[Angel-of-Sins]

Part of the "Ring-plot". Ferron is MIA and Elyssa is trying to find a way to get her daughter back into her life.

This was so much fun to do, thanks everybody!!! It was a pure joy to rp with you!

Like a Moth to its Flame, Part IV

Serpents Head Inn, the next day.
“But I thirst for more than just the parchment of the Temple of set, I want to - explore more so to speak.”

“Oh... What is that if I may ask?” Elyssa smiled at the man in front of her. He had introduced himself as Rekar and offered her to share some wine at his table.

“Ah, Understanding maybe or even power perhaps? No my dear lady, simple curiosity will suffice.”

“Simple curiosity?” She smiled an encouraging smile.

“Indeed. So, why did you leave the Menfyt?”

“My clan called me home...” For a short moment she remembered the day when Calidius had handed her the parchment telling her to hurry home, and the horrible news that awaited her there. She shrugged to get rid of the emptiness spreading through her, shutting it out so it would not take hold. She faked a smile and returned her attention to Rekar.

“Your clan?” Rekar looked confused for a second. “I see.”

A blond man, tanned from spending countless hours outside under the sun walked passed their table and leaned himself on one of the pillars, sipping his wine and watching over where the courtesans stood. Elyssa recognised him immediately.

“But you could say one never really leaves the Menfyt...” She glanced at Aleterus. Her words had a double meaning; something that did not passed Rekar unnoticed.

“No one really leave such servitude I guess.” Rekar filled in.

“Not quite...”

“Ever.” He finished her sentence and then chuckled at his own foolishness.

“What are your experiences with the priesthood then?” Elyssa asked curiously.

“Total servitude.” Rekar scowled just for a moment at some memory. Aleterus whistled to a waitress and handed her a goblet to refill. Rekar turned towards the noise and a grin spread over his face. ”What? Aleterus! Come here you fool!”

Aleterus blinked twice. “Ehhr?”

“You know him as well as I do?” Rekar turned to Elyssa while she in her turn started to rise.

“You are the last person that will call anyone fool.” Aleterus stack out his tongue and moved closer to them.

Rekar rose as well. “Ah, but what I am not ignoring an old friend am I, Aleterus?”

Elyssa greeted her former brother in arms from the Menfyt with a polite bow.

“Join us maybe?” Rekar looked at Elyssa. “If the lady agrees, of course.”

“Good evening Elyssa, long time to see.” Aleterus bowed slightly.

“Yes indeed, long time.”

“All the better.” Rekar smiled to both of them.

Elyssa gestured slightly to one of the pillows, welcoming Aleterus to their table and she sat down herself when Aleterus did.

“I see you returned to the land of sand and snakes, Elyssa.” Aleterus said with a smile in the corner of his mouth.

“I have been back to Khemi many times... I grew a liking to the country, even though I did not part with the Prophet in the best of terms.” Elyssa ran a hand through her hair and pulled some loose strands behind one of her ears.

“Imoteph is the past... his own arrogance leads him to the end like this.” Aleterus stated plainly and without much emotion.

“I have heard as much...” Elyssa leaned forward to pick up her goblet.

“Now it is money that rules Khemi, not words or oaths.” Aleterus smiled like he said something funny.

Elyssa tilted her head. “Explain?”

Aleterus inclined forward. “The Priesthood is losing its power in Khemi, and rich lords and merchants are acquiring it, without hesitation.”

Rekar shook his head. “Sad, But the Priesthood will regain its powers again ... I'm sure.”

“You have coins - you are as welcome here as sunshine, you don't - well, you are in troubles then.” Aleterus leaned back looking pleased. “Good things that both me and Rekar are not in troubles.” He started to grin at Rekar.

Rekar chuckled “Hardly.”

Elyssa smiled some. “I have heard that there has been a great influence of one single trading corporation?” Elyssa looked at Aleterus for confirmation.

Rekar settled his eyes upon Elyssa. “What trading company are you referring to?”

“All I have heard is that it’s not whole stygian.” She continued.

“I would say - it is national independent now...” Aleterus said.

Their conversation got interrupted by someone who was clearing his throat. Elyssa looked up and spotted Balorac looking down at her from across the table. Well well, look what the cat dragged in….

“Gentlemen. Excuse me for a slight moment......” Elyssa rose up, her eyes fixated at Balorac and the smile on her lips was all warmly and welcoming.

Rekar looked over his shoulder and nodded politely to Balorac. “As you wish milady.”

Balorac nodded back to Rekar and Aleterus. Aleterus raised his hand in a short greeting before he engulfed himself in a conversation with his old friend, exchanging experiences. Elyssa could faintly Rekar ask Aleterus. “So what brought you to Khemi friend? We meet in Aqulionia just few moons ago.” She ignored them, having a bigger fish in front of her. Elyssa smiled, almost beamed, at Balorac while she walked up to him.

Balorac looked at her uncertainly. “Shall we walk for a moment?”
It made Elyssa smile inside. He has no idea! She was close to him now and held out her left hand as to stroke his cheek.....ever smiling.

Balorac looked down at her, a bit flustered and said haltingly. “I... think we should walk a little, you and me.”

Elyssas right hook came up swiftly as she landed a swing at his jaw. “Did you think I was that easy???” Trying to ensnare me with yearning glances. Like that would work!!!

Balorac felt the fist connect to his face and blinked and staggered backward. “That was a first class punch, my dear.”

Furiously Elyssa followed up with a slight tackle when she was passing him. “Never ever... Take me for easy...” Her tone was chilly, quite a contrast to the warmth she showed him earlier.

Balorac fell backward and hit the floor with a thud. His armour squeaked when he pushed himself up in sitting position. He grinned and looked up at her, his feral eyes gleaming. “I would have been disappointed, if you had been... easy...”

Elyssa left Balorac on the floor, turning her back at him, without even a single glance.

Aleterus looked over where Elyssa and Balorac were and smirked. “He he, that is the explanation of Elyssa's return.”

Aleterus leans closer to Rekar and said in a low voice. “Balorac always had weakness for red-haired northern girls.”

“Fearsome that one.” Rekar chuckled and nudged Aleterus side with his elbow.

“Gentlemen, I bid you a goodnight...Until next time” Elyssa bowed at Aleterus and Rekar with a tense expression.

“Goodnight, Elyssa” Aleterus smiled knowingly at her.

Balorac wiped away the trickle of blood from his bust lip. “I trust I am not welcome at your table then?” He slowly rose to his feet.

Rekar stood up. “Until next time, my dear lady” He bowed slightly at her.

Elyssa smiled at Rekar, a bit forced, but yet polite.

“I wish you farewell.” He smiled back at her.

And then Elyssa turned on her heels and walked out with swaying hips. The last thing she heard was Balorac and Rekar talking friendly to each other. She cared less; he could burn on the stake for what it was worth.

“That was a good left hook. I am actually scared to walk outside now...” Balorac cracked his jaw and rubbed his left chin with his hand.

Rekar motions to the pillow. “After such a swing to the jaw, I guess you need to sit down - come join us.”

She could not get out of the Inn quickly enough! Well on the outside she could relax and she leaned on the wall, trying to still her anger. Breathe, girl... Breathe! She closed her eyes and stayed that for a while letting her anger subside.




Balorac glanced at Elyssas back with a grin in his eyes. “I suppose I owe you an apology for making you think you were easy... of something...”

Elyssa turned the moment she heard his voice and glanced back at him with a crocked brow. She had been too angry to even thinking that he would follow her outside. Damn that man….

“I will however not apologise for liking you, dear Elyssa.”

“You did not get my message....” The look in her eyes was icy. She did not buy for a moment that he was sincere.

“Loud and clear, milady.” Balorac smiled defiantly and moved closer to her.

When he came to close for her comfort she placed a hand on his chest and pushed him away. He braced himself against being pushed back and ended up on a close arms lengths from her. He looked down at her hand on his chest and then into her eyes smiling wolfishly.

“Now that…was a bit disappointing compared to the punch earlier on.”

Elyssa clenched her jaw and tried to slap him with the back of her right hand, from left and upwards in a wide circle. Balorac interceded with a quick move from his right his left hand, pushing her hand outwards. She gave him a cold stare, lifting her chin.

“That was a bit predictable, my dear. You will have to do better than that.”

“I don’t have to do anything.” She met his stare and added mockingly. “For your amusement....” She simply turned her back at him, giving her words a bit more impact, and started to leave down the stairs.

“That is a bloody shame...” Balorac grinned maliciously and followed her forward until he was right behind her. She ignored him and kept walking. After a few steps Balorac stopped and said derisively.

“Tread lightly, lady Elyssa. And try not to fool yourself too much...”

Elyssa stopped in her tracks and whirled around.

“It turns you sour too quickly.” Balorac added lower.

“Sourer?” She took a step closer to him. “What??”

One of the courtesans had come out from the Inn and was standing just above her in the stair. She wore heavy makeup and she looked tired. “.... Could you please not block the steps?”

Balorac glanced at the girl, it looked like she knew her, and back to Elyssa. “Sour. The opposite of sweet.”

Elyssa ignored the girl and walked back up, looking malicious. “Sourer?????”

“Well yes...”

“The only thing sourer here are the pants you have walked to many days in!!!” Elyssa almost spitted out the words.

Balorac chuckled. “Fantastic. You are even as eloquent as her...” He looked at her with amusement in his eyes.

“As her????.. What in earth are you talking about? Have you gone mad?”

Balorac turned his face blank from feelings and stated toneless. “Never mind, lady Elyssa. This is a private joke at your expense I am not willing to share just yet. But don't let me hold you up: have a fine evening...”

Elyssa gave him a long stare and Balorac met her stare with amusement and a hint of desire he could not hide. She turned again to continue down the stairs, leaving him with long strides and swaying hips.

[Zackita]

Awww.

I love your stories. And of course when I know all the main characters it gets even better.

[Helshad]

Originally Posted by Zackita Awww. I love your stories. And of course when I know all the main characters it gets even better.

Not to mention the fact your around here... *grabs zack and cuddles her* missed you sweety...

[Angel-of-Sins]

Part of the "Ring-plot". Ferron is MIA and Elyssa is trying to find a way to get her daughter back into her life.


Like a Moth to its Flame, Part V

A week afterwards
Elyssa walked down the short stair to the usual meeting point. Yet another black falcon had landed close to her when she was practising sword kata on the shore of Bubshur. The sand made it hard to move fast and turned the training into something a tad more difficult, then if it were to be executed on plain Cimmerian soil. The bird shrieked and she threw down her sword on the ground and began the tiresome pleasure of catching a carrier bird. It took a while before she could enrol the little paper attached to the falcon’s foot and read what was neatly written there. Its message had been short as usual. Her informant wanted to see her again. So here she was…Looking down at him again. Same spot as always here in Khemi.

“Well well, lady Elyssa. You look lovely tonight. It is really true what they say...”

Elyssa looked questioningly at him. “True?”

“The most beautiful flower blooms in the harshest circumstances...” Sinjaya smiled at her pausing a bit before he continued a bit more sarcastic. “And how has this flower been getting on in acquiring a certain black ring from a certain crime lord?”

Elyssa shook her head. “For some reason...” She trailed off.

Sinjaya arched an eyebrow. “Don't tell me you did not manage to charm to old jackal into giving you his most prized possession? With a face like that, a body like that and dressed so... airily?”

“Oh... He did...” She looked annoyed by his comments. “We got interrupted by the Priesthood... So you see... Ones affairs are never one’s own in Khemi.”

“I know that part, remember. And you had something else up your very short sleeves, to get the ring that priestess Tanefri had acquired. And now Balorac has that ring again...”

Elyssa folded her arms in front of her. She was starting to lose patience.

Sinjaya suddenly turned serious. “I have seen you shake you’re perfectly shaped bottom in Balorac's face until the drewl was running from his lips, but....”

“You...Still...”

He came to me. Talking about how difficult it has been for him to obtain the key. How he had tried many times using different methods and not succeeding. And now he scolds me, like a damn arrogant *******. Whatever he is its not genuine. ”I’m getting cold feet…with this...whole thing.” Elyssa said dryly.

“Don't... Have the ring... “He sighed. “Elyssa, he nearly has managed to decipher the final piece of the puzzle, enabling him to go after the most dreadful treasure in all of Hyboria.”

“So what is this treasure... Really?” If there even is one...

Sinjaya shuffled his feet and looked very evasive. “You already have cold feet, I am not sure I should tell you this...”

Elyssa stayed silent and awaited him out. Her patience awarded her when Sinjaya continued a bit later.

“Let's sit and I will tell you a story...” Resolutely he sat down and took off his shoes and put his feet in the water.

Elyssa sat next to him and watched him carefully.
“You obviously know Zackita, the love of his life and at one time your commander...”

”I served under general Zackita, yes.” She nodded slowly.

“And you know that she was a fervent worshipper of Set, right?”

“Yes.”

“Did you ever learn the true nature of her devotion?”

“True nature?” She frowned. “How do you mean?”

“Well, she dedicated her life to Set, but secretly she only worshipped only one aspect of the great old serpent.”

“No… This is not something that was discussed. Not at least among those I served with.” She shrugged. “We all have or preferences...”

“The brutality that was embodied by an ancient archfiend called Yig, an avatar of Set or his mother according to some, or just another disguise of Set himself.” He continued.

“What does this have to do with anything?” Let’s play the game of me not understanding a thing… Make him get inpatient and maybe spills more because he thinks I’m not that bright. Elyssa tried to fake an empty gaze.

“Well, according to the writings of a certain sorcerer named Xaltotun, Yig actually walked the earth and that there was a ritual in which to bring him back.”

“Did Zackita try something.....” She looked at him bewildered.

“Not Zackita... But the man to whom she was betrothed to be married was planning something 'special' for their marriage... Balorac had been planning this for a while and he didn't figure out the ritual until after Zackita's death.”

“But how does the key fit into the picture?”

“Well, the one unique component necessary to bring Yig back to life, according to the writings of a Xaltotun, is the Fang of Yig. This is a large fang that allegedly once belonged to the beast that was Yig. Now, purely by accident did Balorac come across a document from an insane explorer named Azred who claimed to have found the current site of the Fang...”

“And to it he needed a key? The key he now has, according to you...” She glanced at him.

Sinjaya nodded. “The key allegedly is necessary to get into the inner sanctum.”

“And in there is this Fang?”

“The temple he currently uses as his abode was the last known residence of this Azred, before it was turned in to Setite chapel. There he found the key and the map. And yes, with all that he will be able to acquire the Fang.” He looked over the water before he asked slowly. “Do you have any idea what he intends to do once he has the Fang?”

“Resurrects...Zackita?” She looked like she did no believe him. In fact her suggestion was a mere guess.

“Unlikely. Yig is not a god of Death, healing and resurrection. It is a god of mayhem and vengeance...”

“Then I don’t understand.”

“Vengeance against those he holds responsible for the death of his beloved Zackita...” Sinjaya looked intently at Elyssa. “Tell me this, lady Elyssa, how do you think the brave warriors of Clan Fearghal will fare against an archfiend from before the dawn of mankind? Oh and believe me when I say that past allegiance or current allegiance will not make that much difference for such a weapon of destruction... Believe me when I say that even you will not be safe, if Balorac manages to summon and direct the beast.”

Elyssa looked at him in shook. “But why would he want to do that to one clan? And why would he do that to me..?” She added lower with a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. “I’m not sure this is something for me anymore....You might need someone that are less involved... emotionally.”

Sinjaya shrugged. “Because he is convinced that the blow to Zackita's stomach were what caused complications at childbirth and in the end her death. And because Balorac is not known for his consideration of collateral if he goes on a rampage....Blows that were dealt by Einsof, and if I am not mistaken your deceased husband.”

Elyssa caught some strands of her hair that had blown down in front of her eyes. “He was never my husband.....”

“Look...The fact is: I have nobody else. I am training my own little army, but it is not by far potent enough to take on the Fist of Blackthorn. If you don't succeed I don't know how to stop Balorac, and that might mean he will succeed. And if he succeeds the blood will flow of many you hold dear.....But maybe I am mistaken here.”

Elyssa sat silent.

Sinjaya stirred up the sand in the water with his toes. “Maybe I am totally wrong about Balorac...” He tried to smile.

“I don’t want to believe he would do such a thing. It does not fit the person I have come to know.” It’s only a small white lie, she told herself.

Sinjaya shrugged. “Maybe he will simply sell it to the Cult of Set, as he promised them. But I give you this for your consideration...” He looked at her intently.

Elyssa gazed at him, quite captivated by his story.

“If somebody came and killed the love of your life and your unborn children in one go, and you had a way to exact your vengeance upon them... Vengeance you had been waiting for, for a long time...”

Elyssa twitched and looked uneasy. “What has all this to do with me?”

Sinjaya looked to the sky in desperation. “It all fits like a glove, don't you see...You were the friend of Zackita….You served Set under her.”

“Yes I did.” Maybe I over did it….? He is getting a bit annoyed. She smiled inwardly.

“And you were engaged with one of the man he hold responsible for the death of wife….And have befriended the others…..How can you not be involved?”

She scratched her hand and “Then say me... Why has he changed his mind about me? If he is so set to kill me....”

Sinjaya threw a small stone out over the water. It splashed through the surface. “I just told you that. You were the friend of his dead woman. And you remind him of her and all the things he liked about her. You are in fact exactly his type. And that's why I asked you to do this.”

“And yet you’re saying he is set to kill me?”

Sinjaya shook his head. “Nooo...”

“He will turn a beast loose on clan Fearghal, if I am not mistaken. And the beast might not be able to distinguish between current and previous Clansmen and women, Elyssa. Does that make any sense?”

“hmmm.. I do understand what you mean...” She looked a bit graver. The thought of her friends in peril did not lighten her heart. Even though she was not a Fearghal….she had lived together with them and nobody deserved a fate like that. If he was telling the truth that is…..

“Look, as I said before: I may be totally wrong about this. My information is very circumstantial and they say that information gained by torture can never truly be relied upon...” Sinjaya pursed his lips and nodded his head.

“Yet, I really don’t feel comfortable with this. It’s not going to end well…”

Sinjaya shrugged. “I don't know, but I know that the chances of it not ending well will be greater of people like me and you don't act.”

“I was afraid you would say something like that.” She nodded, slightly unwillingly.

“If it makes you more happy about it... stopping Balorac from doing what he intends to do could actually save his life and at the very least his soul.”

Elyssa pondered a bit over that.

“Not that I have ever summoned an archfiend, but I can imagine something like that changes a man forever.”

She nodded. “It probably would…” and added almost inaudibly. “…and he would be gone… I cant promise anything....” She looked him in the eyes.

Sinjaya in his turn looked at Elyssa intently, trying to read her, when the realization hit him. “You are falling for him, aren't you?”

Elyssa looked up like a dear in hind light. “What?”

“You are attracted to him...” A wide grin started to spread across his face. “To that grumpy Cimmerian miscreant, who wouldn't know how to charm a lady if his life depended on it….”

Elyssa shook her head in denial. “You got it all wrong.” She declared it a bit too eagerly.

“Of course not...” He looked over the water with a sly grin.

Elyssa frowned but stayed silent.

“So... my question to you... knowing what you know now, will you try to retrieve the ring?”

Elyssa nodded still frowning.

“Good.”

No more words were necessary; she had already grown a bit bored of his manner. Finally, he had shared something with more substance. She left him on the beach and walked away, making her way down to the market. She felt his eyes in her back. Somehow she would do what he asked... But maybe not in the way he thought. She smiled to herself and disappeared into the crowd.

[Balorac]

It's a pleasure and a privilege to see my twisted little plot slithering it's way so vibrantly through your story like a viper in the grass.

[Zackita]

*blinks* This was unexpected, half a chapter about me 7 months after I left. This is more and more interesting.

[Angel-of-Sins]

More is coming Zack, don't you worry

Posted t neat piece about Elyssas last meeting with Einsof, some time before Ferron had to execute him on top of the Dun, while he saw the last lingering rays from the setting sun.

You will find it here : http://forums-eu.ageofconan.com/show...7&postcount=10

Enjoy!!

[Angel-of-Sins]

This little piece was played out before the beginning of Like a moth to its flame. And just slightly after Briana had tried to steal the rings from Balorac.
At the time it was a bit filled with spoilers to be posted. Now its nostalgia for us old rp:ers dreaming our way back. As always, it was a pleasure to explore.


Crossroad

“Hey...”

Elyssa looked up a bit absentmindedly. She had dark rings under her eyes and she looked like she had not slept in days.

Teleia looked down at Elyssa then holds her hand out to help her stand up.

“... did not think i would see you soon... “ There was a hint of a smile in there somewhere and Elyssa grabbed Teleias hand and rose up.

Teleia nodded as Elyssa got up from the floor. “There should be a reason you have such sunken eyes yes?”

Elyssa shrugged. “There is no reason why you should not hear it ....sooner the better...” She added more silent.

“Would you like to eat something?”

“I need something to drink... Come with me.” Elyssa answered and turned towards the market. It did not take them long to find the little underground Inn. The cool air struck them in waves as they descended further
underground. Teleia ordered food and wine and gave the Inn keeper a cold stare when he doubled the price, just because they were outlanders, both of them. The beautiful way of Khemi, never ever changing.

They found a table furthest in, with no one within hearing range. The food arrived quickly together with two mugs and a bottle of wine. Teleia tossed the wench a few coppers.

“I think Ferron is lost.. He won’t come back.” She cut right to the chase.

“I thought as much...” Teleia tapped at her chin, a pondering frown on her face.

“I summoned Silvara on these shores... I talked to her ... She don’t believe he is among the living anymore.”

“So...i should consider him dead then?”

Elyssas voice was lifeless. “Yes.”

“I see...I’m sorry...”

Elyssa looked away, the sadness in Teleia eyes and the sympathy was too much for her. “I always knew he would walk into the halls of Crom before me......” She inhaled and changed subject. “We need to talk about Merilda...”

Teleia nodded. “Of course.” She opened a bottle of wine and poured it into two cups.

“What did Shiva tell you? What interest does Balorac has in Merilda? Is there anything I could do?”

Teleia hesitates slightly before she answered. “She did not tell me, but she believed that the child would replace Zachita's own.”

“Replace?”

“Perhaps in some plan... Yes replace, according to her, both Zackita and her child had died.”

“Yes, I heard....”

“Also...you seem to know more about Balorac than I do yes?”

Elyssa looked down at the table as if it would hold some answers. In that moment she looked drained. “I talked to this Balorac…”

Teleia passed her a cup of wine and Elyssa gladly took it, she sipped it slowly. It seemed the wine gave her some colour on her white cheeks. “With some wit and maybe help... I could get close to him...”

“Here…” Teleia passed a plate with some pieces of bread on them to Elyssa as well. “I see... What's he doing Elyssa?” She sipped from her own mug.

“He seems like he likes one special kind of women... Not so unlike myself...” Elyssa looked up and smiled a week smile.

“What do you mean exactly?”

Elyssa took another sip of wine. “He enjoys my company...”

“I see. Do you enjoy his company?”

“And I’m wondering if it could in some way help me... Maybe even us...”

“That would be a dangerous game you're playing...”

Elyssa gave Teleia a glance and laughed. “Right now....Do I have a choice?”

“There are always choices.” Teleia smiled faintly.

“And No... I don’t enjoy his company in the way you asked... I still love Ferron... I might always do...”

Teleia nodded slowly. “Just making sure where you're standing. Be very careful yes?”

“I’m not sure I will succeed. But if I need help...”

“What kind of help is it that you need?”

Elyssa explained. “Balorac has in his possession 4 keys or rings as he calls them…”

Teleia raised a curious brow.

“I might need some help to obtain them...”

“I see.”

“It won’t be easy....”

“I wouldn’t count on easy. How much information do you have on these keys?”

“Not much... They are ancient.”

“Maps? Drawings? Locations?”

“And it would be a strike to Balorac if he lost them. He keeps them close to him at all times... But he also brags about them in front of his men.”

“So he wears them?”

Elyssa nodded. “Briana told me as much.”

“What’s Briana’s involvement?” Teleia sipped some wine.

Elyssa looked a bit hesitant. Well....” She sipped some more wine before she answered. Teleia waited patiently. “She tried and almost succeed in obtain one of the keys.”

“How did she fail at obtaining it?”

“Sadly Baloracs men dragged in the Priestess Tanefri and it became pretty messy. He did not have all 4 keys on him at that time...”

“So...so far we have Balorac and a priestess named Tanefri... and 4 keys”

“Tanefri has one of the keys now. And the answer to your question is yes. Those are the players on the field.”

Teleia tapped at her chin pondering. “And you are sure this Tanefri has an original key on her?” She took a small sip from her cup.

“Yes.”

“How many guards does she keep?”

“I don’t know...I can find out...” Elyssa played with her fingers over the rough edges of the table. It did not look like she was aware of it, like her mind was somewhere else.

Teleia nodded. “How many guards does Balorac keep?”

“It depends... Sometimes he sits alone in Serpent heads in... Other times he has up to 6 guards.”

“I see, find out about Tanefri.”

“It won’t take long...”

Teleia smiled mysteriously. “Of course not...”

“When this is over...we need to find a solution for Merilda... A long term solution.”

Teleia looked at Elyssa. “We will.”

Elyssa sipped the wine and pondered a bit. “I send word for you...it will come down soon...”

Teleia sat her cup down, and then poured some more wine into it.

“You look like you have questions?”

Teleia looked up. “I always have questions.” She smiled faintly at Elyssa. “Questions is when is the right time to ask them no?”

Elyssa eyed Teleia and put down her cup. “True... But don’t hold back if you have doubts.”

“The questions I have now are for later. First I need to know about Tanefri.”

Elyssa nodded shortly. “I get back to you with the information you need.”

Teleia drank from the cut again, this time finishing the contents in one go. “Aye, i also need to go.”

“Yes.” Elyssa rose from her seat. “May the light shine on your path...”

“Thank you Elyssa. May the shadows keep you.” Teleia nodded then turned to leave.

Shadows are already closing in on me, my old friend. I can feel them lingering in the corner of my eye. This is a new turn of my life. A path I would never have chosen for myself. She sat down and leaned backwards, resting herself against the cold wall. Well, it’s time to call on what my destiny holds in her hands for me.

[Angel-of-Sins]

This is the continuation of "Like a Moth to its Flame", a plot that grew to be much larger then first intended. But we sure had fun!



Like a Moth to its Flame, Part VI

Elyssa had been sitting at the table for a while when she turned and saw Balorac seated not far from her. She frowned, she would have heard him. She can’t begin to slip now; she was way in too deep to begin to make such mistakes. She rose and walked over to the table where he was sitting. When she was close enough she cleared her throat to get his attention. When she did not get any answer she crocked a brow and went back to her seat again. From her seat she looked at him curiously, it was clear that his mind was elsewhere. It was funny though, she had never thought of him as the meditate type.

Elyssa sipped her wine and let her gaze wandered over the Inn. Courtesans were competing to get the attention of those who seemed not to have brought their own slaves with them. She heard the faint sound of someone coming closer, soft steps and the distinguishable sound of armour.

Balorac glanced down at Elyssa. “I am sorry for not responding earlier... I was lost in thought... “He muffled away some amulet he was clasping.

“So I see...what brings you over to my table then?” She lets her eyes wander along his armour and to his face. He looked worn and tired.

“I felt... I think I vaguely registered you coming to my table...”

“I did..? Must have been a lapse of judgement...”

“Oh... I am sorry... please forget I mentioned it then...” He looked like a beaten dog and turned around to walk back to his table.

Elyssa picked up her wine glass and looked at his back. “So you’re going to leave without any fight...?”

Balorac stopped and turned around slowly. “Is that what this is about?”

“I don’t even know what this is about.. You have searched my company for some time now and I don’t know why?”

“I am wondering about that myself...”

“You scold me for being part of a clan you apparently despise and then you come running back…”

“Well, you told me that you were not part of that group of people anymore so what remains is a beautiful woman that once was my loved ones friend... I am not sure if I need more reason. But if you doubt my motives I find myself without evidence to the contrary, dear lady Elyssa.”

“I served under your beloved wife. I held her in the highest respect...”

“There was never any doubt about that.”

Elyssa pondered a bit and put down her wine. With some effort she rose to her feet and walked up to him. Balorac looked at her warily.

“I have no idea what you’re up to... Or what you want for me? But if you want my trust... Which is something I don’t give lightly... You’re have to earn it...”

Balorac swallowed hard and nodded. “I understand that. I think trust is a good start.” For some reason he started to chuckle.

Elyssa looked at him .. Like she was calculating.

“You know what is funny?”

Elyssa frowned. “What?”

“I am not sure if I can trust you, but I am getting to a point where I don't care that much anymore.”

She looked a bit bewildered.

“I... I have been alone. Very lonely.” He said low, almost to himself and avoided her eyes.

“Lonely?... But what has that to do with anything?” She sounded a bit impatient.

He straightened his face and looked up. “Nothing whatsoever. Forget I ever said it...” He seemed to have found his composure again.

“So how does a man go about earning your trust, lady Elyssa?”

“It’s easy.....” She leaned in on him smiling. She got real close to him, he could smell her perfume and feel her breath on his skin.

“Is that so?” He stands still like a rock, a smile playing on his lips.

She whispers and her lips are almost touching his neck. “Give me back my child.”

He inched back and looked at her confused. ” Begging your pardon? I don't have your child.”

With that said she tried to walk past him, crashing into his shoulder getting him off balance. She turned towards him a few steps away and said with a smile on her lips. “Then get her.”

Balorac was off balanced for moment as he tried to whirl around. “But where in hell is your child?”

Elyssa walked off.

Balorac shouted after her. “Wait!” He followed her quickly when she ignored him and reached for her elbow and pulled her back.

She did not even bother to look at him. “That is for you to find out!”

“Is that what all this is about? He looked at her intently. “You think I took your child...I never have had your child, Elyssa. But I will get it for you, if that's what you desire...”

“You have blackthorn at your command... All those mercenaries... you make it happen... And then, maybe then... I can accept your feelings towards me...” She looked up at him with a smirk on her lips.

“Well well... finally some honesty here...” Balorac grinned and released the grip on her elbow. He shortly walked out of the Inn afterwards.

Elyssa looked clearly annoyed, even angry when she watched him leave. She tossed the wineglass on the floor and it shattered leaving red stains on the carpet.

Balorac swing the door of the inn open so hard on the way out that he tore one hinge off the wall. The sound of laughter could be heard erupting from an alcove close.

[Silvara-CF]

thumbs up for my girl! Keep up the good work!