Elen sila lumenn omentilmo

[*Kain*]

He nodded to her, she was right. Squeezing her hand tightly he didn't say a word. He only looked at her longing for a few moments before turning away to gather his things. He was dressed fairly quickly for having more than a simple robe to throw over his head. He strapped on his sword belt, and donned his cape, then sat in the chair and slid his boots on.

He was going to make the bed out of natural instinct but then laughed out loud. To think, I even thought of making that damn bed, it isn't going to matter to anyone after tonight. He straightened his clothing, and then went to the door to wait for her.

[Anarane1]

Ana had busied herself with getting the house ready for Kain's arrival. A room had been readied for her sister in law next to Tierney's and she had fixed up Noah's room. There had been a lot to do there. When he had used it last, he was still an infant. She sighed deeply knowing how much of his young life she had missed. What if he didn't recognize her? What if he didn't want to be with her? She won't allow herself to think of these things. She was not going to let her own worries mar the upcoming events.

Certain that everything was in readiness in each room Ana made her way downstairs. Walking into the sitting room she saw Anara sitting near the fire. Ana walked over to the girl and sat down in a chair beside her. "How are you doing today Anara? You have been quiet as of late. I know I have been busy getting ready for Kain to come home. When he gets home and things settle down we will go talk to Farene and see what we can do about finding out about who your father is. Would that make you happier?' Anara didn't say a word, this concerned Ana. The girl had withdrawn and Ana didn't like it one bit. Maybe when they get to talk to Farene things will get better.

With a sigh Ana got up and left the room. Moving to the foyer she stepped out into the night air. There was a slight chill and she wrapped her arms around herself as she made her way to the garden. It was her sanctuary. When thing weighted on her mind it was always the place she went. As she sat there watching the stars a sudden uneasy feeling came over her. Someone was coming and she didn't like the feeling at all.

[Oriana]

Chuckling at the mention of the unmade bed the mage now fully dressed, her hair braided, poked her warrior gently in the side, she hoped he could not feel her apprehension in regards to the approaching battle. She knew she was arrogant, a little too self assured in taking such a light stance when it came to warfare, but she had meant what she had told him earlier, if she became too serious that meant she was worried, worry led to doubt and doubt led to mistakes. She had to make light of what was to come, but then the playfulness left her, her champion stood tall, proud, confident, alert. that look she had seen time and time again changed his face, his whole nature changed from loving to warlord in the blink of an eye. They made the walk from the room to the main area of the establishment in silence, a silence she would break once they had just a few minutes to themselves, and found Rowan waiting for them, battle armor familiar to the mage replaced the simple clothing of a innkeeper, his face had changed as well, he looked like an unbreakable statue of steel, she knew the look well and almost felt sorry for the demons. Between Kain and Rowan and the armies they would lead, there might not be any use for the mages and clerics awaiting her arrival. Rowan wasted no time.

Benjamin will lead you to the men you are in command of Kain, they have already begun to gather. Archers and scouts are in position, all that is left is Oriana going to the temple, which I am sure she can manage to get to on her own. As I said before we will know the moment they are close, my squads, the first line of defense, we can cut as many of them down as possible before they reach the outskirts where the archers will be our first line of offense, you will be the second line of defense, which means that the mages will be working on offense. I know it sounds sloppy but trust me, it's works, this time should be no different. Godspeed my friends, when this is over we will have a great tale to tell our children and their children.

His words were lost her, she was thinking deeply of her own task and of what was expected of her, not until Rowan took his leave, exiting the inn did she come back from the recesses of her mind. Her attentions turned to Kain then, now the silence she had been keeping would come to an end.


I wont keep you long love, I just wanted you to know that if, if something should happen to me, which I promise I'll try to avoid, know that I love you Kain. I dont need any ring or piece of paper to tell me what you are to me. We are one are we not, now in all ways, more than even before, and nothing can change that, not Anarane, not what might happen here tonight. You are by all rights the man I will spend eternity with and I do not need a cleric to give me permission to call you husband.

Getting up on her the tip of her toes she kissed him warmly and touched his face.

Now go do what it is you were born for love and when all is said and done maybe we can make the bed together, or make it even more messed up than it already is, I'll leave that up to you.

She stepped back and smiled at him, the air around her began to dance to the familiar song of the blood rushing through her veins, a tiny pop echoed through the inn and the mage disappeared with words trailing behind her.

Be safe my champion... my husband.

[Pas Taeralaes]

The darkness of the void surrounded him like a warm blanket, the master in turn became the student once more. Forsakening his promise and the troubles of the lands as they weighed and hardened his heart till it formed into a soulstone. Long did they travel thru the blackness, both learning from the other to overcome that which crossed their path. But yet he still searched for a being known only to a chosen few, a being who was lost to many so long ago. The blackness was vast and endless, time was non existent turning to his symbiotic friend his thoughts were past on.
We cannot find her my friend Azrael was correct and i was a fool for thinking we could, the old ones are our only recourse and yet i fear we ourselves are just as lost.
We.. are not lost ...as long as we remember whence we entered... we can return...
Return!!....to that which we left?.. Why should we they squabble like old women over point of law and a single gold coin. I doubt much will have changed....You ...made a promise to the Sidhe archmage... and also to a friend like me, should i now doubt our friendship ...would you cast me aside as easily.... We have been together to long then, you speak with the wisdom i thought i once possessed, but to return now after i gave promise i would not. It smats of hypocracy and i am doubtful of the reception, be it good or ill. But i will follow your words my friend, lets us find our way home and see if the lords and ladies of the Isles have fared any better.

Closing his eyes he remebered the wall of obsidian where he entered, when he open his eyes again he could see from the other side the doorway he had entered. The questions then began to run rampant thru his mind. How long have we been away, are any of them left or alive he wondered. He could see the lands were green again as the ivy had grown over the wall, but still allowed him in places to see thru it. His foot seemed reluctant to move forward as if a part of him still wished to stay, but he had made his mind to return and so stepped thru the doorway.
The pain shot thru his body like a lighting bolt and burned with the intensity of magic fire, he tried to scream out but nothing came from his voice. Somewhat bewildered he tried to stand but could not as his legs gave out under his weight.
Cursing to himself his thought of the cloud spell he onced used to travel with and found himself instantly floating above the ground. He remembered the tower and in moments was whisking across the sky towards the area. He arrived to what he thought was the location and decended after scanning the area for any signs of life and finding none.
Nature had reclaimed the area but yet the roses still grew which alleviated his mind of finding the right place. Night fall would begin soon and he must find the bloodline if they still lived. Surronding himself in the dark globe he summoned a shadow wraith. The creature appeared before him and bowed to his bidding. He sat down and scribed with a trembling hand and shaken heart a simple message.
*Elven:
Vedui'Nae saian luume'Arwenamin Oriana Amin khiluva lle a' gurtha ar' thar ,Amin naa lle nai Dûr Gond Minas Pyren.
He wavied the wraith off and rested till he heard that the message was recieved.







*Translation:Greetings It has been too long My lady Oriana I will follow you to death and beyond, I am yours to command dark stone tower Pyren.

[*Kain*]

She winked out of existence and he sat there pondering her words for a few moments, before he snapped to. Alright then Rowan, Benjamin, let's get this show on the road. Your plan sounds fine Rowan. Kain drew his sword, the glow the blade shed illumintated the room in a soft white glow. Holding tthe blade in a relaxed position to his side he continued. Let's not just push this vampire scum back, let's utterly destroy them. Once we turn the tide, we should pursue them, and kill every last one. Kain was determined to destroy these creatures of the night so that they might stop plagueing this village.


Alright then Benjamin, lead the way, let's get things in order, the sun is falling fast. Time is running out, prepare yourselves for the upcoming combat. He nodded to Rowan and Benjamin and the younger warrior led him out of the inn. Kain was about to summon Megiltura, but to his surprise the horse was already there. You are as eager as I am to face these vile wretches aren't you? He mounted the half-celestial horse. Let us go. He said to Benjamin, and the young fighter began to lead him towards the place where the troops were gathering for the upcoming battle. He surveyed them, and to his surprise they were well armed, and the way they stood in formation told Kain that they were not the peasant rabble that he originally thought them to be. This was a pleasant surprise for him, and now he looked forward to leading them onto the field of battle.

They saw him, and recognized him as the one who would be leading them this night. They formed up immediately, he surveyed them again. Alright then, you all know the gravity of the situation, you are assembled to defend your homes, lives, and families from the vampire host that is preparing to invade. I'm not going to go on and try to give an impressive speech. I just ask that you follow my lead, and I will do my best to bring you all into victory. If we stay in formation, and hold our ground, we stand a much better chance against the scum harboring ill will towards us today. Once Mr. Boramere gives us the signal, steel yourselves. I shall do my best to radiate an aura that will weaken their kind, and bring them on equal footing with us. They won't be able to use their supernatural speed and strength against us. They will be in for a great surprise this night. Oriana Shadowbain is in the temple as we speak directing the lesser mages and clerics. Kain recognized that these were trained men, Rowan called them his men, and he worked for Azrael. This meant that these men knew who Oriana was, and this might lift their spirits if they hadn't already known. They would also know by his blade, his cape, the name of the man before them. Kain was Azrael's war general in Sircko Asacorto Onicel, having such an accomplished and well known leader might do well to boost their spirits even further. He could tell by the look in their eyes, the way they changed stances, that with this recently revealed knowledge did much to boost the men's spirits. Kain would not fail them. He trusted Rowan's plan, no matter how sloppy it might have sounded, it seemed as if this has happened before. Kain turned and faced the direction from which the enemy would descend upon them. Now Benjamin, we wait, once that signal is given, give the order to move into position. While we are waiting, take 50 men, and filter them out around that hill, slowly. Keep hidden, when the signal comes and the vampires come out to play, charge, take them in their flank. It was a risky plan splitting his forces like this, but if it worked then it would pay off in many ways. The gamble was worth it, and if he knew vampires, and combat in general it would indeed work.

[Oriana]

'Quel undome Melloneamin. Nae saian luume' *

The hood of the black robes covered Orianas face making her unrecognizable to the small coven of mages and clerics assemble at the temple settled along the eastern ridge of the towns borders. Normally she would have approached her face shown, but when Rowan explained that to her that the men and women who made up his small band of magic users were nervous about the coming battle, their lack of real leadership setting them on edge filling them with doubt she requested that he not inform them exactly who it was he sending to direct them in war. Her reasons were very simple, they had nothing to hold onto, nothing to bolster their spirits, she knew the men and women, most of them by name as they had served her father, and by doing so served her, some of them she had even taken on as apprentices of sorts, but that was before the Souls of Magics Night took down its banners, before her father gave himself to the Art. Now she stood looking at each face starting at her quizically, each with a question in their eyes as to who the black robed figure that came from no where really was. A young elven male eyed her suspiciously, stepping forward setting himself apart from the others he walked around the mage who stood starting straight ahead, behind the cover of the hood she grinned. He knew her. Reaching up she pulled the black velvet away revealing her face, from the gasps of shock, the sudden murmuring of fifteen voices speaking and coming at her at once with question after question she could say that her plan had given her the affect she had wanted. Putting her hands up as if in defeat she settled the mages buzzing around her.

Enough. There will be time for talk and reaquainting come the morning, for now I do not want to hear any talk of doubt, or nerves. You are all born with a special gift that allows you to protect and fight for the lands, the people you love, you have the power to destroy and to create, and you are able to do all these things far removed from the heart of danger. We owe it to those men down there who are going to be right in the middle of battle to do everything we can to help them because they are what seperates us from the enemy, do you understand?

The changes she saw in the frightened faces now so sure of their tasks was remarkable, it pleased her greatly knowing that they held such confidence in her, as she held for them. Her orders were simple, the lines had been formed, one on each side of the temple, they resembled a blockade ready to stop whatever might try to break them. Her eyes turned to the sky just as the sun dipped below the horizon, a wind blew scattering the leaves on the ground and whistled through the treetops as if heralding the coming of the vampiric armies.

Wait for it, you will know when it is time... just wait...



*'Quel undome Melloneamin. Nae saian luume' - Good evening my friends. It has been too long.

[*Kain*]

Benjamin did as Kain requested, even though he wasn't sure if it was indeed the right thing to do, splitting such a small force in two parts. He however would do as Kain ordered, they had all heard of Kain's reputation, the Bladesinger wouldn't be surprised if a few of these men had served under his own command before. Now Kain anticipated the fight more and more as the sun's rays began to disappear below the horizon.

No torches, do not betray our position, when the time comes I'll provide the light. Complete silence, let them come, they'll not pass this position, remember your wives, remember your children, we do this for them. Battling vampires was always a nasty procedure, some would stop to turn their victims into their own spawn, there would be some time before they would fall under control however, Kain would make sure to have the men kill any who were bitten this night to prevent the spread of the curse. He wouldn't let the men know until after the fact however, there was no need to dull the confidence he had managed to build in them subtly. His presence alone inspired men to great feats of courage and ability, he would play on that. These vampires did not know what they were in for. He sheathed his blade and the bright illumination it gave off hid within the scabbard. Then the unit stood in complete silence, watching the last of the sun's rays fall over the horizon.

[Oriana]

When the hell did they start doing that?!

They were flying, like wingless rats silhouettes filled the sky blocking the twinkling of the newly woken stars, no sooner had the sun gone down completely than the undead began their invasion. Whether Rowan had expected them to attack from the air or land was nothing she could concern herself with at that moment, she was sure he had not expected them to pinpoint just where Oriana and the mages waited, her thoughts were on protecting the men in the valley below and taking down as many fiends as she and her arcanic army were capable of before the fiends touched land. Her hand raised in the air signaling for the first wave of their attack to begin. One mage from the end of each line was charged with casting wards and spells keeping the other seven in their formation well protected, two mages from each line were charged with enfeebling the airborne enemy, and the remaining eleven were set to unleash hell. She took her place in front of the line of mages standing side by side. The first ball of fire that shot into the sky striking the lead vampire of the flying formation came from Oriana herself, a grin of satisfaction crept to her face as she watched the explosion light the night sky. From behind her more spheres of flame launched into the night, some striking true, others missing by a hairs breath, the air crackled full of the energies being released and the darkness of the sky was soon full of an orange glow resembling daylight....

[*Kain*]

That's not the signal, what the hell is going on? Kain didn't know what to do, the sudden outburst of magic caught him by surprise, and it wasn't only on the ground but in the air as well. What the hell was happening?

You there, find Rowan's unit, ask him what in the bloody hell is happening over at the temple. Kain drew his sword and held it aloft. The blade was beginning to illuminate brighter and brighter. He couldn't chance trusting his original plan now. They couldn't remain hidden, they had to have visibility. It was a good thing too, as soon as the hemisphere of light appeared above the ground Kain saw foes dart in from the sky. Yet even more were pouring in from the place he had thought to be the original point of attack. Kain projected his own power, radiating an aura that hindered the unnatural vampiric abilities. The creatures in the sky fell straight to the ground upon touching the edge of the illuminated hemisphere of pure, shimmering white light.

The ones behind the first wave dropped to the ground and ran along it towards the Bladesinger. Kain entered into a bladesong, the notes coming out quickly, fluidly, and soon Kain and the troops in his immediate area began moving unnaturally fast. asca melloneamin.* He shouted, and the vampires slowed by his radiant aura crashed into the quickened humans. Then the fifty men Kain had ordered hidden crashed in from behind their foe's advancing.

The vampires knew that they had to get rid of the man astride the midnight black horse in order to gain the upper hand here. Vampires one after another threw themselves at the holy warrior, trying to take him out, but to no avail, the men that Kain had hasted were around him now, and they were a barrier of blades. Kain broke off on the fighting to focus on his magic, to keep the holy radius going strong. Anytime a fanged creature came close Megiltura kicked it away, or crushed it under a hoove.

The attack on this section was failing rapidly, but Kain knew that he couldn't keep the natural abilities of the vampires at bay for long. While they were in this radius, they were on equal footing with the humans, and the twenty or so that had been affected by Kain's spell it was as if their roles were reversed.

He had to concentrate, he had to keep it going, but he didn't notice one vampire in particular, still flying even within the barrier. The creature crashed upon him, knocking him from his steed, the light illumination remained but Kain's bladesong that kept the vampires unnatural strength and speed at bay was fading quickly, as the will of the vampires pressed against it, without Kain concentrating.

The Bladesinger and the vampire wrestled on the ground, it clawed and bit at him, but it's fangs only caught Kain's armlet, and it's claws only caught the cape that protected Kain so many times. Surprised that the warrior had not yet fallen to the attack and was actually moving faster than he was the vampire pressed the attack out of desperation.

Kain's attack plan surprised the fanged beast as fifty warriors led by Benjamin speared into the back of the enemy's lines. If one were to count, only 25 men had died until the barrier dropped, then another 25 fell quickly, that's when Benjamin's unit made it's surprise attack. Over 125 vampire bodies littered the ground.

Kain had no room to work wth his blade and he let it go, knowing that no vampire would even try to pick up the holy artifact. Sliding the dagger from his boot, he slammed it into the Vampire's stomach, lifting the beast off of him, then Megiltura kicked the foe off of it's master. Kain scrambled to his feet, picking up his blade, he swung into the fanged creature, turning it to ash as the weapon bit deep into it. Now Kain was wielding the Dragonhand family blade in one hand, and the dagger in the other. Megiltura was handling his own, and Kain entered into a dance of blades, any of the creatures foolish enough to attack him would fall. Then he sheathed the dagger in a hidden sheath behind his back, beneath his cape, there had been another dagger there but it was lost long ago and Kain never bothered to get it replaced.

With one hand he pulled himself on top of the celestial warhorse and looked around, they were now completely surrounded, Benjamin and the others had worked their way to the main fighting force, and they formed up in a protective circle around their general. Kain once again entered into the bladesong that was so important for them to keep equal footing in the battle.

I only hope Rowan is doing well, and Oriana, what's going on at the temple? He forced the question from his mind and focused on the bladesong, as much as he wished he was cutting into the foes himself he had to focus on this particular magic, and it was draining him quickly. Still he had to give it his all.



*asca melloneamin- Haste

[Oriana]

Perched on the remains of a broken crumbling wall outside the ruins of what had once been a sanctuary occupieds by priests during days of old green eyes looked to the skies above. Moonlight beautiful in its softness, dangerous beneath its surface cascaded down illuminating the woman. It was a dangerous thing for such a beauty to be wandering the world at night alone, especially near abandon places but this particular beauty held no fear of the night or what lay waiting in the darkness. Moonlight deadly moonlight shone down taking her through the tides of time back to a moment when her kind ruled the world, when she had been Queen and the head of the Order her King. A small twinge of sadness pricked at her heart at the thought of her beloved, though it had been many a year since she had seen him with her own eyes, the memory and image of his face remained clear in her mind. Before she had woken from her long sleep he had even come to her in her dreams reminding her that he still lived , that one night he would rise again, he would come for her and they would once more take their rightful place....
How long had it been since she had been wisked away by Wolfgangs most trusted and loyal guards despite her protests and hidden from her world, what had Wolf said?

It needs to be this way my love, our fight is not yet over and the threat posed by the Shadowbains grows more intense with every passing second. Should anything happen to you my life would hold no meaning no matter how much power I held. You must do this for me my queen...

How long ago that had been. Since then the world continued to turn and change as is the way of life, what had made her open her eyes and leave the safety of her well hidden resting place was still a mystery, all she had to go on was a calling that had seeped into her dreams, a calling that she knew needed to be answered, a calling that demanded the blood of those who had imprisoned her King and spilled the blood of many of his followers. Justice was hers now to serve in whatever way she saw fight, her plan for vengance had started years before almost immeadiately after she had been pulled from her blissful sleep enveloped in the arms of shadows and darkness. It began simple enough, tracking the whereabouts of the Shadowbain clan she was furious to learn that both Mara and Griffon were no longer of the mortal world, but bearers of light while she and her kind the bringers of night, but there was still some satisfaction to be had, there was still one more Shadowbain, taking the daugher would ensure the end of the family line, even better if she could be turned, the thought made her shiver with delight. She learned through various well placed spies,that the womans name was Oriana, and she was no mere mortal who would not be so easily overpowered. One particularly loyal minion, Arcturis Mengst, would later play a role bringing more chaos and despair to the offspring of her enemy than she could ever have. Getting to the woman of her mortal enemies would be a challenge, but she was up for the task, when she learned that Rowan, the strong warrior who had slipped from her grasp, was keeping company with the Shadowbain chit she celebrated by feasting on the blood of lastest fool to have crossed her path. She waited still perched on the wall for her latest pet to return to her, and she was pleased when she heard the crackling of leaves announcing his approach. Her eyes turned from the sky to look at the face of the mage that recognized Oriana Shadowbain in the temple...


Take your time, do not overexert your bodies or your minds! Switch off with one another so that while one is resting, there is another to take your place!

She had to shout over the crackling in the air to be heard, everywhere bursts of flame rocketed to the skies aimed at the vampires flying through the night, some she noticed made their descent no doubt joining their brethen in the battle that was raging through the town. The mages at her command had impressed her with their knowledge of the Art, with their steely determination to protect what was theirs, a few had fallen not at the hands of the fiends they fought against, but to the fatigue that came upon them at having given so much of themselves mentally and physically. From the corner of her eye she noticed one mage seperating himself from the others, at another time she would not have given the action another thought but they were at war and needed every abled body fighting to ensure the success of the battle, to ensure the preservation of their way of life. No one was going to run scared, not if she had anything to say about it...

Erian... I've no time to explain ... lead them as I would, I won't be far and I certainly won't be gone long...

With the capable mage named Erian now leading the arcanic attacks Oriana was free to chase after the wayward mage she had seen leaving, when she said she would not be far, she had no idea just how close she really would be, but she would soon find out. She spotted the mage turning the corner towards the back of the temple what happened next sent the mage reeling. The sound of an arrow whistling through the air could barely be heard above the din of explosions, spells and energies, there was little time for anything more than a quick turn before the arrow pierced the flesh of the mage, the force of the arrow shocked her so much that she could feel no pain, not until she was pinned to the trunk of a tree, the arrow firmly embedded in her shoulder did she cry out. What happened next filled the mage with such a rage she could barely think on how to react.It was that hesitation that cost the mage, a binding of her talents had occured leaving her unable to cast even the simpilies of parlor tricks.The male mage who had been the first to figure out who she was when she arrived at the temple came towards her with a maniacal gleam in his eye, he was joined quite suddenly by a woman who seemed to fall from the sky, a woman Oriana thought she should know and she searched her memories
until the image of her as a child listening to her father tell the tale of the vampiress who became Queen to the vampire King came to mind. The way her father had described the vampiress fit the description of the hauntingly beautiful woman who was now leering at her.

You have got to be kidding me.. M'Lynne...

Violet eyes narrowed to slits the fire of white hot anger burning within them looked to the mage and his mistress.

Bayard I promise you, you will not live to see the rising of the sun, and your bitch will be dead long before.

They were the only words she was able to get out, while she was furious and ready to kill the loss of blood from her wound had caused her to faint.

[*Kain*]

Kain and his men continued fighting, the warrior focusing on keeping his aura strong, his blade whirling in the air and slashing precise movements that made it sing, giving his soldiers a hymn for the battle as well. Everyonce in awhile Kain's blade came in contact with a vampire in the middle of his song, and the weapon went through them like butter, giving a sort of beat to the song. Things were going well, many more vampires had been falling than those of his own forces. Kain's magic coupled with his risky strategy were paying off. Then Kain felt a pang in his shoulder, and his blade dropped to the ground. The blood drained from his face, all he could think of was getting to Oriana. He dropped from Megiltura's back and picked up his sword. Benjamin was nearby, Kain's sword arm was useless to him, so he switched his sword to his other hand.

He fought his way to Benjamin, his steed in tow, and quickly destroyed the creature the young man was struggling with. You're in command, something has happened to the mages and they need my assistance. I should be long. Kain surveyed the area, and then turned back and mounted Megiltura.

I had hoped this wouldn't happen friend. yassen asca melloneamin Megiltura! The destination was relayed to the horse via their connection.

Suddenly even the vampires appeared to come to a complete stop, and fireballs were still in the air. Kain and Megiltura rode towards the temple as fast as possible. On Kain's way he saw Rowan, unmoving admist his own men and the vampires, fairing extremely well for not having Kain's holy abilities with them. By the time Kain had arrived on the scene, things had only moved slightly. He saw Oriana, unconscious pinned to a trunk by a large arrow, now understanding the source of the pain that was beginning to die out now. Then a vampiress that Kain recognized instantly, and a grinning mage. He came out of the horse's step through time and placed himself between Oriana and the vampiress.

My'Lynne, you filthy little whore. Shouldn't you be with that coward Wolfgang? Kain despised that creature Wolfgang, he and Ash Gallant had entered combat with Wolfgang and Mathias after dispatching a unit of 40 or so of their soldeirs. Wolfgang had killed Ash in the conflict, and Kain faced Wolfgang and his general Mathias by himself. Kain was so furious he dispatched Mathias, and tore after Wolfgang, severly injuring the master vampire. That's when Wolfgang ran from him, and from that day foward Kain spat at the sound of his name.


yassen asca melloneamin - with haste

[M'Lynne]

Such a pretty face, so much like her mother, is she not a sight to behold my pet? Ah but that pretty face isn't going to be able to save her for all that is in store for her.

The vampiress was postively giddy, grinning almost sadistically taking great pleasure over the predicament the Shadowbain woman was in. How long would it be before her companions realized she was in any danger, what would their reactions be when they all discovered that their precious little mage had been turned into the very thing they loathed and feared most? Their reactions would be priceless, their heartbreak and horror would know no bounds. The mere thought of bringing an end to the lineage of the clan that had nearly destroyed all that was sacred to the vampiress made her excited all over again. Excitement turned to disappointment, the vampiress let out a growl when a voice she knew upon hearing, and the sight of a man upon horseback came between her and her soon to be pet.

Bladesinger...

Her lips curled into a snarl, his name hissed the vampiress with amazing unnatural speed had moved from her postion across from the mage. Now she was but a whisper away from the woman still pinned to the trunk of tree by the arrow that her pet had released. She should have been angry at her pet for not hitting his true mark, the mages heart should have been punctured, but hindsight now made her giggle with glee, now she could use the mage to torture the gallant warrior who had failed in his attempt to assassinate her king. Fragile fingers with the power to snap a neck with just a flick of the wrist snaked their way around the mages throat. The scent of blood from the wound the mage suffered waifed to tease and tickle the vampiress' senses. Emerald eyes burned with sheer unbending hatred and a smile so twisted played upon her lips.

Would she still be beautiful to you were she like me? Oh yes Dragonhand, I am very aware of your feelings for my newest plaything...

Keeping her eyes locked on him the vampiress leaned down taking her time so he would see each moment of deliberate movement, she licked around the open wound inflicted upon the mage then ever so slowly lapped at the blood trickling down from the wound itself then straightened herself to her full height, her hand still around the mages throat.

As strong and quick as you are Bladesinger answer me this... would you risk attacking me knowing I could have her heart in my hands before you could make a move? Are you going to test me in order to find out? It must be so difficult for you after all that you have been through to have her, to have to decide whether the risk would be worth the outcome....

[*Kain*]

He cursed to himself, She got around him, he had forgotten that My'Lynne was faster than most other vampires, because of who had spawned her. She threatened to take Oriana's heart if the Bladesinger made a move to attack her. Kain's mind was in panic almost as he was thinking about a hundred different ways to go about the next few moments. Finally he dismounted Megiltura and stood on his own two feet. With a thought the horse quickly disappeared.

You won't have her My'Lynne, If you harm her in any way, know that nothing you can do will keep you from my wrath. Your immortality would mean nothing at the end of my blade My'Lynne. Would you sacrifice your very existance to do what you came here for?

While Kain was talking, his blade was beginning to make a subtle noise, and suddenly a spell went off just before My'Lynne registered it. Oriana suddenly basked in a white glow.

Part of me is already inside of her My'Lynne to take her blood would be poisonous to you. Take it now, and you'll die very soon. You kill her and you'll die very soon, and I will make it my life's quest to find your filthy mate and kill him too. Kain wasn't lying, he had no reason to. That was the simple truth of things, if My'Lynne decided to act, Kain would be ready this time. He would be able to match her speed thanks to his earlier haste spell. He had killed Mathias, and nearly killed Wolfgang by himself, because of the rage of a lost friend. My'Lynne would stand no chance against him if he had lost Oriana.

[M'Lynne]

Must you tempt me Bladesinger? Do you think me weak and afraid? My years walking this godforsaken world have not been spent simply being Wolfgangs' mistress. I learned long ago not to fear death, there are far worse things than death Bladesinger I have survived worse than you. Your threats mean nothing to me but if you insist on playing such games with me, if you insist on trying to make me bend, then I will have to insist that you bid your beloved mage farewell.

Whatever divine force he carried in his soul could quite possibly have ended her own life had she been foolish enough to believe he was bluffing, however she was not a stupid woman and had no intentions of taking the mages lifesblood in order to test that theroy. However she had not come into the situation with just one plan, that would have been extremely careless, all the work that had been put into bringing her vengance to fruition would not be undone by carelessness. She grinned at the possabilities open to her as the next phase was put into play. A small band of nightwalkers came forward from their hiding places among the trees of the forest, their eyes glowing in the darkness, all sneering at the warrior, all awaiting orders from their queen.

Ah my pets! So good of you to join us...

Her eyes still locked on the man gleamed with malicious intent.

Would you be able to save your beloved should my pets forget their place and decide to play a little game of their own with you? Think on this Bladesinger, it matters very little to me if your precious whore were to lose her life tonight...

She knew she struck a nerve when calling the mage a whore, and reminded herself to reward the pet who had been able to breach the inn and listen in to not only what took place between the mage and the warrior, but he had been able to ease into the mages mind undetected when her defenses were down. That alone had given the vampiress the fuel and advantage that she needed.

Oh I'm sorry you didn't know? Why your precious over here thinks shes no better than a common whore, now why would she think such a thing? Oh yes I remember now! Because she couldnt keep off her back and took another womans husband to her bed. Not only that but didnt she try to get you to jump into bed with her once before? Didnt her husband kill himself over her adultery, her betrayal? No wonder she feels the way she does, poor precious little thing. Yet there you stand ready to kill or be killed for her, whose to say she hasn't already done the same thing to you that she did to... Guidion was it? Rowan is certainly quite the specimen, from what I hear he and your precious are quite close, and he is so much younger than you Bladeslinger, I'm sure he would love to get his hands on her....

[*Kain*]

She was trying to goad him on, she responded to his threat as if it were a mere inconveniance. He wouldn't listen to this wench before him, Oriana wouldn't do such a thing to him.

Your words are nothing to me My'Lynne, I could give a damn what you've done between the last time I saw you and now, I garauntee that you have not gone through more than I have. You think that these whelps would be more than a minor nuisance? It's the equivolent of swatting a fly. One of the fanged beasts decided to test this theory, and lashed out at the Bladesinger, with a flash of his blade it was gone. He looked over to the others. You don't know what you have gotten yourselves into, it might be a wise idea to take off before you all share his fate. Kain's right arm was still unusable but he hid the fact. It had been a long time since My'Lynne had seen him, she most likely didn't remember that Kain was right handed. The warrior however trained with the two weapon style and in his left hand the sword was still a force to be reckoned with.

He only hoped to keep My'Lynne distracted long enough for his healing to take effect on the mage.

Get up Oriana, you are not that weak. He kept his eyes on the vampiress, and with his right handed waved for her slaves to come at him, and fall on the end of his sword.

[Anarane1]

Anarane saw Ivy appear in the garden and blinked her eyes. Why would the Vampire come here. Then Ivy spoke and told Ana of the nearness of Farene. She also told Ana that she was taking Anara away for a few days until the danger had passed.

So,you have come have you Farene? She whispered out across the space that separated them. Ana had wondered how long it would be before the demoness strayed from the orders given her by Ivy and her Sire. Well Anarane would be ready.

After Ivy left, Ana got up and went back inside. Going up to Tierney's room, she knocked and went in to let her know what she had been told about Farene. Asking her to keep her windows closed and her door locked. Ana knew if Farene really wanted to the closed door and windows would not keep her out, but would at least be a deterrent.

Going back to her own room, Ana gathered a few things and then went to the room she had set up with a small alter. Placing some items on the alter, Ana then knelt before it and whispered a small prayer. She held no regards for the Gods of this world, but did for the ones of the world beyond this one.

Having finished, she waited. She knew it would not be long before Farene would make a move. She just wished that Kain was here already. It had been sometime since she had to deal with Farene and wasn't sure how well she could do. It had been hard enough to deal with Farene when she had been part of Ana. Now.... now she was a force of her own.

[Oriana]

White light pure in form surrounded the mage prodding her gently with its warmth and soft whispers, voices barely audiable but comfortably familiar to her whirled around her embracing her. One voice rang clearer than the others, one voice that pulled her from the darkness.


Get up Oriana, you are not that weak.

Weak?! Her violet eyes snapped opened staring blankly at what was unfolding around her while her blurred vision became clear. What she saw created a sea of conflicting emotion. Rage, panic.. most of all rage. Kain was facing off against what the mage soon realized was the vampiress' lackeys, the confidence and determination on his face unyeilding, but she noticed right away that something was amiss. He held his sword in his left hand, the jolting pain in her right shoulder brought to light the reason. She did not doubt her champion and had full faith in his abilities with his blade regardless of which hand he weilded the weapon in but that did not stop the panic that washed over her. He was wounded, it was because of her. She felt a hand wrapped around her throat, cold and dead, this fed the fuel of her rage taking it to a whole new level. Grabbing the vampiress' wrist, whatever had bound her no longer in affect, the unspoke words of the arcane worked their way through her veins and came bursting forth in a ball of orange. Flames licked at the vampiress, caught off guard, now shrieking holding just above her elbow where her arm had once been.


Put your hands on me again and what you feel now will be nothing compared to what I will do to you.


Without thinking, overcome with the need to keep her warrior, her champion, her lover and friend safe she jerked forward, the pain of tearing muscle and tissue as the arrow ripped through her was almost unbearable but she would not let that hinder her from doing what she felt must be done.



You broke your promise to me Dragonhand!!

The rage in her voice caused the earth to tremble, the pupils of her eyes were now as violet as the circles surrounding them, the last thing Kain would see before she kept her one promise and sent him far away from her was the torrent of lighting bolts raining down on the town .

[*Kain*]

He saw her move, and his heart lept, she only needed to regain conscioussness and the both of them could take out My'Lynne and her filthy troop. Oriana took My'Lynnes forearm off with a fire spell, then she did something completely unexpected, something Kain would scream at her for. He broke a promise to save her life, and she sent him away as if he were some lackey that was no longer of use to her.

He appeared in his study, the wave of nausea swept over him from being teleported away. Bewildered Kain hacked around with his blade until it came in contact with another blade. It was Ash Gallant's blade, the very elf who had died fighting against Mathias and Wolfgang. Kain had gone on a journey to find a certain artifact that would bring the elf warrior back to life, and he's been helping Kain since.

What happened Kain? Where the hell did you come from? Ash sheathed his weapon as did Kain who calmed down a little. I can't believe she sent me away, My'Lynne that filthy vampiress was right there, I could have had her head! He sat in his chair, in a very sour mood.

Kain, you mentioned My'Lynne... I haven't heard that name in a very long time. What the hell was she doing there? Kain slammed his right fist down on the table, and recoiled in pain. Oriana was with me, we were on our way back here. We stopped at a town for the night, and the next day it was beset by My'Lynne and her troops. It rages as we speak my friend. His words came through clenched teeth, the Bladesinger was furious, the men needed him, Oriana was hurt, she needed him, and she sent him away.

[Oriana]

He is going to be furious with me Rowan, I promised him I wouldnt put myself in harms way and now look at me, and he's... away. He's going to kill me Rowan...

She winced, and tried to jerk away from the grandmotherly type woman who was tending to her wounds, had she not been so worried she probably would have run screaming from the chair she sat in at the inn. Rowan was beside her gripping her hand to keep her from bolting while the woman ran a needle and thread through her torn skin. The battle to save the town had come to a dramatic end, an end that the mage while happy, was not pleased with. How could she have lost that much control of herself? In the span of a heartbeat she had managed to stay the vampires, those that were not sent back to the abysses of hell from whence they came went running back into the shadows of the night. Rowan had ordered another of his men, Darby to take a unit, to hunt down as many of the fiends as they could find.

He's not going to kill you and you know it. Stop squirming Oriana, the stitches will be crooked and you'll scar funny. He might be angry at first but I am sure once you talk to him, all will be forgiven. And if that doesnt work well there are other ways to get a man to ...

The woman who had been tending to her wound reached over and slapped the warrior in the back of the head. While Oriana glared at him.

Hold your tounge Rowan Boramere, I'll not have you upsetting the lass.

It's alright Eliza, the next time he finds it necessary to speak of such things he'll find himself lacking what it takes to be a man.

She spent the rest of her time under the womans care in silence, her thoughts turning to Kain. She knew he would be angry at her for sending him away as she did, but when she saw him, saw how he held his sword in the opposite hand, saw how he was ready to throw himself into harms way for her, she did what came naturally to her. If she could understand that he was born for battle, that he was by nature a protector, he could understand her use of the the only weapon she knew to weild to protect him when she truly believed him in danger. A short time later her wound sewn she bid Rowan farwell and used the teleportation spell to bring her to her champion.

She appeared in the foyer of his keep, and gratefully found herself alone, it would give her a few moments to compose herself and to ready her defense for her actions. The sounds of steel meeting wood, stone and whatever else came within reach echoed through the keep, she did not need to be told that Kain was the force behind the destructive sounds. Swallowing the lump formed in her throat she followed the sounds, until they stopped replaced by an angry voice, and she followed that voice until she reached a half open doorway and saw Kain sitting in a chair looking ready to strangle the life from something... or rather her. Wincing while she took a deep breath she steeled herself against what she knew she had coming and she entered the room trying her best to smile.

It's done with Kain, the vampires have fled the town, Rowan sends his thanks to you...

It was all she could bring herself to say while she waited for the storm to erupt.

[*Kain*]

She walked in just after he had explained to Ash what was going on. He snapped to his feet, Ash, leave us now. His voice wasn't raised, but it was strict, stern, leaving no room for an argument. Ash nodded and exited the room hastily, he wasn't about to step between Kain and Oriana.

The Bladesinger stared coldly at the mage as the elf who had taught him swordplay exited the room. Afterwards he said nothing, just continued to glare. He was extremely upset with her, why had she done what she had? What reason was there for her to send him here in the midst of a battle.

He was glad that the vampires had been beaten back, but his mind wasn't set on that, at that moment.

Why, Oriana... why? That's all he could manage to say, he was prepared to scream at her, but all that came out was complete disappointment.

[Oriana]

She stood there head hung hands folded demurely in front of her looking very much like a child waiting to be scolded for having misbehaved. She did not look at the man who was with Kain, she knew Ash, and knew that Kain had probably already spoken of how she had sent him away, the sound in Kains voice when he ordered his mentor to leave made her eyes go wide. Oh he was angry, but when he spoke to her once they were alone what she heard in his voice was worse than any yelling he could have done. He could have taken his hand and struck her down to the cold stone floor of the room and it would not have hurt as much as the pang that stabbed at her. She lifted her head high refusing to look away from him, she gave the only reason she needed to give.

I told you what I would do if I felt even the slightest fear, and when I saw you, saw that you suffered the effects of the wound I had been given, I became afraid. Through the whole ordeal with that witch and her minions I had not been afraid, and who are you to ask me why when you broke your promise to me Kain Dragonhand! Understand something Kain, while you are my champion and I know how seriously you take that duty, you are also the man I love. You have sworn to protect me, to love me, by accepting your love for me and my love for you in return you have made me your champion, a duty I gladly and wholeheartedly accept. I know it is hard for you to come to terms with Kain, the idea of someone loving you enough to feel the need, the want to protect you, but it is there, real and undeniable. I did what I did because I love you, that is my best and only excuse.

[*Kain*]

He shook his head, he had broke his promise to save her life. Her promise had been broken because she was scared?

Had I kept that promise I made you Oriana, you would be a creature of the night right now, I told you not to take battle lightly, you might not know what will go wrong. No matter how small the fight, accidents happen. I was capable of holding my own against any of the scum that My'Lynne sent against me, and even against that little bitch herself. I'm sure Wolgang and Mathias combined were stronger than she, and I killed one and sent the other running. I was in no danger, yet you sent me away like I was some guard that had outgrown his use. He slammed his right fist down again in anger, forgetting about the damage to his right shoulder, and he winced in pain, sitting back into the chair, tears came into his eyes.

I almost lost you Ori.. Where there was anger, there was now sadness. Kain really was only worried about Oriana, and the only reason he was angered was that she sent him away at a crucial moment in his mind. She was still injured badly, and it was his place to stand by her side and protect her, and she had not allowed him to do so.

[Oriana]

She listened to him, the hairs on the back of her neck bristling while he made sure she understood in no uncertain terms that she had been wrong in more ways than one. She took the battle too lightly, she sent him away during an important moment, she disgarded him like one would rid of an old doll. Oh no, he was not going to sit there and run down a list of all that had been wrong when in her own mind, her own fear of seeing how he had been hurt she had done right. She opened her mouth ready to let him know exactly what she was thinking when she noticed the tears welling in his eyes. He had truly been afraid for her, so much so that he had put his own well being at risk, he was more afraid of losing her than he was of any fiend or foe he might ever come to face. Sighing heavily her shoulders sagged, the movement made her wince, the freshly sewn wound still hurt like hell, her shoulder felt like it was on fire but what was happening in that room could not be put off for something as trival as bodily pain. Her bottom lip found its way between her teeth while she crossed the room until she was standing beside him. Gracefully she went to her knees. and took his hand, she looked up at her champion softly, sadly.

You did what you did because you love me Kain, because you thought might lose me, why is it alright for you to love me that much, but I am not allowed to return that love the same way? I am good enough for you to have waited the many years that you had for me, good enough for you to want to call me wife, good enough to lay down with you at night, good enough to share the most intimate parts of your life, of your being, but I am not good enough to love you as fiercely as you love me? To want to protect you like you protect me? Is that really fair Kain when I do love you just as fiercely, to deny me the ability to be all that you have been for me, for you?

[*Kain*]

Her words sank in, and he tried to find a defense against them. He was her champion, for him to risk himself for her was his duty, his calling in this life. He had never thought about the roles being reversed. Kain's code of honour was a chivalric one, but at the same time he had been trying to break Oriana from an attitude of servitude, they were to be equals. Why then was he angry with her? It was his fear that made him react this way, fear of losing the one woman he had longed for nearly his entire life.

I'm sorry Oriana, I just felt like you sent me away because I wasn't needed, because maybe I just had grown a little too old, and useless. I didn't realize.. That was the man's biggest fear aside from losing Oriana. It was true he had slowed with age, but not so much that he was helpless. For her to send him away it brought those thoughts from his mind, so much that he hadn't seen the true reason she did what she did.

I love you, and I couldn't bear losing you, not so soon, or ever for that matter. He looked at her again, he wasn't mad anymore, he understood, they were equals, and she was doing what she could to protect him, much like he was doing what he could to protect her.

[Oriana]

A little too old?...

Her laughter pealed throught the keep, her thoughts turned to the hours before night had fallen, when the rays of the sun filtered down through windows lighting the room she and Kain had joined themselves body and soul. Rising to her feet, laughing still the mage shook her head at the warrior.

If you call the way you behaved back at the inn getting old... I'm going to have a hard time keeping up with you.

She grinned impishly at her champion, the light had returned to his eyes, anger no longer shaped his face or his movements. Two arguements in just as many days with the potential to turn into full blown fighting had been resolved by talking, there might have been anger but no one turned away, no one threw up their hands and gave up, no one ran. Now, the anger she had felt turned into something different, for all the years she had known Kain she had never been to his keep, her curiosity was now piqued and showing itself in full form.

You know what Tengwargul tower looks like both inside and out, yet I have seen nothing of your home Kain Dragonhand, what does a lady have to do to get a tour or will I be forced to go off exploring on my own. Before you answer that remember how it was when I would go off on an exploring expedition when I was young...