been a waste." She reaches down and pulls up Crystal's bound wrists, holding them up while she goes to slice her with the dagger. Not to kill her, not a very deep cut, but she clearly is looking to make Crystal bleed a little.

CrystalOnyx: -A horrible feeling passed over Crystal's stomach as the Empress explained how she created the Master Crystal. The movement was so fast as the woman grabbed Crystal's bound hands and made to cut her arm. Crystal suddenly pulled before the knife could make contact, making her stumble back some.- "You're a monster!" -She yelled, her raised voice echoing off the walls.- "How could you take an infant? No, they can't even fight back. It had no idea what you were doing... You're disgusting." -She glared into the Empress' face as her ice blue eyes seemed to melt with the rage that filled her body.-

Esylana: The Empress raised an eyebrow briefly, then slowly rolled her eyes. "Yes, poor child. I'd have more sympathy if its mother had loved it. She didn't. I can tell you that, now." She reached out to grab at Crystal again, her voice cold. "It was unwanted alive, so I gave its meaningless life purpose." She suddenly smiled, purring. "You don't want that to go to waste either, now, do you? No going back and undoing the past."

CrystalOnyx: -She was grabbed by the maniacal woman and was pulled closer once more.- "You had other options, I would've liked to see the mother there then; not a defenseless baby." -She glared up at the woman as she tried to pull away.- "You would've made a better crystal than anyone. No one would have to put up with your antics."

Esylana: She sighed, as if weary of the conversation, the blade once again going to slice into Crystal's skin as she speaks, "Only fools sacrifice themselves..." The Master Crystal pulses slightly, as if shivering. But the Empress pays it no mind for the moment, merely focused on collecting a bit of Crystal's blood.

CrystalOnyx: -The blade slashed against her arm making her wince, blood bubbling over her skin.- "You should get to it." -She gave a smirk as she tried to jerk and yank away from the woman. If she got away she would step back and quickly reach down into her boot and pull out the knife she had stashed, cutting the rope that bound her hands.-

Esylana: The Empress made the cut, and went to trade the knife for the vial, when Crystal once again yanked away, the blood making her rather slippery indeed. The Empress' eyes narrowed coldly, as she said in that low, dangerous, almost seductive tone. "Do you really think this will help you? So you kill me, and then what?" She spreads her hands, almost invitingly to Crystal. "You jump? Walk through the wall below? Navigate your way through the dead mountains and into the deadly wilderness of the Outlands? I'm going to send you home after tonight, foolish girl, but the way you act, makes me think I should let you sit in the dungeon for awhile after all."

CrystalOnyx: "And why should I believe you?" -She held the knife in one hand, placing her feet firmly on the floor.- "Why do you want my blood?" -Her arm was slashed, but it wasn't life threating. The blood seeped into her sleeve making it a darker color than it already was.-

Esylana: The Empress merely stared at Crystal, before tossing her head back and laughing, a genuine out and out laugh, deep and full, and oh so musical. Her hand crosses her abdomen, as she continues to laugh a moment, before regaining her composure. "Oh, that bitch has the most delightfully dull friends." She points her knife, wet with Crystal's blood, at her as she elucidates. "You are worthless. Meaningless to me, your death would do nothing, anywhere. Except make that decrepit hag you call friend cry, and no one cares about her tears, either. It would distress the bitch trying to bring back magic, but ultimately inspire her to greater things. No, you are worth more to me- to the Empire - alive. But you have been a naughty girl." She waggles the knife, before dripping as much blood as she can off of it and into the vial, turning to make her way towards the Master Crystal. The movement alone is completely dismissive, she genuinely no longer seems to care that Crystal is there with her, now.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal gripped the knife with both of her hands as her knuckles turned white. Her words were making her even more outraged. She suddenly started to run toward the Empress with her knife, aiming for the woman's side with the blade. How dare she insult her friends. She wanted to at least make a mark, do something to hurt this witch.-

Esylana: Elleinad heard her coming, and simply...dropped the knife she'd been holding at her feet. Or rather, at Crystal's feet, directly in the poor girl's path, even as she stepped to the side. Whether the girl tripped on it or not wasn't really her concern, she had another arc of lightning ready to hit Crystal again if need be, to push her away. This was getting old, fast. "If you do not stop, I will make sure you are incapacitated for the night, and I promise you it will hurt." The lightning continues to crackle at her finger tips, waiting on Crystal to make the decision for her.

CrystalOnyx: -It was too late as Crystal stepped on the knife and slipped, falling to her stomach beside the woman. The knife she was holding was still in her hands as she slashed at the Empress' legs that stood beside her. The air was knocked from her body, but she only huffed as she turned on her side to get more leverage at slicing the woman's leg if the knife made contact.-

Esylana: It was almost too swift to react, the Empress' heel came down onto Crystal's hand, the one holding the knife, and she reached down and grabbed Crystal by the hair with her electrified hand. She wouldn't feel more than a tingle in her scalp at that moment, but the Empress leaned in close, whispering, "I don't understand why you struggle against someone who is clearly superior than you. In -every- single way." She then arcs the lighting right into Crystal's skull, enough to really stun the poor girl if not out and out knock her out.

CrystalOnyx: -Her hand was pinned to the ground now, a soft wince as she felt the pressure. She cried some as the woman gripped her black hair and pulled her up some. As their faces were close, Crystal spit in the woman's face before feeling the electric shocks through her skull. Her body tensed once more as she fell to the ground, a small flutter of her eyes as she struggled to keep them open. She was still awake as she groaned from the shock.-

Esylana: Elleinad wiped the spit from her face with a small snarl. But she was done with Crystal. She stepped over her prone form and approached the Master Crystal. Or as she called it, the Void Crystal. Her hand rested against its surface a moment, before her hand sunk into it and briefly vanished into its sparkling depths. After a moment, she drew her hand out, a tiny blue sphere-shaped crystal being pulled from the main Crystal. It was so dark, it was almost opaque, and she held it up to peer at it with a smirk, before taking it into the palm of her hand and crushing it into a fine dust. She took this crystalline dust and emptied it into the vial containing Crystal's blood, and swirled it to mix it well. She then stepped back to the still-stunned Crystal and knealt down by her, taking a bit of blood, now thickened by the crystalline substance added to it, and slowly traced it across the back of the girl's neck, across her eyes, nose, lips, and ears. It was not a lot, certainly not enough to coat the girl fully, but it was enough to leave a lingering amount on each place she touched, before the marks vanished, as if being absorbed into Crystal's skin. She then took the daggers from their little squabble, and while she kept her own, setting it safely back on its table, she threw Crystal's knife carelessly over the edge of the balcony to the depths below. She then took the vial, it held nothing in it now - at least, not enough to be of any use to her - and put it on the table by the knives. "See how quickly that was done? And all that effort spent losing." She 'tsked' at Crystal, leaning on a banister at the edge of the room while she waited for Crystal to get back up again. "Hurry up, I have more interesting things to be doing this evening."

CrystalOnyx: -Her vision was blurry when she finally came back to reality. She had felt the woman touch her face and neck with whatever she had done with her blood.- "What did you do?" -She blinked as she pushed herself up into a sitting position. She touched her face, but there was nothing there anymore as if it sinked into her skin. She stood, her head still feeling a bit fuzzy from the snap. She took a deep breath as she looked to the woman a bit confused now.-

Esylana: Elleinad smiled, politely, nodding. "Oh, yes, I suppose I should tell you...are you hungry? I'm sure you are, it's almost dinner time." She was talking to Crystal, now, as if she were an old friend, a dear friend, someone who had come to join her for dinner and drinks, to speak of gossip and giggle over boys. A good old slumber party, wouldn't it be? She stands and motions to Crystal to follow, heading for the way out of the tower.

CrystalOnyx: -Now that she mentioned it, she was hungry. It had been a while since she had eaten, but what was this about? One minute the Empress is kind and then next she's insane. Crystal could only give a soft nod to the woman as she began to follow her once more. Her head began to ache some, maybe it was from the shock to her skull; but she really didn't know. What was going on?-

Esylana: Elleinad took her back to the Palace, it was as if they'd never left it, except a few hours had clearly passed and the sun was setting over the bay. The table they shared even overlooked it, with a lavishly delicious spread of the most decadent foods Crystal had, perhaps, ever eaten. And to prove none of it was poisoned, Elleinad had a taster assigned to Crystal's plates, letting the girl see that this was a legitimate meal that she should enjoy. "Go on, go on, do try the fish, they way they soak it in juices and butter is simply to die for," Elleinad said with a wave of her hand, smiling in her most charming manner. The servants, if they were confused, didn't show it. They merely went about their business.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal followed behind the woman without a problem. She took some time to look over the area once more before they went inside the large palace. She was soon lead to table overlooking the bay, the sun a mix of orange and red as it reflexed off the sea water. She sat down looking over the food as her stomach rumbled. She let the taste tester servant do their job and then picked up a fork. She took a small bite, enjoying the flavors of the fish that was served. It was truely nothing like she had ever tasted before.- "So can you tell me what you did in there? With my blood and whatever else you put in there."

Esylana: Elleinad's eyes simple sparkled with excitement as she leaned forward, watching Crystal savor the flavor, and she smiled. "Oh please, do enjoy more of the flavors here...after all, tonight may the last time you get to taste, well...anything." She grins jovially as she takes a small bite of some pasta, twirling it around her fork before slipping it into her mouth with a small, almost girly giggle.

CrystalOnyx: -She placed more food into her mouth, but suddenly froze as she heard the woman's words. She swallowed, licking her lips lightly.- "What do you mean? What did you do to me?" -Fear washed over her face as her eyes seemed to plead to the Empress for answers.-

Esylana: "Well, let's see," she begins, dabbing her mouth with her napkin. "Yes, I believe it'll start with your taste...and then move to your sense of smell..." She pauses, then chuckles. "Vision will vanish, next, and then your sense of hearing...and then finally..." She trails off, shrugging, letting Crystal do the math. "It's called the Senseless Curse, and...well, I'm afraid once the last one goes, it's irreversible." She takes a sip of wine, and dribbles a little as she expresses delight. "Oh, you -must- try this, I didn't know they had any of these bottles left." She peers at the unmarked bottle, before offering it to Crystal with the friendliest smile in the world.

CrystalOnyx: -She placed her fork down as her body began to shiver. She tried to control it as she clutched her hands into her lap. She shook her head to the wine, a rumble from her stomach speaking up once more as she could still smell the spices of the food.- "Not like you'll tell me..." -Her gaze was to the table as she spoke.- "How do I break the curse?" -Her eyes finally looked over to the woman after a moment.-

Esylana: Elleinad considered Crystal a moment, chewing thoughtfully on a piece of rare steak, the juices practically dripping from it. "Mmm...you don't. -I- could, of course," she swallows, reaching for her spiced wine again. "But I don't really feel inclined to. You see, it doesn't benefit me in the slightest." She raises her glass in a toast. "So here's to the might of the Empire...and the obedience of -all- her subjects." She winks and takes a sip. "I'd finish, my dear, curfew is soon. I have the softest feather bed available for you, I think you should enjoy these luxuries while you can still enjoy any of it." She laughs as she rises from her seat, and nods to a pair of armed soldiers. "When she's finished, please escort her to her room. And make sure it's heavily guarded. We wouldn't want someone getting in at her and disturbing her sleep." She waves coyly at Crystal, before walking away, laughing as she goes.

RP Log: "He Felt Worthless"

(Monologue RP: TaylerRoss)

Reaper had made a small fire in the near distance from the 'grey weirdo', and the rest of them. He knew it was time to go off on a hunt again and even though he wanted to let them know...Reaper just...needed to keep his distance. It was better off that way, he supposed. He bent down and pulled his leather sack over his head, grabbing his long sword that looked like it would weigh a ton. He hadn't needed it in some time, but the creature was too cautious to leave it behind...

The cry of a deer rang out in a small radius, and a chanting had begun; he set to thanking the gods for the meal and giving deepest respect to the creature that laid lifeless on the snow. Soon, Reaper tied its hooves together, and up onto his shoulders it went with a small grunt coming from him.

"Fuck." he grunted, as Reaper began his journey back towards the camp while he made plans to make another fur and give most of the meat to the group of women. Reaper swore to himself that he'd protect them along this journey, no matter what. But to his suprise- ...

Reaper dropped the deer from his shoulders, its corpse unsettled the snow at his feet. Dark, void-filled eyes stared towards the wagon...there was nothing. The horse was dead; his feet couldn't move fast enough as he ran towards the wagon.

"Grey one?! Human Girl?" Reaper yelled out as he checked the back of the wagon. Nothing was there...they were gone...

The large figure never had felt this angry before, with shaking hands and quick breaths. He ran towards his camp, sliding and falling onto his knees where he quickly crawled over to his satchel and belongings. He began dumping raw meat, jerky, knives, anything into the leather bag, even as his mind was misfiring; he didn't know what he was doing.

Slinging the bag over his back, he ran back towards camp where he grabbed the 'grey one's' fur blanket, and a dress of the human girls'. His dark eyes scanned the snow for anything...something for him to latch onto. There, foot prints...they set off in one direction.

The print sizes looked to be of a girl...it had to be Crystal...and much bigger foot prints...then a new set appeared next to them...it had to have been...the 'grey one'? Maybe he had the idea jumbled in his head, but surely they were in trouble. Sniffing the scents of the two girls, his eyes glued to the snow, Reaper quickly made way...not sure where he was going or what he'd fine. Just praying the two would be okay.

~~~

Reaper yelled out for them as he walked through the snow, hoping they would just jump out at him or something. It took an hour or two before he had found the strong scent of Crystal and another strangers' scent. Surely they were here, but it had been awhile.

"Shit.." he swore as he spun slowly in a circle, looking for any other sign of them. A whimper came from the hellhounds lips before turning back around and heading where his nose was trying to take him.

"You there! Halt." A voice rang out, and the sound of clanking armor had walked towards him.

"Hands in the air, and you will keep your head." Reaper stood tall, and raised his shoulders into a better posture.

"I can assure you, you don't want to waste your time on me." The husky dark one's voice rang out. A few chuckles came from the lot of them. One of them had enough balls to step forward and tried to turn Reaper around. As the male touched Reaper's shoulder, he quickly gripped onto the soldier's hand and bent it completely backwards. The man's knuckles hit his own forearm, clearly not supposed to bend in such a manner.

The armor clad man screamed and screeched like a child in pain; Reaper growled as he pulled the sword from his back and rested it on his own shoulder. "I suggest...we go our seperate ways..."

The men pulled their swords from their sheathes; this was going to be bad for sure. Reaper spun the sword in his hand as he waited for them to come for him. Just as they began to charge, Reaper growled and sent the sword flying towards the first male donned in chainmail.

He knew that chain mail was immune to the slashing of swords, but not a pierce, and Reaper did just that - right where it bent the most. He jammed the sword right under the man's armpit, and as he cried out, the large creature grabbed a dagger from his hip and stabbed it into the poor man's eye - leaving him to drop dead as a sword scraped at Reaper's back.

It cut him, and his clothing. That was the issue with wearing small parts of armor, and not clad with it. He let out a gutteral growl as he spun backwards and kicked at the other males knee. Just as a thinner boy came running up to him with a spear in his grip.-

Reaper's ears twitched as the man screamed, and he watched as his knee bent inwards, falling. Reaper scoffed in disgust, "Fucking humans", but just as he got the thought out, the boy...with white hair...jabbed his spear against Reaper's thigh.

It raked across his skin, causing a large laceration against it, causing him to roar. His dark eyes stared at the boy as he raised his sword...he couldn't do it. That boy...he looked too much like--

Reaper spun around, swinging his sword once again, sheering the older male's head from his shoulders. "Just....stop," he panted. Reaper was angry, he wasn't fighting the way he should be...his mind was so distant in worry.

"Boy...go home."

The trembling teenager furrowed his brows, looking towards the others that were dead or in the process of dying. Tears welled in the boy's eyes as he dropped the spear and ran away without looking back.

Reaper rubbed the side of his face as he turned around to see another male running away in the opposite direction. Sitting down in the snow, he panted heavily. His leg hurt...he knew he was fucked with his back. Huffing, his cold hands ran across his face as he struggled to breath, tears welling in the corners of his eyes. What had he done? Yet again, they are gone...he failed again. He felt helpless...useless.

RP Log: And Zenra Makes Two

Rheksas: It had barely been over a day of travel, and Rheksas had slept through none of it. He was content to mosey on, being none the worse for wear as they approached the treeline and a small platoon of imperial soldiers, maybe thirty in all. They were the good kind, he could tell; just by their bearing and their armaments, Rheksas knew the empress must have sent them for the express purpose of receiving the captive – as all as keeping him in check. They’d all heard tales up till then about how he scoured the countryside, taking the ears of their scouts for blood money. None of them trusted the man, though none of them sported quite the array of plate as himself, save the commander, but they carried spears and swords for a fighting occasion, taking well into consideration that their mercenary was approaching them with sword drawn himself. “C’mon now, don’t dawdle,” he said to Crystal, pressing her lightly forward. He’d since bound her wrists but did little else to confine her movement, thinking it ill-manners to mistreat his prisoner. “These nice men will be taking care of you now. And with that, the first part of my job is done.”

VampyrVixen: Zenra found herself without rest, exhausted from the running and the sly stealth she's used to keep them in sight before she could plan her move. Anger would burn like a raging inferno in her eyes as she couldn't help but blame herself for not being present during Crystal's capture. She moves around the forest floor with ease. For a curvaceous woman such as herself, moving this nimbly was almost rare. As she moved closely in the trees for a better view, she woud see that he is no longer alone. Glaring at the soldiers in the group, she knew she couldn't directly attack him. No, she would plan her attack in the trees with her ebony bow. Avoiding any small twigs or leaves that could draw attention, she swiftly makes her way at least 10 ft above the ground, using the greenery as full cover. She was even gently moving the leaves out her viewpoint. She notices this violent man has now broken off, and the possibility of using Crystal as leverage is erased. She draws a blacked steel arrow, taking aim him. With a slow breathe she releases the arrow.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal's hands had been bound for a while, continuing to walk in front of the man that had taken her from the camp. She was worried about everyone, but that worry turned into mild anger as she saw the Empire soldiers. As he pushed on her to move some she couldn't help but give him a glare. As they stopped she kept her gaze down, biting her lip as to not say anything.-

Rheksas: Zenra’s aim was true. Unfortunately, the arrow clanked uselessly against the backplate in Rheksas’ armor, barely leaving a dent. “Ow?” he questioned, not truly in pain but definitely having felt something punch up against him. They all saw it happen, however, prompting the centauri in charge to rush over and take hold of Crystal. He was barking out orders to his men the very next moment, causing them to surround Rheksas in something akin to a shield wall. The majority of them had shields, yes, but they were of the medium variety and meant to supplement spears or swords as an efficient and time-tested combo. Still, it worked for what they had in mind, encapsulating the mercenary and his quarry in a moving unit of armor. “Hey now,” Rheksas called out to the archer in the trees, not knowing for sure where she was, “that was very rude of you! I dislike rude people!” Wanting to confront his attacker, he pushed past some of the men but dared not venture too far should another arrow be forthcoming.

VampyrVixen: She grunted slightly, seeing that she may have underestimated the strength of his armor. She ponders a moment, analyzing any weak points in his armor. She knew getting up close would end in her own demise, even if it may be the only thing she could do. She decided to take out the men around him first; challenging the man one on one was not her forte, but it'd be the only way to get past him without the use of magic. "I promise I'm coming Crystal..." she utters almost in audibly. She knew she had to move for the next shot or she'd draw them right to her. Glady, even with the branches being slim, she finds herself some adequate footing upon a slightly high branch. Under her hood, her ears perk up at the speech of this man. Her ears would narrow. She dared not speak back, she wasn't going to give away her location so easily. Getting ready for the next shot, she lines it up. "I have to make this one count... unless..." She had an idea. Making them think there was more than one of her. Oh, the deception. She takes out four arrows, lining them up. Shooting four at once kills her accuracy, but all she needs is a good illusion.

Rheksas: Much to the centuari’s dismay, Rheksas immediately took control of the situation, shifting from the cocky mercenary to the astute commander in a matter of moments. Four arrows now came their way in what seemed a fan-formation, prompting Rheksas to step back into the shield wall and let the men shore up their defenses. These arrows did little more than spook the unit, one of them hitting the ground whilst two struck shields. An unfortunate fourth skidded off a soldier’s helmet, causing him to yelp with distress. “Enough!” shouted Rheksas, his face a mask of annoyance. That expression he squelched as soon as it came, knowing he had to put on a brave front. “We retreat,” he said, just loud enough for only them to hear, his mouth spreading into a placid, easygoing smile. “The rebellion wants to lure us into a trap. Who knows how many archers they have in those trees?” With a wave of his hand, the unit began withdrawing from the scene as one, maintaining their shield wall so as to cover themselves from every angle. Safely encapsulated in their bulwark along with the captive, he spared glances over his shoulder, wondering what their attackers might make of this. He’d seen this too much in Etovia – had done it too much, himself; it was a simple matter to lure soldiers on the ground into an ambush coming from on high, or even from the water. They’d be at every disadvantage, but this wasn’t a typical fight: he had no goal other than to extricate Crystal.

VampyrVixen: Zenra's plan did what it needed to but at this point, it was chance. She hoped they would've left Crystal be, but that was slim and they drew her further away from Zenra. She stroked a white thread of hair falling out of her tight braid. What was there to do? Move on foot and hope for the best? Hmmm... it could play up the fact there was more to their rebellion than just archers in the trees. She pulled the strung bow back around her before slowly sliding down the tree with a small thump. Crushing leaves below her, hoping the soldiers did not hear. She sighed, moving on the side. She scanned for a clear shot, or shots, as she drew two daggers from her back, aiming for the foot soldiers' opening in their armor. Quickly, she left that spot, maybe making more noise than she would like. Her heart raced, she couldn't allow herself to be seen, but she was so close to edge she felt her hooded and masked face could be seen anyways. Exhaustion was hitting her as well, she didn't know how long she would last.

Rheksas: “Oswald!” cried one of the soldiers, catching his compatriot as a dagger flew into his thigh. With his mail skirt and tough leathers, it was little more than a flesh wound, but the man would have gone down all the same if not for his fellows catching him. A second dagger accompanied it, but did little more than scratch his tassets and would likely bruise later. Rheksas rushed to the back of the formation, having seen a dark figure flit out into the night. “Only one?” he whispered to himself, his deranged smile widening. “Pull him up. We keep going,” he said, and their march seemed to get faster despite Oswald’s limp. “Let them come again,” he told the men. “I’ll fish them out next time, but we must distance ourselves from those archers at all costs. I’ll not have us become pincushions for our hubris at fighting men on the ground. Not with those trees looming in the distance.” As a unit, they picked up the pace.

VampyrVixen: She was exhausted and tired of these games, even if they were working. It was clear they still thought there were archers near, why not pin them into moving closer to these so called "archers." Whether it was a good plan of action or not, she stepped out, tossing a dagger in the air and calmly catching it by its handle. Her curvy physique waltzed out, blocking their path. Her body was clad in black leather, not showing one bit of her grey skin; she looked like a shadow in the sunlight. Though, telling by how the torso leather is formed, they could likely see she is clearly a female if her hips didn't say it first. Her hood remained up, as well as her face mask. "I believe you have something that.." She chose her words carefully. "Something that WE need." She refers to Crystal standing there. Her voice was more demanding than its usually soft purr. "What say you, Soldier? My men will not wait long." She can only hope now that her illusions and deceptions stay together.

Rheksas: Someone was about to say something when a peal of loud, boisterous laughter rolled over the group and Rheksas stepped forth, sword in both hands. He held it at a low angle; the Fool’s guard, for it was so deceptive in its usefulness that the untrained eye would see it a foolish stance. Rheksas spared a glance at one particular bit of script lighting up on his blade, bright blue. “Oh, what have we here?” he said more to himself than anyone, tapping a finger to the glyphs and sliding his finger down the flat. “Looks like my sword has a grudge for you! You must be Zenra,” he greeted with a wide rictus grin, his teeth crooked but impeccably white. She could tell he was used to smiling, the lines curling up around his scarred mouth. The smallish woman certainly fit the empress’ description well enough, so much so that the Sword of Grudges could tell her apart. He didn’t know of any other undead said to be shacking up with the Rebellion. “You’ve been busy tonight, haven’t you? But something about all this doesn’t sit right with me. Bring out your men and we’ll have a good ol’ fashioned brawl. Bring the blood up! That’s what I came here for tonight!”

VampyrVixen: Zenra couldn't help but snarl in the direction of the man. Was she really that rememberable trying to fight for her child? Trying to pull her away from the men so desperately trying to take her? Or the fact that she only ruled within the county of Rig'Mortis? Who knew at this point? Either way, she needed to keep her head cool and keep her body from giving out in simple tiredness. Her body shifted to have her hand rest effortlessly on her hip. Think Zenra, think. "My, my... Someone's done some history reading. Interesting." She sounds less demanding and more comfortable, her voice is back to its enticing purr. She struts herself a bit closer, a hand up to show she had no blade in her hand. "My men have nothing to do with you, your quarrel is clearly with me, sir. Let's leave it at that." She quickly draws dual daggers.

Rheksas: The Fool’s guard shifted into a back right stance, his feet planting themselves perpendicular - it was something he seemed to favor when the height difference was noticeable. “The empress has ordered your capture. I’m afraid you’re to come with me,” he began, his body settling in as his arms tensed and his core flexed. “And you don’t want to do this, Zenra. Surrender to us and both you and your friend will go unharmed. Fight me, and…,” he let those words linger in the air, a man behind him drawing a blade on Crystal. “I’ll have her killed and then have you beaten to within an inch of your life. Or unlife, as it were. Sure, I’ll take a dock in pay for slaying this wench but you already fetch a higher price.”

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal was watching from behind the soldiers, only being able to see the tops of the trees. She had no idea who was attacking them until she heard the voice of her friend. She smiled and started to move closer so maybe she could see better.- "Zenra?!" -She called out, but then was yanked back by one soldier, a blade to her throat. She tensed as she felt the cold steel against her skin; there was nothing she could do unless she wanted to bleed over the ground.-

VampyrVixen: She gritted her teeth at the thought of this, but thinking it over, she knew she was outnumbered. She knew Crystal, or even herself, could perish. She replaced her blades within her holders as she thought of every possible outcome. Why did they even take Crystal in the first place? Was there more to it then even she knew? She also knew she was alone, even if they didn't think so. "Well sir... I have a proposal then. It's clear your empress 'prefers' to have non-humans." Her tone was sarcastic. "She obviously has some reason for me to be there. But she shouldn't endure the same. Let her walk and I will put up no fight against. I will go by choice." She pointed down the road, repeating herself, "Allow her to step by her own and leave, and I will go to see your empress."

Rheksas: “What kind of fool offer is that? I’ve got you both right here,” he said, raising a skeptical brow while outright ignoring her sarcastic comment. If she meant to bait him in any way, she was barking up the wrong tree. “I could just take both of you. Besides, those aren’t the only weapons you have on your person. Plus, what’s to stop me from taking her back after I’ve brought you in? Do you really think she was that well-guarded to begin with? Seriously,’ he motioned with one hand, “just throw all your stuff on the ground and surrender. It’ll go much easier that way. Nobody has to hurt and I don’t have to risk disintegrating with this angry, angry sword of mine. Doesn’t that sound so much better?”

VampyrVixen: "Either way, your empress certainly hates my kind and will likely harm me in more ways than I could possibly imagine for simply being a drow. Must be fun." She shakes her head. "Whatever the case. I want your word that she will be safe. She has done nothing wrong." She knew the only reason Crystal had been taken was because she and Reaper had both been absent. She felt personally responsible, and it irked at her like an unsatisfied itch. "Can you do that much, Sir?" She softens herself for a moment; fighting would only bring destruction to them both and she knew that. She glanced upon Crystal for a mere second before meeting his gaze once more. One thing she recalled was her daughter, Lythia. She was taken there, would it be possible to reunite with her once again? The only positive emotion she felt was due to that hope. She would allow herself to sigh deeply, her mind made up. She throws her bow almost carelessly to the ground, the quiver following. Her daggers would fall from her hips. She would even drop her face mask. Her hood would remain up, but it was clear to anyone who knew why she would. "There."

Rheksas: Rheksas didn’t relax his guard, but with a wave of his hand, ordered some men to come and place bindings on Zenra. “Not too hard,” he reminded them, “she is a guest. We treat our guests with respect. Soon they’ll be the Empress’ guests.” If she cooperated, Zenra would only experience mild discomfort, but with her own personal entourage of men to accompany her at all times. The unit would split into halves, each guarding a separate prisoner with Rheksas situated square in the middle. If something went awry, he’d be in a position to intervene in a timely fashion. That was the idea, at least. “I promise you a safe journey, at least, Zenra. That much you can count on. I can’t exactly deliver you two all busted up and expect a satisfied customer, now can I?”

VampyrVixen: "I hope the empress is the same way with her." Her tone was solemn, and slightly defeated. She feels the bindings of rope on her wrists are not too tight, but scratchy and it was only a few seconds of having them on. "A safe journey, hm? I guess that's good to think about before the fact that I will likely be busted up after getting there." Her face twisted with distress. Sure, she could rescue her daughter, but now she thought of the nitty gritty. With a form such as hers, she could easily be marketed a pleasure slave to the highest buyer, or endlessly be tortured in the depths of the empress's dungeons. Either way, she would be used to such a feeling of both. She remembered her scars that lay upon her back and abdomen, markings of the man who turned her into a creature of the night. "I'll enjoy the ... 'freedom'... while it lasts."

Rheksas: Whatever her ideas of what this captive situation entailed, Rheksas was a remarkably fair man when it came to handling his quarry. It helped that the soldiers were scared out of their minds of him, too. “I can’t deliver you busted up,” he said after a while, pushing his way through Zenra’s her entourage to speak at her back. “But I don’t know and don’t rightly care what the empress has in store for you.” His smile was thin and serene, as though he hadn’t a care in the world. It was almost zen-like in its mirth, like nothing at all could shake him in that moment. But those eyes of his reflected an uncanny deadness, like a part of him had long checked out from the world in general. “I’ll treat you both with kindness, as far as I am able.”

VampyrVixen: Her silvery eyes burned hot with frustration, even if it didn't show on her face, it could easily be read in her posture. She felt defeated. Her worries only grew worse with every second that passed. Would I be kept in the darkest dungeons? Would I even be able to feed properly? Lythia... Where could she be? She's only six, the empress couldn't be that cruel to such a youngling, could she? She heard the man's voice ring, turning to him with a glare, whether it was intended or not. She caught the glimpse of death in his eyes, even without him walking that strange line that she does. "Of course... I wouldn't expect you to." She wanted to ask, but it was not her business to. Especially when it was clear he was simply being paid for this. Why was he even working for her? What was the purpose? Because she pays well? It's not all about coin and gold... She was once like that. Killing for any scrap she could get. It felt like another life entirely to her. She would close and purse her plump lips; she was silenced.

RP Log: To Capture A Crystal

Esylana: Alaihandra had been dead set when she'd told them they were leaving early in the morning. It was before dawn, as promised, and while the majority of their little group had been awake at the onset, it wasn't long before Zenra excused herself to sleep, as the sun rose, and Reaper had all but vanished. He'd promised being nearby, but one never knew with him. As it was, Alaihandra and Crystal spent the day talking and commenting on the scenery, even as they were unmolested on the road by soldiers. The night came, they made camp, Zenra briefly joined them, there was discussion of travel plans towards the Outlands, where they'd hopefully track down their own query, and then sleep until the next day, where travel was much the same. It was a bit of a pattern, before they finally reached the other side of the nation of Valanice, near the quiet woods known as the Shrinewood, an intersection into the far more wildlands of former Hakan. It had taken them two weeks, and now, the new year was slowly turning upon them, with the promise of spring sluggishly crawling its way in with warmer weather. The snow was turning to slush if the days were sunny, but a new snow cloud always helped winter maintain its hold. They'd made camp under the tall redwoods, and dinner had been eaten. The campfire was a small beacon in a world of darkness, brought on by the setting of the sun. Alaihandra, fascinated by the redwoods and the errant ruined shrines laying here and there led her to take an evening stroll on this particularly clear evening, and she invited Crystal to join her. Perhaps the buds of new herbs and plants would be found, and she could show Crystal the diversity of the land with its natural healing supplies.

CrystalOnyx: -It was interesting traveling around this land, though every place is different it's always sight to see the beauty of nature. Over the past two weeks Crystal had been healing her foot. The bruise was almost completely gone, though she could feel it ache some nights. She could walk faster now if it wasn't for slippery slush that plagued the ground. They had set up camping for the hundreth time, but Alaihandra invited her to take a stroll. Of course she accepted, spring was just around the corner and some plants had started to come back. With Alaihandra's knowledge she knew she could learn a ton more. She still wore the black boots and her dress was pulled up and tied to the side with a piece of string so she wouldn't get the bottom of her outfit dirty. It was still a bit chilly as she had wrapped a light cloak around her shoulders and began walking with the older woman.- "Do you think we're making progress?"

Rheksas: It didn’t take them long to come across their first roadblock, as it were. Not a fallen log or a stubborn rock but a man of all things, a man garbed in black armor and brandishing a longsword to match. He held it point first into the ground, both gauntleted hands resting over the pommel as the blade itself shone with countless hieroglyphs, lighting up his pale, scarred face. “A nice night for a stroll, isn’t it?” he greeted the pair once they’d come close enough for him to see. Whether or not they saw him was irrelevant, as they’d surely note his presence by then. “And you,” he said to Crystal, a wicked smile curving its way across his gaunt face, “your foot seems to be doing better these days. This is good. You’re going to need your feet in the very near future.” She ought to recall this ghoulish, smirking man as Rheksas. She should also recall the manner in which he brutally and skillfully executed an imperial spy just weeks before. What could he possibly be doing here of all places? And what could he want with them? His aura grew cold and stiff, his body tensing for some as of yet unseen circumstance.

Esylana: "I think so, though I was hoping we'd have come across her already-" she was answering Crystal when her attention was diverted to the man standing before them, and his stance, the tenseness in his posture, made her pause, resting a hand suddenly on Crystal's shoulder to also stop her. "...It is a nice night for a stroll, yes..." She frowned, noting the familiarity he seemed to greet Crystal with. "I'm sorry, sir, remind an old woman whose mind may be failing her - have we met before?" The night was still as bitter as winter, and a wind would briefly blow by, but if she shivered, it may or may not be from the cold. There was something wrong here. He had his sword drawn, and no one with good intentions was prepared for battle like this. These woods were not known to hold many dangers, if any at all.

CrystalOnyx: -She nodded the woman as she spoke, then a voice reached her ears. She stopped suddenly as Aliahandra placed her hand on Crystal's shoulder. Her blinked as she saw the man that had came to grove and killed an Empire scout. He seemed nice and kind at the moment, but as he stood with his sword unsheathed an uneasy feeling came over her. She let Alaihandra talk as she chewed on her cheek. What in hell was he doing out here?-

Rheksas: “We haven’t,” he answered the older woman of the two, his dead eyes immediately sizing her up where she stood. Those eyes were haunting in all the wrong ways, possessing the dull, listless qualities one would associate with belonging to a decapitated head. “But you seem like a nice, sensible lady so I won’t bother you for much of your time. Simply put: I’m here for the girl. Orders from on high,” he said, hoisting the sword from the ground and onto his armored shoulder. “Give her up and you walk away unscathed. Defy me and you might lose more than your old lady memory. Flee and you won’t get far, this I promise.”

Esylana: "Orders from on high, hm? Sounds like you mean the Empire, though I hope that isn't the case. I'm afraid she's my protege, and, something like a daughter to me." She removed her hand, stepping slightly forward between him and the girl. She hoped Crystal had the presence of mind to take this opportunity and run. Towards the camp, towards the others, towards help. She was an old woman, and she was willing to give up her life if need be to protect her loved ones, though she desperately hoped that wouldn't be the case. She could tell this wasn't another soldier. This man was trained differently, and perhaps a mercenary. He wouldn't be "easy" to delay, unlike the guard. And that was very unfortunate.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal tensed as she heard he was here for her. She watched as Alaihandra stepped in front of her. She took a few steps back, as her hand fiddled with the sleeve of her opposite arm. Should she run or stand her ground? If she stayed it would be easier for him to just take her, and then Alaihandra would act. If she ran maybe he would follow her and leave the old woman alone, then again Alaihandra could try and stop him from following her. It was hard to decided, but she soon turned and bolted back down the path. She ran as fast as she could back into the trees, maybe he would follow her.-

Rheksas: Rheksas dropped his hands low, angling the sword into a downward guard as he practically marched towards Alaihandra. “Move,” he commanded, with all the terrible force his voice could muster. He didn’t seem too concerned with Crystals’ flight, perhaps confident he could catch up, but in that moment his eyes were focused entirely on the old woman – eyes that all but promised destruction. She could see his body gearing up, his arms twisting slightly, his torso dipping, his legs tensing as he made his swift approach. At the last second, he turned his wrists and swiped at Alaihandra, using the flat of his inscribed blade to try and bat her aside by the face. It wouldn’t be a deadly blow, but it packed enough power to put her out of his way and maybe break some teeth in the process. At worse, she might get cut but he was holding back enough to keep her intact. She wasn’t so much a threat as an obstacle, and no obstacle deserved something so grisly. Not yet, at least.

Esylana: If she were, perhaps, a younger woman, she might have been able to dodge his callous swipe that meant to momentarily disable and remove her from whatever confrontation was about to go down. But she was not as spry as she used to be, and so his attempt to bat her aside is rather effective, sending her stumbling to one knee as she reached up to touch her face. It would definitely be sore and bruised, a black eye would likely form from it, and as she pulled her hand away, she saw that she had received the smallest of cuts, in fact. She struggled to her feet, the cold and her achy joints slowing her down, but she called out, "Zenra! Reaper, someone, anyone, help!" She prayed someone would hear her, but somewhere in the pit of her stomach, she had a nasty feeling that help would not be forthcoming in time. He was moving fast, and Crystal? Well, maybe she'd manage to reach the camp in time...

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal used all her speed as she had no idea what had happened to Alaihandra. She felt terrible for leaving her, but it seemed like the best option. She had gotten back to the camp, but no one seemed to be there. The fire was still going as she huffed, leaning on her knees with her hands.- "Zenra? Reaper?" -She called out, soon walking over to the wagon and looking inside. As she was inside she grabbed a cutting knife from one of the drawers. She climbed back out onto the ground, thinking if she should hide or keep running.-

Rheksas: Upon knocking the old woman aside, Rheksas charged past her without a second thought and just kept going. She’d be hurt but he was confident she would recover; she seemed like a resilient woman, what with how she so readily stood up to him. A part of him admired her for that, as courage like that was in short supply these days. It wasn’t long before he made it to the camp, having scouted it ahead of time so that he might cut her off when she isolated herself from the others. It wasn’t ideal for him to confront Crystal along with Alaihandra but he saw his chance then and decided he had to take it. “Come out, girl,” he hollered, drumming his sword against tents, probing for her. “Come out and we can settle this peacefully. Your friend is fine and you will be too if you only cooperate!”

Esylana: Alaihandra was making her way back to camp with as much haste as she could, but she honestly didn't know what she could do to help Crystal. She had no experience with weapons. She knew magic, or had, back when she'd been a part of the Magi. Now, she was nothing but a healer, her time spent reading and studying in the library having helped her adjust to her new life in Rembrant. She now wished she'd taken the extra time to study up on monk combat, or perhaps how to handle a staff for things other than channeling powerful elemental spells from the Otherplanes into the mortal realms. She paused at the edge of camp, seeing Rheksas looking around and hearing him call for Crystal, but she didn't approach him, nay, she stayed back. Her eyes were scanning for Crystal, who may be hiding nearby. Perhaps they could escape into the wood together...

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal hid on the side of the wagon near the back wheel. She held the knife in her hands as she heard him come into the camp. She breathed out softly as she heard him calling out. Her mind was racing as she leaned her back against the wagon. She brushed from hair from her face as it stuck to her forehead from the sweat she had worked up from running. Her ankle was sore, but not enough to make her think about it long.-

Rheksas: Growing impatient, Rheksas made his way to the horse. The beast was mildly panicked as he drew near, but Rheksas proved the quicker. Hamstrung by the wagon, it could only stumble in the darkness as he raised his sword up above his head and assailed the poor creature with a mighty downward stroke. His blade sliced cleanly through its neck, issuing a great torrent of blood as the creature fell in a broken heap, bleeding its very life into the soil. Thus covered in a sheen of blood, he plucked a hunk of wood from the campfire and held it to the nearest tent, lighting it ablaze. This he did to the remainder of them, shouting for Crystal to reveal herself the whole time. “It doesn’t have to end like this, girl! I’ve got a lot more killing in me yet! But you can put a stop to it! Just show yourself!”

Esylana: Alaihandra was horrified. The horse had fallen with only the shrillest of terrified winnies before its death. Zenra and Reaper were no where nearby, they must be off hunting together, or exploring the wood - she couldn't possibly blame them, she and Crystal had done the same. But now it was ending in tragedy for them, and Alaihandra did not know what to do. She looked at the wagon, if he set it on fire, they'd lose everything. They'd be diminished to nothing, bereft and left with only the clothes on their back, and the knowledge in their head. Crystal...she would be killed if she went with this man. But this man was killing them all, slowly, one way or another.

CrystalOnyx: -Crystal froze as she heard the teriffied animal and felt as it hit the ground. She could see the lifeless body from where she stood, the blood puddling and peeking into the slushy covered ground. She gulped and let out a sad sigh as she placed the knife into the side of her boot. She moved out from behind the wagon as she blinked away tears.- "Just stop. . Take me to the Empire. ." -She glared over to the man, seeing a figure off in the distance. Maybe it was Alaihandra, hopefully she was alright.-

Rheksas: Rheksas turned to face Crystal and his sunken features lit up. His smile stretched from ear to ear, his eyes bright with sadistic glee. There was no hint of anger or remorse or anything remotely negative; he appeared genuinely happy to see her. Not only that, but there was a bounce in his step as he approached in a few long strides, his guard lowered as his sword pointed down and away. “There you are!” he laughed, stopping a few paces in front of her. “C’mon now, we’ve a journey ahead us. The empire wants you alive! The empress herself told me so.”

Esylana: The Empress? Alaihandra didn't like the sound of that. Alive for now, but in cases like this, alive could be worse than a swift death. Alaihandra, however, had watched as Crystal had surrendered herself, and not being in any posistion, realistically, to stop him, she retreated into the forest. Her heart broke as she knew that this was the best option for now - perhaps they could come and try to free Crystal later. Zenra was resourceful, she knew she could help them recover - and recover they must. This man had just dealt them a serious blow. They wouldn't be going anywhere until they found themselves another horse. And they would have to restock some supplies, whatever was in the tents would be ashes by morning.

CrystalOnyx: -She tensed as he neared her, wiping her eyes with her sleeve as she now stared up at him.- "Fine, as long as you leave the others alone. ." -How long a trip would it be? If they camped, maybe she could slip away or even stab him in the night as he slept. He was probably to keen for that, but she had the knife just in case. The wind blew on her legs that were exposed from her tied up dress, pulling the cloak around her more. She took one last look at the campsite; the burned tents and the dead horse. It wasn't anything new to her, she had seen worse things in her time of being a slave.-

Rheksas: “I will, so long as they leave me alone,” he answered truthfully. Rheksas wasn’t much of a fibber. It’s not that he couldn’t tell a lie, but rather he seldom saw a need for it. The only deceptions he pulled were in matters of war, where a good ruse could spell the difference between victory and defeat. “You’ll come with me,” he said, and began walking off into the night, fully expecting her to follow. “And I’ll pass you off to the empire at a designated place.” This much was true: he had set up a meeting spot for him to deposit the prisoners. What he neglected to tell her, however, was how he had every intention of rooting her friends out and capturing them as well. But that little tidbit needn’t be passed through her ears, he thought. No need to ruin a good thing.