RPG The Children of Sharess [R: Various Reasons]

[Domon]

[COLOR=darkred][SIZE=1][i]Mazukien's bootsteps heralded the arrival of the Drow, who now looked upon the heaving mass that was Granecourt, his body hacked and coughed and Mazukien spat on the ground, as he did so he lifted a vial from his coat pocket, and poured it over his sword blade, once he was finished he pointed the sword at the still heaving vampire.[/i]

"Stand and fight you vampiric bastard or I'll cut you where you stand and feast upon your rotting innards for what you did to me! No one insults the demon of the Dra'Coryul! I Mazukien Irthis Dra'Coryul will enjoy being your executioner!!!!!" [i]With that the blade of Mazukien's sword flared a brilliant white, this was a compression of all the elements focused into one element and the liquid that had been poured upon the blade was Mazukien's most favorite Alchemy project; Diamondeye, a liquid that made even the dullest blade as sharp as a diamond itself.

Racing forwards Mazukien brought his sword upon Granecourt's right leg which fell to the ground with a dull thump and Granecourt hissing and bellowing in pain. Grinning Mazukien waited as the vampire's body pulled itself together.[/i]

"You Drow scum, I'll kill in an instant!!" [i]With that Vincent lunged forward but impaled himself onto Mazukien's sword which was simply placed out like a lance, still howling in pain Mazukien ran the vampire against a tree, wrenched the blade so that it was now facing a horizontal plane. Blood spurted out of Vincent's wounds and Mazukien grinned, the sight of the bastard's blood made him feel in a daze, he loved the sight of the vampire's blood spilling and coursing over his sword's blade. Yanking the sword out of Vincent, Mazukien backed away and grinned as Granecourt fell to his knees.[/i]

"Awww, did Uthegiliel tire you out?? Too damn bad! I'm not finished playing with you!!" [i]Mazukien charged forward but this time hit air. Quickly ducking Mazukien heard Vincent's clawed hands swiping right where his head had been. Grinning again Mazukien swiped his sword right at both of Granecourt's legs, more blood spilling over his sword, this was followed by Granecourt howling an unearthly scream. Standing back up and looking at the crippled vampire Mazukien smiled.[/i]

"This is the part where you accept your fate and die like a good pile of shit!" [i]With that the sword sliced cleanly through Granecourt's neck and his head fell with a thud.

The grin now a full fledged smile Mazukien brought his sword up to his lips and licked the blood off from one side, the taste of the demon's blood was savored greatly in his mouth. Rolling it around he swallowed it and changed the element of his sword into its Earth form and plunged it directly into the vampire's open mouth, blood spurted out and up onto Mazukien's cheeks. Once more Mazukien drove his sword into the vampire's forehead and more blood spurted up, but this time onto his lips, making him feel good about himself. But the deed wasn't over yet, still keeping his sword in its Earthern form he drove the blade into the base of the neck and brought it up and plunged it down, this process continued until there were three large holes in the corpse's body. Still not satisfied Mazukien transformed the sword into its fire element and hacked once again into the three massive holes and caused the body to char and bubble.

Picking up the monstrosity's head he walked back into the courtyard where Uthegiliel and Ciel stood, blood still dripping from his sword blade. Smiling, he brought his sword up to his lips and stuck his tounge out and licked both sides of the blade dry of blood, the rusty metallic tasted like wine to the young man, he drew some curious looks from the two occupants of the courtyard, but to assure them Granecourt was dead he brought the vamprie's severed head up, its eyes lolled back and its tounge sticking out at an odd angle.[/i]

"Now the last thing to do is to toss it into the ocean." [i]Mazukien said happily as he dropped the corpse into one of Ciel's dolls open arms.[/i][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[The Vampire: Ed]

Razel's eyes shift towards Leon as he sits down on a large chair, it looked almost like a throne with it's red padded back and seat with studs and decretive ruby stones sown into the silk fabric making it sparkle ever so slightly. Razel's eye twitches seeing Leon sitting before his mistress like an equal, Razel would never, even if ordered by his mistress, feel comfortable sitting with her like an equal. He always put her up on a pedestal, and that is where she would stay forever as long as he had a single breath in his body.

Vajain noticed his hesitance, and rolled her eyes slightly as he kneeled before her again. Vajain just stared at the two for what seemed like an eternity, until Leon finally spoke up. "What can we do for you?" Leon asked confused. Vajain just smiled, but said nothing still staring. Razel said nothing, just watching his mistress looking back and forth at the two.

"What are we doing?" Leon questioned. "Well, I was just testing your patience. It seems like you're a little on edge being in my chambers, huh? Razel knows the role. You're to keep watch over me while I rest. None ever had the nerve to come into my chamber without my permission so far, but with Malvo running around and recent events it might be a good idea to have the extra company." Vajain replied as Razel turned his nose up at the idea of having to share his duties with another.

"I agree." Leon said, then watched as Razel looked at him in a manner that suggested that he wanted to kill him. Vajain grinned as she lied down, and pulled the covers over herself. "I'm sure you two will have plenty to talk about." Vajain said laughing before closing her eyes.

Razel again shot Leon a dirty look at the mere idea of talking to him, then crawled over and sat at the foot of his mistresses' bed leaning against the foot board. Leon sighed, and shortly fell a sleep in the comfortable chair. Razel just leaned back with his eyes closed until he hear the sound of Leon's breathing, he could tell he was a sleep and with that stood up slowly approaching him. Gritting his teeth Razel clenched his fist staring at Leon with jealously, since Leon being there indicated less of his services being need. Razel was obsessed with Vajain's happiness, and wanted to be the one who served her at every moment of everyday. The guards were nothing to her, just servants, but Razel was her knight. Now, Leon had taken a position next to him in that category, at least in his mind.

Vajain sighed in her sleep bring Razel's attention back to her, he stood next to her just staring at the peaceful expression on her face. Razel nervously touched her cheek gently, but not attempting to wake her, then pulled her covers up further to keep her warm. Finally Razel settled at the side of the large bed leaning next to the head board and sat there watching Vajain through the night.

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]Vajain awoke with a start. Her dreams had been swift, rushing wind filling her ears, the sound of the underground ocean roaring as well, then the voice of Sharess imploring her to take up her power and use it to gain all that she desired. ....the only problem was that Vajain desired neither power nor absolute sovereignty.

She had the position as leader of the clan and leader of the standing army. Klian was the diplomat, had his Council seat, and participated on required occasions. But other than that, the Nur'Lograin was blissfully separate from the angst of treaty laws and the suchlike. They were partially estranged, but still not under any threats. Their silence and indifference was at times aggrivating, but not enough to warrant any sort of attack from the Vas'Nurnae, or even an uprising from the fallen Dra'Coryul. Not that either had the power to vanquish their clan anyway.

The Drow lady of her clan sat up, Leon fast asleep at the foot of her bed, Razel swiftly coming to attention as she rose. She smiled at him and held out her hands, drawing his head into her lap. He sighed and leaned against her chest, listening to the sound of her heartbeat.[/i]

"Are you jealous?"

"...extremely Milady."

"Relax.... .......your position is safe with me."

[i]She smiled and leaned down, pressing her lips to his forehead. He sighed once more and rested in her arms. Very calmly, she rose to her feet and magicked herself the same white robes she had worn the day before. For good measure she added a simple circlet over her head and matching earrings to add to her standing. She was planning on going into the heart of the city today. To visit with a select few persons.

Maybe visit the temple and speak with a few Drowussu. Razel stood silently next to her, and the two waited for Leon to awaken. She was in no rush.[/i][/COLOR]

[Hinata]

[COLOR=indigo][SIZE=1]

OOC: Now this post in may confused people so if any questions arise, hit me up. This post contains a vision that has not yet come to pass and this vision [B]may not[/B] come to pass, so don't assume that. Thank You!



IC:

[I] He saw me...[/I] Those were the only words that passed through her head later that evening after he had left. They had only talked briefly. He even persuaded her to not punish the one whom had let him enter. She looked at herself once more and then walked away from the mirror wiping the thoughts of lust from her head.

[I] He wasn't even a drow.[/I] She thought for a moment and began to go over the thoughts of the elders requests.

She was much relieved to see that many of the little ones were excelling and those that the elders thought were not up to par were sent away. Not thrown out of the colony but more to live their lives as they did before. Like always they were sworn to secrecy or be put to death.

She shivered at the thought and then beckoned her assistant.
The girl looked a bit down but the priestess was able to understand and held the girls chin up.

"You have no need to be ashamed of what happened. Remember you still have a lot more to learn." A faint smile appeared over the girls face and they both turned to the statue of Sharess began their meditation session.

Jo'lianna knelt first as the young girl covered her with a thin and almost transparent garment. The girl then lit the candles and started the inscense. Jo'lianna was already gone by the time the assistant knelt not too far behind her and also began her own meditation.

Jo'lianna's spirit seemed to move quickly away as she got depper into though seperating her soul further from her physical self. As she went further along she heard voices in the distance, calling her.

[I] Jo'lianna....come.....[/I]

Her spirit moved closer to the voices and soon found herself surrounded in a white void.

[I] Jo'lianna.....[/I]

She looked to the voice and slowly saw a shape take form in front of her. The body looking very familar.

"Goddess?!" Jolianna threw face down to her knees quickly humbling herself in front of Sharess' form.

[I] Jo'lianna, please listen... and look.[/I]

As instructed she raised her eyes and Sharess was gone. Before her though colors and shapes began to form in front of her. Some into the building of her town some into the surrounding enviroment. The words though came quickly and into her head.

Her eyes were filled with images of weapons gleaming in the sunlight and blood stained in the halls of many of the clans.

With that she was shaken from the vision, her assistant picking the lady up from the floor.

"Mistress, mistress. What is it?"

"What happened," Jo'lianna asked,trying to recoup herself from the menally exhausting event.

"You moaned and then you fainted," she stared," I was roused from my meditation and saw you there laying on the ground.
"What did you see?"

Jo'lianna dared not answer and only looked at tha statue of the Goddess. She ignored the assistant's question and only remembered the last words of Sharess. [I]"This....may come to pass.[/I] The word 'may' standing out in her head. She couldn't react to this yet and only kept the vision in her head.

[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Ben]

"Idiocy." muttered Uthegiliel. He was now kneeling, his lance to one side.

"What is?" demanded Mazukien.

"Your little lollipop display." he replied.

Mazukien chuckled and sheathed his sword. "Perhaps it was a bit ostentatious."

"Uthegiliel, are you alright?" asked Arciela. She was kneeling beside him, one hand draped lightly about his shoulders.

"I'll be fine." he replied. "That spell just took a lot out of me. I'll be back to normal in a few days."

"It was quite a display, though." she said. "How did you do that? It didn't look quite like a summon, and it couldn't have been a mere shapeshift; not into a body that large."

"I'm not quite sure how to describe it." said Uthegiliel. "It was kind of like I was fusing myself with the golem; transferring all of my assets into its body. I got them back afterwards, as you can see, but that part was not for certain."

"You didn't know if it would work?" asked Mazukien.

"The theory was sound, but that's all it was; a theory. I figured I was as close to dead as I would ever get, and only in my weakened condition would I be able to successfully transfer my aura into the golem."

"But what of this?" asked Arciela, referring to his flinty skin.

"A side effect. One that I'd hoped would occur. As soon as I recover from the fight with the vampire, I should be more powerful than ever." he turned to Mazukien. "Strike me with your sword, boy. No fancy elements, just hit me."

Mazukien's blade quietly slid out of its sheath. "You're sure about this?" he asked.

"Yes, quite sure."

Mazukien pulled back his arm and then swung the sword forward as hard as he could. Uthegiliel was driven face-first into the ground. He got back up on his knees, muttering swears.

"You didn't have to hit me so hard, boy!" he yelled.

"Sorry." replied Mazukien sheepishly.

"There's no mark." noted Arciela puzzledly.

"Exactly." replied Uthegiliel. "My skin is as hard as stone and more."

"Did anything else happen?" asked Mazukien.

Uthegiliel winked. "We'll just have to see."

[Hinata]

[COLOR=indigo][SIZE=1]

She paced in her room, her anxiety only rising higher and higher. Who could she trust, was there anyone to trust.

[I] AAAAHHHH[/I] The scream only filled her head and soon her assisstant in the nest room came running in to the Priestess.

"What is it, is everything okay?"

The girls intrusion shocked the Priestess and she was startled beyond belief.

"Oh my goodness child, don't scare me like that," she sat down a tried her hardest to catch her breath. But the chance to sit didn't change her feeling. It still felt as if she was pacing, her heart racing, the pupils of her eyes becoming more dialated. Before she realized it her senses had risen not realizing th amount of power her anxiety was putting out.

She cold hear, everyone everything, their conversations were muttled at first but soon as she picked up on seperate people. She could hear them clearly, in one part of the very large building, the elders were still meeting. Their conversation was slowly becoming clearer sut it was cut of by a movement of her assistant.

"Priestess, do you hear me?"

The priestess was startled and looked warily at her assistant.

"Please go, now, she said turning away from the young girl and moving into her bathroom, hoping a hot bath would relax her and ease her tensions.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=999999][i]Blurring visions crossed her path as she tried to stand. Kishandri walked a bit with the cup in her hand, but she only got so far until the cup slipped from her hands and shattered onto the floor and her body lay on the floor next to the broken pieces.

Klian stood before her and smiled a coy smile. He picked her up with ease and walked to the bed before them and layed her there. Kishandri's nails began to extend slowly and retract back. She tried hard not to close her eyes, but whatever was put into the drink had such a strong feel to it that she could not even see past what was before her.[/i]

"What did you do to me?"

"Ssshh. Sleep is what you wish for, milady."

[i]With that, Klian closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep into which she did not know what was to happen. There was not much that she could do. But as she was in that state, visions and voices appeared. The voice of Sharess was strong and so was that of the Lord of Vas'Naurnae, the second leader. They spoke to her in swift words and such an ancient language. She could not understand.

Kishandri's body was limp and her breathing was heavy. Not a joint in her body moved as she dreamt that vision. The vision in which she saw Sharess the Destroyer and her mother. She dreamt the vision that showed her the true power in which she was to harness. But it would not be yet seen fully unless she awoke, which wouldn't happen for such a while.[/size][/color]

[Dagger]

Short and sweet. Well, sort of.
-------------------------------------------------------

"Well," Ciel said softly, beckoning to the Doll that bore Granecourt's head. She stooped to scan the vampire's mutilated face, eyes remaining calm and curious as she pried open his blood-choked mouth. His fangs had pierced straight through his tongue, but that could not have matched the pain he'd felt from Mazukien's burning sword. And though Granecourt's supernatural blood was already growing cold, she decided that salvaging the scarlet liquid would only waste her time.

Nodding, Ciel stepped back. "The prize is yours," she told her Doll, and offered it a benevolent sort of smile.

"The prize?" Mazukien repeated, gazing at the vampire's corpse with mingled satisfaction and distaste. "What do you mean?"

She laid a hand upon the Doll's head, toying with its tar-black hair as she addressed the elf. "Even the undead sometimes have to eat. But there's no need to concern yourselves with that. Let's go inside, shall we? I just brought home a guest, and I'd hate to make him wait."

[Hinata]

[COLOR=indigo][SIZE=1]

She lay back in the hot water, her tensions seemingly going away but, beneath the surface, her mind was still racing. She wondered why would a war start here. At this time, she didn't know.

Her occasional movement in the water showed how stressed she was getting. She laid back a bit, and looked out the window that lay open. The night sky showed nicely through as the moon beamed at an angle into the window. The stars though barely showed through the light. She sat waiting, waiting for a sign. Something new. But it never came. She sighed and once again turned turned her head. This time staring at the ceiling.

She stood up sharply and hit the water. A small growl escaping her mouth, as she hit the water.

She was snapping, and with no one to blame for it, she rose out of the water and grabbed a small gown to cover her. She was about to exit when she heard a noise from down below.

Laughter. Something she hadn't heard in so long. She almost couldn't place the sound and smiled when she heard it again. She walked to the window and looked outside.

As she looked down, about 3 stories, she saw a group of kids playing in the courtyard that lay in the center of the Orn'Baelen house. From what she could gather from the adults supervising them, they had been summoned by the elders, their purpose, unknown.

She smiled again at them as some ran in circles chasing one another and a few picked up moon lillies that lay scattered about the green.

Seeing that reminded her of her family and instead of bringing on joy it began to bring more pain. She shut the window and walked back into her room. No one was present. She sat there, almost dry and completely at a loss of emotion.

She wanted to just go, but then she remembered one thing from her teacher. She sat up quickly remembering the Ex- priestess was not to far from her. She got up and got dressed in a long blue gown, followed by the dark cape she always wears.

She stepped out of her room and her assistant was summoned.

"What is it Priestess?" the girl asked.

"Take me to Lo'rianna. I must speak with her she right now is one of the few I can confide in."

[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[The Vampire: Ed]

Razel stands by his mistress Vajain staring down at Leon sleeping while sneering showing his dislike of the human before them. Vajain turns her head to glance at Razel, and catches him gritting his teeth as if he was tempted to attack. Vajain grinned finding Razel jealousy amusing, and on some found it to be an adorable trait in him as well. Never one to show many emotions in the past two hundred, or so years is now showing signs of jealousy with the mere addition of a, male, human mercenary as a body guard. Before the issue of jealousy never had arisen before because most often Vajain's closest guards were females, and the males were usually the grunts doing all the hard labor. There were some men who had become guards, but never close enough to Vajain to pose much competition for Razel.

"Razel, I can see that you strongly dislike our new friend here." Vajain said smirking at Razel. Razel replied quickly almost forgetting that she had been in the room at that moment "No, milady. I-I--just don't like him making you wait like this. It's ignorance..."

"Razel, you disappoint me. Maybe that is true, but that is not the whole truth. I can tell just by the look in your eyes that you're unhappy with this man being here. Do you really want to lie, and displease your mistress?" Vajain said with a slight frown as she looked upon her knight.

"No, never. I'd never wish to displease you. I-I-Argh-All right, I loath this interloper. He is only here out of greed, to serve you ensures his pockets will be lined with gold. He cares nothing of protecting you, but only of what he can get out of you. I know when he protects you it is with greed in mind, unlike I. I protect you with my life, not for gold or riches of any sort, but for my lo-loyalty, my complete loyalty to you. It is payment enough, for me, being in your service." Razel said fumbling with his words every so often attempted to not blurt out things he feels he should not say.

Vajain smirked at Razel as he just stared at the floor in embarrassment, just then Leon's yawning brings their attention to Leon as he wakes. Leon looks up seeing the two being staring down at him, Vajain smiling warmly, Razel sneering once again before simply turning his head away from him.

[Raiha]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][i]Vajain silently kicked her knight on the foot in warning and smiled at her new hired help. Leon stood, shaking himself into wakefulness, retying his bandana, and buckling on his sword. Vajain smiled engnimatically and shook herself in response. Instantly the white robes blossomed onto her body like a blooming rose. She shook her hair free and it braided itself with absolutely no help at all. Then she secured it with a simple silver clasp, picked up from her vanity, then turned back, inserting her earrings as she moved.[/i]

"Today will be hopefully less eventful than yesterday."

"It will, we are here to serve you."

"Naturally."

[i]Her two servants stood to attention and she crossed her arms behind her back, smiling at them both. Then she turned her face towards the double doors leading back to her throne room, and they leapt to open them for her.[/i]

"Once I have made it safely to my...lair...you may go eat breakfast in the kitchens Leon."

[i]The male in question nodded gravely and stood to one side to allow her to pass. Razel bared his teeth at the mention of his name, then became impassive once more.The Drow noble smiled broadly and walked down the long corridor, Razel at her right and Leon at her left. Bodyguards. Of the best sort.[/i]

"If Molvo should appear again.... If either of you are within range, tell the guards to leave. I want to ensure that nobody else is hurt."

"Yes Mistress."[/COLOR]

[Doukeshi]

Renier gazed longingly at the young girl who stood before him, he could feel the blood the pumped heavily through her veins, the sound of her heart deafening upon his preternatural ears. Stepping closer he reached out with a tender hand, trailing his fingers across the soft flesh of her cheek. The heat from her skin warmed his cold, dead fingers. Cupping her cheek in his hand he tilted her head back slightly, baring her throat to his roving eyes. Reaching out with his free hand he brushed her hair away from her neck, capturing the thin strands between his fingers. Leaning forward he inhaled the scent of her, the scent of life tinged with something...a bit darker. Of course she was in service to a necromancer, that was to be expected.

"You cannot die you say?" He murmered softly, humming low in his throat. He expected no answer as the girl stared blankly at the wall over his shoulder, emotionless to his advances. Trailing his tongue across two razor sharp inscisors he chuckled softly and leant in.

His moment was broken as the large doors to the chambers opened wide with an echoing creak. Startled Renier looked up from the girl his eyes trained on the figures who entered, headed by the lady herself.

"I appologise for the intrusion Ambassador, a small disturbance required my attention."

Renier backup up from the girl and bowed respectfuly.

[Hinata]

[COLOR=Indigo][FONT=Arial][SIZE=1]


"Ahhh, Jo'lianna," a slightly older looking woman walked up to her and hugged her tightly.

"Mistress, how I've missed you." Jo'lianna hugged her back, remembering how Lo'rianna always watched carefully over her. She didn't want to let her go and lavished the brief memory in her head almost crying when she hugged her.

"Now my dear," she said backing away and smiling, " I know you haven't come for sentimental reasons so shall we talk."

Jo'lianna nodded as a group of servants left the two to speak alone. She followed the Ex- Priestess to a table close by where tea and small treats were served up for the two to enjoy.

Lo'rianna kept a smile on her face trying to see through the dismal exterior of Jo'lianna but the actions were to no avail. She could only sense despair and confusion, but many were established to her by the body language that she exhibited.

"Mistress," she started not sure how to start the conversation. " I have been troubled?"

"By what..." she poured herself a cup of tea and offered some to Jo'lianna as well. Jolianna refused.

" I saw the Goddess-"

"Sharess?!" Lo'rianna almost dropped her cup as she looked into Jo'lianna's face. "Wh- what did she tell you?"

"She told me nothing, I- I only saw." She stopped for a moment as the visions popped back into her head. "There was blood, and bodies and just mass war amoung our people."

"Do you mean our clan?"

"No," Jo'lianna answered." I mean our people. All clans of the drow we were fighting and all I saw was blood. At the end was when I heard the voice of the Goddess. She told me these things may come to pass but yet I cannot get them out of my head." She got up and turned to the window. " I tried to block them out but then I only think of the past which brings up more pain for me to endure. I mean how can I...how shall I handle this? Who can I tell?" She turned back to Lo'rianna her voice slightly rising in volume. " The elders may as well call me blasphemous and may kick me out. They will surely just take it as a hallucination." Lo'rianna looked on as Jo'lianna looked only more confused not sure of how to reply to the younger woman. " I knew you'd understand me and I hope- I hope coming to you will help me. Can you?"

Lo'rianna looked on unable to answer her just yet. She held her head down and stared into the cup of tea.

"I...don't know..."[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

[Kwai]

[size=1][color=navy]OOC: Took me forever due to procrastination, occasional computer crashes, cat going berzerk and what not, but here I am.
[i]
[b]Name:[/b] Maboroshi Rikaku Vas’Naurnae (The Verifier of Illusions)
[b]Age:[/b] 731
[b]Race:[/b] Drow Mutant
[b]Class:[/b] Faith Guard

[b]Weapon: Rensatou:[/b] A blade designed to be deadly in any situation, ranged or melee. The weapon consists of two kodachi blades linked by a long chain at the end of the hilt. The fact that kodachi blades are light gives it high defensive capabilities, more so because of there being two. The chain connecting the two blades allows the kodachis to be thrown and retrieved, as well as being used to entangle and disable the opponent.

[b]Spells:[/b]

[b]Aiki:[/b] The source of every magic lies within oneself, or the mana. Though most anti-magic spells center around destroying or disabling the opponent’s mana pool, ‘Aiki’ is unique in the aspect that instead of approaching it with hostile intent, it accepts the flow of the magic. By opening oneself to the opponent’s source of mana, Maboroshi is able to regulate the flow of the mana through the opponent’s body. Though this skill can only be maintained through physical contact, it prevents any spell from being cast, as well as disrupting the harmony between the mind and the body.

[b]Mo:[/b] A specialty of Maboroshi used in combination with Aiki. When the Aiki contact occurs, Maboroshi is able to gaze into the variety of spells the opponent possesses and copy them. If the contact is sustained long enough, even the most difficult spells buried within the opponent’s arsenal is at his command. From the multitude of spells that he ‘stole’ from his past opponents, Maboroshi has kept a select few for himself. His original spells only consist of Aiki and Mo, but there are much more up his sleeves.

[b]Personality:[/b] An absolute believer who never falters, nor will compromise. A fight started must be fought to the bitter end and won. To him, the only option present at the end of the ravaging blades and the sparks of magic is victory. Despite his obsession for victory, he is calm in all manners, careful to avoid conflict where needed, and will not participate in quarrel without good reason. In a battle, however, he exceeds all his clan members in violence. His manner of violence is that which underwent a catharsis, the result an absolutely pure form of violence. Petty politics, emotions, or situations do not sway it. A raging storm that, once unleashed, wreaks havoc to all around it with impartial fury.

[b]Description:[/b][url] http://www.animecowboy.com/gallery/Cowboy_Bebop/Vicious/VIC11.JPG[/url]

[b]Bio:[/b] Maboroshi was born a mutant into the clan. Or, in truth, it’s highly doubtful if he even is a full Drow. His agility and sensitivity far exceeds that of an ordinary Drow, and the select few who know of his existence suspect that he has some arachnid blood within him. Nonetheless, he was trained from his earlier years by the former council of faith guards to protect and serve the Vas’Naurnae faith, as well as disposing of any foreign element of religion that threatened to taint the clan. Despite his youth in comparison to his peers, Maboroshi time and again surprised his instructors with his speed and perceptiveness. Over time, the dormant power within him, the power to manipulate the mana of others, slowly began to form and stabilize. Great was the joy of the council members when they found out about this gift. However, his body’s strength and endurance began to rapidly deteriorate, running inversely to the development of his mutation. His speed and cunning remained, and combined with his new ability, it served him much better than his former brute strength and endurance.
Currently, Maboroshi is the third captain of the five divisions of Faith Guards that are scattered about the Vas’Naurnae’s underground policing system. His division concentrates on eradicating foreign sorcerers and mages, a position that seemed to fit Maboroshi the best considering his physical weakness. To support him, he raises his own horde of driders, both to serve as his bodyguard against physical assaults, as well as a form of transportation over long distances. He keeps a fair amount of potion on him as well, to sustain him when he enters his raging form.[/color][/size][/i]




[color=navy][size=1][i]The blood trickled down in small droplets at first, but in a matter of moments, turned into a sick crimson cascade. Driders scattered apart, then quickly closed in on the body impaled upon the wall. Grotesque crunching sounds of bones being shattered, ripping of flesh off the bones, and the last, agonized cry ensued, before the cry was smothered under the carnivorous mass of arachnids. Maboroshi stood idly by, keeping his stare away from the feast out of pure respect for his underlings. The sounds behind him died down, and after waiting for a moment to be sure, Maboroshi turned around.

The only remains of the poor guard was the red blotch of blood left on the wall, which was quite common in Vas'Naurnae territory. Maboroshi yawned slightly for a moment, then pulled back lightly on his chain. The katana that was impaling the poor fool to the wall dislodged itself, and flew back towards him. Maboroshi catched the blade, then twirled it idly. His gaze went up the wall, and fixed on the small horde of driders perched about a half way up. They were rustling restlessly, waiting for the next meal to be fed. Maboroshi smiled up at them, then his eyes trailed off to the side at the two cowering figures.

Two missionaries. One mercenary sent to be their guard. The guard, currently resting in little bits of flesh and bones within the pack of driders waiting patiently. Maboroshi walked up to the two casually, then bent down and put his face close to theirs. Instinctively, they recoiled, trying to keep their distance. Maboroshi snickered, then stood up. His gaze returned to his underlings, and he hissed softly. A chorus of hissing and clicking erupted from the driders, and the pack rustled hungrily.

"Why not then?"

Maboroshi raised his hand slightly in the air, then with a smirk, brought it down towards the two missionaries. On cue, the driders homed in quickly on the meal, and again the terrified screams were quickly drowned out by the cannibalistic sound of flesh and bones alike torn and ripped apart. Maboroshi turned around, and walked out of the alley. A shady cloaked figure was waiting right outside the alley, hovering an inch or two off the ground.

"Done?"

"Yes, done."

"Need we clean it up?"

"No, not really. Their bodies are already being taken care of."

"Being assigned as a clean up for your division is such an easy job..."

"Heh..."

The shadey figure shivered for a moment, then his entire being seemed to be sucked in towards the center of his body. Maboroshi, too, shivered, then followed suit, leaving thin air behind. The ravenous sound died down, and a quiet scattered sound was heard. A blotch of blood on the wall, and a rather large blot of blood on the corner, was all that was left.[/size][/color][/i]

[The Vampire: Ed]

Vajain sat upon her throne getting comfortable for the days events, and lately surprises were abundant. Leon bowed to Vajain taking his leave to get some breakfast in the dinning hall. Razel watches as Leon left and turned back to Vajain who waved him away as well.

"But I must stay by your side. I must protect you." Razel says objecting. "Come now, Razel, I will be fine. All though you are not human you still need to feed, go drink from a prisoner or something. After all, you must keep your strength up if you wish to better serve me." Vajain replied with smile on her face.

Razel turned away, and gritted his teeth. Suddenly, something struck him, a realization of some sort. He nodded his head while still looking away then proceeded to leave the thrown room. Razel made his way through the corridors with haste, suddenly he threw open the doors to the dinning hall startling all who sat down for their morning meal. It was very unusual to see Razel in the dinning hall at any time, obviously because of his vampiric craving for blood. By the look upon his face the servants, and soldiers could tell that he was not there to eat. Swiftly he approached Leon as he was about to take a sip of wine, but slapped the goblet from his hand before it could even touch his lips.

"What the hell?" Leon yells jumping to his feet as Razel shoved him against the wall grabbing him by the throat. Razel squeezes tighter and leans in close. "I've been severing my mistress for over two hundred years now since she found me, and I've kept her safe everyday thereafter. I've killed would be assassins who've made it close to her, and I've even vanquished ones she had never he had the chance to see. But she was nearly killed by that creature because of your distraction, I could have sensed it sooner if it weren't for you."

Leon struggles to get free but only manages to anger Razel further. "And another thing-When he attacked where were you? Huh? You came looking for a job, but when it came to your first real test as a bodyguard you freeze. She was nearly impaled by that creature, Malvo, and you didn't even budge to help protect her."

Leon pulled a sword from it's sheath as it sat upon a table close by slashing Razel across the chest causing him to release him and stagger back a bit. "What of it? What are you trying to get at?" Leon questions Razel with his sword held ready to defend himself.

"Those assassins had the same scent to them as you did when you arrived, you had the same scent as that of the one who had contracted them to murder my mistress. I knew there was something about you that rubbed me the wrong way. Now I know." Razel said seeing Leon looking nervous as the surrounding soldiers heard Razel comments.

"That means nothing. I dispatched a few attackers on the way to the castle, they could have been the villains you speak of." Leon said nervously stuttering.

"Come now, mercenary, I have just told you I could smell the villain's scent on you. I am a vampire, fool. If you had dispatched anything before reaching the castle I would have smelled the blood on you before anything else. You lie." Razel said with a slight snicker. "The scent on you, as in the assassins, faded over time. I know you, yourself, are not the mastermind, but I know you are another one of his hired help. Come clean, and reveal to me who this mastermind is. I grow tired of these cowardly attacks, and since the scent doesn't linger long enough for me to track the coward down, you must give me the information I need to put an end to this."

"Never! I was promised a great deal of riches if I were to take Vajain out, but thanks to you it won't be as easy as I planned." Leon confessed with a snarl. "I never fail, and I certainly don't plan to now."

Leon charged Razel with the sword but misses as Razel side stepped with ease, then spins around trying to hit him as he stood behind him. Razel caught Leon's arm then grabbed him by the throat to throw him against the wall. Leon hit the wall with a sickening thud, even slight sounds of cracking bones are heard. Leon collapses to one knee, but staggers back to his feet clutching the sword tightly still. Razel grinned, finally getting what he wanted since he first met the mercenary, then reach for Leon's weapon of choice, his spear, still leaning against the table by his seat.

Leon blindly charged Razel as the spear is hurled through the air, too late to dodge he is impaled by the spear and is sent sailing back by the force in which Razel had thrown it. The spear lodged into a large wooden door hanging Leon above the floor with his feet dangling.

The soldiers knew not to interfere with one of Razel's battles unless he allowed so they stood watching the scene before them. Leon cried out in pain as he coughed up blood watching Razel approached him with his vision blurry. He stood next to Leon as he squirmed in pain, Razel laughed at the agony etched upon his face.

"Last chance for salvation. Tell me what I want to know. I'm sure [b]my[/b] mistress could heal you if we get you to her quick enough, but for that to happen you need to tell me what you know." Razel said as he crossed his arms awaiting an answer.

"Ugh-I can't. I didn't even see their face, I was pulled aside by some cloaked figure. I don't even know if it was human. It told me they would reward me for killing the mistress of this castle, and then gave me a small sack full of gold and rubies. It said there would be more where that came from once I completed my task! That's all I know. I can't tell you what I don't know! All right?! Get me down, and take me to Vajain before it's too late." Leon demanded struggling on his own weapon as he began to feel faint.

"You can't tell me what you don't know?" Razel repeated Leon's words as a question. "Well, I am afraid I cannot reward you for information you did not give me. But fret not, I wasn't going to grant you mercy anyway."

Razel unsheathed his sword and slashed Leon's throat, then began to suck at the wound drinking in all the blood he could. Leon's body convulsed as he could fell the blood being drained from him, and with each drop devoured by Razel the harder he could feel his heart beating in his chest as it attempted to pump blood that was no longer flowing through it.

Leon fell into darkness as his life expired, and Razel was satisfied by his deed. Razel pulled himself from Leon's corpse, and put his sword away. Razel wiped the blood from his mouth with the fabric of Leon's pant leg, and turned starring at the soldiers with his eyes glowing deep red again.

"Clean this mess up, and throw the body to the creatures in the cave." Razel looked back at Leon's corpse for a moment. "I must explain this to mistress Vajain."

[Hinata]

[COLOR=Purple][FONT=Arial]
Those three little words held much power over Jo'lianna. Her teacher, her guider, the one she vowed to serve many years ago didn;t know.

"What," she answered the lady looking at her her eyes wide open and her pupils fully dialiated. Her hands trembled slightly as she looked down at them and grasped her hands together. She realized this sensation. A feeling she had not encounter since her days of being trained. Fear, She couldn't let this emotion take control and turned back once more away from Lo'rianna.

"Mistress," she said to Lo'rianna her voice holding a slight tremble. "How can this be?" She turned back once more to look her teacherin the eyes, but noting showed through. Lo'rianna's own delf doubt began to encircle her and Jo'lianna sensed it all too much.

Somehow with all the images and such going through her mind, Lo'rianna still found a way to speak for the young woman.

" I can no longer help you my child." Not wishing to hear those words Jo'lianna turned her back and tried her hardest to conceal her tears.

"I wish there was something that I could say for these words but there is not." Lo'rianna stood up and headed towards Jo'lianna, "But may these ramblings from a worn out woman help you."She placed her hand on Jo'lianna's shoulders, who still kept her face from the woman.

" You ,Jo'lianna, not I , were entrusted with this vision from the Goddess. Whether they are what is to come or not, is for you to find out. Do what you must but you must stop this from happening."

Lo'rianna removed a package from her robe. " I knew sooner or later someone was going to need this and luckily it won't be me."

Jo'lianna turned to see what it was but it was covered in a white lacey material. "What is it?"

"Open it once you return to your quarters, and open it alone. WIthin it you'll find the instructions and then you will understand. I cannot say more, now go before many whispers enter the heads of others and fall into the elders hands."

Jo'lianna only nodded and took the small package from Lo'rianna's hands and placed it within her robe. She soon dapped the tears frm her eyes and hugged the older woman.

" I love you,[/FONT][/COLOR] mistress." Jo'lianna said.

"And I you my child."

[Raiha]

[COLOR=MediumTurquoise][i]As soon as she heard the footsteps of her knight approaching, and looked up into his blood changed eyes, she smiled to herself and settled back in her throne. He approached the dais and knelt on one knee. Then he stood and made his report.

Vajain's face was impassive. He couldn't tell if she was furious, or simply amused at the newest attempt on her most worthy life. As soon as he finished she waved her hand and he stood. She stood as well, then faced the far wall of her room and raised her palm. Instantly letters formed at her fingertips and she clenched her fist. With a swift flick of her wrist a line of writing spiraled out into the air and twisted down throught the closed doors.

It spiralled onwards until it came to rest before her beloved brother's eyes. Klian read the spitful hate filled message and shapped his fingers to absorb it. Meanwhile his more than just a little furious sister sank back into her throne and sighed with disgust.[/i]

"Another attempt.... ..you'd think they'd give up by now."

"Yes Mistress."

"You've done very well."

"....thank you......"

[i]She sat up a little and leaned on her elbow, palm to her cheek. He watched her carefully, her hair was falling in front of her eyes, half covering the circlet covering her forehead.[/i]

"Bring me the Garrison captain. I would like to question her."

"Captain Lillu?"

"Yes."

"As you wish."[/COLOR]

[Ben]

(I'm continuing on from doukeshi03's last post)

Uhtergiliel entered the room behind Arciela, his powerful stone shoulders scraping the doorway lightly. Mazukien had gone off to bed, exhausted at last with exertion and his recent deprivation of sleep. Uthegiliel was tired, as well, but had decided to stay with Arciela for the time being. He didn't trust his memory of the place. Even in his new form, there were some rooms on the estate that he most certainly did not wish to enter.

"I apologize for the intrusion Ambassador, a small disturbance required my attention."

"It is of no matter," replied Renier. "I was merely....[I]admiring[/I] your servant."

"Isn't she nice?" Arciela declared sweetly.

"I suppose, for an undead corpse." Renier conceded.

"Most Drow are repulsed by the abnormality of the living dead." remarked Uthegiliel. "You don't seem to share their tastes."

There probably wasn't any reason to hide the truth from them, and Renier couldn't think of a suitable lie. And so he told them:

"In truth, I'm a vampire."

Uthegiliel groaned. "I'm going to have to start carrying a mirror and some garlic around with me from now on."

"Well, [I]excuse[/I] me." replied Renier.

"It's nothing personal." Arciela stepped in. "We just now came back from a rather bad incident involving a vampire." she paused. "If I were you, I'd stay away from the young Drow who has just now come onto my estate."

"I'll make an effort to avoid him." he promised. "Now, Lady Arciela, might we begin doing what I came here to do?"

"And what exactly is that?" inquired Uthegiliel.

"Why, I came to fight in a duel."

[The Vampire: Ed]

"As you wish." Razel says as he nods at his mistress', Vajain's, request, and left her thrown room in search of Captain Lillu. Razel walked past all of the servants starting at him, still a little shaken by his sudden attack, and killing of Leon. Razel ignoring the stares proceeds to the quarters of Captain Lillu.

Razel comes to the room of Lillu and opened the door walking in while surveying it. He looks around finding no one, but suddenly side steps an attack from a sword wielding Drow woman in an almost bare state, her skin clearly showing off her toned muscles, her masculinity, but at the same time revealing that she was still feminine in appearance most of all. "Razel, when will you learn to knock before you enter a ladies quarters." The Drow woman yelled.

"Captain Lillu, all you have to do it let me know when a lady is staying in your room." Razel replied in jest surprisingly and a small grin to boot. "I'll get you for that." Captain Lillu said as she charged at Razel again.

Razel unsheathed his sword as Lillu drew near swinging her blade, they clashed with a small explosion of sparks as their blades met and grind against each other which Lillu and Razel stare into each others eyes attempting to read the other's next move. Razel won the standoff by spinning away to the side sending Lillu stumbling forward, then swung his sword at her as she pasted him. But Lillu dodged it by rolling away, and striking back actually cutting Razel across the cheek.

Lillu's eyes grew wide with surprise realizing she had actually caught the vampire off guard, then smiled having finally gotten the better of her longtime rival. Razel flinched for a second taking a moment to feel the wound to make sure he wasn't imagining things.

"You've gotten faster, Lillu." Razel declared as he stood staring at his blood on his fingers. "This is the first time you've been able to strike me since our first spar over a hundred and fifty years ago."

"Indeed, I have been training everyday to someday beat you." Captain Lillu said with a playful smile on her face. "Shall we continue?"

"No. While I'd love to beat you again, I've come here to inform you that our Mistress requests your presence in her thrown room now. She wishes to speak with you." Razel said as he sheathed his sword, and wiped the blood from his face as his wound began to heal itself.

"That's a shame, today could have been the day I had beaten you. Well, inform the Mistress I will be there as soon as possible." Lillu said as she put her sword down, and retrieved her uniform to dress fully. "Now if you'll excuse me I need to dress."

Razel smirked as he slowly backed out staring at Lillu, then finally shut the door. Besides his Mistress Vajain, Captain Lillu was the only other person he had gotten a long with due to their obsession with being the best. They first dueled a hundred and fifty years back out of hatred for one another, but slowly over time a sort of friendship had blossomed from their almost weekly spars. Lillu had never beat Razel because of his vampiric abilities, but on this day she was able to strike him.

Shortly after Razel had returned to Vajain's thrown room, Captain Lillu had arrived as promised. Lillu approached Vajain, and kneed in front of her then stood to await her Mistress' words.

[Raiha]

[COLOR=MediumTurquoise][i]Her face was impassive once more, the poker face she had perfected over years of dealing with various attacks and breakins. The Captain stood to attention, her magical armour no longer dormant. A simple straight blade hung from her wide belt, and her helmet rested in her left hand. The ultimate example of decorum and military perfection.

Vajain stood, and Llilu swiftly came to attention. Her long dress whisked around her firm legs as she began walking down the steps of her throne.[/i]

"I want you to gradually increase the patrols around our permiters. And send two of our spies into the Underground."

"Yes Mistress."

"I want the source of the assassin found."

"It will be done."

"That will be all."

[i]The Captain saluted and turned to go, when she felt Vajain's breath on the back of her neck. Razel smirked slightly. He could feel her dully burning anger.[/i]

"I want you to find the truth. ....and while you're at it..... .....tell everyone to be on the lookout for Molvo."

"Is that....wise?"

"Caution outweighs this. I want you to do what you do best. And no slip ups."

"Of course Mistress."

"You have my leave to go."

[i]Captain Lilu turned and exited swiftly, her captain's robe flaring out behind her. Vajain walked back up to her throne and sat down moodily. Molvo was an unexpected damper on her plans, but it could be dealt with. At the same time, she found herself growing increasingly annoyed with the fact that she hadn't put him down when she had the chance.[/i][/COLOR]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#999999][i]Kishandri awoke and had found herself in her own chambers. She sat up and looked around to see if it was an illusion and an illusion it was not. She shook her head and climbed out of her bed. She stood groggily, but was able to cast a spell on herself so that she was rid of whatever poison she had drank.[/i]

"Damn the Nur'Lograin. I'd be glad that Molvo had gotten rid of Vajain, but no..that is a thought not suited for me. Molvo is a deceiving drider who lost his place in this world. I need a robe. Servant."

[i]A servant came running down the halls and handed Kishandri her home gown. It was a dark blue gown with silver trimmings and silver lining. A black jewel sat gently on the V part of her gown. And around her waist, was her belt in which she sheathed her sword. Kishandri nodded and took it. With a twist of her wrist, the gown replaced her nightwear and she was fitted for the day.

Walking out of her chambers, the servant trailed behind her, in case she had needed something and something she did indeed need. She entered her throne room and sat in her throne. She rested her head upon her right hand. And looked to the servant.[/i]

"Get me Maboroshi. Tell him I seek his guidance."

[i]The servant nodded and left the Mistress to her thoughts. Kishandri lifted her left hand and had extended her nails to see that they had been filed. She was pleased to see this and she also noticed that her throne room was extremely clean and shining. She was proud to see that her servants were working. Perhaps they needed to be rewarded.[/size][/color][/i]

[Dagger]

Ciel glanced slyly at Uthegiliel, hoping to provoke his curiosity. ?And what?s a battle without a proper audience? I?d be greatly pleased if you chose to watch us.?

He agreed, following her through the narrow doorway?narrow, at least, to his new form; by ordinary standards it would have appeared rather grand. This vampire seemed vaguely familiar, though he could not have said what aspect of the fair-haired man summoned fading memories. In any event, it would serve him well to see how Arciela?s powers had grown over the past few years.

She led them to a large outdoors arena, eyeing Renier even as she and Uthegiliel traded news about their clans. Though the necromancer?s hands swung gently at her sides, her shoulders looked slightly tense. Politics had prevented Ciel from sparring for several horribly tedious weeks, and she was aching for a challenge.

?I believe I?ll start with this,? she informed the vampire, sliding an elaborately etched glaive from a nearby rack of weapons. Long, sleek and perfectly balanced, it stood almost a foot taller than she. ?Why don?t you take a seat, Uthegiliel? If there?s anything you want . . .?

He glimpsed eyes glittering in the darkness beyond the outer wall, and nodded to show his understanding. Her power was strong enough to suppress the stench of undead flesh, but it would take a great deal to make him seek the Dolls? assistance.

[Doukeshi]

Renier bowed respectfully as she chose her weapon, eyeing the glaive in an appraising manner as the lady tested its weight. The use of a such a long weapon would prove to be a great disadvantage for him, her reach almost double that of an ordinary weapon. Watching her grimly he reached to his side with his right hand and unsheathed his broad rapier from its holder clasped to his belt. Flicking the blade forward with a calculated twisting of his wrist he pressed the tip to the floor and made a sweeping, flabouyant bow.

"It would be my honour, lady, to become locked in combat with one such as you."

He looked up to see her response, finding amusement playing across her features. A slight sparkle lit his eyes as he stepped back, twirling his blade playfully within his grip. Trailing his tongue over a sharpened incisor he smirked in her direction, flicking flaxen hair over his shoulder with a light gesture. This would indeed be an interesting battle, one he was not so sure that he could win. Hopefully the duel would remain all she promised, a friendly spar and nothing else. He had learned, however, through his many years of unlife that necromancers, even beautiful and charming ones such as she were not to be trusted. This creature toyed with the dead and made puppets of mortal souls, such an individual was not to be taken lightly.

Brandishing his blade before him he assumed an automatic fencers stance, sword held forward with his left arm held behind his back. Touching the blade lightly to his forhead in a saluting gesture towards Ciel he turned his gaze to the giant in the corner and winked.

"I hope the festivities are to your liking sir." With this final comment, he lunged forward.

[The Vampire: Ed]

As Vajain regretted not destroying Molvo when she had the chance, Molvo was enraged that he had not be successful in murdering his former Mistress and creator. Malvo since his failed attempt had taken out his frustrations on the surface dwellers who happened to stroll down into the cave, as well as victimizing many other inhabitants of the Underdark. Molvo made a name of himself in the Underdark as being the most savage creature to ever exist, but no one had known his name so he was dubbed many different things. Basically the equivalent of the boogie man told of in tale on the surface.

"Curse that vampire!" Molvo screams throwing a corpse against the cavern wall. "I was so close, I nearly impaled her but that damned bodyguard of hers stopped me. I will kill him next time we meet if he hasn't all ready bleed to death, but knowing that wench she was able to save him from that."

Molvo rubbed at the wound given to him by Razel, as Razel almost simultaneously did the same with the wound Molvo had given him. Apparently, Razel and Molvo had a sort of connection due to having been created by the same Mistress, and the power in which was used to bring both of them into this life they possessed. Razel often wondered where some of the sick thoughts had come from that popped into his head from time to time, and it was unknown to him that they were actually Molvo's thoughts. The same occurred with Molvo from time to time, but obviously his mental capacity didn't leaving him much time to dwell on the subject.

Molvo was the opposite of Razel. Molvo killed with not reason behind it other than pure bloodlust, while Razel killed only if it was best for his Mistress Vajain's safety or if she ordered it. Molvo's goal in life was to eliminate Vajain for forcing him into exile, and he would stop at nothing to do so.

Molvo found a message on one of his victims, ironically enough it was a messenger sent for Molvo to deliver that very message. Molvo read the message with great interest, which only grew stronger as he read on. It was from an unknown source asking for his help in destroying Nur'Lograin Mistress, his creator, Vajain. Molvo wasn't a very trusting being, but simply reading that someone wanted his head to destroy Vajain automatically made him like whoever it was, well as much as a blood thirsty psycho can like someone. It arranged a meeting at the spot in which Molvo found the messenger, it was to take place at later in the night.

At the end of the message it read "Please accept this messenger's life as a peace offering, and further belief that I would do anything it takes to murder Vajain, even enlist the aid of her exiled creation." Molvo laughed as he crumpled the paper into a ball, and tossed it back atop the messenger's corpse. "It looks like I may have another chance to fulfill my dreams of killing Vajain, but first that vampire of hers will have to go." Molvo said with a raspy chuckle.

[Ben]

Uthegiliel watched quietly as Arciela and Renier began to fight. The two were undoubtedly skilled; although one could not tell from the awkward swings and lunges they used to feel each other out. As soon as they each became sure of the other's competency, the battle grew in intensity. Renier tried time and time again to get closer and closer to Arciela to make better use of his rapier, but she simply grinned and slashed him away with the glaive. The two were obviously close to equal; the spar was a fascinating rarity in those that he'd seen. And yet Uthegiliel felt himself becoming detached from the spar, his mind wandering elsewhere. He closed his eyes.

Arciela and Renier continued their contest as Uthegiliel sank deeper and deeper into the lower levels of his mind. Something was happening, something was wrong. Uthegiliel felt panic; he couldn't move, he couldn't control his body. His thoughts were becoming frantic; what was going on?! The panic seeped away as he was drawn inexorably into the darkness within himself. The Dolls peered at him from the doorway. [I]They[/I] could feel something was happening. Arciela and Renier, caught up as they were, were oblivious to the impending event.

The floor under them buckled slightly. Arciela and Renier didn't notice. The walls shook violently for a moment. They stopped, puzzled. The floor began to ooze, melting upwards into shape. A four-armed figure of stone and sand. "Uthegiliel?" Arciela asked uncertainly. She looked over to him. His eyes were closed and he did not respond. The beast plunged its hands into the ground and pulled up swords of molten magma that emanated an intense heat. Renier backed away nervously.

"Uthegiliel!" he snapped.

Several more stone creatures formed from the walls and the ground. Little stone imps, hellish dogs of flaming brimstone, and more demonic lords of stone. The ground began to rupture, buckling upwards as the stone cracked and groaned. Uthegiliel grimaced and inwardly writhed in pain. The spell had gone wrong somehow! Somehow he was losing control of himself, and his powers.