MOVED

[Chaotica Leonus]

Announcement

((It has come to my attention that Forsaken_Wrath has lost her internet indefinately and will need time before she can post again. I would ask that anyone involved with her characters and everyone else wanting to involve themselves with her characters to move on to another part so that we can keep on moving the roleplay forward. Thank you.))

[A Living Illusion]

Eric Beleren, Lord of Illusion

Youngest Prince of Aeolus, gone from his land...

Eric chuckled lightly at the small stranger's response to his generosity. She had obviously been on the streets for some time if she was so prudent as to store and save all she could. "No offense at all" he said lightly. "In fact..." He summoned another loaf of bread, a wheel of cheese, and a full water-skin from the air and handed it to her, along with a small purse of gold. The strain showed a bit on his face this time, for everything but the gold had been conjured. But any signs quickly faded as the items were taken from his hands. "The world is no longer kind to those who fall on bad fortune" he said sagely, perhaps meant as an explanation for his unusual generosity. He had little need of gold anymore, spending most of his nights sleeping wherever he could with Cypher curled up around him, and he could conjure up most of his mundane needs. But he always carried a fairly substantial sum of money around with him anyway, since what little information there was left in the world usually required a little...prodding to shake loose. Greased palms and soggy minds were almost invariably more cooperative.
He had to admit her was surprised when she announced her destination, however. An interesting coincidence that she would be heading to his homeland, having run into him when he would also be returning briefly, though many poured across the border every day. "Aeolus huh? I've spent a lot of time there myself. Born there in fact." His tone was even and conversational, but he wondered if that little bit of information would tip her off to who he really was. "Havent been there in some time though. As chance would have it though...i plan on heading there tomorrow myself. How about i treat you to a hot meal and an actual bed? I imagine it would be a far cry more comfortable than in some bush, and my coin wont go dry anytime soon. Besides, I could use a travel companion and, if you'll forgive me, you'd probably be a bit safer with someone slightly larger around."
If asked Eric doubted he would have been able to say why he made his offer. He had intended to rest for the night before simply making the long jump to see Issy, as he called his eldest sister (primarily because he knew she didnt like it). Perhaps it was curiosity. He knew very little about the small girl and if she truly was working for one rebel faction or another, she might also be able to provide him with valuable information. Or perhaps it was just because he genuinely liked her. It had been a while since he'd met anyone with that much unbridled spirit to them. Most people anymore simply walked about with glazed over eyes and a look of hopelessness about them, but this girl, who had apparently seen her fair share of hardship, still possessed an indomitable spirit. Somehow he felt that that information boded well for the darkening world.
Eric turned back to the elf, nearly forgotten in his contemplation of the unusual stranger, and he quickly found his interest being renewed. Elvish magic? He had never heard of the elves giving away anything freely, let alone knowledge, and as far as he could tell the offer had never been made to another human in the history of their race's association. He didnt think they knew any particularly strong destructive magic, they had a much greater reputation as healers than killers, but that didnt diminish his interest. Well, i guess i know what inn i'll be staying at dont i? he thought as the elf finished. He sighed as the pair began walking away. "I suppose a trip to Zaynah can wait" he muttered softly. Perhaps it was because he rarely spent any great deal of time around people any longer, or perhaps he was just distracted by thoughts of Elven magic, but he didnt realize his verbal blunder until Cypher nipped painfully at his ear. He ignored her and resisted the urge to rub his sore lobe while he turned back to the small stranger, still awaiting an answer.

...walking in the shadow, blood on his hand

[secondhand_soul]

Natalia Lane Hathorn

Natalia's calloused front was momentarily broken as the illusionist presented her with the food and the purse of gold. She was not accustomed to such displays of generosity. Her gratitude evident, she replied, "Thank you. I... I know that this offering was no simple feat for you." Though she was not a particularly trusting person, she knew that the illusionist's intentions were sincere.

She was surpirsed to learn that this man was from Aeolus. What a magnificent coincidence, she thought to herself. His offer for shelter and companionship in travel also took her aback. "Are...Are you sure sir?" she stammered. "That is certainly an offer that I cannot refuse. I should love to accompany you to Aeolus. Perhaps we can help each other."

Natalia's fears were immediately soothed. No longer in need of the dagger, she let it fall again into the depths of her cluttered pack, along with the purse of gold. Clutching the provisions in her arms, she added,remembering the abandoned remnants of her camp and her disguised equipment, "I do need to return for my tent, equipment, and other supplies. I hid them outside the city gates so that they wouldn't be stolen as well. Do you think you could help me retrieve them?" The illusionist was right, one who had fallen down on his luck was very much alone during these times. Perhaps, however, her luck was about to change. Maybe this man could help her find work. In Aeolus, she had intended to seek an appointment with the nobility there to inquire as to if they were in need of a spy. Even if the nobility had no need of her, perhaps another, smaller circle might. Aeolus was her last resort: no other kingdom had need of someone of her profession. If Aeolus could not use her, she did not know where she would turn. Natalia prayed that this man could help her.

But before we carry ourselves away, she reminded herself, Names were in order. Smiling yet again at the illusionist, she said, "I'm Natalia, by the way."

[Cararin]

~Alanna Neneharma
Former Princess Of Cordelia

As the dawn sun rose out of the horizon, Alanna rubbed exhaustion from her eyes. She had not slept at all that night. Constantly rereading papers, pacing, and concentration had kept her from her large bed. She dared not go into the bed room and look at it, in fear that the temptation would be too great. Few hours earlier, she had abandoned her work for Necrosis and searched for a way to remove her vicious collar.

The plain, steel collar was firmy clasped around her neck. The actual clasp was in the front, held by a blue gem. The collar was designed to bind and completely cut a magical being from their magic. Thus Alanna could not manipulate water, nor transform. It was a truly disturbing feeling, as if her heart had been removed from her chest, and was expected to continue to live. She had been in a similar circumstance with her father. When she had been arrested for his death, by protocol, the guards had forced a blue, messy concoction down her throat. It also suppressed powers beyond feeling, to the point where she had lost her unnatural eyes, and back to a dull brown. However that had faded and disappeared when it left her system. The collar didn't. The only person who could remove it was the person who put it on. For Alanna, that was the general. Seeing that he was not planning on taking it off anytime soon, if ever, she had been trying to search for another way to remove it.

So far she had found nothing concrete. Since it was an object from Zaynah, she had not gotten a lot of information. She could cut her head off, or beg the general to remove it. Neither were appealing. The only other option there was happened to be if someone's hands were bathed of the blood of the one who used the collar, that person could open it. However, it was not concrete and Alanna wasn't willing to kill the general just because it MIGHT help her get the collar off. He was her only concrete way of getting the collar off. Yawning, she watched the sun for a bit, then went to her bedroom, and straight for the closet. She was going to have to get ready for breakfast. The general wanted to eat all meals with the former princess.

Going to her vanity to fix herself, Alanna now wore a long, green dress. The sleeves laced a the shoulders and elbows. It had a square neckline, and was moderate in size. She felt it was the most modest dress her mother had owned. Brushing her hair for a few more strokes, she ran her fingers through her hair once before walking over to the window to finally shut it before she left.

"My heart, my soul...
have been sacrificed for duty."

[Windmaster Vaelfor]

Eldest Prince of Aeolus
XxxxxxKael Beleren

Ψ ”Damn…” He’d only walked a mile until he turned around. It was probably suicide to remain in such close proximity to such a powerful enemy, but his curiosity had been piqued. He was close to the capital. He could tell this much by the faint sounds of people moving about in the distance. Before his training, his hearing, sight, and smell were not as fine-tuned.

He suddenly decided that visiting his sister could wait a few more days. He was curious to see how the Cordelian people were getting along. More than that, he wanted to see if he was still recognized by the soldiers of Zanyah as one of Aeolus’ nobility. If they did, at least Gungnir would get some use.

After a few hours of walking, Kael arrived at the gate. He passed without much trouble, though the guards asked who he was. He introduced himself as a traveling mercenary by the name of Seltzin. After the soldiers were convinced he was as he said he was, only then did they allow him entrance, under the condition that he keep the tip of his spear sheathed. He agreed, only because it was something he did anyway. No many opponent could measure up to him, and only the elite were allowed to see Gungnir in its true glory.

He wandered the town, admiring the strength of those who remained in town, and decided that he wanted to explore the castle. He found a secluded spot and unsheathed his spear. He spun and flipped the weapon into the air before catching it and thrusting the tip upwards. He pressed the button on the side of shaft, releasing the chain. The tip embedded itself in a windowsill.

He used his spear to climb into the castle window to find himself in the hallway.. The chain retracted and the tip snapped back into place. He sheathed his spear before retreating into the shadows as a guard walked by. Even though everything was clear, he decided to remain in his hiding spot and watch the comings and going of the residents of the castle. Ψ

[Nnamegne]

_____________________________________________________________________________

With in just hours, the Lich King had arisen at least two hundred soldiers of the undead. As tempting as it was, he kept his father's grave untouched. Not out of honor, but because he believed the old fool didn't deserve to be risen from his eternal slumber. The old man had tortured the Lich King in his childhood and formed him into what he was while he was the King of Cordelia. The Lich King chuckled. The Undead King of Necrosis had a nice ring to it. But now is not the time. he thought to himself. Past Kings of Cordelia often buried more than enough armor and weapons with them for his army. The servants' catacombs were also buried not to far from the Royal Catacombs, so that they may serve their lords in the afterlife. How ironic to that meaning, the Lich King had thought as he had risen them for the foot men of his army. While the Kings were in the lower levels of the catacombs followed then by the queens and then finally the always valiant and skillful knights above them, the Lich King, using more energy in order to preserve their skills they learned in their life, risen the knights for his cavalry and heavy armored troops.

While doing all of this work, something... or rather someone always bugged the tip of his mind. They held a powerful essence of light. He had hissed when he first sensed it. It was like vegetables to a fat man in love with candy. He could not put his finger on the person. He also felt the ever changing energy flows of his only son, Lucas. He knew Lucas got a powerful blow to the mind when his powers hit him. Then he also felt a nearly gone trace of another familiar energy. It was almost not there, like it was being contained, much like he been over the years. It is either contained... or that person is almost dead... I like option two better. Lich quietly thought to himself with a grin. He didn't sense Zerous's or the damned Chaos's energy though. Father away from Necrosis, the better for me.




Lucas didn't bother with the guards at the castle. He simply went into the Void at one point then came back out at another point. He had gained back his control of his emotions. The memories of what could of been haunt him endlessly and forever will until he dies. He personally didn't know which one was better. Walking down the halls Lucas had avoided the guards. It was harder to use the Void shortcut ability indoors. Lucas felt like a ghost walking down these halls and it felt completely unpleasing to him. He looked at the spot where a bust of his father had once been. Had been until Lucas himself had knocked it over when he was eight and then he received a lot of spankings from his mother for destroying. Sometimes Lucas wished that life was like it was back then. That his father hadn't dabbled in the dark arts, or dark devices. He remembered one night he woke up to the screams of someone. He was still a young child and he had run to his sister Feawen's room for comfort because he knew his mother wouldn't comfort him, nor would his ice hearted sister Alanna. Though, now that Lucas thought about it, he understood why Alanna was like. Though he may not of understood it completely, at least he understood the first foot hold. Reaching where Feawen's room use to be, Lucas turned the doorknob on the door. He opened it and was taken back by the foul smell of feces and urine. Having opened his eyes a few seconds and catching a few glimpse of what was in the room he found that there was a few dead corpses in torn dresses. Lucas quickly shut the door, but quietly.

Lucas walked a little faster down the halls. He was determined to find Alanna. He had strangely ran into no servants or guards while going down the halls. Stroke of luck, Lucas thought to himself until he had almost run into a door that was opening. He had stopped himself before hitting it actually. Though, it was almost impossible because of who he saw coming out of the room. "Mother...." Lucas said shocked. He had seen her being ripped limp from limb by the very man she had married. Lucas blinked, no, it was not his mother, but it was his sister.

((I'm sorry if there might be some grammar errors. I had to type this quickly.))

- - - - -

[Cararin]

~Alanna Neneharma
Former Princess Of Cordelia

Alanna had been focused on her own thoughts and concerns as she left her rooms. The guards weren't there. Which was unusual however it did not concern her. She wasn't going to run. As Alanna felt her stomach growl, she recalled how she ate less and less as the days of captivity grew. She knew this was wrong. But the self-inflicted pain of watching her kingdom took away her hunger. She swore to herself, though, to eat well from now on. She needed to remain sharp and alert.

However, Alanna did not make it far from the rooms. In fact, she had just opened the door when she found a cloaked figure infront of her. Slightly taken back, Alanna pulled a passive face and said, "If you are here to assassinate me, since you do not look of the Zaynah or Cordelia, I will make you regret it. I suggest you turn around and get your a** out of my face."

Alanna stopped for a moment and back tracked. Did he just call her mother? Mother...Alanna should have...Thoughts flashed into her mind of what had happened three years ago. Pain and heartache flooded her and made her dizzy. Instantly she prickled like a porcupine and demanded, "Who in the hell do you think you are?" The dagger she had hidden away instantly flashed out. She ripped his hood off and brought the blade to his throat.

Alanna was taken back once again. All emotions of pain and fury completely drained from her. His face was so familiar. Where had she seen him before? Her face drained when she finally connected the dots. It had been five years since she had seen her brother. It shocked and scared her on how much she had forgotten about her own family. Of course, he had changed by far. His new skills and powers had changed him in appearance. He looked so much older than he seemed. Even for an elf.

Alanna realized she had been standing there and staring for quite some time, and instantly pulled the blade away and put it back into its hiding spot. Then she instantly grabbed him by the cloak and pulled him into the room, checking the halls to make sure he wasn't spotted, then shut her door. Without looking at him again, she instantly placed distance between them, her hunger completely forgotten. Walking to the window, she opened it and closed her eyes, letting the cool air calm her nerves and clear her mind. At that moment, she couldn't think of anything to say.

"My heart, my soul...
have been sacrificed for duty."

[Nnamegne]

_____________________________________________________________________________

Lucas stood still as Alanna threatened him with the hidden blade. His eyes stared hard into hers when she threw off his hood. He saw the emotions flooding through them. Not clearly, but not exactly foggy either. When Lucas had prepared to meet Alanna, he was sure she would mistake him, but he had thought that he would be staring at the carnivorous teeth of a white tiger. Now that he really thought about, Alanna was just like the white tiger. Beautiful, fierce, powerful beyond means. When she had pulled him into the room she had come out of, Lucas followed obediently. There was something off about her. Not that she was surprised that her brother was here, or that he still looked so different than the little boy she possibly remembered, but something else. Sh hadn't shape shifted into a white tiger. She hadn't used any magic at all actually. And what's more is that her eyes weren't the deadly ice cold blue eyes he had remembered them to be. They were instead a soft brown, just like mother's. Studying his sister at the window, Lucas realized why he had thought that Alanna was his long dead mother. Soft brown eyes, long brown hair, same exact dress that their mother had worn on multiple occasions. After a while of letting his sister catch some fresh air, Lucas cleared his throat to get her attention. "So... I guess you mourn for her?" Lucas asked. Lucas knew better, but he wanted to see if Alanna had changed over the years just as he had.

- - - - -

[Cararin]

~Alanna Neneharma
Former Princess Of Cordelia

She turned her face sharply to him and snapped, "Does it look like I'm wearing black? She's been dead for five years. It's pathetic and pointless to mourn...Much less for five years." Some of the fire left her eyes after a few moments, taking her new brother, and then silently turned back to the marshes outside her window. The pain of seeing her home in such a state covered the much more painful throb in her heart. No, Alanna did not mourn. Not her family, not her home. She only felt the pain, but mourning resulted into nothing. The only thing she had mourned in the past three years was her...Alanna refocused her mind. She dared not look at Lucas again. She was still with tension. She did not know why Lucas was there after all these years.

Truthfully, she thought he had been dead. Even Kyo's spies and ears had not heard of Lucas after the imprisonment of the Lich King. She had tried to find him through Kyo's men. However, when they could not find anything, she gave up. Kyo's men were bright, and fast. She remembered them continuously amazing her with what they would find. She couldn't fathom how Lucas was able to hide from them. Then again, she didn't know much about Lucas or his abilities anymore. She had to keep reminding herself that he wasn't the defenseless prankster he once was. She had grown so used to protecting Feawen and Lucas while fighting with Zero when they grew up. Now Lucas didn't need her, Zero was a safe distance away, and Feawen was dead. With her parents dead as well, she didn't seem connected to her family anymore.

Rage and the hot burn of betrayal threatened to overcome her as well. After she went with Kyo after the Lich King to help him control the kingdoms, she had heard of Zero running with his "love" to her land, and then Lucas disappearing. She had always held anger at Zero, abandoning his people and duties to raise a family with Isabeau, and now that Lucas was infront of her, she felt no different against him. Disappearing from existance, the boy must have not done much, if not anything for the Cordelians. Not to mention by Cordelian law and by blood, Lucas was the true heir and king of the throne. This made him no different from Zero as to abandon Cordelia. She had always excused Lucas, for he was just a boy who played. Not a skilled or trained warrior who mastered noble politics. However he was older, and had certainly changed. He knew better. He should know better.

Seconds pasted as Alanna let thoughts enter and leave her mind. The silence consumed the room as she waited for Lucas to do something. Slice her throat, yell at her, demand answers. They had not seen each other in half a decade. Alanna had no idea how he would react. He hadn't so far. Except call her "Mother". Their mother was a whore. In bed and in appearances. She longed to go back to her vanity at that moment. To see if she really looked like their mother. However she resisted the urge, and continued to watch the still scenery. It was about as boring as watching grass grow, but she felt better where she was.

After the long silence, she finally spoke again, "What are you doing here, Lucas? It was foolish of you to come into a fully guarded castle. Guarded by the Zaynah Empire. If they find out who you are, they won't let you leave. I'm sure you remember captivity in a castle is worse than death."

"My heart, my soul...
have been sacrificed for duty."

[A Living Illusion]

Eric Beleren, Lord of Illusion

Youngest Prince of Aeolus, gone from his land...

Eric was pleased to see that, as far as he could tell, his blunder was unnoticed. She gave no signs of hearing the unlikely destination for his planned trip. In fact, she seemed too pleased and stunned to think of much else. "It was not as difficult as it once would have been" he said, shrugging it off. "And anyone who dares resist the tyranny of our Zaynah overlords deserves a bit of good fortune now and again. The gods know good fortune is rare at all these days..." Eric saw a flash of steel as she placed the items in her bag, and realized she'd been clutching a weapon. The thought of someone using something so conventional as a blade against him was amusing, to say the least. It also told him she possessed a healthy wariness of those she did not know and an ability to accept defeat. He thought no more about it after adding a couple more good traits to the list of information he had about the mysterious girl.
If her reaction to his gifts had been surprised, his other offer had elicited open mouthed shock. Indeed the words seemed to tangle themselves in her mouth! Erich chuckled lightly. "Yes, i am certain." he said simply. He was surprised to see she was at ease around him already. He had suspected caution if not open suspicion, especially after catching that sight of metal. She would certainly bear watching if he was to be around her for any length of time. He nodded at the mention of retrieving the rest of her travel gear. "Sure. My business here is done and i have naught to do now but wait till morn." Besides, perhaps seeing what else she possessed would provide more information about his mysterious new companion.
"My name is...Eric" He hesitated a bit before deciding not to give her a false name as he usually did. He wondered if she would put his name and birthplace together. It had been years since he'd forsaken his home. Back when the Zaynah first invaded and before Aeolus was allowed its freedom, little as it was. But he had not left in any conventional manner and made quite the...bang when he left. He wouldnt be surprised if some still remembered him enough to recognize him now. He didnt even know how old she was! Questions continued to buzz as he shook her hand.

...walking in the shadow, blood on his hand

[Windmaster Vaelfor]

Eldest Prince of Aeolus
XxxxxxKael Beleren

Ψ As usual, Kael was quickly bored of watching the guards make their rounds. Although, his observation did allow him to figure out the timing between the guards’ rounds on the other floors. That, at least, didn’t bore him. Now, he decided, it was time to test his thesis.

When the guard made another pass, he counted off a certain amount of seconds, enough that if he moved at the proper speed, he would be able to make it to the floor aboce and back without so much as catching a glimpse of a guard. After adjusting Gungnir so it wouldn’t make any noise, he started moving.

Though Kael didn’t know his way around, he knew the basic architecture of the interior of most palaces. Even if it was horribly different, he’d already accounted for it in his timing. But, he found that the stairway was exactly where he thought it was. He smiled when he reached the top. Instead of returning, he decided to roam the halls.

He passed a few doors and, if he could not sense anyone inside, opened it and peered inside. He continued this routine as he walked down the corridor. He passed yet another door, but upon scanning the other side saw that it was occupied and began walking off. As he did, he overheard a snippet of their conversation.

The content therein was strange. To Kael’s knowledge, only a few specific people would speak of the subject. He decided to remain where he was. He could tell that no guards patrolled this particular section of the castle. There was no subtle line of soot where the guards’ torches would have made as they walked, nor could he make out any dinginess on the clean floors from their boots. Besides, why should he move because if the ones at the top were who he thought they were, they’d be able to tell he was there anyway. Ψ

{Edited}

[secondhand_soul]

Natalia Lane Hathorn

Natalia's head tipped to the left at the sound of his name. She had known many Erics over the years, but she felt, for some reason, that she should recognize this one in particular. She certainly had heard his comment about travelling to Zaynah, but she chose to ignore it. After all, she had been there many times herself on assignment. "Very pleasant to meet you, Eric," Natalia replied. The shock subsided and the introductions finished Natalia returned to her usual disposition around strangers - quite business-like. "Well, night will be falling soon," Natalia commented, turning on her heels, "We should hurry before they close the city gates." Without any further discussion Natalia took off down the dark, winding corridor until she reached the entry-way, which had remained open for the duration of her interactions with the elves and Eric. Stepping out into the twilight that now covered the streets of Moriko, Natalia glanced back over her shoulder to make sure that Eric was still following behind her. Despite the large amount of weight that Natalia now carried in her arms and on her back, Natalia broke into a swift sprint.

Having been to Moriko on numerous assignments, Natalia was able to cover the distance between the stone building and the entrance to the city in only a few minutes. She slipped through the gates silently and sprinted 300 yards to the west. There, lying against the stone of the walls, appeared to be a rather large thorn bush, much like the others that grew in the area. Much to the dismay of many passsers-by, Natalia stepped up the the thorn bush and place the provisions on the ground. Grasping two of the bush's limbs, with one swift pull she removed the clever disguise to reveal the remnants of her camp. Her tent consisted of a tattered, white sheet and a few poles. A few metal dishes lay in the bottom of the small, wooden handcart she used to carry her supplies while travelling. By the handcart laid a large sack-cloth bag. Looking to Eric she said, I'll need to pack my things in the handcart."

Natalia took the sack-cloth bag in her hands and began to lift it, but one of the seams had become frayed. As she hefted the bag, a sleek, black, whale-bone corset and a wig of ebony curls fell onto the ground and the lacy hems of a petticoat peeked through the broken seam. Noticing the lace of the petticoat as she dropped the bag into the handcart, she whirled around to see the wig and lingerie lying on the ground near Eric's feet.

Of anything that could fall out of my bag, it had to be that, Natalia thought, quite mortified. She knew what he was going to think. Natalia could not bring herself to look him in the eye. The blush that spread across her cheeks, ears, and neck burned hot like fire. This reaction was quite unlike her and it surprised her greatly. Perhaps her months of aimless travelling had worn her more than she had first thought. Panicked and unable to think of anything else to say, she stammered as she snatched the items off the ground, "I..I..I'm so very sorry."

[xX A m a - S a m a Xx]

ξϻϼэɻɵɻ ɵf ȤɐɤήɐЋ

A fire filled blaze overcame the dragon's pale, serpentine gaze. The scent of blood made his dragon mentality all the more keen and sharpened his sense. The smell of the burned flesh teased him as much as the man's grit in pain, and yet the snarling sneer that appeared and revealed his fangs was one of digust, not amusement. The kidnapper, the idiot, had grabbed his blade. The audacity. That he would dare to grab Azazel's weapon. His eyes then became thin slits as he narrowed them, he watched the man charge with his sword, Azazel's own weapon shredding the flesh of his arm and charbroiling it as it coiled about. Rolling his eyes at the man's suicide cry, Azazel waited until the last second and then spun a one-eighty to his right.

He heard the crunch of bone and the squelch of blood as the blade entered his left shoulder. He could even smell his own blood being spilled. However, he forced himself to not even acknowledge it [for the time being at least] as he smiled darkly at the store front he now faced. "You humans are so... funny. I'm no demonkin. No, I'm the nearest thing to a god you have here on this world. And one thing about gods is the fact that they don't die, and they heal exceptionally fast."

Grinding his teeth as he went, he moved the whip in his right hand over his head in a lassoing motion, wrapping the burning blade about the side's and back of Joseph's neck, as he turned to his left and brought it the throat as well. He tightened it so that the blade barely sliced his flesh, allowing the flames close enough to lick his flesh leaving behind a seared trail, blood wetting his own tunic beneath his coat. "Another amusing trait is that you must be taught to kneel before your king," he laughed in his face as he used the burning blade to force Joseph to sink downward or be sliced and diced. "Now remove your blade from my person and drop it, 'lest I decide to slit your throat before and allow you to drown in your crimson waters the guards shackle you...," he warned as he could see guards edging forward in the corners of his eyes. The faint hint of blood on his tongue was present, and his shoulder had begun to twinge slightly.

Ѧʑɐʑэʄ Mɐʠʄэή Ѷɐɤș

[A Living Illusion]

Eric Beleren, Lord of Illusion

Youngest Prince of Aeolus, gone from his land...

Eric was amused to see her manner change so swiftly and drastically. He could only imagine that the recent events had shaken her a great deal, putting her off balance. He nodded silently and fell in behind her as they walked out of the castle. She seemed more than happy to take the lead and he had no idea where she had hidden her things. He didnt try speaking because he didnt really know what to say at first and then the swift pace she set didnt precisely make a good climate for idle chatter. He kept up with her quite easily as they made their way to her well concealed camp. He had gotten quite used to moving swiftly since he'd left his homeland of Aeolus and the fact that his legs were significantly longer made the journey for him simplicity itself.
Eric knew the area had been disturbed long before they got there, but only a keen eye for detail would spot the too smooth dirt around it. The branches looked too neat around the entrance. Nothing in nature moved with that sort of order, and wildlife never scraped the ground clean after they left. At the sight of just how much she had stashed away in the little patch of growth. He could see why she would require a cart, and that alone would paint a target right on her forehead for any potential bandits. "I have a better idea, if you dont mind" he said before she could put anything on the cart. His eyes glowed slightly and an odd blue aura surrounded his hand as he slowly drew a large circle in the air. His fingertips left a line of sapphire light behind it and when the loop was closed the circle filled in with light momentarily before leaving a luminous hole in the air. The interior looked, essentially, like the inside of a small cabinet without any shelves. The 'walls', 'ceiling', and 'floor' of the space within gave off an unusual glow which lit the entire space. "Nether-space pocket. Much easier and well...safer than your method" he explained. He waved his hand in front of it a couple times, making it appear and disappear in different locations each time. "No one can steal anything you put inside as no one but me can get in" he assured her, though he wasnt entirely sure she would accept the storage space with that known.
Eric frowned as the bag tore with a slight sound and conjured another from the air. It was of, unsurprisingly, significantly higher quality than the one that would be replaced. Idly he wondered precisely how many of the poor girls belongings were in a similar condition. It was difficult for him to imagine life without the power he possessed. He bent down to retrieve the items that had fallen at his feet to place them in the bag, and only then realized what precisely he was reaching for. Her reaction admittedly caught him off guard as well. "Why?" he asked in curiosity. He doubted she had intentionally ripped the bag. He had assumed, given the other contents of the bag, that it was simply one more of her disguises. She seemed to have a vast array of them. But her reaction made him curious as to whether such things were in fact her preferred garb. Once more he thought of how little he knew about her. He placed the fallen things in the bag, noting the unusually fine quality of the garments after seeing their container, and handed it to her. As his gaze swept upward once more he couldnt help but imagine her in the items now placed safely in the new bag. Being an illusionist he had an extremely active imagination and a very good eye for detail. As such he could easily see her wearing such garments, could even cast an illusory version of what lay in his minds eye had he wanted to, and it really clicked in his mind that she obviously wasnt as young as her diminutive size misled him to believe.
Cypher, who still rode atop his shoulder like a silent golden statue, flicked his ear with her tail and it was only then that he realized he had taken up staring for a few moments. Silently he walked over and, his hands and eyes glowing blure once more, levitated the remaining items to their intended destination. When the glow faded from his body once more he spoke quietly. "You were right, it's getting late. Best we find food and lodging" His tone was quiet and a bit subdued, not entirely balanced himself now, and contained a bit of question as if he was unsure of whether she would still be coming. Either way he began the trek back to the city and the hotel that Lucius had indicated.

...walking in the shadow, blood on his hand