Ravenstorture

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic][i]Spyder slid her wet arms around Harlequin as he began to kiss her neck. She moaned and clutched at him, the blue patterns on her skin glowing softly. Harlequin noted this and stood her up, taking her out of the bath and leaning her against the bathroom cabinet. Then, turning out the lights, he returned to kissing her, running his hands over her body and staring, facinated, as she started to glow brightly in the blue lines of celticism crisscrossing her skin. He stood back and studied her skin. The tattoos glowed brightly but did not seem to spread light, as the skin between the swirls remained completely darkened, and if he held his hand close to her skin it still remained in shadow. She bgan to fade slightly, and he ran his hand down her body and between her legs. She gasped and the designs flared suddenly, showing through her body to the other side, makign it seem as if her body had momentarily dissapeared, leaving the lightlines. Experimenting, the Harlequin left her there a moment until the lines had faded. He then cast his mind back to when they were both alive, and selected a memory that was very strong in his mind - the day they lost their virginity to each other. He fed it into the black waters of their minds and pushed it from the shore, watching it skim out across the void and watching for a reaction. In the nanosecond it reached her she gasped and held herself, the patterns flaring so brightly this time she dissapeared completely, and the room was cast in complete black, leaving the burning spectre of a woman's body etched in white light, like a skin, holding itself and breathing heavily. Harlequin looked around him, and found that he could see nothing but her, and was floating in a void deeper than the imagination. Leaning forward carefully, he slapped her hard to bring the world back. Unfortunately, this only hightened her pleasure and the contrast between light and shadow deepened, taking Harlequin's mind with it. Thinking desperately, Harlequin concentrated on a stick of asparagus in his mind until she had calmed down and the room had reappeared. Walking to her, he held her tightly in his arms as she regained her breath.[/i] Harlequin: I think we may have found a way to get what we want with the Lightbearers.[/font][/color]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Stuff happens. It all started somewhere. If it's fate, then why discuss it, unless to bo able to sit back afterwards and look around thinking, "Right, where to next?", and if it's destiny, and we really are shaping our futures, and all our actions are carving futures, and also helping to carve other people's futures, then everything is going to be really, really complicated. Personally, I don't care. As I said before, stuff happens, and whether or not I cause it is irrelevant to me because I don't know about you, but I don't do something or not do something because it might cause a ripple in the black pool of circumstance that might eventually get larger and larger and dump me when I have my back turned. If the kettle is boiled, I make a cup of tea. If I want a cup of tea, I put the kettle on. If I want a kettle, I go and buy one without hesitation on pondering, "What if I burn myself one day?". Ha, what crap. I do not think on it because if I do, things like this come out. There are times in your life where you need to play it like a game of chess. But I was always careful and never believed in love, and now look what has happened... I kind of gave up after that. River theory: current takes you, rapids take planning, nothing to stop you from going forward, nothing to stop you thinking on this.[/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic][i]Spyder relaxed, took a deep breath and slid backwards, submerging her head in the steaming hot, lavender infused, bubbly bathwater and sighed, a stream of bubbles running from her nose. The hot water was bliss on her body, as she hadn't had a good shower since the raft expedition. Resurfacing, Harlequin passed her a champagne flute from his seated position on the rim of the bath. She sipped the elderberry water and moaned, the cold reacting with the hot to coat her insides and melt her outsides. This was the third bath she had had that hour - the first she had entered had turned black almost immediately with the filth of travel and battle. The second a murky brown, but she had scrubbed herslef clean in that. This bath remained crystal clear, making her happy with the feeling of being clean and human again. Except that she wasn't human. Harlequin smiled, as all her feelings of euphoria and cutis anserina flooded through her mind into his as if they were a lake with two inlets. Her sadness at her status also carried through, and he held her hand, dirtying it once more. She gasped and snatched her once pristine hand away, scrubbing it with a sponge as if he had the plague. Harlequin laughed. [/i] Harlequin: This bath is getting to you. I think you should get out before it consumes you completely... Spyder: I think it's your turn. Harlequin: You just want me to take my clothes off, don't you? Spyder: No, I want you to get in the ****ing bath. You smell really, really bad. Harlequin: That bathwater is going straight to your head. [i]Spyder drained the rest of her elderberry water and stood, the bubbles sliding down her tattooed body and into the rippling water. Harlequin sat back and admired her as he undressed himself. [/i] Spyder: One thing bad about hiding in a magnificent castle... Harlequin: And what would that be? Spyder: No one to do your laundry.[/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]OOC: Yeah, dump it all on me why don't you! [i]Alastuin swore silently and leapt to the side as the monstrous creature passed a violent and acrid wind and stretched, opening eyes slit with thick, horizontal pupils not unlike that of a donkey. His leathery skin scraped over itself as the troll stood and lumbered deeper into the cave to a freshwater spring, releiving itself and then taking a drink, in that order. Alastuin considered getting up and walking off that moment, but the malevolent gleam in Lacroix's eyes across the entrance kept her deep in the shrubbery.[/i] Troll: Fee, fi, fo, fum... what a load of dog's bollocks...[/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic][i]Alastuin took the offered hand from Lacroix and the three left the bar, full and refreshed. They headed north, uphill and out of the city, into quite farmland and gentle countryside. The castle loomed in the distance. Night had fallen but the moon had not yet risen, so the land was steeped in black. Human shadows lurked metres away, ignored by the party. Lacroix set a quick pace, holding Alastuin's arm to his side tightly. She clutched to it as if it were southern minnow caviar. Suddenly, the outer walls of the castle were within scouting distance, and they stopped beneath a tree to catch their breath. Only Alastuin had anything to catch.[/i] Lacroix: Main doors? Alastuin: Now wouldn't be a very good time to tell you that I have no idea what is going on, would it? [i]They stared up at the castle. Lights were ablaze, and it looked as if the armies were feasting inside. Raucous yelling and crazed music floated from the arched windows.[/i][/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Alastuin: I don't think that I will be going anywhere he isn't, so yeah... I guess I'm in. By the way, you do realise that because of these murders, I probably won't be allowed to leave the city... not that it should be a problem. Tyrael: Why is that? Alastuin: The guild of thieves will be suspected. I am a prominent member. Lacroix: You stupid, stupid woman. Alastuin: The reason I am a prominent member is because I am the only female member. Believe me, if I could remain covert, I would. If I could have my way, in fact, I would have nothing to do with that stupid bunch of blithering idiots that call themselves lockpickers, I've seen a pained bull making a quieter entry. And talk about - [i]Lacroix silenced her rant with his hand. She reddened and busied herself with the wine.[/i] Lacroix: As you said, it shouldn't be a problem. As for you, Sir Tyrael, we will be joining you.[/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Here's a question - why America? I know it's a little out of my American Hating Nature, but not all american people do this, or are like that, so why does America do this? Probably a good time to mention that only something like 34% of the country actually voted for George.[/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Two inches yesterday, another inch today. Wouldn't be surprised if we got a bit more tomorrow. Looks like you just have to be patient. I could go on all night about the dangers of prophecies - but we don't live in Westland, Midlands or D'Hara, so I won't. Pity it's all going out to the sea...[/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Well, that seems to have pretty much shot that one out of the air.... All I can say for myself is that as long as I have access to a computer, and as long as this site is as well managed as it is now, I'll be here. [/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]I've been told I sleep kickbox, but that was from a girl who got up in the middle of the night, woke her mother up, yelled something along the lines of "Why are you doing all these management things and getting paid?!" before falling on her. God bless Lunafai, she also used to whip cream in her sleep. Or, at least, try to. I never sleep very well, unless it's with harlequin, which is probably why I was so restless. I did have a dream once, though, and many of you may relate to this - I was sitting in my RE class. The dream was so realistic that I couldn't distinguish whether or not it was a dream, and I was sitting in the middle of the class, naked - you know how it is with dreams - freaking out because I couldn't remember waking up or how I got to school. I was pretty sure it was a dream, but it was so real that I couldn't bring myself to move. I think that was the most horrible dream I have ever had - I think I sat there for about an hour. The next day I went to school and we had RE first. I made a point of sitting next to the window. [/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic][i]Spyder and Harlequin crept through the strange mansion, through corridors twisting in on themselves and rooms that changed as soon as you stepped out and turned back. There was no one to be seen. The castle seemed to stretch on forever, and after what seemed like an hour, they stopped at the base of a marble stairwell and caught their breath.[/i] Spyder: This isn't as easy as it first seemed it would be... Harlequin: Maybe we're taking the wrong approach? Spyder: What do you mean? Harlequin: Well, we're looking for something, and that didn't work... so let's try something else. Spyder: What, like just walking around aimlessly for a while? Harlequin: Why not? It might not work, but what have we got to lose? Spyder: Um, our lives, and the lives of countless others? Harlequin: What lives of ours? Spyder: .... well, our [i]freedom[/i], and the lives of countless others. Harlequin: It's no concern of mine. Spyder: I don't really care that much either... if we end this reign, I will die, for real, and all those dead will perish anyway. [i]Harlequin stared at her a long moment before pulling her into a tight embrace.[/i] Harlequin: I am with you. I will stay with you, and it's the only place I want to be. Especially when I die. [i]Spyder hugged him back and kissed his neck, before pulling away and standing once more.[/i] Spyder: Same with me. I don't mind if we are ended now, if it wasn't for Valeigh and Rico and Athen... Harlequin: I wonder where they are? Spyder: It would be wise to stay put and out of trouble until they are here. Harlequin: Stay put? You mean, right here? Spyder: We'll find somewhere. [i]Together they rose and began to stroll through the mansion, admiring the architecture and design. Before long, they had come to a room with a magnificent view of the gardens below. Spyder walked into it and noted that apart from the glass door to the gardens, there was only one door to the rest of the house - the one they had come through. Pulling Harlequin in behind her, she closed the door and leant her staff against it, without really knowing why. The door began to glow softly. Wanting to try something, she told Harlequin to go outside wordlessly and pulled the staff away from the door. When the door was closed and the staff placed again, she waited a while, then removed the staff and opened the door again. Harlequin was staring at the door incredulously.[/i] Spyder: What happened? Harlequin: The door completely dissapeared, it just melted away and became a flat part of the wall. It was like there was never a door in the fist place, ever the carpet changed to make it seem as if there was nothing there... Spyder: Wow... Harlequin: How did you do that? Spyder I don't know, but it's damn useful... [i]They went back inside and Spyder replaced the shield. Then, Harlequin testing the magnificent four poster bed, Spyder inspected the room. It was a stunning affair of mahogany and black velvet, the walls painted deep red. The thick carpet was a deep midnight blue, to match the furniture. There was an ensuite, done in creme and black. All together the effect was regal and sinister. Spyder agreed with Harlequin that if their time was to be spent anywhere - it would be in the bed. [/i][/font][/color]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Alastuin: Don't worry, Isthanae, you're mine. [i]Alastuin walked to Isthanae and slipped her arms around his beautfully sculpted torso, hugging him tightly and sighing. Isthanae looked confused and rather frightened as he attempted - unsuccessfully - to back away from her.[/i] Raven: Well, I'm a little lonely. Let's keep moving. [/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Chinon: Not just the equine race, but all races. You know the story, why have one when you can have them all... the equine race is just the channel through which the saviours - namely, you two - can conduct. Juandiar: Ok, you are a channel? Chinon: Let me put it this way - your wishes are our commands. Ananda: It will be of great use to us to have your race on our side. But why you? Chinon: The Human race would be to ignorant and stubborn to accept that anything was happening until teh firestorms began. We are of a slightly more openminded taint. Juandiar: And so what are we to do to stop this... fire witch? [/font][/color]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Alastuin: I care not, and will continue not to care until I meet him and he gives me reason to care. Kenneth: Oooohh.. Alastuin: What the hell is your problem? [i]She spun on these words and faced him. He opened his mouth to say something, but found his throat to be too dry. Suddenly he was overwhelmed with thirst and he watched his skin crack and peel as the water was sucked out of him.[/i] Ananda: Hey - stop it, you nasty little cow. [i]Alastuin's gazed flickered to Ananda and settled back on Kenneth, examining him as he returned to his normal state. Feeling a little bad about acting on impulse, she replenished him, smiling a little when he sighed inwardly at the cool refreshment.[/i] Alastuin: Sorry... Kenneth: No, I am. Alastuin: 's ok. May I call you Kenny from now on? Kenneth:... um.... no. [/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Alastuin: Well, you can all gather your dutch courage, but I have nothing left and I'm not scared of anything - Kenneth: Because you don't know what we're up against. Alastuin: - no, they don't know what [i]they're[/i] up against. Anayway, I'm not scared of anything and I'm packed so I'm I'm leaving now. [i]Alastuin once again strides out the door, heading east. [/i][/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Spyder glared at Harlequin until he exploded in a shower of fanta.[/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Old Woman: And you, child? Juandiar: Ha, why would I be travelling with her were I not the other? Old Woman: I don't know, which is why I am inquiring... [i]Juandiar summoned her starseed, pulling it from herself. She felt the wind on the emerald green and black object, pulsing in the forest-dappled sunlight. Retracting it into her self, the old woman scowled. [/i] Chinon: There you have it, Yerela. Stand down. Yerela: I was merely suspicious, my liege. Ananda: And now for my suspicions - how did you know?[/font][/color]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Alastuin: My my, aren't we charming with the strangers... [i]Lacroix glared at her dangerously. Alastuin undid her cloak so they man's eyes fell on her body like wet iron.[/i] Alastuin: What is your name? Stranger: Tyrael... Alastuin: Tyrael, please stop staring at me or I will let go of Lacroix. Lacroix: What? [i]Alastuin tightened her grip under the table. Lacroix's expression didn't waver, but he paled slightly and his breathing slowed considerably. Tyrael pulled his eyes from her form. The Tavenrkeeper placed a large platter of roast duck and lamb before Alastuin with a flourish. There was hot bread and a pitcher of wine to accompany it. [/i] Alastuin: Eat with us, sir, and tell us of your travels...[/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic][i]Alastuin sensed the air. [/i] Ananda: Like you're perfect... Alastuin: He's close. Pretty damn close. Isthanae: Not with all I've done today. Alastuin: Nobody's perfect. [i]Alastuin hugged Isthanae comfortingly. Ananda glared at the two, her rage igniting when she saw Alastuin's smirk.[/i] Oracle: What the hell is wrong with all of you? The feuds are getting to thick to keep hold of. Alastuin: No hard feelings, Ananda, but I love stirring people up. Ananda: You are going to drop that habit, and drop it damn fast. [/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Spyder: Do you think this is where they will be? Harlequin: More importantly, what do you plan to do if they are? Do you expect for them to say, "Welcome, divine enemy, this is our Crazy Palace, here is our Crazy Mastermind. His name is AARON!!! and to kill him and thus wipe out our empire, press here." [i]Spyder glared at him a while before answering.[/i] Spyder: You got the first bit right. I'm the new Sellum, remember... Harlequin: Let's just hope they will buy it. Spyder: Oh, they will. Harlequin: :therock: Spyder: I am hoping, my love, I am hoping with all my strength.[/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Alastuin: Hmmm, I feel like a fledgeling.... Lacroix: Right... o.0;; Alastun: Well, night is falling, and I am hungry. What say ye to a counter meal at the ye Olde Katta's Tail inn? Lacroix: Whatever. Go there often? Alastuin: Never been there before in my life. Which is why I want to go... [i]They strolled through the back streets of Speilburg, smiling at the masses of scared people that fled from the wicked aura of the pair. Alastuin took Lacroix's arm and held it tightly, becoming immensely happy at the prospect of never being alone again. Her life had been hell, and now it was over. The inn sailed into veiw, and sounds of mayhem flowed from it's doors. A stained glass bay window smashed outwards, a barmaid falling into the gutter, fleeing the scene as fast as her dumpy legs could carry her. Alastuin slowed, lacroix did not.[/i][/font][/color]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Alastuin: I somehow think her intentions are for the best, in the long run. Besides, we can't really stop what will happen to those people. But by using thier gold, we can prevent what will happen to others... right? Oracle: That's about it. [i]She glares at Isthanae reprimandingly.[/i] Isthanae: Well, I still think it could be avoided. Alastuin: Well... it can, but it would be dangerous. Ananda: Hmmm? [i]Alastuin took a glass from a shelf and filled it with water from the palm of her hand. Then, looking at it, she froze the water solid, causing the glass to explode.[/i] Isthanae: I see how that would help... I thought you didn't know your magic? Alastuin: Well, once you accept it the instinct kicks in. And I may have lied a little when I said I never knew... Oracle: That would be of use, however, we about to cross a plundered town. No survivors - gold lying everywhere. Alastuin: I know what you mean - I'd take it too. Isthanae: You people disgust me. Raven: And we're all the land has....[/font][/color]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic][i]Alastuin stared up at him in shock. She knew nearly nothing of this person, but what he had told her indicated that she had done something rather unexpected. He was as confused and possibly scared as she was. Acting on impulse, she stood and walked to him and slid her pale arms around him. He tensed, then slowly relaxed and held her close in return. She felt his warmth and her head began to spin.[/i] Alastuin: I hope you know what you are doing. Lacroix: I don't. Alastuin: It's ok, I never do either. Lacroix: I hope I am not falling into a web of yours, or something... Alastuin: No, this is not of my doing. I really want it to...work... Lacroix: What do you mean? Alastuin: I want to stay with you. Forever. Lacroix: Don't say that... Alastuin: I'm sorry, but it's true... Lacroix: We'll see how things go. [i]Alastuin leant back and stared at the tone ceiling, swaying back and forth.[/i] Alastuin: Well, here's a practical application.... I can't fight, you can't catch fish, I can't weave spells, and you can't... Lacroix: I can catch fish. Alastuin: You can do everything. You don't need me at all. Lacroix: I may not need you, but I like you and I want you to stay with me. And you could prove useful... Alastuin: Great. 'Could prove useful...'[/font][/color]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic] Alastuin: I don't know why I followed you home, I'm sorry... I'll leave now. [i]Alastuin walked away again, confused, and in a state of mind he had not seen. She was scared. He grabbed her again and looked into her eyes, seeing that she did not want him to think ill of her, and was so desperate of pleasing him that she was at a loss of what to do. He swore softly and pulled her deep into the cave. She was not seeing what he could see. In his experience, he probably looked like a monster, or a king, or her father. He couldn't tell.[/i] Lacroix: Stay. I want you to stay with me. You could defend yourself, but you don't know where you are going. There would be no point in staying alive. [i]Alastuin looked at him confusedly before drawing a penknife from her wristband and holding it to her throat. He grabbed it and threw it away before she began to cut down. A line of blood trickled down her neck. Noting this, Lacroix slapped her hard across the face and she shook momentarily before coming to her senses. [/i] Alastuin: Sorry, I can be a pain sometimes. Lacroix: I know. Alastuin: I was born in Thessaloniki, you know... Lacroix: I know I asked, but don't worry. Alastuin: I will tell you, I'm not afraid - Lacroix: Don't worry. I know everything. Alastuin: What? Lacroix: You already told me. In your... sleep. What you didn't mention your parents did. Alastuin: They would never... Lacroix: They did, in their last breaths. Their spines are hanging outside for you, being cleaned by the ants.... [i]Alastuin stared into the darkness at the back of the cave, silently coping with the massive alterations made to her twisted, chaotic life.[/i] Alastuin: And why am I to stay with you? Lacroix: You're a danger to yourself. Alastuin: Why do you care? Why do you want me to stay...?[/color][/font]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic]Alastuin: Leave. And never see you again. Only three people have ever seen me cry - two were my parents, and they were the ones who forced my tears, the third an innocent girl who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I gutted her with one stroke and ripped her spine out and hung it on my wall. It was a reminder of what I vowed to do to my parents one day. I could not touch them as they ar Treiaska, and everyone knows the childer of those traders cannot harm thier parents, but their parents take delight in harming them... as I cannot kill you, through skill and magic you outbound me, and as I am indepted to you only for helping me, I must leave and hope to never come across you again. If this means ending my pathetic life, so be it. I think I can stand now. Goodbye, Milord Archon. May your past be exactly that. [i]Alastuin kissed Lacroix lightly on the forehead before standing and walking away. She left her knife with him, scared of what she would do with it.[/i][/color][/font]