Into the Shadows New Beginnings 5 Time of the Demon

[Losa]

I know we need to keep her away met her Mom and if need be might have to call on her to come reign her in a bit. At least now I know why Con took on the demon alone. Cori had run off from Astrail and had come to the inn. The demon came in and made a comment would expect from SJ but unlike SJ he was not playing with Cori and Rayne. We all know SJ would never harm anyone in the family no matter how much he teases them. He is going to be ok he has to be.

His arm slipped around hers as they went to check on things and he kissed her.

So what did you learn from our demon guest? I am surprised actually that TJ has not gone down there and a bit impressed too considering you know everyone wants a damn crack at him. Aranor will do all he can to keep Ori under control also. He admires her greatly you know he is going to do all he can to help her. You know when Ari does get back I she is gonna be hell to deal with, with Con like that

[Raynalia]

D'ye see what I be meanin' Condrik Shadow? That woman ye be callin' yer kin dun lost her mind if Aranor be haulin' her up 'ere like this.
Well the elf thought to herself at least no one can be blaming me for this one. She didn't want to be there when Oriana woke up the gods only knew what of mood the mage was going to be in, judging from the spidery lines running all over the woman that mood was going to pretty damn unpleasant.
Might wanna think about tyin'er down Aranor, last time I saw this one like this she tried suckin' Kristian Connors soul out through his face. Best start prayin' ta whatever higher being ye be believin' in she be herself when them eyes open.
The elf had been there the day of Orianas test, she witnessed first hand Oriana nearly killing Kristian Connor and Kain Dragonhand by pitting them against one another, playing on their emotions and their care for her, but it wasn't Oriana really, it was a demon that had locked the apprentice mage in the prison of herself and the test for Oriana was to be strong enough to keep the evil controlling her from destroying herself and the people around her. She passed that test alright and everyone went on with their lives. Raynalia had always been aware there was a price to pay for the mage but did any one of them truly understand just how much that price was? Reaching out the elf touched Orianas lined face and shuddered. It scared the elf to see Oriana but not see Oriana laying there. Sighing heavily she smoothed back the wild curls framing her once sister in laws face. Those curls reminded Raynalia of a time years passed when their lives were so much simpler, when they spent their days laughing and living fancy and free without the threat of demons or vampires or anything else hanging over them like a dark cloud.

Ouch! Damn Ray!

Oriana sitting before the vanity in her room winced with each stroke of the brush the elf ran through her mass of wild curls, one particular knot had been troublesome, the girls head jerked each time the elf took the bush to it pulling at the tresses.

D'nay be ouchin me girl, iffin' ye'd keep this mess braided like ye Mama and I have tole ye, ye would nay be havin' ta deal with it now would ye?

Glaring Oriana smirked.

Oh sure be all proper in front of everyone but get you alone and this is what you turn into? I bet my brother loves that...

The solid back of the brush connected with her head stinging.

... what in the hell was that for?!

Ye brother be none of ye business girlie... runnin' jaws 'bout Gabriel tis not the reason I be 'ere...

Trying to tame this mop on my head isnt either is it Ray? He sent you didnt he? Well you can go back and tell my brute of a brother you werent able to get a damn thing out of me! I'll not be sharing any secrets this day!

The grin she saw from the mirror did not settle well with her, Raynalia had that look in her eye that told Oriana she wasnt going to make it out of her room if she didnt start spilling her guts. The tone in her friends voice changed suddenly as did her speech and this made her even more uneasy, Raynalia was determined to get whatever she could out of her about her and Kain Dragonhand.


I'm not asking for your secrets Oriana, I'm just trying to be an ear for you to talk to because I know there are just some things a girl needs a friend around to hear. Who was the first person I told when I started having feelings for Gabriel? You. Who is the only one who knows everything that happened to me before you and brother brought me here, before your mother and father took me and made me one of theirs? I have told you things that would make others quit speaking altogether Oriana, and you cant tell me whats going on inside that head of yours?

Sighing Oriana turned around, took the brush from her friends hand and started absent mindedly brushing her hair.

It was a long time ago Ray, I was a silly little girl with silly little girl dreams..

Aye but your not a little girl anymore Oriana, hell most the girls you grew up with already have husbands, some even have children..

Who the hell said anything about husbands? Damn elf already has me married off! Ray listen, all I am saying is I know better, I'm not going to prance around thinking that all those silly little girl dreams are coming true just because he walked through that door. Am I going to lie and say my heart didnt damn near fall out of my chest when I saw him? No but I am not stupid Ray, one hes never going to see me as nothing more than that little girl he remembers and two I have new dreams now, I'm not bragging but I have the potential to become as great as Azrael in the ways of the Art, and that is what my focus is on. Go on now I can finish this on my own, and Ray? Slap Gabriel, I know he's listening...

That memory really made the elf smile but it made her sad at the same time, sad that Oriana was forced to grow up before her time, that she bore witness to horrors no one that young should have had to. Now when she looked at the woman in the bed she saw an eight year old little girl tearing through the streets of Astrail for her brother to stop the mean man in the alley from beating up on the pretty lady. That had been Raynes first encounter with Oriana and from that day on the two were sisters in all the ways that mattered.
Ye be needin ta behave Ori girl, yer Guardian over 'ere ain't exactly gonna be all too happy iffin' Gabriel catches wind ye've gone all demon again an' he comes chargin through 'ere like a damn monster. D'nay be thinkin' ye want yer brothers brawlin' an' I know ye be lovin' me enuff not ta be puttin' me through none a that. Rest Ori but d'nay be takin' too long, d'nay think anyone could handle not havin' ya around ta boss'em all.
Now that Aranor was there to watch over Oriana and Condrik Rayne was going to take a few minutes for herself outside the tower. She sure as hell wasn't going to be going alone. With Valiants hand in hers she led him from the tower, down the stairs and out of the Hall, they weren't going far at all. She just wanted to look at the lands that had become her home once she left Astrail. Putting an arm around Valiants waist she leaned into him.
I'm glad your here Val, really glad. You were right before you know, I do know where I belong, it's right here with this family, and with you. I really think if you weren't here I'd be off doing something crazy and getting myself into even more trouble. I'm real tired of being in trouble all the time and you know at my age you would think I would know better or at least settle down some already. I think I'd like to settle down, lose some of this edge I have in me, but everytime I start thinking that way something happens. I don't want anything to happen to this right here, whatever it is we have, it helps me be calm and I think I might be able to start finding that peace. I don't think you'd know what to do if I actually settled down though, hell I don't think I'd know what to do.

[Kiara Jade]

I'm not all that surprised TJ hasn't gone to see our guest yet. You haven't been down there Losa, this demon brother of there's, his name is Sarot by the way, Toras backwards, is in the very same cell that Geoff was put in. Would you be ready to go down there if you were TJ? Granted Tierney wasn't killed, still none of us knew that then and TJ watched his wife "die" down there. Anyway, you want to know what I've learned from this Sarot? Heh. Let's see. He's threatening everyone including you and Aidan, he's cocky and arrogant, and talks alot without really saying at all. He says things he thinks will get under someones skin in the hopes of breaking them. Sound familiar? He said he was working with your father and your brother at some point too and that Condrik is most likely going to die because he thinks we're all too stupid to figure out what's wrong with him. Oriana shot that one down real quick. By the way he wants to know if your sure Bennett is even yours. Yeah I almost pissed myself laughing with that one. Basically he is playing the same game your father did, trying to scare us into keeping him alive. I have half a mind to just let Oriana kill him and be done with it. I remember the last time we all waited around to decide what to do with Dakota, I don't think I can do that this time. Killing the damn demon so we can be done with this sounds pretty good to me.

Checking on everyone didn't take long, explaining to them why it felt like the Hall of Shadows was going to fall down on their heads left Kiara feeling a small sense of pride in Oriana. Retelling the way the mage was brought looks of awe from some of them, they all knew Oriana was a force to be reckoned with but Kiara didn't think they truly understood until just then. When they were done downstairs they went upstairs to the tower and whatever pride Kiara felt changed to deep worry and slight fear, the lines were still visible on Orianas skin, and she still hadn't opened her eyes. When the mage finally did open her eyes what would they see?

[Valiant Panton]

I am glad you are starting to find that peace. It does not mean you have to totally settle down. You were right though I am sure Ori does not want Gabriel and Con fighting which is probably what would happen if they met up. Don't think Con would be too happy about Cori being around Gabriel either. Just sorry I did not get down there in time figured you would be back soon then when I was coming down had to grab the sword. One thing Rayne I need you to understand something. I am not going to sit back not when it comes to attacks and shit come across a lot of things in my time. There are some creatures I would rather not deal with but it is in my nature to fight. Especially when it comes to the people in my life. In fact would have been in the middle of it if those two did not come flying in like that.


He smiled at her and held her close to him. Holding her to him he smiled and kissed her.


Glad you are ok though


He looked at her there was something he did not understand when she was in danger he had more of a fierce need to protect her.

[Losa]

Usually calm and all he was not feeling so he looked at his wife the clouds in his eyes showing.


Can threaten me all he wants but not messing with my boys. So demon wants to play Sarot huh ok we will play. I am done with these games and all tired of these assholes. Damn straight Bennett is mine had damn fun making him too.


He walked with her to check on things then when they got to the tower he started becoming uneasy the more he thought about it. He kissed his wife.


Will be back see if you can help Aranor


he disappeared into the shadows. He went to visit the demon.


You know who I am. I am going to tell you something you may not. I am not the same man. I heard you want to threaten my boy make the threat to me. Do you really think I am that worried about your threats. What do you have for me besides the words you spoke to my wife? You want to see a few people out of control could always get your brothers in here to play.


He grinned and now was in the cell with the demon his dagger to the demons throat.

You know the line will be quite long for the people that want you dead. None of us are scared of you or your kind.

He looked at the demon his anger was in check he knew how to do that he just was done with what he had to say and returned to his wife's side.


So what did ya find out Aranor?

[Raynalia]

No one would want Gabriel and Con fighting, truth is they would end up killing each other and that wouldn't be good for me, Cori, Mara, Ori or Ari. Con doesn't have a choice about Cori being near Gabriel right now Val. Mara told me Gabriel is back in Astrail serving under his father again. Not a surprise he's back doing what he used to do. Did you know before I came here and joined the Elite I was part of Astrails guard? Had nothing to do with being with Gabriel either, earned my place serving under Griffon Shadowbain long before there was a me and Gabriel. My first run in with demons was in Astrail, was running patrols one night and got caught up in one of my fine messes. Anyway, I understand how fighting is your nature. It's like me always wanting to take whatever someone else might be facing onto myself. That's how I usually end up in most the trouble I get in. Always have to keep someone else from being hurt in some way or another. I'd rather be the one hurt than seeing someone else get hurt. Only time I went against my nature was when I left Condrik, but in a way I hurt him to help him, not that he sees it that way even now, that's not important though either.
The elf sat down on the stairs stretching her legs out in front of her and leaning back on her elbows, the night sky started to clear from the storm brought on by the mages emotions, stars winked down at them, the wind that blew was cool and felt good on her skin.
It's been a long time since I've been alright being okay. There was a point in this little life of mine that I just wanted to die and stay that way, I would do the dumbest shit just to see if I could get myself killed. It's really an enigma when I think about it, how could someone who valued life so much and loved to live want to just die at the same time? Now I'm really glad I'm okay too... hey are you alright Val? Whats got you looking at me like I jsut fell outta the sky or something?

[Kiara Jade]

And did you have fun Angel?

Kiara was sitting with Oriana and Condrik when Losa came back from his little outing, she didn't ask him where he had gone off to, it was clear the way his eyes went dark that what she told him the demon said didn't sit well with him at all.
Kiara was starting to get fidgety, not having any real answers to what was going on with Condrik inspite of what Oriana had done and not having Oriana awake to ask her anything was a little nerve racking.

So if you're tired of the games why can't we just end this one? Really is it that important to keep this demon alive? He's already gone after Rayne and Cori, he damn near killed Con. We wouldn't think twice if it was someone else that had done all this, look at what you did to Gray just for what he did or was trying to do. What makes this demon so special? The fact that he's Toras' son? And? Sooner or later we'd find Toras, we don't need him for that. Sarot has threatened this family and is a threat to this family and he should be dealt with like we deal with all threats.

[Valiant Panton]

I can understand what you mean about that stuff. Can't really blame Con for not wanting Cori round Gabriel specially if he don't like him whatever the reason. Maybe Gabriel not be messing with her too much. I mean he would not do something like that would he?


He would hope not at least. He smiled at Rayne and sat down with her


What look you meaning Rayne? I am alright

[Raynalia]

Ye might be wantin' ta reword that Astald, d'nay like the way ye put that. Iffin' there be one thing all of ye need ta be knowin' an' understandin' straight off about Gabriel Shadowbain it be that he'd die ta keep a wee one safe especially seein' he lost his own son. Truth be there be no one Cori be safer with right now. Ye not be knowin' this but Gabe an' Ori only be half blood. Same father different mamas, Maras raised Gabriel since he be 'round fourteen. Gabe d'nay come into their lives til round the time Ori was three maybe four. For the first fourteen years a his life Gabriel was raised by a .... yeah you guessed right, a demon. Gavin MacCloud. Anyway, when Gabriel first came to Astrail he was set on killing his father and this sister he found out he had, til he saw Oriana all tiny with those big violet eyes and that crazy curly hair standin' in front of him holdin' her arms out ta him beggin' for her big brother ta play a game with her. Right there everything changed. Gabriel fell in love with that little girl ya be knowin' what I mean and he's been her biggest protector and adorin' devoted big brother ever since. Everyone wants ta judge the Spartans son but no one knows Gabriels own story, not like I be knowin' or his family be knowin'. Nay Gabe would never do anything to hurt Cori, if anythin' she probably hurts him. lookin' an actin' like me makin' him think of the babe we lost and the life he left behind with me but he'd never let it show.
Rayne would always love Gabriel much like she would always love Condrik, despite both their faults she would never let anyone think bad of either of them no matter how she might get angry with them or say some rotten things herself. She knew Valiant wasn't being mean but she felt it was important he understand a little more about the oldest Shadowbain sibling.

[Losa]

Nope did not have fun


He was still unsettled and looked at her.

It will be taken care of then my Queen. We will find Toras regardless you are right. I will see to it personally.


Without another word he stood back up and walked out he was heading back down to the cell. His queen wanted it ended it would be ended there and then

[Kiara Jade]

Now that's what I'm talking about!

Kiara whispered the words to herself and took off out of the tower after Losa. She was impressed with how her King had made his decision with such ease, usually Losa argued and thought everything through from every angle but this time it seemed he actually agreed with her. She thought she made sense, and when she shared her thoughts with him she wasn't angry or thinking irrationally. She walked quietly behind him, he would know she was there but if he was going to do this she was only going to be there incase something went wrong, she didn't doubt her Kings abilities in anyway and she would let him do what he thought needed to be done without getting in the way.

[Valiant Panton]

What I meant was I was just talking out of concern about the bad blood between Con and Gabe, that no one takes it out on Cori. Did not mean it the way you thought I'm just worried about her and what happened. Never know about people. Did not mean to make it sound so bad.


He kept his arm around her and kissed her.


Maybe I should not have said anything over stepping my bounds or anything

[Raynalia]

You haven't overstepped Val. You have every right to know everything about me and that includes what my life was like from start to finish, it includes the people I share my life with and have shared my life with. How can you know all of me and understand all of me if you don't ask questions or speak whats on your mind? Besides I like being able to tell you my history without being scared that I'll be judged or looked down on. Even now there are some people who do know who I am who still think the worst of me, they don't have the capacity to look beyond the surface and see whats really there like you do. Your right you never know about people and you know so little of Gabriel, despite what Con thinks as Coris step father you have every right to voice your concerns over her. I know it sounds selfish of me Val especially seeing the shape Cons in right now but I'm really looking forward to the day he's well enough for you to have that talk with him. I want Cori to get to know you and see in you what I see. Wanna know what I see? A real good man.
The elf leaned into him and sighed, her hand rested on his leg.
I think there is always going to be bad blood between Con and Gabe. Condrik cannot accept that Gabriel was not the reason I left, I know I didn't help matters any when I hunted Gabriel down after he brought me home alive from another very big mess I landed in, but I had to talk to him, he deserved to have his own questions answered just like I deserved to have mine answered. Anyway it was then that I realized I needed to get away from both of them, and that as much as I loved Con at the time we simply would not work the way he wanted us to and I was too tired, to angry and too emotionally destroyed to even try. Every move I had made to protect this family came back to bite it me in the ass and I just needed to go. Funny thing is since day one I've never thought of running from you.

[Losa]

He walked into the cell not a word to the demon he was actually calm when in a moment he stuck the demon in his chest he started carving out the demons chest then took his other dagger after a few and stabbed him in the throat all the while staying strangely calm. When the demon dropped he took the dagger from the chest and drove it through the ribs. The demon howled until the dagger went into his throat.


Losa got up with his daggers then there she was he growled looking at the creature before him. She went to grab him and he swiped at her with the dagger


How dare you hurt my boy


Momma demon had come to play too and he ducked out of the way. This was going to get interesting to say the least.

[Oriana]

It all played out like a dream while Oriana lay unmoving caught in darkness, the King of Pallia and his Queen walking with determined steps to where the demon was held, Losa keeping his promise to his Queen to take care of the demon himself, in sleep Orianas mouth turned upwards in a grin, but that grin changed to scowl when another came into the dream. It seemed the mother had come to protect the son. Orianas eyes opened, she sat up turned her head to look at Aranor in a way that chilled him and then she was gone, simply melted into the air around her. Once more thunder rolled outside. Oriana reappeared in the cavern below putting herself between the King of Pallia, her brother, her friend, her childrens Uncle and the demon mother. He may have promised Kiara that he would handle Sarot, she was going to handle the mother.

How dare you...

A bolt of lightning spiraled from Orianas one raised finger hitting the demon mother in the chest.

... send this filth after my family.

The lightning stopped for a brief moment then returned hitting the same mark as before, Oriana let it linger on longer.

My niece, my sister, my brother were all touched by the hands of your spawn and you think we would stand back and do nothing? That I would stand back and do nothing?

The atmosphere in the cavern changed again filling with energy that caused the mages hair to flow like she were caught in the winds that were once again howling outside. The lines that covered her grew darker, her eyes were now pitch black. Her finger moved while the lightning flowed, from the demon mothers chest up to her forhead where Oriana concentrated all her energies, there was a humming in the air that matched the humming now coming from the mage, her blood was singing in tune with her, the voice of the arcane within her rejoiced at it's new found freedom, there were no self imposed boundaries or limitations set by the mage. A great explosion rocked the cavern, at the same time Oriana warded the King and Queen still in the cavern with her, and the body of the demons mother exploded into fire and ash. Dropping her hand to her side Oriana was grinning when she turned those black on to Losa.

Is your prey dead Majesty or do you need some help in finishing him off?

All of a sudden Oriana slumped to the floor in a deep sleep like she had done earlier outside, the dark lines running over her pale skin started to fade, and the mage looked more like the woman they all knew.

[Valiant Panton]

Not funny Rayne but I do consider it a good thing. Maybe its just because I am different and got no real expectations except seeing where things go. That bad blood may not make it good for Cori to be around Gabriel her father could not like that at all. Which I am trying to see Cons side from what you told me maybe he feels like he has been decieved or something. guess I do not understand emotions like that being the way I am. But i do understand being protective like when I thought you were in danger.

He held her hand and lightly kissed it then her.

I do not know fully what is going on here but finding myself liking this more and more

[Losa]

He knew from the moment he saw the demon who she was he just knew. He was prepared to fight and well then Oriana appeared and he let out an oh shit. He watched and listened in awe of her. He just shook his head watching the body burn.


When she slumped down he lifted her up bringing her back to the tower.


Well two demons down for now.


He put her back next to Con who was still passed out Aranor was muttering something about something not being right

[Raynalia]

She's startin' another storm, someone needs to get that girl under control.
Rayne watched the sky, there was a smell on the winds reeking of power that was not coming from nature itself, and the elf was starting to worry a little that Oriana was going to lose all control. She didn't want to be around if that happened especially if they had to call in reinforcements namely Kain. Rayne liked Kain well enough, matter of fact she adored him and knew from the get go that he and his mage were meant for one another despite their age difference. Griffon and Gabriel had been none too pleased when they found out the pair were intent on making their life together Griffon still saw Oriana as his little girl which was only right and Gabriel still saw Oriana as his baby sister. The odds might have been stacked against the two but they one thing in their corner that calmed the Shadowbain men and opened the door for Kain and Oriana to find their happiness. They had Mama Mara. Griffon who could never deny his daughter anything finally let go of her when he saw how Kain made Oriana light up just by entering the room. Thinking of Mara and Griffon, Oriana and Kain and even Kiara and Losa made the elf start to wonder if maybe she was wrong for giving up on caring for anyone again or finding that kind of life for herself. Was it possible? Maybe.
Ye sure are different Astald, maybe it be because ye d'nay be havin' expectations that makes it so easy ta just be me with ye. Not havin' ta worry about every little move I be makin' does make it a helluva a lot easier. I know ye be worryin' about a fallout with Cori bein' 'round Gabriel but right now d'nay be too much can be done about it. Ari is in Astrail where she should be, I be sure she handlin' e'rythin' just fine. I can see it from Cons' point too believe it or not, tis why I not be fightin' with'em when he be actin' the way he be with me. Tired a fightin' all the time anyway. Alright Astald best be gettin' back up ta that tower, someone gotta watch out for the Saint aside from his brother an' Ori d'nay be right in the head ta be doin' it right now.
A few minutes later they were back in the tower. Oriana was sleeping again, there were obvious changes in the mage which meant someone must have let her cut loose a little. With a raised brow the elf went and sat beside Con while she looked at Losa.
Who'd she get her hands on? An' have any of ye figured out what be goin' on with the Saint 'ere?

[Kayli]

Too much time had gone by without a single whisper from Cameron or anyone who knew him. Kayli was as fidgety as a jackrabbit, she thought by now she would have heard something anything. Then again she supposed maybe Cam was thinking the same thing. It was that thought that kept Kayli locked away in his room for hours on end while she sat at the desk and penned a letter telling him everything that had gone on since the morning he left.

Alright Cameron, here I am, maybe not in the flesh but here are my words just the same. Something tells me you haven't been sleeping all that well, miss me or just miss the way I bore you into sleep? I'm willing to go with you miss me. I found what you left for me, right where you said it would be, I've been wearing your chain ever since and go ahead you can laugh at me but I read your note every night before I go sleep and every morning when I wake up. It makes me feel like you're here. I hope you don't mind but I took over your room, see we got real busy and Pa was going to need either your room or mine and well there was no chance in hell anyone else was going to be sleeping in your bed, so I packed up what I didn't need from my room, put it in storage and the rest is history. Oh! You were right about Jason after all, before you say anything I didn't break his nose, but I think I might have broken his heart, I wasn't mean about it I just told him the truth. What truth? You already know but I know how your fragile little ego needs to be fed. I told him he was sweet but that I loved you and even if you didn't ask me to I was waiting for you to come home. Which I hope will be soon or else I'm just going to have to come get you. Wanna know why I haven't done that yet? Been lot's happening around here. There's talk of war maybe, seems our Baron is in the middle of a dispute with the Baron of Hobart and it's getting ugly, so I've been helping with preparations just incase. These wars never last long, hell I wouldn't even call them wars really. I don't think Britien will see any battles but we like to be ready just none the less. Ma asks about you everyday and Pa is looking forward to you coming back so you can go hunting with him. I think he just wants you home so I'm not walking around growling at everyone all day long. No matter what anyone says I haven't been that bad and I've been keeping out of trouble. Got sick a little while back, nothing too bad just couldn't eat for a few weeks without having to stick my head in a bucket, slept alot and I think that's all I needed. Anyway that's about all I've got to tell you. I hope your Mama is doing better. Was your family happy to see you? I bet they were. Seeing I havent heard from you I guess no news is good news right? That dragon was civil to you yes? Better have been, you know I was shocked as hell when I saw him. Pa's calling for me dinner rush is starting. Hope this will help you sleep when you get it. Love you Cam really I do.

Always-

Kayli

Signing and sealing the letter Kayli finally emerged from the room and sent the letter on its way then started the evening routine of waiting tables and smacking away wandering hands.

[Losa]

Well see there Kiara wanted Sarot whatever the hell his name was dead so I went to oblige my queen. Well after I killed him just simple stuff really Mommy Demon came to play. And well Ori came while that was going on and took care of Mommy Demon and rather nicely too. I am not going to lie and say I wasn't impressed but I also got to say kind of creepy seeing Ori like that. But yeah Mommy Demon is no more.

He started thinking about it what was Aranors ramblings about Con being sick and all. He thought about something.

Need to ask Ori about something when she does wake. Might be something else going on with Con too. But I really hope Ari comes home soon think that will do him some good and knowing for sure Cori is alright.

[Oriana]

He's poisoned that's whats wrong with him. Slow moving and good thing too otherwise he'd be dead already.

Oriana woke up like she hadn't been out at all, there were still faint lines traced over her skin, skin that was still a little too pale, and her eyes were still dark but the whites were starting to show. She was calming down. Sitting straight up and getting out bed she started moving around her tower like nothing at all had happened. She didn't speak about what happened outside or in the cells below, it was all like a far off dream to her that she felt did not need to be discussed. In time someone would most likely ask her what happened to make her the way she had been, but for now it was best if everyone just kept silent about the incident, she was calmer but she wasn't entirely at peace.

Bad blood out, good blood in, just like with my father, I'll need you and Aranor again Losa but not until the paste I have to make and spread on his wounds gets the chance to work it's own magic. When someone gets the chance to, it's time for Ariela to come home, and where is Equinox Lockheart? For all that I have heard about his special healing talents, I would like to speak with him. Don't worry. I'm not going to lose Condrik, if I have to go into the nine hells myself and face down every damn demon to get the results I want I will.

Saying no more Oriana went about crushing herbs and pouring liquids from vials until she achieved what she had set out to do. Silently the mage tended to the wounded Guardian and only spoke when she leaned to whisper low in his ear.

I'll kill you myself if you don't start cooperating with me Condrik Shadow, what do you think is going to happen when Kain finds out whats happened here and the hell you put me through hmm? He's going to ban me forever so help me out here, I at least want to be able to see you awake before I'm not allowed to step foot in Pallia again.

[Losa]

I do think that you are right it is time for Ariela to come home. That woman there just has a hold over Condrik. I know you will do all you can for him Ori. Not a problem needing us again I am sure. But how are you feeling? Was quite a show you put on for Mommy Demon so question is who gets to go to Astrail to get Ari back here? And who the hell is going to deal with her when she sees Con like this?

He was watching and waiting he knew things should start turning around for Con and he was hoping it would be sooner rather than later.

I know you do not want to rest Oriana but we also do not want you to the point where you are going to fall flat on your face. I mean how are you going to help Con if you, yourself are not doing well either?

With a slight smiled he just sat there he was trying to think of who to send.

Quinn is probably with Katie or something

[Oriana]

Send Stryder for Ariela, I have something I need for him to do once he brings Ari. If I am right about how to continue to treat the Guardian I will need Stryder because let's face it, not many tell him no when he asks... asks who am I kidding, when he demands something from them. I will tell you this I promise you that Condrik will be alright, he may be a little different, slightly changed for a little while once he wakes up but it will only last for a short while. Your wife was right wanting to go to Lucius Losa, though her reasons are quite different than my own for wanting to see him. You see I fully intend on taking blood from Lucius and injecting it into Condrik. Hear me out before you start Losa. Lucius' blood contains preternatural healing elements, as you know full well, after all it is because of Lucius blood that you hold your youngest son in your arms. While it is true that when one is turning after receiving the dark gift any ailments they may have are healed, however Lucius and his clan are not ordinary vampires, if another vampire were to try and drink from any of Lucius kind do you know what would happen? They would die. I believe that the blood from Lucius will counter act the poison in Condrik. Send Sol for Quinn.

Before her little episode Oriana had been knee deep in research it had taken some digging but she knew she had found the very thing she was going to need to completely bring the Guardian back from where he was at.

I will rest in due time Losa, right now I would not find any rest even if I tried. I would appreciate it if everyone would stop worrying about me and please do not bring up the incident with the demon mother again. It may be impressive to all of you but to me knowing how and why I can become what I did is nothing to be impressed with at all.

[Cameron W]

He had been busy with mostly watching over his Mom while the others took care of Condrik. Quinn would join him and sit and talk about things. He was thinking about Kayli and knew he had to write her. With a smile he started the note while he sat there.

Kayli,

Not much to tell you about here it has been a bit crazy. Mom is still out of it, then the demon came and Condrik got in the way cause it went to go after his daughter you know the protective papa deal. Then there is not much else to tell you about yet. I keep your band in my pocket, any time I get lonely for you I touch it. Hope you know you are in my thoughts. Not sure when I will be home, Kiara said you could come here though don't know if your Ma and Pa would allow it. Tell them that I said hello as well. I miss all of you but of course I miss you the most.

Love Always,
Cam

[Losa]

And just how are we going to get this blood from Lucius and who is going to get the blood from him. You are right I do not like this idea at all because of how I feel about vampires especially that one in particular. But I know you fully look at things Oriana. Why is it if Ariela tells him no I can see SJ just tossing her over his shoulder and making her come back anyways?

He shook his head laughing slightly at the thought of that one. He looked at them and then went and told SJ what he wanted him to do then came back.

SJ is on his way promised him he would not be gone long you know how he has been fussing over his wife.