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Agostino · Adventurer Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 41

“Why d' ye dance with fire, Agostino?” Aurelia watched, dazzled, as he spun the torches dizzyingly, the fire grazing his flesh. Nowhere did it touch long enough to burn.

“Because, Contessa,” Agostino's dark eyes captured her rapt gaze. “Life is too short not to dance with fire.”

He heard the sound far too late to react. A sensation like piercing flame tore through his throat, and wracked his body with pain. An arrow from the gods could no sooner have found its mark. The gypsy found himself paralyzed, unable to move. Unable to scream, so torn was his throat. The shrouded figure threw him over a shoulder easily, as if he were a ragdoll, and carried him to a place filled with nothing but shadow.

It could have been minutes or hours before the world again drew itself into existence. A sharp scream pierced the darkness, quickly muffled – instantly stifled. Agostino, with gut-wrenching effort, turned his head to find a woman lying naked beside him. A dagger was half buried in her chest, pulled through sinew and bone with a series of sickening snaps. The hand which wielded it was steady and concise. She was unconscious, now, or dead. The thoughts collided in his mind, and he drifted as pain and darkness claimed him once again.

A new face had joined him at the fire. Though not one entirely unfamiliar. The knight looked confused as the cup was passed to him.

“Drink, Signore.” Agostino's voice was oddly peaceful.

The knight nodded and drank from the cup, then passed it on. “Am I dead?”

“We pass, Cousin. This is where our circles cut through the veil.”

The knight knitted his brow. “We are not cousins.”

“Fratello, we are all One.” Agostino took two torches and lit them in the fire. He looked to them with a wistful smile before handing one to Malidian. Agostino rose and lifted his own torch to stave off the darkness.

“Eclyse is coming.” The knight watched the shadows with growing concern.

“She will know what to do.”

Malidian's gaze persisted in the direction he was sure she followed.

“The road that led us here is fading. She will find her own. It is time.”

The sound of rain splashing in puddles was all that he could hear. They were in the theatre, and moonlight shone in the windows. The haze had lifted.

If not the rain, then what? He pulled against the restraints, his strength fading, and closed his eyes.

Quietly, with one last backward glance, he struck out into the darkness and left the fire behind.

Alisiea · Adventurer Joined: 14 Dec 2011 Posts: 36

Her young body transformed violently and she endured the pain. She went to the forest so they would not hear her screams or witness the breaking of her bones, the overstretched muscles, the expanding ribs and the loss of self. She did this, not out of anger. Not out of fear. But rather from a sense of duty. A sense of responsibility.

These words were new to her. Duty. Responsibility. She had always been free. Free to choose her own direction. Choose where to sleep. Choose whether to bathe or not bathe. To dance or not dance. Now she had a different kind of freedom. The freedom to stay in one place. The freedom to help those who had helped her. The freedom to belong.

The Lady Knight who had helped rescue her from the Orcs, lay dying. Two others dead. Viciously attacked by someone or something from outside. Something that came into the very place they considered most safe. The danger was certain. The response; simple. Kill that which threatened them the most.

These people were her clan now. This place was her home now. She transformed her body, not out of fear, not out of anger, but from a need to protect her clan. And this she would do regardless of the danger. This she would do even to the death. There was nothing more important. Nothing more vital. Nothing more basic.

She had gone to New Haven that night instead of sleeping in the attic of the Bramble Rose as she normally did. Instead she had taken the few coins Paine had given her and went to Haven to dance and have a bath. A real bath with hot water and scented soap. But since that night, more than once did she think;

“If only I had stayed.”

So now she patrolled the grounds, outside the palisades and in. Swept through the alleys and along the tree-line. Stood guard at the entrance. No one. No one got in or out so long as she stood the night watch.

Then the unthinkable happened. The man she loved, or thought she loved, confessed to the crime. Yet somehow he was not responsible? Somehow his actions that horrible night had been controlled by the monster called Draven? It was all so confusing. Was such a thing possible? It was madness, she thought; utter madness.

A dark mood hung over the small town of Ashencrosse and its leaders as they argued and wept. Some kind of action was needed, anything to relieve the unbearable sense of loss and failure that threatened to destroy them all. For Alisiea there was only one solution. If her clan was to be free again. If she was ever going to dance inside that theater again, if she was ever going to laugh again, then the danger must be eliminated. And so, gathering her armor, she headed for the gate. Today, before he rose again, she would travel to the other side of the world, travel to the place called Carden and destroy the thing called Draven.

Judas D'arc · Journeyman Joined: 27 Nov 2011 Posts: 140 Location: Yew

It was late night in Empath Abbey, and all was silence, except for Judas. Inside the small chapel he knelt weeping, the stinging of his tears obstructing his attempts to gaze upon the large ankh located in the back of the room. Sir Malidian of Northridge and Agostino the Gypsy were dead. Lady Eclyse Christian of Ashencrosse lay dying. And the bard was responsible for it all ...

********

Earlier, Jolicia had come the abandoned Trinsic mansion with the news. There had been a series of murders across Sosaria. Three men and one woman in almost every town, a sword pattern carved into their chests, and a message left in blood: "For the MURDER of our kind, rest well Order of the Silver Sword". Revenge for the slayings of the vampires Dezera Blackwell, Everett Whitethorn, Raquel Blackrose, and Averi Coldgrove, all of which Judas had orchestrated. But that was not the end of it, Jolicia explained to him. Those responsible had also struck Ashenrosse, in almost the identical manner, killing two and leaving a third at death's door.

"This is ... our fault," she told him, putting words to the truth they both knew. When he asked of the lady knight's fate. "Rosar has her hidden somewhere now. We don't know if she'll make it."

"It is strange," the bard commented. "I was actually thinking about her just yesterday."

"Why's that?" Jolicia asked.

"No particular reason," he shrugged. "Just a stray thought."

Before the journey to Ashencrosse, Judas retrieved two items from a chest in the bedroom. Not weapons, but the methods of protection he had come to rely upon these past weeks. The first was an ankh made of purest silver, crafted at his request by one of Shelley's men. The second was a mystical talisman in the form of a golden necklace, fashioned by Aingeal and blessed by her gods to protect him from vampires. For reasons he could not recall, he had removed them three nights ago while resting in Empath Abbey. But he knew it was unsafe to be without either for too long. With both securely around his neck once again, the bard and mage departed Trinsic.

********

Step by step, Judas followed the trail of death left by Marcus Draven, the Vampire Master responsible for the attacks. Ashencrosse was far from empty that evening. Besides Jolicia and the bard, Aurelia, Paine, Alisiea, Aingeal and Striker were also present, as well as two others that were new him, Ivor MacGregor and Zeph Lochlann. He wondered if they thought him mad, the way he sprinted about town, noticing signs that no other could see. Judas was uncertain how, but he believed that it was Aingeal's talisman guiding him. From the vampire's arrival. to the strike against Agostino in the northwest watchtower, to the ambush of Eclyse and Malidian outside the palisads, and then finally to the Bramble Rose Theatre, where the slaughter had occurred.

As the bard slowly stepped onto the stage, he carefully avoided the dark stains on the floor. Instinctively, he took up the killer's position, reached for the silver dagger at his side, and began to trace a sword-like pattern in the air. His mind was suddenly flooded with imagery that encumbered his senses -- the sight of their lifeless bodies, the sounds of their dying gasps, the touch of a dagger carving into flesh, the scent of mortal death, and the taste of their blood upon his lips --

... Emerging from the darkness, I ventured forth into Ashencrosse, and began my hunt ...

... Licking my lips, I readied myself for the attack, and fired an arrow into the back of Agostino's throat ...

... This caused me brief hesitation, but only because it increased the anticipated enjoyment of holding their lives in my hands. I appeared from the shadows, His blood powering my every act. A hail of arrows and spellsongs upon the two knights, until both Eclyse and Malidian were fallen ...

No longer able to hold back the sensation that threatened to consume him, Judas retched violently upon the stage. "I ... I need to go," he said weakly to the others as he clutched at his stomach. "Sanctum Vitas."

********

It was late night in Empath Abbey, and all was silence, except for Judas. Inside the small chapel he knelt weeping, the stinging of his tears obstructing his attempts to gaze upon the large ankh located in the back of the room. Sir Malidian of Northridge and Agostino the Gypsy were dead. Lady Eclyse Christian of Ashencrosse lay dying. And the bard was responsible for it all ...

"Judas," Jolicia said as she approached. She placed her arm around him in a gesture of comfort.

"I ..." He spoke between his sobbing. "I did that ..."

"No," she shook her head. "He did it."

"No!" He screamed, as he pushed her away and rose to his feet. "I did it!"

"Tell me what you saw, Judas. Please."

Nothing. The answer was nothing. He had seen nothing. Back in Ashencrosse, it was not vision Aingeal's gift had granted, but recollection. The path of the killer had been his own. Yet how could this have happened? The talisman's magicks were supposed to keep him safe from outside control, and it had never failed him. Which is why he never removed it from his neck. Never. Ever. Except. Except once. Three nights ago, when he had rested at Empath Abbey, and he could not even recall why ...

"It was not Draven," he confessed to Jolicia through angry tears. "It was me!"

Malidian · Adventurer Joined: 20 Aug 2010 Posts: 39

Where was I? How did I get here? The winds swept over grassy plains with force. The tall grass swaying with the winds as I looking around but I was alone. I could not remember how I got here nor why I was here. My mighty Kithrin steed stood next to me. It was only a few moments of confusion before I realized where I was now standing... home. The old lands of the people of Kithrin. The vast western plains of the original Inethria Kingdom. Memories began to surface then... I was on my way to see Eclyse... then I was speaking with a Gypsy, we were surrounded by shadows... now I was here. But how did I get home? It was all quite confusing.

Before me figures came over the crest of a small hill. They stood some ways off and I could only tell they too were of Kithrin. I began to make my way towards them and as I reached closer I saw who it was. My brothers... Almaric, Tebrym, Gannon, Dagonet, and Caleb... those selected at a young age to become the Knights and protectors of our clan. My eyes began to well with tears and I lowered them to the sweeping grass as a realization hit me. I was dead. As my eyes dried they rose to meet my brothers in arms again, others began to show over the hill... Knights of Legend who I heard tales of when I was yound and a few which I had met... Antera and Bristlebane. Other great men of Kithrin stood there like Joseph Balcombe. Then my uncle, Ariakan showed and next to him I could hardly believe it... my father, VonRuden... and next to him my grandfather, Sir Caramon. They all stood there, proud and strong. Simple smiles upon their faces as their awaited me to join them.

I looked around me, looking over the vast plains. Memories rushed me...

- My childhood in our clan and long days training with my cousin Caleb and the other young Knights to be...

- The days my father rode off to fight the Cult of the Midnight Wraiths and the vampire Scotia...

- The war with the Juka... and when they attacked the town of Solace and had slain my father...

- When we left what remained of Solace and the hardships of living in the wastelands of the desert...

- The vampire Scotia following us and forced us to move again, establishing Westfold near the seas edge...

- The day our clan left our homelands and joined the King, Venner Blackhand in the new lands...

- The battles of Aegis and the Black Tower...

- The battle for Cove and appointed Lord Duke by the King...

- The disappearence of the King and our return to the old lands to once again fight the Juka...

- Returning to lands in chaos and turmoil and our leaving Inethria behind and finding ourselves in new lands...

- The people of Stonegate, King Myrddin and his people...

- Their disappearence and my leaving to take the oath of the Silver Serpent...

Now I was here...

I began to walk towards my father and fellow Knights, as I took the steps I drew my blade. With my eyes upon them, I thrust it downward into the ground. I would have no use for it here, for my lifetime of battle has come to an end. As I began to step up upon the hill I stopped, I turned towards my steed. Placing a hand upon him, a smile moved across my face. His never ending loyalty was without equal, my steed was part of me and now he too was free. I removed his reigns and slapped him hard upon the back. My steed took off in a run and as my eyes followed him, he soon was joined by other war horses... the horses of the fallen. Now they could roam free.

I turned back to the men before me. Here I did not need a steed to ride into battle anymore, my fighting at long last was at an end. I finally reached them, no words spoken among each other. Only the embrace of one warrior to another. The men would smile and shake my hand or slap me upon the shoulder. I moved through the crowd and finally reached my father last. I stopped and looked at him. I had last seen him just as I became a man. Here he was not bloody and beaten as when the Juka left his body but as he should be with the look of a noble and honorable man. I rushed him and embraced him in a hug, as a son would to his father after so many years.

Soon it was time... those around me began to walk back over the hill... I turned back one last time to where I had walked from. My other thought was to those still living. And I swore then that I too would return on the hill to greet them when their time had come. With that I turned and followed my people over the hill...

Aurelia Bretane · Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 7:28 pm Post subject:

“This isn’t a f*cking fairy tale!” Tears spilled over Judas’ cheeks as he screamed at her.

“I suffer no such delusion, Judas.” Aurelia was stricken. Bewildered. How could it be? There could be only one explanation, but Judas wouldn’t hear it.

“You think I’ve been faithful to you?!” He continued his tirade as shame suddenly burned in her cheeks. She lowered her eyes to avoid the curious and judgmental gaze of all who watched in silence.

A hundred protests surfaced within her. Promises, or lies? She knew better than to ever believe that he could commit these murders of his own accord. Not without interference. Not without compulsion. And she knew that he would not lie to her. He’d had every opportunity in the past. His body was not his heart…had he not said so himself?

Aurelia steeled herself with anger and conviction, and parted her lips to protest. She knew him. She knew better. But he spoke before she could.

“What do you know of me?” he whispered. And Judas turned away.

Her city in revolt. Funeral pyres and murder. Her Lady Knight upon her deathbed at the hands of an unfaithful lover. Had no one's axe an edge for her?

"No, Aurelia." She recalled Paine's response to her plea. "Your punishment for all you have done in this life...is to live."

Paine Drakul · Visitor Joined: 02 May 2012 Posts: 3

Paine sat in the hall quietly, he watched the flames dance in the brazier. They moved like a gypsy swaying this way and that. The though of such brought a small smile to his face.

Very few understood how Paine could keep such a calm demeanor in the face of so much death and suffering. He had seen so much in his time and felt pain more so than any living person ever should. Upon hearing Judas' confessions of murder his mind did not move towards anger and sorrow...But Logic.

He knew the Bard, However determined he was to end Draven was no murderer. The stench of banality in the air reinforced his thinking. The Vampire wanted to strike a blow to everyone with this act. By using the very person who wanted him dead to harm others in his name.

"It may have been by your hand, But it was his will" Paine thought on what he had told Judas. One was not simply guilty because they held the blade. Draven's actions were cruel and focused, However they did not make Paine skip a beat.

Out of those there, Paine was likely the only one who could face Draven. Judas was indeed determined to get revenge, But could he face such a horror? Alisiea, So brave and eager to take him down to save her friends, But could she willingly take a life? Jolicia who had bad blood with the Elder, Surely she hated him but would she risk all of those she loved?

He had nothing to lose in the deal. Sure he had friends now, But he could see the suffering in their eyes. He could not bear to see all this weight resting upon their shoulders. He looked upon his axe silently as he sat.

The blade was as pristine as the day he was forced to use it against his own ally. Since then it had taken the lives of many Vampires and evil beings alike. It comforted Paine to have it around, Even if it brought darker feelings to others. The axe did seem to possess a dark Aura about it, As if all those it had killed were ready to unleash themselves upon their killer.

"Soon I can lay you all to rest, One more..And there will be peace.." Paine spoke to the blade as if trying to calm it.

He laid back in the chair and shut his eyes, Sleep came quickly. The braziers flickered wildly as The Slayer dreamt of figures of flame, dancing vividly across a landscape of black...

Jolicia · Journeyman Joined: 01 Jan 2004 Posts: 288

"You may have done the actions Judas... but I refuse to believe it was under your own will."

They hadn't argued this much in a long time and all Jolicia wanted was for him to listen to reason. Listen to what she was trying to tell him, but she knew when his crazy mind was made up that their arguing was pointless. He wanted to confess, needed to confess, and a part of her knew why. So, she did as he requested and opened the portal to go back to Ashencrosse.

It was all wrong though... lies and half truths Judas was telling them. Jolicia couldn't listen to it, couldn't allow him to do this and stepped in. She tried to fill in the pieces that would truly explain how this could have happened, "I believe... he was found... Controlled..."

Judas turned to her, his voice strained, "No, you're lying... I did it."

"I can't lie when it's what I think," she tried to speak calmly to him.

He lowered his voice and spoke quietly to just her, pleading, "Just tell them I did it... Please..."

Jolicia's heart sank into the pit of her stomach as she lowered her head, realizing what he really wanted. She nodded slowly as a recognition of her understanding and without looking at anyone, confirmed what he wanted to hear, "Judas did it."

She lowered the front of her hat to hide her face as she listened to the arguing coming from all around her. Judas' plea for people to believe that he did this, that he needed to be punished. It was all blurring together as she was trying to keep the emotions at bay, hidden from the others around. Then she heard Judas' voice again, coming through the crowd, stronger and calmer as he spoke plainly. The murders he felt he committed, the death of Cole, and the death of the others.

The word "monster" rang in her head as he spoke louder with each name. "What about what I did to her..." Jolicia finally lifted her head instinctively, knowing what was next as she heard her tearing up again. "I treated her like a fracking animal. I addicted her to my blood, and abused her, and..." She pulled the front of her hat down more and took a deep breath. If only she could hide right now, but she couldn't leave Judas' side. She knew the words that would come from his lips next. "I am no better than a... vampire." It was a conversation they had shared before. Mutual monsters, they were.

It wasn't until later with Paine and Jolicia that Judas finally came to his senses and listened. Jolicia knew what it was like to be ruled by guilt, but they couldn't let Judas fall to it. Besides, Paine was right... Jolicia was right... and Judas finally realized it and snapped back to himself. Draven needed to pay for all of this, and the plan they've been working on for so long needed to be finished.

isabella_de_mor · Visitor Joined: 05 Aug 2011 Posts: 5

The rain started to soak her hair as she ran barefoot through the forest floor. The mud squishing beneath her feet as the trees became a blur. That's all she did was run nowadays, but what was she running from or towards? Was she running from her past, running from the one thing that she had to let go to save her from her own sanity or was it the fact that she was hunting?

These thoughts plagued Isabella’s mind as she ran. With each passing thought an image she pushed hard and faster until a rack of thunder echoed off the trees and her body jolted back. It felt as all the air and blood had been removed from her body at once she sank to her knees and screamed in pain . Her fingers dug into the mud trying to grip at something anything to stop the pain. She whispered “Averi”. She had drank enough from Averi to create such a strong bond on her end that she alway knew where he was and could feel him. She always knew his bond laid elsewhere. She had let him down do to her self absorbed ways. She quickly closed her eyes and tried to regain some form of control and tried to feel where he may be. The connection was severed gone.

She knelt in the mud sobbing begging for it to come back for a second chance to do better to be the sire he deserved. Her family had fallen apart and was slowly beginning to disappear. She dragged herself to her feet and the hunger started to take over. She could feel the beast starting to grow as she took off toward Britain. The rage was unbearable as she reached the city. She took a dark alleyway that she had sire Jane and found two young drunk men trying to pick up whatever moved . They were easy and couldn't quench her thirst.

Her next moves was the noble houses on the outskirt of britain. There they laid fast asleep in their beds. She crept along the winding stairways and cupped their mouths as they screamed ripping into their throats as the crimson liquid spilled down my throat. Nothing could quench her rage. She laid in one of the beds in the home as the bodies laid on the floor folding her knees into herself and begging for sleep but sleep never came.

isabella_de_mor · Visitor Joined: 05 Aug 2011 Posts: 5

Candle light flicked across the room casting shadows in the corners of the room. Here I sit and watch him sleep. If you can even call it sleep. He tosses and moans more often now than anything else . I fight the feeling to calm him and try to smooth away the worry line that seem to be permanently on his brow.

Tonight I can’t fight the feeling any longer I creep towards him and brush a strain of his hair behind his ear. He use to look so peaceful and clear minded when I used to watch him sleep. I should have never brought him into contact with me. He would have been so much more then he is now.

My voice shakes as I whisper “Judas”, he stirs slightly. I lightly lift his arm and crawl into his bed and rest his arm over me and listen to to his warm heart beat against his chest. His arm tightened around me. I am not sure if it instinct or he’s awake.I close my eyes quickly praying he's still asleep after a few moments I am sure he is still resting I look up studying him.

I am so sorry Judas, it wasn't supposed to be like this.Tears spilled from her eyes. You were supposed to be more than just a game.If I could take it all back I would . My fingers traces his jaw softly. I laid there in his arm as he slept knowing he might never know I was even there. As I was about to close my eyes he stirred more and whimpering Isabella in his sleep. I cupped his face with my hand and shhhed him softly whispering I am right here. Shhh sleep Judas sleep.

Dawn was approaching and I cursed it. I carefully lifted his arm and slipped from his bed. I will see you soon. I strolled quickly from the abbey and hurried from its door and ran faster as the sun started to rise. I crawled back into the cave and sighed that was close. I peered and closed my eyes listening trying to focus to hear him awaken.

Judas D'arc · Journeyman Joined: 27 Nov 2011 Posts: 140 Location: Yew

Slowly, the pieces began to fall into place. Some had been expected, and some not at all.

********

The truth of it was difficult to accept. Draven had once again taken control of his mind, and Judas had allowed this to happen. He still did not understand why he had removed Aingeal's talisman, which protected him from a vampire's manipulations, but no answer would ever satisfy his conscience. The bard might not be guilty of the Ashencrosse attacks -- the murders of the gypsy Agostino and Sir Malidian of Northridge, with the fate of the Lady Eclyse Christian in doubt -- yet this did not lessen his guilt. But when Judas was ready to surrender to defeat, it had been the hands of friendship that had saved him.

"You may have felt what it was like to be like Draven," Paine advised, "but you are feeling the one thing Draven does not regret. If the f*cker used me to kill someone, I would find him -- and tear his ass to shreds."

In response, the bard sighed and quietly mumbled.

"Say it out loud, Judas," Jolicia told him.

"You are ... right," he nodded slowly. "You are both right." Then he pushed past his way past his friends and out of that small room in the Hall of Ashencrosse that had almost become a self-imposed prison cell. "Now get the f*ck out of my way."

********

"If you'd like assistance in hunting them down, I'll gladly join you," the swordsman Zeph Lochlann had offered to Judas, Paine, Jolicia, and Alisiea, after learning that vampires were responsible for the recent troubles in Ashencrosse. The bard knew little of the man, but Aingeal had spoken highly of him, and they were in no position to refuse an ally. Besides, the swordsman had already witnessed his angry confession-turned-tirade against Aurelia, and was still willing to help. Later, when Judas thanked him again, Zeph simply smiled, "Well, what sort of bastard would I be not to offer it, given the state of things."

********

"Ye shamed me," Aurelia said to him, as they stood inside the large chamber in the Hall of Ashencrosse. It was a reference to his previous night's rant, in which he had confessed to her (and others) far more than perhaps he should have. "In front o' everyone."

"And you shamed me," Judas countered.

"How?"

"By trying to absolve me of everything I do wrong." As she always did.

"This wasn't you, Judas," the Countess argued. "I don't absolve ye o' everythin'. But this wasn't you. I know better. Ye know better."

"As do I ... now," the bard relented. He was there to explain, not to bicker. "Well, it is time we spoke regardless. What Draven did, it will not go unpunished."

"Good, I want this o'er."

"Well, that has ever been my intention."

"I'd gathered ye wanted vengeance," she nodded.

"No," Judas shook his head. "Until last night, I never did." And then he shared everything, not merely all of his plans, but the truth of his motivations.

When he was finished, she stepped closer. "For me....you risked yer life?"

"Yes, as you did for me. I want you to have that chance, and if possible, the others as well." He paused as he struggled for the words. "After what I experienced, what I did -- I was never wrong about what vampires are. The hunger inside of you, it --"

"No, ye weren't," she said before completing his thought. "It ne'er relents. It's taken me a long time t' realize I was worth th' act o' doing what I've planned."

"You are," he agreed. "It was never about who you are. It was about ... what you are." Words he had uttered months ago, but this time they sounded different.

"Excuse me, Countess?" Alisiea spoke up from behind him. "There is a man outside who wishes to speak to someone. Seems his sister was killed recently, and he thinks it may have a connection to our city. He did not explain why he thinks this."

When Judas and Aurelia left the Hall to investigate, he repeated once more. "You deserve this chance. And you will have it."

********

The man was named Darien Blackrose, a nobleman from Trinsic, and he was after the truth. His long missing sister, Raquel Blackrose, had finally turned up dead. An organization called the Order of the Silver Sword had claimed not only responsibility, but that she was a creature of darkness that had chosen death over her mockery of an existence. Yet poor Darien could not accept this.

"What proof do you have," the nobleman demanded more than asked, as they sat outside the Bramble Rose Theatre, which was still closed after the murders committed there.

"Her own confession," Judas responded. "She freely admitted it."

"To everyone," Jolicia added.

"She was not," Darien refused. "She could not have been."

"I am afraid she was," the bard reiterated as kindly as possible.

"Do you know who killed her?"

"Yes," he said, briefly glancing at Jolicia for guidance.

"Who then? Who did it?" It was clear that this was an answer that meant everything to him.

Judas turned to Darien. "I did," he stated plainly, ready to accept the consequences.

********

Upon the Countess of Ashecrosse's request, Aingeal had restored the magicks of her talisman, although she did not even bother to conceal her distaste for the task and for the one that it was intended to protect. The witch held Judas responsible for his role in the recent attacks, regardless of any outside influence that had caused them, and she was primarily interested in defending others from the further acts of violence she expected him to commit. The bard had even offered to ask Aurelia to withdraw the request, but Aingeal also refused to shirk her duties. However, despite this aid and all that had previously passed between them, Judas feared their friendship would not be so easily repaired. It also did not help that he was unable to provide the one thing she wanted from him.

"The Countess and Jolicia, both are of Draven's blood," The witch stated. "Am I right?"

"You know the answer to this."

"Yes, I want you to say it," she pushed.

"Why?" Judas was clearly frustrated. "So that I can betray their trust?

"No, to regain mine," she cut back at him. "All that I have been privy to and I have yet to say something about any of it."

"Then I will do you on better," he suggested. "I will ask the Countess to tell you everything."

"I can do that," she insisted. "I want you to tell me I am right."

"Yes, but if I ask her, she will do it. Aingeal, you do not understand the history here --"

"How could anyone?"

But before they could continue, Jolicia appeared, interrupting their debate with a far more pressing matter. "Avella is here. In the hall ... "

********

After asking Aurelia to reveal the truth to Aingeal, Judas was able to convince Avella Isilian to depart with him. She had journeyed to Ashencrosse in search of the bard, and he had already brought enough death to the small town. On a whim, he picked the Buccaneer's Den Bath for his Queen of Darkness to hold court, under the belief that the pirate town possessed the smallest number of innocent bystanders in Sosaria. Besides, if she did decide to turn on him, he could always jump into one of the tubs and try to persuade her that he had filled it with holy water. But the dark haired vampiress was not interested in harming the bard; in fact, it was quite the opposite. All of her memories had been restored, and it was time for them to revisit the bargain they had struck weeks prior. Not only would Avella remain neutral in the battle that was to come, but she would also keep her most loyal of children from interfering. And in return, all she wanted was ...

"I am not Draven," he hissed at her. The tension had quickly escalated. "Do not compare us!"

Suddenly, the vampire turned and grabbed Judas. She dug her nails into his scalp, and pushed him to the floor. Before he could resist, she was on top of him, any advantage solely in her hands. "Look at me, Judas D'arc. Do you think for a second that if I wanted you, I could not take you? Do you think those trinkets of yours would stop me?"

Laughter was the only response that came to mind.

"I am not Draven, I have gone beyond him. I am Avella Nethia Isilian, and one day ... one day ..." She released her hold and stepped away from him.

The bard slowly stood to his feet. "You want me willingly," he reminded Avella as he approached with her with his silver dagger in hand. She refused to concede even the smallest glimpse of reaction as he slashed through the front strap of her leather bustier.

"Do it. Go on. Do it," she taunted with that smile of hers.

"What, take you? Cut you?"

"Whatever you are thinking. Do you wish to place your mark upon me? Brand me?"

Judas cut twice, destroying both shoulder straps, and her bustier fell to the floor. He then dragged the flat of his blade across those two perfect breasts that stared directly at him. The flesh sizzled, but she did not make a sound, and instead grabbed his hand and pressed the dagger against her. She licked lips and grinned in defiance. Finally, he pulled away. "Avella, do not forget. We are both vulnerable."

She smiled. "One day Judas D'arc, I will take you as my mate. For only you are worthy."

********

Slowly, the pieces had fallen into place. Some had been expected, and some not at all. There was one more he wished to speak to, but whether or not he found her, the time had come for an ending.

Aurelia Bretane · Posted: Mon May 07, 2012 6:44 pm Post subject:

“As long as Draven is around, you will never be free. Even if you succeeded, he would hunt you down and kill you.” Judas’ eyes were dark and determined. “You deserve this chance.”

And suddenly, it all made sense. He was right, of course. Her betrayal would cost her life, if her attempt at breaking the curse did not. The bard was usually right, even if he went about it the wrong way. Sometimes she feared he was more likely to kill himself than anything else, so headstrong and reckless were his actions. But since he’d departed her side, it was so hard to tell him. So hard to say anything at all, really – he’d been as overprotective as she had been. Shutting her out, hiding away. Keeping her far removed from the danger of whatever he’d been planning. And it was hard to explain anything in the scant moments they had shared in the shadows of silence, when so many other thoughts and emotions fought to express themselves.

Now, however, the pieces were falling into place. Now, she could at least offer her hand. It was important. She would be by his side, no matter the danger. What sort of monster would she be to let it be done without her? What they had begun together so long ago with whispered promises, would come to fruition in ways she never imagined. But it would ensure that she, too, could fulfill her own promise to him...

“I’ll cure it, or I’ll die tryin’…”

The stage was set. Failure would cost them all dearly. But if by her heart or her hand, her life or her death, she could protect them, she would. No one who stood by his side was unworthy of such a vow.

Judas D'arc · Journeyman Joined: 27 Nov 2011 Posts: 140 Location: Yew

It was a simple choice: Death or Surrender. Fortunately or unfortunately for Judas, she had chosen the latter, and submitted herself to him.

On this night, Isabella de Mor had chosen to enter his life again, and as always, she brought with her both poorly-timed complications and potentially deadly consequences. This was a woman he once believed he could love, until she had chosen to reveal to him what she truly was. The former Countess of Trinsic was a vampire, and it was she that had set the bard down this bloody path that had so consumed his life these past months. She was the one who had betrayed him to Draven and his manipulations, abandoning him to die from the curse that threatened to destroy his mind. All of this had started with Isabella, and she deserved nothing but punishment for the role that she had played in it.

Yet he had accepted her surrender, and even asked Aurelia to allow her into Ashencrosse. Because there was nowhere else to hold her. It did not escape the bard's notice that in one brief week, he had transformed the Bramble Rose from theatre to torture chamber and finally to a prison. He also knew that his friends would never accept or understand his actions with respect to Isabella. Why capture her, rather than kill her, as he had the others? How could he permit her freedom once this was over? Judas tried to argue that it was part of his strategy to defeat Draven, but that was not entirely true. There was another reason, and it was logic that could only make sense to one who was also to blame for all the death that had occurred.

"Well, what is it you want from me now, Isabella?" He had asked, not bothering to hide his frustration, when she had approached him earlier that evening.

"Forgiveness."

Judas D'arc · Journeyman Joined: 27 Nov 2011 Posts: 140 Location: Yew

When Aingeal and Arahim came for him, Judas was uncertain what to make of it. His relationship with the former had seen better days, and the latter had barely ever spoken more than a few words to him. The bard had been so close to breaking after uncovering his own role in the attacks on Ashencrosse, and the events of that evening -- Isabella's return, Alisiea's confrontation, Avella and Mei's surprise visit to Ashencrosse and the fight with Rosar, and his argument with Jolicia and Paine -- only served to push him harder. Everything at once, yet all he wanted was to plan for his impending confrontation with Draven. And now this.

"Is Aingeal's gift important?" Arahim asked of him, after the three had reconvened inside the Hall of Ashencrosse.

"Why, what is this about?"

"What price would you pay to see it through?" The Cove native inquired, amidst other questions. "Think ... before you answer."

"I do not have much left to give," Judas replied, the exhaustion in his voice obvious. "He dies tomorrow night. Is there something wrong with the talisman?"

"Make an offer, Judas, or your gift fails," Arahim plainly stated.

"Judas," the witch finally joined the conversation. "You wish for it to be at the potential it was before you disobeyed and took it off. Do you wish the binding of protection I offered to you to bring you back to those you care for?" She ignored all of his justifications and rationalizations, and continued. "The issue is potency."

"And creation demands recompense," her companion added. "As it stands, Aingeal carries the cost."

Confused, the bard looked between the two of them. "Carries the cost?"

"Do you remember that night, I asked you to tell me something and you wouldn't? You refused me."

He knew exactly what Aingeal referred to. She had wanted him to admit that both Aurelia and Jolicia were vampires of Draven's blood. But he refused to share their secrets. "Instead, I arrange for Aurelia to ..."

"Aurelia does not carry Aingeal's gift," Arahim interrupted. "You do. One last sacrifice, Judas."

"I ..." Speechless for once, Judas turned to face the ceiling.

"It cannot stand any other way," the man continued. "Not for me. Not for Aingeal."

"Judas, I ask for my price. For I cannot carry your burden, it is doing harm to myself," Aingeal explained, reinforcing the urgency of his choice.

His gaze returned to the witch, and Judas realized that they both spoke the truth. Perhaps he might have seen it earlier, had he been paying attention. But what else was there to offer her? The bard was not a man of wealth or power, nor, at least according to some who knew him, wisdom or taste. Then suddenly it came to him, that tiny thought in the back of his mind pushing to escape his lips. All of that night's the pain and frustration -- Isabella's desires, Alisiea's demands, Aurelia's affections, and the bickering with Jolicia. They were all due to that four-letter-word; that same, foolish concept responsible for all of his current troubles. And at that particular moment, not only did he wish to be free of it, but it was all that Judas had left to surrender ...

"Love."

isabella_de_mor · Visitor Joined: 05 Aug 2011 Posts: 5

Resting....rest doesn't come to me this night. I lay staring at the ceiling replaying the events of the night . “I can keep you safe. I won't let anyone hurt you. No, no...I don’t want you dead”. His phrases played loudly in my thoughts. The touch of his hand against my cheek as he stated these things to me and how he moved his thumb ever so slightly. I rolled over looking under the crack of the door where I could hear his heart beating. Another thought came crashing towards me “I will keep you hidden away from conflict.I won't let you betray him or be the enemy to them”. "He is my sire...my father." I fought back at his statement. Heavily I sighed and thought how is this not betraying him, hidden away and pretending I am not even there.

M’lord was my only family left. If .. if he dies what keeps them from killing me next. How was I to live if my sire was dead. I softly groaned at this. There has to be away out of all this mess. Maybe my death would end all of this. Judas and the others wouldn't have to bear thought that i was around and M’lord would not worry about a childer that was reckless.

I was worthless I caused more problems then I did good. All I ever wanted was to have the chance at happiness. I didn’t know how to function without having someone that was mine. I was too scared to be alone...vulnerable. Now I lay here praying to a god that would condemn me to hell that he protects my family and the one person that sees behind the mask.....

Judas D'arc · Journeyman Joined: 27 Nov 2011 Posts: 140 Location: Yew

*NOTE: THE FOLLOWING WAS WRITTEN BY THE PLAYER OF AINGEAL, AND POSTED WITH HER EXPRESS PERMISSION*

The splintering of the burnt log exploding finally woke her. Aingeal’s body contorted as if she had been dropped from the tallest tree and left for dead on the rug. Stretching and pulling her knees up to her chest hugging herself “…And this is what Merrique meant…” escaped her lips letting the rest of the thought retreat back into her mind.

Keeping balance was harder than creating chaos.

The madness of the night before replayed in her head searching for a different outcome, and yet it was as it was meant to be…

Such a faulty emotion but a part of that spark that made life worth living. “Am I such a monster … NO! It had to be done, my end was held up not once but….” Aingeal rhythmically bounces her forehead off her knees, symbolically trying to change her mind.

The log collapsing in on itself snapped her back to the room.

“Given freely. He gave it freely”