Meiyuki

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

If anyone needs/wants me for anything I'm around.

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

_{in collaboration with @SunsetRoses}

"Mama Drama"

Elizabeth groaned as Bo wrenched the bottle of alcohol from her hands. She hadn't even had the chance to pull the cork. The bottle was passed to Butch, who put it in his hip mouth and ate it whole. Elizabeth watched, pawing towards him lazily. No alcohol for nine months, she didn't know how she was going to survive.

She sighed, leaving them to talk on her bed while she got dressed. Liz threw on her nightgown, and released her hair. It fell down her back in long waves, still damp from her shower that morning. Or maybe it was the sweat from training with Andri. Or the blood...and was that white thing a piece of bone? She picked it out of her hair, throwing it on the ground and kicking it under the vanity.

She laughed, walking towards her bed. Bo offered to read her a story, but she refused. He took up his spot in his armchair, curling his body up into a ball of fur and fabric. His claws dug in to the seat, and she couldn't ignore how cute it looked. Bob laid over her in the bed, chewing on her arm as per usual. Beebop and Butch stood guard outside, probably discussing the day and doing silly dares. Elizabeth smiled, closing her eyes and relaxing.

For a moment it seemed like Elizabeth would drift of into some much deserved sleep. Elina, however, had other plans. She staggered to Lorelai's door with a steel bucket in tow. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her pale complexion had become ghastly. Gone were the traces of the well mannered, proper, poised young noblewoman. Instead she finally looked as crazed as she was.

Beebop and Butch looked at each other briefly before knocking at the door. "Liz, Elina's here."

Liz sighed, and pushed herself into a seated position. "Send her in."

Elina's eyes looked hopeful as she stepped into the room, but a quick scan told her the person she was looking for wasn't here. "Goddamn it Lorelai!"

Her eyes fell on Liz, sitting comfortably in Lorelai's bed. Looking every bit like she was at home here. Her eyes narrowed. "Well look at you, settling in nicely are you?" She paused for a moment to retch into her bucket. "When does Lorelai get back? She's got some things to answer for."

She ran a hand over her stomach, which was protruding oddly, and chuckled bitterly. "Well, actually only one thing."

Elizabeth stared at Elina’s stomach for a few moments, working away the fog that had risen in her mind. She rubbed her eyes, and stared again. She blinked a few more times, before her stomach sank. She felt like she could use a bucket, but the baby had nothing to do with it.

Bob chuckled as Elina retched into a bucket, not caring about the woman's condition. “Look at that, Lizzie. She's even more pregnant than you.” He laughed even louder, the sound of violin strings being plucked irritably. He wanted Liz to get mad, she was always more fun that way. “Lorelai's sure been around, hasn't she? Shame on her.” He added for emphasis.

Elizabeth tapped him on the head, a warning. Lorelai was not the problem, Elina was. The haggard witch had the gall to turn up her nose at Elizabeth, while she stood before her looking like that. “I have no idea when Lorelai is getting home, she'll come to you when she prefers it. I'm getting very comfortable here while she's absent.” Elizabeth added haughtily.

"Oh, fucking great," Elina tittered maddly, tears rolling down her cheeks. "She impregnated you too, go figure."

"She can't just wait for me to come around, she's got to find the nearest whore to bury her stupid cock in." Elina's voice dripped with venom. "She doesn't pay much attention to where she leaves her seed does she?"

"She's not leaving me like this," Elina smiled, almost sweetly, but her eyes still burned with contempt. "I'll use Vespa's name to guilt her, I'll dye my hair so I look just like my dear departed sister."

"Then I'll get to sleep in that bed, and she'll take care of my child." Elina practically growled. "And you can go back to doing whatever it is mortals do. Not like you could ever understand her work anyway."

Elizabeth felt tears spark in her eyes, but she blinked them away. They were replaced with anger, the same rage she felt when she was fighting with Andri. Flames roared in her sapphire eyes, directed towards Elina. Bo and Bob stared at the witch, waiting for their chance to strike at her. “No boys,” She said sweetly, causing them to retract. “I'll handle it.”

She deliberately got out from under her sheets at a slow rate, forcing Elina to wait. She calmly walked over to the witch, a toothy grin on her face. Elina had no idea about her knighthood, and she couldn't wait to rub it into the girl's face. She wanted to teach the woman a lesson. How could she talk that way of her dead sister? She obviously didn't care much for Lorelai if she openly voiced her ideas for manipulating her.

Finally, she stood before the witch. Blue eyes burned into red, Elizabeth looking down at her. The height advantage was pleasing, but when it came to a crazy pregnant witch, she knew they were on equal grounds. Elizabeth raised a finger, pressing it into Elina's stomach. “You'll do no such thing to her. She's suffered enough at the hands of women the likes of you.”

“It appears you know next to nothing about me.” Elizabeth stated quickly, before the witch could respond. “I'm no mortal. I am Lorelai's Knight, I was there for her in the pits when she faced her demons and came out alive. Where were you? Oh yes, that's right, you didn't care. You left her depressed, tossed her aside while you frolicked about.”

"Of course I hesitated! I have a wisdom you've yet to grasp, girl." Elina stepped away from Elizabeth. For all her bravado the young Ruvina didn't like her odds against the physically superior huntress. A tingle of fear ran down her spine as she could help but provoke the woman in spite of that. "Did you really believe all those pretty words she whispers?"

"Do you really think a Dragon feels like we do?" Elina laughed. She'd seed some doubt now, and hopefully reap it later. "She's convincing isn't she? When she says she loves you, when she holds you in her arms and promises forever."

"She's an old monster that's been playing at being human longer than we've been alive," She smirked cruely. "But it's just a game. You're convinient, just like I was, just like my sister was. A distraction, and a little something to mend the sheep's clothing when her fangs tear through, lest we all realize what lives among us."

"She'll throw you aside when she has no further use for you. She'll do it to me too, but I expect it." Elina turned to leave. "If you were wise you'd run, before she uses you all up and leaves nothing left for you to grow old with."

Elizabeth growled at Elina. She had seen Lorelai love. She knew Lorelai loved Abigail and Lotte, and if she was capable of loving them she was capable of loving her. She had never seen Lorelai happier than when she was with her two children, or when she was with her. She knew she was capable of human emotions, she was no monster. Elizabeth knew what a monster was, and she didn't fit. Hell, Sousiel was able to love. That had to count for something.

Or did it? She had seen Lorelai's face when she talked about Vespa, but could it have been a lie? She felt an inkling of doubt in her heart. She clutched her chest, like she could simply tear it away. The doubt became anger, directed towards Elina. If that whore hadn't come here, this wouldn't have happened.

“I don't believe you,” she snarled. Her voice was pitched in a way that spoke differently, if Elina could catch it. “Lorelai loves me. She loved you, too. You got rid of her. You got rid of something special.”

Liz cleared the distance between them, grabbing Elina forcefully in a vice grip. “You had your chance, now she's mine. I have no plans on throwing her away the way you did.”

Elina sensed Elizabeth's doubts, the pitch of her voice, the voracity of her objection. She reached deep for an illusion to drive it home. She turned slowly to face the woman, the whore she aimed to displace. Her features coaxed into a mask of soft saddness, the kind you'd have for a friend about to make a mistake.

She smiled softly, and met Elizabeth's gaze. When she spoke her voice carried a calculated tenderness, and a bittersweet melancholy. "She is special, just not in the way we'd both like, Elizabeth."

She looked away, putting on vulnerable airs. "I'm sorry, I just found out I'm pregnant today, and I've been very unkind. I wounded you when I should have held my anger and fear for the woman responsible." She met Elizabeth's eyes again, false tears in her eyes. "But if you take anything from this other than an understandable hatred for me, remember that she can't love you. She probably wants to, but she just can't, not like either of us would want her to."

Elizabeth’s features remained hard and unreadable, though her mind was working overtime. She went through countless shifts of emotion, she seriously considered every word Elina said. She couldn't see through the guise, she hardly even tried to. What if she was right? What if Lorelai would leave her high and dry? She growled, at bother herself and the woman in her hands. She pushed Elina towards the door, only using half of her strength. “Go.” She roared, not bothering to watch the woman leave.

Elina maintained her demure and defeated demeanor until she was safely in her own room, away from any watchful eyes. There was a pain in her chest, a guilt building there, but she'd done what she had to. Wasn't that what her sister, even Lorelai, had always taught her? Why did it have to feel so wrong then?

"Kings and Queens do what they will, the rest of us do as we must." She'd spoken the phrase many times, it was one of her favorite quotes. Now she knew what it meant, or was starting to. Fairy tales were for children, she'd have to steal her happy ending. Too bad Elizabeth would have to pay the price.

Elizabeth fell down onto the bed. She stared at it, breathing deep and heavy. Bo was prepared, he placed the bucket in front of her and held her hair back as she emptied her stomach into it. Tears fell, burning streaks down her face. She fell on her back against the bed, sobbing. “Triss!” She gasped out when she could finally catch her breath. The witch could dull her emotions, and she could at least let her get some sleep. Her heart was heavy, and she felt uneasy. “Get me Triss right now!”

Bob nuzzled his snout against her cheek, while Bo ran to wake up Triss. “Lizzie, you don't believe that crazy whore, do you? Lorelai loves you...at least I think that's love. I don't know, never felt it before myself.” He laughed, but was only met with more sobs. “Liz stop! I don't know how to deal with things that cry!”

---

Lorelai not being around was actually turning out to not be so bad. Sure, Sousiel missed her mistress, but sleeping next to Triss on a nightly basis was a decadent treat she was pretty sure she wasn't supposed to have. Of course, by 'sleeping' she meant cuddling and reading while Triss slept. Still, the experience was so heartwarmingly human that sometimes she forgot she had claws.

A knock at the door pulled Sousiel from her reading material, a trashy romance novel featuring elves. "That better not be Ettien." She muttered under her breath.

She slipped out of Triss' arms and made her way to the door. She was pleasantly surprised to see Bo standing in the hallway, a look of concern marring his feline features. Her face relaxed. "...Bo right? What is it?"

“Yes, I'm Bo.” Bo said hurriedly, he looked over Sousiel's shoulder and into the room. Though it was dark to any human, he was able to easily see the sleeping form of a redhaired woman in the bed. “Elizabeth needs to see Triss. She had a...rough encounter.” He said with clear distaste. “Might I have her?”

Sousiel was torn between denying her fellow's request, for the sheer joy of having done so, and the desire to aid Elizabeth. For a moment. "Rough encounter? I'll need specifics."

She turned and approached her lover, leaning over to kiss her cheek and whisper, "Triss? Sweety, could I trouble you to put Elizabeth's head back together? I think we'll get some juicy gossip out of the deal."

Triss groaned as she was woken up, but soon found herself smiling. Sousiel stared down at her, and for a second she ignored the request, wrapping her arms around Sousiel's neck and pulling her into a kiss. “Okay, I guess I can help Blondie.” She said after they parted. She pulled out of bed, tugging on her grass skirt. She was getting attached to it, if she was honest with herself.

Bo watched the couple interact, clearing his throat and tapping against the door frame. They had no time for this, Liz was groveling in her bed. “Ladies?” He sighed. “The sooner we leave, the better.”

Triss snapped her head to look at the demonic cat, one of Liz’s companions. He was almost cute, but she didn't like cats too much. She glanced at Sousiel, before following the demonic kitten down the hall.

Sousiel was sure to hold Triss' hand, and be as affectionate as possible without being obscene as they made their way to Elizabeth's room. Mostly because it was fun, but the added effect of making Bo sigh and get impatient made it irresistible.

Once they actually made it to the room, and she saw Liz's sorry state, she immediately regretted any delays. The woman's proud face was marred with tears, a far cry from the confident smile that suited her best. A bucket by the side of the bed held the noxious waste of her retching. She quickly made her way to her friend's side. "What happened, and who needs dead?"

Triss stayed far away from the two women. She hovered near the door. She was a healer, yes, but her overall presence was anything but soothing. She didn't hate Elizabeth, that couldn't be further from the truth. However, she hardly knew the woman. Tears scared her, especially tears that came from a woman who was usually strong and joking.

Elizabeth looked up at Sousiel, giving the demon a pained smile. She hadn't expected her to come. For a moment, she was tempted to tell her friend that Elina needed to die. That was washed away when she realized she wanted to do the deed personally. Instead, she reached up and put her hands around Sousiel, drawing the demon into an embrace. “It's just been a bad day.”

“Liar! It's all because of that whore! I'll trample her, I'll eat the monster lying in her stomach!” Bob roared, stomping and rearing on the bed. He had never witnessed so many tears, he would do anything to make them stop. He would kill Elina himself. He would take her eyes as a trophy!

"No, you'll drag her kicking and screaming to your mistress as a trophy, like a proper servant. Right Bob?" Sousiel chided the demonic steed playfully. She stroked Liz's back calmly, in stark contrast to the frothing rage building in her chest.

She pushed it aside, it wasn't useful to Elizabeth right now, perhaps later she could find a practical outlet. "It's alright Elizabeth, we can talk about it as much as you need later, okay?"

She turned towards Triss, gesturing her over with a nod. "For now though, let's get you a little closer to the Elizabeth we all remember. Triss'll see you relaxed and peaceful, won't you sweetheart?"

Bob stared at Sousiel with his void eyes. He had no muscles, no way to express his emotion, but if he did he would be smirking. “I suppose, but only if I get to keep her eyes. Maybe I could pop them into my skull, the last pair I had rotted.”

Elizabeth breathed a shaky sigh of relief. That was all she needed right now. If she couldn't find contentment in a bottle, she could find it with the help of Triss. “Thank you, Sousiel.” She told her friend with a smile, closing her eyes and waiting for Triss to draw near.

Triss recoiled for a moment, before putting on her best doctor guise. The only practice in the job she had was with Andri, and she was pretty sure Elizabeth didn't want to sleep with her. She walked over to Elizabeth, smiling mainly for Sousiel.
“Well, Liz, how do you want to feel?” Triss asked with a tilted head.

Elizabeth looked up at her, slowly pulling out of Sousiel's arms. “Happy, loved, I don't know. Something good.” She muttered, sniffling and wiping away a tear.

Triss shrugged, she could do happy. She reached out and patted Liz’s shoulder in an attempt to be comforting. Then, with a flash of green light coming from her eyes and enveloping, she was taken into her new favorite plane. Things moved slow here, and everything was a bright emotion. While on the outside she remained a motionless statue -eyes glassy for the few moments it took to complete her task- on the inside, she ruled.

She watched Elizabeth with pursed lips. She emanated doubt and sadness. Triss stepped inside, using her body as a bridge to her head where her emotions resided. Everything in here was orderly, but now doubt ran rampant. It flipped things onto their heads, decimating the strong temple of love that took center stage in Elizabeth's mind. Triss narrowed her eyes, walking towards it with little fear. The emotions of others could not manipulate her, not here at least.

She stepped up to the temple, staring cooly at Lorelai's visage. It flickered once and awhile, moving back and forth from the beautiful woman to a monster. Hideous claws, crooked teeth, smoke puffing out of every orifice. Triss jumped, whoever caused this was good at what they did. Given enough time, Elizabeth's love for her Dragon would fade altogether.

Triss didn't want that, as much as she hated to admit it. She walked around the monster that was Lorelai, finding the other sources of Elizabeth's love. There was one she couldn't name, a baby with no clear features. It was beautiful though, guarded by Elizabeth's arms from all the bad in the world. Triss held out a hand, drawing from this love. She used it as a sort of adhesive, piecing together Lorelai's lovely statue. The flickering no longer occurred, but doubt still beat at it. If Elizabeth didn't fix this herself, it would take over, and there would be nothing Triss could do.

Triss then worked on making Elizabeth happy, an easy task. The woman was masked by doubt, but she was still relatively joyful. Triss drew up a large ball of this joy and planted it at the front of Liz’s mind. With a final once over, she pulled out of Elizabeth's head, and the emotional plane. “You good, Blondie?” She teased, voice pained.

Elizabeth's mind was eased, she felt good. She felt like she could conquer the world, when before she wanted to hide from it. She nodded merrily, falling against the bed with a giggle. “Yes, yes I am.”

Sousiel smiled proudly at Triss. The woman's gift was horrific in scope and potential damage, which was hot, and her restraint and control was awesome. Alluring even. "You make that look easy, love."

She added a few things to her mental list of things to do to Triss during this second wind before returning her attention to Elizabeth. "Now that you're feeling better, what was that about?"

Triss shrugged, but her heart bloomed and she strained to suppress her urge to skip around the room in her state of content. She planted a kiss on Sousiel's forehead, and took a seat on the other side of Elizabeth. She had a small understanding of what had happened, but she craved to know more. She had no insane tendecies in mind, but she could always let lose a bit and harm whoever hurt Elizabeth.

Elizabeth smiled cheerfully up at Sousiel. “Elina's pregnant!” She rang, smiling still. “Now, she wants Lorelai back. I said no, because I have Lorelai. Lorelai's mine and she's is wonderful.” She cooed, lifting her nightgown to rub her belly. “Especially her dick, and her tail.”

Sousiel was quite familiar with Lorelai's dick, but perhaps this wasn't the company to elaborate in. Instead she mulled over the first portion of Elizabeth's whimsical musings. Elina couldn't be pregnant, Lorelai was sterile before her descent. Unless... perhaps the Elina problem would solve itself.

"Sucks to be her, shoulda put a ring on it. My mistress is a special lady after all." Sousiel chuckled. "And you've gotta love the dick and tits combo, best of both worlds, right Triss?" She winked.

"I doubt you have much to worry about as far as Elina's concerned." Sousiel added. "What's the worst she can do? Beg? That would be fun to watch."

Elizabeth brought up a finger, she knew many things Elina could do. She may have been happy about everything, but she was still realistic. “Well, she said she would dye her hair to look like Vespa. That's sickening, really, but I wouldn't put it past her. She's a bitch!” She giggled, fingers dancing over her stomach. “Or use the baby as leverage. That too. We all know how much Lorelai loves family. Nearly as much as I love her tits. The combo can never fail.” She winked at the ceiling.

The thought of Elina emulating Vespa in a misguided attempt to ensnare Lorelai was delightfully depraved. It reeked of a lovely desperation generally reserved for the insane and terminally addicted. Which one was the young Ruvina? If it wasn't her friend and mistress' hearts at stake Sousiel would have been tempted to let it play out just to see.

Unfortunately she may have to. Lorelai's last standing orders reguarding Elina were to ensure that no harm came to the girl. As much as she'd like to nip this particular fiasco in the bud while it was fresh, disobeying her mistress' commands would literally be fatal for her. Worse yet was the fact she couldn't even turn a blind eye whilst someone else did the dirty work.

Hopefully Lorelai would return soon, and clear this up. Elizabeth was vulnerable, and if tonight was any indication Elina had plenty of ammunition to capitalize on the chinks in the woman's armor. "Well, I think it's time for you to get some rest, and dream of those tits you're so enamoured with hmm?"

For now there was nothing to do but watch and wait. She stood, and extended a hand to Triss. Fortunately she had an endless source of joy and amusement to bouy her spirits. "I imagine you're not quite done sleeping either are you, love?"

Elizabeth let out a final giggle, she didn't want to go to bed at all. However, she knew a good night's rest would help her aching mind in the morning. So, with a small smile towards Sousiel and Triss, she crawled into her sheets. Bo and Bob gave the women small nods, showing their gratitude. They both went to help Elizabeth in their own way, Bo reading her a favorite section in his book -this section being a bloody slaughter- and Bob laying over her like a blanket.

Triss stared at Elizabeth for a moment longer, before she squeezed Sousiel's hand and pulled herself off of the bed. She felt bad for Blondie, who could so easily lose the love she felt for her Dragon. What would the girl do? She would be stuck with a baby, and when that baby moved on she would have to watch as Lorelai loved another. It stung, but she was glad she wasn't in that position. She had Sousiel, and Alphonse.

She smiled at Sousiel, and headed for the door. “I think my night can be better spent, don't you?” Triss grinned suggestively, shooting Elizabeth a fleeting glance before running out the door.

Guess the next user's kink.

Only if they contain hideous and forbidden knowledge, or are rare.

Next person likes to do it in public. Calling you out.

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

I'm in the pad index again if anyone needs me.

@Meiyuki

I'm back.

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

I'm in the pad index again if anyone needs me.

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

I'm sitting in the pad index if anyone needs me.

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

_{in collaboration with @SunsetRoses}

"Dreams and Nightmares"

Pt. 2

---

Their journey continued under the burning sun. In spite of its oppressive influence the duo made good time across the barren tundra, doing their best to keep cool, and sleeping during the freezing nights. The prey grew more plentiful as they approached the remains of once sizable population centers. Abandoned fields grew food aplenty for small herbavores, and Sousiel kept them fed with little issue.

The cart Sousiel had found quickly filled with the plentiful scraps of a long dead civilization. Dreameaters rarely hunted in packs, and the pair were at a loss to explain the sudden exodus that had occurred. Often times the demon would find long rotted meals set at tables during her nightly outtings, as if the inhabitants had simply vanished.

Finally they came to the lost city of Lud. In the distance they could see it highlighted against the last of the sun's rays. It's buildings where strange hybrids of stone and glass, stretching into the sky in straight lines, unlike anything the duo had ever seen. Before them was an enormous bridge of the same strange stone, fused with rusted steel underneath. It crossed a deep casm, the rushing waters below gurgling over the rocks beneath the river's surface.

Sousiel's eyes were wide and paranoid during their travels, something deadly roamed these lands, and Triss had come close enough to death in her esteemed opinion. She turned to her lover. "I don't really want to cross this yet. I've got no idea what's on the otherside, nor do I relish the thought of spending a night in those ruins."

During their travel, Triss had be little more than useless. Sousiel did most of the work, going on scouting trips while Triss stood by the cart and stretched her legs. The most Triss accomplished was charming their food and drink, to make sure it was safe to eat. She prayed for something to do, but little came. She was hardly as experienced as Sousiel, so it was pointless to try and take over. Since she had little to do, she was usually consumed in thought. Over the days, her thoughts became more ghastly, matching her dreams.

The sun's rays didn't hit her as hard under her hat, and while the heat was miserable, she was able to push through it with a straight face. She didn't whine or complain during the day, and when night came she found warmth and protection in the arms of her lover. It was sleeping that was wearing down on Triss, the nightmares came every time she began to drift. She would scream bloody murder and convulse in Sousiel's arms. When woken, she would punch and kick. Finally, Triss stopped sleeping altogether. It had been days since she had gotten more than fifteen minutes of rest.

Her eyes were bloodshot to the point of being almost fully red, she twitched or yelped at every sound. When Sousiel leaned up against her, she would clench her fist in preparation to attack, before lowering it and tucking her head into her lap. When they finally made it to Lud, she spent little time examining the landscape. She just wanted to leave, to escape, to stop the nightmares. The sooner they got to the Aeon, the better.

“You don't understand, Sousiel. We have to cross that bridge. We have to get to the Aeon.” She jumped out of the cart, her moves jerky. Her head snapped from place to place, until she was finally standing at the edge of the bridge. She looked up, at her compass that had guided them from the start. The wisps agreed with her, pointing straight ahead. She took a few quick steps, standing on the bridge tentatively. “Bring the cart.”

"Triss... I.." Sousiel fell silent as she noted the bags under her lover's eyes yet again. The witch was running herself ragged, fleeing whatever haunted her sleep, and Sousiel couldn't blame her. The demon had caught more than her fair share of fists trying to shake the girl from nightmares. "Okay, let me go first at least."

Sousiel pulled the cart onto the bridge and pushed on, navigating carefully around the areas where the bridge had fallen through. The structure swayed in the wind, groaning underneath its own weight. About half way across Sousiel vanished with the sound of cracking stone, along with their cart and supplies.

"Goddamn it!" She snarled, pulling herself up from the hole that had opened beneath her. She made her way back to Triss, cursing beneath her breath. "Any ideas on how to cross this damned thing?"

Triss watched their materials plummet into the chasm below, she was about to find a way to help Sousiel, but her lover had pulled herself out of the hole that had opened in the bridge. Their only way over. The hole was too large to jump, and if they had any magical charms to help them in that situation, it was long gone down the river. She knew it was her fault, she hadn't stopped when Sousiel had told her to. Now, their food, their water, everything was gone.

She looked up at Sousiel, the sincerest form of apology floating in her eyes. She had no time to be apologetic though, they needed to get over the damned bridge. “I don't know, really. The vines making up my skirt may be long enough to stretch across...but I don't know if they'll be strong enough.” She looked down at her skirt, a worthy companion...she didn't want to risk them, especially as they writhed. They were too cute to be sacrificed, which was a lot to say for plants. “What do you think?”

Sousiel wrapped her arms around Triss, pressing her head against her shoulder. She took slow, deep breaths as she fought to calm her growing frustration. Once the bile was gone from her throat she kissed her lover's cheek lightly. "Alright, let's see..."

She walked to the side of the bridge. The steel support structure holding the stone path aloft was rusty, but still mostly servicable. She looked over the steel beams, and spotted what could be their way across. Over the side of the bride, five feet below the surface, ran a small metal ledge. If they could get their feet on it, they might be able to shimmy across.

"Triss, come look at this." She called her lover over.

Triss forced a reassuring smile, walking towards Sousiel to see what she had discovered. As she leaned over the edge of the bridge, she saw the small metal ledge beneath them. She knew that getting down there would a stretch for the both of them, and she figured falling on the ledge too hard would cause the rusted metal to bend or even break. “Good catch, think we can make it?”

"I was going to ask you the same thing." Sousiel said simply. "I'll help you down if you think we can make it, otherwise..." She shrugged. "I'll figure something else out."

“The softer the landing the better, we don't want to break our secondary bridge. Lower me down, and we'll work from there.” Triss suggested, craning her neck to get a good view of the ledge. On a closer look, she found epicenters, focused points of intense strain that spreaded out and carried over the entire bridge.

“Let me try something, before I go.” Triss murmured, reaching over the bridge. Her hand outstretched, she called for the emotion. It was like calling for a puppy that didn't know its name, and she sat there for a few precarious moments, before feeling the flood of emotion hit her hand. The first epicenter spread, now partially relaxed and much less concentrated. She had no idea how this would affect the physical bridge, but she continued down the line, calling desperately for the strain when she hit the hole and it wasn't directly under her. She carried a massive ball of it in her arms, and when it was time to rid herself of it, she moved it into the ground. The ground sunk like mud where she placed it, but it was better that than putting it in a human source.

The whole task must have looked strange to Sousiel, because in her eyes Triss was just prancing along the bridge and reaching out her hand. Triss, however, patted herself on the back for a job well done. She felt renewed, having actually busied herself with a task. When she looked down at the ledge, the previous intensity had gave way to a new softer source. They would have to be careful, but now they had an easier path. “Now you can lower me.”

"Alright, be careful, love." Sousiel felt a good deal more confident about their crossing. She couldn't see what Triss had done, other than the green glow that heralded the use of the witch's magic, but she seemed satisfied with it. Unless she had elected to kill them both, that boded well for her.

She helped Triss over the small railing, then took her forearms to lower her slowly down to the small ledge. Once the witch had her footing, Sousiel followed suit, doing her best not to jostle or put too much pressure on their precarious foothold. "I'll go first again, remember me fondly if I fall and die."

“Don't worry, you won't die.” Triss said quite simply, looking anywhere but down as they slowly shimmied across the bridge. They were silent, focused entirely on their work. Their makeshift bridge didn't creak or groan under their pressure, a small comfort. When they made it to the edge, they cautiously lifted themselves back onto the bridge. Triss went after Sousiel, making sure her companion was up and safe before even attempting the short climb.

The lost city of Lud was a ruin of what was once a gleaming marvel of human engineering. Even now the buildings stretched into the sky as titans of stone and glass, no less formidable in their dilapidated state. The streets were lined with lamps, some still flickering with a strange light that had no source. Great steel carriages, oddly devoid of any rigging for horses, barred their passage, and the pair were forced onto sidewalks and alleyways as they made their way through the corpse of the once great metropolis.

The city wasn't empty though. Things skittered just out of sight as they passed, lurking in sewer grates and the darkness of alleyways. Triss' wisps ushered them on, but they hadn't been informed of the state of Lud, and the streets they indicated were often unusable, or barred by rubble.

The sun continued to sink over the horizon, sending long shadows over the streets as light began to fade. "Between navigating and the sheer size of this place I don't think we can avoid being here at nightfall, do you want me to try to find a secure spot for us?" Sousiel turned to her companion.

When they finally stopped, Triss began investigating the strange city. Triss tapped the steel carriages. They looked interesting, but without attachments for horses, how did people expect to move? She peeked inside the glass window of one, and saw...a wheel? What sort of idiot put a wheel on the inside of their vehicle, and why were the seats facing the front? How did someone expect to converse?

She was about to snort a laugh when Sousiel addressed her, pulling her attention away from strange carriage. “Yes, that would be great, dear. While you do that, I'll try to find a way past this rubbish. The wisps won't stray from their course.” Triss said, rolling her eyes and pointing at the sky where the wisps stood, beckoning her forwards.

"We may just have to go around, and meet them elsewhere." Sousiel smiled wryly before bounding off in search of a safe place.

Sousiel found her way back to the small intersection where she'd left Triss. A silly grin curved the demon's lips, she'd found a spot. Not just any spot, a great spot, with comforts, security, and even a view.

"Triiiss." She called in a whimsical singsong. "I found the best spot, with the most amazing stuff. It's even mostly clean."

Triss sat atop the warm metal of one of the carriages, waiting eagerly for Sousiel to come and see her new collection of toys. Most of her items were stashed away in her new knapsack, which sat faithfully on her back, but she found herself making the little man on her cube jump. She had a feeling she wasn't getting very far in this little man's life, but by the gods was it fun.

When Sousiel called for her, Triss jumped down from the roof of the carriage, running like mad to catch up to her lover. “This place is truly magical! Look at my new...cube!” She waved the device in front of Sousiel's face, before taking off her bag and digging through it. She found her clear sack of tiny cylinders, and held them up for Sousiel to see. “They work with these! They carry the power of lightning, because when you lick them, they shock you!” She set it aside, pulling out her mechanical torch. “This gives you light, out of nowhere! It must have been crafted by a genius light witch.” She said, pressing the black button on its surface and shining the beam of light in Sousiel's face.

Sousiel squinted against the beam of Triss' light, shooing it away she looked with awe over the rest of the strange relics. She licked one of the strange cylinders, confirming for herself that they did indeed shock you. She giggled. "This stuff is awesome! I found a bed, made of water, these people were brilliant!"

"They even have baths... that heat themselves without using stones or anything. I don't smell any magic on them either." She tugged on Triss' arm. "Come on, you have to see. Maybe I'll even find a new music box here."

Triss giggled, shoving all of her new items into her knapsack and putting her arms through the straps. “Made of water? These people think of the craziest things!” She said airily, letting her worries drift away. There was nothing simple here, but that's what gave it its magic. Triss hadn't a clue that things like this were possible without magic, but unless Sousiel’s nose was lying, she was wrong.

“I want to try the new bath!” Triss admitted, skipping off with Sousiel in a gleeful mood. She was thankful for Lud, it upped their moods endlessly. Without the city and its amazing things, she was certain Sousiel would have killed her in a fit of annoyance.

Sousiel lead them to one of the towers of glass. The front door slid to the side, illiciting another giggle from the demon. From there they ascended several flights of stairs, and walked through a carpeted hallway before arriving in Sousiel's paradise.

"Here we are." Sousiel grinned as she pushed the heavy wooden door open.

The interior of the spacious room was dimmly lit by strange glass spheres behind small curtains. The floor was carpeted wall to wall with a rug of some fiber Sousiel'd never seen before. There where several devices whose purpose the demon had been unable to divine; A large glass panel hung on the wall, strange resin ropes ran from it to the wall. A metal box sat in an alcove of the large dresser, inside was a plate, and its sides bore numbers and strange buttons.

The main feature of the room though, was the bed. It sat in a large wooden frame, and the pillows and sheets atop it where largely untouched by the ravages of time. With a giggle Sousiel lept into the center, and immediatly sunk in as the bed rippled. "See? It's got water in it."

Triss’ eyes scanned the room, it wasn't unlike the one she had explored previously, though this one was obviously for a much smaller group of people. She took off her simple shoes, running her feet through the strange rug, which failed to shift despite her best efforts. She fell into a fit of laughter when Sousiel jumped onto the bed, and sank. Her eyes flashed with awe, some genius had trapped water in a bed.

She ran over, crawling onto the bed and giggling as it shifted and she fell forwards. “This is amazing!” She said, splaying herself out on the bed. At every shift, it would wobble, before tottering back into place. “I wonder what the day to day life was around here.” She fished through her pack, taking her torch and waving it in circles on the roof.

"Me too," Sousiel rolled onto her back, her eyes following the lightshow on the ceiling. "It must've been strange. I still don't know what half of the stuff I've seen is for." She giggled. "Maybe they rode around in their horseless carriages, inventing new stuff all the time. Makes you wonder where they all went."

"I wish we had time to stay and figure it out, wouldn't that be fun?" She sighed happily, stretching her hand across the bed towards Triss. "Do you think you'll be able to sleep here, love? You haven't been resting well."

Triss smiled, whisked away to a world of wonder. She imagined herself as a girl here, living amongst these new things and treating them as tired old things just waiting to be updated. “I think they went on to greater things, things outside the range of even this world. Maybe they built flying devices, and flew away to something new.” She said, her voice full of hope and wonder. She knew that they could also be dead, but she didn't care to admit that.

Triss found Sousiel's hand, and gave it a loving squeeze. She hadn't thought of sleep, but the simple word did numbers to her body. She relaxed, her lids closing heavily. If she did have a nightmare, she could always wake up and play with her new toys. “I'm sure I can.” She answered with utmost confidence, rolling over to Sousiel and holding her close. “Tomorrow we can try the new tub, and find new cylinders so our toys last longer.”

Sousiel grinned, elated that she'd convinced Triss to get some much needed sleep. She melted into her lover's embrace as several days worth of stress fled her body. "That sounds perfect." She kissed her lover's nose playfully. "Goodnight dear."

---

"Triss, wake up, something's happening." Triss awoke to Sousiel's fearful tone.

The demon was at the window, gazing in curiousity and apprehension at the streets below. Twisted humaniod shapes roamed the stone pathways, they crawled over the wreckage with their noses to the ground like a wolf on a hunt. Drums could be heard in the distance, growing closer with each passing beat. The skyline glowed with the orange light of distant bonfires.

"We need to get ready to move." Sousiel stepped away from the window, and began packing their things.

Triss’ night was blessedly calm, there were no dreams or nightmares just a deep sleep. Her body felt rested, and she was prepared for an easy wake up with Sousiel in her arms. Instead, she was woken abruptly by the urgency in Sousiel's voice.

When told to get ready to move, Triss immediately put her toys into her knapsack and slipped it on. This was all she had now, as far as belongings went. She didn't dare look outside the window, the risk of being spotted was too great. “Okay, I'm ready to move.” She said, heading for the door and waving their waterbed goodbye.

"Are the wisps around?" Sousiel asked as they made their way to one of the external staircases along the outside of the building, she didn't want to risk stepping out onto a main street if she didn't have to. "Could you... I don't know, attune them to the city or something? I don't think we'll have the opportunity to take our exit slow."

She opened the access window, and much to her horror the strange creatures had already gathered at the bottom of the iron stair case. "Looks like our exi-"

She was cut short by the bark of gunfire, much to rapid to be a musket. Her shoulder sprayed blood as a bullet grazed its top. She quickly slammed the window shut, and turned the locking mechanism at its bottom. "Motherfucker, that complicates things a bit."

Triss cursed, trying not to pay attention to the blood that had spattered into her hair. She looked at the lock on the door, knowing it wouldn't hold long against the rapid fire muskets. “The wisps direct me to where I need to be, they don't take barriers into account. They may redirect to take us into safety, but I wouldn't count on it.”

She took Sousiel by the uninjured arm, rushing off down hall. They had nowhere to go, if the access windows were cut off that meant the staircases had to be. It was much to high to jump. There was one plausible idea that made Triss queasy just thinking about it. “There's always the metal doors, but I don't know if they'll work here. If we can get down to the wisps, I'll make sure we get out safely.”

Sousiel nodded. The entrances were likely being watched as well, but they could hope the main body of their enemies had been sent up to meet them. "Alright."

The metal doors were locked, and the button on the wall did not seem to function either. Sousiel wrenched them open with a grunt and the screaming protest of steel contorting. Beyond the doorway was a square shaft that ran down to the bottom floor, and several metal ropes ran up its center.

Sousiel turned her back to Triss, and wrapped the witch's arms around her neck. "Down we go, hold on." Claws extending from the demon's finger tips, and she slid down the wall of the shaft with Triss in tow, leaving long rents in the stone as she slowed their descent.

When they stood safely in front of the next set of doors, the ones leading to the main lobby, she turned to her lover. "My nose tells me we've still got several on the other side of these, Triss. Several we're going to have to go through."

"I can take a few bullets, but not that many. I need you to do something, drive them against each other, make them passive, something okay?" She cupped the witch's face in her hands, and kissed her gently. "If I don't make it, run, if neither of us make it, I love you, okay?" She turned to the door. "Tell me when you're ready."

During the ride on Sousiel's back, Triss accepted the moment they were having as their last. She had been crazy to accept the mission to visit an Aeon, putting both her and Sousiel in danger. Everything up to that point had been a hideous wreck, all because of Triss. Now, they would be going out with a muffled cry. Hideous, but hardly memorable.

She pushed back the waterworks threatening her eyes as Sousiel spoke. It was a lost cause, but she had to admit her spirits were raised by Sousiel's determination. Her eyes glowed a blinding green, and she gathered up every bit of calm and passiveness she had in her skirt. Weights were set on her heart, she knew it wouldn't be enough. “Always ready, love.” She said with a wink, watching Sousiel pry open the metal doors, their last defense.

The five creatures on the outside of the door were sickly things. What had once been human, was little more than a mangled skeleton. Their transparent flesh was pulled tight against their new figures, giving full view of their blackened veins, pumping a thick blood. They had jaws wide and disfigured, leaking drool onto the floor. Their crooked noses flared, like a bloodhound detecting its prey. Despite their current conditions, all five held sleek guns in their crooked arms, muzzles pointed towards the entrance of the elevator.

The things that happened next occurred in moments, but for Triss, time had slowed. The world was her mind, and she was there to play. Her vision became clouded, until she could see nothing but emotions. Bullets moved around her, slow enough that she could reach out and touch them in this realm of hers. She saw one heading towards her at a snailcrawl, but her eyes were solely focused on her victims.

Raw hunger, rage, devotion, all flooding from her enemies. Their forms were blurred, where there used to be a sharp contrast. The calm in her arms flooded out, searching for its targets. It hit three of the creatures with devastating force, overtaking them even though their rage fought against the intrusion. At the same time, she was caught by a bullet. The sudden shockwave pulled her from her newfound world. She let out a piercing scream, her hand finding the wound that had torn through her ribcage. Shock and adrenaline carried her, she remained standing, still ready to flee.

Sousiel tore through the small opening, ripping into her warform. Bullets tore through her flesh, but not in the torrent she'd feared. The rattle of guns on the marble floor reached her ears as three of her victims dropped their weapons, overwhelmed with tranquil looks on their twisted faces.

The two remaining combatants were not enough to stop the beast, their features contorting with fear just before a violent spasm from Sousiel's forelimbs painted the lobby with their gore. Thoughts of mercy dissolved when Triss cried out in pain, and the demon quickly fell on the incapacitated creatures in retribution. It was over in moments.

Sousiel and Triss fled to the street in front of the building. The drum beats still grew steadily closer. The demon turned to its companion. "Take my blood, we're not out of this yet."

"Your wisps better know what the fuck they're doing, it's up to you to guide us out of this." The beast lowered its belly to the ground, its legs forming into a few steps. "Quickly, before I lose my shit."

Triss accepted the offer of Sousiel's blood, suckling one of her open wounds for a few moments until her pain was just a rough throb. She then mounted the demonic form of her lover, looking up at the sky. It was like her compass had split in two, some wisps still pointing towards the rubble path, another group shifted westwards just slightly. “That way, love.” Triss said simply, pointing in the direction of the less stubborn wisps.

The wisps guided them down alleyways and broken streets with the maddening drums and creatures in close pursuit. Bullets wizzed by the pair in constant threat of cutting their flight short. Ambushes were turned aside with magic and claw, each one closer to claming their lives. They pushed deeper into the city at a desperate pace.

Finally they came to the city's abrupt end. The street ended with a cliff that stetched out to either side as far as the eye can see, as if the city had been cut in half. Before them stood several immense carriages linked together with steel. They all sat on a rail that extended over the vast distance of the casm. Titanic shadows danced just out of sight in the cyclopean dark of the distance, but the drums at their heels quickly erased thoughts of returning.

"Into the breach it is. Figure out how to make that thing go, I'll see what I can do to buy you time." Sousiel deposited her lover on the ground, before turning and bounding back into the dark of the city.

Triss watched Sousiel leave, running off into the depths of battle like a true warrior. She did her part, running towards the caterpillar of carriages. She entered a door, running through carriages with plush satin chairs on her way towards the front of the machine, which she believed housed the key to starting the behemoth.

She entered the uppermost carriage, which was full of controls. The levers and buttons were there, but they were covered so thickly with emotion that their shapes could not be discerned. She separated the positive from the neutral, going over her choices. Determination, patience, hope, satisfaction, anticipation. After sitting there thinking, the realization struck Triss that this was an order puzzle. She had to work her way from beginning to end, in order to get the metal carriages moving.

“Why couldn't it just be horses? What's wrong with horses?” Triss cursed, kicking at the controls. She knew the order, it was quite simple. She just didn't know what would happen once the damn thing had started. If it started moving, and she left Sousiel… There was no time to think of the consequences. Sousiel would make it back, she was sure.

She flipped the switch that held determination, and the front of the train let out a thrum, the sound of a thousand bees collectively buzzing. Moving on, she pressed the button of hope, there was a chuff as more parts flared to life. The interworkings of the machine turned, slow and steady, adjusting and working off the fine outer layer of rust that had accumulated there. Once the anticipation key was turned, the train lurched forwards, ready to start its course. Afraid it would leave without Sousiel, Triss slammed her palm down on patience. Everything was working, thrumming, ready. The lever of satisfaction was waiting, eager to be pulled, eager to start. The last step was waiting for Sousiel.

The roar of the steel beast coming to life shook Sousiel from her murderous reverie. She tossed the corpses of her foes from her sharpened appendages and bolted towards the square that held their only hope of escape. Bullets pelted her flanks as she shoved overturned carriages into the path behind her. The drums reached a frenzied pace, driving the creatures forward as they sensed their prey's escape.

She broke into the square, blood pouring from countless wounds along her thorax and human torso. Lurching towards the open door she felt the last of her unholy vigor leave her just as she reached it. Her war form collapsed as she stepped into the carriage. "Go!" She called through a mouthful of blood.

Behind her the creatures stuggled over the makeshift barricade Sousiel had left behind her. Sparks flew from the metal of the carriages as bullets pelted it, but none found their mark.

Triss pulled the final lever with all her might, not looking back at Sousiel until the carriages had reached a steady pace and the ricochet of bullets was long gone. She sat down next to her lover, and cradled the giant beast’s human half. “I couldn't have asked for a better protector.” She murmured lovingly, knowing there was little she could do for Sousiel. They had no proper medical supplies, so it was demon blood or bust. “Rest, love, I'll wake you when we get somewhere.”

---

Sousiel's condition was touch and go over the next several days. Without her will to sustain it her monstrous lower half eventually dissolved, leaving her looking every bit the delicate victim of chance that she was. Her wounds wept blood, her strange anatomy slowly pushing metal out of her body. She shook with fever, calling out her mistress' name, as well as Triss', with an empty longing.

Eventually the girl fell silent as she began to heal, the worst of it behind her. The holes in her flesh knitted together, she slowly regained color, and finally fell into a restful sleep.

All the while they continued. The strange carriage moved through the black expanse at a blinding pace, a small console at the front tracking their progress towards Can-ka-no-Rae. The words meant nothing, but filled Triss with fearful anticipation nontheless.

The metallic carriage lurched to a stop, they were in a room underground. It was like a basement, plain except for the support poles with meaningless signs on them. There were a few metal benches for seating, but the main attraction was the staircase. It was made of the same smooth stone as everything else, but she could see a light emanating from the top.

Triss looked over her console, and confirmed that they were in Can-ka-no-Rae, the destination that had been the source of her fears and hope. She turned towards the sleeping form on the floor, slowly moving over and nudging Sousiel's healing body. She had been a deep rest for a while now, and Triss missed her company. “Sousiel, we're here. Wake up, love.”

Sousiel stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "Of course we're here. Where else would we be?" She said dryly, wiping the sleep from her eyes. "Sorry, I'm evidently in a foul mood this morning. Good to see we're alive."

She sat up slowly, checking over her body for signs of remaining damage. "All my bits are intact, how nice. Did your wound close, love? It would be wise to have you whole of body before something else tries to usher us into the great dark."

Triss smiled at Sousiel, happy to hear her voice, bitter or no. She gave the demon a once over, already knowing that most of her wounds were healed. Triss rubbed her ribcage, where the outer wounds had healed incredibly well. She still felt sore after activities that were too strenous, but that was easily looked over. “I'm fine, thanks for asking. Let's be off, Sousiel. I'm ready to stretch my legs.” She held out a hand for her companion, who had been bedridden for far too long.

"Yes, let's." Sousiel sighed as Triss help her to her feet. Her body was energetic, the stiffness of several days on the hard floor of the carriage could be largely ignored. A deep fatigue had settled into her mind, however, as Triss drug her heedlessly into danger after danger.

She understood the witch's need, but fear and pain threatened to turn the demon's affection bitter. She just wished they could pause for a day or so, even a few hours of something sweet. "Alright, any idea what's up next?" She stretched, working the small kinks in her body out as she mentally prepared herself for the remainder of their journey.

“Well, the short version is: find the Aeon, and go home.” Triss sighed heavily, tossing on her her knapsack and opening the train door. After looking around the room, she stepped onto the cold stone floor. As soon as her foot hit the ground, she was bombarded with wisps. They had left the air, quite obviously, and a small group was now circling her, waiting for her to start moving forwards.

“I don't quite know the long version yet, but it starts with us walking out of this basement.” She said simply, taking her torch and swinging its beam of light around the room. She waited patiently for Sousiel, before walking after the wisps.

"Can... can we take a little break?" Sousiel asked timidly from the doorway of the carriage. She was near her wit's end, and needed something. She didn't know what it was, but the demon feared she'd come to resent this moment if she didn't get it. "Maybe just talk a little? Play a game? Anything..."

Triss paused, nearing the steps. She was so close to the light, only a few steps away. This didn't stop her from turning back to Sousiel and smiling though, a promise written on her face. “Of course, Sousiel.” She said, retracting herself from the light and standing before Sousiel. A fire was being kindled in her eyes, one that had nearly died.

“Tell me what you'd like to do, and I'll do it.” Triss told her, wrapping her arms around the demon in a gentle embrace.

"I don't know what I want." Sousiel pressed her face against Triss' shoulder, a small sob shaking her frame. "You've nearly died more times than I'd like, I've been torn nearly apart."

Crimson tears poured over the demon's cheeks. "I'm just scared, I don't want you to die here, I don't want to lose you." She held her lover tightly. "I've never been in love before, I've never been this scared before. I don't know what to do."

Triss ran her hand over Sousiel's back in strong circles, listening to her lover's pleas. “I know, Sousiel...I haven't exactly been the best tutor, either.” She smiled weakly, pulling away so she could wipe the bloody tears off of the demon’s cheeks.

“Why don't we talk...we haven't done that in a while. It's your turn to tell me about your history.” Triss suggested, taking Sousiel's hand and delicately leading her to one of the comfortable carriage cars.

"Okay." Sousiel said weakly, a smile curving her lips. The oppressive tension in her chest relaxed some. She took a seat on one of the benches, pausing briefly to admire its satin upholstery. "I was born to be a familiar."

"I don't mean that as a calling, like a man is born to be a fisherman." She giggled. "I was literally forged in the pit to be Lorelai's familiar, I never had any other purpose."

"I met her when she was... eleven? It was just after her family died, she bound me and well... we went on adventures and stuff." She smiled sheepishly. "I feel a little silly, Lorelai and I have done things like this, but I've never been so scared."

She looked at Triss, meeting the witch's gaze. "Why am I scared Triss?" She looked away shyly. "I might be a little sad if someone else died, maybe even cry a little, but if you died... I hurt just thinking about it."

Triss stared up at Sousiel with a child's wonder, imagining herself in Sousiel's role. She regained focus when Sousiel questioned her, asking her why she was afraid of Triss' death. "Well, Sousiel, you're afraid of me dying because you're close to me."

She fiddled with her hands, trying to find a way to elaborate. "Done people are closer to your heart than others. For example, if my mother and father died, I would sob. Yet, if Ysera died, I would probably only be upset for a few days. The closer someone is to your heart, the more you feel for them when they are hurt." She paused, wondering if Sousiel understood her explanation.

"You must be awfully close to my heart then." Sousiel said with wonder, looking down at her chest as if she could somehow see Triss lurking there. "It's strange... I'm afraid, and I normally run away from, or kill, things that scare me."

"I'm afraid if this love of mine, but I don't want to run from or kill you." Sousiel grinned. "I want to run towards you, and do... other stuff to you."

She sighed. "I don't think I'll ever be any good at this, but thank you for letting me try." She smiled weakly. "I do love you, for what it's worth, and will keep trying."

Triss laughed, wiggling her eyebrows when Sousiel mentioned 'other stuff'. She was sure the demon meant dancing, or talking as they were now, but Triss couldn't help finding the suggestiveness of it. "You don't have to worry about being good at it. I'm horrible at love, yet I've made my way, and found a lovely woman to stand by my side." She took Sousiel's hand, and kissed it proudly.

Sousiel's face flushed as Triss kissed her hand. She pushed herself gently into her lover's lap, resting her head happily against her shoulder. "I'm hardly lovely, but I'm yours."

The little chat, and a few sweet words had done wonders for the tension in Sousiel's heart. It thudded happily in her chest again, content once more with its place in the world. The demon grinned, stealing Triss' lips briefly. "Just let me stay here for a little bit, and I'll be okay. Then we'll see this Aeon, and go home."

Triss' face ignited, becoming a harsh red. She grinned like mad, running her fingers through Sousiel's hair. "Of course, Sousiel." She whispered, leaning back against her seat and closing her eyes. "This Aeon is probably going to disappoint me." She acknowledged in a hushed tone, shaking her head with a faltering grin.

"I doubt it," Sousiel giggled, giving her lover a lingering kiss this time. "But if you're really worried, I'll give you something memorable, right here if you'd like." Her eyes twinkled with mischief.

Triss smirked, tapping Sousiel's forehead. "Here? On this train? Why, I couldn't even consider it!" She faked a gasp, overexaggerating her action. She leaned down and peppered Sousiel with a few kisses, showing her true intent. "However, it would be refreshing. And, if I die because of this Aeon, at least I'd die happy."

---

After the lovers had enjoyed themselves to their heart's content, and returned what scraps of clothes they had left to their bodies, the stepped out of the carriage into the dark of the basement.

Their fireless torches lit the way to the foot of a large stone staircase. Light filtered into the basement from above, and bird-song reached their ears. They paused to look at each other for a moment, recognizing in the back of their minds that their journey had come to an end. With a deep breath the climbed the staircase towards light.

They stepped into a field of roses. They sky over head swirled, invisible lines of power drawing the clouds and wind around a black edifice. An imposing black tower reached into the beautiful blue sky from the center of the field. Glowing golden names crawled across its surface, the names of every ardent lover who ever strived for something better. It was transfixing, like gazing on the center of the universe. Warmth filled their chests as they struggled to comprehend its scope.

”Welcome to Can-ka-no-Rae.” The caretaker called out to them. Sousiel’s eyes fell upon a painfully beautiful blonde girl. Her smile sent shudders of shame through the demon’s sickly spirit. She was dressed in a simple floral gown, her silken locks cascading down her shoulders in soft waves. She stood from her crouched position, moving towards them in greeting.

Triss’ eyes, however, were met with an entirely different sight. Vast galactic constructs brimming with limitless cosmic power made up this Old God’s true form. They swirled around two brilliantly burning eyes. A gentle warmth filled her, this creature knew the name of every man and woman, every blade of grass, every crawling insect, and counted them its children. It wept for every lost soul, and sang sweetly to each new child, giving them their first dream. It had presided over creation, when the first morning dawned on mankind, and would be there when the last light went out.

Tendrils of power wrapped around Triss, drawing her spirit into a warm embrace. ”You’ve come a long way to find me, and suffered much little one. What can a simple caretaker do for you, Triss Felminah, scion of Storm and Harvest?”

Triss stared at the power before her, in the vague shape of a woman. The Caretaker of all, a mother who watched her children from afar, but with a love unmatched. Her spirit was warm, her eyes felt heavy. She wanted to sleep in the Caretaker's soft arms, take in every name etched in the sky.

She had come with a purpose, to remove her insanity. Was that really what she wanted, though? There was so much to say, so much that could be answered. Would she really waste it on herself? Triss chewed on her lip, stepping towards the cosmic entity with a hand outstretched. "I came with a purpose, of course. Yet, what I'd really like, is to talk to you."

"I traveled far, to find you. Sousiel risked her life for me so many times. I ask for time, with you. Answers to my questions." Triss took a deep breath, smiling wryly.

"Time we have, dear, although not as much as we had when the world was young." The stars of her form pulsed with mirth. "But that's the way of things isn't it? Go on, child, ask your questions. I'll answer what I can, then see to your companion."

Triss smiled, captivated by the burning eyes before her. "First, I'd like to know why my great grandmother is. The storm witch." She paused, hoping the caretaker could answer the simple question.

"I'd also like to know...about the big threat. There is a war coming, yes, but the elder witches talk of something bigger. Can you tell me what you know?" Triss bit her lip, hopeful. The Aeon had to know more about the threat than anyone, and any information was helpful.

"The first question is simple enough. Alice has gone by many names, and lived many lifetimes. Abandoned in the woods as a girl her rage found kinship with elemental fire, her dreams touched sister sky, her mecurial temperment soothed water, and even the earth beneath her loved her." Triss was met with a vision of a young girl with white hair. Her eyes burned with rage, and lightning crawled across her shape. Cities crumbled to earthquakes in her wake, and storms split the sky overhead, claiming those who fled.

"Eventually she abandoned her mortal form, joining with the primal elements to become what she is today, disaster personified." The vision faded.

Triss let out a breath she had been holding during the vision, her eyes clear. She had felt the electricity in the air as lightning cracked around Alice, the rumbles of earthquakes taking the lives of many. Triss' heart rate intensified. She lusted after that sort of power, but she also knew it was a danger to herself and others.

Alice probably had the same dreams as Triss, of death and glory. She managed to succeed in her dreams though, becoming a presence of destruction. "Thank you, for showing me my grandmother. Now, to the next question." She asked, fighting to find her focus.

"Yes, the darkness at everyone's doorstep." The Old God visited Triss with another vision.

She stood in a field back on the material plane. A calm breeze swayed the flowers, and brought sweet scents to her nose. The sun's rays were a gentle warmth on her face, and bird-song filled her ears. Children played heedlessly in the grass, chasing each other with bright smiles on their faces.

A shadow crept across the clearing as something passed in front of the sun. Triss' eyes were drawn towards the sky. She saw there, stark against the vast blue, a seam. It split the sky from horizon to horizon, and began to yawn open. Impossibly horrific things poured from the rift first. Skittering alien beasts that escaped description landed amidst the flowers, and began to paint the field with blood.

Still the rift widened, and soon larger things joined them. Gods that never where, and never could be, strode into the world. Reality strained in horror at their invasion, and soon even time died. She stood now in a barren land, devoid of light or change, no air, no gravity, just the cold dark.

Her vision returned to the clearing, and the Old God spoke sadly. "Annunkai, a still-born universe, hunts our world of light and warmth. It will consume it in its quest to be real, to exist, unless it is stopped."

Triss stood, shellshocked. She had seen the end of days, the creatures that were coming to destroy them, and leave nothing behind. It had happened so soon, and in such a vicious place. Those poor, sweet children...

She looked down, closing her eyes to flush out the things she had seen. When stars lined her vision, she was ready to speak again. "Tell me, Caretaker. Tell me what can stop it. Please." Triss wanted to beg, fall on her knees, but she couldn't. She stood staring into those eyes, seeking answers to a seemingly impossible question. If the elders hadn't found a way, how could she?

"When the time comes, when the outerdark reveals itself in the sky," The Caretaker spoke softly, stroking Triss' back. "Show it your resolve, your strength, cling tight to what you have, and don't go gently into its black embrace. Prove to it your will to live is stronger, that you deserve to survive."

"You have what you need, the might of the hunters and witches can beat them back. The will of your elders is transcendant, and can seal the rift. The question is, will you throw it away on petty hatred before the end?" She whispered. "Or will you strive for peace, against the odds?"

Triss pressed her face against the woman's shoulder, her body trembling. She held on to each word the woman said, like they would fly off if she didn't. The chance of the hunters and witches finding peace was at an all time low, but the chance of them surviving without peace was even smaller. Would the threat on an apocalypse stop the squabble? Only time would tell, but she knew she had to get back to the mortal realm to find out.

"Thank you, Caretaker. I will pay great heed to your words." Triss said, her voice weak. She broke the strong embrace, turning to Sousiel and beckoning her. "Your turn, love." She said simply, tears running down her cheeks.

Sousiel approached the girl timidly. She wrapped her arms around Triss in a show of silent support as she addressed the Caretaker. "Hi... I'm Sousiel."

"Yes you are, I've watched you and your mistress for a long time little Sousiel." The Caretaker beamed at the demon, glowing with pride. "I'm pleased to see love inside you yet. Fighting like a wide eyed, half starved, crazed survivor in a hostile land, but love nontheless."

"It's sweet, and even a little humbling to see you strive." She said wistfully. She turned to Triss, a playful smile on her lips. "I don't suppose you'd let me keep her would you?"

Triss pulled herself out of her thoughts, just enough to give the Caretaker a warm smile and a shake of the head. “I'm afraid I would, Caretaker. There are many that love her, and would hate to be without her presence. Me especially.” She winked at Sousiel, before retreating into the columns of her mind.

"Yeah, I'd prefer not to be kept, thanks." Sousiel grinned at the Caretaker. Staying here with this blindingly beautiful creature was a pleasant thought, but she had better things already.

"How unfortunate, for me of course." The Caretaker giggled. "I'll collect you one of these days Sousiel, but until then I'm sure there's something you wanted right?"

"Right..." Amidst all the excitement, and the Caretaker's dire prophecy, Sousiel'd nearly forgotten why they'd come here in the first place. She looked at the witch in her arms, concern on her face. "I mostly want you to heal Triss here. She's been having trouble with destructive urges, and more recently nightmares. Can you help her?"

"Of course, dear, I can manage that." The Caretaker turned to Triss. "Triss? Child, I'm going to need you to relax okay?"

Triss stared quaintly up at Sousiel, surprised the demon would use her first request to aid her. Triss pressed up against her, not quite ready to have the Caretaker invade her mind again. Would she be different? Would she lose the one part of her that made her feared throughout the castle? Was that really a bad thing? Her tense body slowly relaxed, and she held her head up to the swirling cosmos that made the Aeon. “Of course,” she muttered reluctantly. “Thank you both.”

The Caretaker pushed gently into Triss' mind. "First thing's first, I can see some dreameater scars in here. Let's clean that up."

The dreameater had left tears in Triss' mind. Deep slashes festering with nightmarish visions and sensations frayed the witch's thoughts. The Caretaker was pleased to see that they were healing on their own, slowly but surely. Sousiel, however, had been clear with her request. The Aeon extended a hand, absorbing all of the emotional content from the visions. Triss would remember what she had seen, but it would be a distant memory, devoid of any real power to affect her any longer.

Next were the urges. The Caretaker moved deeper into Triss' mindscape. It was a chaotic realm, not unlike the Tellurian itself. Powerful emotions ran rampant, seemly unchecked by the witch, but each stood ready to offer itself to Triss' growing power. She examined her favorite emotion, and was pleased to see the girl's love burning brightly. A temple stood in the chaos of her mind, an altar to Sousiel and a blonde haired man, Alphonse.

With love came fear, and the Caretaker saw it here. Behind Alphonse stood several shadowy figures, each laughing coyly, poised to snatch him away. There were other duties in Alphonse's life, ones he said meant nothing, but Triss was fearful nontheless.

Sousiel sat in the temple, learning from Triss. Lessons of love and kindness, and the demon drank eagerly. Just behind the warmth was a vision of fear, that once the demon had learned enough she'd move on. The Caretaker giggled at the girlish fear, but she supposed she had an insight into these things Triss did not.

"Triss, if Alphonse's duties bother you that much, then ask him to stop. If he doesn't, then move on, this fear of yours is unhealthy." The Caretaker whispered into the witch's mind. "And Sousiel's quite literally crazy about you. She's a safe bet, quit worrying about that."

She paused for a moment to leave a small offering, silently encouraging the warmth, before moving on. Throughout Triss' mind were tendrils of black insanity, and the Caretaker followed them home.

She stood in the darkest recesses of Triss' mind, and beheld her insanity. It was a pulsing mass of screaming desire, a cancerous blight of selfishness and alien need. Images of destruction played out on the walls of its cavern, of minds shredded and dreams broken. Control through fear, dominance through strength, and an unholy rage. Triss had spent too much time being alone in the dark, and had nurtured a hungry thing to make her do what she believed was neccessary. Now it had taken on a life of its own, pushing the witch to new heights of depravity.

The Caretaker couldn't simply remove it, it had long ago become a central piece of the witch's identity, but she could give Triss something to fight it with. "A frightened man will do what you say, so long as you're there. A man that owes you a kindness for kindness given will do what you need, because he wants to."

"Strive not for rulership through fear, Triss. It's power is fickle, and can only chain the weak. Instead seek love, fellowship, and rule through that." The Caretaker pressed the parable into the pulsing insanity. "Sousiel did not bleed for you because she feared you. She acted on your behalf without being ordered, and with your best interests at heart, because she loves you."

"You'll not earn more of her love by hurting her. That's the great secret Triss, fear is temporary, love can last forever." The mass' pulsing slowed as the Aeon filled it with her lesson.

She hoped it would help. The beast would still hunger, still scratch at her mind to destroy and ravage. Whenever it did though, Triss would remember her words, and perhaps that would make the difference.

The Caretaker finally withdrew from the witch's mind, to stand again in her field of roses. "Triss? How are you feeling?"

During the process, Triss felt more soothed than she ever had. The Caretaker’s gentle suggestions were numbing, making her smile shift from apprehensive to vacuous. She knew this wasn't what her ‘patients' felt, but she wished they did, it was heavenly. She couldn't make sense of any major differences yet, but she knew the Caretaker was doing something right. It all felt refreshing, and it made her eyes drift closed heavily.

If she wasn't so attached to the sensation, she would have put up a firm resistance the second the Caretaker brought up leaving Alphonse. Triss had never once thought of that, and up until that point it wasn't a possibility. For all of her anger and fear, she could never willingly leave Alphonse. It was a torturous thought, that she pushed into the deepest corners of her thought.

When the Caretaker was done, Triss felt...normal, unusually so. As a test, she called up an insane thought. They came to her easily, but they didn't have their usual lure. She could play the images as much as she wanted to, but she didn't feel any itches. She felt powerless, in a good way? Her brow furrowed, so obviously flustered. “I feel fine, I suppose it worked. Thank you.” Her gratitude was honest, but she had a slight tone to her voice.

"You're quite welcome, I'm pleased." The Caretaker smiled at her warmly, before returned her attention to Sousiel. "You're entitled to another boon, Sousiel. Speak your desire and I'll make it so."

The demon looked up from her lover's face. Triss looked better, but something was bothering her, she'd just have to ask about it later. "Uh... Triss is healed, prophecy delivered with solutions..."

"I guess you could teach me more about love, if you had the time. Other than that, I'm fine." Sousiel shrugged, grinning.

"As you wish, child." The Caretaker smiled softly.

Sousiel's eyes widened as the Caretaker undid the clasps of her dress. "That's not what I mea-"

Sousiel jaw fell wide open as the Caretaker's simple gown slid down her form, bathing the demon in her transformative glow. She glimpsed passionate perfection for a fleeting moment, but a moment was all that was needed.

Crimson tears spilt over the demon's cheeks as inky black smoke rolled off of her nubile form. Her essence twisted as the black urges inside her could no longer survive next to her new Truth. She sobbed as she was remade, reforged by the Caretaker's light into something new and dangerous. Love was not always gentle, and as her love expanded so did her capacity for atrocity. Sweet thoughts pushed her tolerance for bloodshed to new heights, and left her hungry and savage.

Finally her sobbing came to an end, and she wiped the blood from her cheeks. "Thank you."

"Of course, Sousiel." The Caretaker winked as she replaced her gown. She turned back to Triss. "Are you ready to go home?"

Triss’ hand rubbed deep circles into Sousiel’s back, until her sobs were over. She was unable to see the Caretaker's nude form, but she was sure it would have been too much for a mortal such as she. She planted a quick kiss on Sousiel’s forehead, before looking up at the Aeon who had sparked this entire deathly mission. “No offense to you, but I believe we're both ready to go home.” The corners of her lips turned upwards in a smirk, and she tightened the straps of her knapsack.

The Caretaker smiled, stepping towards them with graceful sweeps of her legs. “As you wish.” She leaned forwards, taking Triss’ cheeks between her velvet hands. Triss stared at the scenery around her, her lips a firm line, taking the most amazing kiss she would ever have in the most awkward way. It was sweet and gentle, motherly and lustful. As the Caretaker moved on to Sousiel to give the demon a kiss, Triss was pulled out of the Tellurian in a small burst of light.

---

Triss was home, finally home. The stale air of the room was scented lightly with the fragrance of the wilting roses sitting on her windowsill. Everything was exactly where she had left it, she patted her back, happy to find her knapsack had come along with her. She had fallen to her knees in the midst of her relief, waiting patiently for Sousiel to appear next to her.

The bed creaked in protest as Sousiel appeared with a small flash of light a few feet above it. She squealed briefly before realizing that she wasn't falling to her death, just the soft embrace of Triss' bed.

She looked up and grinned as her eyes found her lover, safe and sound. "Good to meet a god with a sense of humor, even if she was a little flirty." She scooted to sit on the edge of the bed. "That was fun, but maybe next time we just go dancing?" She giggled.

“I do love to dance, yes. Triss would make a lovely partner for me.” An unknown voice commented from Triss’ desk. There sat a perfectly white studded snake, coiled up as if prepared to strike. It began to slither towards Triss, sliding off the desk onto the floor.

Triss squealed, picking herself up and finding shelter next to Sousiel. After all the things she had seen, she couldn't believe she was still fearful of snakes. “What the hell are you?” She cried out, prepared to strike it with whatever she had.

Sousiel sighed and lunged at the serpent, snatching it with a clawed hand. "Just when I thought I was done killing stuff for the day, how pleasant." She grinned malevolently. "I think you'll make excellent slippers when I'm done. Now just hold sti-"

“Tut you vile little wench!” The snake hissed out, writhing in the hand of the demon. “I am Triss’ new guardian, special orders from Ysera herself. Unhand me at once!” He bared his fangs at her, though he knew it would have no effect on the demon.

"Vile little wench?" Sousiel cackled, turning towards Triss. "Sweetheart? I suppose this means you want me to release it, lucky little serpent."

Triss stared at the writhing serpent in Sousiel's hand, his white body so long it dragged on the floor. A guardian? She didn't know if the gesture was sweet or demeaning, she had yet to find out. “Yes, please release him Sousiel.” She said calmly, watching as Sousiel dropped the snake.

Before his body could collide with the ground, the snake transformed with an audible pop. He stood before them now, a graceful and towering man in a well fitted tunic and trousers. His features were striking, long white hair flowing down around his shoulders, two distinct black streaks throughout. His ears were long and feathery, his eyes a pale blue. He strode over to Triss, taking long calculated steps. Once he had approached her, he kneeled, taking her hand in his.

“Triss,” he stated proudly, kissing the back of her hand. “It is a pleasure, and honor to meet you, Scion. I am Ettien, your new guide.” He said, kissing up her arm as he spoke. Before he could make it too far, he was met with a hard strike on his head, coming from Triss herself. He smirked, standing and pulling her close to him. “How did you know? I love my girls feisty.” He stated, the whole show an act made for Sousiel's eyes.

"Triss? Darling?" Sousiel's face bore a rictus grin that bared far too many teeth. "Please tell me that you hate him as much as I do. Then I'll dance in his ribcage, after eating his heart and skinning him." She spoke softly, carefully, as her eyes dilated.

"Otherwise I think he may need to learn some restraint, a lesson I'm familiar with." Her eyes twinkled maddly. "I wouldn't mind teaching him either, I promise to be gentle."

“Triss wouldn't hate me, I watched her grow from a baby into this beautiful thing before me.” Ettien dipped Triss, making her hair sweep the floor. He pulled her back up, eyes glinting mischievously. “I know more about her than anyone, isn't that right, my sweet?” He poked her on the nose, grinning.

Triss pushed out of his grasp, a hard thing to do with it being so firm. She didn't want to find out what he knew about her, having watched her from birth. She turned to Sousiel, eyes hard. “I'd love it if you could, but I don't believe it's the right thing to do. He's a gift from Ysera, I might as well keep him around.” She struggled to remove herself from his grip once more as he squeezed her from behind. “The sooner we get him a new room, the better.”

"That means you get to live, but Triss won't be around all the time Ettien." Sousiel approached him slowly. "If you expose me to more of... this, I will hurt you. Are we clear?"

She forced a grin. "Now, why don't we see about that room hmm?" She opened Triss' door. "Go outside, and pick one that's empty. Then I want you to sit in it, and think about how best to nagivate your new service with all of your bits intact. Okay?"

Ettien chuckled, his hands still attached to Triss’ hips. “I don't take commands from hellspawn such as you. Besides, I would much rather stay and play with my new partner in crime.” He stroked Triss’ hair, staring into the eyes of Sousiel the entire time.

When he received another few smacks, he released his hold on her. Triss grimaced, pointing towards the door. “Do as Sousiel said, find a room and stay there until called upon...or if you need to get food and other such things.” She shrugged, not knowing what a Fae would need.

“Triss, the finest delicacy is your blood. That is the only true sustenance I desire.” Ettien grinned wolfishly, licking his lips. He stood at the door, a hand loose around the handle. “Which brings me to a strange request. Will you be so great as to fill up a few vials with it? Thank you kindly, my sweet.” He shot her a wink, and exited the room.

Triss slumped down onto the bed, thinking about his request with a shudder. “He's...eccentric, don't you think? Should I really give him my blood?”

Sousiel never heard Triss' question, she'd been pushed too far. As Ettien finally turned to exit the room, Sousiel lunged. His face met the corner of the doorframe, a sickening crack filled the room as blood and teeth sprayed from his handsome visage.

As soon as he hit the ground Sousiel was on top of him, claws tearing long gashes in his chest and face. "You'll fucking take commands from me if you know what's good for you!" She spat in the man's face.

"There are things I can tolerate, and things I can't. If you cross that line again in my prescence, I'll kill you. Triss can't save you from me scum." She stood and stomped on Ettien's genitals, shuddering as the satifactory sound of his pelvis cracking reached her ears. "Now clean yourself up, and get the fuck out of my sight before I change my mind."

Ettien was surprisingly calm as his body was destroyed. Going through thousands of years receiving wounds like that had hardened him, but when his pelvic was crushed he let out a scream which trickled into a moan. “Did you have to get my fucking balls?” He spat out, alongside some blood and an extra tooth. He didn't wait for a response, drawing himself up onto his knees. With a pop, he was a snake again, crawling miserably to the room nearest Triss’, into which he slithered.

Triss watched the violent show take place, her mouth agape. She didn't know what she was supposed to do. Was it wrong to want to cheer Sousiel on, when she should have been following Ettien to his room to tend to him? “He'll be okay, right? You did good maiming him. What set you off in particular?”

"Triss, I'm aware that you love other people. That I'm not the only one that gets to hug or hold you." Sousiel took deep breaths. "That's hard for me, but I'll endure as best I can okay? If I have to see it though, I don't think I can handle that."

"This flirtatious wretch just reminded me that soon you'll be whispering sweet nothings to someone else." She said sadly. "That's okay, I don't want to make you choose between me and Alphonse. I'll do my best to reflect on the time that I've been given. But between the unwelcome reminder, and his lack of respect for your wishes, I kind of lost it. I'll lose it again too, so please, make sure he's on his best behaviour."

Triss wrapped Sousiel up into her arms, understanding her concerns. She had similar ones towards Alphonse himself, which brought back the memory of the Caretaker's suggestions. “As far as Alphonse goes...I won't lie to you and say I don't love him, my love for him is strong and burning just like my love for you. However, the Caretaker herself brought up something I need to take into consideration.”

Triss paused, resting her chin on the top of Sousiel's head. “Ettien, is..different, but I'll make sure he doesn't continue to bother us. There's so much we can do, to distract ourselves from him. We can go dancing in your favorite hall, freak the other witches out as we show them our toys. Maybe we can make a water bed! Things like that are special, experiences that I can only share with you.” She kissed her head, grinning.

"I know you love him, that's what makes it acceptable. I just don't want to share those things with someone you don't love, and if you start to love that thing, I'll freak out, promise." Sousiel giggled, turning in Triss' arms to face her. "But so long as you remind me that you love me once in awhile, and keep being sweet to me, I'll be okay."

"I'll keep at it if you will sweetheart. I want to love you forever." She kissed Triss lightly. "And I'll take you to all my favorite haunts whenever we get the time, we'll drink succubus nectar and get stupid together."

"When I make a water bed, and I will if it kills me, you may have to endure a few lewd experiments of mine." She rested her head on Triss' shoulder. "Thank you Triss, I'm feeling much better."

Triss returned Sousiel's excitement with a wide grin. If it wasn't for the blood and gore sitting on the floor beside them, she might've asked for sex. “Succubus nectar and lewd experiments? You spoil me!” She giggled, feeling rather gay. She had never indulged in succubus nectar, but wherever Sousiel was involved, fun followed. “I'm glad I could make you happy. I have to start practicing this ‘love and respect’ thing somewhere.”

"You always make me happy, or try to get me killed, sometimes both. Either way it's always fun around you." Sousiel flushed, all the blood and gore beside them had her feeling frisky. She leaned up to grace Triss' lips with a deeper kiss. "Two ideas. One, I go find Lorelai and get back to work. Two, I take you to your room and spoil you to your heart's content, and find Lorelai in the morning." She giggled, her eyes twinkling with equal parts lust and mischief.

Triss tilted her head, only needing to consider the options for a few seconds. “I have to find Medusa...but that can all wait a night.” She laughed at herself, so concerned with the demon she had before her that even the end of the world could wait. She was either desperate for a little action, or hopelessly in love. Or both. “Shall we start?” She asked, diving in to give Sousiel another passionate kiss.

"You're everything I ever wanted." Sousiel lifted Triss, cradling her lover, unwilling to break their kiss as she navigated back into her room, closing the door behind them. They had a war ahead of them, and another after that. Tonight the demon was content to let thoughts of Triss dominate her mind, and sweet sensations overtake her body. The world would have to wait.

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

@SunsetRoses I'm available if you'd like to wrap up the expedition.

Spells in the Dark (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

@Ellion I'll PM you a synapsis of the witch's activities. I'm looking forward to having you back!

Wolves of Red Lake (Closed ignore this thread)

Alyssa Paige

Location: Her house
Interacting with: @BeautifulSnow's Vanessa via text

The bag fell off... again. Her heavy punching bag was secured to the top rafter of her basement by a thick metal hook, and it was weighted in such a way that that was never supposed to happen. It hit the concrete floor of her small workout room with a thud. She just stared at it for a moment, dread creeping into her limbs.

Alyssa let out a snarl of frustration, turning to snatch her water bottle. Maybe Vanessa had been right, maybe the damn woman wasn't just fucking with them. Ever since the accident she'd been stronger, faster, even the small bruises she normal gathered training had vanished. She'd been angrier too, but most of that she blamed on the fact that Kimberly still hadn't woken up.

Her chest twisted as she thought about her girlfriend. She was still at the hospital, in a coma. All because Alyssa wasn't strong enough, or fast enough, to have stopped that damn wolf. Her friends and family had all been quick with 'it's not your fault' and 'there's nothing you could have done', but ultimately it had been just her between Kimmy and that beast. She just wasn't enough.

She looked down at her phone, sighing heavily. She flipped through it until she found Vanessa's name.

'Vanessa, It's Alyssa. Can we talk? I'm starting to believe you.'

She fired off a quick text. It was better to face these kinds of things with a measure of boldness and reality. Something had changed, and Alyssa wasn't going to sit around and wait to find out.