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[Lady Ditto Armunn]

---

Ditto Sound


Ditto sat on the floor in front of the fireplace in Galnor's home, staring into the flames. Her heart and mind had been in turmoil for days over Bree, but for some particular reason, she found herself thinking more of Tarothin these last couple of hours, or more precisely, her feelings about Tarothin. She was unsure of things with him now.
She knew she loved him. Her heart demanded it. But, ....did she want to be with him was the question that that plagued her now. For years, since she learned of thier son's death, she had shoved down certain feelings that bothered her. When her husband had chosen to use their son's shadow wraith, even knowing it was Daerauko, and not telling her for days after, it had punched a hole in her heart. But now with his last letter and his words to her, she felt another hole damaging her heart. He might as well have just come out and said he thought her to be a bad mother. She took it the same. And then, to say he was not afraid to lose another child.... It was almost too much for her to even remember those words, so she tried desperately to think of something else. Ditto tried hard to feel the rumblings of his heartbeat beneath her skin, but there was just her own heartbeat, all alone. Had he broken the unbreakable bond by hurting her too much? She couldn't feel him, but, she wasn't always able to. When her emotions ran too high against him it was always harder to feel it. She was so confused on so many things. No sense of direction. Did he still fit in her life? She was beginning to to lose faith. She needed to see him, but she was afraid of what she might find.

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by knocking on the front door. With Galnor having stepped out for a bit, Ditto stood up and walked over to open it.
Juju stood just outside looking very impatient and out of sorts. At first Ditto thought she had terrible news about Bree considering the old woman did not look happy in the least. Juju then blurted out, "Your needed at that there Duchess' meetin. I'll be takin ya there but we best be hurryin cause it's startin soon. The lord is none too pleased with me as is."
Ditto assumed Juju must've received another letter from Tarothin with instructions, as she was whisked quickly away. Too sad and confused, she didnt argue and just did what the old housekeeper asked of her.


At the Abbey in Yew, she found herself near a small crowd of familiar faces. Most of whom seemed both surprised and very happy to see her. She tried to answer all their questions as best she could but her troubled mind kept her confused. And then there was Cat. They yelled each other's names and ran around in a circle, one trying to get to the other. Finally the long awaited hug. Ditto didn't want to let Cat go. She was her only hold to sanity and her heart. Cat's licking of Ditto's face brought giggles of delight and the familiar, "Ewwww". Gently reminded by Cat's friend, Striker that it was time to go, Ditto kissed Cat on the nose and released her. She still wasn't ready for any kind of a meeting with a bunch of people but at least she had her Cat there now.

Once inside Serpent's Hold great meeting hall, she had memories of other times there. Very boring and very loud meetings. She destested meetings but usually she could just go and sit quietly and wait for it to be over. Her most important service at any meeting before this one, was just to help Tarothin keep control of himself. But this one, he wasn't here and she would be expected to speak. Speaking was not normally a problem for her. It was hushing that was difficult. Tonight she didnt' want to talk. She was too upset and might become dangerously chaotic and mean. If anyone needed someone to keep their temper down, it was her this time. Her eyes sought out the Magnate Isk. Right as she was worried he wasn't there, she saw his mask and nodded a greeting to him. Relief flooded her briefly, strangely enough considering Isk hated all non-humans. Maybe if she babbled or got angry he would step in.
Before she could enjoy this feeling of relief, a tall, hooded man walked very closely by her and whispered to her. She knew that voice all too well. It was her husband, Lord Tarothin Armunn. Her heartbeat quickened and thundered loudly. Normally she would want to fling herself in his arms, however it was only an icy panic that she felt now. Glancing over, she saw that he was standing to the side, his back against the wall to observe the meeing. Seeing that she was right up in front beside Molly, Ditto suddenly wanted to shrink away. Wanted to run away. Instead, she took a few steps back, but this put her closer to Tarothin, whom she thought best to ignore unless he chose to speak.
The meeting started and so did the noise. Everyone talking at once, she tried hard to concentrate on what was being said, but Tarothin's presence made that even more difficult than it might normally be. Avoiding looking at him, she was still all to aware of presence. It was unnerving, and the last thing she needed. When it was her turn to speak, she stepped up slowly. Stumbling her words out, she spoke as a mother desperate for help in getting her daughter. Desperate for action to be taken against the Atalan. She was blunt in the mentioning of Bree's beatings. The people needed to know what kind of enemy they would were facing.
Finally, Tarothin dropped his hood and approached the front. At first she took a couple of paces behind him to listen. When she heard his voice rumbling over the crowd and what mood he was in, she stepped up to be beside him. She needed to present them as a united couple, and not let on that she had any doubts. His ego spoke to the crowd loudly, and it was not well received. Ordinarily she would know what to do to alert him to this, but she couldn't think. With all the arguing boiling her temper, with Tarothin just right there, with thoughts of Bree being beaten, her mind whirled and she became unsteady on her feet. Reaching out, she placed her hand on his arm to support herself from falling. She thought for a moment how funny it was that the very thing that was overwhelming her was also what was keeping her standing.

Once Tarothin said his peace and left, she felt so alone. Again, more confusion over this. The meeting was suppose to be to figure out how to go about attacking the Atalan, not if. Not to argue over who would lead, or if they even wanted to bother preventing their loved ones to a fate like Bree's. She was becoming angrier, but tried to keep herself under control. Finally, progress was being made. And though there would soon be another meeting, at least a few things were settled, with other things to settle later. The main thing in that moment was just to secure a plan of action to save the prisoners. Or at least a promise of action. Most people seemed primarily concerned with rescue and stopping the Atalan from taking more loved ones, yet it seemed there was one whose main goal was to take land and nothing more. Ditto knew that everyone came to this meeting with thier own agendas, and some of those agendas might be less than honorable, but the woman, whose very breath smelled like blood and death, infuriated Ditto. Just when she felt she could take no more and might walk out like her husband had, the meeting was adjourned.

Right when she was going to step outside into the fresh air, Ditto ran into her sister, Jolicia. She spoke words of encouragment to her and this meant so much to her. She had needed badly to hear something possitive from a loved one. Hugging goodbye, she then walked outside to sit on a bench and gather her thoughts before going to seek her husband.
What would she say? Would would he say? She couldn't go right then to him. She needed quiet for a moment, and then maybe a tiny distraction from things. The men from Moonglow were normally a good distraction and helped her feel better about Bree. They were willing to take action, and their own high morale on the matter rubbed off onto Ditto. She would find Tarothin after a quick trip to Moonglow then.
Just as she was about to get up and go there, she came face to horse with an Atalan. Trillin. He had a few more of his kind there. Ditto quickly lost her temper, but she still fought hard to control it. That woman's hurtful words about Ditto not caring about Bree bit into her when she remembered Tarothin's words from the letter. Angry words were exchanged. Everything becoming a blur. Molly was there suddenly to protect her. Eventually the Atalan left having given Ditto the order to never go to Maedas again or it would be her death. When the coast was clear, Molly and Ditto left, with Ditto heading to Moonglow before trying to find her husband and seeing if her heart would tell her her worst fear or reunite the bond.

Ditto Sound






.
_________________
Dark Lady Ditto Armunn
~ D|O ~

=Left Hand Suzuki Method=
ICQ: 617689603 Twitter: @Ody0
Quote: "Oh Great! First I get stabbed and now I'm bleeding!" - Ditto
Tarothin Armunn Quote: "I know and I have mood swings like a pregnant woman at times. :/ I'm very random."

[Tarothin Armunn]

---

*After walking out of the meeting (a mixture of talking to himself and inner thoughts)*

I guess things never change. Always the arguing. But that was to be expected.

I only came there to announce my presence and to rile everyone up. Fastest way to action is through anger. I stated my purpose bluntly like what was intended. The way I thought would get the most reaction. I have to force their hand into action. How else will I get Bree back without an army under my control?

An iron fist produces swifter results than a gentle hand.

I almost felt disgraced. Never have I seen a perfect opportunity to conquer the lands as I do now. It is indeed a shame that the Dark Order is not alive and strong as it was for some time in the past. And to think that some of these factions were able to stand together many times under the threat of the Dark Order to keep us at bay. Yet now... the red people walk all over them.

*chuckles and shakes his head*

I will only help those that agree with certain conditions.

The Regency and Protectorate failed because of the fact there were too many voices. They need one leader that they can all unite under. An Emperor.

I will put my faith in Isk on helping this come to be.

Though I have probably hurt my cause with some with my words, I am not worried. They will come around in time. I already have plans to see to that.

A chess game cannot be won in one move. The pieces will all come in order.

*After activating the rune and he reached his destination, he smiles slightly at the structure before him.*
And besides... the arena is almost complete.

[Lady Ditto Armunn]

---

The first place she looked for Tarothin, the Arena.
She stood there, staring at the building. It was massive, but then, her husband never did anything in small measure. His ego wouldn't allow for it. She couldn't help but smile at that thought, and though she was hesitant to confront him, she entered. Many times she had gone to check progress and each time she'd gotten lost, but somehow her feet led her straight to him. She didn't notice this enough to wonder how she found him so easily. When she saw him she walked up slowly, almost fearful, but not of him..never of him. She waited for him to speak first. He might have questions about the meeting of what transpired after he left, and she'd get those, if any, out of the way.
When he spoke, it wasn't to ask questions.
"I did as what was required. You were too emotionally involved and it was actually making the situation worse."

Ditto, already caught up in confusion, was even more confused. What was the subject of his words? It seemed they weren't on the same page here. Before she could say anything, he continued.
"So, I needed to make sure you didn't do anything irrational. And good thing I told Juju because of the stupid attempt you were going to do."

She understood now. Tarothin thought she was upset by other things. But, ofcourse he'd think that because under normal circumstances she'd be throwing a fit in front of him. Still though...she was interested in hearing more so she decided not to interrupt him just yet. He might say something beyond that. Something to make her world make sense again. She listened on.
"I don't mind that you told them something about me, but you latched onto it too greatly. If I didn't stop you, I would lose my wife and I wasn't wanting to let that happen. I'm here now. I will find a way to get her back. You've done alot, but now it's time for you to rest. I will take over."

She swallowed back the lump forming in her throat and the urge to go to him. Her eyes showed a glimmer of spark in them for the first time in days. She wasn't angry at him. She just felt so sad and lost. He needed to understand that, and why she felt that way. She finally spoke to him but calmly and quietly. Too calmly for her norm. "Thank you for explaining Juju's actions. But you don't explain your own. Your action to knowingly hurt me with your words in that letter. Your decision to send Bree to a dangerous place and then blaming me when all of it happens. You throw Daerauko's death in my face and then tell me you don't care if you lose another child?"

Those blue eyes of his. She wanted to allow herself to just forget everything and be lost in those eyes, but she couldn't and she smiled sadly up at him. "I love you still. I cannot help that. But I do not know if I am still your beacon, or if you have darkened it. Only you can say with your actions."

He became colder with his response. "The loss of another child I do not want. But if it happens, then the child was weak. Also, do not blame this on me when it was you that let Bree get captured." His eyes became angry, flaring red. Ditto braced herself and her own approaching anger. She felt a tirade coming from him and the best thing to do was let him get it out and not annoy him with interruptions. "I guess it was you that became too friendly with the Atalans that you lost sight on who they are." Tarothin paused only a moment. "I wish Daer was still around but he isn't. He is but a shadow of what he was. I let Bree come to you thinking she would be safe. That you were missing too much of her growing up. I guess I was wrong. Like I said, you let your emotions get the best of you. Makes you irrational where you can not think properly. Do not blame your failure on me. I am here to make sure things don't get worse."

With that, he stormed out of the room but Ditto followed quick on his heels after him to stop him, determined not to let him end this before she could tell him what she feared was happening. All she could utter was "Tarothin--" before he swung around to face her. She halted quickly, almost bumping into this tower of a man. A tower that was now yelling at her angrily, "I didn't even get into you trying to kill yourself! That would be an example of you not thinking through things. Your death, though not a permanent thing, what good would that do anyone? Bree or me or otherwise?"

Ditto yelled back at him half angry, half in emotional pain. She would have her say no matter how furious she might make him. "You cannot keep hurting me like this!" She calmed down enough to quietly choke out the words she feared with the beginning of tears running down her cheeks, "Your losing me, Cloudster. And I can't help that. I don't want that."

He stopped yelling. "How am I losing you? You are losing yourself. I am here to stop you from doing so, hence why I told Juju to do as she did. Like I said, you are not thinking. You are only bringing harm to yourself. Before you speak further, go, talk to Galnor. He will tell you."

She'd had it with his talk of saving her while at the same time hurting her, and then telling her what to do. Why couldn't he just tell her what she wanted to hear?? She had to know for sure. Was he here for family or was he using them for conquest? She wanted to throttle him. Ditto reached out and grabbed him and demanded, "Tell me your here for Bree and not some big plan!"

He spoke clearly to his wife. "I am for Bree. I do not care about the others. Imy was going to take my place yet I do not think she would get Bree back more so than I."

Bree..Ditto still wanted to try. "Let me speak once more with Asimov."

"You talking to him is over." He was firm on that point. "I somehow had the feeling that you would grow too placating in the task of being nice to them. It's happened many times. You feel safe after a while with the Orcs, the Drow, OES, Sanctus, many. Each time I am there to rescue you. But this time I was not. For that I apologize. But this cannot continue."

Desperation took hold of her again. "Tarothin.... I did not betray you....or Bree! I am not a bad mother!"

"Ditto you cannot betray me. I didn't say you were a bad mother."

"Yes. You did." He may not have said that to her but she felt as though he had told her just that.

"I said you grow too placating with dangerous people."

"In your own way you did exactly that", she said, her pouty lips trembling. "Your letter. Your words earlier."

"I speak truth. I meant what I said, but I also mean you aren't a bad mother. Bree will become free. Do not fret. Now take a breath. Calm down and do not worry anymore. I will take care of the situation. One way or another.

Ditto was convinced then he would save Bree, but she still had images of their child being beaten plaguing her mind. She couldn't hear what her heart was screaming at her, and so she backed off from the conversation still unconvinced of some things. "I can only be your ally. I do not know if I can be...more than that to you."

"And that is another reason why I asked Juju to do me that favor. If you sat down and thought about the whole of the situation you will see why I do what I do. You have your ways. I have mine. And mine usually work."

"I can only promise I will be your ally...I cannot promise more than that. Not yet." She repeated.

He was becoming frustrated with her. "Choose as you wish."

"It is not my choice," she pleaded.

"It appears so," he stated bluntly.

"My heart chooses. It always has."

"My actions and words are the same as they were over the years. Why now is it different?"

She shook her head. "Nau,..you never would have hurt me like that before."

He sighed a long sigh. "I cannot help that you cannot see. Blindness is a bad thing."


Tarothin knew his wife well. She was acting desperate. She was losing herself. If she would stop and think. Stop looking for hidden meanings and just listen to him, she would find her answer. He was the same as she had always known him to be. They were just as bonded to each other as ever. She was overthinking things without actually thinking at all. Just caught up in her emotions and having to constantly deal with manipultions targeting those very emotions. Ditto thought her only defense at times were aspects of order and had been relying to heavily on it...something her chaotic nature couldn't comprehend, and so it rebelled against her, causing confusion and rattling her even further. Tarothin didn't understand the mechanisms of all of that, but he did understand his wife. At least most of the time.

---

Unconditional song

In the middle of the night, a few hours after their long argument, Ditto was back at Armunn Cottage, sitting on the floor by the fireplace and speaking with her housekeeper, Juju, who seemed unusually worried tonight. "But it weren't just a threat, missus. He shore was angry about dat knockin I gave ya in da head. He dun said if I did anyting like dat agin he be killin me!"
Ditto, sighed. She was tired and just wanted to sleep until Bree was back, but she had to at least try to reassure the old witch. "Juju, it was a warnin. So ya really do not have anythin to worry about unless your planning on making a habit of clockin people in the head, xas?"
There was a sudden cold gust in the room but Ditto didn't notice it like she didn't notice many things lately. Nor did she see Juju's eyes divert thier attention to something behind her, so she continued, "Just make him an extra big portion of his favorite meal and--" A hand suddenly grabbed her by the thoat and yanked her up off the floor to dangle in the air.

Imryrr's face was angry when she looked at her mother. "If it were not for your constant blunders, Bree would not be a captive and father would be tending business elsewhere." Her voice, though not shouting, reverberated in Ditto's ears as she began to lose conciousness from her daughter's squeezing hold. But, just as suddenly as she had been grabbed, she was released and dropped to the floor in a heap. Looking upward, and coughing for air, she saw Imryrr turned the other direction facing Juju and away from herself. Juju, was holding up her walking staff in the air as though she had just used it. Imryrr was sheathing her kryss and holding one of the housekeeper's dreadlocks in her hand.
It had all happened so fast, but Ditto pieced together what must've transpired to cause the scene. Juju must've clocked Imryrr from behind and lost some of her hair for doing so.
It all became very funny to Ditto and she began to laugh hysterically. Juju and Imryrr both turned their attention to her. Imryrr was the first to speak. "You find your servant's assault on me to be amusing?"
Ditto could barely talk, but she nodded hard while she laughed. "Xas," she squeaked out. She tried hard to gain composure but she would still giggle in between her next words. "Juju's actions, you choking me, my actions, your father's...we are all of us acting normally abnormal....for us. Everything is as it should be!" Ditto held her stomach as her giggles turned into laughing again.
Juju showed a quick look of relief and chose the moment's distraction to back away, however Imryrr looked only annoyed and puzzled at her mother. "You are both insane!" Imryrr, turned towards Juju. "I do not have time for this foolishness. Where is father? He'll be wanting to know I've arrived."
The old woman opened her mouth to speak, but Ditto answered for her. "Your father is at the Arena, Imy. But, I need ya ta let him know three things." Breathing out a hard breath and regaining her composure finally, she stood up and looked at her daughter. "First, Moonglow wishes ta speak with him. Secondly and thirdly, let him know that my eyes are na broken any longer and that I'll be havin' my wedding ring back."
Imryrr nodded once that she understood what was to be said, but not understanding what some of it meant. It was not her concern. Hopefully her father would be able to decipher the meaning for himself, and she turned to exit the cottage.

Juju gave her lady a long look, and as the door shut, she only said, "Bout time ya have your brains about ya agin." And she left the room as well, to attend her duties.

Ditto turned to stare at the flames in the fireplace. She could feel it's warmth now. She hadn't known she couldn't before. She smiled happily to herself. She hadn't felt or known much of anything lately. The bond she shared with her husband was still just as strong as ever. He was just as he always was. Ditto closed her eyes, still smiling, she could feel it,.. the drumbeat just beneath her skin. His heart. She knew now Tarothin was right. He had always been right.

Unconditional song
_________________
Dark Lady Ditto Armunn
~ D|O ~

=Left Hand Suzuki Method=
ICQ: 617689603 Twitter: @Ody0
Quote: "Oh Great! First I get stabbed and now I'm bleeding!" - Ditto
Tarothin Armunn Quote: "I know and I have mood swings like a pregnant woman at times. :/ I'm very random."