The Temple of Divine Light

[Vanion Shadowcast]

After his short vacation, the nearly never defeated Vampire Elf dropped his next two matches. Frustration built in the pit of Vanion's stomach - his opponents had not even been talented! The rest of that night and the next three nights of dueling, Vanion showed a rekindling of his typical fire, winning twelve duels, decimating the fool Surgen and the half-breed in revenge of his poor luck, and securing the rank of Mage in-time for the upcoming Archmage Tournament. If the Necromancer did not come out the victor of the Tournament, he was sure he would succeed in his challenge for the Keys of Fire. His time to rise into power had come... And yet, what of the ghost he had just spoken to? One who had written strange messages in the air? While it was most interesting to learn that the little cultist bitch, Alia, was half-elven - he did not immediately jump to trust one who seemed to not only have its own agenda, but all of the time granted to those who exist in the Afterlife.

All of these thoughts swam through Vanion Shadowcast's mind as he practiced throwing energy-blade after energy-blade at the target in the wall. After many long minutes of pondering and practice, he shook his head violently. It was all too much to think about - he would take things one step at a time. First Step, learn more about this Cult that seemed to be gaining popularity. Second Step, get some lunch.

And with those intentions, the Vampire Elf turned into mist, and seeped out of cracks in the walls of the shabby place he had acquired(via murder, of course) here in the Badside. The haughty elf looked forward to a change of scene upcoming - hopefully, one whose backdrop was that of a Tower and the night-time Stars.

What? Even Evil loves Beauty.

[Legendazona]

The ghost roamed the city in search of Vanion Shadowcast. She'd seen him toying with the half elf Dimitri, and knew they were of kindred thought regarding half elves. Yes, he could be an ally in this.

She found him throwing an energy dagger with extreme precision. She watched him long moments before forming the ghostly writing that hung in the air between Vanion and his target.

I hear you hate half elves

Vanion did not seem startled by the appearance of the ghostly letters wavering before him.

"I hate many things" was his reply aloud.

The ghost writing continued.....

But you do hate half elves, I've seen you toying with that worthless one, Dimitri, but, did you know that woman is also a half breed?

Vanion raised a brow at that piece of information.
"The bitchy girl?"

The writing shifts again: "Yes, the one that thinks to taunt you"

The dagger returned to his hand. "Figures. Who are you?"

Swirling letters reform: "Someone who can help you kill her.

Legend phased into a more visible form. (w) "Rather hard to do it myself these days, but I have knowledge you do not; and my hatred runs deeper.

Vanion grew thoughtful. "I don't suppose she'd be too difficult to kill should I put my heart into it. What's your story, ghost ?"

The ghost chilled the air around Vanion. "She is inferior, of course she would not be difficult for you to kill. What does it take to put your heart into it Vanion Shadowcast?"

He ignored the distinct chill. "A reason to do it. I rarely kill for sport anymore. Mass murdering tends to draw more attention than selective ones"

Legend smiles. "this is selective....Dimitri, Alia Anor, and if you are of a mind, the twin brother of Alia Anor's. It seems to me, ridding the world of half breed slime should suffice for a reason."

Vanion smiled a slow smile that would send the faint of heart running. "Why murder then when you can do far worse?"

The ghostly image shook her finger at him: "There can be no mistakes. Murder would be final, Anything else, well, there's room for error."

Vanion glared. "I have no real reason to trust you, ghost."

The air hisses around him: "Do you truly trust anyone Vanion? If it's trust you need, just ask Dimitri about me."

Throwing the dagger again, and again hitting the center of the target: "I will do so then. And I will have to get back to you. I've lived too long to make mistakes"

The ghost began to fade: "Should you decide to take this on, I can be a big help to you."

Vanion snapped his fingers and the energy dagger dissolved. "We shall see, I suppose."

A whisper in the air: "remember, my hatred and yours are so very similar."

[Alia Anor Graham]

Twilight Isle was full of people last night, and I had a chance to sit and talk with Dimitri until Vanion arrived. This was the first time in my life that I have been called "half breed". How Vanion discovered this is a mystery, but he has added me to the list of people he's taunting and abusing.

I did go once more into the ring with Vanion, and we went a full 15 rounds, but again he used his sorcery to thrust visions of torture and torment into my head. If Sylus had not helped, I would have suffered even more. Once again Vanion ended the match with an arctic blast that immobilized me in the biting cold. Dimitri came to my rescue before too much damage could be done. The woman called Rhaine used some of her abilities to ease the chill, and gave me a warm drink that tasted of apples and spices to drive away the cold.

Shortly thereafter, my friend Seraphina arrived. It has been days since we'd talked, and I was looking forward to talking to her again. I called her over to meet Dimitri and Sylus, but she'd already met them on previous occasions.

We chatted and finished making our arrangements to go to the Dojo. When I told Seraphina where I was staying, Sylus sent me a telepathic message admonishing me not to tell where I was when there were people around who threatened me. This seemed overly dramatic, where upon he shared visions of a discussion his brother had apparently witnessed. I do not believe that a ghost long dead could be such a threat to my life.

Seraphina surprised me by inviting me to join the initiates at the Temple. She told me they already have a room for me, and my welcome is something they hope to conclude. I told her that I needed to think about it, but I am thrilled to be invited to join. The necklace I wear seems to warm slightly as I think about joining the Temple of Divine Light.

As I walked back to the Golden Ivy, I pondered Sylus' warnings, but I do not believe a ghost is capable of killing me. I've done nothing to this ghost, why should she desire my demise?

The little voice whispered again - Eldarie belong with Eldarie.

Perhaps Sylus brings a danger that I do not yet understand. After all, he is not Eldarie, not even Eldalie. What if the threat is actually Sylus? These thoughts were running through my mind as I closed the door to my room.

What if Sylus is the threat?

[Lothar Blacklance]

Wanders by the temple, carrying a slip of paper. He glances at the address and then at the temple. "This looks like the place."

Checking his swordbelt, he marches up the steps and into the temple and looks around for someone to ask about the temple guard and whether they are hiring.

[Sylus Kurgen]

What was supposed to be a night of laughter and comradery among friends turned into a night spent in seething anger.

The instant Sylus entered the Outback he smelled death within it's walls..someone had been killed...and recently. Judging by the hal-elf Dimitri's posture it was someone he knew..and if Dimitri was involved he knew who the murderer was immediately.
......Vanion Shadowcast.....

Moving across the room and into a ring he saw the signs of the sorrowful duel. Crouching low and touching the ring he read the tracks of the two duelists. The being who had been killed was a female...and guessing by her extremely light steps..she had elven blood in her veins.

Sy knew what had happened.

Dimitri had shown feelings for this girl and Vanion caught a whiff of these emotions, challenged the girl to a "friendly" practice duel...and slew her before young Dimitri's eyes.

Moving further across the ring the remnants of a necromantic spell was felt. It seemed that Vanion and reanimated her body. Sylus saw where the corpse had retrieved it's blade and began to leave the ring.....What happened next came to his minds eye all too easily.....Dimitri had been forced to destroy the girls body....
Vanion's newest attrocity was the final straw......His evil had to be stopped

........NO MATTER THE COST......

[Vanion Shadowcast]

In the Tower of Fire, on Twilight Isle, a lava elemental communicated messages from Vanion's network of spies. Now that he was learning to tie his necromancy and magery into the nature of the Isle itself, any creature under his sphere of control became his eyes - his ears. He knew of Sylus' wish to kill him - knew of Dimitri's words spoken behind his back - knew of the unfolding events that would occur soon on the Streets of RhyDin.

Dimitri, he expected as much from - he had broken the half-breed's spirits again and again, but that silly Guild gave him a support center, and he still remained bold when he ignorantly thought himself to be safe. Sylus, he did not even worry about. To Vanion, Sylus was a self-dillusioned, crazy-man. He had seen the man in action before, and was very largely unimpressed. The dark elf also saw the betrayal that was in the man's eyes - his warning to the full-elf, Alais, had not been entirely for his personal purposes of manipulation.

As for the mysteries that were the Temple of Divine Light - well, that was one particular game in which he was neither player, nor pawn. Events would unfold as they may, and he would, as he had done for nearly one-thousand years now, find opportunity in whatever resulted.

Vanion waved away the elemental, giving him a telepathic command to watch the doorways into the Isle - and to pay specific attention to anyone involved with the Temple of Divine Light, or the Adventurer's Guild. He then stood and turned to the wall behind him. Runes covered what appeared to be stone, yet a moment later Vanion's hands reached out, laying flatly against the wall. There was a visual shifting then, a trick of the eyes - and the wall melted away. Vanion crossed the barrier, not bothering to see if the wall had reformed behind him. Of course it had, the Tower was becoming more and more bent to his Will.

He would take his Keepership seriously, and protect the Isle at all costs, as those before him had done - however, that did not keep him from persuing his own personal agenda. And currently, that included training for the Talon of Redwin Tournament, as well as the Arch-Mage Tournament. For could he obtain the Celestial Tower - well, then RhyDin would be in for one Hell of a ride.

[Alia Anor Graham]

I've been trying to find mother as I believe my news should be given to her in person. She will not take my decision to join the Temple of Divine Light well, but this is something I feel I must do.

I thought I might find her at the dueling arena, but I only found some of her friends. Dimitri and I sat and it was from him that I discovered why I could not locater her anywhere.

"Dimitri, I can't reach mother. Has she gone back to Riverbend? Have you heard?"

Dimitri was clearly uncomfortable as he slid forward on his seat. "Um, well, she is kind of missing...."

I misunderstood him and told him I knew that because I could not find her, even at the house. At that point Dimitri told me she'd been taken.

"Taken? Taken by whom?"

His expression spoke volumes as he said "Yes. Taken by a thing named Daigotsu."

I studied him for long moments. "Who the heck is Daigotsu? Where did he take her?"

Dimitri held back no secrets, his words sent a chill down my spine. "Daigotsu is a monster that can switch bodies. One night he came and switched bodies with Alais, but he switched back."

I was bordering on hysteria. "Mother is an archmage in the studies of necromancy. That this creature Daigotsu could jump into her body and has now taken her somewhere is unbelievable!"

Poor Dimitri. He's been the bearer of bad news several times, but he keeps an optimistic assessment, and he told me there were people looing for her. But, what should I do?

I believe Vanion to be a monster, but it appears he is not alone in RhyDin.

Grabbing a bottle of tequila, I tried to think things through. Maybe if I made it known I would be willing to ransom mother, this Daigotsu would release her unharmed.

Dimitri had even more bad news as he said: "the night he swapped bodies with your mother, he asked if there were any mages. Your mother said that she was one."

If Daigotsu is particularly interested in mages, he's looking for something very specific. I ran my idea past Dimitri. "I wonder if he's after power, or if he's spell stealing from mages he occupies. If he's after either of those, things, a ransome will never be demanded."

Dimitri changed the subject abruptly, asking me what I'd been doing lately. He seemed rather surprised to learn that Artemus had carried me away, albeit reluctantly, brom the Golden Ivy off to Kurgen Keep. I am still furious with his high handedness, but he did not seek to keep me a prisoner, so I should let it go.

I did have to admit to Dimitri that I had seen a ghost. That Legend was trying to get me to push Sylus and Artemus out of RhyDin. At the very least away from mother and I' Taurn. I tseems Legend is buswy as she's trying to get Dimitri to leave too, but I cannot imagine why! Dimitri believes it iis because he's half elf, but Legend is not trying to kick me out of RhyDin. I wonder if Dimitri is correct about Legend's motives.

I admitted to Dimitri that I am tempted to join the Temple because I feel I would be safer there from the likes of Vanion and Legend. I don't think he likes the idea, but he didn't argue with me, or try to talk me out of it.

The tequila was sliding down easily, and I truly wanted to forget for a time the horrors clouding my life, but Dimitri, ever the good soul bade me switch to water. This was not my plan, but for a time, I did switch. We decided to go to the Arena to watch the ending of the Talon of Redwin Tournament, where Sylus was battling Vanion for the title.

We walked in just in time to hear Sylus declared the winner. Before I could applaud his win however, Vanion grabbed me soundly about the waist and spirited me off to Twilight Isle and the Tower of Fire. I do not know who, if anyone saw the abduction, but I know what transpired between us in the Tower of Fire.

I learned that Sylus does not care if I live or die. In fact, he did tell Vanion to destroy me. After Vanion told him he'd already killed me, Sylus asked Vanion "You think I truly care?" My suspicions about Sylus grow.

Vanion's tower affected me as a sorcerous vampire. It sucked the sorcery from me faster than I could regenerate it. While we discussed many topics, the tower took it's toll on me and weakness ultimately caused my collapse. I vaguely remember Vanion's fangs at my throat before blackness over took me.

My next memories are waking up in the Arena with Joku. The twin pin pricks at my throat burn, but the sorcery is returning. Joku escorted me to a safe place pending my initiation into the Temple of Divine Light.

[Joku Shoyia]

The Japanese elven warrior’s dark colored almond shaped eyes were scanning across the river that ran through the city of RhyDin His breathing already becoming normal even though he just sprinted several blocks from the Swords Arena through alleys and across rooftops to reach a slight recess a few dozen meters from the middle bridge. He was in a low crouch on a level just above the ground floor using a fire escape stair well as his observation post while he surveyed when the timing of his next dash should be tried. A slumped and slender form of a female body was propped up between the stair and wall right next to him for the first time not in his arms since he had taken her from the Keeper of Fire tower on Twilight Isle. The moment respite while he observed in detail the action on both sides of the river around the bridge trying to figure out how to avoid being detected in the most exposed part of his escape route gave him time to consider how circumstances came to be this evening.

He had spent the evening trying to win the Talon of Redwin tourney which would have meant a great deal if he had succeeded. Though he had been eliminated after a couple of matches he felt it proper to stay and watch it till the end in honor of its namesake. What transpired at the end of the tourney made him wish he had left after he been defeated in a close duel by Vanion Shadowcast. This was one of those moments where one’s honor had been asked of in a public forum and there was no way to refuse. He had been raised to never turn away the call of help from a woman, or the clergy of a religious faith, or from a leader of an organization or affiliation in which you consider yourself a member. When the Overlord, Karen Wilder, reached out with a hand full of vials of holy water and asked him to go in her stead to aid in the situation with Alia and Sylus there was no way he could refuse and not feel like he had brought dishonor to the name of Shoyia.

There was a point earlier in the evening when he was on Twilight Isle for the first time ever and just inside the doors of the Keeper of Fire tower nose to nose speaking with a magically active vampiric elf that he about not only to soil his under garments but really wondered how important honor was really worth it all. The only reason he had been willing to deactivate all his personal gear and enter Vanion’s domain was because the Arch-Magus Mur with all the other Keepers were floating around the vampire’s tower. He had a feeling Vanion wouldn’t be foolish enough to give them an excuse to burn his house down with him in it right there. He had been informed that Alia was Alais’s daughter and that Alais herself had been taken somehow as well by someone he was not informed of as yet. Though he had no relation to any of the elves of RhyDin they were the closest beings he could identify with especially the ones who had magical influence like him though he was no spell caster. He never was much for pro bono work, but he had been known to aid in causes against tainted magic and tainted elves, and well Vanion was definitely in that category. So even though he had felt put on the spot in a situation that didn’t concern him he was glad he had been successful in the task asked of him and now understanding more of what was going on didn’t begrudge the fact he put himself at risk for no personal gain.

He had seen Sylus around but had no affiliation with him or his guild friends, but he could not allow the poor lad to end up in a trap, or run foolishly to his death trying to take Vanion out on his own turf. The man was probably not thinking as clearly with the head on his shoulders though he wondered if the man was more into this lass or her mother he was not sure or both. He looked down at Alia’ quiet form leaning on the wall, she was conscious, even awake, but definitely seemed in some sort of daze it seemed to him. He had been charged to help her and having succeeded he had told her she would be under his protection till she became initiated at the Temple of Divine Light. When he absently tried to clench his hand the pain seared through him reminding him how the vampire had torched his hand when he was holding one of the vials of holy water. Thankfully, the other three vials and the rest of himself had been protected within a mana ward. It was a painful initiation into dealing with Vanion and his powers, but thankfully he wasn’t truly in a full on combat to the death with him either because it could have gone far worse he knew.

It had been several minutes now that they had been on the fire escape and he was getting a pretty good feel for the traffic around the area this late in the evening. He had not seen a timepiece, but he was sure it had gotten pretty late since the Talon tourney ended then the events on Twilight Isle, to their flight in the shadows here. He had not been on the Isle long for everything seemed to happen rather quickly. Himself and Sylus had reached the tower with Vanion and Alia already there with supposedly the damage already done by the bite marks he had seen on Alia’s neck soon after. He was smart enough to stay well back while Vanion and Sylus were exchanging mutual dislike for each other as he observed more and more of the titled duelers of Magic arriving to see what all the excitement was about. Vanion then said Alia could be retrieved if only one person goes in the tower and gets her. It would be a mistake to let Sylus go into the undead’s domain in which he was master and besides that he had no desire to go back telling the Overlord he failed because he entrusted another to complete the task. While he did not relish the idea of deactivating all his gear and abilities to completely expose himself as the most vulnerable he could ever be in such a situation he also understood none of it would matter within the Tower of Fire under the will of the vampire if he decided to roast Joku in there anyway. After securing Alia he was out of the tower post haste and never looked back especially after clearing the radius of St. Elmo’s Fire in which he reactivated everything and became a blur to the scene there. He had informed Sylus they would first go to the Swords Arena to wait a few moments to see what would happen next.

At the Arena from which they had just recently dodged and weaved their way through the shadows unseen across the northern part of the city of RhyDin to the river it had been decided between Alia and Joku alone at the Arena that Joku would take her into hiding. With her mother also abducted it seemed, and not knowing anyone else whom he could think to truly trust with her then her best chances were to go where none might think to look for her. He did not have a clue what was going on in her life, but he knew some serious heavy hitters in RhyDin were involved. Whatever was going on with the vampire having just bitten her to probably drain some of her mana permanently her desire to go to this Temple of Divine Light might be just the best thing for her. Surely a temple like that could protect her from the undead and treat her wounds the best of most any here on RhyDin. If Alais was available, he probably would have taken Alia to her care, but he did not know whom this Alia’s true allies were.

He blinked a moment and looked down, the ebony braids pulled up in a top knot cascading down over his shoulders around his sharp angled elven features as he leaned closer to hear Alia’s whispers. It was then he realized that she was only half-elven, though he had been sure her mother was full elven. Alia informed him that she needed to meet some priestess at the Arch Mage tourney the following evening to discuss the final details and preparations for her initiation into the Temple. Joku took a few moments to mutter a few curses in Japanese to himself not liking this detour to his plan at all. The best way he thought to avoid more trouble was of course not go hanging out with it just after the craziness went down. Well he figured, no sense crossing the river if they would have to re-cross the river again and again to get to the safe house he had in mind. In his short couple of years he had been on RhyDin he had gotten to know the many ways one could get around in RhyDin through the shadows best unseen but rivers were always the most difficult to get by unseen. If this was going to be his new home, then he better get to know it like the back of his hand for when it came in handy in the pursuits of his profession.

He picked her up again in his arms and moved up a few floors on the fire escape and went in through a broken window of the abandoned building. A few paces down a couple of darkened hallways and through a door that could actually close and lock behind him he brought Alia into a small room with a window that faced the river and the bridge. Laying her down on his own cloak on the remains of some sleeping materials he then covered up in her own cloak then he sat beside her between the wall and her so he could get a view of the bridge. Feeling satisfied with the spot and Alia’s comfort to rest, he set up a little portable concealment ward stone getting in a comfortable position to stand watch over her and to observe the nightly activity around the bridge. He would get her to the Arch Mage tourney tomorrow and then he would get her to his sanctuary till she was prepared to go to the temple.

[Joku Shoyia]

That first night after the scene at the Tower of Fire on the eve of the Arch Magus tourney thankfully went pretty quietly with little action. RhyDin was a big convoluted city of many sections and districts that could take the most resourceful of individuals a long time to get it searched. Besides that it seemed the principals involved in the situation were all preoccupied with each other for the moment to perhaps have delayed long enough for himself and Alia to lose any sign of their path taken to get here. The key element to that though was one of his most prized natural magical abilities he had honed over many disciplined years into a masterful skill of stealth, traceless walk. This basic natural magical ability when activated allowed him to walk naturally while a very thin barrier of mana energy helped to conceal any trace of his having journeyed over the terrain while his training and practice had refined the best types of surfaces and ways to move to even better his chances of not being detected. Sure he had some other things and abilities that helped for him to slink among the shadows of civilization unseen and unheard to most even if they were paying attention and actively trying to look for him, but this traceless walk was the foundation of his talents to survive so far in this universe. When he carried Alia out of the Swords Arena is when he utilized that ability to hide their path to this abandoned building by the river.

Alia though did not seem to have a completely restful night. He heard her mutter some things probably from her dreams, or rather nightmares, that he could not make much sense of due to his ignorance of her life. At some point Joku had taken a long moment to perceive her form in the astral and he almost sicked up seeing the taint in her aura which then turned to some sadness realizing the vampire did not only suck life, but mana it seemed too. He felt a worried moment knowing he could do nothing to heal her not knowing if she would recover and fight off whatever taint that ailed her or if it would get worse. The best way though not to be found was not to move and they just had to make it to the tourney where she could then go from his protection to wherever if she wanted. He briefly considered if he could do something with the vials of holy water left he had gotten from the Overlord, but then again he didn’t know if he might do something worse either if he were to use them on her right now.

The majority of the rest of the night that was barely left and most of the next day Joku spent observing in much detail again the activity around the middle bridge over the river and around it on both sides. He could not see all the rooftops or too far across the city of RhyDin from this window, but he got enough of an idea of what he wanted to understand of this area for later. When the sun was down and twilight had dwindled into complete darkness, just moments before the tourney Joku carried Alia across some rooftops heading north of their position. When they got back to ground level Alia seemed able to want to walk on her own so they did their best to shroud themselves in a way to not bring much attention to themselves. They walked north more actually passing up streets that could take them more directly east to the portal to Twilight Isle to eventually come around and hit the portal in a round about route. Joku was occasionally checking to make sure they weren’t being followed or being watched by anyone more than naturally as people do along the streets. There was no need to use his traceless walk ability now that Alia was also walking around especially since they were trying to mingle anonymously in the light crowds on the streets moving about routine business. As the Arch Magus tourney started they arrived so they Alia could conduct her affairs.

While he was on Twilight Isle he allowed Alia her privacy to talk with the priestess of the Temple of Divine Light, Seraphina. He only heard snippets of conversation between them in their talk of her preparation to be initiated into the temple as his focus was mostly on everyone else on the Isle. Several of the ones involved in the incident on the night before on the Isle were here again but for the tourney this time. As he noticed Alia’s conversations with Seraphina ending he came to her side hearing her say something about how she would go into hiding with him till she could initiate. Alia’s gaze towards Vanion in a ring dueling in magic for the tourney clearly made her uneasy and worrisome. So it was decided he realized, she was holding him to his oath to protect her till she went to the temple even though she could have gone to the temple with Seraphina then if she wanted.

Once they stepped through the portal from Twilight Isle back onto the streets of RhyDin he made sure they walked casually a couple of blocks and then gently pushed Alia into an alley at a last moment as subtly as he good. Once in the dark of the alley, he swept Alia off her feet again though he did give her a slight smile to try and reassure her.

“Not to worry miss Alia, it is just to better hide our journey if I carry you the rest of the way to my sanctuary if we are to keep you safe and hidden.”

And much like before he maneuvered around the streets of RhyDin through the alleys, buildings, over roofs, and parks till he reached the same recess they had reached by the river the night before. Now the moment he was dreading, crossing the river to get to his sanctuary. He figured they had less than an hour to the turn of the guard watch on the bridge and soon after is when he would make the attempt to get across the river unseen.

[Alia Anor Graham]

Joku secreted me away in the city after Vanion's attack. He is very adept at remaining unseen, and our passing remained unremarkable, but there were the dreams.

Dark dreams.

Treachery.

Fangs.


Restlessness brought me awake in the wee hours of the morning. Joku stood by the window where he'd been last night, a silent watcher. For a reason I cannot name, Joku makes me feel safe. The Temple would welcome me this week, but I did not want to be there uninitiated. I cannot say why I am uneasy with that idea. Seraphina assured me I would be welcome, but infact, I feel safer with Joku and the anonymity he creates.

[Joku Shoyia]

The RhyDin town guard had changed it’s night watch along the river signaling that the time had come for Joku and Alia to make their dash for the safe house across the river in the south part of the city. It was that sweet spot of the night when most taverns had closed up for the night their drunk customers already stumbled home by now with yet still a couple of hours before the pre-dawn laborers began stirring for their daily routine of chores. The bridge over the river that ran from east to west through the city of RhyDin was the most exposed and lighted segment of their journey they had yet to complete. However, this would be the best time and circumstances to have the best chances of success so the patience of waiting since their departure from the Arch Magus tourney would be worth it he hoped.

He could see the wary hesitation on Alia’s face when he explained the necessary part of his plan to her that she needed to know. He had previously explained to her the reason for carrying her was because of his traceless walk ability, but the new twist of the plan seemed to make her uneasy because she knew it left her vulnerable should something go wrong. He had procured a small floor rug that he wanted to roll her up in for the river crossing that he would use the concealment ward stone on the inside. His explanation was simply that if anyone did actually see him, the worst is they would assume he was a thief with some goods and not a body inside as petite as she seem to be. The dubious look on her face caused him to control the urge to smirk but she relented after he reminded her that the point was to do their best to hide her. He himself was so dark shrouded and wrapped with everything tucked away now one could not be sure his race or ethnicity from that close or a far anymore.

Once Alia was rolled up after they climbed down to the ground floor level in the alley nearest the bridge, he leaned her between two crates just by the edge so he could do the next part unhindered before they made the break for it. He also placed her between the two crates for two reasons. The first was she was more protected from being seen casually, but the more important one was that there was no reason for her to witness the next part. The only individual he had to worry about mostly was the town watch guard sergeant who patrolled back and forth along the bridge. He saw the man coming to this end of the bridge, casually looking about being attentive to his post. Joku crouched low at the edge of the alley waiting till he made the turn back to go to the other side of the bridge. Joku knew he had only a couple of seconds before the man got out of his most effective range to do the strike. Joku did a standard Jeat Kun Do fist strike at the edge of the alley that would connect to the back of a person’s neck effectively breaking it in close quarters. The astral energy of the maneuver launched from his aura and traveled across the short distance to do the same effectiveness to the town guard. The combined abilities of a distance strike with killing hands made the simple mortal man snap back instantly dead and his corpse flopped over the edge of the bridge with a small splash heard to those maybe as close as they were now to the bridge.

Joku wasted no time once he saw the man’s aura shatter out of existence confirming his death to grab up Alia in the rolled up carpet slinging her over his off-hand shoulder. His dash across the bridge would take less than mere seconds that would maybe register as a blur to anyone who happened to be casually looking at the bridge at the right time. To those who happen to be looking intently at the area in hopes of seeing something out of the ordinary especially if magical viewing were used, a slight shimmer might be seen in that blur with a rolled carpet seeming to fly through the air over the bridge. Any higher-level magic wielding creature who might be in the immediate vicinity if they saw the blur in time and reacted in time would probably recognize certain kinds of items being used to accomplish the feat going on, but by the time they decided to do something about it, the blur would have been long over the bridge more than likely. Unfortunately, sometimes when moving that fast and that encased in wards one does not always get to see the complete details of their journey around them as they move.

Once Joku reached the other side of the bridge he turned west to move along the river then turned south a couple of alleys down and immediately came to a halt once around the corner of a wall. His pause to observe this side of the bridge and the other side was only brief as he checked to make sure no immediate alarm had been raised or that anyone was immediately of notice to them. Sometime within the next couple of hours the town guard would raise an alarm once they realized one of their own was now dead and something was a miss in the city of RhyDin. He mused to himself it would not be the first time in this city and definitely not the last time that happened, or that he would be involved it as well he was sure. Satisfied that it didn’t seem there was an immediate pursuit or interest in them he turned and moved on moving quickly again, though occasionally pausing to check ahead and check behind them.

Somewhere between the RhyDin public library and the museum to the north of the temple district is secreted away, Joku’s Sanctuary. After a little jaunt across a couple of rooftops moving south from the river, Joku slides the rolled carpet with Alia down what seems like a laundry shoot. The landing is not hard, but causes her to roll out of the carpet into what seems like an interior room either above or below ground with only a hatch moving diagonally up out of the room. It is now the morning after the Arch Magus tourney in which they both seem like they could use some rest.

[Lily]

Unable to sleep, Seraphina decided on a nightly walk through the temple. Her trip took her back to the pool. Lost in thought, she does not notice as a little girl quietly steps out of the shadows.

"Hello. I hope I'm not interrupting," the little girl says, smiling innocently. Startled, Seraphina holds her breath and slowly releases it.

"Not a thing," she replies. The little girl gives a little curtsy.

"I'm Lily. What's your name?" Seraphina gives the girl a smile.

"Sera. Isn't it late for someone your age to be out and about?"

"Yes, but I wanted to take a walk by the pool." Lily shrugs a small shoulder. "I like the way it looks at night. Don't you think it's pretty?" She asks wistfully as she glances at the rippling water. The water reflects the moonlight and the ripples create shapes that seem to move across the surface.

"That's why I came. It gives me a calm feeling."

Lily lifts her small face to look up at Sera. "Is something troubling you?"

"Nothing specific. Or that can't wait for another night."

"I have nowhere else to be right now. Why don't we sit and talk a little?" Lily smiles as she motions to a nearby bench. Seraphina walks to the bench and sits, gently smoothing her robes. Lily sits on the bench next to Sera, her feet barely touching the ground.

"I've seen you around with a friend. Is she a member of the Temple?" Lily tilts her head to look at Seraphina.

"She has shown interest. But as with most, she is influenced by many people."

"Who is she?"

"She is the daughter of the one they call Alais." Lily's eyes turn dark but for a moment then her face slowly turns into a smile that could send chills down the spine of whoever saw it.

"Alais you said?"

"Yes.... She even wears the Eye. I had given it as a gift not too long ago."

"We want this Alia to be a part of us. You must use your charm upon her, seduce her with what the Temple has to offer." Her voice unnatural, not the voice of a small child.

"As you wish, though I feel it will draw some attention at first."

"I don't care about that! She must be mine...." Lily's eyes close as she lowers her head, her voice hesitates before finishing the sentence. "Mother... wants it that way."

"I will make it so. Alone she won't be hard to convince." Lily looks up and smiles as a little girl would.

"I like having new friends. Don't you?"

"Of course. I am sure I can find more." Seraphina replies with a confident smirk. Lily jumps off the bench and smiles widely.

"I am looking forward to meeting her. Make sure to let me know when she's ready to join."

"You will be the first."

"I want to be here when she dives into the pool for her initiation ceremony."

"Don't look... too menacing." Lily blinks her big, innocent eyes.

"Do I ever?"

"Absolutely not."

"Good!" Lily smiles. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Seraphina. I'm sure we'll be seeing you again."

"It will be soon." Seraphina stands and smiles down to the girl. Lily gives a little curtsy and practically skips back to her rooms.

[Vanion Shadowcast]

After losing in the semi-finals of the Archmage Tournament, the dark elf, Vanion Shadowcast, knew that he had much time to bide. He sat there, in his throne, lording over the domain of Fire on the Isle - waiting for word from Alia. Until she made contact, he had no true need to leave the Isle, or his Tower. He had focused instead on connecting himself deeper and deeper with the source of the Tower's power. It had been years since the volcano on the Isle had been as active as the idle days that Vanion merged himself with the Tower's primal magic.

It was easier done than one would think - his elemental slaves and animal allies on the Isle brought him food to sup on, and he could communicate psychically if need-be with anyone desiring to speak with him. His eyes were always upon those on the Isle, and he felt his strength increasing daily - next time he faced Vincent in a magical duel, the potent mage would not come back to defeat him. He would be Archmage, and he would complete the ritual which would change the face of RhyDin. What was left of his humanity depended on it.

All of this he pondered as he dismissively ordered one of his firey minions to deliver a simple scroll to one Lothar Blacklance. It read:

"To Lothar,
We spoke the other night. I have much to offer you, both in the way of power and wealth, but also in the way of training. Come to the Tower of Fire, on the Isle of Twilight. Its doors will open to you, and I shall wait for you there.

Sincerely Yours,
Vanion Shadowcast"

[Karen Wilder]

Late that evening, Karen was reviewing the reports from her patrols and came across something she hadn't seen in a while... The report from the Harbor patrol, a much sought-after duty despite the danger, included a note that a young girl had been seen in the vicinity of the Crooked Hook in the pre-dawn hours. She had been observed walking up to the cat-creature Maetel and petting her. When the patrol moved closer, the girl ran off and was able to elude any pursuit. Given Commander Wilder's interest in the cat-creature and the notices regarding Athlstan's missing daughter, the patrol sargent felt the incident unusual enough to require reporting.

Of course, to Karen the incident meant something else entirely. She was certain that the girl was Mary May Avino, and that she had meant for the patrol to see her. Someone in Karen's "Shadow Patrol" had important news for her... she just hoped it wasn't Monterre...

[Alia Anor Graham]

I awoke to find Joku relaxing against a cushion studying me. There is a look of concern in his features that belies the relaxed language of his body. I placed my hand over the twin perforations at my throat and looked around his sanctuary for long, silent moments.
(s) “this is your safe house?” My words seemed overly loud in the silence that had stretched between us.

He did not respond immediately, but rather let the silence stretch on before speaking, but failing to answer my question. “Yu seem to be feeling better than when we first met on the Isle.”

At last, he nodded to my query, and I needed to know how he’d found me after Vanion’s abduction.

Joku’s words whispered across the chamber “The Overlord told me to follow Sylus there to aid you since she could not go herself.

I nodded as my fingers traced over some of the knot work bands on the walls. “I’m sorry to be a burden, but I thank you for coming after me. Seraphina said they would be ready for me this week, it should be a very short time that I intrude upon your sanctuary.”

Joku gave me a slight smile, “It is really no burden, though having now caught the attention of some others around RhyDin, I am hoping I don’t draw unfavorable attentions from a few.”

I looked at him a moment: “Bad things are happening with more frequency, aren’t they?”

He gave a slight shrug. “This is what this place is for, to hide out for a few when necessary.”

I pressed him some more, “But haven’t you felt all the darkness closing in around us?”

His nod was grave, “Hai, I have noticed more and more beings and creatures that are tainted roaming about more freely and openly than of recent.”

I gave him a wry smile at the use of the word “tainted”, for what have I become now that I’ve been bitten by Vanion? Could the vampire’s taint ever be removed? I did not voice my concerns, but I suspect Joku is wondering the same things, and just how safe his safe house is with an elf that’s been bitten by a vampire within it’s walls.

His voice reached across the distance between us, “So, do you worry about what may come of those marks on your neck?”

My gaze slid over the runes long moments before I faced him. “I believe the Temple will know how to free me from Vanion.” The mere mention of his name sent a shiver through me.

Joku nodded, “If anyone would, they probably could. I do hope they can help heal your ills. If you don’t mind, I am curious…. Was the bite of Vanion more than life stealing, but, you know, drawing off your mana?” He was very hesitant, and chose his words with great care.

My hand covered the necklace where it rested beneath my shirt. “No, you are kind enough to shelter me, and I should answer your questions. It was not Vanion’s bite that siphoned off my sorceries…. It was the mountain. Like he’s bonded with the tower and it too is more like a vampire than not….It was responsible for the weakness. Vanion only bit me to establish a blood bond so he can talk to me at will.” I could not suppress the shudder hearing my own voice acknowledge that which I had tried not to dwell upon.

His eyes closed, and he seemed to study something only he could see before asking me if I thought the damage was permanent.

I told him that I do not believe it is permanent, but I think the mountain would have killed me if I had not been removed from its influence.

He nodded, almost to himself more than to me, and I began restless pacing around the safe house, pausing at the boundaries of the circle in the middle of the room, reading the glyphs there. (s) “ I worry for the next Keeper, what damage has he wrought?”

Joku rose and stood beside me at the periphery of the circle and pointed at a few of the glyphs. “I am not sure I understand the ways of the Isle, but I am curious. Do you recognize this kind of elven magic? Is it similar to the kind practiced here?”

I reached for the twin perforations again, “Some of it looks familiar, but it’s not Tuatha de Danaan, and so I am guessing as I read them.”

Time passed in the safe house quickly, and the day of my initiation is approaching.