And So They Were Gone...

[Anjolie Quinn]

A bat swooped low through the trees and nearly missed a hooded head speeding through the underbrush. The sounds of all matter of night-time wildlife were sounding their calls in hopes of finding security, support, and even potential mates. Amidst the overgrown thorn bushes and grass reaching far out of control a greenish stone strapped around a woman's neck glowed dully as the plants curved away from legs running at top speed through the forest setting.

In the woman's arms was a child and dripping from both their bodies was blood.

Only two hours prior the opal and its holder had been faced with the towering pillars of the cult society who had been responsible for the kidnapping of Anjolie and Cory Havoick's daughter, Kallie. Sneaking through passageways and corridors would have been much easier with the assistance of the green opal's black-hearted sister, but the two had been forced to make do with their own wits and abilities. The brainwashing the child had undergone was something similar to what had faced her mother in years prior. It was only a matter of remembering some of the old spells and rituals to pull the femme's daughter back into the realm of reality.

The demons swarmed around them both. If they were not going to have the hearts and souls of the pair, then no one would have them.

And now, as Anjolie ran at full speed through the woods, with Pathfinder attempting to lend his aid and advice, she realized that this would be the end. The secretive rescue attempt was thwarted. The cult members were hot on her heels and the child who was only beginning to experience the fullness of life was probably already dead... pressed against her mother's chest. Was it for Quinn's comfort or her own?

As the moonlight shined ahead and a clearing was spotted the femme bit her lip and attempted to concentrate despite her heaving chest and hardly audible breaths. The opal listened with all his might. Even though this woman was only a rookie in the sporting world the two had bonded beyond belief. The femme spoke her peace with the stone. Pathfinder continued to sweep the greenery away from her feet as she ran, but the distance had been too great and a weary ankle soon gave way.

The barely breathing child in her arms gave a cry as the two landed on the ground. Anjolie bestowed a tender kiss on her daughter's forehead and held her ever closer. The peridot opal said nothing.

It was only a matter of minutes, possibly only seconds, before the wraiths caught up with the mother and her child. The fatal spell they landed on the pair was abrupt. It was a death so swift that it wrenched the heart to even witness.

After their foul duty was done the demons and other vile creatures returned to their masters plotting behind towering pillars. The corpses would be left for the wildlife to consume. No witnesses and no record. The only thing left at the scene was the stone.

Sleep easy, my love.

Pathfinder clung to the now motionless throat of his holder.

[Anjolie Quinn]

Golden eyes watched helplessly from atop their high perch. Knowing within its consciousness that the familiar would see. The eagle shrieked a cry as it spread it wings and gave flight. It's first thought to return to the ranch where Cory sat in front of a black screen. For the past 5 hours the handyman had tried to keep himself occupied by reading the RhyDin Times. One can read the same articles only so many times.

The recognizable pinch of his friend brought the man to a sudden awareness of his surroundings. Through the distance a silent conversation wa shared. His only response was a solemn stroll through the living quarters to the kitchen where Beth was busy prepareing tomorrow's meal. Cory left his hand to rest atop Elizabeth's shoulder, only a small jolt of surprise came from the woman as he twisted about.

"Watch ov'ah the men. Keep'em in line, ya'hear?" His words cryptic as ever.

Beth could only nod in acknowledgement. "You know me Cory, you goin' into the city to meet Quinn?" But at this late an hour? She knew better. Something in the pit of her stomach had her uneasy.

"Sum'thin' like tha'. Quinn trusted ya. I'm trustin' ya now to take command." At that he excused himself from the humble abode, not even a glance back at the confused Beth. One last appraisal of the property they both had worked so hard to maintain. Purposeful steps carried him quickly to the stables where Memphis waited. Restless. The stallion could sense Cory's unrest and would only be calmed by a hand stroking down it's mane.

"Yah, this is our las' ride. Run as fas' as ya can." He didn't bother with harnessing a sadle or riegns to his horse. A bounce on his toes and Cory vaulted atop his steed. Choking out the order to full speed. "He-yah!"

Guided by his familiar he left behind his life to meet his destiny. Encompassing the outskirts of the city proper Memphis knew to follow a path laid out by Truth. It was deep withing the southern forest when Memphis refused to progress, forcing Cory to dismount. The eagle flew low, flowing through the low branches to led his master to his beloved and cherished.

Amongst the trees he found Anjolie motionless with Kallie held within her arms. Neither showed signs of life. There he paused only briefly. Kneeling at the two for a farewell kiss due to lovers. Then, pressing onward he cut through the forest until finding himself at the mouth of a cave. Horrific shrieks emitted and within a instant his body was consumed by the enties of Nyx. He'd offer no struggle, no cries of anguish. A fate accepted by a husband and father to join his family amongst the heavens.