|
Post by Atalan on Jan 6, 2020 13:29:17 GMT -8
Atalan strode confidently down the forest path, clad in his formal attire instead of his more casual wear today. He wore a black formal suit with an emerald green tie and vest, his long hair was gathered at the nape of his neck by a golden circlet inset with emeralds. Shafts of light crisscrossed over the path here and there reflected off of his burnished golden eyes as they took in the path but the atmosphere was gloomy and oppressive. By and large the trail seemed to have been abandoned; plants were starting to overtake the packed earth. The demon felt right at home, this was a place such as his people would actively seek. He was here for a very specific reason though, and it was not settling down; he was seeking potential allies once again. He had grown significantly in power since he had left home... but since he had began taking a different path to power, he felt that he needed to fill the gap of power he had left in his potential takeover attempt. Since he had changed his path on the road to power to embrace his physical power, it would benefit him greatly to have someone else tied to the arcane arts at his side. He well knew how effective they could be in the right hands and tales had reached his ears of a witch that had taken residence here. Tales of a frozen village and of attacks on warriors to gain artifacts she desired; of her dark magic and claims to nobility. All of it sounded like a potential ally to his cause; the only sticking point might be striking an agreement they could both live with. Every king needed a powerful magician or witch at their side. He rounded a bend and spied a clearing ahead of him that was slightly less murky than the path. His strides slowed just a bit as he extended his senses, seeking traps. He had rerouted the way his ki moved through his body, making his own magic almost powerless to enhance his physique although he could still sense the flows. Sensing nothing immediately threatening, he stepped forward into the clearing and looked about. Before him... was a kind of cabin he supposed. It was a giant mushroom with a purple cap; there was a solid looking wooden door. This was most certainly the home of a practitioner of the arcane, and not one of the island peasants that crowded this place like fleas on a beggar. He paused for a few moments, debating the best approach, and decided that the direct approach was likely the best. Humans and demons were much the same in some ways, they both liked a show of respect and a little flattery never went wrong. He walked to the door and rapped solidly upon it three times before pausing and announcing his intent, "I am seeking the one called Lady Nevermore. I am Baron Atalan, of the southern Demon Lands. Are you home, lady?" He paused his knocking and stepped back, glancing around the clearing. He resisted the urge to pick at his jacket and adjust it... such things were seen as low bred habits after all and rightfully slow. He supposed the desire for such things came from his saiyan blood... luckily he had the willpower to overcome such things. He turned back to the door and stilled his thoughts, listening to see if there would be an answer to his knocks. [584/584] Lilith Nevermore
|
|
|
Post by Lilith Nevermore on Jan 15, 2020 8:23:01 GMT -8
Very few people bothered to walk this deep into the wilderness of Southern Isles. Tourists preferred to stay in their traps, explorers went elsewhere and even adrenaline junkies had better places to find their fix. But a keen seeker would still find something here... Eerie silence shrouded the murky forest. No birds singing in the trees, no critters rustling in the bushes... Only an occasional spider skittered along the branches. Something vile and wicked lingered in the air. An inexplicable chill that traced its cold claws down one’s back. Someone well-traveled might recognize the telltale sensation of dark magic. It also served as an accidental road sign to those with unnatural senses. This way, it whispered... Or perhaps it was keep out...? Tucked away between some massive trees was an odd clearing. It seemed a little too... new. And scorched around the edges. Ash covered the ground, like someone had carved a part of the forest away with fire. At the back of the clearing lurked a small hut. It was round in shape with a pointy hat for a roof and a tilted chimney. From a distance it really resembled a violet mushroom. A single window by the side overlooked the cobblestone path leading to the door. Actual mushrooms lined the path on both sides, all of them horribly poisonous judging by the brightly colored caps. A frugal sort of person might’ve even called this place cozy. Buuut the owner absolutely loathed it. Speaking of whom... Shortly after the demon had announced his presence, sharp ears could’ve caught quiet shuffling behind the door. It creaked open just the tiniest bit. A single crimson eye peered through the crack, gleaming with deep suspicion. After an awkward pause, the door was opened fully. The light filtering past the leaves revealed a small and frail figure. Long, mauve hair framed her deathly pale features. Dressed in dark robes lengthy enough to sweep the floor, she certainly seemed like a traditional witch. Juuust maybe a little too young to be called wicked. But looks could be deceiving... Truth to be told, Lilith had not been expecting any visitors. Least of all someone claiming to be a man of status. Still, she pinched the hem of her robes and gave the man a polite curtsey. “I am Lady Nevermore. Charmed, I am sure.” The motion and the greeting came with practiced ease. Proper manners deserved to be reciprocated. No matter how unusual it was for anyone around here to know her name and title... More worryingly, she couldn’t recall anyone by the name of Atalan. Had he been an ally of her clan, then she would’ve most definitely remembered him. And if he wasn’t an ally... The young lady cocked her head, allowing herself a modicum of curiosity. “What, pray tell, brings a Baron of all people to my doorstep?” Her gaze trailed onto his muscular figure the suit was trying to hide. That was not a physique she had ever seen on a nobleman. She could sense the inhuman power sleeping inside him. “Are you perhaps a bounty hunter? Here to claim my head?” For someone talking about death, she sounded chillingly calm. WC: 536 | 536 Natural PL: 4011 Tag: Atalan
|
|
|
Post by Atalan on Jan 17, 2020 7:30:39 GMT -8
Atalan kept his face composed as the door creaked open and the crimson eye came into view. When she opened the door and revealed herself with her rail thin figure, in her dark robes and mauve hair he almost nodded to himself. This was indeed the woman he had heard tell of. He opened his senses ever so slightly and let them brush against the witch to taste her power. It was not insignificant; a chill ran down his spine in recognition of her talent. He might indeed be able to find uses for her if she would agree to work with him. She cocked her head at him in some display of pique or perhaps it was curiosity; either way he listened to her queries that came out in her calm measured voice, a voice of someone who was raised in a well bred family. Even though she seemed to have fallen on... hard times. He noticed her eyeing his physique up and down, perhaps doubting that he was who he said he was with a body like this... akin to a laborers, really. He didn't blame her, it was not so long ago that he had been built much like her. He cleared his throat and in his deep measured tone he answered her queries, "What brings me here is what drives me, Lady Nevermore; Power and the pursuit of power. Specifics should be spoken of in a more... secure setting than the outdoors if you are interested." He paused for a moment and leaned in a bit, his golden eyes flashing with a bit more color as he said, "As far as being a bounty hunter... honestly, one has people for that sort of thing, usually. I don't really need zenni, I desire alliances that will cement my road to power as I have said. My allies will rise with me, my enemies and those who sat to the side will be left in my shadow to regret their foolishness. The reason I chose you, in particular, is due to... recent developments, I find that I have need of someone with a functional relationship with the arcane at my side."
He raised an eyebrow and gestured down at himself, "I once wielded the arcane myself... but I found it necessary to channel my power into my own body and learn a new way of battle. still, that is quite beside the point... I guess now I just need to know one thing. Are you interested in hearing more, Lady Nevermore? I would not waste any more of our time if you are not." Atalan stopped speaking and stared at the mauve haired witch with only slight curiosity evidenced on his face. If she was going to be of use to him, this should be enough to get his foot in the door. If not... he was ready to defend himself at a moment's notice if need be. As he was sure Lady Nevermore was; though he was sure the girl had her own plans of attack and defense if it came to that. It would only be prudent. [521/1105] Lilith Nevermore
|
|
|
Post by Lilith Nevermore on Jan 18, 2020 9:47:27 GMT -8
Lilith’s skeptical stare didn’t falter in the slightest when Baron Atalan explained himself. So he desired more power. How very... typical. In her mind, a demon was always a demon, even the ones from noble bloodlines. However, an infernal creature was still far better company than the mortals around here. ...Or mortals in general, few exceptions notwithstanding. One such... exception... had gotten her to reconsider her stance on alliances. Maybe... There would be no harm in seeking allies... When the demon mentioned the arcane, the girl’s eyes immediately gained a spark of life. Of genuine curiosity. ...Only for it to vanish within seconds. It was remarkable how the man managed to scrounge some goodwill towards himself, only to waste it all in a single sentence. His mention of channeling power into his own body was met with a flat stare. “So you abandoned the arcane arts in favor of... punching things? How quaint.” Disappointment dripped like venom from her words. Found it necessary... Hmph. Perhaps there was an advantage to having the body of a hairless gorilla, but for the life of her she couldn’t see it. After brief consideration, the witch let out a deep sigh stepped back inside. “Well, I suppose at the very least I should offer you a cup of tea... For coming all this way.” She chose her words carefully, making sure not to say yes or no. Some demons considered verbal contracts binding after all... But it was no reason to be rude. She gestured the guest to follow into her... eugh... humble home. “Please, step inside.” And the moment he did, the door would slide shut behind him as if pushed by invisible hands. Upon entering, the demon would have to watch his head. The ceiling was low, clearly made for someone shorter. Inside, the hut was about as modest as its appearance suggested. The center of the room was occupied by a round table, conveniently accompanied by two average chairs. ...Erm, well, average considering the girl’s frame. They may have been a touch small for someone bigger. Near one wall there was a small bed with impeccably tidy sheets. Next to it was a bookshelf, lined with all manner of arcane tomes. At the back, a cold, lifeless fireplace housed a blackened cauldron. Meanwhile, on the opposing wall, another shelf was filled with glass bottles and jars. Each one was half-full of some dubious powder or dried herbs. Only a single, floating candle offered some wavering light. Lilith took the wand from her belt and gave it a gentle wave. “Ignite.” Right on command, the fireplace flared to life. Reminiscent of a conductor leading an imaginary orchestra, she made magic dance. The cauldron filled with fresh water and herbs floated right into it. As the concoction started to steam and bubble gently, it gained a soft, blue glow. Leaving the tea to boil, the frail girl sat down. “Now then, Baron Atalan...” Suspicion still lingered in those crimson eyes. She wasn’t foolish enough to trust strangers. “Mind telling me more about these... recent developments you mentioned?” She would love to know what manner of madness made one throw their magic away. WC: 535 | 1071 Natural PL: 4011 Tag: Atalan
|
|
|
Post by Atalan on Jan 21, 2020 9:53:39 GMT -8
Atalan let an ever so slight sneer cross his face at her tone when she referred to punching things. It was not that long ago that he had shared her attitude. Indeed a part of him still did, he couldn't lie even to himself. Atalan ducked and entered the room behind the mauve haired witch and paid little attention to the door as he followed her into her mushroom shaped abode. He eased himself into the chair across from the little witch (which creaked alarmingly for a moment) and glanced around at her somewhat... shabby surroundings. It had some of the trappings of a practitioner of magic, and he supposed one lived as one must at times. He gathered his thoughts for few moments, thinking of his experiences, and reached up to the air in front of him, drawing four faintly glowing runes to make the points of a rectangle in the air, before he traced two more in the center. The runes flashed crimson and then melted together, leaving a glowing white rectangle in the air.
"I never said I had completely abandoned the arts, Lillith. I have merely focused them into a different direction. Observe." With a slight concentration, he began to project a scene onto the white rectangle; the whiteness faded away, replaced by a nightscape on a beach. There were three figures in plain view, and Atalan caused a crimson circle to envelop each in turn as he began speaking again, "These people are a pig woman named Melody who claims to be a duchess, a saiyan monkey boy named Cayle who has quite a bit of brutish strength, and the final one is named Kiryu; yet another arcane practitioner, though not in the classical sense." A battle began unfolding on the beach, a pair of hands that belonged to him came up into view, firing crimson ki blasts and summoning lightning to strike down at his foes.
He let the battle play as he continued, "I have won almost every battle I have ever fought but these three were all quite strong. Cayle and Kiryu in particular. Kiryu has somehow blended his magic with his physical fighting, resulting in a whole that adds up to more than the sum of its parts. IN straight magical knowledge I think that I... and you would surpass him. His ability to back it up with his physicality is what makes him a sometimes baffling and always dangerous foe." Atalan's eyes flashed a bright gold as he coldly looks at the witch through the ephemeral scene and he continues, "I could call lightning from the air, summon ice from the deepest reaches of hell where the fires don't burn... but I could not damage those two."
Atalan leaned back and zoomed into the scene with a flick of his finger, showing Kiryu with his hand on a crystal ball, "So I changed myself. I am a vessel for my magic to express its power through me. There is certainly a... physical aspect that I too once found distasteful. However, once you have your hands on someone, it is much easier to manipulate your magic into them, to disrupt their body's flow of power, to cripple their abilities, or perhaps to use it to harm them directly. Kiryu is probably one of the people that will crusade against me if I take the demon throne. I need allies that will aid me in taking him down, ones who understand magic and how it works and not just big goons. The rewards for such an alliance could be great indeed, starting with the chance to remove Kiryu from the game board and allowing us to move unchecked in our own ambitions. I understand he has quite a powerful artifact... one that I would be willing to let you have in exchange for your aid. Cayle... might also need to be removed, but I deem him a lesser, purely physical threat."
Atalan dismissed the screen after letting it linger for a few more moments on the crystal ball. Now, he would just wait for tea, and questions. Hopefully the tea would come first, all this talking had made him a little parched.
[700/1805]
|
|
|
Post by Lilith Nevermore on Jan 23, 2020 5:56:59 GMT -8
While the concoction bubbled away, the witch gave the guest her undivided attention. However, when the demon dared to address the young noble all too casually, her expression immediately soured. “That is Lady Nevermore to you, Baron Atalan.” She snapped reflexively, insistently. Only two kinds of people were allowed to call her by her first name... Family and... Hmph, never mind that. The point was that there were none alive worthy of that honor. The spark of curiosity returned to the girl’s gaze when the demon demonstrated his magic. Seeing him weave memories into a living image was less surprising than realizing he did so without incantations. Was it thanks to his demonic blood granting him some innate affinity? Or was it perhaps the runes replacing the need for words? Her fascination grew like a hungry flame when he mentioned familiar names. The descriptions were met with a nod. “I have met them, yes.” Her tone remained coldly neutral, mostly because the trio stirred such conflicting feelings within her. One she respected, another she abhorred and the third... Erm, well... It was complicated. As the visitor shared his tale, the host watched keenly. Hearing that he had failed to even damage the two didn’t surprise her in the slightest. She knew the power those two wielded painfully well. If anything, she was surprised the demon was still alive... Then again, his kind tended to be sturdier than humans. Perhaps his foes had simply gotten sloppy and failed to finish him. It was something she would have to ask... Later. By the end of the explanation, the witch uttered a simple spell beneath her breath. “Come forth, tea set.” In a tiny puff of smoke, two porcelain cups and a teapot appeared on the table. She rose from her seat went to fill the pot from the cauldron. After pouring the guest a brimming cup of blue liquid, she glanced at him. “Sugar?” If the guest wanted it, she would provide. Had it not been for the color, one could have honestly mistaken the strange tea for green tea. The taste was remarkably similar. Yet there was a distinct after taste, a tingle trailing down one’s tongue. Anyone familiar with magic could recognize the telltale signs of a mana potion, sure to invigorate one’s magical reserves. ...Or muscles. Lilith waved her wand and the steam rising from her tea came to life. “Reminisce.” The wisps gathered together like painted lines, forming a simplistic yet recognizable rendition of Kiryu. Looking at his face caused a light sigh to leave her lips. “Kiryu is... an idiot savant, but a savant nonetheless. His instinctive understanding of magic far surpasses what one can learn through studying.” She knew that firsthand... What? No, she was not envious! ...Tch, maybe a little bit. “Furthermore, he does indeed possess an ancient artifact, the sacred crystal ball once owned by grand witch Baba. It empowers his magic even further.” She still wasn’t sure why the artifact had accepted him as its master. Was it something about his infuriatingly open and naive personality...? Pushing the distracting thoughts aside, the witch wagged her wand again. This time the steam formed... erm... some kind of ugly ogre? Or a hairless gorilla maybe? “This Cayle, on the other hand, is a freak of nature. A monstrosity posing as a Saiyan. His resistance against magic is nothing short of absurd.” She surmised the same could be said about his physical durability, but she didn’t exactly get a chance to test it... “Even worse, he has no fear, no mercy and no remorse to exploit. I believe he is simply too stupid to be manipulated.” Clearly her expert opinion was in no way biased. With a wave of the hand, the pale lady dispelled the steam images. She took a sip of the tea before continuing. “As you are now, you stand no chance against either of them.” Her gaze drifted down onto her cup. She could see her reflection in the glimmering surface. “And... Neither do I...” It had been weeks since she learned that lesson, yet her bruised pride still ached when she had to face the fact. However, not learning from one’s mistakes was the epitome of foolishness. “If you truly seek to best those two and claim the demon throne, you need more than allies and power...” She lifted her head. There was an ominous glint in that crimson gaze. “You need a distraction.”WC: 750 | 1821 Natural PL: 4011 Tag: Atalan
|
|
|
Post by Atalan on Jan 27, 2020 19:39:23 GMT -8
Atalan picked up the proffered tea and nodded, "Yes, 2 lumps of sugar, please." he stirred his tea and took a sip of the blue liquid... which tingled pleasantly as it passed his tongue and down his gullet. He could feel it as it began pouring power back into him. It was quite a potent recipe for a mana potion; it seemed that this witch did indeed know what she was doing as far as alchemy was concerned at least. He nodded approvingly and set the teacup back in his saucer, watching as Lillith - Lady Nevermore sculpted the steam clouds into images of those they spoke of.
He listened as she spoke a simple incantation to apply her will to the steam. He had met two other wizards in his journey so far, both of whom had much different styles from him, and indeed no two of them were harnessing the arcane in the same way. He watched with interest as the steam sculpted itself into the visage of each of their enemies; an idiot savant she named Kiryu... which seemed to be an apt description, he must admit. He hadn't known the provenance of the crystal ball, but he has sensed its deep power and how it affected the powers of the arcane all around it when the human wizard had put it to use. He simply made a sound of agreement and watched as the steam lost definition before it reformed itself into a brutish caricature of the saiyan named Cayle. A spike of malice laced with fear ran through him at the site of the huge monkey man. As she listed his qualities he leaned back and considered her words. Too stupid to be manipulated... is quite an interesting insight. She must have tried charm first.
He cleared his throat and nodded, "Indeed, he is a specimen of physical prowess that is unmatched in any I have met in my travels. I knew that one of my allies or myself would need to be able to neutralize this ghastly beast, Lady Nevermore. I decided that I would shape myself for this task. Indeed, I do not YET have the power required. As you noted, neither do you." He took a slow sip of his tea, considering the blue liquid for a moment before continuing, "Indeed, that is part of why I am here on this day. Where one will fall before the mighty, many might succeed - though I mean to improve my power by many fold times before I face this knuckle dragging saiyan."
He leaned forward in his seat and set the saucer bearing its delicate passenger carefully on the table. They had come to the crux of his ambitions, the throne. His eyes shone as his excitement grew at the prospect, though he kept his voice measured, "I do indeed mean for the throne to be mine. I have begun securing alliances and growing my own power... but this talk of a distraction... is intriguing." He thought for a few moments, considering what she could mean before he finally decided to just outright ask, "What did you have in mind for a distraction, Lady Nevermore?"
[530/2335]
|
|
|
Post by Lilith Nevermore on Jan 29, 2020 9:34:03 GMT -8
Falling silent, the witch listened intently as the demon spoke. The mention of a ghastly beast made her shudder. His assessment was all too accurate. Fortunately sipping the tea calmed her soul. Ah, this patch turned out nicely. She suppressed a sigh when he insisted that he was planning to improve his power. How very typical. Demons always cared about pure, destructive power and little else. She had hoped the esteemed Baron hadn’t forgotten the importance of finesse. True power came from the mastery of magic after all. But by the sound of it those muscles were already filling his head as well... Unfortunate, but unsurprising. When Atalan finally asked, Lilith set down her empty cup and idly brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. This required some... background. “Kiryu, despite what he may claim, has a hopeless hero syndrome. He wishes to help people. If something were to threaten the poor peasants, he would blindly rush to their aid.” She could speak with knowing confidence, as she had experienced it herself. That strange kindness. It didn’t mean she understood it, however. Even now, his confusing words haunted her. ‘...you can change...’ Tch, what utter nonsense. Brushing the distracting thoughts aside again, the little lady returned to her ploy. A wicked smile played on her lips. “Now, would it not be awfully convenient... If that threat happened to be someone else standing in your way?” She had a feeling the clever man was already catching on, but elaborated regardless. “I am sure a demon of your status has no shortage of political rivals. While you stand no chance against that hero, neither will your competition. All you need to do is make sure the word of their cruelty reaches the right ears.” Framing them wouldn’t be necessary. No demon ever rose to power through kindness and righteousness. That made them the perfect target... The witch lifted the teapot and poured herself another cup. She offered a refill for her guest as well before continuing. “Kiryu will sweep away your problems like an eager servant... Or your opposition might manage to slay him. In either case, it should be simple enough to eliminate the remaining side when they are at their weakest.” It might take an army, or ten armies, but even Kiryu had to have a limit. Reaching it would be much easier once he has wasted his energy on mere fodder. She had always been a fan of working smarter, not harder. Lilith plopped some sugar into her tea and stirred it gently. Swirl, swirl, swirl, the blue liquid moved in a mesmerizing pattern. “If you are feeling bold enough, you could even seek out Kiryu and present yourself as a begrudging ally against a greater threat. The rightful ruler to a stolen throne... Or at the very least a preferable alternative to senseless tyranny. It would put you in the best position to sink a knife in his back. Keep your friends close... As they say...” Lifting the cup again, she gave the guest ample time to ponder her suggestion. WC: 517 | 2338 Natural PL: 4011 Tag: Atalan
|
|
|
Post by Atalan on Feb 2, 2020 19:59:28 GMT -8
Atalan picked his cup back up and sipped at the sweet restorative potion in his cup and listened to the witch speak. The scenario she presented was logical. Logical, well thought out, and with a high percentage chance to work. Similar things had been arranged in the past, he knew from his own father's stories and the family histories. They didn't always work, certainly. Sometimes they even ended with the death of the on who orchestrated the scheme... still it was a good notion. He waved an offer of a refill away, "No thank you, Lady Nevermore." He drained the rest of the cup and held it as he considered her words a little longer and nodded to himself.
"Your words bear much merit. I do indeed have rivals in the demon kingdoms that could use... eliminating. I might even warn them of our young hero's coming to let them array a suitable force against him... yes. I like this approach, very much. I think that a cry for help might be the best way to go... I don't know that he would be convinced by a lesser evil argument somehow. Still, you have presented a worthy avenue to follow, and your advice is much appreciated. As for an alliance... consider it. Take some time and send me a message once you reach a decision."
Atalan set the cup down carefully once more and continued, "At the least, a pact of mutual cooperation would provide us both with backup for when the barbarians are at the gates. One day, you, or indeed I might need help. If you are willing to at least promise that, I am ready to bind myself to such a pact. Talk of alliance can come after we have... come to know each other better, Lady Nevermore."
He waited patiently for her answer. This was a big decision for the little witch, and he knew it. Despite wanting to demand an answer right now... patience often bore more fruit in situations such as this. Besides, some creatures were loath to make pacts and deals with his kind, some kind of superstition, he thought. He didn't know why, demons always kept to the letter of every contract they signed in good faith, and he had every intention of honoring his word to the little witch before him. Unless she betrayed him or proved unworthy; that seemed unlikely given their discussion however.
[404/2739]
|
|
|
Post by Lilith Nevermore on Feb 3, 2020 9:01:16 GMT -8
Lilith didn’t push the offer of another cup. If the guest didn’t want it then that was his loss. She was having another. Well, at least the demon had the decency to accept her impeccable advice. Of course her suggested avenues were worthy to follow. She was the wise heiress of clan Nevermore, not some cheap seer at a circus. It was a pity she didn’t share her grandmother’s talent at divination. She could have given the demon an actual reading of his future and saved both of them a lot of time. Oh well. When the demon suggested mutual cooperation, the witch immediately turned her gaze away. “Hmph, I need no one.” The claim was spat like venom. It was a reflex, a knee-jerk reaction. But... Kiryu’s words still echoed in her mind. ‘...you seem sort of... alone....’ Why did her thoughts still linger on that troublesome fool? After an awkward pause, she sighed. Her expression softened. “...But I suppose two are stronger than one.” It was much easier to stomach if she reduced it to simple math. Several seconds ticked by before the noblewoman finally agreed. Reluctantly. “Very well. I will make a pact with you, demon. A pact of mutual cooperation, nothing more, nothing less.” She was still careful of her word choice. Only a fool would blindly trust a demon. It was nothing personal, just common sense. “As for the rest of your ambitions...” She shook her head softly. “...I will have to think about it. Should you actually wish for my alliance, then you would do well to bring me something more substantial than mere words.” Any fool could brag and boast. She wanted to see results. With the cup empty and words exchanged, the young witch clicked her fingers. Traces of magic sparked in the air. “Vanish.” And vanish the dishes did. She rose from her seat and cast her gold gaze on the guest. It felt like the temperature dropped several degrees. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have better things to do than discuss actual barbarians at hypothetical gates.” With a dismissive wave of her hand, the door slid open. She turned her back and muttered something akin to a farewell beneath her breath. “Take care out there. Try not to get yourself killed or something equally embarrassing...” Her ominous words trailed in the air. And fate was quietly laughing... WC: 404 | 2742 Natural PL: 4011 Tag: Atalan
|
|