Esylana: It was almost over-powering the way the roses in Espanino would bloom, their perfume overpowering the senses to an almost suffocating degree. That was exactly how it was in the heart of The Rose Pavilion, centered in the palace that sat along the coast, overlooking the dazzling merchant city of Cyranos. There were guards lining the outside of the garden, standing at attention and looking quite proper in their uniforms. Servants also stood nearby, ready to serve their Empress at a moment's notice. Well, almost all of them stood. One poor lass was kneeling before the Empress, tense for a few moments, before going limp again, even though she maintained an upright position. As for the Empress herself, they would see her sitting, no, kneeling? Her head bowed, though her eyes were opened, focused entirely on the servant before her. There is a whirlwind of slowly revolving rose petals and leaves around her, moving slowly in a circle that moved clockwise, then counter-clockwise, then clockwise again. If one were to draw closer to this strange scene, they'd notice the scent of roses immediately fading away. The air would also feel far...thinner. And perhaps one might even notice, then, that the poor servant who held the Empress' attention would be gasping for breath in brief spurts, before going red, and sometimes blue, her breath suddenly completely constricted from her throat. The Empress looked so serene, so beautiful, so calm. So -focused-. For those who knew what was happening, it would be quite clear. She was gathering her power unto herself and connecting with an Element on a primal level.

Rakarth: *Hastened journey was one word to describe Lord Castellan's insistence in sending word of his arrival to the Capitol of the Empire, Cyranos. It was a merchant city that brought in quite the income for the Empire and shrieked royalty, although most who lived there (and any who had common sense) would be aware that the streets that most believed to be paved in gold are nothing but dirty, dark and full of deprivation. Lorian himself was quiet for the most part of his journy, most of it was spent in his personal tent when camp was made and jotting down ideas in his journal for future referance but anything of major value was kept in the safest place of all..His own mind. It wasn't hard for word to be passed around when not only did the flags of House Castellan and Valanice were held high but also that of the notorious 13th, most zealots of the Empire would be so joyus of this occasion. Going through the streets it would be clear that the Crimson tide had a different side to him, greeting those below him as he rode on horseback and chestnut locks bounced gently along with the horse. Right hand raised as he softly waved at everyone and a warm smile was there to accompany this rather happy greeting before he finally reached his destination, the Palace. Draxis would most likely come with him, that much was obvious but Lorian always had a soft spot for the Empress despite her position of power over him..Something about her was perfect, a safe constant in the ever changing world of madness that they controlled..Power suited her but it had been sometime since they last spoke properly. It wasn't long before a squire came into the Gardens announcing without being aware of the situation occuring* "Your Highness..Presenting Lord Lorian Castellan of Valanice and Commander Draxis of te 13th." *He'd note the clear show of power that his Empress was showing but didn't remove the smile on his face, if anything beamed brighter as he'd lower his head respectfully.*

MrMurasaki: The Rage had still been lingering within Draxis, despite the quick debrief to Castallan Draxis uttered not a word, even the 13th were silent when normally their battle cries of "Hoo-Ra Ha-Roo" would trumpet the arrival of Draxis symbolic of his battle cry in the Arena Pit where he often thought back to to give him power but not this time, he just had pure rage dwelling within. the silence was almost maddening to all but the 13th who always remained silent except to bellow his battle cry. They arrived at the Gardens and dismounted Draxis at the side of Lorian, not too far behind him to assert an equal authority followed his lead to the Empress all the while the 13th following close but at a distance behind them their as well as Draxis Elementium armour claked and trodded on the stone walk way of the guardens, their flags violently flapping in the wind adding a snapping sound to their march. They followed their commander in to the inner part of the rose garden passed the royal guards, as the walked into the inner circle pf the Garden where his Majesty awaited their debrief. Draxis had his hand resting on the pommel of the sacred elvish blade at his side and his other hand he raised into the air at his side. He clneched his fist, opened it and then extended his arm out right before returning it to his side. The 13th knew every command of their champion and at this notion in a cohesive unit they marched in a circular fashion surrounding the inner circle of the garden sealing off all exits now, as they got into place they raised their knee and slammed down their foot bringing out their various weapons in a defensive state to form a secured impervious circle guard. As they drew their weapons, before they took on the dead like still of a statue they let out a loud echoing "Ra!" Draxis and Lorian approached the Empress the failure wracking his mind and burning his Drow cursed eyes. As He Stood before the empress Lorian at his side he awaited her welcome and Lorians debrief before he would tell her the news of the Sky Fleet. As much as he listened to every word of his Empress and of Lorian a man he had come to very much respect especially for his brutality in Darshire all he could focus on was The return of the Sky Fleet and the Execution he has formulating in the calculating, maniacle and devious Drow influenced mind of his. He stood at attention his own Imperial flag snapping in the wind his hand still rested on the pommel of his blade. With a bow of his head and upper body to her he would speak in his deep tone, free from the Rage fueling him. "My Empress, we have returned with Dire news..."

Esylana: She maintained her intent stare at the poor serving girl before her, and the serving girl would go tense again as the air seemed to vanish around her. She wasn't clutching at her throat, she was clutching at her chest, where her lungs would be, as if she couldn't pull in the air. She turned red...then pale...and then blue...her eyes rolled back into her head...and suddenly she collapsed in a heap. The Empress blinked, but the serving girl did not move, even as the swirling rose petals finally wafted to the ground and the air grew more...breatheable. Fuller. The scent of roses would slip in again, slowly, but still not as strong as in the rest of the garden, the Empress sighing softly with a click of her tongue. "Hm. That was disappointing." She snapped her fingers, and a pair of stewards came over to drag the dead girl away, before she turned and merely gazed at the two who had been announced into her presence. She did not rise from her kneeling position, which...might be awkward, especially as they were still standing - but somehow, she still maintained a cold aura of superiority. Whether she'd gotten the raven with the note or not, she didn't seem inclined to enlighten them on, she merely waited for them to give her their reports. "Go on."

Rakarth: *Sapphire orbs kept upon the display as a smirk tugged at his lips, the display was something he was fond of not of the servants clear pain but knowing that the Empress was constantly tapping into her ability to shift and mold the very air they breathed to her will..Supremacy at it's finest. Lorian kept a respectful posture while his head was softly inclined to bring his gaze to the floor as she finally spoke, the left gloved hand of the Castellan resting in the other behind his back before the soft, respectful voice escaped his lips* "Darshire was found to be a liability to Valanice, it's been dealt with and i've acquired Esylana's associate. Woman by the name of Alaihandra, she's secure in a personal cell. I'd like to suggest we add her name to the list upon the pamflets to increase the pressure that we've been placing upon her." *He stopped for a split second as he'd lift his gaze to meet her own* "Furthermore I believe we need to discuss plans on what to do if she doesn't turn herself in within the following week, the Leylines require to be fortified if we're to stop her progressing. As for the reason of my arrival i'd like to explain that once the Commander has done his report." *With that Lorian silenced himself, calm composure yet his stance shrieked pride and power whilst his gaze kept upon her. Soft gazes to his surroundings were clear as if he was expecting someone else but most of his attention was upon her majesty.*

MrMurasaki: The Champion stood there and awaited his turn to speak, the cold wind kissed his face and caused his mane to float around him. The words of Lorian fell silent as his anger still fueled him, his fog of hatred was severed when Lorians final word left his lips. Draxis stepped forward the clanking of his armour emphasized the firmness of his advance, he knelt before the Empress and spoke in his low toned gutteral voice. "While we secured a valuable asset your Majesty, we lost who I believe to be her companions. One of them to be a Druid, one who whispers have lead me to believe to be the once Arch Druid who lived with the filthy Dwarves. His presence in the Grove concerned me and then..." With a heavy sigh he sttod to his feet once again towering over his Empress. "As I was in persuit of the Wagon and the traitors, the horns were blarred and I witnessed your Majesty..." He hung his head and gripped his forehead in his failure hoping his Empress would forgive her Champion, her Wrecking Bull of the North Gate. "The Sky Fleet has returned and their Capitol Ship secured the wagon and flew it out of my grasp and was lost into the Storm that followed." His head remain hung, his failure looming over him. "Forgive my failure oh Excellency. I was so close, the Wagon was in my grasp." he clenched his fist, the ornately decorated plate fingertips scraping together. "If I only had the Magick as you do Most Excellent one. I could have crushed their throats!" He bellowed out in anger his hand violently shaking and scraping in his rage.

Esylana: Her eyes locked onto Draxis, she was momentarily completely ignoring the...well, why be coy about it? Completely arrogant snob of a boy who was lucky she didn't just denounce him of his council position then and there...but...her husband seemed fond of the young lord, so why send him into yet another of his fits. They were tiresome to deal with. "The Sky Fleet...you mean those pitiful airships the Advantese of ancient days cobbled together and barely managed to keep in the air?" A smile spread across her lips, beautiful and yet, terrible. She wasn't pleased by this news, as flippant as she might sound about it. She rose to her feet in one fluid move, the air suddenly returning to a dreadfully full stench of roses and flowers. She'd released her hold on the void of Dark Air. "I suppose we finally have a use for our specialized pegasai unit." She crossed over to a rose and picked it, examining it as she continued, "Do we have an assessment of how strong this 'Sky Fleet' is?"

Rakarth: *Shouting began to shatter the once peaceful and serene place in which the Empress stood, Lorian wouldn't break his demeanor but a clear look of irritation began to creep up over his face as a sharp glance was offerend to the Commander, did he really just break down with such hate for a failure that not even he could of predicted? Interesting..But beside that the Lord still kept silent, keeping his gaze upon the Empress as she and Draxis spoke.*

MrMurasaki: " Your excellency, there were but three. Reinforced, they were nothing compared to our great Navy. though their size is most vexing, they will take serious firepower M'Lady I assure you." He put his arm to his waist and bowed before her. "Just as I crumbled the Dwarves at the North Gate, so too will we swat them now out of the sky. their insults will not got un punished your Excellency I assure you. Unleash whatever forces we can spare, I and the 13th Legion will always serve your every desire." Adressing her he stepped back to stand beside Lorian, in closing he looked to his Empress. His deep voice carrying to her "I request somethign of you my Empress, to show these rebels not to step in the way of this regime. I wish to return to my sacred pit, the Arena in which you plucked me. I have spectacle in mind that will appease one of your favoured Drow slaves and this new, resistant disgusting Rogue of an indiserable. " He spat at the emphasis to the disgust he had not only for Drow but Rogues, both big scars in his past. "I wish to show them, as long as they stand in our way no one is safe... Not even the children of their home village." He clenched his gauntlet and let out a blood curdling cackle, as he did the 13th surrounding them let out low gutteral rumbles in their throats booming their voice through the garden, pounding them into the stone and ground underneath them. He raised his open hand and clenched his fist causing them to be silent, after his cackle. He bowed his head to her his hair flowing downwards and the hand that did not grip his blades pommel was it the opposite side of his chest.

Esylana: Carrying the rose as if it were a precious and tender thing, for surely it was - fragile in its blooming state, she approached Draxis and took the moment to gently push his cascading hair back and place the rose within his lockes, securing it there. "You have my blessing, my faithful Champion. Go forth and bring glory to the Emperor and myself." She stepped back, looking simply benevolent - her almost-too-foward gift a beautiful gesture of her approval and pleasure with her Champion. She was not worried about the fleet, they would be dealt with. And his spectacle gave her something to look forward to. She enjoyed the Arena, after all. She then deigned to glance in Lorian's direction, an eyebrow raised. As if waiting for him to speak, now.

Rakarth: *Lorian caught her gaze and his gaze upon her had never wavered, speaking shortly after he found her orbs upon him.* "My Empress I have a theory..With each leyline that is restored the Void crystal becomes weaker but the links remaining become stronger, I believe if we gather the strongest mages in the Empire we could use those links to find her or atleast get a more reading on where she is." *He'd state using his left hand to emphasis his words.* "If this doesn't work then I believe all we have to do is reinforce the remaining leylines as best we can and assure that it's impossible to enter it without us being informed..As for the pegasai unit i'd very much recomend on calling them back, if they haven't already arrived." *The soft smile Lorian carried was still upon his lips as he spoke* "They'll be useful in hunting her down." *Orbs of blue darted to Draxis for a moment, abrupt silence came from Lorian and after a few lingering moments of quiet pondering Lorian then added* "That's all I have to report my Empress."

MrMurasaki: The large Bull of a man chuckled at Lorians words, we placed his ornate plate gunatlet on the mans shoulder patting it with assertion but not force. A more playful gesture than threatening. "Lorian, my most favored War General. In this brief time and experience of your work I have come to grow a tremendous respect for you. Your attentiveness and your cruelty is one" he raised the hand that normally rested on his pommel to his heart as the one who patted him rested on Lorians sunken down shoulder of Draxis weight, not so much the armour for it was Elementium but the bulk of the physique of the Champion of the 13th Legion, some would say the Dreadnaught of the Empire. A cheerful harmony met his normal deep gutteral tone, he had a smirk so wide it seemed to crack his weathered and scared face. He spoke to the both of them although his eyes were looking down to Lorian, he would then speak in such a joy of revelation on the secret the Empire kept so deeply from even those in Valance. "Lorian, I do extend to you a personal invitation of mine. To be at the side of the Empress, guarded by the longest survivors of the 13th Legion as you witness this spectacle. It will show this world that no one can stand to the combined might of the Empire and the Red Tide!" He removed his hand from his heart and waved it respectively at Lord Castellan. "As for your desire to find Mages goes, you can spend what desire and resources you wish in finding the scattered hermits but I assure you it is all for naught. For in our iron grasp we have sealed in the darkest reaches of our fortifications the Arch BattleMage of Khaz'Aurus, the beloved Beacon of the FirstBorn Dwarves. The Mirror wasn't the only thing I reclaimed at the fall of the North Gate Lorian, I also reclaimed their first created. He has been supplying the Empire with Elementium Weapons, Armour, fortifications and machines of War. His final works will be unveilied on the morrow at the execution. Which I insist you attend. The Arena changes people. "

Esylana: She merely nodded to Lorian. "Well, come. We shall attend to the Void Crystal, and see what we can see." She turned and started to lead the way, not even glancing over her shoulder to see if he was following. She drifted with simple ease across the garden, the guards and servants standing at attention as she went. She knew Lorian would follow, and she fully expected him to keep up with her.

Rakarth: *Draxis spoke to Lorian as his gaze shifted from the Empress, his orbs falling upon him as that smile kept upon his face* "Thank you Commander." *It was simple and short as he'd reply but as the hand came down on his shoulder a clear twitch was apparent, buckling of his shoulder as the weight of this man regardless of what it was coming from was indeed enough to make him slouch slightly. The right gloved hand shifted to push against his hand* "I'll accept your invitation Commander.." *Before something changed, soft voice being corrupted into a sharp dagger* "But please don't lay your hands on me without permission." *The Empress proceeded to answer and gracefully began to leave in which Lorian offered a simple nod to Draxis before proceeding with silence beside the Empress. Chest out and hands behind his back, Lorian didn't only walk like a King but acted like one..Looking down on servants and guards as he shifted past them, his mind once again at work.*

MrMurasaki: Nodding his head to them as they departed Draxis would then turn on his heel and walk towards the opposite entrance. The hand that did not rest on his pommel was raised in the air beside his head. He opened his fist then clenched it before he would bring his elbow to his side with seertive force and pushed his fist forward. In response his 13th would bellow out. "Roo! Ha! Ruh!" As their Champion passed through the garden arch way, they would in threes exit through the arch way behind him the ones who did not move stood in place. They moved in a robotic, hive mind mentality. Perfectly and seamlessly marching towards the Garden archway and then through the arch way following the 3 wide column of the Centauri behind their Brazen Bull, their Champion."

Esylana: She led him down the corridor, a line of pillars partially obscuring line of sight to a garden that didn't need to be seen to make its presence known, only smelled. She stopped before what appeared to be a blank wall, and reached out a hand, waiting for him to take ahold of it, before pressing into the wall and vanishing into the other side, him going with her. She would immediately release his hand and lead the way up a spiraling set of stairs - the scent of roses was entirely gone. The scent of the sea that would've replaced it was also vacant. The wall behind him was solid, there was no door back out the way they'd just come through, and as she ascended, he'd notice a chill in the air, as if they were high in some distant mountain somewhere. They certainly weren't in the Palace at Cyranos, anymore. Before them would stand the child-sized, though still impressive, Void Crystal, its hues sparkling softly in the light. Birds could be seen out the window, swirling in and around on the frigid breeze, and she'd turn to Lorian, now, tilting her head slowly. He would only have been here once before - the moment when he'd been allowed to attune to the Crystal. It was not as bright as before, but the darkness was still in it. It looked duller, its sheen slowly dissipating, and small cracks had appeared across its surface. The Empress looked livid as she examined it a moment, then sighed, turning back to Lorian. "Now then. You had some plans? You brought in Alaihandra, you said. But still no word on our errant little bitch?" She spoke coldly, impatiently. She was quickly tiring of pleasantries.

Rakarth: *Lorian noted the sweet scent that surrounded him as a genuine smile kept upon his lips, somepoint in the journy he was simply following her whilst his eyes remained shut utilising his other senses before coming to a halt. The man noted the solid wall before her hand was offered to him, Lorian didn't hesitate as a leathery gloved hand grasped her own and he'd take a gentle gulp before they both phased through the wall. Upon the other side his Empress dropped the facade and pleasantries as Lorian's voice was cautious yet soft, caressing almost* "Vulgarity only suits you when you're enjoying it my Empress." *The man then paced gently toward the Void Crystal keeping quiet as he'd tilt his head.* "Magic as we both know is much more then simply bending the elements around us to our will, it requires understanding..One must understand how to utilise the element, what makes it our own..Then you form a connection and it's exactly that connection that I wish to utilise to our advantage." *His boots softly tapped against the floor beneath him as he circled the crystal* "I've got a theory that could not only track the insect that you so desire but even go as far as influence the thorn in our side from this..Very.." *Lorian took a moment to emphasise his point* "Spot.."

Esylana: She tilted her head briefly, gazing at him curiously. "Oh? Please, do explain, Lorian, as you seem to have a plan I had not thought of yet." As she spoke, she looked at her beloved Void Crystal, admiring its form, though severely upset at how damaged it was becoming. How she hated her, so much, with every inch of her being. She would strangle the girl with her bare hands if she could, or slap her, or slowly torture and watch the light fade from her eyes. And her thoughts might be transparent by the awful expression on her face - an expression that suddenly froze as there was an almost violent tremor that would send the both of them staggering. The Void Crystal suddenly lit up, as if it were getting a jolt of energy from somewhere, and there'd be a sharp cracking sound as another crack would appear, down its center. A wave of energy would burst outwards from it, hot and dark, as another leyline somewhere was tampered with and a source fixed, and Elleinad forgets herself in a scream of rage as she turns and walks to the window, glaring towards the south. "No...no, how -could- she? HOW!?"

Rakarth: "It's quite simple...I'm going to requir-" *Something interrupted him, the Void Crystal began to shudder as arcane energy began to ooze out and lash out against the ground around it, like a nest of vipers. Tremor then hit him like a horse and it's chariot going downhill at full speed, causing the man to grunt in frustration, losing his composure for once* "Wh-What?!" *Falling to one knee as he'd notice the Empress also had the same reaction: rushing toward the window and gazing out the South, in which he'd quickly jolt from his feet and throw himself to the wall next to it staring out...So that's what happens when a leyline is fixed; it was a lot more violent than he pictured it to be. He'd whisper to her, voice like a snake at her time of anger* "Empress, if you'd bring five mages to this tower room...I'll send her a message back..." *Lorian's scowl shifted into a sadistic smile, as he was dying to test this theory, but at no small level at all. It did dawn on him, though...the Leylines' completed magic would be more accessible not just to the enemies of the Empire, but to the Empire itself - perhaps the real reason she didn't want them to be complete was her feeling of supremacy whilst being able to wield the only thing capable of granting magic. Was she just a child with too much power, or was there something else?*

Esylana: Elleinad looked at him, and then took a deep breath. "I don't know what you have planned, but..." She closed her eyes a moment, then walked out of the room a moment, her feet shuffling down the steps, the whisper of her robe on stonework, before the sound disappears entirely. It isn't long before she returns, but with only a single mage in two - or he would assume she was a mage. She had blonde hair, much like the Empress, though it was slightly darker, perhaps a merry strawberry blond in hue, and her eyes were the color of freshly spilled blood. She had a smile on her face, a giggle on her lips, she was...something else. Something that wouldn't be expected to be in the company of the Empress, that much was certain. "I don't have five mages, I don't trust that many outside the Council and my own family to wield such power, Lorian. However, may I introduce one of my hand maidens. This is Asarial - a blood mage like yourself. Would she and I be able to help you in your plan?" The Empress must be desperate, if she is willing to relinquish any lead to someone other than, well, herself.

Rakarth: *Lorian watched her leave the room and the moments that she wasn't around the Castellan turned his gaze to the Void Crystal, how he was going to do this and furthermore how much could he push it? It didn't take long before she returned and his sapphire orbs fell upon the woman with her. Blood Mage? Competition...Is what she is...The Empress, herself, is also willing to sacrifice something in order to complete this? Desperation didn't suit her...But it suited him quite well. The soft breath of air to leave his lips were akin to a sigh* "You will both do but I don't wish to place you in harms way my Empress, if you wish to continue with this then I'd like you to take a step in front of the Void Crystal..Asarial, I'd like you to step on the opposite side of the Void Crystal, facing the Empress - keep your hands out." *The Lord then began a soft movement toward one of the walls, crimson coat being taken off his shoulders as he'd fold it neatly upon the floor and then removed his gloves as well, before finally unsheathing the Obsidian longsword known as "Mizu" - or to the Empress, "Blood Collector". Lorian then took a step toward the pair before speaking* "Aspect...Water...Water isn't simple." *The air began to thicken in a slow manner, but unlike the Empresses display of wind, his was different. The air began to moisturise as a thin fog started to creep into the room...Air becoming thicker as their clothing would begin to absorb the sudden increase in density of the liquid in the air, tapping into the Element at a primal level.* "You must be patient, like a lake...Steady, like a river...Adapt as quickly as the rain from above..." *As he'd go into the spiritual aspect of his Element, his mana being leaked forth to tap into the air around him* "And when the time is right...You then strike as rough as a waterfall...Destroy, as like a tsunami...When it is over, then you'll obtain what my Element is truly about...Control...For after you've devestated your opposition, all that remains is the vital source that is Water..." *The left hand of Lorian shifted to his belt as he'd take out a very well known object..A spherical dark crystal of Water, opaque in its blue color...It'd shimmer gently as his voice shifted into one of focus* "Water is the foundation of all living things...Blood is the resource which flows through us all...Control is the only thing that should be on your mind when utilising this...For one who controls the resource, the foundation...Controls life..." *The sapphire orbs which were well known for Lord Castellan were shifting gently in color, spots of crimson beginning to appear as he'd look at the pair* "If you're willing...I'll connect with you both, and we'll show the insect who is truly in control."

Esylana: The Empress looked calmly at Lorian, his little speech didn't seem to impress her one way or another, although the young magess at his side was clapping her hands in excitement. "Ooo, I'm -so- ready to do this." She didn't even need to be directed by the Empress to comply, the woman (was she a girl? It was hard to tell her age) was immediately where he had directed she ought to stand. The Empress also took her place, her lips pursed, hatred smouldering deep in her eyes. It was clear she only had one thing on her mind. Doing something about the Void Crystal, and about the woman who was unravelling everything. She nodded to Lorain, "Do continue, then. And may your plan work."

Rakarth: "Then let us begin." *Lorian placed the dark Water crystal on his belt for a moment in order to drag the Obsidian blade across his left hand, crimson becoming more clear as he'd take a moment to assure blood had been drawn. It'd trickle down the blade as he'd then grasp the dark Water crystal with it and shift over to Asarai, if allowed he'd drag the blade across her own left hand and then placed his left hand over the cut..Dripping down into her own crimson was his own, liquid mixing before he'd pace over and do the same to the Empress if allowed. Returning to his position the three would be in a triangle formation as he'd state softly* "What you're about to see will be the result of our power.." *He'd drop Mizu, allowing it to fall to the ground as he concentrated his mana for a moment more into the dark crystal in which the liquid not only on his hand would begin to rise but so would the other two participant, pain would dance up their arms as they could feel a sizable amount of their own blood being forced from their bodies and up to connect with one another and make a point like a pyramid. The dense water around them then slithered, sliding in and merging into the denser liquid to create a steady stream between host and point. The room began to fill with the scent of iron as its hue softly changed from a smokey grey to a murky crimson but the three would be clear to one another as Lorians pupil not only dialated but shifted and came out like a four point star. It didn't take long before the dark crystal itself was softly moved up his own stream to the point, using it as a amplification device between the three now as his voice once again rang out.* "Now..Control..Think of it.." *Like that the liquid would split off into tiny tendrils as it slithered closer to the Void Crystal, like a spider coming towards it's prey before it'd be inches from the tip..Upon connecting with it the speed shifted into a hastened consumption of the device like a virus spreading and infecting it but nothing would happen as of yet. Lorian then explained* "Connection..Leylines are connected to this crystal and in turn so is Esylana..She's a beacon of mana, thick vein that is just waiting to be connected..If this works..We'll be able to see her, track her every move and dependant on how successful this is even tamper with the very mana flowing through her..Causing excuciating pain..Perhaps even get into that pretty little mind..On my mark..Concentrate..Push your mana into it..Visualise it..The thick..Vein.." *He'd give them a moment before he himself took a deep breath* "Now.." *He'd then press his left palm toward the point in which a clear surge of arcane energy shifted through his stream, into the dark crystal and shot down into the Void Crystal that it had underneath it hopefully..Working alongside the other two, connecting to the girl.*

Esylana: The Void Crystal shuddered under their combined effort, before there was a painful backlash. The Crystal was not harmed by it (thank the gods, for Lorian's sake), but it would be a very painful experience as the three of them were thrown backwards. Asarial sat on the floor afterwards, shaking her head and trying to come to her senses, while Elleinad rose to her feet, rage on her face as she went to tear verbally, and perhaps physically, into this stupid council member who had no knowledge of magic - until she froze. A thought coming over her. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened them. She was calm. She was serene. Beautiful, powerful, and in charge. He was an idiot, so she believed. But she wouldn't let that go to waste. "Was that all you had in mind?" she asked him, looking at how he had reacted to such a dismal failure.

Rakarth: *Lorian was flung back by the Void Crystal. A loud thud came from his landing, alongside a hefty grunt as a soft growl escaped his lips. It didn't take long before the man shifted his gaze to the Empress, who was holding back a wrathful hurricane. But perhaps she had realised? It was clear that he didn't care for the failure at all, and that became apparent when his soft voice echoed out through the chamber* "Unfortunate..." *The entire thing a simple test to obtain a resource for a much more diabolical scheme. Lorian began to rise to his feet as the spherical dark Water crystal gently returned to him, gaze now falling upon the Empress as his voice made it all too clear that this wasn't for Esylana: so were his words.* "The target was never Esylana...Your majesty, she was merely the tool used to assure you placed your hatred into her. The real target was the last of the leyline locations, specifically the last one she requires in order..." *He'd cough softly as the entire thing was exhausting, to say the least, attempting to keep himself in his usual demeanor* "To destroy the crystal...If word spreads around that Esylana is beating us on her own, then others will attempt to do the same - an effect that we can't stop...But what we can do is attempt to utilise this situation in order to show that we've been in control all this time..." *The man keeping his orbs upon the royal for the moment, but assuring his ears were out for the hand maiden behind him.*

Esylana: "You have their locations. Let us get a map and we'll set up ambushes with our soldiers for her. Unless you think you have a better idea?" She walked over to a nearby table that was scattered with a variety of documents - including some ripped pages from some old book of some sort, it was hard to tell from where he would be standing, and brought over a map of Rembrant, along with a quill and ink. "I want her brought to me. She's done a lot of damage, and if I can't undo it by pulling the magic out of her and back into the Crystal..." She pauses, her eyes on the map. "Maybe there's a way to seal her before she becomes the Crystal, and then we not only have control again, we actually have a stronger Crystal to work with..." She was speaking her mind to him, perhaps she was starting to change her mind about him being a fool. Whatever the case, she clearly wasn't interested in confiding in anyone else, at the moment.

Rakarth: *Lorian grasped the pommel of Mizu, observing it for a moment as he brought the blade to eye level and then sheathed it cautiously. The Empress herself moved to obtain a map as Lorian joined her, looking over the map as he'd chuckle gently* "In order to destroy my opposition, I must be patient...I've done that, and now I've got all the ingredients to obliterate her and gift her to you, my Empress." *The man began to point out the leyline source locations; as he pointed to Barukin he'd state* "This one...It's in a labrynth underneath Mythos itself. Barukin will be where I go personally, I wish to take half of the pegasai knights...Until we depart for Barukin, though, I'll be asking Alaihandra everything regarding Esylana - she'll tell me the truth whether she likes it or not...If she doesn't cooperate in time, then I'll simply take control of the wretched fool. Either way, I'll be doing that anyway; once done I'll utilise her as bait for Esylana and proceed to take her, using the knights to slaughter anyone with her; They'll also make for a good distraction and quick escape. We'll leave soon, though, in order to set up a story to assure nobody suspects us or is aware of who we are...If this succeeds, I'll be able to bring her directly to you with no issues." *Lorian turned his gaze to his Empress now, awaiting approval or dismissal of the plan* "I can't stress enough on how quiet this operation must be, your majesty...Afterall, we can't rely on anyone else but ourselves."

Esylana: "Oh, you don't have to worry about me talking," she said coldly, looking over the map towards Barukin. She thoughtfully tapped it with her finger a moment, lips pursed, before she smirked. "Tell you what, Lorian. If you can manage this...if you can bring me this brat...then I think..." she paused, looking at him with a smile, eyes half-lidded in a very sultry way, "That you and I might have a very...-very-...good future ahead for us." She might be making allusions to something, but one thing was certain. She'd gone from cold to warm in an instant. It was almost a whiplash effect, but the way she was posturing herself, there was little doubt she might be hitting on him, if only a little. "In the meantime, I will be looking into how we can use her to our advantage once we have her." She brushes a speck (really, it's invisible) off her chest, and then places the map on the table, her eyes looking thoughtfully over her notes on magic, and studies on how it all interconnected and worked together.

Rakarth: *Lorian's gaze kept upon her as she postured herself, brow perking up as she'd state that his reward for this would be worth his while.* "I assure you...She's as good as mine. I'm not inclined to let her go any further, regardless of the cost. The Empire must show it's control and power...This is the perfect opportunity to display such." *He'd then glance down to her chest, softly coughing to regain control of his sight* "In the meantime I'd like to suggest we set up ambushes in the other leylines as well, perhaps even conjure up a plan to reduce one of them to rubble, or make it impossible to reach...If by some miracle she's capable of escaping the trap that I'm setting. All I ask from you, my Empress, for this...Is that you find me a mage with the aspect of Fire." *He'd give her a look as if expecting her to question it, but at the time it was clear his explanation of the matter would be to himself for the time being. He'd no longer slouch on the table, striding over to pick up his crimson overcoat as he'd look to the pair* "Your Majesty." *He'd place his right over to his left breast in a respectful bow, before inclining his head to Asarial* "My Lady. I'll depart...I must prepare the operation."