718 réponses à ce sujet

[Serelir]

You can always label stuff Altevinter. I like the idea of there being alternate realities - some things end up actually happening, some don't.

[raging_monkey]

I could yes but I usually just lock the alttevinter stuff in a drawer it's below my acceptable standard for viewers it's gotten a bit... "uncouth" and it makes me feel creepy

[Serelir]

This virginity thing. I don't know. It might be an out-dated concept. Then again, we're in a medievalesque setting, too. Then again again, it's not as if canoodling before marriage is a new concept.

[raging_monkey]

Yeah I agree on all points so I usually default to the psuedo medieval point. Personally I do think virginity no matter the culture is held to a high regard whether it's a rite of passage or just a mark of honour being celbite. I sometimes wonder if I would be a better writer if I was still budding but I'm slowly moving it away from that topic

[raging_monkey]

Consistency update

Acts 201-202 are done fabulously by uccio. Truly appreciate the twists and turns

Caius is feeling a bit lost.

Spoiler

*A knock on the door interrupted Caius thought. He had been gloomy for a while now. Everything seemed to turn against him, there was no way of knowing how his plans would unfold. And now it seemed all of them led into destruction.
Caius closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. I feel so tired. Zera´s letter was on the table before him. A second knock on the door got his attention. "Enter", Caius said straightening his back. Sulla stepped in accompanied by Livia, "you wanted to see me my lord?".

"I do", Cais said standing up, "it has come to my attention that Zera has left the city. Why is that, why was she not apprehended?". Caius gazed at them with dark eyes, his voice was calm but ominous. Livia cleared her throat, "it happened too fast, our agent following her left to get more support but the ship had sailed before they returned". She looked at Caius carefully. Sulla just stood there like a statue, he waited for orders.

"Sestius", Caius turned to Sulla. "Yes my lord", Sulla responded. "Take a company of my soldiers, combat mages and pretorians. Go to harbor. The War Galley "Pride of the Imperium", is still docked. If there is room, take as many more soldiers you need, find them and bring her back. Anyone resisting can be killed. No matter who they are", Caius said silently.

He turned to Livia, "you will provide him information of the ships destination. I want you to inform the military bases in Marnus Pell, Vyrantium, Neromenian, Carastes, Quarinus and Alam that my daughter is being kidnapped by monkai and I will issue a general alert along the Imperium. Use my authority as a Magister and member of the War Council. I want that ship and people in it back here".

A muscle twitched in his cheek, "I will be damned if I let them step all over me".

Sulla smiled shortly, nodded and left the study. Livia looked at Caius concerned, but she left in silence.

Caius walked to the side table pouring himself wine. He closed his eyes taking a sip. If this requires a death, then so be it. He turned around and walked to his desk sitting down. Silence lingered as he took another sip of his wine. Then he opened a drawer from the desk and pulled out a parchment with official seal in it. With a few strokes of his elaborate quill Caius wrote few words on the parchment.

He took a deep breath leaning back against the chair twisting his neck. A knock interrupted his thoughts, "come in". Arine stuck her head in, "can I come in?". She asked with a coy voice.

"Of course you can", Caius smiled shortly at her. "What brings you here?", he asked when Arine circled around his table sitting on his lap. "I am sorry for causing such a ruckus", she exclaimed looking into Caius eyes. "You did, didn´t you", Caius said softly. "It just is because I love you", she said silently. "I have not been this close to you in a long time. I missed you and I thought she was after you too".

Caius raised his hand and stroke her hair, "we had some good times, didn´t we?". "Oh we did!", Arine giggled. Then she leaned forward kissing Caius wrapping her arms around him. Caius kissed her then gently took her arms off. "I don´t think this is the moment for this", he said looking into her eyes. "Maybe later?", Arine grinned. Caius smiled shortly, "maybe, we shall see". Arine giggled and danced to the door, then she turned around winking at Caius and left.

The smile on Caius face vanished as the door closed, he reached out and took another sip of the wine in his thoughts, the leaned back closing his eyes.*

Spoiler

*Caius walked through the Magisterium hall musing to himself, useless bunch of simpletons! Do I have to do everything on my own?

Nazlik and Elowyn walked behind him. They gazed at each other carefully. Caius had been tense, and even more brooding than before. People scurried away from his path, his reputation was enough to give him a wide berth but after seeing dark the look on his face the space around him got even wider.

At least they had found Zera. "Pride of the Imperium" and four smaller war galleys had chased the ship south along the coast, and finally encircled it in a small cove. After a small skirmish the remaining crew had been taken captive. And Zera, she did not put up a fight. Rest of the passengers had disappeared. Along with Monkai and his friends.

Now she was in the tower and Caius had called off the alert on Monkai. Maybe it would lure him out. He sat in silence while they traveled back to the manor in the Vaellanius cart while it rolled through the marble streets of Minrathous. Caius took a quick glance at Nazlik and Elowyn, two magnificent women in his life. A slight smile appeared shortly on his lips as he thought of his encounter with Elowyn. Such a complete moment of love, and yet it felt like a dream never to be had again. But like a man dying of thirst in desert he longed for more of her love. How could he not? "there´s always a choice", he whispered to himself looking out of the carriage window.

Nazlik gazed at Caius, he had fallen back in his thought and was somewhere else, with that little smile on his face.

She looked at Elowyn, she had a plaintive look in her eyes, and she avoided her gaze. Nazlik reached out and tapped Elowyn´s arm, leaning close to her to get her attention whispering. "Hey there, smile a little. We are sisters now", she grinned with a wink. Elowyn looked at her with wide eyes.
"I forgive you, in case you didn´t know. I know how things are. Caius is a man of passion, despite of his cold posture. And you got entangled in it, I understand". She took a glimpse of Caius but he seemed to be in his thoughts looking out of the window. "You and me, the outsiders, we should stick together", she tapped Elowyn´s cheek smiling. "I would like for you to be more with me and Cassius, he seems to have taken a shine on you. And I really need a friend". A timid smile appeared on Elowyn´s lips. "I´d like that", she whispered.

Back at the manor Caius left them before he headed towards Zera´s apartment, but not before giving them instructions to dress for the coming occasion. The coming discussion was something he did not want them to hear. The two women in his life. Someone should make a poem about that, he thought walking through the manor.

At the door to her rooms stood several mage-killers and combat mages, Caius did not take any changes with this anymore. The guards bowed while Caius passed them entering the room. In the elaborate room he found Zera sitting in her bed looking at her hands. Caius pulled a chair and sat before her.

"You have doomed Monkai", Caius said silently looking into her eyes. Zera blinked and raised her eyes, they were still a bit swollen of the tears. Nothing like her mother, Caius thought. That woman had tears for no one. "That´s right. I will tell you this. I have no other choice now but to kill him when he surfaces again. You made it so".

Zera stared at him and Caius could see how her fire started to burn. "What? I went through the engagement party, and took the ring. What else you want from me?".

"Maybe that you should have stick around for the wedding itself, is that so hard to grasp?", Caius said looking into her eyes. "I didn´t say you are free to run off right after. What you do once you are married is your own concern, I don´t really care about that. Much. But spitting me on my face publicly will have consequences".

Zera stared at him but then she sighted, her spirit had been broken. The look in her father´s eyes was so cold, something she had thought never to see. "So what, if I marry Tiberius you will not kill Monkai, and will let me sail off with him?".

"Yes, assuming it is a trip where you intend to return from. If not then I will send all my might after you. And then there will be no discussions about who gets to be saved". His cold voice explained calmly.

Tears started to fall from Zera´s eyes as she gazed down, a tiny sob made her shoulders twitch. "Who are you?", she whispered looking at her hands.

"I am your father, and it is my duty to keep you safe", there is only duty, duty for the family and for the Imperium lingered suddenly in his thoughts. Caius blinked, "Tiberius is already here with his family, and so is the Grand Cleric. We will go through this, my daughter. He will be married into our family so you will keep your last name. Do not make me regret this deal".

Caius stood up and stretched out his arm for Zera to take, "come, the time is upon us". Tears in her eyes she stood up and took his arm.*

[Serelir]

Yeah I agree on all points so I usually default to the psuedo medieval point. Personally I do think virginity no matter the culture is held to a high regard whether it's a rite of passage or just a mark of honour being celbite. I sometimes wonder if I would be a better writer if I was still budding but I'm slowly moving it away from that topic

Held to a high regard by whom? Male celibate priests? 

[raging_monkey]

Probably but just my opinion as a romantic that doesn't meet reality lol.

[Serelir]

Nothing romantic about droit de seigneur. It's all about money, property, and social control. At what age does a female virgin lose her monetary value?

[raging_monkey]

Never but I ment maybe there's something good in that innocent period in ones life that captivates me. Perhaps I'm over indulging in my hobby of metaphor and simile and things are most likely bleeding into each other.

Mind you I don't see a need for a double standard. Maker it appears I dug myself a hole hehe

[raging_monkey]

Act 203: Broken observations by sere and me well mostly sere she's the master writer so she gets full credit

Spoiler

monkai floated in darkness, his body felt weightless as the darkness devoured him. well well here you lie defeated all over a mortal girl who is unworthy of us scorn said floating to him. She dragged her talon across his throat,releasing black blood.

"We need her..." monkai whispered

"Do you need her? Or is it just a fantasy brought upon by guilt and longing to belong " a familiar voice said. Monkai tuned to the voice seeing it was kara haunting him like she always did. He scoffed the spectre

"Its all these things.... love,guilt, promise to protect her... I am willing to die for her." Monkai said swimming to the faint light in the distance. Scorn laughed at his foolish resolve, wishing he would just stop with this boring game.

I don't care much for the girl but she is my property and I detest sharing scorn said twirling her hair.

XXx

Monkai gasped as he awoke searching for zera only to find her missing and elara huddled in a corner panicking from the sight of blood that covered him. Dramis cradled her tightly as she tried to call her down "easy lari I goz ya " she said stroking her hair

"So finally awake chief?" Caradoc said as he walked to check on him. His arm was broken and had been put in a sling.

"Zera where's zera argh" monkai asked before seeing a piece of wood in his abdomen. He couldn't remember how he got the wound just that there was a skirmish and then nothing. He pulled the wood from himself letting blood spill on to the ground.

"You really should just leave it in " caradoc jibbed shaking his head at the young mage.

Monkai saw Aurelia channeling her mana repairing the ship, she used driftwood to fill the holes to make the endurance sea worthy.

"Zera... where is she.. "Monkai shouted as Aurelia finished her work. She exhaled heavyly at her cousin for his lack of priorities. "The foul mouthed one made a peaceful resolution a violent one and zera... she gave up after you fell over board cardoc and I jumped in after you after she said you couldn't swim... what rivaini can't swim. But the tomb is near forget about the girl she's a lost cause." Aurelia said walking to a makeshift brow.

"Screw the tomb my wife has been captured by a mad man. Elara, dramis come on we are leaving!" Monkai shouted. He grabbed elara from her catatonic state from dramis as told him to treat her gently, elara muttered to herself wishing the blood to be gone.

"Your father would have done his duty. And if you get the girl what then live happy ever after. You know caius will hound you for eternity. " Aurelia said.

"If I hear anything about duty or my father one more time I'm leaving you here. So either shut up and help move this damn thing or swim!" Monkai said putting elara in a corner of the deck, wondering how anyone could be sensitive to blood

Aurelia and caradoc laughed at monkai as they walked the brow. "Maybe you are your father's son yet" she whispered seeing monkai change into naraas then himself again. "Better hurry boy it's a day trip away " she jibbed laughing some more.


Xxx

Zera walked to the steps of the altar seeing Tiberius holding himself with dignity and subtle grace. She saw no one but her father,her sisters, elywon and nazlik standing at the door standing watch expecting for any trouble, and her groom's family at the gathering, she had never felt more alone. Tiberius smiled as he saw her. "You look ravishing my dear " he said taking her hand as the grand cleric ordained their union.

"This for monkai... I do this... he lives even if he hates me... this is for us right "she thought having been finally broken by her father's machinations.

"Do you lady zera take this man as your husband. " the priest said. Zera bit her lip tasting the blood seeping from the wound. " I do... " she said staring at her father. Caius saw her eyes they looked like his when he married her mother, his father and his mother... but only thing he felt was pride that duty to the family was being fulfilled as Tiberius kissed her sealing the deal, he had acquired another pawn in his plan to rule.

The auditorium clapped as their union was commorated ,zera smiled as they blessed their union "it's all for him it's all for him" she thought pretending it was monkai she was marrying.

Xxx

Monkai held his stomach trying persevere through his pain. The winds gave his ship advance of time, he had ran through the city discarding his companions trying to reach the one place she was kept.

He arrived at vallenious manor seeing it heavily decorated and nobles from various houses he did not recognize. He saw guards patroling the grounds,as if expecting him. "Vhenhidis fastvas " he whispered frustrated with caius having kept his word and increased his security.

well if suicide is what you wish chasing my property this is the right way to do it scorn sarcastically said trying to urge her other half to take the direct approach. Monkai chuckled at the realization he had probably gone mad. "So this is how it all ends" he said opening the gate.

The guards saw him enter ushering him to turn back remembering their master's orders regarding him. His eyes glowed orange and green as he smiled and mana erupted from his body. "Relax I'm the first enchanter" he said.

XXx

The guests danced and gossiped about trivialities watching zera and caius dance. "I am proud you have come to your senses daughter in time you will forget about the boy as you always have." Caius said.

Zera gave no response to him merely letting him lead her. She began to wonder was he always the scheming man he was, was it a false facade he showed her as a child telling her he loved her. " You will keep our deal magister vallenious? Or was that a lie" she asked calling him by his title.

"If you behave perhaps... we still never found the body the creatures of the sea might have devoured him already. Remember my child you chose this..." caius said as the music ended not acknowledging her formal attack. " best see to your husband make sure he pl a us his part."

Zera stared at him her eyes were empty of her passion and life. "Typical... maybe you should take a look at your own life and not mine... i take back my apology magister caius " she walking to Tiberius ,pretending to smile for the charade believing that Tiberius would be better company .

Caius clenched his fists at he brazen disrespect "ungrateful child "he thought breathing deeply as he planned his next move. He heard the doors slam open. He arced his hand, the former soldier in him was composed and alert ready for battle. He saw monkai tattered and bruised, wheezing he smirked seeing him having survived his guards and earlier assault.

"Give... her... back. Caius.. " monkai said between breaths his legs felt like broken stalks and he buckled to his knees, staring at his former master.

Caius sighed at him having wasted what potential he had by coming. He liked the boy but had decided he was to be a problem to his plans and must be silenced. He turned his neck to nazlik who crept behind him.

Nazlik drove sabers through monkai'sback as he walked to caius. Blood spewed from him as she twisted the blade around his heart. He felt the magebane coated blades course through his body sapping what strength remained of him. "Enough." She said drawing her blades from him and plunging them into him again.

Monkai fell to the ground as she removed the blades a final time, he coughed blood as his wounds healed . He rose to his feet continuing his walk, nazlik darted to his front rapidly slashing him over his body and plunging her blades into him. She lifted him into the air making sure she would end the interloper. Monkai griped her wrists squeezing them until the cracked "just get out of my way!" He shouted as mana burst from him sending her skidding back.

Zera pushed through the guests who huddled between her watching the display. She saw monkai slowly shambling to her father. Her heart skipped a few beats as he arrived like a hero in some fable. She called out to him trying to reach him to no avail.

Caius's eye twitched as he heard zera call out to him. He was embarrassed by both of the young images display. He moved his fingers slightly casting a hex upon monkai. Monkai's robe and skin burned away as he struggled to caius finally collapsing at his boot. "Give her back... bastard " he said as he grabbed caius's leg his life ebbing from him

Xxx

Water dripped in the cell where monkai was chained he had been there for days, possiblly weeks without food and slivers of water from the ceiling. He sat pulling his chains trying to free himself, he cursed how his plan had failed, he cursed at how caius always had a hand in people's lives controlling them like puppets in some play. He screamed in anger and frustration waiting to be killed.

The door to his cell opened showing zera carrying a scroll. "Kai..." she said kneeling to him hugging him tightly. He let her hug him holding back his anger for how his life turned out... twice he lost the woman he loved,he wondered if the maker existed and if he took sick pleasure at his strife.

"Come finish the job z... one final show of his power " monkai said bitterly.

"No... but I did it for you... for us... "she said referring to the marriage. It was a bitter pill to swallow for him as he looked into her eyes. "I saved your life I love you remember that always but I have my duty... to my family "she said her voice cracking.

"Z we can still win just get me out we can run to rivain! Void I'd even go to the anderfels and fight spawn... please don't do this.." monkai said pulling his chains cursing as they wouldn't break.

"This is the deed to the house we... you stay at... I'll visit often to make sure coldi finishes her studies. " zera said ignoring his pleas

"So that's it your ending it over the geezers say... fine unlock me and see when you come to your senses " monkai shouted. Zera slapped throwing the deed to the ground and walking away.

"Kai... I already hate my father and hope he loses everything... don't me hate you too. We can rethink everything later but for now rest " zera said as she left the cell.

Monkai sat down defeated and beaten... he remembered caius's words "a man can have anything if he is willing to sacrifice "

Spoiler

Minrathous society turned out in all its finery for Zera’s wedding. Despite the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows of the chapel, Zera looked wan. Elowyn felt sorry for both Zera and Tiberius, but she was relieved that Zera had at last acquiesced to her father’s wishes. An angry Caius put the entire household on edge. She overhead a few of the guests gossiping, “The mighty Vaellanius had to settle for Silius’ whelp because his heir ran off with a foreigner,” said one of the wags, sotto voce.

“A Rivaini, no less! Lives in a hovel. What was she thinking?!” The gossipers tittered behind their hands. Elowyn frowned. Much as she despised their supercilious remarks, she felt that all parties had been unwise. She’d never understood why Caius had married his heir to Monkai in the first place, though after learning that Zera was unable to have children, she surmised that Caius had felt it was a way to retain the loyalty of what had been - at that time - a valued servant, and to appease his daughter. Perhaps he’d decided to name Cassius his heir and disinherit Zera – Elowyn wasn’t privy to Caius’ plans.

She felt bad for Zera and Monkai, but who in Thedas got to marry the person of their choice, especially among the upper classes? Mages in southern Orlais didn’t get to marry at all. She felt that Zera and Monkai hadn’t acted with maturity. Perhaps they could have convinced Caius to allow their marriage if they hadn’t gone behind his back and created so much chaos.

Who was she to talk though? She’d run off from the Circle. But in that case, she would have been annulled with the other mages had she remained. Still, how would she feel if Caius ordered her to marry some stranger? The truth was, Elowyn had little expectation of happiness in her life. Every good thing that happened was a bonus. Her life had always been controlled by other people: first her parents, then the Templars, and now the Magisters. She had learned to find – or take - whatever freedom she could within the strictures of her circumstances. Unlike Zera, who was technically “free,” Elowyn was bound. She wasn’t sure about Monkai’s status. She knew he’d come from Rivain, but he must have some sort of papers to be allowed his own household in Minrathous. Perhaps Caius had turned him loose because he was too much trouble.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a commotion in the hallway. The doors burst open. “Not again!” she thought. “Is it possible to have one family occasion without some fracas?” It was Monkai, of course.

“Give her back!”” he demanded, as if Zera were his property. Nazlik put herself between Caius and the interloper. Monkai made a threatening gesture toward Caius, and Nazlik didn’t hesitate: she disabled him with her magebane daggers. The guards dragged Monkai away. There hadn’t even been time for Elowyn to act. She felt sad, but also disgusted with both Monkai and Zera for behaving like spoiled children.

“Maybe it’s his demon making him act that way,” she thought. She caught Publius’ eye. He shrugged. She hoped his wedding to Miriel would turn out better than this one. Hopefully, Caius would be able to suppress the disgraceful news stories about this debacle. His pet reporters would undoubtedly transform Monkai into a foreign terrorist, especially given the recent assassination attempt on the Magister.

The only thing Elowyn could do at this point would be to plead with the Magister for clemency for Monkai. She would request a visit to Monkai’s cell to ensure the guards weren’t being too rough with him. As for Zera, Elowyn hoped she would learn to handle her affairs with the subtlety befitting a Magister, or she wouldn’t last long as a Senator.

[raging_monkey]

Act 204: deja vu

Spoiler

monkai read the parchment over and over trying to comprehend his loss, "a deed to a house that is constantly being renovated..." he said. He put the document in his pocket and looked his wrists having become swollen and bruises from trying to break his chains, he leaned back against the wall listening to the drops of water hit the ground.

The door to his cell opened showing a slender figure. "So have fun kiddo " caradoc greeted him. Monkai extended his middle finger tell him to leave.

Caradoc scratched his head flustered by his associate's ungrateful behavior. He walked to him and knelt beside him "look I get it woe is me I lost my love of my life bleh bleh. But my mistress strongly requests you... so dying here isn't the best option sides the guards will wake up soon ." He said picking the locks on the bindings .

Monkai looked at the door contemplating leaving. If he stayed he would be murdered...and used by caius in some sick experiment in his delusional dreams of grandeur...but if he left he worried if zera would suffer for his absence... his heart broke as he wondered how would caius go to harm him through her. "I'm staying... " monkai said putting his binds back on.

"Apologies lad I didn't me to imply a choice" caradoc said headbutting him into unconsciousness. He rubbed his forehead cursing at the boy's hardheadness. He picked the boy up and made his way back to the sewers ,planting evidence of a inside job on a unconscious guard. "That should keep him occupied for a while."

Xxx

Monkai awoke on his couch, feeling his head ache remembering the elf hitting him. He saw coldi sleep next to him cradling him while she drilled in her slumber.

"A elven fellow brought you over the young miss has been worried sick where have you been" hotus said carrying tea for him. Monkai felt fury like he never felt to him, rushing and choking the miserable thing he called his life. "YOU SOLD US OUT YOU MISERABLE EXCUSE FOR MAN... I SHOULD KILLED MONTHS AGO! JUST WHEN WAS STARTING TO TRUST YOU YOU PULL THAT! Bloodly malfarath "Monkai shouted as he watched hotus's eyes roll to the back of his head.

good beloved feel the life ebb from him... he's not a person... no one will know nor care scorn goaded him laughing at recent events.

Coldi awoke from her master's shouting rushing to pull him from hotus "hey hey he didn't do anything let him go!" She cried prying monkai off him. Hotus coughed as he air filled his lungs.

"This thing... cost us our one chance to...I'll be in the cellar..." monkai said as he saw the fear in his apprentice's eyes. He was tired and malnourished, and decided to let it go.

"So guess we should wait to tell him about us" coldi said helping hotus to his feet.

"If you would be so kind milady " hotus said coughing to make his voice better.

Xxx

Monkai drank bottle after bottle trying to drown his misery like a child. He heard steps from the stairs come down to him.

"Well so we lost this one think of it this way...you got me" Galatea said taking his bottle from him. She was glad that his lover was gone, for days he stewed in his anger at first it was pathetic now just arousing.

"Did you know i would fail... you work for the bastard... did set set me up too" monkai said standing to his feet stumbling to the stairs.

Galatea didn't answer merely walked with as he went up the stairs. "You have a guest " she said. Monkai ran up the stairs tripping hoping it was zera.

XXx

Darkon rubbed his missing arm as he heard monkai run through the hall to the study. He watch as monkai's face dropped from joy to bitterness. "Long to be see milord " he said as a sly smile crept on his face

[raging_monkey]

Act 205: trainers

Spoiler

monkai saw darkon, he had hoped it was zera keeping her promise but only him. He gazed upon darkon playing with the flap of his coat that would have held his arm if it we're still there. "How did you find out where I lived.." monkai said in his drunken state he was prepared for a fight.

"Easy there low blood... or is it high blood haha " darkon said amused by his friend's venom. "I'm merely here to fulfil my mistress's commands... personally I don't want you to come quietly. "

Monkai ground his teeth "answer me! Did the old man decide to kill me... he won! Yet he still seeks my blood... FINE HE CAN HAVE IT!" He shouted casting a volley of entropy. The bolts arced as they reach darkon being absorbed by his barrier. Darkon dusted his robe as monkai vomited due straining his body.

"Are you done? We have a arraignment " darkon said picking him up telling him to wash his mouth and change his clothes.

XxX

Monkai followed darkon through Aurelia's courtyard until he saw her. Aurelia greeted her relative warmly but enough emotional distance to show seniority. "You late darkon. Did my cousin put up a struggle." She asked.

"Only ruined a expensive rug mistress " darkon said nudging monkai forward.

"Mount yourself gimp " monkai said as he stroked stubble he saw two cloaked figures stand beside her.

"Language boy caius may allowed such insolence and ill manners but I will have none of it" Aurelia said snapping her fingers. The hooded figure removed his Hood revealing a scarred man. "This is Lucius Carcella. Swordmaster of our house, and has trained many in the imperium's army and possibly the best in tevinter " Aurelia said introducing her relative

Lucius bowed to monkai drawing only a hilt of a sword pointing it to him. "No fear... is it arrogance... or stupidity "he said assuming a relaxed stance in his posture.

"Now now not yet... our next guest has yet to arrive." Aurelia chided. She saw her guests arrived, she pointed her finger ushering monkai to look.

He saw batzas run to him hugging him tightly. "Hey hey hey corpse hands off" monkai said struggling to free himself. He quickly realized Aurelia has told him of their relation.

"I knew there was a reason we bonded so well family sticks with family yes" batzas said refusing to let go until the stitches on his arm began to tear "kaffas" he said as he let go tending to his wound.

"Yeah yeah no touching... might catch stupidity... yours mostly" monkai said. Batzas laughed thinking his snide remark was familial teasing.

"Don't take your anger out on him.. " a voice said. Monkai looked to the hooded figure that entered with batzas. The figure removed her hood, monkai's face widened as he saw zera appear before him. He noticed she had cut her hair short long enough to barley covered her ears. She took her cloak off showing a sleeveless robe similar to his. He felt uncomfortable by her mimicry of his attire.

"What a month without seeing me and nothing to say?" Zera chided him her tone chararistically serious.

"No... just happy... really really happy how did you get away " monkai said taking her hand.

Zera smiled kissing his cheek "batzas conviently asked to go shopping " she said holding his hand tightly, it felt as if it was an eternity since they saw each other.They stared into each others eyes only to be interuppted by Aurelia clearing her throat.

"If you kids are finished... we have one final guest to announced "she said shaking the last hooded figure awake.

The hooded figure yawned as she awoke digging into her nose flicking the gunk from her finger and sniffing the last of it. "Names fera paranois. And yes I'm orlaisan and no I don't make cakes " fera said standing up removing her hair was frazzled and unkept and looked as it had not been washed in days.

Monkai smelt something foul emitting from fera. He gagged as she walked past him to zera. "I figured she would be bigger...like plumper... " fera said poking zera 's stomach.

"I'd thought you would smell better" zera replied holding her nose choking and fera's poor hygiene.

Aureila sighed the the young mages lack of manners." Fera is a hexer one of most dangerous capabilities. I intend to get this tomb... and will need the best. Training begins now.. separate chambers. Mathias will go with Lucius and you zera will go with fera. "

Monkai groaned at being called his birth name wishing he never had it. He found the name pompous. "My name is monkai don't call me that." He said annoyed.

Aurelia stared at him "in this house you will be who you are... what you are! Batzas has told me of your condition and as penance you will stop running from who you are now silence and begin"

[raging_monkey]

206: training

Spoiler

the moons shined on monkai and lucius monkai looked his instructor feeling confident in himself but annoyed by aurelia's decision to make him learn a new displine. He felt learning swordsmanship would be a waste of time. Lucius walked to a forage waving his hand over it.

"There will always be time when your magic will fail you... but if you carry a sword you will always be ready." Lucius said clenching his hand, monkai scoffed at him

"So your a mundi that knows magic.. whoopie scarface " monkai said. Lucius turned to him drawing his hilt." Defend yourself " Lucius whispered.

"Wait what? " monkai said as Lucius appeared in front of him holding the hilt to his throat.

"Slowed reflexs , inability to feel fear... last of the ragins... disgraceful " Lucius said woefully sheathing his weapon. Monkai felt rage build within him as Lucius treated him with indifference and pity.

"Don't... treat... me AS A WEAKLING! " he said as his body erupted in blue flames of mana and his eyes went their demonic hues. Lucius turned and looked at him unimpressed by monkai's outburst .

"So that's the limit of your power... a simple flare and a moderate increase in power... batzas is a poor judge of skill." Lucius said assuming a relaxed stance positioning his weapon to his side.

XxX

Fera and zera sat under the moons staring at the night sky. "So when do we start training miss paranois. "

Fera pulled a pipe from her sash gesturing to zera for a lite. Zera watched as she took a deep breath exhaling smoke making rings in the air. "Oh we began when we met. Surprised you vints didn't notice " fera said inhaling her pipe again.

Zera began to notice the world being distorted as fera evaporated in a cloud of smoke her game ending. "Whats going on..." she asked her head splitting. She felt her chest explode as a dagger plunged through her. She fell lifeless to the ground.

" get up sweetlips it's perception.. like every thing " fera said digging in her nose. Zera coughed as she regained consciousness she looked at fera squatting to her blowing smoke in her face.

"So your a illusionist?" Zera asked checking her chest making sure she was unharmed.

"Well I can also do other tricks but I prefer as my mother said conflict avoidance. " fera said proudly.

"Is it possible to maintain illusions like that and for how long." Zera asked turning to her instructor

Fera dug into her ear feeling the wax wondering if she had enough to make a candle. "Depends on what the illusion is honestly. My average is nine hours but... " she said pulling a knife from her belt "with a bit of crimson gold I can if need be warp memory and double it... but the use of blood will attract demons and dampen your connection to the fade... so the rumour goes"

Zeta watched as fera cut her palm deeply blood fall in rivets on to the grass "teach me everything " fera smiled at her eagerness. "Illusions first then maybe the school of blood. Make your hand like this" fera said making odd gestures.

XXx

Monkai flew across the pavilion crushing a table from impact. He spat blood as Lucius assumed his typical posture. he is mocking us scorn angrily shouted in his ear. Monkai conjured more of his mana erupting in mana again gaining his second wind.

"Truely you all you do is flare up and unleash nothing but power no, finesse no control... I have faced real abominations... but you claim your more powerful than them... yet what I see is nothing but a child throwing a tantrum. "Lucius said.

"Oh **** YOU!" Monkai shouted unleashing a massive volley of entropy at Lucius. Lucius smirk seeing house vallenious' family spell as he was engulfed in white light.

Monkai wheezed as he recovered his strength realizing that Lucius was right about his power . "TCh he's a mundy he knows **** about magic." He said walking away from the smolding pavilion.

"Turning your back on your for is a death sentence boy" monkai heard. He saw Lucius dash to him ,he saw the hilt of his blade ignight with gold energy slashing him across his chest. The blade went through him without tension as if he was a lean piece of meat. He stumbled back as his skin regenerated.

"Second step. Magister's grace" Lucius said as his blade dissipated and monkai fell to his knees. He pulled a bundled cloth tossing it to his defeated opponent. "Tomorrow we will do conditioning. If you survive that then in three days you will be decent.

[raging_monkey]

Act 207: queen

Spoiler

the night was long, zera's hand had begun to cramp as she tried to cloud fera's mind. Fera yawned as the the grew darker. "Come on girli I'm getting tired all illusions affect everyone one no matter how benign. Do something " fera said using her pipe to pick her teeth.

"I'm trying maybe your just a poor teacher" zera said shaking her hands in frustration. Fera sighed pulling a apple from her robe. "So what's the deal with you and... monkai was it?" She said taking a loud bite.

Zera glared at fera for asking a personal question. "None of your business "she said. Since her marriage to Tiberius she had found any questions regarding her life taboo and had grown to distrust anyone aside from miri and those allied with the ragins.

"Touchy subject beautiful? Well it's irrelevant anyway it's late and I'm going to bed." Fera said tossing her half eaten apple to her, she dug into her navel picking the dirt from it. Zera wondered if fera refused personal hygiene merely to amplify her magic,dismissing the notion quickly as she hand standards.

"Miss vallenious was it your friend is in need of aide to his residence "Lucius said carrying a unconscious monkai.

Zera walked to him taking monkai's arm over her shoulder. "Its ragin not vallenious take care not to mistake that again..."she said. Her voice and words terrified her sounding like her father. "Apologies ser carcella that was rude of me a thousand apologies "

Lucius laughed heartily " maker's blessings girl no need for formalities I know of you both and your current stations what you call yourself is your business " he said walking past her "both of you report by noon while fera is a oddity and your regime should be brief carcella has plans for him... and will need more training "

Xxx

Monkai awoke to laughter ,as he realized he was back in his bed, he clenched his chest feeling the scar form on his chest from Lucius ' strike "old bastard " he said stumbling from his bed to the laughter.

Cold I slammed her hands to the dining table laughing at zera's marital problems. "What he say when he wanted some lotus"

Zera rolled her eyes "told him I had a headache . Spitfuck is so trying to woo me"

Coldi giggled more as she imagined Tiberius wooing her mistress." Man least it's not boring and all too bad"

Zera bit her lip stifling a cruel remark to her father and coldi's insensitivity. "Nope but I'll end this one way or another "

"Well I'm just glad your here again. Master just broods more. And tea went to ansburg for a painting so it's boring " coldi said smiling.

"Is hotus alive... I understand he sold us out" zera asked.

"Sadly he is blame coldi... he staying with his mother... who might suffer a horrible axe accident " monkai said half-joking.

"Thats not funny kai." Zera chided ,monkai merely shrugged

"Who's joking he has it coming anyway " monkai said. Coldi began to feel uncomfortable with her master's macabre humour to her lover.

XXx

Zera ordered movers carrying small chests of clothes into the house. She saw her father's soldiers blending into the crowd. It enraged her by how naive she had been never noticing her father's cronies thinking they we're simple merchants. She walked to the masquerading guard "listen prigs I know your with the magister and like to spy on me... but I greatly recommend you abandon your post." She said her voice cold and menacing.

The guards laughed at her false bravado "what magister we know nothing. " one said dusting a carpet.

"Your lies are horseshit... this is your last warning mind your business or it won't end well"

The guard grabbed her wrist. "I'm sure I'll get a nice bonus if I say you tried to run... but maybe if your nice I..." the guard said before collapsing foaming at the mouth. Zera coldly stared at the remaining guard. "This is the deal you both work for me you report everything the magister does while leaving my house alone.. but don't fret I'm just as generous. Now pick up you friend before he chokes... I despise unnecessary death" zera decreed with with the guard following her command.

She felt it ironic that her father tried to protect her from the evils in the world ,marrying her off twice under the guise of duty to her family but instead had created a monster of his own creation. She began to see maybe her mother was the real one who loved her and wanted what was best for her genuinely. "Duty to the family father... duty to the family indeed "


XXx

Monkai tripped over zera 's belongings, seeing how her clothes from her wardrobe cover the floor. She began hanging various style robes and coats that mirrored his own style of dress.

"So fall cleaning I take it? " monkai joked.

Zera ignored his remark focusing on what went on in her mind. She threw the last of her old dresses on the ground. Each having been purchased by her father,she had bought her new attire with her share of the money from monkai's business and tithes the cult gave. "Is the cult operating appropriatly best to curtail them before the become problematic... actually no let them run amok " zera said

"And you got miffed over matricide " monkai said leaning against the bed.

"Its unnecessary... and hotus might snap... he's useless but will be good ally one day... but his punishment is still to be determined... perhaps a eye and tongue will be fair " zera said putting her old clothes in a chest.

Monkai became unnerved by her indifference, he wanted to hurt hotus yes but the way she casually discussed her plans was odd. "Z what did caius do to you... I saw what you did to the merchant... "

Zera raised her brow to his hypocrisy since they had been together he had killed more people she had cared to count... dallied with a demon that only had a fragment of the concept of love while she played second... now he had the gall to complain of her methods. "Relax I left them alive. Fear is a powerful motivator.. and I made sure none of the other cronies saw at best they saw I was defending myself. Perhaps you wish me to be a good dutifully quiet wife that follows you Beck and call." She said not hiding the venom she had stored over there adventures.

"You know I don't want that... it's just I don't want to lose you again..." monkai said.

Zera walked to him placing her hands on the bed kissing him tenderly. "You love me right you want us to be together right.."

"Yes I do on both accounts" monkai responded knowing where she was heading with her words.

"Then hush and let me lead... you just focus on your training today... but first sate me it's been a month" zeta said pushing him to the bed

[Serelir]

Wait, how did Hotus betray them? They knew he was working for Caius, and Monkai crashed the wedding all by himself. *confused*

[raging_monkey]

He wanted someone to blame and started to let his guard down and he just really hates hotus like a lot

[raging_monkey]

Act 208: father's gift

Spoiler

Lucius kicked monkai back having decided to for his plan of conditioning and full metal combat. Lucius found his relative to be a reasonablly adept swordsman and possibly his finest student. He was a quick study,creative with his techniques grasping practical maneuvers with hours but was blinded by his own arrogance and reliance and overwhelming force . "Get up the day is half gone and do have other ways to spend evenings. "

Monkai spat as he used his sword as support "I though we were going for conditioning today " he said raising his blade mirroring lucius and charged at him using his magic to increase his speed.

"We are in a way you stance is to open. Your holding the too tightly firm grip not choke. " lucius said parrying his monkai's blade work. Lucius stepped back trying to find his footing, monkai's mad dashes were predictable but faster that he could process.

"Anyways the critic old timer.. seriously you can't catch me" monkai said haughty as afterimages surrounded Lucius. Lucius parried each strike seeing his move until he shattered monkai's blade catching the hem of his collar only to find it a another afterimage.

"Your fast I grant you... but your predictable "Lucius said as he drove his blade backwards into monkai's arm deliberately missing his vitals,pushing him the bground and pinning him to the ground.

Monkai tried as he might to force Lucius' blade off him but conceded the bout. "You are young,spoiled and have little comprehension of battle.. you father would be disgusted truly" Lucius said as his blade recede to the hilt.

"Mount yourself bastard died on me and left me with a madman so what ever ya'all revere in him is **** to me I'm just learning how to use a sword." Monkai said moving his arm making sure it had healed properly. Lucius looked at him shaking his head in admonisment.

"You still carry that bundle of cloth..." Lucius said.

Monkai scoffed as he went to his bag taking the cloth. He realized something protruded from it. "I'm guess it's something dad made and ment for me." Monkai dryly said

"So I'll just add narcissistic tendencies to your character flaws... but yes open it and bring me the contents " Lucius said chuckling at him. Monkai opened the bound cloth revealing a elegantly simple hilt, the hand guard was twist and formed rings for the fingers to be placed in, the hilt had his tattoo engraved upon it, the metal was of lazurite origin and cloth was tied to thend of the pommel " so a hilt he gave me then whoopie it's everything I've always wanted" monkai said sarcasticaly tossing the relic to Lucius.

"It was your fathers. In the south I'm told he would be called a Knight enchanter... the elves from my readings called him a arcane warrior... but I prefer imperial Knight.. serving tevinter's interests" Lucius said inspecting the hilt. "Our blades are made from spirits who are bound to the hilt awakening when we require it each blade is finely tuned to the owner.."

Monkai started crack a smile at what Lucius had said believing that what he described was mediumship in full glory. "Finely tuned he said gesturing to the weapon be tossed to him.

"Foolhardy til the end boy " Lucius said tossing the hilt to him.

Monkai traced his hand across the weapon feeling the spirit inside the hilt dance to his power. poor thing put it out of it's misery and put a part of me instead scorn said mockly

"Greats think alike " monkai was as the hilt vibrated and watching the spirit that resided flow back to the fade. He felt a small part of himself and scorn leave his body and into his birthright.

"Want to be shown I'm not my father..." monkai said focusing his mana and a silver blade of entropy ignited from the hilt tis a beautiful thing to watch you hold my power tangibly beloved though I'm not fond of the colour scorn teased as monkai readied himself for another sparring lesson.

"Well Thats interesting " Lucius stoically said following suit.

Aurelia sipped tea while watching monkai and Lucius train and smiled seeing more of naraas in him "Perhaps he has some merit after all" She thought taking another sip from her glass

[raging_monkey]

Act 209: hexer

Spoiler

zera watch as coldi swept the speaking to her pet wisps,she found her familiarity with benign spirit too weak to develop a personality if one could call it that to be wasteful. "Coldi your studies past noon your choirs can wait." Zera coldly said.

"What crawled up your mineshaft " coldi said putting the broom down.

"You took a break a hour ago. I refuse to let your skills languish and fall into atrophy. I will return soon I expect results" zera said taking her coat and leaving.

"She needs to get beded big time" coldi said as her pets bounced in agreement.

Xxx

Zera moved her fingers in a arcane pattern at fera who sat on a table waiting for something to happen.

"Come on girli I don't have all day... well I do but It monthly bathing time " fera said digging in her ear. She sniffed the underside of her arm noticing her normal smell of garlic had changed to the smell of cookies. "Well it's a start smells are easy to do. Now try other my senses " she said.

Zera covered her nose as he spell weakened and smelled fera's oder gagging by the pungency. "Old gods bane why must you bath only monthly "

"Fear of water chop chop girl I" fera said as zera performed another gesture. Fera saw the world lose it's colour ,copies formed from zera walking to her and finally her vision went dark. Fera smiled at her for blinding her.

"Anything else miss paranois " zera said proudly dispelling her magic.

"If you could deafen me that would be spectacular " fera said pulling her pipe from her sash. "But first lite me"

Xxx

Monkai walked the halls of Aurelia's manor following Lucius as the breaked for lunch "so I understand you dislike meat " Lucius said trying to make conversation

"Yes... but I admit I'll eat it when I'm stressed. " monkai said embarrassed. He had always been teased by his animal friendly diet as child and was expecting Lucius to make a snide remark.

"I recommend more bronto helps build muscle but perhaps grains soaked in bronto could work " Lucius replied. Monkai saw zera in her area of the training grounds practicing her new dispiline, he wondered why she had taken up the craft her father used and why was she so ardent in mastering her new school as quickly as hshe could

XxX

"I've learned your illusions... and entropric hexs.. now teach me to warp memories" zera said collapsing to her knees exhausted. Fera dug into her nose flicking the dried gunk from her nail, indifferent to her student's demands.

"I won't lie you learn quickly... but I think you lack the self-control to use that particular spell" fera said smoking her pipe.

"We had a deal!" Zera cried her temper rising.

"Why do you wish to learn it so bad... do you believe since your father lacks the spell or at the least poor at it you can achieve it... " fera said dumping ash from her pipe

Zera pondered why she needed to spell despite knowing her answer "my business not yours"

Fera sighed at her refusal to answer "case in point... I ask you what is real and what is false "

"Real is what one makes false is one makes. Everything is relative but nothing is relative " zera said reciting verbatim from a book on hexs she had read.

"Could it be that this whole conversation is false and you learned nothing today" fera said.

"Yes. "

Fera clapped her hands impressed by her arrogance. "Well least your not boring last prig I taught just saying yes master... turned him into a invalid." Fera pulled a book from behind her throwing it to zera's feet. "Go on take your prize child... but burn it after youcve memorized it... that spell in particular dies with us" fera said her voice destorting and her body fading into the sky.

The world went bright as the sun blinded zera seeing a wizened old woman sitting in the same spot as fera snoring loudly

[raging_monkey]

Act 210: cold

Spoiler

monkai looked at zera while she reviewed the book fera had given her. They had received the past month off from their training and instead of spending their days off together she chose to drown herself in work.

"Your staring avert them dear" zera coldly said. She could sense his unease with her change in demeanor, she have loved nothing more than to be tender with him but duty called her to steel herself for what would come.

"I'm just looking at the most beautiful woman I know." Monkai said walking to the desk where she worked. "Its still fall there's a lovely spot up north i know"

"Later... your in my light " zera replied hoping to dissuade him from any ideas of running off together " love I know you expect things to be the same and I will do anything to make it so but for now I require silence... soon we will be free.. perhaps you should rally the cultists make them useful or perhaps practice your technique your footwork needs more refinement. "

Monkai pushed himself off the table knowing she was right about applying himself. He had grown fond of swordsmanship,feeling closer to his father each time he picked up his hilt. "My footwork is fine. Its my staff that needs tending to" he said laughing at his joke.

Zera groaned at her lover's crude remark. "Work then I'll play. Priorities". Monkai brushed her lips with his leaning in to try to maker relax. "Just kiss then he said as he heard the door open.

"Lady vallenious your dinner is ready as instructed.." hotus said carrying a plate for his charge. He could feel monkai's eye bore into his head trying to not make eye contact.

Zera took the top off her tray smelling the aroma of seared fish and lemon. Nausea filled and released the contents of her lunch over her dinner. "Well I guess I'll prepare something else"hotus said sighing at his hard work being tarnish and removing the dish from her.

"Malfarath... where is mine?" Monkai said as he gave zera a piece of cloth to wipe her mouth.

"Still cooking milord. Miss Louis is still preparing it" hotus said unamused by monkai's insult and left.

"I think they are together " zera said fighting off her nausea.

"Who malfarath and coldi? " monkai asked.

"Your lazy not blind love" zera chided. Monkai shook his head in bemusement "well it's about time... if he didn't ask her out... I'd cut his bag off." He said as zeta vomited over his new boots.

"Sorry love.. still want that kiss" zera said slightly giggling.

Xxx

Aurelia knocked on the door to monkai's manor her hand gentle but commanding. She was greeted by a diminutive girl who had the sides of her hair shaven and a mullet with a spike front that covered her eye

"Can I help ya lady I was getting ready for a rump "the girl asked impatiently.

"Ah you must be little coldi my cousin has adopted... where is your brother as I understand it." Aurelia asked holding herself with prestige and grace unfazed by the girl's vulgarity.

"Who wants to know" coldi asked forming a mist around her hand.

"Apologies lady carcella I'll get the master right away" hotus said stepping in for coldi's lack of tact.

"Good lad Now rest " Aurelia said as she moved her fingers causing coldi and hotus to collapse . She saw zera standing over the rail looking at what she had done. "They are only sleeping they won't remember a thing.." she said moving them out of the way and closing the door.

Aurelia followed zera to the study seeing monkai sitting in his chair pensive. "So you call to me in the dead of night make me go through the void to avoid what guards you've yet to claim to your side. What is your business "

Zera placed her hand over his shoulder as he took a deep breath. " I want to know about my father... and mother... you said always watched me.. and were close to him... I want... need to know" monkai said humbly swallowing his pride.

Aurelia smiled slightly as her plan to claim her relative permanently to her side was coming together. " it was over twenty years ago " she said taking a seat across from him and smiling

[raging_monkey]

Act 211: progenitor

Spoiler

a man of ebony skin walked the streets of minrathous carrying a lazurite hilt at his back tucked into sash. He smelled the air noting brewing rain, he pulled his hood over his head to avoid the coming rain. He looked at the tattoo branded on to his hand clenching his fist as he remembered how he acquired his family's seal.

"Unhand me!" A woman screamed as two men accosted her. The man cursed at how his quiet walk was interuppted

"Gentlemen please unhand that lady it's wintersend we must be generous this time of year." The man said raising his hands defensively. The men chuckle and went back to molesting the woman. He sighed at the men refusing to listen to reason. He drew his hilt and light blinded the woman before she saw her assailants fall lifeless

The woman from shock as he whistled away whispering thank you.

"Boy narass.. uncle is going to kill me" the man said to himself his mood somber and beginning to pray for mercy


XXx

A middle aged yelled at naraas for his tardiness being late for the festivies of the evening "maker's grace narass why were you late! And you forgot the wine. What is your excuse this time.

Narass merely sighed at his scolding like a child despite being twenty. "Did I forget the wine uncle?" Narass said pulling a bottle from his cloak smirking. His took the bottle sighing in relief that the event was saved.

"Narass... your no longer a child. I had you tutored by the finest mages the best swordsmen I could afford. I expect you to behave like a man" his uncle said placing the bottle on the table.

Narass knelt before his uncle taking his weapon placing it before him. "And will always be eternally grateful. You took me in without compensation under familial duty. It is only fair I do the same uncle"

His uncle took his weapon noting the individualism in it's construction "I see you took after my blade in my youth" he said handing it back to him.

"Its a fine design "narass replied taking his weapon. They heard the door open "father the guests have begun to arrive house vallinious is amount them. " the woman said.

"Excellent we will finish this discussion later lad." His uncle said leaving. The woman glided to narass as he rose to his feet.

"What was it this time taking a cat in again?" The woman said.

"Haha nope damsel in distress lia like always " narass said sarcastically hiding his weapon

"Maker I hate that name it's Aurelia . And I thought you were getting me a present" Aurelia said crossing her arms.

A small head popped from the bottom of his robes meowing weakly. Lia gasped as narass presented her the small kitten that swung at her. "He's adorable... wait you did get a stray!" She said taking the kitten.

"Don't tell uncle I'm in enough trouble" narass said as her watched the kitten perch itself on on lia's shoulder yawning and falling asleep.

"Well if all goes well it will be irrelevant. Come winks we have a party to attend.... and I guess the stray can come along" lia teased offering her arm for narass to take as due her attendant and bodyguard.

"It would be a privilege Milady" narass said as he took her arm. Winks the small kitten swung at him protecting it's territory as the entered the auditorium

[raging_monkey]

Act 212: thief

Spoiler

narass stood at the opposite end of the auditorium watching the guests mingle and make merriment for the evening. He watched as lia danced with the heir from house vallenious, he had introduced himself as caius, a meek but mannered young man slightly younger then himself awkwardly following his partner's lead . They smiled as he enjoyed the dance ,narass chuckled thinking they would be perfect togethor and began to wonder of his own life.

As the song ended lia bid her partner farewell hoping to see him again at a later date. She walked over to where naraas taking a glass of wine from a tray to present to his mistress.

"So what do you think of him" lia asked him wanting to know his opinion.

Narass passed her the glass he had taken "I am but a humble steward that carries a sword. Its not my place" he said avoiding the question

"Well I give you leave to speak" lia said taking a sip of her wine looking over at the man she had danced with mingling with a elven servant he had brought.

Narass sighed at how his cousin pulled her rank with him, he would do her every command. "I think he's a fine young man... if a bit overly modest. But suitable " he said giving her the official response. Lia groaned at how her gave her the placated answer she saw winks wake up from his nap and claw his way to her shoulder from narass 's coat.

"Seriously what's with this cat " lia said scratching winks' chin purring til it fell asleep.

XxX

The moons were dark as the guests left the festivities a blonde woman waited across the gates of the manor smoking her pipe inhaling the mixture of kohl and deathroot,savoring the last of the embers. "Well time for the fun to begin.." she said blowing smoke from her nose and dumping the pipe of it's contents.

She began to conjured her mana creating a facade of a house guard carefully trying not to be seen. She greeted to the guards at the door letting them know it was her shift, entering unopposed. "Too easy" she said as she walked to the treasury.

XXx

Narass and lia walked the corridors making sure none of the guests sent thieves to steal their possessions. "So what's the wager this time " narass said making small talk.

"None you still owe me from when we were ten " lia chided her cousin's attempt at gambling.

"Hey I'm good for it" he laughed. Lia shook her head dismissively know he was full of it. Winks meowed as in agreement swatting it's paw to go left.

"Seriously this is a odd cat..."lia said raising her brow at it. They heard crash coming from the treasury.

"Damn here I was hoping for a quiet evening "narass said gripping his sword at his back

XXx

The blond woman swore at how careless she had been knocking over a statue of some bearded fellow. "Merde "she said her orlaisan accent becoming more pronounced. She began to stuff any objects she thought were of value into her bag.

"Well to house carcella where we have all your pillaging needs from gold and jewels to a fair but untimely death" lia said leaning against the door watching the orlaisan thief drop her bag in shock.

" Really it's a lovely boutique and i intend to come her often" the woman said playing up her accent.

Narass came running behind lia wheezing. "Just once I'd like to walk to the fire.." he said staring at the intruder arcing her hands. "Perhaps we should discuss this first. I'm narass ragin this is my cousin lia carcella and you are?" Narass said stepping between the two women.


"Fera... fera paranois. So I'm guessing you two are a couple right? Vints love that in the family **** " fera said smirking at how lia blushed and narass stifled a laugh.

"Thats it the thief is dead! " lia said embarrassed by fera's implication ,she cast lightning at her. Fera dodged the stream of lightning arcing her fingers she created illusion of serpents slithering to lia's feet. Lia stepped back as the creatures slithered to her, her heart raced her breathing coming in gasps.

Narass drew his blade erupting in a golden light as he swung at fera. Fera nimbly dodged his strikes only receiving noticible cut on her blonde hair. She arced her hands in a odd pattern and gripped narass's head. "As cute as you are we are done" she said as narass began the fall to his knees coughing bloodily phelm from his lungs. Fera removed her hand confused as she had yet casted her spell.

"Okay odd but I'll take the win.." fera said picking her bag up and stepping around the coughing man as he hacked more of his lungs to the ground. Fera began to leave until winks jumped on her face and began to claw at her drawing blood with it's small claws "bloodly cat get off ow ow ow!" Fera cried as lia began to regain her composure.

She whistled calling winks to come back to her and conjured lightning once again at her foe sending her back into a pile of gold. "Seriously weird cat..." lia said looking at winks as he began to cough up a ball of hair cleaning his face after.

XXx

Magister carcella looked at the bound and gagged fera circling her as he listened to narass give him the report on her. "The culprit is known as fera paranois. Known to frequent the Kohl dens racking a sizeable bill while here in the city. Judging from her accent she's from orlais though where it's unknown. " narass said kneeling before his uncle after he was finished.

Carcella looked at fera noticing how she faded in and out of consciousness. "She is a addict... possibly from a mixture of substances... execute her " carcella said walking away.

"Ah but master I have a better idea... we are in need of a hexer yes since karlos died yes. She is a promising canidate perhaps we can put her to use. Hexers are rare nowadays " narass said as his uncle left. Carcella stopped turning to his nephew " she tried to steal from us... made a mockery of us and exasperated your condition yet you wish to reward her?." Carcella said his voice hiding his silent rage.

"Talent comes in many forms. You said and I was thinking indentured servitude for ten years minimum... sir" narass said believing it a waste to kill her but willing to ensure her compliance.

"I thought you detested slavery. Have you fallen for this one" carcella said knowing he had a habit of playing the hero to a lady in need. He had grown tired of his heroics of late finding them detrimental to his house and the boy's health.

"I don't detest indentured servitude. And I think this one will be of some use." Narass said finding the irony of his words amusing. Carcella grunted at how he defended the thief telling him that the addict would be his responsibility and left rubbing his temple at a another stray his nephew found. Narass looked at fera who fell to her side, her eyes fluttered as she went through withdrawal. "Well lady paranios well to to house carcella" he said untying her and carrying her to the servant's quarters

[raging_monkey]

double post

[raging_monkey]

Act 213: errant

Spoiler

fera sat on the deck of a ship, dipping her quill in ink watching narass and lia argue of their destination on whether it would be humid or dry. In the months following what she had called pompus enslavement to the carcellas she had grown intrigued by her master writing down trivia on them .

ser naraas ragin nephew of the magister carcella, known to be overly polite and pacifistic. Stricken with phthisis in his teens but continues to serve family interest. Avoid in liu of catching disease.

Aurelia "lia" carcella daughter of the magister. Pompous bit*h that carries a cat.. put snakes in her tent when possible fera wrote as she heard narass coughing over the brow of the ship.

"Narass did you skip your treatment! You know you have to take it " lia said patting his back as he saw rusty phlegm come from him.

Narass spat wiping his mouth with his handkerchief "I'm fine just a bit of humidity it seems guess you were right " he said giving a bloody smile. He hated to see his healer feeling that the use of blood magic to keep his body from failing him was a personal affront to his person despite his interest in the field.

"No your not you've gotten worse. How did you even get permission to come!" Lia said helping him to the floor.

"Our outpost in seheron hasn't checked in and you decided to go off to investigate it. And it's my job to keep you safe regardless of well being. Family sticks together no matter what." He explained getting up and coughing again over the brow.

Fera saw the level of trust they shared, how narass was determined to see his duty through and how lia looked over him as a sibling. "So you two gonna kiss or what?" Fera teased

Lia glared at her "why of all people did you help her" she said to narass as he cleaned his face.

"Trust me she will be the best hexer we will ever know" narrass said sitting down and drifting off to sleep.

"You know phthisis is contagious... we should toss him overboard... now" fera said airing the pages of her journal out. Lia made a sharp whistle and the captain's door bursted open. Fera was tackled to the floor by snarling beast, both fera and the beast hissed at each other refusing to submit

"Lets get something clear i have no interest in quarreling with a addict but I will not tolerate disrespect to me or my family " lia said picking up narass and patting her leg calling the beast. "Winks heel "

Winks looked at fera sneezing in her face and trotted to his master nuzzling his face on her dress looking for attention.

"I hate cats.." fera said wiping the beasts snot from her face and pulling a pipe from her sash. She put kohl into her pipe and lite it beginning to smoke to hide her embarrassment.

XXx

"Ebasit kata itwa-ost Bas " a horned man said to the commander of the outpost , his skin was silver in hue and he held a young man in his grip, he raised the boy in the air and slammed him to the ground leaving a imprint and breaking the boy's neck

The commander looked over the barricade to see their leader. "Tal-vashoth... bloody bastards... not even the main people are that savage." The commander said wiping his face.

He looked to the remaining men stationed at the outpost they were weary and most were half dead from starvation and exhaustion. A scout came weakly covered in arrows to him from the rear gate.

"Commander car..cell..a"the scout said before collapsing . The commander kneeled to the scout trying to gain what information he could "speak. Soldier what news you bring any reinforcements."

Blood gurgled from the scout's making he spit from his mouth as he choked of his own fluids. "Sssship... near" the scout said finally dying in his arms. The commander closed the scouts eyes and turned to his men.

He heard the oxmen banging against the barricade each push nearly breaking their last defense. "MEN, WOMEN,ANY OF YOU ABLE TO FIGHT MUST DO SO NOW! AS I SPEAK TO TRY AND RALLY YOU TO FIGHT FOR YOUR LAST BREATH AGAINST BANDITS THEY BREAK OUR DEFENSES AND WILL SHOW NO MERCY TO US. STAND WITH ME AND LETS SHOW THESE GODLESS BASTARDS WHO THEY JUST PISSED OFF" the commander shouted as the soldiers began listen. " I LUCIUS CARCELLA WILL FIGHT TIL MY LAST BREATH JOIN ME! "

The soldiers began to rise to their feet inspired by their commander's words taking up their staves and swords. Lucius saw the barricade shatter as a horde of horned warriors charged at them. He drew a hilt and a flare of golden light slashed the first wave

[raging_monkey]

Act 214: Knight

Spoiler

narass saw the smoke from the outpost as he and his companions treked through the jungle. They had docked on the beach away from the qunari controlled ports. He had heard of tevinter holding small insurgencies among the natives and how the carcellas were among the many houses that aided in the madness.

"So to the fire then like moths to a flame" fera said swatting away a gnat that buzzed in her ear.

"How astute hexer... narass, winks you lead, fera rear. Move!" Lia said issuing orders to her companions as they followed her commands.

XXx

Lucius parried the strikes of his tal-vashoth invaders "third stance magister's veil, riposte ,fourth stance magister's wind " he thought to himself as he planned his movements. He feinted his strike blocking the blade a spear and driving his blade of mama into a oxman and swiftly beheading another.

Lucius wheezed exhausted bringing his sword to his center he looked at the horde that came to him. He had fought the qunari before they had honor, integrity and as off with their culture was he respected even envied their determination and culture but these were degenerate savages that took no quarter and lacked honor. " form up! Don't let these bastards though to the wounded " he cried cutting down each savage that had came near him."stance zero magister's guard" he thought to himself refusing to move .


Soldiers fell in droves as they fought often taking their killers with them. For days they had fought the renegade qunari that had ambushed them in the jungles while on patrol until being pushed back to their outpost barely able to hold them back. Lucius saw the last of his soldiers fall a young woman he had known in his days at the circle in vyuantym, she was quiet and assuming he remembered it came a shock to him when she joined the order.

"Kaffas... " Lucius said as he found he was the last of the able bodied standing. He watched as the savages surround him as if carrion waiting to feed. He took a breath as the savages surrounded him "twelfth stance magister's roar " he said barely audible. Lucius spun in a circle bringing himself to the ground, he placed his hand to the ground as his attacker were inches away. The ground erupted in fire engulfing the savages burning them to ash, Lucius opened his eyes to see what remained of his attackers.

A bright ball of lightning form in front of him. He smirked as he watched the ball detonate "missed one" he said as he was sent back, flying into the air breaking bones as he landed back in a puddle of water.

"You die" the leader of the renegades said as he conjured lightning that struck the ground barely missing Lucius each time.

A loud roar came as the renegade leader shouted in pain as talons and fangs punctured his body. Lucius saw a large cat with a black and brown coat mauling his assailant. The the renegade pulled the beast from him throwing the created only for it to land on it's feet hissing at him.

"Easy winks.. I'd like to make some dialogue " narass said igniting his sword. He saw Lucius and gave him a wink

The renegade roared throwing a ball of lightning at narass. Narass swung at the ball sending back to its source sending him back. " well it would appear that no exchange would be had... ladies I could use some support before I have another spasm " narass said adjusting his posture.

Fera and lia smirked at each other. "After you Milady "fera said as she arced her hands in a odd pattern

"Too kind orlaisan. " lia said teasingly as she moved her hands eloquently dancing to the rhythm. She called down thunder upon the renegade setting him ablaze. The renegade shouted as he doused the fires from his body.

"And my turn then" fera said outstretching her hand. The renegade saw narass split into four copies of himself. Narass and his copies kicked the ground in unison

"I really just wanted to talk honest" the quadruplets said dashing to their foe, each alternating between their strikes careful not to break the illusion. The copies cut the renegade in twain listening to the wet slide of the body fall.

Lucius looked upon narass who sheathed his weapon behind his sash. "Interesting so that's plague " he said collapsing in the mud

Xxx

Lucius awoke in the medical room feeling his faced bandaged with only one eye free. He wondered if he had lost the other, a voice called to him as he rose up.

"So your awake. Thought you had died after it was all finished." narass said in the bed next to him smiling.

"Are my men alright the magister will wish for a report." Lucius said.

"Boy that's duty isn't it haha. Yes the ones that were in the mess hall are fine we are taking them home as with you. " narass replied

"What of the dead... to be stripped bare and left here to rot?" Lucius said clenching his fists knowing the process of their work.

"The outpost is to be destroyed and all assets are to be disposed of... is the the official word but we are taking everyone dead or alive home" narass said leaving the bed.

"Thank you plague " Lucius said extending his hand respectfully. Narass chuckled at the name

"I'm not contagious... well maybe to my liver but nevertheless your welcome lord carcella " narass said taking his hand ,stifling a cough as fluid built in his lungs

[raging_monkey]

Act 215: unity

Spoiler

fera smoked her pipe enjoying the feeling of lightheadness as the combination of Kohl,deathroot, and elfroot took affect. She heard the air being cut and clang of entropy made solid as narass and Lucius sparred.

She saw in her dazed state Lucius standing in one spot as narass moved in blurs to break his defenses. "You leave your right side too open" Lucius cried slashing narass across his right side only to find it a afterimage.

"You you leave your back too open!" Narass said shouting he swung his sword to Lucius's back. Narass stopped his blade inches from Lucius' spine. "Cheeky" he said as he withdrew his blade.

"Barriers... always useful " Lucius said putting his sword away. Narass noticed how the hilt looked qunari in it's design but held the carcella seal engraved upon the hilt a dragon eating it's own tail while clenching a heart.

"Odd choice of design luc. Are you so enamored your taking fashion from the qunari " narass asked regarding the hilt. He asked not out of doubt of Lucius's loyalty but curiosity.

Lucius looked at his weapon pensive "perhaps. I think if you fight someone you come to understand them.. form a mutual form of respect. I'd like to believe we share a common resolve and we learn from each other but it is only I who learns." He said staring up to the sky letting sun dry his sweat over his brow.

The two sword stood in silence as narass began to think upon his words. He looked at the brand on his hand of a snake eating it's own tail. "Then do we have a understanding "

"We are of the same family. Of course" Lucius said patting him on the shoulder

XXx

Lia sat among a council of advisors as they discussed marriage arraignments of prospective candidates since the change of vallenious' decision to unite their respective houses. She listened keenly as each gave their opinion on her options.

"What about house kalos they are powerful merchants with ties to the military. " lia said thoughtfully considering the advantages of such a house.

The advisors whispered among themselves on her choice deciding to reconvene once they did a through check. Lia folded her hands as they left. In the span of two years she had succeeded her father as his heir when he retired and found herself in need of more assets. She felt empowered by her new status deciding she would one day change tevinter for the better and reclaim all that was lost to time.

XXx

Fera ,Lucius and narass sat in the study awaiting the magister to arrive. Winks slept in narass's lap purring as he dreamed whatever cats dreamed.

"Bloody beast still thinks it's a kitten.. where did you find that thing "fera said lighting her pipe.

"You know the magister forbids your... habit in the house" Lucius said chastising her for her habit. Fera pulled her skirt up showing Lucius her womanhood.

"Deal with it small sword "fera said putting her skirt down. Lucius blushed at her vulgarity " foul smelling addict!" He called her noting her poor hygiene when off duty .

"Tease " fera replied. Narass raised his hand stopping their fight. "I bought him from a dwarf in the lower side. I thought he was a simple tabby but turns out he's a jungle cat from seheron.. " narass said answering fera's earlier question.

"But why his size he's the size of a table. Most cats I've seen there are not as big."Lucius said not taking his glare from her.

"Yeah I have no idea.. good milk maybe?" Narass said realizing how big winks was petting his ears while he slept.

"Bloody hate cats "fera said sitting back down blowing a kiss to Lucius mocking his modesty.

"Enough leave my cat be.. "lia said entering the study. Winks awoke and trotted to her sitting down as if a guard in waiting. She looked at her companions that had gathered at her call. "As you know there will be changes soon i am to be wed and we will be temporarly outsourcing out operations in seheron while focusing on domestic responsiblities. Questions " she said ,her voice methodical and authoritive.

"Of course mistress we endeavor to to see your dreams realized I am your sword " Lucius said kneeling before her.

Narass rubbed his hair his smiling at at how his mistress held her presence proud to be her vassal. "I am but a humble steward on borrowed time.. all me to continue to serve house carcella. I narass ragin will serve as your shield.

Fera blew smoke as she watched narass and Lucius pledge themselves to their master. Lia looked at her as asking her to join her. "Merde.. guess it's a slave's duty to serve right? Just keep my habit supplied and I'm yours..." fera said sighing realizing she was truly a addict. "I fera paranois, orlaisan apostate will serve til my sentence is over and more. Be grateful I like you all " fera said masking her pride in bitter sarcasm.

"Excellent we have quite a bit of work to do. Narass you will lead the research brigade on the our ancestry we will find what has eluded us for centuries. Lucius train the guards I want them ready for anything within the year. Fera... you and winks will lead our information network ." Lia commanded taking her leave to handle her affairs.

"Merde why did I have to get the cat.." fera said as winks hissed at her. Narass laughed until he began to have another one of his spasms, gleeful that his friend had agreed to his plan.