- Preparation -

[gracia]

She rolled over onto her back, and floated in the warm water, eyes the color of metal looked up into the sky who's brightness was defused by the dappled verdant greens of the tree limbs and leaves. As much as her bad attitude prevailed in her life, where vulgarity was raised to new levels every day, it was at this time that she was most a woman. Her skin had been scrubbed raw, her face glowed with natural beauty. Although her eyes strayed towards the weaving patterns of the leaves, she stopped and took a deep breathe. It was outside the Rodello Keep, only a mile away in a dense part of what was left of one of the surrounding forests, half of them being cut down from past battles that had been held not too far away, there was a natural spring in which the Rodello's sometimes took refuge in.

This was a place of splendor, and with the name Rodello it only conjured up erotic fantasies, today though with two slaves that knelt in their position without moving in fear of being imperfect for one of the so many cruel mistresses that resided in the he Keep. A sigh escaped pink lips, it seemed to perfect to be true, and still somehow senses could be upended so easily. The water sparkling like diamonds about her, cradling her, soothing away the sore feeling from her muscles.

She was picture perfect, and she knew it, smooth limbs splayed with abandon as raven locks flared out behind her, and suddenly she was interrupted by a slave clearing her throat. Gracia was known to be a bad-tempered mistress, someone who could just as easily smile and bestow a day of freedom, or to easy capitulate into a pensive mood, which brought only pain and endless agony within to the slaves. Words tumbled out, with a fierce snap.

[glow=red,2,300]"What is it?"[/glow]

The slave stood, blonde hair spilling down her back in a long thick coil, moving towards her at the edge of the silver pool of water. She knelt and looked at the water, deep in her eyes evident the desire to serve perfectly. Head as she had been taught elegantly bowed and voice softened to just above a whisper.

[glow=red,2,300]"There is a man awaiting your pre cense at the edge of the forest..."[/glow]

The slave catching herself fidgeting for a moment, she pressed her hands palm down against her lap firmly, and bent her angelic head further down, her breathing had increased so quickly now that the thrumming of her heart was now visible at her neck as she had it tilted forward. A blush was slowly creeping up the back of her neck as she tried desperately to compose herself. It was unseemly for a slave to show any emotion upon the deliverance of such information during such a tranquil moment. Suddenly she heard a twitter, and looked out the corner of her eyes, two slaves hiding their laughter. Shoulders shaking slightly, almost on the verge of tears.

[glow=red,2,300]"Who is it, girl? [/glow]

The voice that rang out was like a hiss, anger was building up in her as she waited patiently for this little girl to continue with her story. And she was getting quite bored in fact, what annoyed her the most was the youth that the girl had, the pliant skin and the soft angelic voice. Things Gracia could never have again, and she was honestly getting bored now. She made her way to the edge, noticing each change within the slave, it was easy to see the thrumming of the heart, the rapid rise of her breathing and gulping of air as if she was slowly being choked. Still she was bored, these days nothing really interested her, a lethargy had begun to creep into her very soul, as she waited for the news to come.

"I..I...I'm not sure who it is, he awaits for you in the clearing. All she could do is repeat herself, this may be her last words as a slave, to say that she didn't know. A fine mist gathered at her bent brow as she waited for a response from her mistress just then.

Not sure if it was from the rising natural hot waters that the mistress lay in, or her nervous system making her act out in such an unseemly way. Almost sighing with relief as her mistress climbed out of her bath, the slave taking a sorry note of her mistress's condition. Large bruises still remained at her back and shoulders. When she had come to the three slaves kept around the house for healing purposes she had been a mess, there had been blood caked to the back of her head, her arm had been pulled out of its socket and multiple jagged cuts along her midsection, but now all that remained where some scars and telltale bruises of a scuffle. It was assumed that she had won, then again it was common knowledge that if the masters or mistresses of the Rodello Keep fought, they fought ceaselessly until wearing down their opponents to the very bone.
It was rather remarkable, as other ladies of the same temperament soothed themselves with a good man, but not these, they were in constant search of adventure and many times it involved cruelties too horrific to repeat.

Gracia motioned for one of the other slaves to come forth, quickly she came carrying a heavy robe within her hands as she opened it up for her mistress to step into. Reaching back, she grabbed her hair and pulled it over one shoulder as she motioned for the slaves to follow, she did not deem them worthy enough to speak to. They always followed 10 paces behind their mistress. Quick steps took her from the oasis to a man mounted atop a horse that danced to and fro nervously, as if it knew she had arrived. Dismounting, he eyed her greedily, taking in the site, he had only heard rumors, but had never come face to face with the one known as Gracia. When he dismounted he eyed her greedily,
Ascansio and Malloy had been hired and dispatched, Malloy was to reach a Diana Darkholme, who had been described as an aloof beauty but given no more information than to find her and deliver the parchment, and Ascansio had been dispatched to a Gracia Rodello, although there were rumors, they were eager to do the job.
It had been only a few days ago, that a wench next to the stable where they housed their horses for the night had offered both of them a roll for 6 pieces of silver in their stall, they were both willing to share, and hopefully Malloy had gotten more than two silver, it would have been nice to buy a drink as well. He watched the lady with the greedy eye of a thief and waited, his hand outstretched. There were three sirens just behind her, looking at him with unabashed curiosity. He smiled his rogue smile, rotted teeth showing when he looked at the woman, who was only two inches smaller than he, this Gracia, and she dared give him a glare!

[glow=red,2,300] "What's your name?"[/glow]

She said as she walked towards the big house only 100 steps away or so. She made sure he followed closely by waving her hand, this he did. Gracia was aware of that look in the eye, of someone that needed something so bad they were on the brink of doing something stupid. It had been recently mentioned to her that she needed not tell people what they were thinking, so she had kept her mouth shut, but she was always aware of the evil and stupid intentions of man. He responded quickly.

[glow=red,2,300]"Ascansio"[/glow]

Her head tilting to one side, she broke the seal of the paper, it was magnificently embossed, there were few people who had this flair she surmised. Although she and he often butted heads, they had grudgingly accepted that they were peers, there were very few she accepted as peers. The wax seal of his crumbled away, like dried flakes of blood falling in her wake, unfolding it she read and a smile did curve luscious pink lips.

Steps quickened as she approached one of the side entrances to the Rodello Keep, the man on the horse followed quickly behind her as she glared down at the list that had been provided for her. A list of goods that she would obviously be able to provide, and she reread the words once more. The smell, taste and almost feel of blood began to suffuse each fingertip, tingling as a smile began to pull at her lips, a servant with his head down swung her chamber door open. The bed lay unmade, and the walls bore banners that long ago meant something, but there was still room for more. The smile began to spread, one could not really call it a smile of a woman who was happy, satiated, or even of a reveler. It was more of bared teeth against whitened lips, when she had turned and pointed to the armoire that was rarely used, a sudden flurry of movement seemed to electrify the room.

She was a vain woman, but when she turned and that smile struck the others dead on, those slaves and servants would later repeat that it was a smile that came from the very devil. That her teeth grew within her mouth ten fold, and looked as sharp as that of a demon, some argued that they were those of a dog. That eyes had even flashed of red, one said it was the mark of the devil, and they all crossed themselves when telling the tale. No one would ever know, but the one mistake that the man that had followed her inside was of addressing her and cutting through her thoughts, like a knife going through a pigs innards, the guts and blood spewing forth, they would say that she had horns then as she held out her hands and watched as the man spoke.
[glow=red,2,300]
"Ma'am, do I get any silver?"
[/glow]
Slaves helped her pull on a blouse made of thick snake skin that fit snugly over every curve, the man looked on eagerly, as he had not expected a show. He didn't once bother to look up into that face, that had been another one of his mistakes as he eyed her breasts greedily, and then drank in the rest of her torso down to her hips. Gracia pulled on her pants, knowing exactly as she did that the stupid man had no idea she was smelling blood, that she felt the urge to maim something from the excitement coursing through her body. She couldn't believe it, she wondered who would show, and her heart palpitated at the thought of war finally! Oh someone's blood spraying upon her beautifully mastered armor made her blood quicken and a sense of desire almost filling her very core. Almost giddy with relief, and the man still eyeing her, she got annoyed and snapped her fingers.

[glow=red,2,300]"Here, take this you swine"[/glow]

She motioned for a slave who placed a bag at her hand, full of silver and gold, throwing two pieces at him, his face fell, with disappointment.

There would always be the question of what he had been thinking, when he had stomped out of the room with so much anger of a petulant man. Had she planned it, or had expected he would react in such a way. Only those within her confidence would laugh with her that evening, as she retold the story at a campfire, the entertainer, the woman who had all eyes on her. She was vain, and she knew that very few people like Kaiden or the man in her bed that season would send something to play with.

[glow=red,2,300]"So, I was riding towards Madai Bough to collect only those most skilled craftsmen that I know of, and in the deserted road, down the road was one simple rotted toothed man, a highwayman you could even say. And he stops me mid road, I took off my riding gloves, my sword and put them down as he had asked. He said all he wanted was my money, his greedy eyes then took in the rest of me. He thought to rape me as well, Me! Could you believe how unlucky this fool was. He turned to put the gold away, and that was his first mistake, the second was when he turned back around...."[/glow]

And so there are travelers that pass through that deserted stretch of road, and some women faint or scream, men retch and they all make wide berth around the body. Gracia had stabbed him through the gut, then strung him up while the sword was within his belly, arms and legs wide open as if waiting for her embrace, she had made sure he was alive. Having carved the word WAR into his forehead, the incisions so deep, that gray matter had spewed out of the bottom of the letter W, and her hand had slipped, driving the blade into the eyeball of the scoundrel. He had been thrashing she later explained, his gut had been torn open and left to slowly spill out as birds began to peck at the man who slowly, ever so slowly died. The last thing he heard was her laugh, a seductive peel through the beautiful bright and shining day.

[Rhys LeFay]

Black Sabbath

War Pigs

Generals gathered in their masses
Just like witches at black masses
Evil minds that plot destruction
Sorcerers of death’s construction
In the fields the bodies burning
As the war machine keeps turning
Death and hatred to mankind
Poisoning their brainwashed minds, oh lord yeah!

Politicians hide themselves away
They only started the war
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave that role to the poor

Time will tell on their power minds
Making war just for fun
Treating people just like pawns in chess
Wait ’till their judgement day comes, yeah!

Now in darkness, world stops turning
As the war machine keeps burning
No more war pigs of the power
Hand of God has struck the hour
Day of judgement, God is calling
On their knees, the war pigs crawling
Begging mercy for their sins
Satan, laughing, spreads his wings
All right now!

[Diana Darkholme]

Malloy, the second dispatched horsemen, was sent in search of the lady known as Diana Rodello Darkholme, but he was finding it to be a very difficult task in locating her. With instructions from his master to search some of the frequented places of her past, he was having no luck finding her. Towns people spoke of her home that was on the outskirts of Rhy’din, away from the hustle and bustle of town that she tended to hide out in, escaping the moronic infidels that she seemed to come across so often now in these parts of the world. Little is known about why she had returned to Rhy’din after so many years away and only few were told of her arrival. The dense forests that surrounded her estate worked as a maze, a wall of protection from those who did not belong. Once a traveler had entered this forest and worked their way through the winding paths that cut off in different directions, coming to a dead end at times, they found themselves lost unless they knew there way. Once the supplies would run out, the travelers would become desperate and veer off the paths to cut straight through in the trees, but this was certain death for many. Mystical chaos creatures were common in these parts and it’s rumored that the grounds around the estate have been known to open up to hell itself, serving as a portal to the underworld. Diana had become a very private woman these days and was extremely protective of her family. Darkholme estates only helped her keep away those that wished to cause trouble, which is why she’d choose to return to this particular home.

The second messenger, Malloy, had searched the local taverns in inns of Rhy’din and had no success in finding this mysterious woman. A few people that he ran into had heard of the name from stories that were still told about the glory days of Rhy’din but none of them actually knew her personally or knew where to find her. With a stroke of luck though he came across an Inn called the “Black Eye” that proved to be very informative. An eerie man of ghostly white skin tended the inn, his devilish red eyes stood out from his albino complexions and thick ivory mane he wore loose, pouring down over his ebon colored attire. Despite the obvious bitterness he showed towards Diana, he gave Malloy the much-needed information he’d need to pass through the forest of the estate and find her, perhaps in hopes that Malloy was an Assassin or some form of trouble he’d be sending her way. This spiteful man seemed to know her in fact, very well it seemed, but he never gave his name and Malloy simply didn’t care. His only interest was to complete his task of delivering his masters parchment.

So with his stroke of luck in meeting this nameless man he followed the detailed directions that had been drawn up for him, but even this would not protect him from the certain doom of his mission. He was an ignorant little man, short in height with a pudgy form. He bobbed up and down roughly on his horse as it trotted along the paths of the forest; the moonlight that peeked through the shadowing clouds from above was his only source of illumination for his torch that he carried with him at the start of his journey, which had been caught and distinguished by the gusts of wind that were forced along the somewhat narrow paths of the forest. Stopping to take a break at one point, the ride through the dark forest would overall take Malloy about two hours before he reached a massive black wrought iron gates that stood open to those who were able to find their way. The estate itself was set back a ways with a large barren courtyard in front. There was a disturbing silence, the only sounds were that of his horses’ hooves knocking against gravel path and the rustle of his weight shifting on his horse as he leaned forward, peering ahead at the prominent dour figure that stood at the exquisite ashen doors of the estate with a leery stare. Arriving finally he dismounted his steed in a tense manner, the figure beside the door now in clear view causing a fright in Malloy for he’d never come across a being such as this before. Mammoth leathery wings egress from the demons back; menacing clawed hands were held at each side as the rippled chest of the demon would rise and fall slowly with each steady breath it took. Embers of red blazed down on him as he came forward to announce himself in a timid fashion.

“Ahem … I’ve come in search of Diana Rodello Darkholme. I bring word of my master, the Dark Lord of Barak Nor”

The brooding creature showed no signs of recognition of either name; his stare remained focused on him though causing a discomfort in Malloy from the ominous glare in the demons carmine orbs. This was a true beast of rage from hell, yet it was completely obedient to its mistress of the house. With no spoken words, one massive clawed hand reached out to thrust the door ajar, holding it open just enough so that Malloy’s pudgy form could fit through. Taking the obvious acceptance to enter, he stepped through as the heavy door that was held open for him. His footsteps echoed through the room of the manor that was very quite and sparsely furnished at least in this part of the home. The floors caught the burn of the fire from a nearby room that was separated off by a giant archway to the right. The light from the burning logs reflected off the marble, the polish wood interior warming with its glow. His eyes would be taken skyward as they followed their way up the elegantly carved walls towards the vaulted ceiling of the room that made him seem minuscule in comparison to its height. It was at this time that he noticed a pale face with a pair of twinkling blue eyes that peered down at him from between the gaps of the supporting posts of the banister that went across a landing above. A wide stair case constructed of ebon wood jetted up through the middle of the room to the second level, where the eyes shifted out of view, disappearing down the hallway with a chilling giggle reaching his ears.

"This place is creepy." He mumbled to himself before exploring the room further with timid footfalls, advancing towards the fire slowly that burned in the next room.

A crimson glow flickered through the room, casting shadows of items in its warm path. Two ornately carved chairs made of the same black wood he’d seen through out the forest, sat close together near the center of the room facing the fire. The backs of the chairs towered over the lithesome pale legs, crossed one over the other, which protruded out from their seated position in the satin lined plush chairs. Knowing his presence in the room, Diana’s fingers would lightly tap against the arm of the chair with impatience. Her chilling words of distaste would cut through him, as she called out, an unruffled formality to her voice.

[glow=blue,2,300]“Three questions....Who are you? Why are you here?”[/glow] There was a pause in her words as she waited for him to come around into full view of her gaze, where she scoffed in disgust. [glow=blue,2,300]“…And how is it you managed to find me?”[/glow]

Malloy was stunned in silence as he clapped eyes on the svelte beauty that rested in a degage way as she turned her uninterested stare away from him, waiting for his answers. In greed his eyes washed over her sensuous curves of her muscular structure that was still very much feminine at the same time. A dulled black camise was pulled taut around the curvatures of her whitish flesh. A pair of shorts rode up one her legs eagerly in her seated position; Malloy’s eyes would travel the length of her shapely stems as he replied to each of her question, a slight stutter coming from him as he does.

“M..Malloy, I am Malloy milady. I was sent by M'Lord, Shane Ebonsoul Gray Rodello Soulblade, to deliver this missive to you.” At this moment he pulled forth a parchment of paper that’d been folded and pressed closed with a wax seal, the emblem a deep red with the insignia of a ‘S’ marked in it.

At the mention of the scribe to the letter, her hand reached out with force, snatching it from him in the blink of an eye, causing him to jump with the speed that she moved. It was at this time that his eye caught sight of a glowing chaos sword, that had until this moment been silent. Resting against the arm of the chair, the point of the blade tugged at the rug at her feet, snagging it. A gleam of blue pulsed from the blade slowly at first but began to steady its pace. A hum of a deep lulling tone buzzed in his ears as her curious fingers caressed at the wax seal. He recognized the beat of the sword, for it matched that of his own pulse, as he grew increasingly nervous. She felt his lingering stare as he swallowed in the sight of her. With a shift in her seat, the blade was silenced again, her glistening diamond blue stare looked to him now with abhorrence, a slender auburn brow arching as she waited for the last of her questions to be answered. Noting her concentrated stare on him now, he quickly finished his reply with a proud tone to his voice.

“A man. A clever man of an albino race told me where to find you. He was very helpful indeed with directions through the forest. I am much indebted to…”

Before the man’s words could be conformed into a blood-curtailing scream she had lashed out at him, arming herself with the sword at her side, she leapt from her chair with lucid movements that flashed in quick stages. She brought the blade around full swing to come down at an angle across his chest, the cold steal of the living chaos sword lit up as it to would sing its battle cry, feeding off the blood and soul that were drained from him. She yanked the blade free from the fatty tissue of his gut, pushing on his torso with her foot as she did, the blade ripped him open further to spill his entrails along the already stained floor of the room. He was not the first to die in this room, nor would he be the last, for this was the greeting room. As you can see…many were not welcomed. And it would appear that something Malloy had said, instantly sealed his fate. His body collapsed to the floor with a loud thud, eyes frozen in fright. Diana stood over him with a loathing expression; rich pools of blue diamond were narrowed in scrutiny. She motioned to the one part of the room that seemed no light could brighten and from the clutches of darkness a young male, named Jaron, stepped forth with a panic looked upon his face. She spoke out to him as she moved around to be seated once again in the oversized chair; she motioned to him in a dismissive manner.

[glow=blue,2,300]“Be gone…and in your absence, search out Lord Ian Cyrus Telrune.” [/glow]Her lips mused together for the first time, forming a vicious smile as she finished. [glow=blue,2,300]“Tell him…its time.”[/glow]

Leaning over the arm of the chair with ease; she swept up the letter she’d dropped in her assault, into pale digits, holding it in her lap until she was alone. She knew what it said and was brimming with villainous thoughts as she again caressed over the wax seal…plotting once again.

[Ian Cyrus Telrune]

Lightning struck as the surrounding trees began to shake violently from the wind that had started to pick up. Thunder rolled through the valley as the slave sent by Diana started to have second thoughts on proceeding to find Ian. Jaron's orbs looked around nervously, not knowing of the so called "Lord Ian" nor did he really want too, but orders were orders, and he sure as hell didn't want to end up like Malloy. Brushes around him gave a violent shake as the wind picked up, his head turning left and right in fright as his feet dragged a little upon the damp earth from the rain. Drops of sweat mixed in with the rain that made contact upon his facial features, slowly rising his arm with the little attire he wore to wipe off his forehead, though not doing much good as it became drenched once again. Mud slowly started to form around his bare feet as he walked further into the shadowed forest, which was rumor to be the home of the Drow Assassin everyone talked about. Many avoided the trail leading into it, taking the detour around it which took a couple of days, though only half a day to those who took the risk of going upon the trail through the forest.

[glow=orange,2,300]"..Why me..."[/glow]

The slave spoke quietly; as he rather not awakens the Drow Assassin everyone spoke of, though what he didn't realize was that, Lord Ian was the Drow Assassin. The storm kept brewing about the forest, giving the shadows that frightening look if you looked at it long enough. Jaron had come to a stop as he heard other foot steps than his when he came to a pause to look around. As he slowly turned upon his heel to see who was behind him, his lids would grow wide as a 6' 02" form was standing behind him, the hues hidden away, as well as his other facial features from the hood that accompanied him. The attire upon the form was completely black, as the suit he wore seemed to be a one piece set instead of the normal separate pants and chest armor, but this assassin came to find the suit rather easy to maneuver in, plus if anyone made fun of the attire, there body would be simply lying upon the floor in a matter of seconds. Orbs from Jaron first came to land upon the two daggers upon the forms side, the tips stained with blood from past victims that the daggers had successfully penetrated. A shriek came from him as he fell upon his rear in fright as the form stepped closer. His feet dug into the ground as he tried to push himself away from the form as the tall creature approached. Jaron than became still as the creature crouched near him, watching his hands rise to his hood as it was slowly pulled back from his facial features, showing off the white man, the Drow complexion, and the awkwardly glowing pearl hues that came from the creature.

[glow=navy,2,300]"..You’re in the wrong neck of the woods, boy."[/glow]

The creature grinned as his hand slowly moved downwards towards the hilt of his blades, but Jaron wouldn't go down that easy, as he slowly fumbled himself backwards, before turning around, sloshing about in the mud until he got to his feet, and took off into the woods, leaving the trail that he thought would lead him to Ian. His breathing was heavy in fright as he would weave between trees, losing balance here and there from his muddy feet, his lids kept wide as he frantically looked for a place to hide. His legs would slowly come to rest as he took a glance behind him, a grin forming upon his lips as he nodded to himself.

[glow=orange,2,300]"Some Assassin..."[/glow]

His mouth then dropped open as breath escaped him with haste, as the assassin was indeed there, driving his fist into Jaron's gut, and since he wasn't expecting anything, the impact seemed to hold more force than it would if he were expecting it. The Drow's free hand shot towards his throat, choking him with easy as he pushed the form up against a nearby tree, his hand still having a firm grip upon his throat. The hand that was used to dig into the Jaron's stomach had shot down to the nearest dagger at his side, which was unsheathed and quickly applied to the mans side, though not just any random spot, but where his kidney was, the steel entering the mans flesh with easy, and the tip just barely poking his kidney from within as torture. The Drow grinned slowly, knowing exactly the position of the blade as to carefully not kill him off quickly, seeing that he found the humans presence awkward, since everyone knew not to walk down the trail through the forest.

[glow=navy,2,300]"..Now, before your death, state your name, and who you work for..."[/glow]

The Drow nodded a few times, giving off the impression that Jaron would get off easy if he answered the questions correctly, but Jaron was in to much pain to give off a quick response, plus the grip on his throat made it even harder to concentrate on what to say. His lids were closed tightly, feeling the blade turn within him as the Drow was slowly twisting the hilt, and would continue to until he got the answer from the man.

[glow=orange,2,300]"..Name is-is Jaron, sir. Slave of Diana Rodello Darkholme, of Darkholme Estates....Sir..."[/glow]

The Drows head slowly tilted to the side, a smirk rising upon his lips as the blade was then removed from his side, but the blood would continue to pour freely, giving Jaron a limited amount of time to speak of why he was there.

[glow=navy,2,300]"Why did this, Diana, send you?"[/glow]

The Drow obviously knew of the name, but being the way he was, he found the more questions he asked, the easier it would to waste the worthless moments of Jaron's life. Those pearl hues slowly watched Jaron's form drop along the tree, his legs spreading out as both his hands were putting pressure upon the wound he had sustained from the dagger. His breathing was of course heard easily, seeing the oxygen was slowly slipping away from him with every word he tried to speak to the assassin.

[glow=orange,2,300]"I...I was...was sent to find...A Lord Ian Cyrus Telrune...”[/glow]

Jaron winced, finding it hard to keep sitting down upon the ground, as well as applying pressure to the wound. The Drow grinned, taking a step forward towards Jaron, and crouching just in front of him. His pearl hues slowly looked his body up and down, spitting upon the slave in disgust as he found his presence unwanted in this forest, but it seemed the Drow was sent for, as the Drow was indeed Lord Ian Cyrus Telrune. Ian kept that grin upon his lips, his forearms resting upon his thighs as he seemed to not care of Jaron's health at the moment, but cared more for the reason of why he was sent for.

[glow=navy,2,300]"..Well, you have him."[/glow]

Jaron let a lid twitch open as the pain kept surging through his body, confusion erupting through him as he didn't expect to be laid down by the one he was searching for, but he than started to think that he would be helped, seeing that he had accomplished his task of finding him, though with consequences.

[glow=orange,2,300]"Ah...Tha-thank god...She...Diana said...For me...To tell you..."[/glow]

Jaron winced again in pain, finding it hard to speak now. One of his hands that were applying pressure slowly left the wound as two bloody fingers rose up, and gave Ian the signal to come closer in order for him to whisper, and not take up as much energy as it would be needed to speak to him loudly. Ian's face went expressionless at the signal, and slowly leaned forward towards the man, though keep a well enough distance incase of a rather random attack from the slave, though he found it highly doubtful. Jaron slowly leaned forward as well, lips parting to say the last part of his statement.

[glow=orange,2,300]"..It's...Time..."[/glow]

Ian then slowly leaned away, a grin forming upon his lips as he understood what it meant, as the days of darkness were now approaching. The rain continued to hit upon the shadowed forest, and fog slowly started to coat the trees, and the brush. Pearl hues looked away from Jaron, and towards the trail to see if any guards had gone on patrol through the trail, as Ian was smart enough to lay off the Royal Guards seeing as they were a force that was not best to reckon with. Seeing that the trail was clear of anyone, his sight slowly dropped back towards the slave who still seemed to be alive. Ian's form slowly rose, his face expressionless once more, as he lifted his Drow hands to come to his hood, which was then placed over his white mane, and then dark facial features, including his glowing pearl hues, and with a simple turn on his heel, he had his back turned to Jaron, and would walk away, leaving the slave to die among the rest who had perished within these cursed walls of nature.

[glow=orange,2,300]"Wait! Don't lea-"[/glow]

Jaron's words were cut short as the hissing sound of a throwing knife was sent in his direction, which impacted at his forehead, and shot straight through, sticking into the trees thick bark, as little parts of Jaron's flesh and brain were upon the sleek knife that Ian had mastered to use. Jaron's eyes remained open, and his body instantly stiff from the death that had come upon him with ease. His body then slowly started to lean to the side, and seeing the sleek knife was jammed into the tree, Jaron's body would just be at a slant, while his head was kept in place. While anyone could see that he was dead from the pale features upon his face, many wouldn't realize the blood and other pieces of his brain were spewed across the lower part of the trees trunk, and the throwing knife that had caused such a horrific death, because the rather large hole within his forehead.

[glow=teal,2,300]"Love Honor, Honor Love, Live Free."[/glow]

Those words were carved above Jaron's body, as Ian was different from other Drows, who simply wouldn't care for those of the lives they took, but don't get him wrong, neither does Ian, but he showed is care for another way, as each victim that were found by the Royal Guard all had a little quote by their body, or carved upon them. Ian had picked these words to depict how life should be, as no one should be owned by anyone, but life in Rhy'din was quite different from his home, and he had come to accept it, though little at a time...

[Aeria Fairwind]

Deep within the blackness of the deepest part of the woods she resided in a hot springs that had been secluded from the rest of the world. No one, aside from herself, knew the location of this place. At least to her own knowledge they did not. She took full advantage of it. She waded in the warm water letting it smooth the tension in her musclesr. This had been a place that she'd been going to for as far back as she could remember, considering many of her memories had been swept away with the advance of time. This had come to be the one place of solitude where she gather herself. It was her solice. She relaxed and just stood still in the water, closing her eyes, letting the warmth take over her sense. Calm...peace...silence...

[glow=blue,2,300]"Lady Fairwind?"[/glow]

There came a small and pitiful sound that shattered the calm of the moment. Aeria felt her back stiffen as her eyes opened quickly. Her anger slowly rose as an icy chill began to form in the air. Even the hot springs began to cool with the declining temperature. She'd let her guard down too much. Never again. No where was safe. The sight that met her eyes was certainly a match to the voice she had just heard. How did he find this place? He was nothing more than a slave. Of this fact, she was certain. Amethyst hues narrowed into slits as she gazed at the slave that stood back from the edge of the spring, eyes downcast. He was a pitiful sight. Scarred, tattered, bruised...and broken. Like a true slave. She got the feeling of fear off his person, it hung heavy in the air between them. She moved now, slowly, and casually out of the water. She leaned down and picked up her shirt from off the ground and slipped it on. She moved rapidly then, not giving the slave any time to react. The sharp hissing sound echoed through the woods as her blade was produced from thin air. She was upon him before he could even blink, blade pressed to his nose, nicking slightly to draw the faintest trickle of blood. She sized up the man slowly with appraising eyes.Aeria's eyes took in the faint scars that marred his flesh considerably. His eyes were sucken and his posture defeated. She got a sense of total obedience and absolute fear. How pitiful. After a moment the conclusion came that this must be a master that commanded total respect and valued his slave's lives little.

[glow=maroon,2,300]"Don't move...and I won't kill you...you have moments to tell me why you are here...and who sent you. Since I am more than certain you are not here of your own free will...and...I want to know how you found me." [/glow]

She spoke with a hiss to her voice. The man didn't flinch as her blade pressed into his nose. This was a man broken, a man who didn't seem to be a stranger to pain, judging from the scars she had noticed. Yet, as if second nature the man dropped himself to his knees in front of her and kept his eyes averted downward. Then he spoke very clearly, but still very uncertain.

[glow=blue,2,300]"I...was sent to find you..."[/glow]

She narrowed her gaze upon him once more.

[glow=maroon,2,300]"By whom and on what business?" [/glow]

She'd moved her blade when he'd moved to his knees, but now the blade was pressed to his flesh once more. This time to his neck.. Amethyst hues burned. Her patience was weaering thin. In fact, she would have loved nothing more than to spill his blood on the ground and return to her solitude, but now he had sparked her curiousity. The man looked up now, but not directly at her face.

[glow=blue,2,300]"I was sent to tell you...that it was...time. My Lord sent me." [/glow]

The man produced a sealed letter from the battered satchel at his side. He held it up to her with a pale, bony hand which shook ever so lightly as it remained suspended in the air waiting for her to take it from him. She pressed her lips together as she now had a fairly good idea who had sent him without needing to read the letter. However, curiousity would always prevail. She reached out to take the letter with her free hand.

[glow=maroon,2,300]"Do...not...move..."
[/glow]

Only after those words left her mouth did she finally lower her weapon. She glanced over the seal, which was rather magnificent. Another valid point for her theory of who it was from. The letter was opened and her eyes scanned over the elegant hand inside.

[glow=maroon,2,300]"Shane..." [/glow]

She murmured his name with a slight smirk. Now she knew how the slave had known where to find her. D**n him. She knew Shane had his resources, but he was always so arrogant about it. Of course he would pick this private time to brazenly send a slave with a message when he could have chosen any other moment. So, it was time, eh? She scanned the letter once more and soaked in its contents. Who was this Diana? Gracia...Rodello...seemed very familiar. She'd probably met her some time ago. She certainly hadn't seen Shane in some time. Yet, she hadn't really met the others listed here, so it wasn't surprising that it was Shane that had chosen to contact himself. The request found in the letter was very interesting. She folded the letter back up and looked toward the slave once more.

[glow=maroon,2,300]"Well..now...you've delivered your message. Leave me be. I will personally respond to this letter...soon. So, run along and inform your Lord that I will be...dropping in. Make it quick." [/glow]

She smirked and waved her hand in his direction. She was finished with him. She watched as he nodded.

[glow=blue,2,300]"Of course, milady."[/glow]

Her turned and trudged off in a quickened pace through the brush and disappeared into the darkness. She ran her fingers over the letter slightly. Oh, this was a fine day with many prospects in her future arising. She moved to walked back down into the warm water, shirt and all. She lounged back and closed her eyes. Yes...this was just too good of an offer to resist....