Everyone Had Taken The Floor And Said Their Piece, And During The Entire Exchange Between Ameerah And Verial, Then Verial And Blend, The Young Prince Said Nothing But He Did Hear Everything.

"I wouldn't say their army is pathetic as it has already wiped out two towns on Elved,”

That Alone Was Testament. Perhaps Not To The Nature Of A Pathetic Army, But A World On The Brink. A World That Simply Did Not Have The Resources Or The Ability To Contend With World Wide Opposition, Not So Soon After The First. The World Was Weakened, Teetering On The Edge, So An Army Half The Size Of The One Now Storming Its Way To Grand City Could Accomplish Just As Much Given The Right Leader. What It Had Accomplished Thus Far May Keep Them From Being Pathetic, But It Was Far From Ominous. He Knew This, But He Said Nothing And Instead Continued To Listen.

"Please, be careful what you say. I completely understand your reason for not wanting to bow to any self-proclaimed deity, but Deanna was once a friend of mine.”

Another Statement That Caught His Attention. Verial Was Friends With The Woman. Normally Such A Thing Would Be Meaningless, At Least In The World Ameerah And He Came From. A Friend Was Just As Much An Obstacle As An Enemy Given The Right Circumstances. If The Gods Were To Be Held In The Same Regard As An Absentee Grounds Keeper During These Events, Then The Word “Friend” Was A Hollow Thing. Especially If That Friend Now Heralded The Potential "Forced" Destruction Of The World. The Fact Verial Had Told Ameerah To Watch What She Said Did However Cause Valorius To Look Upon Him. The Look Was Stoic And Void Of Anger Or Any Emotion Really, And It Only Lasted A Second Or 2. But In That Second The Juvenile Urge To Be Aggressively Petty And Lose Sight Of The True Objective Presented Itself. He Was Young But Not So Immature And Full Of Self Interest.

Standing In Silence He Continued To Listen As Verial Went On To Offer Both He And Ameerah The Positions Of Ruler And Protector Of Heruin. It Was At That Moment He Cracked A Smile And Actually Laughed, Not A Loud Chuckle But A Soft Laugh Accompanied By A Glance To Ameerah Who Was Snickering Softly To Herself. They Were Not Mocking Verial Or His Trusting Offer, More So They Were Finding Humor In What Appeared To Be An Inescapable Fact Of Their Life -- Or At Least He Was. One To Rule And One To Guard – The More Things Change, The More They Remain The Same.

By Then Verial Had Moved To Blend And Was Now “Interrogating” The Doll. To Anyone Else It May Appear Strange But The Way Ameerah And He Seemed To Ignore It, It Was As If Such A Thing Didn't Register With Them At All. Instead Of Focusing On That They Waited For Verial To Finish Speaking, Sharing One Final Glance With Eachother. There Was No Need To Discuss, They Both Knew Who Would Be Best Suited To What Position. But They Did Venture To A Smaller Room For A Few Moments To Give The Illusion It Required Actual Discourse. Soon However, They Returned To The Main Area, Valorius Speaking Once The Door Closed Behind Them.

”We have decided Padishah is best suited for Ameerah. She has watched over an entire realm before so..she is well suited for the role. And I...I have had some experience with commanding a military force , and would be better suited for the responsibilities that follow the post.”

There Wasn't Much More To Say About The Matter. Their Assistance Had Been Accepted, And Permission Along With Resources Had Been Given. In Short, Business Had Been Handled, And Now His Thoughts Would Be Offered On The Personal Details. Not As A Prince To A King, Or Even Man To Man, More So Total Objectivity Responding To A Plethora Of Emotion. Seeing A Lit Lantern Without The Need For Additional Light And Not Seeing The Doll, He Knew The Conversation Between King And Twigs Had Been Cut Short.

”Since you two have finished your discussion, Verial...I told you we may not always have the same agenda, but..one thing I didn't say is this. I will always be honest with you, I will not spare feelings or make light of a dark situation. You say Deanna saved your life once..and the life of your son. A selfless deed can never be undone, but it can be shadowed by selfish acts. How many sons and fathers have already died? How many are now coming this way at her behest to destroy everything they can? Whatever your feelings for this woman..if the opportunity presents itself, I will eviscerate the animation from her and all those who follow her. This world does not have the time or the remaining durability to endure an investigation into whether or not this Deanna is aware of what she does. If she is controlled by a greater force than we will deal with that force, but until that force presents itself..we have only the puppets who act in its place.”

For An Instant His Eyes Glanced To The Lantern And The Kindling That Had Once Been Blend. The Small Fire Crackled And Again That Arc Of Emerald Current Surged From His Eyes, This Time From Right To Left As The Essence Within Him Reacted To The Living Energy That Had Been Release By The Destruction Of The Snare. Looking Back To Verial His Right Hand Tugged At The Glove On His Left, Tightening The Leather Back Down Over The Fingers Beneath.

”With what has happened..be it through her will or not..her name is already 'slandered'. There is no coming back from what has been done, no forgetting genocide or making amends for the attempted murder and enslavement of an entire world. Believe me. If she can be saved..if any of them can be saved than they will be, but not at the expense of missing an opportunity to end this before it grows beyond opposition. The therianthropes and the aliscowri do not need nor care how many voices speak against them..they are slaves...they understand a single thing. They are what you would call...monsters. And despite what the stories say there is only one absolute method of stopping a monster...present a more formidable one.”

Despite What Layla May Have Thought He Was Not Beyond Godlike, Or Godlike At All. He Was Just A Different Manner Of Entity, Capable Of Things Specific To Him And The Line He Was Created From. Perhaps That Made Him Godly To Some But In That Regard Vampires, Demonics, Angelics, Therianthropes – They All Held A Measure Of 'Divinity' In The Eyes Of The Right Observer. The Only Difference Between Those Beings And Himself Was That He Was The Only One Of His Kind. Not The Last Remaining, Not The Primogenitor, But The Only One That Has Been Or Ever Would Be. Just As His Father, His Mother, And Ameerah Were. 4 Impossibilities That Managed To Not Only Exist But Had Been Able To Thrive. This Was Not Their World, Not Their Land, And The Forces That Governed It Were Not Their Own. So As He Nodded His Head To Verial, And Then To Layla He Offered A Brief But Polite Smile. His Eyes Lingered On Layla A Moment Though.

”Showing concern doesn't make you weak....not showing it does. Whatever you find there..make it a strength.”

He Didn't Need To Be Able To “See Her Soul” To Notice The Distress. He Knew The Terrain, Where Her City Was. And Despite The Appearance He Had In Situations Like This He Was Very Much Able To Feel. For A Moment A Subtle Glimpse Of That Empathy Showed On His Otherwise Placid Face Before He Took A Step Towards The Door And Began To Head For It. Pausing At The Arch He Waited For Ameerah To Either Speak Or Lead The Way Back To Heruin.

Now That He Had The Support Of The Government, It Was Time To Get To Know The Gods. And If Blend's Final Words Proved To Be True Than He May Have His Opportunity. Perhaps Not The Best Of Circumstances -- But Definitely A Start.

A day of intense combat training and a night of unbridled passion made for a great time. Madrin woke with the sun as was his habit. Mira was still sleeping peacefully after complaining about his insane early rising. She had gained a few scars since he had last seen her full figure they only added to her appeal, this was a women that had no problem wading into the thick of battle. She reminded him of Deanna from the short time he knew her. Madrin's mother was the same way. He realized he had a type, strong women who understood fear and chose to push forward despite it. That was the essence of true courage, not the foolish misconception of pretending that terror doesn't exist. It is a warning that what you are about to do is dangerous, and can save your life in battle.

Wish is a strong women that is unsure of her true power. Madrin hoped she was doing well because darkness was coming and she has a inner light within her that could save many lives. Layla and Sahar also had iron wills that would serve them well when hope seemed a dream. Verial seemed to have a good heart and Quinn knows the truth of love, it only makes you stronger in the face of adversity. Madrin hoped Quinn realized love can turn to hate in a blink but, Deanna would want him to move on for his own happiness. Some men let that wound fester until it was more like poison. Maxim was a vampire with a sense of right and wrong, which put him several levels above the usual fiends in Madrin's opinion, who only thought of their next meal. He was unsure how many he had killed but, they die just like anything else it's just more difficult. The same went for the various breeds of therianthropes he had slain. They weren't as bad as those blasted Galuwrath, destructive monsters was the only way to describe those bastards. Despite them he had met many good beings in the last few months it gave him hope for the future of Aleris.

"Madrin I have to say I'm enjoying the view but, I doubt the castle servants were expecting a nude exhibition first thing in the morning." Her eyes were taking in everything with desire. She couldn't help laughing as Madrin turned from his window after staring out of it for several minutes.

His eyes met those of the elderly women that had brought fresh linens expecting Madrin to still be sound asleep. "Thank you madam please put them down on the table we will change them right away." Madrin gave her a respectful bow without a stitch of clothing, not even thinking about how the women was affected by his state of undress. It was natural among his people but, most people didn't expect the lack of modesty. When Nedira was with him he had to consider her sensibilities but, in his room he choose to sleep as he was most comfortable the castle staff needed to learn his habit.

"Yeee..s sir thank you sir, good day." She fled from the room like a demon was on her heels. Her only thought was Madrin's fresh linens needed to only be delivered when he was out or else terrible rumors would fly. She couldn't let that happen to the man that had saved her son's life during the undead invasion.

"Mira warn me next time if she had been an assassin I would have been vulnerable. That women could teach me about stealth, she was very skilled." He thought about that a little and continued. "Since you're up how about coming with me for my morning jog after we change the sheets." They shared a smile as they both remembered how badly those blankets needed changing after all the sweat.

"Madrin I'll help change them but, then I'm going back to sleep." Mira smiled beautifully, then they changed the linens quickly. "Good day Captain Kir I'll see you later." She gave him a peck on the cheek and curled up in the fresh covers. Sleep returned to her in a few minutes after he had left.

Madrin had to wait twenty minutes for the royal guards due to meet him fully clothed in his work uniform. The group was not use to rising so early but, they would learn. Everyday another group would go with him on his eight mile jog until all of them had done it at least once in a week. Unless Grand city was attacked of course. They all were fully armed just like him to make the training more beneficial. His morning routine took longer however, thanks to their recent training the royal guards could take the strain it gave Madrin a sense of pride for his soldiers. After finishing his part of the training for the day Madrin went seeking the Protector Regent to update him on the progress of his orders.

“If I may speak?”

Lady Layla Victoire was quite surprised at the steady even tone her voice took even as her head was spinning, her emotions reeling from all that had taken place in the past hour or so. Quietly she had remained by Verial’s side as the two foreign dignitaries from another realm had their say, as the bewitched stick figure calling itself Blend and finally her King. Moments of despair, heated verbal battles, emotional toil and finally propositions regarding rulership of Heruin had been offered. Negotiations were made and agreed upon, and yet the blonde lady had still remained silent.

Until now.

She direct her grey orbs toward Valorious and Ameerah with cool politeness as she continued to remain by the side of her ruling Lord. “I understand neither of you hold any stock in the gods for assistance to the realm and its people, but we cannot rule out that it is quite possible the gods are unaware of the situation at hand. I can only imagine that Elysia has had her hands full with the many souls that were previously lost due to the natural disasters that occurred recently, as well as the battle of the gods against the Val’nothe and the necromancer Terra Vale.” Layla paused, taking a deep cleansing breath before continuing.

“I think it only prudent for us to at least seek council with the gods be it one or all. Perhaps they have sage advice in dealing with another devastating blow that Aleris is about to face at the hands of our enemies and whatever unseen force is behind it.” Layla cast a sideways glance at Verial as more words poured from her lips. “My King, I understand that this Deanna was once a friend of yours, and you alone out of anyone in this room would know her best save for perhaps the Lord Commander…” Layla did not add the fact that the Redmont Lord was currently absent from his duties in parts unknown. The ruling Lady of Bariston simply hoped that whatever was keeping him from his sworn duties had ended and that Miles had located the Commander of Bariston and informed him of their impending departure. “…so I can sympathize with whatever loyalties you might feel toward this….woman.” Layla shifted some as she eyed Valorious and Ameerah once more.

“Although my friends, and I do hope I may call you my friends,” Layla offered a tentative smile to the exotic couple, “I can understand your desire to…how shall I put this…destroy the root of the weed before it smothers the garden?” She brushed a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, hoping her analogy was correct. “I can agree wholeheartedly on that, but the truth of the matter is this: The only pertinent information we have regarding this ever growing army of therianthropes, Aliscowri and gods know whatever else has been added to the mix is coming from a stick puppet named Blend that I assume, perhaps incorrectly, is animated due to some sorcery.” The way Layla uttered the last word indicated the Bariston ruler did not approve of sorcery and the practice of dark arts.

“This Blend claimed the army was being led by Elijah Bluefield and the woman Deanna who is now proclaiming herself a goddess of some sorts,” Layla swallowed the bitter pill that allowed her to concede that indeed the loathsome therianthrope Alastair Bluefield was indeed correct in his warnings of the undead lycan. “We have only the word of this animated bundle of sticks that conveniently disappeared after my Lord demanded more information out of him. Also, he admitted to siding with such vile creatures prior to his…uh, transformation. For all we know, he could be leading us into a trap.” The blonde woman licked at dry lips, unsure if she entirely believed all she was stating. “His word alone cannot be the basis of a full on attack against the army, though I will freely agree that they must be stopped at all costs. We simply do not have all the knowledge we need to end this senseless destruction of lands and people.” My people, she thought. Bariston. Immediately Layla’s cheeks began to burn as she knew she was being selfish in her thinking. Bariston was simply part of a whole, and as a ruler, she had to think of the whole first, pushing personal feelings aside as she hoped Verial would do as well.

“My King, regardless of whether Deanna has been bewitched, possessed or whatever excuse is being given for her resurrection and behavior, the point is moot. Perhaps she is being controlled by unseen forces, or perhaps this is her true nature revealing itself to us, much to your disappointment.” Layla did not say ‘our’, for in truth, she could care less about this woman regardless of past heroic deeds, but for Verial’s sake, she remained positive. “Sadly, my Lord, even if we did manage to contain her and destroy her army, thereby saving countless lives that would have met horrific deaths, what is to say that there is any chance in reversing whatever damage has been done to this woman? A woman, I might point out, who was dead less than three months ago. A woman who should not be alive to commit these unspeakable crimes against humanity.” Layla’s voice rose an octave and she quickly lowered her tone to keep whatever emotion she had pent up inside of her at bay.

Layla straightened then, drawing herself up to her diminutive height of less than five and a half feet. “Your assistance Valorious and Ameerah, as I stated previously and as my Lord has agreed upon, is greatly appreciated, but I must remind you both of something crucial. Verial Akilara is the King of Aleris. He might not be your King, per say, but he does rule this realm that you have chosen to make your place of residency. Therefore, it is by his and his decision alone regarding the actions taken upon this army and whoever leads it for whatever reasons. I implore you to abide by his choices whether you deem them correct or not. Simply stating, I ask you not act upon whatever desires or urges you may feel, whatever methods you may employ in the dispatching of this army and those who lead it, restoring the balance you feel is slipping through your fingers without the full on approval of the King.”

However the royal emissaries would take this, whether a personal slight or not, Layla would not remain behind to witness. It was not meant to be, merely a matter of truth. Verial was King. His word was law. She hoped and prayed that he was clear of mind and heart to do what was just and right. She wanted to believe this with her entire being. She then turned to face Verial, her expression softening some. “My Lord, before I depart to Bariston, I would leave you with this advice: your people need you, the land needs you, and perhaps even the gods need you and your wisdom to do what is right by them. My King, you do not believe in the gods, but I am sure they believe in you and trust in you to keep their realm safe. I know you will not fail the realm…or me.” She smiled at him then, but there was a shred of concern hidden in that carefully placed mask she wore. Turning to bow to Ameerah and Valorious, she said, “It was a pleasure.”

Layla cast one last lingering glance at Verial, hiding her doubts well as she murmured, “By your leave, my King,” and once it was granted, Lady Layla Victoire gathered her skirts in hand and left the room, her heart pounding.

Bariston called to her, and the small but mighty woman would do whatever was necessary to ensure its survival, as well as the rest of the realm.

Whatever was necessary to protect the people.

Whatever the cost to prevent the destruction of the realm.

Duty came before all.

So much talking. All around her people talked, Verial to them, chastising her for her criticism of Deanna which elicited little more than an amused smirk from the Princess. She might have even answered back but there was yet more talking to be done. Verial then felt the need to talk to Blend, then Valorius to Verial, then Layla to them all. Talk talk talk. Frankly she chafed beneath this mantle of “talking” when she would much rather be ~doing~. But alas, this was Verial's realm, as Layla was oh so quick to point out to her (an action that caused her smirk to widen), and if he wanted to stand around and yack about their issues that was his choice.

To any who knew her, truly knew her, and the list of those people was miniscule, they would notice the drastic change in her behavior. Impatience was ever a character flaw she struggled with, and that had not changed overly much, but where once she would be prowling the room as if caged and giving sharp, downright snotty, answers to both Verial and Layla for daring to chastise her, she merely smirked, as if amused by their need to reinforce just who was in charge. Mayhap it was the lack of the wolf's instincts that allowed her to accept such words without the impulse to lash out, or perhaps it was that she no longer felt the need to point out just who she was and what she was capable of. Whatever, she didn't really care, she just wanted to get the show on the fucking road. Her only indication of any annoyance or ire was the teeth baring snarl she offered Blend's way, the urge to touch a finger to the stick doll and suck it dry of whatever energy it possessed nearly causing her to extend her hand but, again rather surprisingly, she didn't. She could tell he didn't like her, though, and the feeling was quite mutual. Just as Layla suspected the little stick figure was not on their side she too did not trust him.

Eventually it seemed as if it was finally her turn to speak again, something she missed when everyone fell silent and looked to her as she'd let her mind wander during all the needless babble. Verial had made an offer, the governance of Heruin as both ruler and protector. Valorius glanced her way and there need be no words shared to know just who would fill which position. It seemed their destiny was written, regardless of where they went. She had been born to rule, he to protect, and again they were cast in those very roles. A slight nod of her head was given to acknowledge that she was in agreement and Valorius accepted the offer, claiming she would take the position of Padishah while he would head their armies. Moving forward so that all in the room could look upon her as she spoke she barely got her words out before Layla departed, Ameerah's soft laughter trailing in her wake. It was clear Layla was smitten with Verial and Ameerah sincerely doubted it was Verial's word only (bedmates usually got their way even if it wasn't obvious to the public political eye) that ruled the land but beneath all that she could also see a well of resolve to the lady of Elved, a determination to protect her land and her people and do right by Aleris. She could respect that even if Layla was a bit provincial and superstitions. Yes, Ameerah had noted the disdain with which Layla had spoken of sorcery, and was quite amused by it actually. There was much for her to address so taking a deep breath she sighed and got to it.

”I will accept the position of Padishah of Heruin, as Valorius said, and I thank you for the position.”See! She could be polite.

”It is likely going to the gods will be a waste of time as they don't seem to be that inclined to get involved on their own but if it is your will to contact them I will travel to Tempesturo's temple to determine just where he stands in all of this.”Few would speak of approaching the gods as casually as she did, a distinct lack of concern or fear evident in her tone when she spoke of approaching Tempesturo. Layla had mentioned that the gods may be unaware of what transpired and that alone had her questioning the worth of the Alerian gods that they did not even know what befell their own people but she said nothing about it, realizing people got weird when it came to their gods and frankly they had more pressing concerns than a religious debate.

”As for this Deanna...I understand she is, or was, your friend Verial but whether or not she is in her right mind she is killing people and is attempting to make a conquest of this realm. I get that you want to protect her from slander but that is the least of your concerns. You may have to kill her.

Though she didn't say it her tone implied that Verial was going to have to make peace with that. If he couldn't kill Deanna, or whoever controlled her body, then they would be weakened before her army. It wasn't as if she was without sympathy for Verial's plight, she understood better than most would having put a blade in the throat of her own mate, but her tone was matter of fact. Deanna may need to be destroyed regardless of who's friend she was or what level of esteem Verial held her in. Frankly in the Empire she'd be condemned to death for her actions regardless of the reasons behind them but, again as she was so pointedly reminded, it was Verial's decision to make.

”Your lady is right about many things and I will endeavor to consult you before any rash decisions are made, but I have to wonder if she has ever actually engaged in battle. If war comes to us we'll fight. There will be no time to dispatch a message and await a reply as to how we should proceed. You are setting me, us, to rule and protect Heruin's shores and that is what I will do. Should Bariston have sent word and awaited instruction? As far as any grand military actions of course, we will defer to your judgment but if we are attacked I can do no less than protect those who are being given into our keeping."

It was true, she wasn't used to taking orders unless they came from her parents, and part of her chafed at the idea of having to do so from anyone she didn't truly know, but this wasn't their world and this situation would give her ample opportunity to gauge Verial's merit. Even in Eternelle Lune she would not be free to do as she pleased as she would ever be subject to the final authority of Duvessa and Astynax. At least here she had received her position based on merit, because Verial saw something in her that he knew would benefit Heruin and Aleris as a whole. In effect he was giving her a chance to prove her worth, to dispel the whispered accusations that said she had only attained the level she had at her age because of who her parents were.

There had been no time to offer Layla a farewell as she had departed once her piece was said but she offered Verial the smile that she might have given Layla had she stayed. The smile she offered would be the only indication of her mood, her upper features obscured from view by the mask though her expression would be unreadable with or without it.

”Please tell your lady that yes, she may call us friend, and if we all survive I will be glad to do the same in return.”

She had no delusions that she and Layla, or Verial for that matter, would always get along. If they all remained in the positions they were ensconced in now there would likely come the day when they would butt heads over what should be done for the good of Aleris and, let's face it, chicks don't always get along. But she had seen much to admire in Layla in spite of her superstitions and what Ameerah considered a very uptight attitude. How Verial had breached those panties she would never know but it was clear Layla needed more of Verial's brand of relaxation, that was for damn sure.

”Heruin is, and will be, our priority, but if Blend is to be believed than the army is headed here to Grand City. Our presence when the army arrives would only help your cause. There are certain...protections..I can put in place on Heruin that will alert us to any impending danger and defend its shores until we arrive so that we can help you here in the meantime. Whatever you prefer,”she finished, leaving the final decision up to him.

She had offered to visit Tempesturo's temple and such an action could be easily done before putting the protections in place and returning to Grand City. She had means of travel that took far less time than the average person who must take a ship by either air or sea and could accomplish those tasks within a day and be back in the Grand City if Verial felt that would benefit them the most. Honestly she didn't know why Verial would not want them there if Deanna's forces were in fact heading for Grand City considering the aid they could provide.

But maybe she just really wanted to hit something.

Delorah whimpered, cuddling against Kotik's massive chest like a child. Which wasn't so far from the truth, Kotik reflected. She was what - two months old? But the figure curled up against him, shuddering and crying, was perhaps forty years old in appearance and had just failed in childbirth.

The corpse of the infant, like all the others that failed, was tossed into the flames. Not to be consumed - the Hunger wasn't potent enough - but out of respect for the spirit that struggled so vibrantly to come into this world and still failed.

Delorah's red-rimmed eyes peered up at him.

"He wasn't strong enough."

Kotik grunted. "Who?"

"The man. The child. His spirit was too weak for me. I need.. a father with power. So the child can survive, you understand? So the child.." She began weeping again and buried her head into his chest.

Kotik growled towards another Aliscowri. "How much longer until we land? I'm getting hungry. Those lycanthropes are starting to look tasty."

The Aliscowri grinned. "Tasty, yes. Never had wolf before."

"Just don't let Gethe or Elijah find out what we'll be eating," Kotik offered with a wink as the Aliscowri man gathered a crowd of like-minded individuals to go on a raiding party.

--

Fingers found Blend over the decapitated body of the Demigrath, busily cleaning his kill. The two dead sailors stared at each other for a while, equally shocked. Fingers was a massive man, built like an ox and layered in scars even in his afterlife. His enormous frame contrasted Blends, the latter a cat-like man with bunched muscles woven tight in anticipation.

Five feet away from Blend, Fingers finally grunted. "You killed it?"

Blend grinned, lifting up the head. It was human-sized, incredibly small considering the enormous beast that owned it. Tendrils of noxious grey fluid dripped from its neck and crystallized as they fell to the earth, while a pair of black gemstones stared coolly out from the dead monsters face. "Yep. That'll teach the Demigrath to step on my soulsnare next time."

Blend hunched over the head, and Fingers walked closer to watch, peering over the mans' shoulder as he worked a bone into the eye socket.

"What are you doing?" Fingers asked.

"I.. want its eye.." Blend grunted, prying the gemstone from the skull. "It looks valuable. Bet I can fetch a nice price for these."

Chuckling, Fingers patted the sailor on his back. "You haven't changed one bit, Blend."

Pocketing the eyeball in a pouch on his hip (the same pouch containing other oddities, such as a melted rock from Galenous' Fall), Blend turned to the sailor. "Yeah. You haven't even changed your clothes. Come on, man, you reek!"

Fingers grinned. "Nice to see you too."

"So.. why are you here? You got a job? You know I can hitch a sail faster'n anyone on the high seas."

"It's not hitching sails I'm here for. I... need to tell you something." Fingers voice was dead serious as his green-grey eyes locked on Blend. "These events with Deanna reminds me a lot of a man I once knew. Like Deanna, this man was not inheritely corrupted.. But his power was so much, the gods themselves began toying with his brain. Indeed, he grew fascinated with death, agony, and misery. Eventually, this man led a campaign in his home realm, destroying every thing - even the land. Kismaltos, the goddess of the underworld, was slain by this man. The pantheon itself was destroyed."

"What the bloody hell does this have to do with me?"

"I'm coming to that." Fingers sat on the leg of the massive Demigrath's corpse. "You see, this man became the puppet of a god, from a different realm. Silenti, the God of Death. Silenti sought to use him as a tool to conquer both his home world, and the realm where Silenti was himself imprisoned. These plans faltered, and the man died. But was reborn - and reborn again, later."

Blend narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying Deanna is trying to destroy the pantheon of Aleris?"

Fingers shrugged. "Perhaps. But this isn't about Deanna - it's about you. There is a great deal more to this story. The man, reborn, remained corrupted by the god of Death. More, so. In fact, as Silenti lost followers, his avatars became his only hope for any semblance of power to return. Silenti latched to these last believers, possessed them.. Our cursed hero was one such believer. He was led to Aleris.

"Drastic measures had to be taken, to prevent Silenti from corrupting this realm. The man had his memories destroyed. His spirit was cleansed. It was only in this way that he had a chance to redeem his soul.

"You see, my friend... you are Xezvimhi, the fallen Avatar of Death."

--

"No!" Blend was storming away from the fallen Demigrath and the persistent sailor that followed him. "You're full of shit!"

"Perhaps, but that's beside the point. Blend, listen to me, damnit! I can prove it!"

Blend whirled on Fingers. "You can prove that I'm a murderous bastard who worships the God of Death? And why would I even want to know such a thing?! I'm much happier being a murderous bastard who worships the God of Chaos."

Fingers scowled at him. "We were once brothers, you and I--"

"Ohh hell, now you're talking more nonsense! Leave me alone. I'm going to find Agatha."

Blend stormed away, furious. Shrugging, Fingers followed.

--

"Okay, okay," Blend stated, spinning around once more to look at Fingers. He pointed a finger at the man and jabbed it into his chest. "You're saying you can prove I'm this .. Xez.. voo.. me? Kezz Vuu meee? Well, hell, what was it again?"

"Xezvimhi. Zezz-vee-meee.."

"Ohh. Zezzweemee. Right. Anyways, if I'm really this Zezzyeevee, why does that matter now? You said my spirit was cleansed. What use is Zevveemee to me?"

"It's Xezvimhi. There's one major reason you should consider this as an opportunity, not a rude awakening. This very moment, your corpse is being carted around the Ripping Gate that the Almeddans have made to enter Aleris. The Almeddans didn't trust Xezvimhi, you see, so they disassembled him -- err, you -- and now your corpse lies inanimate and useless. The Almeddans are wary, scouting this realm for potential trade or war."

Blend shrugged. "I'm listening."

"Your soulsnare was a weak example of the potential of a real body. If you could get your body back, and convince the Almeddans of your new ... perspective .. perhaps you can help bring balance to Aleris."

"So, what's your part in all this? How do you know so much?"

"I.. it's complicated. We'll talk on that later. For now, let me show you how to access your corpse."

"It's Zezz-wee-vee, right?"

"Zezz-vee-me."

"Right."

Sahar had just finished packing the last bit of her own personal belongings, having left Neera to complete the tasks set out by Layla Victoire, when she heard a knock on her door. “Come in,” the desert woman called as she reached for a stack of books.

Her Lady opened the door and walked into the room, looking rather dejected as she flopped down upon Sahar’s made bed, causing the once orderly covering to wrinkle and sending two pillows sliding onto the floor. Sahar set her books down upon the wooden table, worn with age but lovingly cared for as she looked at her oldest and dearest friend. “I take it the meeting went well?” She deadpanned.

Layla cast an irate glance toward the healer and scowled. “Oh it was splendid,” she drawled sarcastically. “How shall I begin? Well the two foreign dignitaries aren’t exactly what they seem, at least not to me. Something else gods! They appear human at least. There was a talking stick man, who teetered closely to being used as nothing more than kindling by both the Princess and our King, but then something happened to him…it…and it’s gone now. Oh and the Prince declared balance must be restored at all costs, that part I happen to agree with. Hmm….what else….?” Layla was in quite the mood, Sahar noticed as she stood abruptly, pacing like a wild animal that had been suddenly caged. “Oh yes! How silly of me to forget!” The petite blonde woman slapped at her forehead in mock gesture. “Elijah Bluefield is leading said army that has already brought Shimmer and Garis Towns to ruin, but that isn’t the best part Sahar! He follows a woman. You might know her considering you helped with her burial preparations. Does the name Deanna ring a bell?” Steely grey eyes met the smoky honeyed ones of Sahar, anticipating her reaction.

The desert beauty blinked. Once. Twice. Her mouth opened and closed a few times, almost as is unable to comprehend or even believe the news her Lady relayed to her. “That….well, I cannot say that is not possible for all things are possible, but…Layla, are you sure?” Sahar felt her knees buckle and she sat quickly upon the same spot where Layla had abandoned on the bed. “According to Blend it is. That would be the stick figure I mentioned earlier. According to stick figure Blend, he had a firsthand account of all on goings, which I presume occurred before he became…a stick.” Layla’s pretty features turned rather ugly as her lips twisted into a grimace.

“I see,” was all Sahar had to offer. She waited for Layla to finish wearing down stone flooring before asking quietly. “And what did our Lord Verial have to say regarding such unsettling news?” Sahar could already judge by Layla’s reaction that her lady wasn’t particularly pleased by their Lord’s response. “He is upset, naturally. We are talking about a dead woman, supposedly mind you, who was once his ally and friend who seemingly is possessed by a deity as she proclaims herself a goddess. I do not know the identity of this goddess, sad to say. Verial is aware of the possibility of sending her back into her grave where she belongs, but does not relish the idea. I cannot blame him, Sahar, and truly I do understand his plight, but we are talking about the massacre of thousands by her hand, or at the very least at her command. She cannot be allowed to continue this destructive campaign of hers.” Layla sighed then, shaking her head sadly. “I fear, my friend, that we might already be too late to save Bariston. From what Blend mentioned Deanna, Elijah and their army of monsters have already apprehended airships and are quite possibly on their way here now as we speak.” Tears began prickling in the blonde Bariston ruler’s eyes. “My people,” she whispered, her body trembling. “I never should have left them, Sahar. Their doom is my fault.”

The magae rushed to her lady’s side and embraced her tightly, a slender hand soothing patting Layla’s back. “Do not speak such foolishness, my Lady. The blame does not lie with you. It lies with those who serve Chaos and seek to use it as a weapon for their own pleasure. We left our most capable guard there to protect our city. If they for some reason fell, it is because Deanna and Elijah’s forces were far stronger or greater.” Sahar released Layla and held her at arm’s length, forcing the teary eyed smaller woman to look at her. “There wouldn’t have been anything you could have done, Layla save either falling at their mercy, or dying. You must believe that. “ Sahar clung to the hope that perhaps all was not lost. “Besides, there may be survivors. We do not know until we leave this City and return home.” Always the voice of soothing reason, Sahar remained calm for her lady’s sake, though inside she was an utter wreck. The very thought of the senseless annihilation of the very city she called home for most of her life was utterly heartbreaking, perhaps not to the degree as the anguish Layla felt, but it was all the same.

Lady Victoire took a deep breath and wiped at her tears. “You are right. I cannot assess the situation until I go home….without you.” Sahar was taken aback, her eyes widening at the suggestion, no…command. “You cannot mean to leave me here, Layla! I am a healer! Bariston is my home as much as it is yours!” The desert beauty began spluttering, her normal calm demeanor slipping away. “My place is by your side. I can be of great use for those who are wounded or near death! Layla you cannot leave me behind! I must return with you!” Now it was the healer’s eyes that filled with tears, silvery streaks that slowly inched their way down her tanned cheeks.

Layla regarded her friend with utter resolve, a simple pat on the shoulder was the only attempt made to offer comfort. “No. I need you here with our King. When Deanna’s army arrives in the Grand City, they will bring death to those who reside here. Death to the land. They must be stopped. Destroyed. All of them. “ Layla gripped Sahar by her shoulders, her fingers digging in painfully and the desert healer cried out. “All. Of. Them. Sahar.” She enunciated sharply. Slowly Layla eased the pressure of her grip upon realizing the pain she was causing the woman.

Layla’s demeanor and tone softened. “Sahar, forgive me, but I am devastated and fear the worst for the realm. Already two regions have been lost, with Bariston as a possible third. I could not bear it to see the rest of the world, our world, burn if we do not take immediate action.” There was a desperate plea in Layla’s voice. “Sahar I implore you to listen to me. Lord Verial has already made it clear of his association with Deanna, and there is obvious hesitation to see her put down. This concerns me greatly. Not because he does not wish to protect the very people he swore he would, but out of friendship for this woman he once fought beside, who apparently aided in the safety of his own son at one point. Prince Valorious and Princess Ameerah offered their help with this war, which he accepted mind you, but I could see the tension when Prince Valorious mentioned an immediate offense against the army. Both wish to maintain balance for the realm, and have no desire to watch the world enslaved or decimated, in particular Heruin where they made their home.” Layla looked pointedly at Sahar who cast her eyes downward. Layla knew that by mentioning Sahar’s land of origin, and the eventual genocide of her desert people would strike a nerve.

“They wish to attack immediately as they know that delaying the inevitable will only cause this army to gather more forces and make it far more convenient for the destruction of the Grand City and surrounding lands.” Noting Sahar’s look of dismay and discomfort, Layla amended quickly, “My friend, it isn’t that I do not believe our Lord will do right by his land and people. I just fear that if it comes down to it, if he encounters her, there is a chance he might falter on his attack, might take pity on her, gods maybe even think to convince her of who she used to be, being the kind man that he is. It is foolish for him to even try and, dare I say might even get him killed, Sahar.” At this, Layla felt a well of emotion rise inside of her. “It would break my heart to see him fall Sahar over his foolish ideals and morals…out of loyalty to a dead woman who would now seek to destroy him.”

Sahar simply stared at her friend for the longest of moments before nodding slowly, almost reluctantly as she came to accept some harsh truths. “What would have me do, Lady?” Layla seized the opportunity quickly. “Encourage him to accept the Prince and Princess’ help. Allow them to do whatever is necessary to restore balance no matter the cost. Explain to him, reason with him Sahar, that refusing to sacrifice a few to save the lives of so many would result in tragedy, one that I do not believe he could live with.” Layla thought of Oneiro. She knew that Verial would not wish another disaster to befall Aleris.

The desert mage considered her lady’s words. “And if he does not listen to me?”

Layla’s jaw squared. “Then we shall do what is necessary for the preservation of Aleris and its people.”

Sahar’s lips parted as if to speak, fully understand the implication in Layla’s words, but she reconsidered and nodded once. “Very well, Layla. I shall do as you…request…and remain here in the City.” Sahar attempted a smile, but there was a great sadness in her eyes that went unnoticed by her Layla who sighed in relief. “Thank you, my friend. I knew I could count on you.” Layla quickly hugged Sahar before turning on her heel. “I plan on leaving for Bariston tomorrow at dawn. Make sure Neera, Ambrose and all of Bariston’s guards are ready to leave, and remind Ambrose to ensure the airships are ready for our departure. Oh and Sahar, you might want to mention to the King that you shall be staying behind as his Counsel.” With that, Layla made her way to the door, pausing only to ask. “Has Miles returned yet with news of the Lord Commander?”

“Captain Miles has returned my Lady, but without Commander Redmont. I am sorry, my Lady.” Layla clenched her hands into fists, but nodded without saying a word and departed, her displeasure highly evident.

Sahar stood in the middle of her quarters for what seemed ages before she dropped to her knees suddenly. Her body ran cold and she hugged herself for warmth. Never before had Layla treated her in such a manner, nor ever requested such distasteful tasks such as manipulation and surveillance. The implication, the very threat that hung unspoken but heavy in the air for Sahar to do whatever was necessary to see that Verial slaughter each and every member of the army was unthinkable. Of course she understood the need, the desperate need in fact, to end their tyranny. But the cost? Murder. Especially one who was deemed heroic by her very Lady not so long ago? Sahar was a healer. More than a job, it was her lifestyle, a calling. It caused her great pain to see those suffering, and she took great pleasure of giving strength, comfort, and relief to those who required it. To ask the magae to reverse her role, to bring pain to others and death… unthinkable.

For the first time since met Layla Victoire, Sahar was completely disappointed in her friend. Her sadness was overwhelming. Sahar needed her own counsel to aid her with clarity of heart, mind and spirit. Her hands clasped tightly before her, the desert woman began to pray.

“Goddess Elysia,” she began in her softly accented voice. “I first ask forgiveness that I have not taken the time
o pray to you before, thanking for you all that you have done for your people.” Sahar exhaled slowly as she continued. “I need you Goddess. I am so lost and helpless, your child who needs guidance and reassurance that I am on the right path. I do not know if you are aware of what is happening concerning your children, your realm, but I ask that you hear me.” Sahar closed her eyes and bent her heard, her voice thick with emotion as she briefly summarized the situation in the realm. “Layla means well. Her intentions are true and pure, I am sure of this, but…the woman Deanna. What she asks of me, of her King…” Sahar’s words died in her throat.

It took her a full minute until she was able to speak once more. “ She is your child as well, Elysia.” Sahar intoned. “You, who took her to your bosom, who led her home after she fought to protect those who needed it most after she fell, know this better than I. Something has happened to her. Something has corrupted her and I fear for the people, and my King.“

Sahar gently wiped at the tears that streamed down her face. “Guide Verial, my Lady to do what is right, as I ask the same for me. Help me Elysia. My entire life I have spent in service to others, to their safety and well being, for their protection and preservation. I have been asked to do what I know in my heart is wrong, but perhaps it is not what is best for the realm, for the people. I am unsure. Now I come before you, humble and unworthy, begging you to guide me. Ease my burdened heart.” Sahar finished her prayer and straightened. She glanced mournfully at her bags and swallowed the hurt she felt as she began to unpack, her heart heavy, her mind troubled.

For the first time in many, many years, Sahar began to question the moral character of Lady Layla Victoire. The desert magae finished unpacking and washed her face as she prepared herself to meet with Verial Akilara, Protector Regent of the Realm of Aleris. She prayed that Elysia heard her prayer and gave her the courage to do what was right.

Sahar was midway down the hall when she caught sight of Neera. The normally cheerful young woman was wearing a frown when she saw Sahar. "I heard you were remaining here in the City. I'm sorry Sahar. I wish you were coming with me. Us." The young handmaiden impulsively hugged the desert woman who, despite her earlier troubles, managed a smile. "I shall miss you as well, little imp. Try not to displease our Lady while I am not around to keep you in check, alright?" Neera rolled her eyes, but promised Sahar.

The magae turned and began walking once more in the direction of Lord Verial's chambers when the high pitched voice of Neera called at her. "Captain Madrin has returned by the way! I saw him on his way to the Protector's quarters."

Sahar paused in mid stride. She had to smile at the thought of Madrin Kir's return to the City. Though she knew little of the man, she admired him and respected him as a warrior. He was a good man, Sahar had deemed. Brave and loyal, cunning and intelligent, Madrin Kir was more than worthy and qualified for his new position of Captain of the Alerian Guard. She knew the King would be safer now that the warrior had returned.
,
Sahar decided to make her way downstairs to the kitchen area for a late breakfast. She was feeling a tad hungry and figured it would buy her time while Captain Kir was meeting with Lord Verial.

The smell was terrible so much blood and wasted meat, that was a crime against nature. Many of the native scavengers avoided the remains of Garis town because they sensed the bloodless corpses were tainted by evil. Many humans don't realize that animals are more insightful than them on a primal level. They kill in defense or for food never just for the sake of murder. Humans however, kill each other over the pettiest of causes. Foolish motives like who owns what, and their family is better than that family. There are humans that have respectable motives he had to admit but, someone has to keep the truly sinister ones in line. He had killed many poachers and let nature take its course with their bodies. They were often surprised that the creatures they had mercilessly slaughtered for pelts leaving the rest to rot dared to attack them. Such vanity was a human trait that he often encountered proving how uncaring they could be.

Taria was a half elfin lass that restored his positive view of humanity. She has gorgeous long blond hair uncut beyond maintenance since her birth. Those sapphire blue eyes of hers' could capture a man's heart with a single glance. He fell for her the first time they met when he saw her gently ushering an adolescent bear cub out of a vile pit trap some cretin had set up. The cub used the ramp she had provided made of solid earth clearly manifested by magic because she had no shovel or other digging tool. The cub thanked her in its' language which he understood because of his first mother. He was in bear form at the time and thought he was well hidden.

"You are neither bear nor man but something else please come forth I would like to talk if you will." Her smile was like a ray of sunlight on a cloudy day and her lithe form at six foot three of toned muscle was alluring. Lieron had never felt this sensation before he had no idea what it meant until much later. Taria's arms were extended in a gesture of welcome as he approached. His pace was measured and cautionary favoring his left side since he had been shot by a terrible barbed arrow meant to eventually kill its' target. A normal bear would have been unable to remove it and death would come by another predator if not infection. The man was long dead by this point feeding the earth. The bastard had gotten his payback in the form of a skilled shot.

"Greetings good sir I am Taria a healer and occasional mage. I would like to know yours if you are able." She began tending the wound as she spoke with the skill of long practice, humming softly to herself.

The selective change was difficult but, a bears throat simply didn't speak the human tongue. "I'm Lieron Brona miss Taria a pleasure to meet such a kindly lass."

"Please just Taria is fine Lieron." Her smile brightened as she held the arrow coated in his red blood in front of his eyes. He had never even felt the removal he was amazed. "I find that my magic can help distract my patients mind, that would be the humming you heard." She laughed musically at his shocked expression.

He shifted back to his human form after that. "Ah, I have seen you around Vandual I had no idea that the most sought after guide in town was so close to nature. You surprised me as well, think of it as payback I suppose." She kissed his forehead and showed him his completely healed wound.

"Thank you very much I am in your debt." He ran his fingers thru his hair unable to disguise his nervousness. This was the longest conversation he had ever had with a women.

"Talk with me awhile and, I'll consider us even." They talked for hours about their fears and dreams. They ended up meeting daily where they first met learning everything about each other. They explored Elved in great detail where Lieron showed her all his secret spots. The couple married a year after the first day they met in the town square of Vandual. They had been married five years when he found the ruins of Garis town on one of his journeys across the continent.

Taria was at home tending to her herb shop. When he saw the slaughter he felt like someone needed to be warned. The Lady of Bariston was away in Grand city at the time completely unaware of the dark army as far as he knew. He flew home in hawk form and warned his wife telling her to let the mayor know to send a message to Grand city. "Be well my love I will return once this abomination of an army is stopped." His expression was a mix of sadness and resolve.

"I will pray for you my heart, please take care and come back to me." They shared an embrace of passion and desperation leaving Lieron's head spinning from the contact of her lips.

He took to the sky once again and sought the trail of destruction left in the wake of the fiends. He followed them for days sustained on fresh kills that were enough to feed his hawk form. If he needed to travel long distances with minimal food this was how he went. When Bariston lost to the evil army they stole functioning airships and headed towards Grand city. He was determined to get there first to warn Lady Victoire even if it killed him. Taria would understand she was part of him but, he hoped she wasn't given reason to cry.

The wind blew as his mother turned toward him baring her fangs and the Redmont bolts awake hand wrapping tightly around an old woman’s throat whose mouth was agape in surprise, trembling in his grasp. Her face was wrinkled and her eyes a soft blue, he released her and glanced around, he was where he had fallen asleep.

“Sorry.” The Redmont mutters picking his crossbow and jacket from the ground and walking away slowly.

“Wait..” Her voice was soft backed with half a century of life.

He turns his head slowly, grey eyes looking at her, “What do you want?” He may protect the innocent and human but it did not mean he had many social skills to speak of.

“The city guard is training, preparing for something. Rumor is an undead army is coming to Grand City.” The old woman spoke still softly.

Darius narrows his eyes and turns away, “Thanks.” He says and continues to walk away not caring if the woman follows.

“I know who you are.” She says hobbling after him.

“No one knows who I am.” He growls in response not turning to speak to her.

“You tried to save my daughter. I know you couldn’t, but you tried. You’ve protected others this I know.” The woman was struggling to keep him, but the speak of her daughter causes him to turn and look at her.

“Why are you here?”

“I knew you’d want to know about this, I am just suggesting maybe you could join the city watch and help them.”

“I don’t play well with others, but thanks for the suggestion.” The Redmont usually worked alone, even when he had contacted his family in Mystra-Amor he had remained apart from them, and then they had changed him into a vile beast, only Maxim had been able to stop him for tearing his way through the rest in rage.

He left the woman in the middle of the street without another word, not even an apology for her daughter, the Redmont didn’t deal in the past what was done was done. He was intrigued about this army and the city guard and perhaps he would check it out.


A day later….

He crouched on one of the new towers of the castle having scaled it in the night right under the noses of the guards there, one stood behind him peering out the other way completely oblivious to the lycan peering behind him. The leader of the guard had taken his trainees running it seemed, some of the recruits having trouble keeping up with him. The lycan smirks; this was what they were offering up to an undead army? Yes they had silver and the lycan had eyed the guard’s sword behind him but that wouldn’t be enough. He almost wished he knew where the other Redmonts were but alas he had no idea where they had run off to.

The lycan heard the guard behind him start to turn and he drops off the crenulated top fingers digging into a groove in the stone hanging precariously when he heard the shout, he was spotted. He curses to himself glancing down, he could make the fall and probably make it to the gate at least the leader wasn’t here to stop him. The lycan releases the lip and falls backward toward the wall below.
The five foot eight Redmont hits the wall just in front of a guard with a sword drawn. His dark grey eyes lock on the eyes behind the helm and he shakes his head,''Don’t..“ The guard swings his word and the lycan ducks easily under the swing and knocks the guard on his ass. He didn’t want to hurt anyone too much, not with an army approaching. He jumps over the guard as the man struggles back up and runs down the wall.

Four more guards amass at the end swords all drawn, one man with a bow. The Redmont wouldn’t be able to get through them without hurting them. He hears and feels the man running behind him shouting “Stop at once!” The Redmont would not be spending the next couple days explaining himself especially not when enemy lycans were a major threat, they would take him for a spy. Sure you could not tell he was a lycan but why take a chance with a wary guardsman could possibly draw a silver laced sword on in him in test?

He leaps gracefully off the wall and lands in the training area, not exactly the best place to be. Four men practicing their archery skills turn arrows drawing, silver laced broad heads glinting in the morning sun. The lycan takes a deep breath as the arrows release, he had to control his rage, and he couldn’t go on a rampage here. He swings his coat out from himself hand crasping the corner and pulling it taut full of air. The mail lined leather slows and catches the four arrows in the material.

Before the archers can draw their strings again he is off, the four arrows dangling from the coat. As soon as he gets ten feet he quickly realizes he is surrounded and feels a frown crossing over his face. It would be a piece of cake to kill them and escape he could already see what he could do. He drops to his knees, his crossbow being placed in the dirt.

“I yield.” He says so the men can all hear, he sees some of them visibly relax and the archers lower their bows. “But I wish to speak only to the man in charge; I will wait here until he gets back.”The men seem unsure of what to do looking at each other.

The man from the wall huffs and puffs, having race from up high to the group around him, he moves forward seeming decided in what he is going to do. He draws his sword back and Darius frowns, should he attack? The guard smacks him in the jaw with the pommel knocking him in the dirt.

“You wait where we tell you to wait spy!” He feels hands wrap around his arms and dragging him away. The hit had hurt but it hadn’t been enough to subdue the lycan.

“Fine but your boss will let me out soon enough, I am here to help.”

“You sure have a funny way of helping!”

The guard throws him into a cell in the dungeon and the door slams shut. The lycan pulls himself up against the wall and waits, he had nowhere to be, he knew once he talked to who he needed to talk to it would be short order before he was out.

Perhaps it was just him, but Verial noticed that Ameerah did an awful lot of casting what seemed to be a rather condescending and amused smile. Furthermore, he didn't understand what was so hilarious about the situation. He had granted Ameerah and Valorius an audience, had opened the floor for them to speak and the moment he asked as politely as he could for Ameerah not to dub Deanna as a "bitch" (a term he thought was unnecessary in the conversation), his request was obviously mocked by Ameerah's consistent grin. Consequently, this made him think twice about the position he had offered the desert duo. After all, they say actions speak louder than words and that went for the simplest of actions as well.

When Ameerah and Valorius left for the private corner room in the library to discuss the positions of Padishah and Commander of the Heruin army, Verial stole a few minutes to speak with the twig doll, Blend. Behind him, Layla was quiet and Verial knew that she was probably stewing away in her thoughts and wondering how she could bring about her disapproval of Deanna to light. Verial though, kept his eyes focused on Blend, hoping to get some answers out of the little doll.

Instead of giving him answers, Blend attempted to teleport from beneath the palm of Verial's hand, an effort which ultimately failed. The twig doll ended up locked inside a lantern and warned Verial not to turn the ignition switch. Truthfully, he had no inclination to ever throw Blend into a fire or to turn on the lantern, but the doll gave answers anyway. Apparently the Aliscowri would kill themselves if they did not have food. Verial looked down iat his boots in thought. So how could one make an army of cannibals hungry if they just had every intention of eating the flesh and blood of their enemies?

Lifting his head, Verial opened his mouth to say something and ask Blend another question, but just as quickly some invisible force destroyed the acorn twig doll. Verial moved to the lantern and looked inside. Blend, or rather his doll form, had been completely decimated beyond fixing. Verial lifted a hand to open the lantern, perhaps to see if there was anything worth salvaging beneath the rubble of twigs, but as he did the lantern was lit with flames stopping Verial in the process.

As Verial took a step back, Valorius and Ameerah had left the small room they were in. Ameerah, devoid of her smile for the moment, nodded as if to confirm they were accepting Verial's positions he had offered them on Heruin's government. Before she could get out any words though, Layla had chosen to finally talk. Layla expressed her opinions on the matter: about what they should do next, how Deanna should be handled, that Ameerah and Valorius should always seek Verial's council before acting and that Aleris - the entire realm - was depending on him.

Hell, Verial thought, do these people think I'm that naive?

In her ever so subtle way, Layla was suggesting to Verial, like Ameerah and Valorius already had, that he would need to kill Deanna. People were depending on him to keep them safe and Deanna's (or whoever was controlling her) path of destruction and death was attempting to walk down the same road that was currently life. Verial knew all of this and if worse came to worse, he was aware of what he needed to do. After she finished, Verial gave her a blank unemotional stare, a wordless one, not exactly knowing what he could say to make everyone happy here. Perhaps it was as simple as, "Yes, I'll gladly slit Deanna's throat and then feed her guts to the wolves. No problem. I'm on it."

Instead, he offered Layla a slight bow as she left the room, Ameerah's soft laughter trailing behind the Lady of Bariston's footsteps. As Verial turned back to Ameerah, a dark brow rose in question as he was not sure there was reason to laugh over anything that had been discussed. A sigh fell from Ameerah's lips at long last, as if she was taking a deep breath before speaking. Verial's inquisitive stare returned to normal as Ameerah and Valorius accepted the positions he had offered them and Ameerah even gave her thanks.

"Please, accept my thanks in turn as well. The added support across Aleris is much needed," Verial said.

Layla had suggested travelling to see the gods of Aleris before she left the room, but Verial agreed with Ameerah on this point. At this stage, it was likely a wasted effort. Judging by the involvement of the gods during the tidal wave catastrophe and Terra Vale's war, Verial thought perhaps they did have the news of what was going on, but did not want to act - at least not right away. With the knowledge they had that Deanna and Elijah's army was undoubtedly heading towards Grand City, there was no time to seek the blessing of the gods. Instead, Verial had another plan that he wanted to present to Ameerah. This idea, however, was cut short when Ameerah mentioned her thoughts on Deanna again.

It was Verial's time to smile and he did so softly.

"I am aware I may have to kill her. I couldn't begin to count the number of times the thought has flickered into my mind during this short amount of time we've been in the library."

A knowing glance passed between Ameerah and Verial. It was if Ameerah understood the inner turmoil and decisions that Verial had to make. If he had to be honest with himself, Verial did not know why he was so adamant about saving Deanna's life. They weren't lovers of any sort; simply friends and by all accounts, their friendship was short, cut by Deanna's death at the hands of Terra Vale. Perhaps he was just the type of person that would rather take a risk then look for the simplest solution out, that being to kill Deanna. Had "Deanna" killed lots of people? Yes, she had. But was drawing the blade across her throat or plunging the dagger into her heart really going to solve anything? Who could honestly say that after killing Deanna the force behind her at work would not just rise up again once more, either through Deanna's body again or that of someone else's?

Or did Verial dare to save Deanna because somewhere buried in his heart and mind he thought of Necia Akilara? Necia had died and was resurrected, only she was never right after she was brought back to life. Something was amiss and because of it, she abandoned him without a question, a spirit drifting aimlessly. Maybe he was grabbing at straws here and had some slim hope that he could restore Deanna rather than just watching her drift away as well.

However lingering his thoughts might have been, briefly lost in time, they were interrupted by the sound of Ameerah's voice.

"I don't believe that Layla's expertise in battle here needs to be questioned. She has taken care of Elved since her youth and I'm sure she didn't get there with just words and the use of a pretty face," Verial said offering Ameerah a single, half-hearted shrug. He let out a soft sigh before continuing. "I understand your concern and I wouldn't blame or judge you for acting without my... permission should the need arise. If an army comes to Heruin and threatens to break down its doors, then by all means, defend the continent and its people as you see fit. From her words, I suppose she was merely trying to say not to rush into a fight or provoke battle if it need not be provoked."

At what seemed like long last, Ameerah offered another smile though this one was different. In comparison to her other smirk, this one appeared almost relaxed. This was followed by Ameerah suggesting for her and Valorius to return to Heruin only to place certain protections there that would alert them of danger. After which, the two would head back to Grand City to assist in fighting the apparently upcoming battle. To this, Verial nodded.

"That would be a good idea," Verial started. "Instead of coming back to Grand City right away though, I have a request I would like to make... a detour if you will. One of the things that concerns me about Heruin is the current state of Ironhold Prison. The prisoners have been closely watched by the warden and guards there, but for some time they have not reported on the status of their security. If I were going to take over Aleris, I'm sure there's a buffet of people being held there who have based their years of imprisonment on the ideas of revenge and violence that I would want to add to my ranks. Some of them are skilled at what they do... that being murder and I would hate to think they could have a chance at escaping."

After that, Verial offered both Valorius and Ameerah a slight bow. Straightening himself, his feathered wings shifted behind his back and he gestured with a slight motion towards the door.

"If you will forgive me, I must take my leave as well now. There's quite a large amount of preparations to attend to and I need to seek out Eiler's military commander as well. Valorius, if you ever get the chance to speak with him, his name is Madrin Kir," Verial said. "I look forward to this alliance with both of you. Hopefully, the next time we meet, the city will not be in ruins."

Turning on his feet, Verial bid the two from Heruin farewell and headed away from the library.


Madrin was not the only one who had woken up with the sun. Verial watched from the observatory tower as a few airships left Grand City's port bound for Bariston. On one of these airships was Layla and her crew, finally on their way back home to make sure Elved's capital city was still standing. Though he had not seen Layla throughout the evening since the meeting with Ameerah and Valorius or wished her farewell this morning, he waved a silent good-bye to from his vantage point. If he had to be truthful, Verial had purposely avoided Layla the evening before her departure. As she had stated, the people had were depending on him to make the right choices and so many choices were floating about in his head.

Eventually Verial left the tower and went to go seek out Madrin to see how everything was going. All around the castle and city, everyone seemed to be awake despite the early hour. Word had reached the ears of many that war was right around the corner and looking to sink its fangs into Grand City. Soldiers - warriors, archers and mages - were stationed everywhere. Along the city walls, catapults had been placed where it was convenient and the castle grounds were filled with people training rigorously. Truly, the size of Grand City's army, despite the recent catastrophe, was bigger and more prepared than it ever had been in the past.

As he walked through the castle's courtyard, Verial glanced at stacks of swords and arrows and caught sight of some of the weapons gleaming with a flicker of inlaid silver. Verial smiled with approval seeing Madrin was able to see that his task was done. Clearly, Layla had made a good choice in offering Madrin the position and Madrin had made a good choice in returning to the city when it needed him the most.

Along his walk, Verial took notice that an older woman with a laundry basket was hurriedly rushing through the courtyard. Her cheeks were flushed with crimson coloring and as she passed Verial, he swore he heard her mutter something about bulging muscles and seeing the moon before the sun. Verial raised a brow and let a hint of a grin show as the woman went on her way still talking to herself. Not soon after, Verial caught sight of Madrin and went to meet Eiler's Commander. Verial offered a bow to Madrin and then over his shoulder, pointed to the elder woman before she completely disappeared out of sight.

"Madrin, isn't that your cleaning lady? She seems quite flustered this morning. Maybe you should give her a break," Verial said. He then turned back to Madrin and nodded, then with a slow sweep of his arm, gestured to all the preparing and training going on throughout the castle. "What news do you have for me? Things appear to be going well."

As Madrin and Verial would walk and discuss what was happening throughout Grand City and its army a royal guard came jogging up behind them. Verial stopped to acknowledge the man, returning the royal guard's bow.

"Sorry to bother, My Lord," the man said. "We apprehended an intruder who was trying to infiltrate the castle grounds. He is a lycanthrope. The man could possibly be from the Bluefield family. We're not sure, but he awaits in the dungeon and has demanded to speak with you."

"Does he have a name?"

"He has not given us one," the guard said.

Verial turned back to Madrin. "It seems our chat will have to wait for a bit Madrin," Verial said. "Unless, of course, you wish to head down the dungeons with me? I leave that decision up to you."

Following the guard, with or without Madrin by his side, Verial headed towards the castle and then descended a few flights of stairs into the dungeon. The guard unlocked the dungeon's door, stepping aside so that Verial could enter. Once inside, Verial looked around and seeing only one cell occupied with a man, walked towards it.

"You wished to speak with the person in charge? I am Verial Akilara, Protector Regent of Aleris. And you are?" Verial said addressing the therinathrope in the cell. "You picked the wrong time to attempt to sneak into the castle. Tell me, what were you trying to accomplish? If you only wanted to talk to me, you just needed to request an audience rather than start a commotion."