Elorwin

Hunted - Elorwin & ladyonyx04

Kitsuna allowed Ren to nudge her away following him back into the forest very slowly with many pauses and glances back over her shoulder. She was still dragging her heels as they made their way to a deserted clearing less than half a mile away from the tree line. Kitsuna set herself down on her haunches but her posture was still tense and all her tails twitched back and forth in a fan like pattern causing a little stir of dust and leaves around her. A half formed plan lingered in her mind, one of sneaking off and exploring that human town the excited and fascinated her. However she knew slipping past Ren would be difficult but that just made the challenge more exciting.

With a real effort of will Kitsuna stilled her tails and faked a large yawn. Getting to her paws slowly she padded softly over the hollow roots of a tree and turning herself on the spot three times over she settled herself with a small grunt into a sleeping position. Looking up at Ren she gave him a small smile which implied nothing but a sleepy innocence.

“I am feeling too sleepy to hunt now and I am rather more tired than hungry Ren. Don’t worry about me though, you go hunting. I am sure you need to keep up your strength old one.” Her face was alive with cheeky delight.

The Daemon Lover

Seraphina had made sure she was once a sight of perfection, her ladies fixing her tresses back into an elegant knot and arranging her dress once again. She was ready not a moment too soon as her lady Malloy in the amber gown placed a final testing pat on her hair to check its sturdiness then there was knock at the door. It was the lady Tierney in her russet gown that quickly went to the door and spoke in a quite but urgent tone to the page there. Closing the door she walked back and approached Seraphina.

“My lady your father requests your presence in his office, he begs you urgently attend him.” Seraphina looked up a sleek eyebrow raised but she turned away from her mirror, shook out her skirts and made her way out of her room, her ladies following meekly behind like ducklings in a line. Once they reached the room Seraphina gestured that they should remain outside and she walked in alone, back straight and eyes bright, she was interest to see why her father would summon her; this was not a normal occurrence. Making her way over to the chair her father had intended for her Seraphina studied his face and once again found the deep lines of worry lingering there. This troubled her deeply, her father was a serious man, there was no doubt in that but she had never seen him this tense before. However she was glad to see her presence at least still brought a smile to his face as she sat beside him.

"Dearest child. I know that I normally do not involve you in such legal hearings; I have never sought to burden you more than needed with affairs of state. Only as this... person's claim... is one that has it roots within our family's past, I wish the future generations to know the matter settled."

So Seraphina arranged herself neatly in the chair and listened as Broadmere spoke to them both regarding the minstrel and his claim. The more he spoke the more assured Seraphina was of his foolishness, however this disturbed her as when she had seen him previously there was no trace of lunacy in his eyes, in fact she had seen the spark of intelligence in his face, cool and calculating like a fox or the falcons in her father’s mews. It also worried her how quickly both Broadmere and her father were quick to accept him a fool and count themselves lucky. However she could not formulate and intelligent or specific reasoning behind her feeling, so instead into the small silence left by Broadmere Seraphina gave her opinion on the matter.

“My Lord if I may give my thoughts on this minstrel. I do not feel he is mad although his request may seem imbecilic but there was intelligence in his eyes that much I do know. Also, I could not tell you why but something about him unnerves me…” She paused for a moment, aware that both their eyes were upon her but she was unable to call forth the right words so with a sigh she shook her silver crowned hair and looked to her father, hoping he would understand what she meant. “Either way we shall see him in action tonight and while I can confirm that he can play a pretty tune we shall see if he can keep up with my song tonight.” A look of almost superior pride crossed Seraphina’s face, she was regarded to have one of the most beautiful voices in the baron’s lands, possibly the kingdom. However she would only sing at the occasional balls and gala’s that her father could be convinced to throw although she would practice daily in her room. She smiled attempting to return to her normal self.

Red Ridge Creek - Elorwin & Guardj

Beth looked up at Clint through her lashes as he spoke excitedly about the gun and shells; this was much more his thing. After saying that he would makes some of his own shells but leave the gun she smiled and nodded. He asked her why she needed a gun since her quarry wasn’t affected by conventional bullets. She smiled at him, her features almost sympathetic but her voice was warm with a lingering hint of sadness.

“It’s not just demons I hunt. Every creature that stalks the darkness is fair game, anything that is evil and dangerous, I will hunt it. Spirit, monster, demon … Bigfoot,” She smiled at him and continued “And anything in between. So the gun isn’t just for salt shells it can also take normal ones and unhappily I have found humans can be just as dangerous as the things I hunt and less predictable.” Again she looked wistful for a moment as her eyes became shadowed for a moment. “That’s my life … protecting people from the horrors of the darkness.”

Coming out of her own reverie Beth looked at Clint and gave him a smile that banished the lingering shadow from her face.

“So where do you come into this business Clint. I mean I know it isn’t your day job but I know you have seen battle with creatures of the night; it leaves a look in your eyes. Everyone has their first story, how the first discovered what goes bump in the night is real.”

The Doctor and the Unicorn

Elemmíre felt her chains come undone, it was done carefully, they remained on her wrists but she could feel they were lose and all she had to do was jerk free and they would fall away. She waited for a moment, summoning her energy and power together and waiting just a few seconds as the bidders became more excited and loud. Then at the right moment she released her spell, there was no harm it her work, it was just a bang and a flash. In that moment she threw the shackles off herself and while the bidders and auctioneer were coughing from the smoke of her magic she ran, leaping from the platform she ran into the crowd.

Then she saw him, streaking beside her, his brown coat flapping out behind him as he ran with her, both heading for the same direction towards the door. Her hooves clattered noisily on the floor as they ran, tail streaming out behind, her hair a silver banner. She saw him reaching out a hand towards her as she ran and for a moment she hesitated, this man was as much a stranger as the rest of these people. The she grasped his hand and allowed him to steer her in the direction he was heading. Hands grabbed and pulled at her as they ran but none were strong enough to break her grip from him.

Finally they had made it to the end of the room and Elemmíre saw the strangest sight, they were running towards a large blue box at the dead end of a corridor. Elemmíre automatically veered towards the other corridors which lead to the door and freedom but he tugged her in the opposite direction, towards the box. He was too strong to resist however and together they went plunging into the door.

Missing Moon - Elorwin & Powerpeon

Luna’s head jerked up as the sound of hoofs broke her out from her small island of grief and despair that taking a life had left her. Despite her fear of a renewed attack from the slavers, Luna found she could not move her legs, she was weak, tired and emotionally drained, her soul filled with a gaping void from the loss of her innocence. Eyes bright with tears she sat on the forest floor, moonlight spilling down upon her like a beacon and she looked up to face her on coming attackers with a hollow emptiness. The minutes stretched on as Luna gazed towards the noise with her face set and tears still flowing silently down her cheeks. Then she heard a sound amongst the hoof beats, a voice calling her name like a life line to save her from a stormy sea.

“Luna! Luna!” It was Illyce, riding into sight through the trees atop Goya and to Luna she looked like the knights of legend, glorious and noble, her face shining in concern. Luna found a jolt of strength flow through her like an electric pulse which allowed her to gain her unsteady feat and wobble over Illyce who had thrown herself from the saddle at the sight of her. For the space of a heartbeat the two made their way towards each other, Luna’s face full of relief and joy and Illyce’s bright with anxious excitement to see her again. Then their arms found each other, wrapped each other in a tight embrace sinking in weary delight to their knees Luna clung to Illyce like she was drowning. For a few minutes Luna nuzzled her head against Illy’s shoulder her voice ringing out in a combination of teary laughter and repeating Illyce’s name like a mantra. However the laughter and elation could not last long for Luna who after a few moments once again broke down into heartbroken sobs. Pulling away from Illyce she held out her blood soaked hands to show her knight.

“I killed him … I killed him Illyce … I … I didn’t mean too…” She gulped a shaking breath as her eyes were unwillingly drawn to the sight of his dead body, laying in a heap on the forest floor, the dagger glittering in the moonlight. Luna tore her eyes away and tried to explain herself. “I know … I shouldn’t cry … he tried to … to kill me … but … I never … never meant to kill him…”

Hunted - Elorwin & ladyonyx04

Kitsuna barked a laugh as Ren gave chase after her; she was enjoying testing the limits of her new found speed as well. Gaining a new tail was no mean feat for those of her bloodline, it meant she not only had access to a larger variety of powers but it granted her a larger reserve of power on which to draw on. She could now nearly keep pace with Ren and as he had been kind enough to grant her a head start she was not going to squander it, instead they flew together through the woodland, her like a bright flame and Ren was the shadow it cast, flickering behind her brightness.

Together they laughed as they ran, Kitsuna throwing out small taunts over she should to Ren, and by either luck, skill or Ren not trying she kept managing to evade his capture. They ran together until it was dark and even then it was not until moon rise that Kitsuna finally slowed and came to a stop at the edge of the tree line. They had made extremely good time, crossing through the forest should have been a two day trip and they had run it in one. Panting hard, sides heaving but smiling, with eyes that gleamed with the wild joy of freedom, Kitsuna surveyed what lay before them, it was a town. She had never seen a human town so close before and from where they stood at this distance it looked like a bright jewel shining in the darkness. She could feel the thrum of life coming from it as if the very earth it was grounded on was alive with beating heart and quick sharp breaths, like they were. And the smells coming from it, the wind brought them to her nose but there were so many to sift through, some so delicious they made her mouth water and some as foul as rot and death.

Kitsuna stood quiet and tense, trembling with emotion and wonder at the sight of this town, it was so alien, so unknown, there was a deadly fascination about it. So she stood, staring, her eyes reflecting the light from the town.

“I never knew humans could make something so big, so bright. It is strange and wonderful and terrifying all at once. It … It makes me want to go down and explore, find out more about this place.” One paw had already been raised as if preparing to move forward, her body trembled as two forces fought together inside her, curiosity vs survival instinct and both were so strong that neither was winning. She was locked between the two, needing action but unable to decide.

The Daemon Lover

Seraphina walked through the castles corridors on her way to check on the construction of her dress in the castles sewing rooms, where all the castles clothes, servants and guards’ livery, tapestries and banners were made. In here lived a dozen or so women all chosen for their skill with the needle or on the loom, some had been chosen by her mother and a few had been finds of her own. The ladies position within the court was one that many envied, they received small trinkets and gifts from time to time, got to live within the castle and as long as they were still available to sew they could expect a handsome dowry. Inspecting the room with her ladies Seraphina oversaw the making of the new uniforms for the servants however the thing she was most interested in was the creation of her dress, which she had designed herself.

With a smile Seraphina saw that it was finally ready and not a moment too soon, the dress hung on the mannequin based on Seraphina’s figure. The dress was made with many layers of black silk, each so delicate and light it weighed no more than a maidens sigh, each layer was made to look like thick, downy feathers. The corset was made ebony silk-satin and embroidered with gold thread which was again sewn to resemble a feathered breast; this was enhanced by real midnight feathers that would rise to her cleavage, sweep round to her back and burst into a pair of elaborate wings. The wings were attached seamlessly to her shoulder blades and were hung with ropes of black pearls and bright onyx. To finish the whole ensemble was the mask she was to wear which would finish her outfit with a crowning glory. Seraphina was full of eager anticipation about tonight, since she had to take on the responsibility of keeping the household running this left less time for frivolity than she would have liked.

Finally tearing her eyes away from her beautiful dark shimmering creation she ordered it to be brought up to her chambers in time for her to make ready for that nights celebrations. Then turning her back on the seam-mistresses Seraphina made her way with her ladies to the kitchen to check on preparations, then to the ball room to see that everything was in order. Both were up to standard, the first was full of culinary masterpieces that were as beautiful as they were delicious and the second full of glittering candles, polished silver and crystal and all lightly scented by the vases of fresh flowers that lined the walls.

With these duties accounted for Seraphina made her way back to her chambers, normally she would have other duties to attend but on this occasion she was delegating these tasks out. However it was still too early in the day to begin preparations for the ball so instead her ladies arranged her seat by the window which had been flung open to allow the faint sunshine in. Seraphina’s chair was by far the superior, larger with a plush seat and an almost throne like appearance. Then beside her on lower stools her ladies sat, one picking up her embroidery, mirroring Seraphina, the other began reading the guest list for tonight while the third gently plucked a small harp for their pleasure.

For a while they sat in companionable silence with the fresh breeze full upon their faces, Seraphina smiling each time the playful zephyr would gently tug a stray lock of her silver hair. The sun was smiling weakly down upon them, this was the first truly nice day they had seen in a while and it gladdened her heart. Slowly she worked on the delicate threading; she was using an expensive golden thread as she worked on making the insignia of De’Vance for the captain of the guard.

Suddenly a lively melody filled the air, starting so suddenly Seraphina could not help the small gasp that escaped her and to her chagrin she had pricked her finger in shock and three crimson drops had fallen on her embroidery. Pale brows knitting together Seraphina stood swiftly, entrusting that her ladies would retrieve her fallen work as she marched to the balcony and looked out to see who disturbed the peace. There was no denying that the music was beautiful and subtle, the best she had heard in a while, with the fiddle there was always the odd note that seem to squeal rather than sing however this was not the case for this musician, every note was clear and bright. However she was in no mood to admire the craft in his song as her finger smarted and she thought of her careful work which had been ruined.

Face cross and violet eyes blazing Seraphina looked over the balcony and beheld the minstrel of this morning outside her window and it was clear that he had purposely placed himself there. For what reason she could not fathom although it seemed clear to her that he was the type to enjoy rustling feathers. Suddenly the wind gave a great tug that swept her skirts around her, like a banner of blue and to make things worse it wrenched her hair loose of its bonds, it spun out like the tail of a star, glittering in the pale sunlight. Crying out in dismay Seraphina attempted to maintain some control of her windswept hair, not noticing that the wind had stolen her embroidered lace handkerchief; it was taken like a petal in the wind. Again turning blazing eyes on him, although she knew it wasn’t truly his fault, Seraphina marched back inside, hair billowing out behind her until the glass pained doors shut behind her.

The Doctor and the Unicorn

Elemmíre was barely containing the panic that was running through her as she scanned the crowd of bidders. Most were horrible creatures with leering faces full of malice and cruelty and she was disgusted by them. Then something caught her eye, a face unlike the others, it was soft and kind much like the human creatures she had studied in classes but he was different, she couldn’t see much from where she was held but there was a glint in his eyes, a gleam of an old one like herself.

Pulling at the chain that held her Elemmíre attempted to move forward to see more of him but he was quickly obscured by the other bidders as she strained to see him again. Suddenly there was a hand in her long silvery hair and her face was thrust upwards towards the crowd.

“Look at this folks see how eager she is to be bought! Come on now we have a bid of $200 000 000 credits but I know you can do better! Do I see $300, 000, 000?” Paddles raised all over the hall and Elemmíre whimpered as his hand did not raise. She thought she heard something, like a whisper in her ear but the noise in the room was too much and she was too frightened to listen.

Red Ridge Creek - Elorwin & Guardj

Beth smiled warmly at Clint realising that she was being a little harsh towards him and her expectations had been too high. This was a lot for someone to take it, because she lived and breathed this life it was easy to forget just how outside the norm it was. Giving him a small nudge in the side Beth smiled again and walked back over to the bed. Kneeling down she groped around under the bed until her fingers touched on what she was looking for. Coming back up with a smile she opened up the parcel she was holding with a small flourish. In her hands she held a specially modded shotgun, it was shorter than normal and included in the package were several strange looking shells. Offering it to him with a smile Beth spoke, her voice kinder than before.

“Of course you could always try this instead, this might be more your kind of thing. This is a quick fire shotgun complete with rocksalt shells. The best weapon you could hope for in fighting demons, it won’t kill them but it will slow most of them down, even exercise some minor ones.” She placed it in his lap with a grin. “And take the book, it’s easier than writing it all down and then you can read it in your own time.”

Moving away from him to sit on the bed Beth was impressed by how comfortable it was for a saloon room. Bring her knees up so she could rest her head on them Beth allowed her hair to spill over her shoulders and tumble down her back as she watched Clint.

“Well tomorrow we have a lot to do.” She sighed in exasperation and mumbled under her breath “And no idea how to do it.” For a moment she sat there, lip pouting slight, looking much younger and vulnerable in the candle light than she normally appeared.

Hunted - Elorwin & ladyonyx04

Kitsuna looked at Ren for a moment and saw the truth in his words, he was still himself at least for now and she watched his movements as he stalked closer and further from her. Giving herself a quick shake she walked forward to meet him, giving him a long hard stare and snuffing his scent. Winding herself sinuously around him until she was satisfied Kitsuna proceeded to nip him, harder than normal, on his flank in mock anger for scaring her however the smile she wore was genuine.

“Don’t scare me like that Ren! You have changed, what changed you? Your coat is different…” She came up close to him and looked deep into his eyes, sighing for a moment Kitsuna bumped her head gently against Ren’s. “What are we going to do with you eh?” She held herself against him for the space of a few heart beats, not wanting to be away from him, despite the danger he posed. Then getting to her paws she turned her back on him slapping him lightly around the shoulders with her tails, prancing around she smiled back at him. Then suddenly her face turned to shock and confusion, jaw hanging open to gaze over her back at her tails. Swishing her tails back and forth Kitsuna finally noted the change, a fourth perfectly formed, identical tail now rested next to the other three.

“I … My tail! I have a new tail. That wasn’t here before!” She let out a bark like laugh and looked back at Ren. “Well it’s been a while since I had a new tail, this is a good sign.” Kitsuna caught his slightly confused look and explained. “I started out with only one tail you see and each time I gained a new level over my powers a new tail would form. It’s good as with each one my powers increase which is what I sorely need in these dangerous times.”

Swishing her tails around her a few more times so she could admire the new addition Kitsuna then turned back to Ren, one paw was raised and her ears flicked forward, there was an aura of energy around her.

“I think we have had enough training today… Run with me. Let the wind blow out any bad thoughts.” Mischief sparkled in her bright blue eyes as she sauntered up to him, maintaining eye contact with a little grin on her face. Getting so close their noses nearly touched Kitsuna smiled warmly, then quick as a coiled snake she leant forward and gave him a small lick on the cheek. Beaming at his look of surprise, Kitsuna turned her four tails on him and sprinted away, laughing merrily, in high anticipation of the chase.