[IC] House Of Rejects

[Lady Nex]

Liz continued to work at her 'meal' before ultimately she became impatient with the lack of sustenance set before her and rose to find her own way to the kitchen. Assuming Thortan hadn't done anything to magically deflect her attempt to find it, the woman simply followed her nose, the scent of food drawing her to it. She'd not excused herself or explained herself, but had simply risen from her seat and wandered toward the kitchen.

She was exceptionally quiet as she retrieved a bowl of the soup he'd made, her mind working through both what she had heard and her own memories melding with the circumstances, the ways she felt she could relate. There was just barely a soft hum as she paused to search for a spoon, and within a minute or two she had taken her proper meal back to the table and settled back into place. "Moderately off topic, but I should tell you Thortan if you are going to give me bones, I do prefer the heartier animals... beef for example. Chicken bones are very splintery and weak, they don't break down well."

The barest of smirks was offered toward the dark elf before she scooped up her first spoonful and settled her gaze on Lia. "You need something more substantial than a basic teacher with such a powerful gift. Someone that has mastered many schools of magic." She glanced briefly to Thortan. She had been around enough to know who he was. The brief, knowing look had been all she offered though. "Thortan is a solid teacher. He's never trained me personally, but I know he's provided a great deal of training to the Dark Queen herself, and she has turned some of my natural affinities into something more organized through training, so I imagine he's done well."

She reflected only briefly on this, on the verbal reminder she had just given herself through this explanation. She had learned a great deal since she left the walls of Lyceum. Though she had maintained a powerful, natural gift for shadow magics, it had been almost haphazardly she had utilized it. Formal training for such was not easily found in her home region, and many of those participating in magic of any kind there adhered to more basic forms of it, if they touched the stuff at all. Her success as an assassin was largely due to these gifts, her ability to collect the shadows around her and become invisible to the average eye was precisely how she had been able to take out so many targets. Now she could do so much more with it, ranging from combat usage to idle aesthetics and illusions.

She had opted to remain silent as she thought, eyes flicking between the two if the conversation resumed and progressed. It was obvious she wasn't getting overly personal without direct prompting as well.

[Cerces22]

"Why Liz, I think that is just about the nicest thing you have said about me." Thortan said wiping away non existent tears from his eyes. "And I will have to keep in mind about bones for future references, although it was just one of my games. One day I will make the Queen's personal stoic assassin laugh, it's my new soul purpose, that I have had for a century now."

Black smoke billowed from Thortan that curled around the dinner dishes. As they floated towards the kitchen, the dark elf stood up and as usual smiled.

"So, my little firefly, shall we step into the backyard to begin some training?? I have the best view in the forest from there you know." He opened the door and gestured to the fire elf. He than turned to Liz, patting his leg gently, and whistling. "Come on girl, your missing the party."

[Faerah]

Lia nodded her head at the on an sitting across from her. "I hope so, it's my last chance." Clenching her fist, she finished the last of her dish with a quick tip of the bowl into her mouth. Setting the delicate thing back onto the table with a soft rattle, Lia fixed her braids and adjusted her gun holster on her thigh. At Thorntons words of prompt, she got out of her chair. Exited and eager to begin training. With her tattoos pulsing, she followed him outside into the vast back yard that hedged the forest behind the manor. Lia was unsure if the woods would still be standing when they were done.
"Do you have a protection spell you can use?" The glass dunes of Saadia roared to life in her minds eye, causing her heart to pick up it's pace. She didn't want to begin her hopefully fruitful stay in the manor with unnecessary
destruction.

[Cerces22]

Thortan snickered, and motioned for Lia to follow. About a hundred yards into the forest, the canopy parted to a large clearing. A few wild flowers grew in dotted patches. The clearing itself was a few hundred yards wide, more than enough to train the desert elf, and anyone else that may show up to the manor. Thortan walked into the center of the field and spun around. He began to cast a spell, going through the movements required to produce the necessary result. At the end the moisture in the air had thickened to a soft mist that clung to the vegetation. Steam slowly billowed off the burning fire elf. All though sufficient, Thortan wanted to set the elf at ease and began casting an other spell. As he did so the light in the sky seemed to dim, the shadows from the trees reaching towards the dark elf to do his bidding. Deep in concentration Thortan began shaping the darkness to his will. Night wove it's way around the small group, at the edge of the clearing the shadows coalesced itself into a solid brick wall. Breathing hard Thortan walked over to Lia.

"The water is thick here to somewhat hinder your flames, and the wall will keep any errant fire from escaping and setting the woods to blaze. I trust this will put to rest any fear or doubts you may have. I want to see what your truly capable of, just just singe wolvies fur. She does bite you know." His trademark smirk replacing any weariness.

[Lazerus1]

Florence sat deeper into the grass outside the grand mansion. He pulled his hood from his head and revealed his face. He pulled his invitation from his pocket, it had become wrinkled and slightly moist over time. Florence presented the invitation to the will-o-wisp, and he wondered if he should try to nullify the entry magic but he sensed the strength of the magic.

By the time the door by the time the door opened he understood the power behind his target. He stopped before entering, and thought of his sister. He hadn't seen her in over a decade but he knew she would be killed if he didn't carry forward with this mission.

"Hello?" Florence muttered into empty entry way. He let himself in and decided he would wait until the host, or anyone met him.

[Lady Nex]

Liz had risen to follow along, though not without a exasperated look toward Thortan as she called as a dog might be. She shook her head, wandering several paces behind them as they moved toward the field. She was quiet, perhaps contemplative, and during the lack of sarcastic remarks she let her gaze take in the surroundings as they entered the field. The woman had a deep connection to the shadows of her own, and as Thortan had begun his casting there was a quiet reverence. For all the teasing she did, it was obvious Liz viewed Thortan with significant respect.

Even as the shadows closed in there was a curious tilt of Liz's head, and the Lycian looked almost furtive for a split second. She had obviously heard something, yet she didn't want to disturb the training that was only just beginning to take place. She stepped lightly away from the pair in the field, and slipped through Thortan's shadowy wall to move back toward the house itself.

Caution came before all else, and despite the knowledge there were protective barriers around the property she slipped into the house with a light step, nearly silent until she was within view of the newcomer. She had peered from a distance away, and at the sight of the High Elf her slightly crouched posture had straightened. As she moved from the shadowy corner of the room preceding the entrance hall she offered the barest flicker of a smile. Yellow irises settled on the new face with curiosity.

"Thortan is outside, in a clearing with another to begin training."

[Faerah]

Lia's breathe puffed into the brisk morning air as magic crackles the atmosphere. Looking at Thornton, with her Amber eyes flashing, she whispered "Kaal, I hope so." Kaal being the Saadian fire God her people worship.

Stepping into the ring of protection, Lia's hand trembled, and she shut her eyes against the world. She burrowed deep into her belly, coaxing the sleeping beast of her power awake. It unfurled it's head filled with ether and puffed smoke from it's enormous nostrils. Lia grinned a little, wanting to fully embrace her beast and more than a little excited to bring him out. She knew she should be fearful, but the fear never fully took root even after the beast had taken her body over and controlled her rather than the other way around. She just wanted to meld with him, but he did not let her yet. Yet.

She crooked a finger at him, and stared straight into the depths of his ember eyes. To everyone else she looked as if she was standing there with her eyes closed, her tattoos slowly beginning to wriggle around her body. The swirl at her belly began to circle her belly button, faster as her body began to heat up. The tattoos began swirling and becoming angrier and redder by the moment. It looked as though the tattoos began to smolder lia's clothes.

Inside her mind, she stared at the great beast that was her fire. She stared him down, and reached out to touch him. Just the barest touch, would be all that he let's her accomplish. When she made contact with his head, her hand gently resting, not moving a millimeter, she opened her real eyes and channeled him. Her mouth filled with smoke, like the beast, and her eyes changed to the same burning ember color, dancing in the light of the morning. The grass at her feet began to burn in seconds, the circle rapidly growing from her at the center. Her body began to vibrate with power, and she roared fire. The anger of the beast bubbled to the surface, and while she only had a hand in his head inside her, she could barely hold on. If she could keep the rage in check for just a moment, she could actually do.something with her power. The fire that escaped her was blue, hot but not white hot yet. She took a deep breathe and conjured that blue inferno, stilling it turning it solid with her mind, a deadly sphere, the steam from the water Thornton had put in the air did little to tampen the temperature of the fire. Lia conjured her water with her other hand. She ran a constant stream of water around the fire ball that still hung in mid air. Sweat trailed down her neck, she was honestly shocked the beast was being so....cooperative.

She conjured the water into a wall around Thornton. Hoping the darkness would protect him, she touched the fireball to the the wall of water. Instantly, the wall was gone. A surge of steam billowed everywhere, seemingly conjured of its own volition. It was her one harmless parlor trick. The only thing she had been able to attemot to master. This had been a success, other times it had ended in countless scalding. She closed her eyes and looked at the beast. He stood now, had pressed his giant paw to her hand. "No. No. Not yet. Please." The beast looked at her and she could see the moment he chose. His eyes hardened and he roared at her. She flinched and shut her eyes. This is where he takes over.
He nudged her stomach with his about, right at the base of her tattoo, where her power lived, and took over.

Her scream tore through her throat as her fire shot out from her hands, her tattoos, her mouth. She was lifted from the ground by the force of the expulsion. A blast of raw energy was tearing through her, and she needed to find him and cut it off. They could be like this for days. She scrambled for the strength and power to find him in her mind. When she found him he stood alone, snarling and roaring fire. She walked towards him and bent to her knees. As he stalked closer to her, presumably to wrest from her more of what ever they give each other. When he was close enough she reared up and grabbed him by the neck, scrambling onto his back, and snapping his neck. He passed out unconscious on the floor of her mind, she sighed in relief. This was the only way to shut it down once it started, he would he awake in a few hours and that was when she would have a hair trigger, her rage seemingly uncontrollable. She took a deep breathe and opened her eyes to the field around her. She began to take stock of any damage, when it started.

Hundreds of birds and flying creatures fell to the ground. While they had protected the trees, they had overlooked anything flying over the manor directly above the source of the power. Lia stood, unfazed by the oddly delicious smelling pigeon that had landed next to her, cooked to a crisp well done, she'd say, and looked to Thornton. Her nostrils and mouth still puffing out black smoke, but atleast her tattoos had stopped moving.

[Lazerus1]

Florence heard the woman's footsteps as hey approached in the hall. Her eyes felt heavy on him.

'"Thortan is outside, in a clearing with another to begin training."'

The ladies words were offsetting. Florence already could feel her immense power coming from the manor. He could feel the darkness in his bones. He wondered if only three people were in the manor. He was beginning to calculate his next moves.

Would Florence need to incapacitate this woman? He could feel a power from her as well. A deep and strengthened power.

As he began to formulate a plan in his head, he waited for the opportune moment to grab his knife and try to attack this woman as soon as possible. Just a split-second before He went to grab his knife a blood-curdling scream rang throughout the manor. Florence felt the explosion of magical energy from the youngest source of magic in the nearby area.

What in he hell was that? Florence though to himself.

Looking back at the woman quickly, "We'll have to skip the formal introductions, I sense an uncontrolled magic in the backyard that could be dangerous."

[Cerces22]

"My, my, little firefly indeed. That was simply perfect, marvelous, beautiful. But why hesitate?? It looked like you were just about to reach some pivotal and than you pulled away. Did you get scared, or angry?? Like I said before, fire can also come from a place of love. A blinding white hot ember, nestled in your heart. Filled with the care and desire, and hopes of all those close to you." As Thortan said this, the area around him steamed, his body smoked and a small flame built around him.

"If you fear the flame, you will never get burned, but you shall never be warm either. Fire has always been a temperamental element, always wild, like a board or a bull. It will always test, it's limits seeking a release, and if you give in to it's anger it will burn everything around you to cinders and ash. But if you nurture it, stoke it just right, and show the savage beast it's respect, it is a highly useful tool." As he spoke the flames around Thortan grew, they took shape into a mighty dragon that leapt from the dark elf's shoulders and took flight around the clearing. After it's lap it changed into a giant bull and charged Thortan down. It smacked him in his chest as he threw his arms around it. When the excess flame cleared a cat of fire lay in his cradled arms. Its crackling mimicing the sound of a purr.

"My dear little Firefly, if you keep fearing the destructive power inside you, than you shall never get to know it's warmer gentler touch. Despite the instinct to fight, this time I want you to use your power and while you do so, think of Grandma Tal, or someone else you care deeply for. And whatever you do, don't flinch like last time. I promise the results will be drastically different." A shadow rose from the ground in the shape of a chair, Thortan carefully took a seat and waited to see what the desert elf would do this time.

[Lady Nex]

There was a quiet moment where Liz seemed keenly aware that the newest guest was doing some rapid thinking, and though she'd not twitched toward a blade or some sort of move, the woman had remained rigid in her posture. She was analyzing him constantly, even as he commented on the magic outside. The cloak she'd arrived in was still dangling about her shoulders, though opened just enough that her leathers were visible. Shadows slithered over the surface of her armor beneath that cloak, like little black snakes weaving over her form. It was in preparation to disappear, yet the act had never come to fruition.

She finally took a step back, nodding. "There is a desert elf outside, gifted with significant strength in fire magic, it would seem. I did mention there was training, did I not?" She tilted her head at him curiously, perhaps a moment of that wolf-like behavior peeking through. She finally let her eyes waver from him to turn around, one hand waving over her shoulder. "Come and see, but do not interrupt. Thortan is capable of containing her." She stated it simply, there was no question. Assuming he followed, she lead him outside to the clearing where the training was taking place.

[Lazerus1]

Florence could feel the ladies magic slowly starting to shroud her, yet it never completely did. She could probably feel the him tensing up before he was about to attack. Her response put him at ease, at least for the moment.

'"There is a desert elf outside, gifted with significant strength in fire magic, it would seem. I did mention there was training, did I not?" She tilted her head at him curiously, perhaps a moment of that wolf-like behavior peeking through. She finally let her eyes waver from him to turn around, one hand waving over her shoulder. "Come and see, but do not interrupt. Thortan is capable of containing her." She stated it simply, there was no question. Assuming he followed, she lead him outside to the clearing where the training was taking place.'

Florence did follow, but left a good distance between them. He felt he was in over his head so he decided to put his current mission omg hold and wait for the most opportune moment.

The pair seemed to walk out just as a man fashioned a chair from a shadow.

So this must be Thortan?

He seemed to be waiting on a younger Desert Elf next to him.

[Faerah]

" If you think that's wise. I will try and rouse him." Lia took a deep breath and instead of standing, sat down in the clearing. She had been working on meeting her power calmly, and it helped to meditate a little before hand. She closed her eyes and burrowed deep into her belly looking for him. She found him quickly, laying on the ground, panting and trying to lift his head.
" I'm sorry, I had to." He gruffed softly, rolling his eyes and letting a puff of onyx smoke out of one nostril. She gently walked up to him, put her hand to his snout for him to sniff. She tried to think of Thornton's words, and instead of approaching him with fear and trepidation, she went to him thinking of Tal, of the only mother she had ever known. Her heart clenched, and she took a step forward. She looked down at the same beast she had always seen when she used her power, and yet this time she saw an old friend. A constant, that had always been there. She had always thought of him and her as separate, 2 things that needed to dominate each other. Something she needed to conquer, when she should have been working with him, as one. She looked at him for the first time as a friend. " Help me? Show me what you need." As soon as the words left her mouth he pounced on her. Black smoke filled her vision, it wound its way into her mouth and through her nostrils.
She flared, her body convulsing in the field, singeing the grass around her in an 8 foot arc. Her tattoos turned black, pulsing and writhing around her skin, like angry vipers in a pit, crossing and swirling one another. Her eyes opened and thick black smoked rolled from her nose and mouth. Above her, the beast took form in fire and ether. He reared his head back and roared into the sky, a pillar of white hot heat lit up the landscape. Inside her mind, she gasped and choked on the smoke forcing its way into her skin, engulfing her entire body. Tears filled her eyes as she thought this was truly the end of her. Then, she got angry. How DARE he? This was HER power, HER birthright and she couldn't access it because HE was an asshole? FUCK THIS. She sat up, and batted the smoke away like a snarling child. She breathed smoke every day of her life, why was she letting it rule her? This was HERS. She found the beast, clawing at the walls of her mind, roaring at her.
" STOP. You. are. MINE." Lia roared over the distance separating them. At the sound of Lia's voice, the beast turned around, its massive mouth dripping smoke like drool, and cocked its eye at her.
" You heard me. You are MINE. You have known me all my life. You have always been there, but yet you hate me, refuse me control of MY power. That changes today. WE ARE ONE. FUCKING ACT LIKE IT."

Outside, her body stilled. The tattoos pulsed once before returning to red slowly. Inside, the beast began changing. Black smoke and sparks swirled around the beast body, rendering it invisible for a moment, before Tal appeared. Lia gasped, heart hammering.
" I never hated you, child. I just needed you to be strong enough to fight back. We will be facing alot together, YOU needed to be ready for ME."
" Who are you? really? I know you are not Tal."
" I am a memory of Kaal. The element of Fire made manifest. Your source of power. Kaal knew there would one day be one born that was strong enough to wield his true power. An undiluted drop of his blood flew threw the generations, laying dormant, until it found one such a child that matched with his blood. Attached with it, was a message. ' Once you have embraced the beast within, my power will be given to you. You are my weapon to our kind, my offering to the universe. You are the destroyer, the purifier. Love and hate, you are our kind's manifest emotion. Wield it wisely.'" Tal's form flickered in and out, with one last puff of smoke, her form whispered " It was so good to see your face again...Love him just as you hated him."
The beast was back, but changed. Instead of the formless hazey beast she had always known, a black panther languidly licked her black coat. Her power, after being embraced, transformed into a combination of the power and of Lia. Instead of her power being this nameless thing, it was finally and truly hers. And she was gorgeous. She walked up to her and let her sniff her hand. Jagged Amber eyes stared deep into hers, and the panther writhed onto her back, exposing her belly to Lia. A genuine smile lit up her face, and she laughed a little as she reached over to pet her stomach. "I think I will call you...Aziza." It had never felt right to name her beast until now.
Lia opened her eyes and smiled. Her hands shot out and a swirling wall of fire rose up 80 feet into the sky. Her smile widened as she threw a fire ball into the center of the wall and it came crashing down only to transform into a thousand fireflies made of flames so blue it rivaled the sky for attention. They flew together past the people in the field, leaving a warm balmy breeze pushed by the air she conjured. Her body was alight, her tattoos simmering joyfully, glowing and pulsing with her heart beat. The fireflies soared up into the sky and split into to swarms that charged each other. Upon impact they formed an intricate tree of life in midair, Raising her hands together in front of her mouth, she blew on her hands. As she conjured Earth, a stream of sand blew from her palms into the fire in the field. Instantly, the sand melted and created a molten glass figure suspended by the air Lia was conjuring. She took the liquid glass and clapped her hands, instantly bringing the temperature of the glass to such a high heat that it was instantly incinerated.

Out of breath, chest heaving, and smiling like a mental patient Lia looked to the sky and wept. She fell to her knees to catch her breath. Her eyes looked over the new comer to the field, grazed over the lady, and met Thornton head on with her eyes blazing.

" Well that was different." A smile touched her lips.

[Cerces22]

@Lady Nex @Faerah @Lazerus1

Thortan noticed Liz and a newcomer walk in moments before Lia began. But before he can acknowledge them, the show had started. Lia was meditating, suddenly she had begun convulsing on the ground, her pulsing tattoos black and crawling across her body. As smoke poured from her orifices, the shape of an ancient beast took form above her roaring a challenge to the sky, and a flame to back that challenge. Thortans raptor gaze flicked over to Liz and the new person to see if they would move to interfer, when he saw they wouldn't he turned his attention back to Lia. Her body had stopped convulsing, and her marks had returned to normal, he knew it was over. As Lia stood up Thortan smiled, it was small but he saw the change in her demeanor. She put on what he would call an enthusiastic, and a tad dramatic fireworks show, testing her new control. He stood up and the chair melted away. The ground beneath him churned clearing the valley of the flames touch.

"That's so the Earth can heal and grow new life." He clapped and smiled for Lia. "Well little Firefly, that was simply marvelous. I had no idea that the legendary Kaal slept within you. My dear your power is truly great, I knew you had it to control the power, I am so proud, I am sure the queen would be as well. If you would like, I am the Queen's right hand, I can put in a good word, get you a seat on the council, we do not have a desert elf representative and I can teach you in the ways of the government on top of your other studies. After we find a way to handle the humans. Take time think about it, let me know. Now I must greet our new guest."

Thortan walked closer to Liz and the new comer, a smile wide on his face. He looked the man up and down taking stock of the High Elf. The young man looked twitchy as if unsure of his next action. Thortan stopped short so as not to spook the guy.

"Liz, my somewhat more unstable counterpart. Would you like to introduce me to your friend?? I know what you saw must of been wild, but trust me, you were never in any danger at all, despite the fact that one of the embodiments of the basic five elements dwell within Lia. I am more than confident that I could handle him on a rampage. I am Thortan Masters, owner of the House of Rejects, I see you met Liz, her bite is definitely worse than her bark. But I am sure a scratch behind the ear will relax her, although I value my hand to much to try. My I inquire as to who you are??" Thortan said keeping the mood light to defuse the tension.

[Lazerus1]

Florence watched the exchange between the desert elf and the Dark elf he assumed to be Thortan. He could feel the slightly unstable elemental power from the desert Elf, next to the veteran and more refined magic from Masters.

As the Dark Elf turned to speak to the pair, Florence carefully examined him. Florence figured he would be able to nullify magic from the trio for about 10 minutes, if that. He had never been in a situation where he couldn't comfortably nullify surrounding magic for as long as he needed. These Elves were different. They were strong, and maybe they could help him get his sister to escape?

'"Liz, my somewhat more unstable counterpart. Would you like to introduce me to your friend?? I know what you saw must of been wild, but trust me, you were never in any danger at all, despite the fact that one of the embodiments of the basic five elements dwell within Lia. I am more than confident that I could handle him on a rampage. I am Thortan Masters, owner of the House of Rejects, I see you met Liz, her bite is definitely worse than her bark. But I am sure a scratch behind the ear will relax her, although I value my hand to much to try. My I inquire as to who you are??"'

AFter Thortan spoke to them, Florence Finally piped up. "I could also help suppress her untamed magic. I've done it before when I helped train others, but if you've got the hang of it maybe Liz would like to train with me? I could always use the practice."

Florence figured he should try his best to assess all of their abilities. Maybe this was he key to do so.

[Lazerus1]

@Cerces22@Lady Nex@Faerah
Florence watched the exchange between the desert elf and the Dark elf he assumed to be Thortan. He could feel the slightly unstable elemental power from the desert Elf, next to the veteran and more refined magic from Masters.

As the Dark Elf turned to speak to the pair, Florence carefully examined him. Florence figured he would be able to nullify magic from the trio for about 10 minutes, if that. He had never been in a situation where he couldn't comfortably nullify surrounding magic for as long as he needed. These Elves were different. They were strong, and maybe they could help him get his sister to escape?

'"Liz, my somewhat more unstable counterpart. Would you like to introduce me to your friend?? I know what you saw must of been wild, but trust me, you were never in any danger at all, despite the fact that one of the embodiments of the basic five elements dwell within Lia. I am more than confident that I could handle him on a rampage. I am Thortan Masters, owner of the House of Rejects, I see you met Liz, her bite is definitely worse than her bark. But I am sure a scratch behind the ear will relax her, although I value my hand to much to try. My I inquire as to who you are??"'

AFter Thortan spoke to them, Florence Finally piped up. "I could also help suppress her untamed magic. I've done it before when I helped train others, but if you've got the hang of it maybe Liz would like to train with me? I could always use the practice."

Florence figured he should try his best to assess all of their abilities. Maybe this was he key to do so.

[Cerces22]

The young man still seemed nervous, but Thortan was sure it was due to his being new. He mentioned being able to nullify magic, a powerful tool against others if the need arose. Thortan looked to Liz wondering if she would accept the challenge or not. He did so enjoy learning new things and since he already tested Lia to a delightful surprise, the borderline eccentric dark elf clapped with anticipation.

"My very wound up friend, I am deeply afraid I had not caught your name. And if I may inquire how far is the effective range of your nullification?? I do enjoy getting a good view, if the good lady accepts of course. Just if so some ground rules. No killing, it's just so messy, blood gets everywhere. No maiming or serious bodily harm, we aren't savages like most humans, besides the screaming keeps me from sleeping. Thirdly, don't throw sticks, it's cheating she can't help but fetch it's in her D.N.A. Lastly, I want to hear many many insults, the funnier the better!! If she accepts good luck!! Firefly, care to join to me in the box seats??"

A section of Thortans wall shifted, giving way to a platform with a couple of chairs for the two to sit. He walked up the set of stairs and began to take a seat, but stopped as a thought hit him. He turned and smiled once again as his clothes shifted to mimic that of an emperor, complete with crown, and walking stick.

"See this is so much more exciting!! Liz dear please go easy, don't break him."

[Faerah]

Lia stood to the side as the conversation swirled around her. Her head was filled with light pure joy, she had finally wielded her power and she was still coming down from the heady rush. Thornton may have thought it was a show for them, but it wasn't. It was her and Aziza playing together for the first time. She truly loved her power, her lovely black panther. A thought struck her, and she smiled. An onyx smoke black panther poured from Lia's belly, her power made manifest to sit beside her. Now that she had a taste of her true power, she wanted Aziza next to her all the time, not just when she closed her eyes and burrowed deep. She wanted to take Thornton up on his offer. She wanted to show the world the power of Kaal, of Lia.
Up until now the conversation had been greetings, but quickly moved on to power.
"I could also help suppress her untamed magic. I've done it before when I helped train others, but if you've got the hang of it maybe Liz would like to train with me? I could always use the practice." Aziza immediately reacted. Her hackles raised, and she snarled at him. She swiped at him, not close enough to touch him, just to make the threat known. Lia herself stiffened, her tattoos became black and smoke poured from her mouth as she spoke.
" You will not touch my power." She said, quietly but with iron in her words. Aziza stood to her full height next to her, Lia's hand steadying her head. Twin amber eyes glared at the new comer. They didn't trust him.

Lia and Aziza turned as one and headed to the box, and sat next to the dramatically dressed Thornton. She glared at the newcomer, and hoped Liz snapped a bone and sucked out the marrow just like at dinner.

[Lady Nex]

@Lazerus1@Faerah@Cerces22

Liz was calm as she listened, curious to hear the exchange of words that followed. There was little more than an eyeroll as Thortan spoke, her posture remaining as stiff as ever.

"Liz, my somewhat more unstable counterpart. Would you like to introduce me to your friend?? I know what you saw must of been wild, but trust me, you were never in any danger at all, despite the fact that one of the embodiments of the basic five elements dwell within Lia. I am more than confident that I could handle him on a rampage. I am Thortan Masters, owner of the House of Rejects, I see you met Liz, her bite is definitely worse than her bark. But I am sure a scratch behind the ear will relax her, although I value my hand to much to try. My I inquire as to who you are??"

A simple hum was offered at Thortan's word, though even the simplistic sound dripped with sarcasm. Yellow eyes flicked toward the new face, and then eventually to Lia. She was exceptionally cold toward others, as were many of her kind...perhaps that was part of why they were so largely unpopular. She could care less if a training session resulted in death, albeit, the more powerful people they had training here, the higher the chance of future success in the currently stalled war. If nothing else, she was smart enough to recognize that Lia was a powerful ally, a desirable one if she was going to maintain that control over her abilities.

She had remained silent during the briefly tense moment as a result of the new man's words. She understood the usefulness of the desert elf, but she had not yet acquired enough attachment to bother defending the woman. She simply waited quietly until Lia had turned and moved away. Her gaze returned to the newcomer finally.

"In combat I most often utilize hand-to-hand and melee techniques simply empowered by the shadows, but if you are seeking to flex your nullification muscle, so to speak, I can provide you with shadow specific offensive spells. Considering the Dark Queen herself trained me, along with her consort, I am confident it would provide you with an adequate practice session, even if you have become advanced in your art."

[Cerces22]

The king sat atop his throne looking down on this pitiful excuse for a creature. His disdain of having to be in the room of a water elf made his skin crawl. He heard stories of his ancestors helping these creatures defeat a supposed goddess bent on destroying to world, he could care not. He was angry that they would not teach him the secrets of their magic. He couldn't believe that humans were incapable of controlling magic. The king sighed heavily to himself.

"If she cannot tell us how it is to use magic, she is of no use to me. Death is required for this affront." He said indifferently, the woman began sobbing, promising that the humans would be punished by their god Erebus. "Elf, if he were to exist, I would have his head as well. If your kind won't teach me magic, than you will all be put to death!!"

-------------

Thortan waited, and waited for the still unidentified high elf to move or say something. He looked over to the panther lounging around looking bored as well. He split himself, one version stayed sitting in the chair, the other went down to the field.

"Good elf, it's ok if you can't fight, many suffer from performance issues. I am sure next time you will find the strength to fight. Now let's go inside and relax, I am sure there is something we can do." He turned to Liz. "Come girl." He whistled softly to her.

His other self had removed the shadowed stage and made sure Lia and the panther made it safely to their feet.

"My dear, have I told you when I almost started a huge incident?? Seems someone got it in their head that I was trying to bed the high priestess of the Mountain Elves. Here I was giving her women advice. But their queen still wanted my head to be on the safe side. It wasn't until the priestess showed up to my big death gala with her new girlfriend on her arm did I get released." He laughed out loud at his own expense.

[Lady Nex]

Like a trained soldier, Liz held a rigid posture as she waited. Patience was a virtue this woman most definitely had, though her eyes narrowed minutely as the silence continued. She could only study the subject before her for so long before her mind wandered.

Coins jingled as the bag in Liz's hands was set on the table, and the quiet whistle of her brother mingled with the sound to create a momentary melody. He had always been the nosy sort. His fingers found the opening, tugging until the mound of golden coins within were revealed.

"Another noble off the list, I take it?"

Elizabeth nodded, moving without hesitation to clean her weapons and her gear. "Another power shift, another fresh round of contracts."

She sounded almost bored, and the truth behind that bland tone of voice was quite on point. She had been doing this for years...centuries. Their longer life span, deemed potential immortality, had left Liz following the same career path for so long it wasn't producing quite the same level of thrill. The tension of a new assassin...constantly considering the best methods, the best move, the right times... that was no longer necessary. Liz had exceeded the professionals at this point, confident enough she'd become capable of completing a contract in less than a day.

Her brother was all to aware of the fact, and perhaps that was what motivated the raven-haired man to waggle the official looking parchment in his hands teasingly. "Maybe it's time you explore your options, Lizzy."

Her eyes narrowed as she reached out to snatch the parchment from him. "I hate when you call me that." There was only a momentary glare as the woman took hold of the message. It wasn't yet opened, leaving her unsure how Sam may have been aware of its contents. The seal was ornate, twisting designs leading to a centralized symbol that looked vaguely familiar. It was already tattered looking. Messages coming in and out of their kingdom were often delayed. Few travelers were willing to move into the dark, pine forests of the southern lands, and even fewer Lycians were willing to go out and retrieve incoming messages.

Liz settled herself in a large armchair, the fireplace before her roaring and casting an orange glow over the dark wax that bound her letter. Silken thread dangled from the wax, a metallic charm bearing a similar symbol. It looked royal. As the seal was broken and the parchment opened, Sam bounced over toward the chair, reading right over his sister's shoulder without shame. She either didn't care, or was too surprised by the contents to pay much attention to her brother.

The letter was long, delicate looping script describing an elven kingdom Liz had heard of only in the storybooks. She would go on to describe the letter as a request to attend the dark elven court, though the words contained within the letter were nothing short of a demand. There was no denying the elven queen thought highly of herself.

It was an experience Liz would not soon forget. The opportunity to utilize her skill set in a different environment entirely had been enticing by itself, but the offer to expand upon her rumored affinity for shadow magic had been the true motivation to make the final decision. When she met the Dark Queen herself there had been no doubt she made the right decision, yet her introduction to the Queen's consort had been another experience entirely.

Idle magic had been brewing as the memories danced about her mind's eye. Shadow magic tainted by the light-magic forms often presented as varying shades of violet, yet the magics that now furled around Liz were undoubtedly pure. Perhaps to some they would be deemed black, but there was a depth there that made the word seem inadequate. There was no light where this smokey substance slithered about her form, it was an absolute absence of it. A void. An abyss. Thin, smoke-like tendrils danced about her shoulders and arms, slithering over her form as if offering an old friend a wholehearted embrace.

Thortan's whistle had snapped Liz back to the present, and the shadows dissipated with a soft, curious whispering sound. She blinked once as she caught up with her surroundings, forgetting to be irritated that she had been whistled at like a dog being told to come. She had moved toward him without question, leaving their newcomer to consider his options at his own pace. He would catch up, eventually.

@Cerces22