Discoveries

[Topaz]

A black eye brow raised, “More painful than delightful.” The thoughts of sunbeams dancing in the trees had his skin already prickling with needles.

”Okay, delightful so long as it would cause you no pain.”

Lucien laughed. “Sunbeams without pain?”

”Yes!” Her eyes sparkled as he caught on. “Feel how much fun and joy that would be to see, and share that feeling with those lights in front of you.” Topaz saw the image he formed in his mind and whispered softly directly into his thoughts. “Just desire the joy of seeing such, no force, just allow the joy at the image rise in you. It would please you and it would be so much fun to the magic to make it happen.”

Lucien followed her lead in this since he could feel it would please her. Slowly the fairy lights rose into the leaves above and formed thin light beams that then danced very slowly over the leaves. He sensed her joy at his success and pride in him and focused the suggestion on the lights that they would be delightful as a halo around Topaz.

Very quietly she explained as the sunlight formed a halo around her, so very close to him as to be touching. “This is like doing tons of spells at once, multiple beams of sunlight and a shield to protect you from it.” Carefully and slowly she leaned in to brush her lips over his cheeks.

He smiled as she was haloed by the light. Not a single prick bothered his sensitive eyes.

Topaz could barely contain her joy and awe. She had not been entirely sure that he could semi-consciously work with fairy magic, he had surpassed what she had been hoping for. “You are making sunlight.”

”I think they are.” He smiled. The lights faded away as he turned his focus once more on Topaz.

“See it was you doing it.” She chuckled softly as she slid his fingers into her hair. He pulled her to him and into his lap. “You are marvelous.”

Lucien wrapped both arms around her. “I think you are confused.”

She brought her face close to his and flicked her tongue over his lips. “You are also delicious.”

He nipped lightly back. “Again, confused...” His lips skimmed along her throat, feeling her pulse quicken.

“Not in the least.” She insisted with a soft sigh. “I can't tell you how ecstatically happy I am over you being able to create sunlight.” Perhaps, with time, he would desire to be done with his hunting duties so much faster and with taking fewer risks.

“I would rather make you ecstatically happy with my touch.” He nuzzled again.

“You do something much more with your touch.” She chuckled softly.

“Good.” He purred and showed her just how good he was at making her ecstatically happy.


”Oh, Anubis challenged.” Topaz mentioned on their way home.

“He did?”

If you were any less distracting, I’d have told you already.” She gave him a saucy wink, and then turned serious. ”Now, Lucien, I'm not at all happy about it, but that doesn't mean you can interfere. It's my honor and duty to defend or lose all on my own. Only if he's a sore loser and attacks me outside the ring, than you tickle him with lightening. But you could by my second, would you like that? Please say yes.”

Lucien gave her a long look. “I cannot fry him for his temerity?”

“No, that would be very bad manners.”

“This would affect me how?” A society's principles never mattered to him before, other than his own sense of duty and honor.

“I would have to be ashamed of you politically, and the council may declare me as unfit to hold the barony.” She chuckled softly. “Not that I'd mind the first part.”

Lucien frowned. “If this is what is required. I will stand beside you.”

“And Xeno - you know, the one that swallowed a stick - he'd frown ever so haughtily.” Topaz giggled at the image and then hugged Lucien tightly, raining kisses all over his face. “Thank you. With you being my second I won’t need a second second either.”

Lucien replied with velvet laughter. “Never. I am all you will ever need.” He gave her a slow smile which she just had to kiss.

“Do you have a sword of any kind?” She had never actually seen Lucien wielding a blade other than a dagger.

“Yes, I have several.”

“You should bring one for being a second, just in case.” It was not likely that he’d have to use it, though.

“And under what circumstances would I have the opportunity to step in?” His brow lifted as though considering how to make it be him that this Anubis would face.

“Were I to faint or disappear suddenly then you'd be expected to finish in my stead.”

Both his brows went up. “Disappear hmm?”

“It's not likely that I would.”

“It could be arranged.” His fingers trailed ever so lightly along her collar bone.

Topaz had no doubt that he could make her disappear. “But you see, there's this duty and honor thing again. Making me disappear wouldn't be the honorable thing to do.”

“I am honor bound to these people?” His voice clearly said he was not.

“No, but I am.” She chuckled softly. “You're so sweet. You should be happy should I fail to defend. Then, come Yule, you could say, ‘Ha, you hunting, you couldn't even beat that little Egyptian slaver in a ring where he was forced to duel fairly and adhere to the rules.’”

Lucien shook his head. “I would not wish you to lose your barony.”

She fell in love with him all over again and hugged him tight. “Like I said, you're so sweet.”

[Topaz]

Cave Re-decorating

At the fairly polite time of mid-morning Topaz stopped by the tower of earth. "Artemus? Are you home?"

One of the golems answered the door. Its stone features were chiseled with lifelike details to appear as flesh turned stone. “May I help you Archmage?” It asked politely.

"Yes, you may. I'm looking for Artemus, is he in or might you know where I can find him?"

“He's on the top floor playing with his daughter at the moment, but please, do come in. I'm sure he'll see you.” Stepping aside to let her in the golem opened the door wider.

"Thank you." Topaz entered the tower and looked around. She had never been inside the tower of earth before. The greeting hall was lined with statues of each of the former Keepers of Earth. At the bottom of the large pillars were written the reigns of them along with defenses. The golem led her past them and down a large hallway with pictures and murals of animals and ancient battles engraved into the walls. But she was more amazed at the length of the hallway and how it fit inside the tower than the decor.

As if the golem had sensed her question he glanced down at her. “The tower is built into the side of the mountain, so most of the halls extend into it, and the current Keeper has made alterations to accommodate more space for the golems, guests he has, and his daughter. He puts every one of us above himself. He's the first Keeper to do so.” It spoke no more as it opened a side door and led Topaz into what appeared to be a giant geode. Crystals lined the walls and floor making the sun outside reflect through them like a hundred rainbows. The golem touched two crystals together and the light gathered together on a raised area a moment before a portal opened. The crystals harnessed the sunlight and reflected it to make dimensional gates to the other floors.

“I like hearing that he does so.” Topaz replied with a smile. “The tower is certainly much prettier than I imagined it to be.

The golem paused once the portal was finished. “Everything in the world that is beautiful can be found here, Archmage. This is after all the Tower of Earth.”

“That it is.” Once the light cleared, Artemus could be seen clearly, rolling on the ground with his daughter, acting as if he were fighting her off while his hands tickled her and she tickled him back. His face was a far cry from his usual dour features. A smile made his features glow with a light in them that was not usually present. Topaz watched the scene for a while before she made her presence known. “Good morning to you both.”

Artemus lay back on the stone floor and laughed as Amaris pounced on him and began tickling. Turning to look at the portal he smiled respectfully. Quite an accomplishment from that position, Topaz thought. “Same to you Topaz, please. Come through.” He waved for her to step through the portal.

“Thank you.” Topaz entered the room and accepted his invitation to sit down.

”So what brings you to my neck of the Isle, Topaz?” Artemus sat up.

That was just the invitation she had been waiting for. "Well, you see, Vampires sleep during the day. So does Obsidion. Lucien made me promise not to go out after him at night. But I do know where he sleeps, sort of, and you can tell the dirt what to do, right? Obsidion doesn't have to be awake for us to pay him a visit.”

“Well I can't exactly tell it what to do but I can ask politely with a bit of will behind it.” Artemus nodded. “So let me guess? Rearrange his hide out?”

”There'll be some wards to undo and some traps to destroy. If he's actually sleeping there today, we might be able to dig him up and let him enjoy the nice weather. But Amaris should not be along. There'll be bats and scorpions and insects most likely, maybe some other nasty things.”

Artemus laughed. “I'm not taking my daughter on a vampire hunt, Topaz. Especially not since I bound her powers. She turns into a baby bear and we'll have more problems on our hands.” He shook his head then looked at Amaris. “Why don't you go to your room and pick out some things to take on a picnic with Moira?”

The girl nodded with a broad smile, gave him a tight hug and then curtsied to Topaz before she rushed over to give her a hug as well.

Topaz returned the hug and whispered to her. “Thank you, Amaris.”

Piercing blue eyes looked up at Topaz and a grin split the child's features before she moved through the portal where the golem took her hand and led her away. Artemus rose and moved toward the Archmage. “I'm ready when you are.”

“I didn't know I'd be taking you away from your time with Amaris when I thought to ask you along.” Topaz offered with an apologetic smile.

”I've got 15 years to make as many happy memories as possible, Topaz. I can go on a few adventures here and there.” He nodded with a sad look in his eyes before he shoved it away. “So, where is this cave?”

“In the Atrebla Valley just slightly north of the glacier. It's not particularly big either.”

Artemus nodded. “Let me get a few things and I'm good to go?”

“Of course.” Topaz waited while Artemus got ready to leave the tower and wondered what all he meant to bring along. She didn't really expect to run into any serious trouble, as it was the middle of day. To shorten the time the golem brought refreshments and Topaz was happy to accept a cup of tea and a pastry.

Topaz was just finishing off the repast when Artemus re-appeared. He didn’t appear to have anything on him but his level of magic seemed to have increased greatly between his leaving and now. “Ready when you are.”

Topaz looked up when Artemus returned and quickly put a last piece of pastry into her mouth and finished the tea, swallowing with a grin. “Ready!”

Artemus was munching on a pastry of his own and made a face as he had to wipe off some crumbs. “Can never eat those things without making a mess.” He muttered some more and then smiled, offering his arm.

Topaz at first took a step toward him to take the offered arm, then stopped and with an apologetic smile and a wink declined. “I had better not. Lucien wouldn't like it. I do appreciate the offer, though.”

“I understand.” He nodded and then chuckled. “And I have no desire to offend Lucien. Though such a thing is minor where I am from...but some become jealous over little things. Well let’s get this show on the road.”

[Topaz]

“Aye, let's do that before I remember that Lucien might not like that either.” Topaz said with a chuckle as they stepped through the portal.

Topaz led the way to Atrebla Valley, using portals where possible, and part way across in a northely direction around Otyep glacier and up into the mountainous terrain. Eventually the fairy stopped and pointed ahead with an outstretched arm. “It's up there. Stop a moment and catch your breath while I check if he put traps in with the ward. Do you have shields you can use to keep folks from learning your secrets?”

Artemus walked a step behind Topaz in silence. Not a word was spoken as he thought of the task ahead, all the while he communicated with the land mentally and learned about the area. At her question he gave her a curious look. “I can shield my thoughts yes.”

“That wouldn't do it.” Though that would be advisable when there was a Vampire around, but it wouldn’t be enough for what Topaz had in mind.

“I can always erase your memory of what secrets you learn, but I doubt that would endear me to you, nor Lucien.” Artemus looked serious. He wasn’t lying about it either.

“Correct.” Topaz chuckled. “Well, in that case we'll try the less scientific approach.” She crouched and picked up a couple decent size rocks and threw them with perfect aim through the cave opening.

“Well, not erase..it's more like alter. The memory would still be there..just different.” Artemus shrugged. “Don't worry Topaz, I can keep my own secrets protected. You couldn't just sense the wards?” He raised a brow.

”If I make it to were I can sense the wards and traps - and right now I'm more concerned about the traps - well, you already said you'd not like it. Oh look, bats.”

Artemus chuckled. “You've already seen how I can absorb magic.” Yes, he was aware that she knew. “That ability goes with most things related to magic, including wards. If I wanted I could probably absorb the Ward of Gondor into myself. Talk about becoming immortal.”

“It should be safe now to take away the wards. Though he might have more traps deeper inside the cave.” She wondered if she should be less obvious about observing others, for that was a secret she had learned without the aid of any special abilities.

Artemus moved forward and his hand slowly turned black once more, the color bled away from his flesh. “I'll take care of the wards, traps will be something else entirely.” He looked back at her with those lifeless black eyes. “I'm expendable...and Lucien would kill me if I let anything happen to you.”

“You're far from expendable.” But she could not deny the rest of his statement. She did decide to take the warning to heart though and disbursed some of her shields.

“At least there are two people who thinks so.” His smile was a sad one and Topaz wondered what his story was. Artemus turned back to the cave and strode through the entrance. “Just a bit of caution, if I start to glow and sparks zap around me, stay back. That' part of the magic being obsorbed. Some wards have nasty little surprises attatched to them.”

”Thanks for the warning.” After a few steps she paused. “Halt. There's another trap, three feet ahead of you.”

Artemus paused mid-step and looked at her then nodded and extended his hand forward and reached out with that black hand of his.

Topaz wondered that there seemed to be no effect to the trap. “Now, I could have sworn traps to contain something nasty.”

Artemus looked over his shoulder. “What good is a trap if you disable the arming mechanism?” His grin held something evil, but Topaz sensed no intent to match that evil and ignored it.

“You do have a point. I am not sensing a body yet, do you?” She had been searching for Obsidion in the ground but without success.

Once the grin faded his pale skin seemed to have taken on a cerulean tinge; making him glow faintly in the dark of the cave. “He wouldn't be this close to the entrance...at least I don't think so.”

“You know, I would have expected more wards on the inside, and more traps.” Topaz had checked thoroughly and was fairly certain that Obsidion was sleeping somewhere else this day.

Artemus shook his head. “Not always. A massive amount of traps is a good way to draw attention. One or two small ones is enough to keep the simple minded away and more than enough to give the dangerous beings the idea that a minor creature not worth their time dwells here. Vanion is the exception to the rule from vampires I've seen. Most of the old ones like to draw as little attention to themselves as possible. Move in plain sight, yet never bee seen. That kind of thing.” Artemus walked cautiously along the inside wall, moving to the left of the cave.

”Obsidion was flashy in the arena though.” Topaz objected.

“Guess the vampires that circulate around Van-piss-ant share his theatrical mentality.” He conceded that point with a shrug.

“I guess it can't hurt anything to re-arrange the walls and displace some dirt just the same. Should we be outside for that?”

“As subtle as a sledge hammer.” Artemus nodded with a slight smirk. “If I find the body I could just encase him in really thick rock. Let him rot for eternity like a mouse in a porous cage.” Then he shrugged and looked at her. “Your way sounds a lot more fun to me.”

“Subtelty doesn't work well on guys. He might be an undead, but he's still a guy.” Topaz grinned. “Too bad we wont get to see his face when he finds out.”

“Well I can rearrange what you want from inside and move the dirt around, but the protection would just be around myself or anything I'm holding, touching, etcetera.” He paused to clear his throat. “I can be pretty subtle.” He muttered under his breath kind of sulky.

“That's quite all right. I'll be happy to watch from a save distance. Oh, of course you can be. But there's no need to be subtle with Obsidion.” Topaz managed with a straight face. The problem was not in being subtle but in catching subtleties in others.

Artemus nodded and pulled a small wand from inside his robes and tapped it on thin air like a conductors wand with a grin to her. “I'll conduct the Amorphous Orchastra, you just give me the tune, Lady Topaz.”

”I think that's my cue to get out of harms way.” Topaz chuckled and retreated from the cave to wait outside. “Re-decorate at will.” Topaz was surprised to see that Artemus was following her out. But this way he could do the re-decorating in style without having to worry about flying debris hitting them both.

[Topaz]

”Ahh the limestone...my strings.” Artemus smiled softly as he closed his eyes, standing where Topaz could clearly see him work. He manipulated the wand with sure movements. The walls of the cave began to shake and, oddly enough, gave off a musical sound as everything started to shift. Topaz fluttered her wings lightly, just enough to not be affecting by the ground shaking.

”Now for the woodwinds…” He nodded and turned to the left a bit, still waving the wand around like a mad conductor. The ground inside the cave began to shift and change. He raised it up to create a small maze within the cave just to be cruel. “Sing my pretties...sing!” His voice was nearly reverent and he kept working. The ground rumbled as everything changed and readjusted. There were flashes of light and wicked sounds as the magical traps were set off by the shifting earth within the cave.

“And now the crescendo!” He jabbed the wand towards the cave and a large expulsion of earth sent dirt flying outward though it. But it all fell far short of where Art and Topaz were standing.

“Amazing!” Topaz chuckled at the display. It would have been worth watching all on its own. “Well, if he was in there, this should have severely disturbed him. And if he wasn't, I hope he comes back to find the sight disturbing.”

Artemus threw a grin at Topaz. “Thank you.” With a nod he spun in place and jabbed the wand at the cave again. When he flattened out his hands the rumbling sound faded again. With a laugh he continued, “If he was in there... I just woke him up by putting him through an earthquake, falling rocks included. And he'll have a hell of a time getting out to.”

“Thank you. I had hoped to get rid of him, though. Now the patrols have to continue.” Topaz was still convinced that Obsidion had not been in that cave this day.

“Oh I'm not done yet.” He laughed and held up his station key and focused on the cave entrance. Slowly it began to become smaller, as if the whole cave itself was shrinking. It kept doing so until there was nothing but flat rock wall covering the entrance. “Now if he comes back his home is gone, and if he was inside, once he walks through the stone there's no going back. Things can come out, but can't get in.” He nodded as if pleased with his work. “Not the most honorable thing I could have done, but under the circumstances.”

”Nice. Could anyone but you undo this not being able to get in? Does that also keep out mist or prevent teleportation spells?”

Artemus looked at her. “Because Vanion copied some of my Keeper powers when he had the tower, he could. But mist will be kept out, and I can throw in a ward to prevent teleportation, though it's not my specialty.”

“Naw, wards can be undone easily enough. I just was curious.” Topaz tucked away that information and kept her thoughts to herself. “Thank you very much for your help, Artemus. Would you like to stop somewhere for coffee or lunch, or are you in a hurry to get back to your daughter?”

“Actually I was just about to ask you if you needed my services for anything else?” There was no hidden meaning; he was sincerely asking if she needed help with anything else while he was up and about.

”Not right now, but as you did bring it up, would you like to decorate Beacon Town for the emperor's visit? I don't yet though if he's coming this fall or not until spring. His reply has yet to arrive.” For a moment though she was tempted to ask him with another project she was working on, but then dismissed the idea of help. The addition to the Beacon’s cellars was something she needed to without help from anyone.

“Beacon Town? Where's that?” Artemus blinked with surprise.

“On the far side of the Beacon from here.” Topaz replied with an amused chuckle.

He nodded. “I see… well it is short notice, but I'll see what I can do. And as to your offer of coffee, I would love some. Though you may think I'm disgusting for liking those java icer things.”

”I prefer my coffee hot.” With a smile she added, “I'm sure we can find a place in Rhydin that has both.” With that started head back the way they had come, at more leisurely pace now.

“Rhydin after all, has everything.” Artemus grinned, and then paused for an intense look at Topaz's neckline. “I notice you're not wearing that gift I gave you. If you're dealing with a vampire, it might not be a bad thing to wear it. Especially if things get truly dangerous. You'll have another ace up your sleeve.” He gave a shrug. “But this is your production, Lady Topaz. I am but a supporting player.”

With a soft smile Topaz started to explain. “Please try not to take it personal. I do treasure your gift and the thoughtfulness behind it. Lucien's feelings however are hurt when I wear something another man gave me. He doesn't make the distinction between friendship and romantic intensions. It's not that he asked me not to wear it, or perhaps I decided not to wear it because he didn't ask me not to. I just don't want to cause him distress by wearing it.”

Artemus nodded and smiled. “You're respecting his wishes and slight ignorance. I understand. That is all you had to say, though I wonder if he would feel the same thing were I a woman.” He snickered.

“Probably not.” She had to agree about the gifts, but ignorance had nothing to do with anything Lucien did. “He seems to like Rena and was not the least bit worried about taking Azjah along to shop for clothes for me to wear. Nice thought on his part, and though the clothes are all the finest, I'd rather he had waited and taken me shopping. It's sad for the innocent clothes, but I can't be happy about them.”

“He doesn't feel threatened by females, yet another tom cat comes strutting around and his fur goes up. It's alright to have insecurities. But I have a feeling the two of you will work things out.”

It was an odd thought, that of Lucien being insecure about anything. “It's difficult to imagine not to have had feelings for centuries and then to suddenly get them all. It must be very confusing. Babies don't learn to deal with it all in a matter of weeks either. I must admit though, I should be very displeased, too, were he to wear a necklace Rena or Azjah gave him. And I do not have such a handy excuse.” No, she definitely would not allow such a thing.

“So, about that coffee?” The inherent problems Topaz was having with Lucien were not totally his concern and he was not the person to give anyone advice. He was just uncomfortable about this kind of talk in general. “That would be purely hypocritical on Lucien's part, Topaz. He's allowed to wear a gift from someone of the opposite gender while you are not.”

”No, he isn't.” Topaz smiled. “I don’t think he received such a gift either. But that's beside the point.” She was sad for him and the centuries he had lived through without any presents whatsoever and wondered if he remembered his birthday. “Yea, let’s have that coffee. That there looks like a coffee shop.”

Though Artemus probably would keep his misconceptions, Topaz had come to a new understanding of a few things regarding Lucien.

[Topaz]

Overlord Match

Lucien faded into the visible spectrum in the dueling arena. Topaz was sitting at a ring side table with a cup of coffee and a little flag in front of her. His obsidion eyes locked on her as he moved to join her. With a happy smile she rose to greet him.

“I missed you.” She hugged him and looked up into his dark eyes.

He wrapped his arms around her. “And I you.” She fit into his arms as though she were made to be there.

“Will you sit with me, please?”

Lucien reached down and scooped her into his arms, whisking her into a dark corner. “Certainly.” There was a glint of humor in his eyes as he simply carried her off cave man style.

“Now I'm minus my coffee - not that I'm complaining.” She chuckled softly before she added more quietly. “I'd rather have you anyway.”

He held out his hand as the cup of hot coffee joined them in the shadows. “Tell me again why we are here.” He really hated crowds, especially when there were single men around.

“Thank you.” She beamed a smile to him as she reached for the cup. “We are here to watch the challenge match for the Overlord title. And we're cheering for Cory.” That much she didn’t mind anyone overhearing, but other things were better kept private and she switched to telepathy. Is it okay for me to be Cory's second? Topaz was not at all sure how Lucien would feel about that. If Cory becomes Overlord tonight, he may step in to make Anubis' life more complicated in an honorable sort of way.

He lifted a black brow at her. “In other words, you would prefer I not fry him.” Sure. Honorable? In Lucien's mind, honor was a rare feature in RhyDin, at least honor as he understood it.

“Right.” She slid her fingers over his arm. His easy reply did come as somewhat of a surprise. Well, in the way of the sport. The Overlord is allowed to defend to defend loyal Barons

And you would declare loyal. It was not a question, and he knew she was fond of the man who they had come to support.

Though he had made it sound like a statement, she had not missed his curiosity. To Cory, yes. I just don't like Damien. Cory was a friend.

Why not? He looked at the one called Damien and the woman with him, and instantly understood why neither was a savory sort.

Instinct, mostly. He's drunk most of the time, not very nice a person, he has someone else write letters for him, and choses to give the grant to people who write silly letters. He may be good in the rings, but I'd like to see an Overlord with at the very least some manners.

I see. He glanced at Cory then, and recalled some of the man's activities, including his attack on the Marchioness.

She sensed that something was bothering Lucien and sent a soft caress with her next thought while she searched for the reason. Des and Gav had just arrived and she waved a greeting to the couple. Do you disagree? Cory's about to get married, so you can quit getting all jeallous for no reason.

I do not like the way that one looks at women. The King of Westridge had arrived, and his look at Topaz raised his hackles instantly.

“We are here tonight to witness the challenge to Overlord Damien by Cory!” Imp, the official for the match, announced loudly. “Damien's second is Bapheloc, and he duels under the flag of Polaris. His Lady of Honor is the hottie Arane. Cory duels under the banner of the Golden Sun Stables, the shilloute of a stallion in front of a setting sun. His color is blue. His Lady of Honor is the hottie Anjolie Quinn and his Second is Topaz Datrazanov.”

Cory or Gav? She gave a soft chuckle and slipped her free arm around Lucien’s waist. Cory looks at food with more desire than any female other than Quin.

Gavilean He gave a low rumbling snarl.

Gaviliean really only sees Des, no matter what or who he looks at. But I would much rather talk about you.

His obsidion eyes slid over Gavilean as Imp announced that Damien wanted the former Overlord Cory to be tested by Baphelocutis. Gavilean smiled and nodded to Lucien in response.

Topaz, having spotted Rena and Gnim among the patrons, waved to them both. Cassius obviously did not agree with the testing. He stepped into the ring with Baphe. As much as I dislike the roman, I'd like for him to win this duel.

This is confusing. Why does the Overlord not simply face his challenger as would be honorable? He settled onto a sofa with Topaz in his lap. Here again was a distinct affront to honor. If the Challenger was formerly an overlord, who was this Damien to demand a test of worthiness?

[Topaz]

I thought I just mentioned that Damien isn't all that honorable. She leaned against him. How is Gabriel?

Still sleeping and healing. Gregori has him under enchantment. Very softly he whispered, “And now that you have met some of my people, what do you think of what you've gotten yourself into?” She had not been introduced gently into his world, and he hoped it had not soured her for his people and their way of life.

The whisper was so soft, she had missed it altogether. But exchanging nods of greeting was not anything near enough for her to have anwered his question anyway. You know I could have prevented him getting this badly hurt?

And how would you have done such? There was a mixture of curiosity and mirth in his voice.

Micro shields, they'd have separated the acid from the mist and kept it away from him. Then of course, it was stupid to enter the cave without checking for traps first. They could have been triggered or disabled ahead of time.

The acid was not a trap we have seen before. The other traps were disabled or moved around. So she believed Gabriel had not known about the traps, but he had, and he had conveyed each of them except the acid faithfully to Lucien.

But you can sense danger, can you not? Absently she played with Lucien's tied back hair.

Not always. Vampyre's are masters of deceit. Reynauld has had a long time to perfect his defenses in his own lair. He would not belabor the point. Gabriel had been trapped by the vampyre with a trap they had not seen before, and the acid would have been hard to detect in the sulphurous environment of the cave.

You two are certainly making it very difficult for me to keep my promise. There was no need for Gabriel to get hurt this badly. It's a good thing he doesn't have a mate yet. That poor girl would have felt everything. You had better not ever get hurt like that. She knew she would have night mares about that possibility.

I will try not to take such damage. He did not like that she had so much empathy for his brother, nor concern over a mate he had not yet found.

Try is not good enough. I don't mind the slashes so much. I do feel everything that happens to you, including the way the couch feels against you back and the way I tug at your hair, even when you push me out of your mind.

I will have to work on that. Lucien lightly caressed the wings as he watched her.

If she was a cat she’d be purring now. Only death breaks the fae link. There is no shielding it.

Perhaps I can convince the bits not to show so much. He gave her a playful wink.

That idea scared her. Be careful what you wish for, very careful. The link works both ways. I would be missing something when I felt you love and desire me less.

You would not like to lock me out my dear. He gave her a fanged smile.

Of course not. My mind is always open to you. He had yet to teach her how to keep anyone out of her mind. It would be your tempering that would make the fairy bond less. It does not include your thoughts anyway.

Topaz, there are some things I do not wish you to see for they are much too graphic. He meant that with every fiber of his being, and he would have to find a way to convince the bits that it was not good for her to feel the pain.

She giggled as she recalled some of the images that had escaped his sencorship. He had also allowed her to look at his memories without any such restrictions. It is a very strong and very detailed empathic link, not the least telepathic. Robbing me of the sight does nothing to make the experience easier.

As I said, I shall endeavor to work on that. There would be a way, he only needed to find it.

Do you truely want me to believe you love me less than you do? Should he really find a way to convince the link to be less effective, she would sorely miss their transmitting all the desired emotions.

Not at all. I would but spare you pain where I can. It was not a lack of love, but rather an abundance of it that made him desire to protect her from pain.

We are one. The one way to ensure that is to keep yourself from getting into the way of claws and traps.

But that is not always possible my love. There were inherent risks associated with hunting the Vampyre.

I know. But he at least could spare the pang of pain that came with being pushed away everytime he did so. Then a happier thought floated to the surface. Until Yule at least be extra careful please. I do not intend for this to be the first promise I will have to break.

You would not break your promise. His black eyes met and held hers.

[Topaz]

I should try to teach you some more tricks with the Fairy magic. She smiled.

We have all the time in the world. But tricks did not help him hunt, and so far he failed to see the relevance to his world.

Once you're more of a fairy you won't need me along. Improving his chances of escaping injuries during a hunt certainly outweighed her need for having valid points to make when it was time to re-negotiate.

His black eyes studied Topaz a moment. “There seem not to be many to support this overlord. Is there reason?”

A reply would have to wait, because Anjolie had walked over and paused in front of them. "You two doin' alright? Can I git'cha anythin'?"

Topaz smiled from Anjolie to Lucien and back. “Lucien, have you met Quinn yet? Anjolie Quinn, my husband, Lucien Datrazanov.”

“I have seen her, yes.” He turned his black eyes on Quinn. In fact, he had given information to the Marchioness for Mr. Havoick earlier about something he had overheard Ms. Quinn say. He knew her, but she had no way of knowing him.

"You got hitched, lady?" She was wide-eyed with surprise and smiled widely. "Congratulations! Nice ta meet'cha." She offered her hand while taking a second to look for a ring. But Topaz only was wearing the familiar jewlry and Lucien wasn’t wearing any.

“Thank you, Quinn.” Topaz kept the smile on her lips while Lucien bowed low over Anjolie’s hand and then released it.

"Well, you two enjoy the challenge, I'm gonna go check on my people." With a smile she turned and headed over to where Cassius was stationed.

She expected to see a ring. Topaz wondered if she should have stopped to slip the sapphire ring on.

Would such a thing please you? Lucien's quesiton was an honest one, rings were not part of Carpathian bonding, but if she would be happy with such a thing, he would remedy that lack.

Only if it meant something to you.

Such a thing has no meaning to me, but in the way of your people, if such is desired, I would be happy to take care of such. He could not tell for certain whether this was something she truly desired, or if it was only an observation for her.

I know very little of my people. People in Rhydin are a different story. She had no idea how or even if fairies did get married or had any kind of tradition for such. Her memories of the times spent with others of her kind were faded with age and she had more memories of the time she spent in the forest without company. The memories of first coming to Rhydin were a lot fresher.

I see. He considered that a ring would make it more difficult to shift, metal and gems not being as easy to shift into mist or other forms.

She smiled, good. You're supposed to be looking. Topaz finished her coffee and sighed softly. “This is not looking too well for Cory. He needs to turn this around.” Cory was down one to three against Baphe. She sat down her now empty cup.

“Much better.” Topaz smiled as Cory gained the lead with a nifty parry and then widened with a fancy maneuver.

Lucien happened across a memory from her first few weeks in Rhydin. She had decided to find out why these people all were having such silly looks on the faces after pressing their lips together and eventually had found someone who offered to give some insight. That shocked look or injured pride on that French Romeo-type when she had asked him to show her what kissing was all about and she had found it rather disappointing was priceless. Then the Romeo-type had refused to let her try a second time because she was just too innocent for his tastes.

Topaz playfully tugged on Lucien's hair and smiled to him.

He reached for her hand. “You have had your share of adventures here.” He brought her hand to his lips.

“I'm not tired of them yet.” Topaz was not certain if he meant the duels or something else. Then she saw Xenograg heading for the door and raised a brow. It was odd the proper Xeno would leave any Overlord match before it was decided.

“It would seem good reason to me.” Lucien nuzzled her throat.

“What is a good reason for what?” Silently she added, you can be so distracting.

“His departure.” He gave her a warm smile. Thank you.

You are very welcome. I should learn how to distract you better. “Did I miss something?”

“You did not voice the question aloud, but I heard it none the less.” You are a constant distraction.

[Topaz]

“Oh.” Topaz gave a soft chuckle. Not nearly as constant and as much of one as I'd like to be to you.

Have I ever stopped you from being distracting? His smile was sinful.

Once or twice. She gave him a teasing wink. Cory won the duel against Baphe with a parry and Topaz applauded before she leaned closer to whisper softly near Lucien’s ear. “I'm hungry.”

His black eyes glittered. “What do you desire?” In that moment he would have spirited her away without a second thought.

“Good question. Cheese cake and ...” and ... You, of course.

Lucien claimed her lips for a long kiss. “Cheese cake.” That she could still consume human foods never ceased to surprise him.

She nodded and her gaze locked with his as she traced his lips with a fingertip. “Aye, maybe with some strawberries on top.” Then turned her gaze ringward when Imp announced the start of the challenge match.

Lucien smiled at the opening round. The Overlord and the Warlord warily circled each around the ring. Then Damien swung his sword high, leaving himself open for Cory's attack. Cory had claimed first blood.

Quietly Topaz mused. “Perhaps hungry can wait until we get home.”

“Can we go now?” There was a hopeful tenor to his voice.

“No, we wait until the dueling is done.” Though going home appeared more tempting by the moment. If there is a new Overlord I will have to declare my alignment.

Of course. It was almost sulky sounding.

Then we go home and you may feed me cheese cake. She gave him a wink that implied much more than cheese cake. Or would you rather not bother with cheese cake?

They watched Cory regain the lead with a quick thrust of his blade. “Well poked!”

I will not enjoy, but certainly you may. He knew she enjoyed such things, but for him, the only sustenance he truly enjoyed was her lifeblood itsefl.

Topaz snuggled closer to Lucien, keeping her eyes on the ring. I know you do enjoy having me eat out of your hands.

The touch of your tongue on my finger tips is most satisfactory. He gave her a slow smile. His body reacted instantly to that thought.

Topaz lifted his hand to her lips and nibbled on a fingertip. Like this?

He shivered at her touch. Just like that. And then he wished for the end to this match that he could spirit her home.

She gave him a very pleased smile. You are correct. It is most satisfactory. Just wait until we get home.

His chuckle was a velvety caress. I shall hold you to that.

You won’t be able to keep me from that. She was most certainly planning on nibbling on more than just fingers, and cheesecake no longer was on her mind either.

Cory won the match with a fancy defensive swing and became the seventieth Overlord. They both applauded. “Well won, Cory!”

Declare your allegiance, so I can take you home. It was an impatient request bordering on a demand. His need was driving him toward that fine line between asking and taking.

Yes, my Love. Topaz waited until Imp made a note of Baphe’s alignment. “You may put my name down as loyal to Overlord Cory, Imp.” At Imp’s nod she wrapped bother her arms around Lucien’s neck and softly whispered to him. “Now it's okay to leave.”

He slowly ran a finger tip along her wings. “Shall we?” At her nod they faded from sight.

[Topaz]

Obsidion

Topaz had gone ahead to the isle to while away the time until Lucien was at liberty to catch up with her again. She was looking forward to the opportunity to catch up on recent events with Jaleeisa, too. But by the time she arrived, Jaleeisa was already fairly busy with officiating duels. Their girl-talk would have to wait for a more oportune time. When Night Mask asked her to match spells, she was happy to accept the challenge. She had unfinished business with the little one.

“I have been looking for you, Mask.” Topaz started a couple rounds into the duel. “I had been wondering about what you told me in regards to the insignia. I'd love to find out who it was.”

“Really?” The four foot tall cloaked and masked figure tilted its head. “So would I.... he just said stay alive.”

Topaz took the time to wave to Azjah who had just arrived before she concentrated on Night Mask again. “It is possible that he is still with us.” She sensed Lucien’s arrival just then and smiled; she always felt better when he was close by. You were fast this evening. Thank you. She spoke to him telepathically and sent him a wink as she ducked behind a shield.

Lucien’s obsidian eyes followed each move his lifemate made and watched her duel with interest.

As if spooked by something unseen a flock of birds scattered from the trees outlining the beach and a sense of unease took Topaz’s attention from her opponent. A quick glance told her that some of the patrons appeared bothered by the occurance as well.

“Methinks something wicked doth this way come, but intent be unknown.” The druid was stating for everyone.

“There are many wicked things that like to come here Druid, just look at Vanion.” Azjah offered a reasonable explanation for the scattering of birds.

“Ahh yes but Vanion wont be coming very much longer.” Obviously Night Mask was as distracted as Topaz.

“He will not?” She might not like Vanion, but he was a patron of the isle. Therefore, while he wasn’t inflicting harm to any of the other patrons, she considered him to be under her protection while he was on the isle, just like all the other patrons.

“No because I will destroy him using his own flames.” Night Mask stated evenly.

“I see.” Topaz hoped that such would happen away from the rings.

Ten pairs of glowing red eyes burned from the shadows. Their gazes crawled over each individual present on the isle, never intent on a single soul.
Lucien surveyed the beach area. He paused in his perusal when he felt his mate’s mental touch and looked at her. Her shields were working well and kept her from sensing the danger, but she was aware of his feelings. There is a presense in the trees. He answered her before he greeted Rena.

"You want a party, lady? Cause I'd be more than happy ta take over Cory's house and throw one big, whoopin' shin-dig." Quinn was offering to Jaleeisa as Topaz turned her had for a quick glance at the treeline. She paled visibly as she spotted the five robed figures that stepped shoulder to shoulder from the copse. Their heads were bowed deeply to hide their features.

Lucien gave a low hiss at the robed figures. “Vampyre... the undead.” He gave Topaz a more detailed description of the auras she saw and answered Night Mask’s question.

“And it doth appear that my fashion sense is being copied though green is a much nicer color to behold than red. Red makes many think of blood and violence.” The druid offered.

Quinn’s conversation with Azjah had moved on to the subject of babies. “Personally I'd rather jus' go get pregnant and join in the fun with you and Des."

Jaleeisa’s face paled even as her stomach churned and that sense of dread she experienced the other day at the Inn reared. Her smile to welcome Klinton came of a little sickly and she swallowed hard as Lucien’s words sunk in. She reached out to her mate through their bond.

“Right now, Anjolie, I would not wish this on anyone, mornings are hell.” Azjah replied to Quinn with a soft chuckle.

"I know... jus' want ta have a pregnancy when Cory's around. I feel like I kinda excluded him last time and I owe it to him." Anjolie, too, found her gaze drawn to the commotion.

“I still do not see what many hold against vampires. I've met several that are quality people, who only feed off of the dregs of civilization. Criminals, thieves, murderers and such.” The Druid stated to Lucien.

“Who makes such a decision who lives and who dies in pain and terror Druid?” Lucien was obviously of a different opinion on the matter.

“That is no mortal being’s choice to make. We all have a finite life span. You do not live one moment longer than necessary.” The Druid appeared to contradict himself.

“Then how could you consider them ‘quality’?” Lucien called him on the inconsistency as Topaz finished her duel.

[Topaz]

“You would prefer they feed on decent citizens? Rather than ones that seek only to harm their fellow man?”

“I prefer they follow honor and walk into the sun rather than becoming Vampyre.” But now that he found his lifemate there was little chance of that happening. His view of Vampyres was very clear, there were no such thing as 'good' Vampyres.

“Thank you for the duel Mask.” Topaz scetched a bow and hurried from the ring to Lucien’s side. Night Mask left the ring just as speedily and grabbed Setting Sun along the way as it followed Topaz.

Lucien wrapped an arm around Topaz’s waist and lowered his head to kiss her, but his attention never left the robed figures. They should not be so near the rings. He picked up his mate’s communication even as she drew close and answered his kiss.

The people were now aware of their presence on Twilight Isle. In unison their eyes were lifted once more, but only for a brief second. Then, the robes fell crumpled to the ground as if they were filled with air, and that air had been released.

"Dinner and a show..." Anjolie made light of the situation.

“Some do not have a choice in the matter. And nothing in this world is black and white, everything is gray. Good and Evil, Right and Wrong, they are all perceptions of the mind and are viewed differently by all.” The Druid glanced at the robes with a deep frown behind the leopard mask. Dark vapors scattered over the isle. Each cloud closed in on a different, seemingly pre-orcastrated plan.

“Do you want them removed?” Lucien glanced at Topaz. She was drawing magic energies to her.

“Of course. Preferably before anyone comes to harm.” Was Lucien really asking her for permission? That couldn’t be.

“And this conversation between you and I can wait till later,” the Druid pointedly looked at the vapors. “When the skies are clear once more.”

They watched as the vapor spread out. I wish Gabriel were here. Lucien's wish was a thread of a whisper.

You'll have to make do with me. Topaz answered Lucien, hoping that he would accept her offer under the current circumstances.

Jaleeisa pulled the Topaz doll from her lap. “Mask?”

“In a moment Jal.” Night Mask looked at the fog clouds and then to Topaz and Lucien. “May I assist? Lucien, can the vapors be harmed by Sunlight?”

Jaleeisa nodded to Mask, gray eyes on the clouds, that mind numbing dread racing through her. Shivering, she found a smile for Tass, but as with Klinton, it came off sickly. Tass had waved off the vapors, moved through the rings and found his way to Jaleeisa to greet her with a kiss.

“You can command the weather can you not? Think you can blow these fell vapors out to sea?” The Druid inquired of Jaleeisa.

As the group of duelers drew closer, the noose of the vaporous clouds tightened. Taking initiative, a figure materialized from the mist and went to lunging at Tasslehofl.

Lucien turned to look at Topaz. I prefer you go home. She directed a globe of daylight at the thing that attacked Tass, earning a low snarl from Lucien. That is not getting to safety, Lifemate. But he had to chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. Tass was a dragon even if he currently didn’t look it. “I think he can handle that thing just fine.”

You should be doing something before they ruin prize week. Topaz was torn between her desire to fulfill Lucien’s wishes and the need to protect the patrons of the isle. Her gaze swept over the dueling area.

“Is everything arranged for our trip?” Klinton smiled to Azjah.

“Yes, we are scheduled for departure in two days if you can be ready.” She was not as happy about a trip home as one might expect.

“For certain.” Klinton nodded with confidence.

The druid paused when the figure went for Tasslehofl. “What would it want with him?” His eyes moved to glance at the surroundings. “And what is it drawing our attention from?”

Jaleeisa nodded to the Druid and shied away from Tass. She closed her eyes and called the winds to her will. But Tass was not so easily discouraged. He picked up Jaleeisa and moved quickly with her in his arms away from the attacking vapors. “Come… you have to do better than that, youngin.” There was almost a toying edge to his voice as he spoke to the vapors.

“Put me down, Tass.” Jaleeisa demanded quietly. Her hands danced in an intricate motion and her eyes opened for her to see her weaving. The winds began to whirl.

Tasslehofl winked to her. “No worries hun… just didn't want you in the path of the misguided miscreant as it missed me.”

[Topaz]

Topaz started to disburse a few of her shields. She needed to know where danger was coming from and the shields had been preventing that. You're already one behind, my Love. So maybe she was just a tad competitive.

The other menacing cloudlike entities honed in on their designated targets. Topaz, Azjah, Klinton were all in their sights even through the inhuman howl as one was driven back and left a pile of smoldering flesh.

“What's going on?” Klinton’s eyes followed Azjah’s glance.

“Those things look like they're after everyone here.” Azjah answered as she darted behind Klinton.

Anjolie’s violet eyes turned a queer shade of yellow as she became alert at the sudden action being taken nearby and Night Mask sped toward one of the entities with both its blades drawn. Thunder echoed overhead.

Jaleeisa nodded to Tass. “Aye, but I am mated now and I have to touch the earth or sea to be able to weave this.”

“Mated, eh? Well hell, there goes my fun with you.” Tass winked - there was no discoloring his mood this night - and then he turned and looked to the vapors. “So who gave the foul fog a mind of its own?”

The whirling winds swept toward the cloud nearest to Jaleeisa. While she wove the winds to will a solid armor encased her form. Then she reached out again to her Lifemate. Che, I need you, the Island is threatened.

“Good heavens ray.” Night Mask exclaimed as three bolts of light snaked towards each new target. Sadly, only one of them struck its intended target.

“Oh hell, and I am not armed.” Azjah did not sound pleased.

Azjah needs some assistance. I'll be fine. Topaz reminded Lucien of his duty as body guard.

Lucien lifted a black brow at Topaz. Seek the Citadel, please. He moved with preternatural speed to intercept the vapor moving toward Topaz even as she fluttered her wings and took to the air. She gathered more of the sentient magic as she flew toward the citadel. Her mind already raced ahead to how she might help once she arrived at the arch mage’s home.

Anjolie frowned until she observed Azjah hiding behind Klinton. That put her somewhat at ease. The femme then headed over to ‘check on’ the bar area.

The Druid walked over and took a seat on one of the couches. “Those who have better things to do tonight than fight or die, let me know if you would like a duel.” He spoke calmly and with a level of disinterest.

Tass grinned to the official. “Well… the childling controlling that stuff need not concern themselves with this old man... I'm too old... so I'll duel.”

“Find yourself a dance partner old one and I will conduct the orchestra.” The official nodded.

Jaleeisa kept working the winds and strove to keep the clouds at bay, away from her friends and now, in a way, family. A huge owl screamed a warning as it dove through the portal then winged its way toward Jal. The cruel beak opened as keen eyes sought the
cause of the disturbance on the Isle. I am here.

Her gray eyes showed the dread and panic as they did in the Inn. She relaxed, but only a little, as she felt her Lifemate. I am holding the clouds away as much as I can with Air, beloved, and I have armored myself in the same. What more should I do?

Lucien had turned into mist and wrapped around the vapor that attacked his Lifemate, coiling it into a smaller and smaller space. He crushed the vapor into shifting before calling lightning from the clouds to incinerate the undead creature where it landed.

Another vapor was struck by searing light. Their numbers were dwindling faster than progress could be made by them. The three remaining ceased their tormenting of Azjah and Klinton and set their eyes on the prize. Which was attempting to escape through the air. Two of them rapidly closed the gap between them and Topaz.

Jaleeisa’s hand moved, guiding the whirlwinds to shield Topaz. She hoped to at least slow the clouds, if not dissipate them.

“Time to fly my pretty things.” The Druid stood once more; green robes were shed to reveal a muscled body covered in burns. “Halcyon! Come to me!” As he leapt into the air burned sinew grew and changed to that of a great winged griffon.

“Now I need to carry silver bullets?” Azjah muttered and flailed at the vapor that swirled too near.

“I can’t... fly... damn...” Finding trees Night Mask leaped up to the treetops in an attempt to follow the clouds.

Tasslehofl looked to the sky and then to the Carpathian. The lightening appeared to have slowed down the fairy.

[Topaz]

Another flow of air was guided by Jaleeisa to erect a shield between Azjah and the tendrils trying to shield her as well. She was at one with her magic now, the panic subsiding more with her Lifemate close.

Protect yeself first. Chereylen shifted into multi-colored droplets of vapor and moved to shield Azjah from the clouds just as Lucien had been doing.

Aye, Che... and you take care. I'd not lose you just as we've found each other. Jaleeisa moved behind the couch.

Topaz dropped all but one of the remaining of her shields, keeping only the one that kept her visible. There was no time for her stomach to protest the close proximity to evil and danger. Not even bothering to look over her shoulder at the clouds that followed her she called down the elemental fury of the stars to the one following closest to her.

Three beats of that impressive wingspan had catapulted the gryphon towards Topaz only to veer away as she summoned her powers to assault her attackers. What waited on Topaz's doorstep would be an even greater surprise. Caught unaware, another was sent crashing the sand. Teeth gnashed as it tried to expedite the healing to its body.

Lucien shifted into a barred owl and, talons outstretched, he flew toward Topaz. She in turn teased the second thing with wizard blades and a mage bolt while instructing the sentient magic to form another ball of pure light. Topaz! Get away from here. He closed the distance between himself and his mate.

She had been trying to do just that. But her second wave of spells was more easily avoided and left the creature unharmed. Now within range it swiped its claws at her torso. She sent the readied globe of light into the cloud still following her and swooped away from the claws.

Black fury slammed through Lucien as the thing attacked her with claws outstretched.

Below, Azjah drew one of the platinum picks and, wielding it like a dagger, stabbed into the mist with the platinum pick.

Jaleeisa knew that her boss was yet again the focus of the attack and she kept an eye on her, but concentrated more on Azjah. She knew that Lucien would protect his Lifemate.

"Mmm... sure am happy I didn't opt for a nice, relaxing night at home." Anjolie drank her hurricane while leaning over the bar. The goblins seemed too distracted to mind her presence there.

Hearing Anjolie, Jaleeisa’s gray eyes moved towards her and, unknowing whether she had magic of her own to call upon, erected a solid shield of air.

Wings pulled close to its body the griffon went into a steep nose dive for a moment before he pulled out and flew towards the Citadel like a bullet. The fairy had almost reached it by now.

The owl that was Lucien put on a burst of speed and swiped with his own talons at the creature attacking Topaz, his great wings spread wide for maneuverability.

The gryphon had the same idea and Lucien nearly was hit by his wings. The gryphon’s talons found their way into the attackers flesh like a cat with a scratching post.

Topaz pulled up to the citadel and, sensing an unexpected presence, reached for the hilt of her rapier – only there wasn't a rapier at her side today. There usually was no need for blades on the isle, and she had not thought to bring one along.

When outnumbered such as this, Obsidion was satisfied of his minion's efforts. They had effectively scattered the crowd and until the last one fell they were forcing Topaz and her comrades toward the Citadel. And directly into harms way.

Chereylen watched Jal taking cover behind the couch and decided that was not good enough. He shifted direction and moved with preternatural speed toward her. We go. There are enough here to protect all. Come.

The femme decided that Azjah was pregnant, delicate, and seemed to have lost her husband in the hoop-la. So, with a bottle of whiskey in hand, Quinn decided to embrace a slightly cheeky fate. "Come On, freaky Creatures!!!"

“Sorry!” The gryphon called to Lucien as it spun. “Go and protect the Archmage, leave this last to me!”

The owl, Lucien, pulled up as the Gryphon sought to protect Lucien's Lifemate. It struck Lucien badly that another male would protect Topaz, and for a moment, he was seriously angry with the Gryphon. Then the Gryphon changed course and went after the vapor, and Lucien flew off after his mate.

There was not much of the sentient magic left around to use. A shield, even if made as substantial as steel, took less of the energy than a ray of daylight did but it took a lot more time. Currently the presence was not moving toward her. She started to forge a shield into the shape of a rapier.

Anjolie did a little dance in her corset while waving around the bottle of Jack Daniels. "Leave the pretty lady alone and come have a drinky-drinky!”

Jaleeisa nodded to Chereylen. Aye, beloved. “Azjah, have you skill to call on? I know some women have problems with magic while with child?” She moved toward her Lifemate and, maintaining her own armor, sent the whirlwinds spinning toward the clouds. She was releasing her control of them and they began to lessen in intensity.

[Topaz]

“I don't think they drink anything besides blood.” Azjah said with a glance to Anjolie before she shook her head at Jaleeisa. “Not a magic bone in my body.”

Jaleeisa nodded and swiftly guided the flows to wrap around Azjah and Klinton as she had done with Anjolie, providing a shield with the same effects and period of protection. Knowing the others had magics to call upon, she quickly closed the distance to her Lifemate, she'd not argue with him over something this important.

"Fine..." Anjolie looked around for a moment and stabbed her finger with the tip of her sai. All of like three droplets of blood fell into the bottle of Jack. "There...."

Chereylen’s human form solidified into shape beside Jal and he wrapped an arm around her waist. "We go now. They are well protected Love. I shall teach ye before ye return to this place where the Vampire come."

Jaleeisa nodded to him, her gray eyes wide. She quickly opened a portal right where they stood. Her hand found his as she stepped directly from the Island to their home, never minding her usual reticence to teleport where others might be harmed.

A drink did sound enticing, and the mists seemed to physically turn. A pair of burning red eyes flashed from the dark cloud and it sped toward Anjolie.

"Drinks on the house for all not-normal critters just bent on harassing my friend over there." Then Anjolie realized that they were coming her way. "Oh... hmm... crap." Tass lifted a hand and sent a flare of blue flames in front of Quinn. "No flames around the Jack!!!" Anjolie waved the whiskey bottle.

Topaz scanned the citadel to pinpoint the source of danger as the rapier took shape. “Where are you hiding? And more to the point, how did you get way up here, not being the arch mage?” No response came to Topaz's question. Only a chilled breeze.

Lucien darted through the air for the Citadel and landed near where the party had been. He then shifted back into human form as he began to follow after Topaz.

The gryphon’s claws sought to rend the creature in half and let the body fall to the sea before he followed Lucien with another beat of its powerful wings.

Topaz had met Obsidion before and there was no mistaking the 'feel' of him. He was here. She whipped the impromptu magic blade at the cool breeze. Lucien? There was certainly some urgency to the call.

I am here. Lucien sounded close and reassuring.

So is Obsidion, in the citadel. Topaz glided toward the building in the center of the citadel, keeping her senses trained on what could only be Obsidion.

The mist descended upon Quinn from above. It could smell the small amount of blood she drew and was intent on making a feast out her.

"Dark and foreboding storm clouds gathered.... I thought to myself this might be a day worth learning if I could run in high heels." The bottle was dropped as the femme turned to run for the bar.

Tasslehofl again moved a hand and there was a second well of blue flames that came at the mist around Quinn.

Seeing the mist descending, Lucien summoned a ball of blue white lightening and threw the blue white crackling ball at the mist.

"Why do you people keep shooting blue stuff at me?" Anjolie peeked over the counter-top as the goblins scattered.

Intent on Anjolie the creature never saw the bolt streaking its way and was pushed into the incinerating flames surrounding the woman.

Flying that much higher the gryphon passed the Citadel to watch things from above. “Those two should be able to handle this on their own.” He paused. “But if it looks as though they'll need aid and it cannot get up here in time, I would feel a disgraced fool.”

Topaz entered the citadel proper and, keeping alert to any hint of immediate threat, slowly weaved between the pillars toward the center. “You might as well show yourself. I know you're here.”

Lucien moved silently behind her, watching for the Vampyre. He used his voice as a weapon and spoke to the Vampyre an octave lower than usual. “Come now Obsidion, you have sought me out for one purpose.”

Silently Obsidion urged the two deeper into the Citadel. They played right into his hands.

“You have come for the justice of our people Obsidion, come out and face it. Face the edict of our Prince.” Lucien continued to lure the Vampyre.

Obsidion’s voice was calm as he replied to Lucien. Yet he still was not visible to the naked eye. “I lurk in your halls. You must find me first.”

“You have lived beyond your time, Obsidion. Come out and let me end your suffering.” Lucien followed his instinct for tracking these creatures.

“What we do to see everyone protected, the last I need is Mystra upset with me again.” The gryphon growled low and landed where Topaz and Lucien had passed before then moved forward carefully. This was Lucien and Topaz's quarrel, yet having help nearby could never hurt. So it sat and waited.

[Topaz]

Lucien glanced back and saw the creature sitting near the fountain. With a nod of thanks he vanished around a corner.

Topaz risked the use of a small amount of sentient magic and sent a tendril to locate Obsidion. The blade held ready she followed the magic's lead.

“You have quite a magnificent abode. I admit.” In the meantime Obsidion coursed through the corridors, covering his tracks with lovely surprises for any on his trail.

“Only temporarily mine.” Topaz paused briefly as the tendril floated up the stairs. She was already tired of his game of hide and seek and fluttered back to the center of the citadel. No way would she let him trap her in a tight spot.

Lucien called a mass of flesh eating beetles to him and sent them ahead into the halls before he moved with preternatural speed toward the voice.

Looking around, the great animal wondered at what had happened to the fabled Citadel's natural defenses so it could protect itself and its occupant.

Obsidion stopped. Alerted that one of his traps had triggered he grinned, turned and stepped through the walls. Slow, confident steps led him back to the center to join the others.

“Well, hello there. A nice set of trickery that was.” But Obsidion already attacked the creature seated by the fountain. A spike rocketed from the floor to impale the being through the body, immediately siphoning its essence to claim as his own.

Roaring loudly the gryphon stood up, blood flowed freely where the spike hand ripped through its lower half.

Lucien sensed the shift in direction and the sound of the echoing roar drew him back. He shifted into a clawed cat and slashed at the spike.

The gryphon’s claws gripped the spike weakly as wings unfurled and he tried to fly off of the spike. But the blood made it slick and hard to hold. Another pike careened toward Lucien as he attempted to free his comrade. The more the creature struggled the wider the gash opened.

Lucien leaped aside, barely missing the spear as it tore into his skin. Topaz winced slightly and then ignored Lucien’s pain that sliced at her through their link as she moved nearer toward Obsidion and loosened a mage bolt to zigzag toward Obsidion.

Letting out a pained roar of rage the gryphon reared up on its hind legs and ripped the top half of the spike off, leaving the tip embedded into its flesh. Eyes flashed with a dark fire as it looked towards Obsidian and saw only food.

In his moment of overzealousness Obsidion did not see the bolt headed his way and was forced back. Both spikes dissipated as concentration was disrupted.

Movement pained and sluggish, the mythical animal loped at Obsidian, his great claws rushed at the vampire’s head even as Lucien slashed with the silver dagger.

A natural defensive nature caused him to meld with the shadows, but the tendril of magic had found him still and lessened his movements - just enough so to keep him from avoiding the sweeping claws.

The gryphon had to stop a moment; its breathing was labored as it fought off an incoming darkness. “I've got better things to do tonight than die.” It pushed back onto all four legs; it was nearly all the animal could do to keep its body from fading to the black nothing.

Capitalizing on the open wound Obsidion invaded the creature’s body with a hand, grappling what organs he could and transferring his poison to them.

Lucien leaped with claws extended at the Vampyre as it grabbed for vital organs. He tore at the Vampyre's dead flesh with claws and teeth of the big cat, but did not get a solid bite in.

Turning in place the gryphon’s great beak opened wide and sought the vampire’s neck even as it hissed in great pain.

Topaz darted toward Obsidion with the crude magic blade extended. A flutter of wings gave an extra burst of speed.

All three were bearing down on him now, and in his best effort Obsidion sent a pike toward Topaz. He could do nothing to halt the great beast as it buried its beak into dead flesh. Pinned beneath the weight of the beast, and further immobilized from escaping into the shadows by the constricting tendril he was at the mercy of Mry'Khul.

“Uh-oh.” Topaz swerved and twisted sideways, but the spike was way too quick to be avoided. Black rage swamped Lucien as the pike pierced her and halted her mid-flight.

The gryphon heard a friendly voice from the beach below and smiled. “At least should I die, someone I call friend will be present.” It said around a mouthful of vampire neck before it turned its head, seeking to snap said neck. Claws pinned the vampires body further as the beak got a firm grip on the vampire’s neck and started to pull upwards from the body.

Beak and claws ripped at Obsidion’s flesh as the two creatures assaulted his body. His last natural defense was a vile miasma seeping from the wounds. Lucien shifted into human form and aimed his fist for the Vampyre’s chest.

[Topaz]

Shying away from the miasma, the gryphon went to just lay there. Its breathing became more ragged by the moment and it was losing too much of its energy to fight but it could still pin the vampire in place and let the others finish the creature off.

Topaz gathered some of the dying gryphon's released sentient magic to use to get herself off the tip of the spike without inflicting further damage to herself. “I’m sorry and thank you.” She sent the whisper directly to the gryphon.

Obsidion grasped Lucien’s forearm as it ascended. Razor sharp talons buried into his flesh.

Lucien snarled at the grab and flexed his arm into the Vampyre's grasp, shoving the other elbow under his chin, pinning his neck.

“You can thank me by killing this thing.” The gryphon muttered a soft reply before it turned its focus inward in an attempt to rid the vampire's poison form its body.

Obsidion merely smiled. “Don't... M-move.” His situation was dire, and when in such situations there were little alternatives. There was no way Lucien could see the spike that rose up from the floor, piercing through Obsidion's body.

Topaz floated to the ground and landed softly, a hand pressed tightly to her side where the spike had pierced her flesh. She sent a warning into Lucien’s mind when she sensed the danger from Obsidion’s spike and, communicating directly with the life essence that had escaped the gryphon’s body, caused light to sink into Obsidion.

Lucien lengthened his taloned fingers inward toward the blackened heart, but otherwise did not move a muscle.

The gryphon sensed the fairy’s use of the magic that drained from him with his blood. “You know I could have used that to maybe keep living long enough to heal!” The gruff comment was barely above a whisper and there was not any negative intention.

“You know better than that.” Topaz replied just as softly. She grieved for the mythical beast. It knew that it was dying and yet it had kept fighting. She set a burst of magic to destroy that spike before it could inflict harm to Lucien, or so she hoped.

Obsidion struggled to keep Lucien away and out of his body. But he was not a fighter, and his strength was fading, not to mention the blinding light that spread over his body, sending him to writhing though still pinned by the spike through his abdomen.

“Receive the justice of your Prince, Obsidion.” Lucien drove his fist through the ribs.

Rising slowly the mythical beast fought off the specters coming for its spirit, sending them back to their fell master. “You'll not get me this night Be'lal.” It lumbered back to the fountain and then stopped and regarded a flickering reflection for a moment before it took a drink to replenish some faded strength. “Need to get to the rings... heal in the wards...” It stood at the edge of the Citadel and looked all the way down to the ground then at the horizon. “Sky Mother, help your child and servant...” Even as the prayer was finished it fell from the edge and plummeted towards the beach below.

“I shall bring you with me!” Obsidion’s roar rumbled through the Citadel's halls. Abandoning Lucien's arm, Obsidion's own clawed hand sought out his chest.

Lucien closed his fingers around the Vampyre's heart. Blood dripped from his own wounded arm as the Vampyre clawed at his chest and pain ripped into his ribs. He tore at the withered heart of the vampire as thunder echoed over head.

As it fell, a great peacefulness fell across the gryphon and it spread its wings wide. Slowly it began to dissolve on the winds, its tail fell away in a shower of starlight. Tears sprang to Topaz’s eyes and streamed down her cheeks as she felt the gryphon fade from existence.

Obsidion glared fiercely into the eyes of the Carpathian. Shadows summoned around them both. His fight was over but there was still one last deed to be done.

Lucien felt the sharp pain of his lifemate's tears. He pulled the blackened heart free of the Vampyre's chest, throwing it to the floor. The vampyre's impending death was still providing him with a fight as the vampyre raked at his chest, but lacked the strength of the Carpathian.

The moment his heart left his body, the shadows retaliated. From every angle spikes erupted froth and impaled them both. The light caused his flesh to decay away as he howled.

Pain stabbed through Lucien as pikes tore through his flesh and lightning ripped from the sky to incinerate the heart. The final trap from the Vampyre had stabbed him repeatedly, and he had to focus to keep the lightning present to destroy every vestige of the vampyre, but as the heart vanished, so too did the lightning.

“No!” Topaz was next to Lucien immediately. She assessed the spikes even as she asked. “What do you need me to do?”

“Incinerate the body Topaz. Do that first.” The spike that was holding him impaled resulted in blood dripping from many points.

Topaz set a wall of flames to reduce the corpse to ashes and tried to guess how much of that blood was Lucien’s.