718 réponses à ce sujet

[Uccio]

Man, you have been productive!

[raging_monkey]

Thanks I'm going for something new for a bit. I love flashback arcs

[raging_monkey]

216: steward's dream

Spoiler

narass held his chest wheezing as the healer examined him writing down notes on his condition. He had felt fine a few days before going about his research on his ancestors and tending to his mistress's needs only to collapse while serving her tea as his usual routine.

" your mistress said you had chest pains, and were fatigue "the healer said dipping her quill in ink.

"Did she? She worries too much over me. Simply a fainting spell due to being up all night." Narass said. He held his chest trying to breath, he knew the heal could tell he was lying.

The healer looked at him sternly " you suffer from phthisis and while before we were able to treat it before but its getting worse I think you know this." She said placing her hand on his shoulder.

Narass chuckled as he stood from his chair. "I understand. Thank you , but can I ask you keep it between us? The magister has enough to worry about "

The healer nodded holding out her hand " my silence is not cheap" she said expecting payment

XXx

Lia paced the study watching narass review the piles of books and tomes regarding the project she had commissioned. For three years since her ascension she had waited for results on his research for the tomb of nardeth, a prominent dreamer from before the transfiguration of tevinter who laid relics of power and fortunes throughout thedas.

She stared at narass who breathed slowly and struggled for each breath as he closed the last book. " what did the healer say. Your losing color" lia said

Narass his his shock brushing his hair presenting a facade of fatigue "just more sleep but fit as a fereldan drufflo. " he said smiling trying to reassure his cousin. He felt guilty for lying to her, she was his best friend and considered her his sister, who always had his best interests at heart but he knew she mustn't be distracted by the health of a steward.

"You wouldn't be lying would you?" Lia said sternly, she could tell something was off about him he refused meeting with his staff and spent more and more time locked in his room.

"Perhaps it's time we review Milady. " narass said bowing he felt his lungs fill with fluid,he swallowed phlegm tasting the copper in the flavor making him sick. He learned you could swallow a pint of blood before being ill. " nardeth ragin was a dreamer from time unknown, after being defeated by Umbra carcella she took him as a steward after warping his mind and later husband. They had six children the women being made carcellas and males ragins for some odd reason the family ledgers do not say. After nardeth passed the youngest child known as Gideon became obsessed with the legends of his father and lead a cult of sorts to what is now rivain to bury venerate him and took with him a map detailing each location of his relics and many fortunes. So centuries go by the cult went native and became culturally rivaini but still carcellas, during the black age as the southers call it a band of madmen calling themselves sokai warred and nearly wiped out the ragin branch losing the map. The survivors decided to return back to your family as stewards to compensate the loss. " narass said sitting down winded.

Lia began to ponder his results pacing around him. She knew historical records were shaky at best and generally unreliable. "So rivain? Did it say where exactly " she asked.

"Close to what is now dairsund. I have heard rumors of a scavenger looking for what he calls the relics of the serpent. Seems like a good lead for now" narass said folding his hands.

" I'll see to arraignments for the journey. Fera and Lucius will go with you as back up. I'll be here tending to our assets. " lia said leaving stifling a smile at a promising lead.

Naraas fell over trying to cough quitly ,hacking bloody phlegm over his hands. His vision blurred as his lungs struggled to take in air. "Just a little more time... just a little more please. She's so close to her dream" he said struggling to his feet and began walk to his room neglectfully leaving a handprint covered in blood on the wall of his study

[raging_monkey]

Act 217: knight's vice

Spoiler

Lucius swung his sword at the mannequin cleaving it in half. Stuffing fell to the floor as he sheathed his sword. He complained how the steel the recruits used was of low quality that he would need the magister to reissue them new equipment.

"Don't you ever rest ser Knight "fera said leaning against the column smoking her pipe. Lucius glared at her in three years he had known her ,she had goaded and teased him for his quiet nature.

"Don't you have spies to see to. Orlaisans are notorious for that... bards you call them?" Lucius said as fera danced to him. Her movement had subty and grace as she dragged her hand across his chin.

"Oh does the fair knight of grand orlais" fera said playing on her accent. She blew smoke in his face letting the cool breeze burn his eyes.

Lucius waved the smoke from his eyes glaring at her. "Must you be so vulgar. What narass sees in you I will never know. Your a addict that takes no responsibility " he said as his eye twitched in frustration.

Fera chuckled in agreement, pressing herself against him. "I see how you look at me.. I thought you preferred boys"

Lucius left her company finally grown annoyed by her remarks "we leave with narass tomarrow for rivain. Be ready addict " he said his voice stern and gruff

XXx

Lucius fell to his bed exhausted, having packed all the needed provisions and gave his assistant the course curriculum while he was away. As he slowly drifted off to sleep he felt slender finger crawl on to his shoulder. "Miss me ser Knight " fera said having crawled from beneath the bed.

Lucius looked at her as she rose to show him her breasts. "What do you want addict" he said as fera leaned in close to him her lips brushing his.

"I have a inch only a slayer oxmen could scratch " fera said moving to kiss him. Lucius turned her over to her back pinning arms above her head and drawing a knife to her throat pressing it til a sliver of blood fell.

"Oh good start see Knight"fera said playing on her accent smiling at how rough he was with her. Her lotus began to seep at the encounter. Lucius gave a puzzled looked her perplexed by how aroused she was getting from being so close to her life being taken. "Sod it.." he said as kissed her feeling her tongue play with his.

She had a face of glee when their lips parted, wrapping her legs around him she threw him to the floor shouting "excellent " for the entire manor to hear.


XXx

Narass entered Lucius's room having realized he was late for the carriage to take them to their journey. "Hey luc have you seen fera? We are running late grab..." he said upon inspecting Lucius's room. The furniture was destroyed and a bottled ship laid in ruins only a bundled sheet laid on the floor.

"What in the maker's name.." he said stepping around broken glass from the window. He heard rustling from the sheets drawing his sword.

"Ugh remind me to do that often" fera said coming from the sheet,looking for her small clothes. Narass stood in shock unable to speak. " I know got nice rack the carriage here? Meet ya there. " she said stretching and going to her room.

Lucius groaned as he awoke feeling the blood from his head crack as he opened his eyes. He looked at narass who gave him a concerned look. "Do you really want to know.." he said grabbing his small pants from under the bed.

"Kinda... but we are running late... was that the shouting was last night" narass said.

Lucius shook his head pointing to the door. "I'll explain later just give me a few minutes "

Narass laughed as he left for the carriage hacking phlegm into his handkerchief. "Well that finally happened... I gotta tell lia she's gonna burst " he said making his way to lia's room hoping she would be decent.

[raging_monkey]

Act 218: wonder

Spoiler

narass sat across from fera and Lucius. The trip to see his contact was filled with graphic innuendo from fera regarding her's and Lucius' night together. Narass let out a slight chuckle as she retold how he had seduced him with Lucius groaning at each tale.

"I'm telling you luc your like this big and like this small" fera said comparing their genitalia, watching Lucius blush trying to hide a sense of pride.

"Haha so I take it your together now? The inn we passed by complained of the noise " narass said teasing his cousin making a vugaler gesture slipping his finger between a hole he made with his other hand.

"Maker give me strength not to kill you two" Lucius said wiping his face.

"Well what two healthy people do is their business... and Lucius here is very healthy " fera said dragging her hand over her lover's leg " maybe your cousin needs a new form of treatment. "

Lucius glared at her as she laughed at him "not funny" he said poking his head out the carriage.

"Hehe sadly Milady I would never come between such a loving relationship " narass said laughing

"You sure he does.. quickly I might add "fera laughed. Narass held out his hand, clapping hers as they choked laughing.

"Quiet you two we are here" Lucius said banging his head on the door

Xxx

Narass took in the salted air as left the carriage, savoring the air of a foreign land. He dragged his palm over the grass feeling the land of his progenitors. For a moment he felt like he was the maker laughing at his own blasphemy.

"Hey chuckles done making love to the grass? This nation smells rancid " fera said sneezing.

"Haye-fever?" Lucius said wiping his brow feeling the humidity seep in.

"Well aren't you asute ser knight.. perhaps I need my medicine early" fera said sneezing and snorting mucus into her nose and spitting.

" maybe later.. much later " Lucius said stepping back from her. Narass rose to his feet breathing the air.

"Onward we are a day late" harass said smiling at his companion's quarrel. He had hoped they would be together forever after his passing.


The trio came upon a squalored homestead that threatened to fall if the slightest knock came. Narass hoped if he was fortunate enough to have heir that they wouldn't live in such a state. The door open to show a elven woman with raven hair carrying a red scarf around her neck.

"And you are? " the raven haired woman said in a cold voice.

Fera snarled at the elven woman for her tone feeling she was speaking to her betters. Lucius held her as she swung and sneezed at her.

Narass sighed at at his companions display and gave the the woman a warm smile. "I am narass ragin, I sent a letter to your husband; Adris ferel? I am quite interested in his findings. " he said scratching his head. "Oh that's fera paranois and Lucius carcella my attache. "

The raven hair woman grunted as she let her visitors inside.

XXx

Narass looked at a elven man as he read through scrolls in dimly lit light. "Mira! Where's my dinner I demand it!" The man blindly throwing a jar of urine at narass barely missing him. He held his nose at the stench hearing it eat away the paint on the wall. "Ser adris? " narass said

Adris turned to see the man who called him. "So your the ragin...you said you were rivaini but you sound tevinter " he said walking to him.

"Occupational hazard of treasure hunting " narass said joking with the gruff elf. Adris scoffed at him finding him a typical fool.

"Wittisms will do you no favors tevinter... now do you have coin to pay for the information you seek " adris said his voice cold as his daughter's

"I do but is your work valid I do have other leads and if it turns foul. My companions won't be as forgiving " narass said pointing his thumb to the door.

"If you are trying to threaten my daughter. Feel free to end her she is useless. " adris said going back to his desk and reading his scrolls. "Cute how tevinters believe a bit of violence will make any comply"

Narass bit his lip at how his new partner callously discarded his flesh and as if a piece of filth. He knew magisters like him treating their slaves as something without need of care. And while he lived and worked with slaves he always deplored their treatment. He griped the hilt of his sword considering killing him but released his grip knowing duty took precedent over ideals.

[raging_monkey]

219: doubts

Spoiler

narass slumped to his room at adris's home exhausted from the weeks hunt . In the year he had worked the elf he had found him to be a devious, callous, and overall a poor excuse of life. He complain of being poor, of being cheated, and how few could match his intelligence. Narass had lived his life a man that value life but adris taxed his beliefs.

He heard a knock on his door and a slow creak as the the hinges fractured from age. "Father wishes to see you tevinter " mira said carrying a tray of gruel. Narass silently groaned at the meal having found the humble offerings to be below is accustomed palette, though he refused to say anything to offend.

"Of course I'm sure he has another promising lead." Narass said putting his boots back on. He looked Mira noticing her perpetual scowl had become more intense. " apologies I didn't intend any sarcasm "

"Leave. Chasing a legend only feeds delusion" Mira said setting the bowl of gruel on the bed. Narass watched her leave perplexed by her words.

Xxx

Adris groaned Lucius who complained of wasting their coin. "Listen ferel I don't like being led through a swamp let a alone almost being eaten by a bloody possessed tree!" Lucius said as fera bandaged his arm.

"Sylvans don't eat people. As spirits they lack need for substance " adris said reviewing a map that wrinkled with age. Lucius grounded his teeth reaching for his sword,the arrogance and outright indifference for their lives was nauseating.

"Um everyone calm down we are close I can feel it. Lets not lose our heads yet." Naraas said trying to calm Lucius down noticing him gripping his weapon so tightly he could hear the metal crack. Lucius swore as he got up leaving them with fera following him

"Naraas this is foolhardy even you know this. He will be the death of us all" fera said as he closed the door.

Narass sighed knowing his companions doubts were right. "Adris while I seek the tomb of nardeth I'm not going about this blindly I rec- " he said as he began to cough rusty phlegm falling to his knees.

Adris went to his desk ignoring his guest adjusting his chair to better review their destination. "Pthisis.. i hear it's a painful way to die" he said as narass ran from the room to get fresh air.

XXx

Blood mixed with his salvia as he spat the bile from his mouth in to the grass. His chest ached as he felt his lungs stiffen, narass wiped his mouth laughing at how Lucius was right that adris would be the death of him.

"Thats a harsh cough. I would have assumed being a noble allowed for better magic on healing " a monotonous voice said.

"Not any magic I deal in... your father is a hard man to be around. " narass said taking deep breaths and falling back into the grass.

"You get used to it. Here take this. Elfroot warmed in brandy and crystal grace. Should help clear the fluid from your lungs" Mira said giving him a small cup.

Narass took a sip from the cup coughing from the heat and the bitterness " well its an acquired taste." He said as he stirred his cup.

"Hopefully it will keep you quiet tonight." Mira said fixing her scarf covering her face.

Naraas realized he had never saw her face without her scarf and wondered why she always hide behind it. "Does that scarf have any personal meaning "

"Its late perhaps another time shem. Father wishes for us to go north of the swamp while your companions go south. Good night " she said dusting the grass from her clothes and leaving. Narass wondered why she was so aloof. She wanted to to talk but it was as if she lacked the methods to do so. He looked into the cup seeing his reflection "such fool nar such a fool" he said as the wind began to blow

[raging_monkey]

220: swamplands

Spoiler

narass followed mira through the swamp that reeked of rotting foliage. He sat down on a log swatting away flies the sizes of his thumb. " I love swamps it's as nature truly flourishs" he said breathing heavily.

"Thats a very elven thing to say shem... odd " Mira said placing her ear to a tree. Listening for any disturbance.

"I am but a humble steward... but being a elf has anyways been a dream of mine.. it's the ears " narass said laughing weakly until his spasms began.

Mira ignored his attempt at humor fixing her scarf making sure her face was covered. Move... it will be dark soon.." she scanning a bush she saw move. Her eyes lost their hazel hue as her eyes narrowed with excitment.

Xxx

Narass warmed his hands by the fire as he tried to stay warm, he found the winter in rivain to be pleasant but uncomfortable at the sametime. He looked at Mira as she tightened the strings on her bow,it was a odd design it looked wooden but as strong as iron.

"Its ironbark. The forest is full of it, I understand it's a fair price if sold." Mira said testing the strings, she felt them tighten as she drew pointing it at narass.

"I thought you were a mage. I've seen adris work glyhs before. And thought elves were potent in magic". Narass said rubbing his hands against the fire.

Mira set her bow beside her taking a arrow from her quiver inspecting the head. "Shem think they know everything don't they... no I am no mage. I am a hunter simply ecking out a small existence for a delusional old man and even more delusional young man " she said listening to fire fire crack.

Narass stroked his chin as he reflected upon her words. He understood that he was perhaps delusional in looking for something he spent a year chasing after only to end up in a swamp with a odd but beautiful woman. He opened his mouth to give her a response but heard rustling in the darkness, narass gripped his sword

"Dinner has arrived " Mira said grabbing her bow, her face was hidden by her scarf masking her silent chuckle that her prey took the the bait

[raging_monkey]

Act 221: huntress

Spoiler

Mira chuckled narass who drew his sword, the blade shining throw the darkness. She laughed at his eagerness to fight despite his health wondering if he had some grand scheme to woo her with his theatrics. "Your too loud" she said as she saw the bush move .

"Am I I'll be sure to- " narass said as he heard the bush burst and was attacked by a large beast. Mira slowly drew a arrrow from her quiver as she watched the reptilian beast attempt to maul her employer.

" it's a gurgut. Sort of a cousin to wyverns by my studies. Odd how one wound up this far east" said taking her time aiming her arrow,thinking should he die she would rid of the inconvenience.

"Little help here... I don't relish being eaten!" Narass said tossing his head before the beast tried to swallow him whole, remembering his uncle told him tales as a child of how gurguts while docile in nature where known to swallow men whole. He blindly grasped for his sword while holding back the beast.


A loud hiss came from the beast as Mira let loose a arrow into it's neck, making it dart back into the shadows. Mira swore at how she missed her target. "Damnation shem could you not let it eat you! "

Narass wheezed as he found his sword brandishing it "I was trying but then I thought you would be better.. " he said as the beast returned. It clawed at Mira's face tearing away her scarf from her face. Narass saw her face for the first time, Burns covered the lower part of her jaw and scars from what looked like talons stretched over her cheeks.

Mira screamed in frustration as she drew a set of arrows releasing them in a volley each hitting the beast til it stopped moving "that was my favorite scarf " she shouted kicking the dead beast and driving the last arrow into it's eye.

Narass picked up a piece of her scarf from the mud flinging the gunk from it. "Forgive for saying miss feral but your scars are beautiful... " he said handing her the remains back. Mira scoffed at the gesture ,as she put her arrows back.

"I'm not impressed by you... take a fine look cause the only beauty you'll see is your death shem " Mira said tying her scarf so it masked her face. "But feel free to keep that piece... perhaps it will teach you vints some humility "

Narass sighed at how cold she was at first it was charming but now it was rude. "Whats your issue i have been nothing but polite and aside from that poultice. Thank you again by the way. You've been a mediocre host"

"Ugh must you vints be so entitled. Your only good for your money something I have no need of secordly why should I? You vints believe in a warped sense of merit and I see nothing meritable in a sick man who looksfor for something beyond his comprehension. " Mira said drawing her knife beginning to skin the beast.

"What do you mean beyond my comprehension? You know something adris doesn't? " narass asked

" you get some sleep we have a long day tomarrow..." she said not offering him the nights dinner. She began to think that narass genuinely ignorant of what he sought

[raging_monkey]

222: leap

Spoiler

fera cursed as she trudged through the swamps complaining of being in a backwater nation and covered in filth. "I say we tell the boss we couldn't find anything and go home" she said sitting down on a stump and looking for her pipe.

Lucius leaned back onto a tree looking at the newly risen sun. He loved going to new places believing that each was a test of will and a spiritual journey. "We leave when narass says besides I think he's enamored with the scenery "

Fera scoffed snapping her fingers lighting her pipe "you mean oh look at me I'm a rude little elf I live with a even bigger ******* . Yeah completly understandable" she said taking a slow drag on her pipe savoring her diminished supply of Kohl.

Lucius laughed at her remark finding it amusing. " well I honestly meant the environment but I did notice that. Seven sovereigns that she dashes his attempts. "

"Twenty she accepts and you pay for my vice for a year " fera said raising the ante. Lucius stroked his beard pinching the stray hairs. "Thirty and I'll buy for three " he said.

Fera shook his hand in agreement to their wager. She saw a old growth hiss and open, she threw Lucius to the ground out of the way of the growth spray of slime .

"What was that for!" Lucius said picking himself up, wiping the mud off his cloak. He saw fera covered in green slime spitting some that had got inside her mouth, he stifled his laughter as she swore about the smell.

XXx

Narass climbed up the rotted tree following Mira who was being uncharacteristically talkative. "My father began looking for nardeth the spiritual when I was around eight. Thinking that if he was to find whatever he left behind it would allow him to... I have no idea honestly. But it's something I can't condone " Mira said covering her eyes and looking into the distance watching birds fly from the trees.

"Yet you stay and bring him food.. bit odd from my perspective "narass said struggling to find his footing. His vision went out of focus when he looked down "I hate heights " he thought to himself as he reached mira.

Mira adjusted her scarf feeling the wind brush against her scars. She saw Lucius and fera shake hands and then be saturated in goo. "Odd they are going to where we are going... "she said puzzled thinking they were following her, planning on murdering her.

"You can see everything here... " narass said squatting on a branch awestruck by the view. Narass looked at Mira wondering what had her confused " I'm not all bad. I'm not my countrymen I just want to fulfil my friends dream. You mentioned I am dabbling in things I can't comprehend."

Mira broke from her paranoid thoughts as she listened to his words. "What you seek in rivain is not here... anymore " she said taking a tube from her satchel and pulling a map from it. "Nardeth was a abomination that hid treasures and relics across tevinter and rivain... but you knew that so why lie I don't know, I'll spare you the history lesson this map is what the ragins protected until they fled but do you know why they fled?" She said showing him the map.

Narass was mesmerized by the map, it's was detailed and stood the tests of time. "Where did you find this... " he said realizing that she had it as all this time.

"How I acquired it is irrelevant. The swamps hold secrets better kept from those who would abuse it. They fled not some clan of humans but because they failed in preventing what the scrolls called the guardians, spirits bound to tombs from destroying them." She said holding the map.

Narass couldn't tell whether she was lying or tell him another truth of his family. His family records were accurate but he considered the possibility that his family lied to the main branch and how his mother would him stories to make him behave. "Guardians will take you" she would say. "How dangerous we're they..." he asked.

"This was once a lush forest... but their influence corrupted the land through the natives and slowly this became the reward... so now you know what lurks for what you search for. Spirit gone mad that can pervert the world as if the blight itself. Old tevinter magicks, darkspawn magicks, or even the maker may be at work. Your a smart man are you will to risk me being wrong as merely superstitious " Mira said holding the map letting it waver it the breeze.

Narass took the map looking upon it. Something in the dark recesses of his mind beyond his cheerful demeanor urged him to find and destroy the creatures and take their power for his own. "Lia's going to kill me nine times over" he said sighing as he conjured fire in his hand. He began to burn the map as Mira let a small smile creep on her face.

"Your doing the right thing. Trust me, narass ragin you ancestors knew " Mira said blowing the ash away into the horizon

[raging_monkey]

Act 223: fallen

Spoiler

narass sat on the bed trying to figure out how to tell his mistress that he destroyed two years of research. He didn't even tell his friends of his deed, he just passed it off as another failure. "Maker forgive me..." he said falling back on to the bed.

"Planning mulling over another failed trip forever tevinter. "Adris said opening the door. He shuffled to narass standing above him as he laid on the bed

"Adris now is not the time for your arrogance" narass said too tired to fight. He felt his lungs fill with fluid coughing to clear his throat.

"Its only a minor set back I need just another year... I. We are getting so close" adris said trying to stir his benefactor back from his lethargy. Narass rose from the bed pushing the old man aside and walked away without a word.

XXx

Narass sat in the barn listening to the animals cry out. He wondered if they could speak to each other as he did with his friends "they say mabari are smart enough to speak... but wise enough not to. I wonder what they would say" he said as a ram began to rub it's horn against it's door.

"So are we comprehending the miracle of saving the world " mira said stepping from the darkness. She saw narass huddled over holding his chest. " does it hurt still" she asked placing her hand on his back.

" I'm fine... just minor pains. And yes I am... it's a bitter pill to take, I will have to face exile for my crimes... perhaps death by my own hand" narass said solemnly. He felt he had disgraced his family and duty over dubious superstition.

"Well for what its worth you surprised me. Most would have taken the map and followed their agenda. Why did you change your mind." Mira asked

" I believe you... and that's fine for now.. but I'll be leaving in a few days. Duty calls" he said walking slowly from the barn petting a horse.

XXx

Mira unlocked the door to narass room, she dropped her cloak to the floor and crawled into the bed he slept in. Narass awoke groggy to see who brushed against his body "Mira? What.." he said before he felt her callous lips against his.

" a memento of your time here tevinter " Mira said as she climbed on top of him

[raging_monkey]

Act 224: progeny

Spoiler

fera and Lucius loaded their carriage overjoyed by their journey back to tevinter after narass told them they were leaving.

"Thank the maker! We can leave this backwater land." Fera said shoving the last of her belongings.

Lucius coughed having held his breath for minutes at a time "hopefully we will get better soaps to get rid of that oder you acquired. " he said waving the air around him genuinely considering leaving her to avoid the smell.

Fera sniffed her clothes noting the similar smell of rotting corpses upon her, " I told it's corpse weed. And sadly it's permanent don't you have magic for this your a vint right "she said pulling her back to the ground making loud pops.

"You know magic doesn't work like that make a illusion or something for now... and where's narass it nearly noon " Lucius said throwing his hands in the air. He saw narass with Mira talking about something far enough for them not to hear. Lucius gave a sharp whistle calling him to wrap up any business he had.

Narass bid the elven woman goodbye kissing her cheek as if to thank her for their night together and her aide. "You can come with us" he said tenderly

Mira scoffed at the offer. "And be tied to a vint I'll take my chances with the swamps. Take care narass " she walking away waving goodbye

XXx

A year had passed since returning back to tevinter, Lia had been furious at narass when he told her of his deed in private but spared any punishment due the birth of her son. In the time of tending to his mistress and young master, narass couldn't get the memory of Mira and their affair, shrugging it off as a deluded dream of a dead man.

Winks scratched at his door as if knocking and placed his paw on the handle pushing it open. He crept on to the bed of where narass slept, meowing to wake him up. "Winks what did I tell you. Knock then enter" narass said groggy. He had learned in his absence that the cat had developed very human tendencies to the point of eating at the table.

Winks meowed louder, raising his paw as if to threaten bodily harm should not get up. Narass screamed loudly as the large cat began to wake him.

XXx

Lia sat in her study nursing her newborn child, she smiled as he began to cry needing to be burped. She placed a cloth over her shoulder and patted his back cooing soft words to him.

The door opened as winks led narass in. He gave a glare to the beast as he trotted to his master's feet rubbing his face against her feet trying to massage them. "You summoned my mistress " narass asked bowing polity.

"Yes I have. We must make arrangements for the next expedition. I don't buy into the woman's tale nore aunt's tale of guardians." Lia said as the infant spat up it breakfast falling asleep.

"Ah I see well nonetheless I do remember one area near a port not far from the city. Its a definite lead" narass said taking his leaving to get his notes to show her. Lia stopped him as he pulled the door open.

"And you have a letter. From a Mira feral? Any relation to that... what was his name Adrian... ADRIS! that's the one " lia said shouting only to wake up her sleeping child. "Kafass "she said defeatedly.

Narass laughed at her dismay taking his infant cousin and rocking him to sleep. "Yeah it's his daughter.. odd why would she write to me of all people" he said puzzled. He never got any personal mail ,only business and the occasional court summons to handle more business.

"Maybe she has fallen in love with my favorite cousin and seeks to woo you... I'm guessing scented oils as a dowery " lia said teasingly.

"Hehe perhaps but more like a gurgut skin and innards. You know what they say of commoners. Oddest gifts and odder courtships " he said laughing at the possible stereotype.

XXx

Narass leaned against the wall of a alley, cracking his hands due to the winter chill. The note had received had told him to come alone in the dead of night, in his twenty-six years had never felt more anxious in attending a meeting with a contact wondering if his admirer might give him more revelations of his family.

"Your early tevinter" a familiar voice said. Narass looked at the hooded woman pulling her scarf from her face.

"Well I might be late you could have meant the day before." Narass joked. "How have you been Mira "

Mira looked at him seeing how his ebony skin had lost it's colour and become lighter in hue since their last meeting. "Not better than you... but I did not come for you unfortunately " she said revealing a small infant in her arms.

Narass looked in astonishment as he saw the child raise his hand toward him. "I assure you narass he is yours " she said giving the child to him. Narass looked upon his child seeing it was a boy with skin lighter than his slightly and his family's mark tattooed on to his arms.

"You tattooed a baby... wait more importantly how old is he... no and why didn't you tell me!" Narass said trying to ask the right question but unable to get them in order .

"A week... and was not my doing I wanted him away from you family's ambitions. My father has become obsessed with nardeth fully he looking for a relic I don't know of. He branded our child and intends a odd purpose for him. You speak duty I want you to raise your child away from his machinations. " Mira said explaining her predicament.

" this is a lot to understand what relic, what purpose. I have friends who can help" he said trying to get more out of her.

Mira drew a knife from her belt see a shadow creep in the darkness "betrayer I told you to come alone" she cried inching back. Narass saw a red spot from on her side as she placed her hand to staunch the bleeding.

"Fret not miss feral I seek no harm merely to make sure my cousin didn't do anything uncouth " lia said walking to narass's side inspecting the new child you " he looks like you.. if elfy" she said touching the baby's nose.

"Stay back... " Mira said running back into the shadows. Narass attempted to give chase but realized the baby began to cry.

Xxx

Narass looked in the crib where his son slept. He began to wonder how he would raise his child, he was a perpetually ill man, even if he lived past others expectations. He heard a knock on his door

"The rabbit is still missing. We lost her among a crowd in the slave quarter " fera said looking over the baby. She smiled not because of a the child but how she won her wager a year before. "Kohl for years" she thought.

"Vhenhidis fastavas, what is she running from.." he said as the infant awoke. The child gave him a toothless grin giggling slightly.

"The magistra requires a name for the register it's been a few days " fera said picking the infant up only for him to scream. "Oh come you smell just as bad stinky" she said setting him down and beginning to change him.

" Mathias.. Mathias ragin. It's a humble name for a humble man in his adulthood. Lia will see to that if I die before that." He said picking up his son kissing his nose. "I'm going to the market he will need to see what he will grow to protect. "


XXx

Narass pointed to every thing he could as he walked from the market to the circle and finally the slave quarter. He wanted Mathias to know everything he did despite him being only a few days old. "See that that there that's a auction .people are sold there... well maybe forget that one later haha " narass said realizing his folly. He saw a massing of people huddle together to see the the brewing commonotion.

Narass pushed through the people to see what went on. He covered his son's eyes as he saw Mira on the ground with her throat slit, panic beg a on to set in as he could stop looking away. He heard a sharp whistle come from behind him.

He turned to see who it was, it was adris dropping a knife ushering him to follow

Xxx

"How are you ragin... you look ill. " adris said putting on a uncharacteristic smile. He looked at the infant inside narass's arms, his smile turned into a serious scowl.

"Did you kill her... the mother of your grandchild ... answer me!" Narass said shouting. His rage began to boil to the surface.

"She outlived her usefulness. I intended for her to seduce you and keep the... mutt but her galvanting here was unforeseen. Now if you give me the mutt I'll let you go about your decadance" adris said. His voice was indifferent and calm as if talking about simple mathematics.

"You're not taking my son...." narass said drawing his sword. He saw the red cloth attached to the hilt " Mira I promise to keep out son safe. " he thought to himself. He set mathias inside a crate and dashed faster than he thought intending to spare the world from madness.

[raging_monkey]

Act 225: sins of the father

Spoiler

lia paced about the nursery decorating the room for the new member. She laughed to herself regarding her overly reserved cousin that he had finally had a fortunate slip in his manner.

"Well he lost a relic but at least batzas will have a playmate. " lia said laying down a sheet inside a crib. "Mathias.. such a pretentious but suitable name" she thought laughing. She heard a frenzied knock on the door and fera bathing inside wheezing.

"Uh we got trouble lots of it" fera cried her face covered in sweat. Lia listened to her report, her face dropping in horror.

XXx

Adris yawned as he dodged narass's strikes the golden blade mere inches from his graying hair. He dusted his palms wiping sweat on to his robe. " Come now lad just give the mutt up. I'll say you died of cholera or something " he said scratching the tip of his ear.

Narass wheezed feeling his body fail and his lungs to fill with fluid. " Shut... up... " he said buckling to his knees,stifling a hoarse cough. Adris shook his head in disgust perplexed as to why the man who could barely function and looked as if he danced on death's door cared so much over half breed child that he just met.

"What a disgusting display boy I will only ask once more give me the mutt " adris said pointing to where mathais slept. He smiled slyly glad that the rung was quiet.

Narass rose to his feet adopting a offensive stance. "No" he said as he dashed to adris slashing his chest only to see his blade evaporat in a golden mist. Adris smiled flicking his hand, he watched as narass fell, his blood shining in the sun.

Narass vision blurred and turned red. He spewed blood from his mouth as he crawled to reach his son. "How.. what... happened" he thought to himself wondering how was crawling and dying on the ground.

Adris picked up Mathias from the crate beginning to cry as he held him. "Oh I can tell your going to be a nuisance with this crying hush... what ever your name is..."

"Mat..hias.. " narass said weakly grabbing adris's leg,coughing blood on to his feet. Adris kicked him in his face removing his hand.

"Just lay there bleeding you choose this path.." adris said walking with his prize. Narass watched as his son was taken, he wanted to move but his body felt heavier than stone.

Xxx

Lia and Lucius ran through out the slave quarter looking for narass. Fera had alerted her that Mira had been murdered and that narass was following a man matching adris's description. "Blood and damnation narass where are you" Lucius said.

"I'm more concerned with the child." Lia said noting how it was midday and the infant needing to be fed. They heard shambling and the fall of crates,their faces look on in horror as narass fell to his knees.

Lia ran to him looking at how his coat was cover in blood,she tried to lift him but he groaned as blood poured from his chest. "Adris... has him... he killed Mira... he has.... Mathias.. FIND HIM! PLEASE! " narass said before choking and spitting up is his own blood.

"Shut up narass let's patch you up first then we will get him back. He couldn't have gone far where did he go last" lia said waving her hand ,casting magic to heal his wound. She shook narass to wake him up, Lucius felt his cheek noting he felt like ice.

"Aurelia... he's gone..." Lucius said taking narass from her. Lia knelt down in shock by how her oldest friend died in her arms, telling her to find her younger cousin. She couldn't think, her chest tightened until she let out a primal scream, guilty for not assigning guards to him.

Act 226: son

Spoiler

Monkai looked at Aurelia befuddled by how she told him of his father and past. He had many questions for her each leading to another.

"Zera leave mathias and I for a spell. The two by the door will wake soon." Aurelia said. She waited til after she heard the door close til she began again " I did try to bring you home. But when I sent fera after you, you were already at the circle. She said you we're happy and- "

"YOU KNEW I WAS AT THE CIRCLE! ALL THIS TIME I THOUGHT I HAD NO ONE I WAS IN YOUR GRASP YET YOU LEFT ME THERE", monkai said cutting her off he didn't know how to feel the only thing he could think of was abandonment and how Kara might have lived a better life.

"You were sixteen and I made sure you were watched accordingly. Do you remember arias... she was one of mine I always knew were you where... " Aurelia said standing up and leaving to the door. "I will understand if you wish to rethink our alliance but know that family is important, even to the man you hate with every fiber of your being."

Monkai sat in his chair wondering how his life became even more complicated and how he wished he knew narass "vhenhidis fastavas kaffas " he said placing his hand over his face

[raging_monkey]

Act 227: husband

Spoiler

Zera walked the halls of vallenious manor lost in her thoughts upon recent revelations regarding her lover's family. She had begun to grow weary of the constant revelations finding them contrived or outright ridiculous, despite loving him. She bumped into a wall cursing under her breath for not paying attention.

"Your late sister " cassia said he face emotionless. Zera chuckled at her sister in embarrassment.

"Hello cassia matrimony treating you well?" She asked brushing her hair away from her face.

"Well if you would attend my dinners. Only Tiberius and batzas show. Still you fight against father's wishes " cassia said scolding her sister for acting like the youngest rather than the eldest.

Zera shook her head knowing where the conversation went "I'm here aren't I?. Perhaps we should wrap this up quickly I have a business to run." She said going to the dining hall.

Xxx

Tiberius looked at zera while she picked around her plate. He knew their marriage was one of politics but found her to be alluring with her unconventional dress and hair, learning that the rumors of her being a wild child to be true.

"So zera you disappeared for sometime after that rather embarrassing display. " Tiberius said wiping slivers of food from his face. Batzas stiffled a chuckle at knowing the reason for her absence.

"I am a busy woman apologies if you hurt. " zera said her voice masking her her boredom with sarcasm. She fought off nausea and lighheadedness the entire evening struggling to pay attention.

"So in lighter news I've been growing a lovely breed of crystal grace. Its fully purple oddly but smells like a embrium " batzas said cutting his food, winking at cassia "though it pales in comparison to the flower I married"

Cassia cleared her throat blushing at her husband's light flirting. " batzas enough" she said.

Zera couldn't help but laugh at her sisters flustering. "Its a compliment enjoy it" she said teasingly. She looked at Tiberius expecting similar compliment only getting a awkward chuckle.

Xxx

Zera retched inside the privy spitting the contents of her dinner she heard a knock on the door as she cleaned her mouth.

"Zera we need to talk "Tiberius said his voice passive. Zera groaned believing she didn't need his attempts at wooing her at the moment. She opened the door walking past him and leaned against the wall.

"I am aware you still... consort with that rather brutish man. And I have some concerns " Tiberius said calmly fixing his collar.

"Listen Tiberius our marriage is a shame ,your nothing but a pawn in the magister's games and while I'm mildly open to affairs you can take your concerns and mount them." Zera said rubbing her head feeling a headache come.

"You saw what happened how his skin seethed mana and his eyes of demonic colors. He has to be an abomination no one could survive his wounds " Tiberius said his calm demeanor becoming on of genuine concern.

Zera sighed frustrated at how it was becoming public of her lovers state. "Damn fool always in a mess" she thought to herself. "Look your a decent man but mind your business and play the part of a willing slave. And who I bed is none your concern."

Tiberius stepped to her his face inches away from hers. "When did have any objections to you dallying with him... it? I simply warn you of what he is capable of abominations are dangerous, such beautiful woman shouldn't have to suffer under such flaws of character. " he said stroking her cheek and leaning in for a kiss.

Zera felt nausea fill her stomach and retched herself over the floor, she felt embarrassed by her sudden illness, but Tiberius merely patted her shoulder as she continued to vomit. "Still want that kiss, slave"

[raging_monkey]

Act 228: retainers

Spoiler

hotus stared at monkai gulping loudly. He had been summoned from his daily duties by monkai, he was calm and serene lacking in any viritrolic remarks he had received. "He is going to murder me..." hotus thought to himself hiding his fear behind his perpetual smile.

Monkai looked him over taking notice of how his hair was shaved like coldi's how his posture was full of pride and fear. He let out a sigh "I'll be blunt malfa.. timaesus. "He said correcting himself "I don't like you not in the slightest... well maybe your cooking. Point is I know I've been a ******* to you for no reason. And I shouldn't have tried to kill you few months back, you were doing your job." He added clearing his throat finding it difficult to express his remorse.

"Thank you ser I want you to know that..."hotus said replying before monkai raised his hand.

"I'm not done... and while I find what you did to be personally insulting it's come to my attention that you and coldi have become close and I won't invervene with your relationship. I consider her my sister as I would miriel and cassia, all I ask is you be a better man than I. So... sorry " monkai said waving away a shocked

Coldi stepped from under the desk as he left. "Well that felt sincere if backhanded." She said teasing her master, giving him a sly grin.

"Yeah yeah I'm a paragon. I only wish you let me know sooner...and this explains why your studies are failing " monkai said scratching his his hair. He had grown it out past the nape of his neck out of boredom.

"How could one succeed when near a lovely specimen. Sides I'm more surprised your allowing our affair. "Coldi said curious to why her master developed a change of heart.

"I don't allow anything first of all and second my issues with the... gentleman are not going to affect your relations. Just keep it down your little trysts are when I'm trying to read" monkai dryly stated.

"Oh your one to talk I had to listen to all your study sessions. I can't even sleep right without your -" coldi said ranting not noticing her master's teasing.

"I was joking... seriously ...that's just weird kid... really weird " monkai said shuddering at the idea of his sex life being used as a sleeping aide. "Any way go spend time with your lover I'll talk to caius about it... geezer will find out later.... nosey bastard "

XXx

Coldi stirred a boiling pot putting fixens and herbs into the stew. She had spent the day cooking a large hunk of meat at the behest of zera, who forbade her from using magic to assist in her cooking. She snuck a piece from the pot tasting the the game meat. "Yup that's nug alright... who eats this stuff" she said swallowing "needs more salt "

"So the spy is teaching you cooking... figured mates used magic " Galatea said entering the kitchen and taking a seat in her chair sighing loudly.

"Your back! How was your trip bring me back a present" coldi said ignoring the pot that began to bubble over.

"Check your room later. Its a lovely piece I will say costs a arm. But later, any house gossip while I was away. " Galatea asked rubbing her hand anxious to hear the drama

"Hmm well master found out about hotus and I, he was actually encouraging oddly... think he is planning something. Zera has stick shove so far up her ass she is basically a cliché the south speak of.... oh yeah she got fat and at all this weeks food by herself then painted the floor." Coldi said stirring the pot. She doused the flames with her magic letting the pot cool "then master has this weird idea he can learn swordsmanship."


Galatea rubbed her chin smiling "well the plot thickens... is that my nug! I bought before I left!" She said noticing the smell.

[raging_monkey]

Act 229: foil

Spoiler

monkai stood at the gates aurelia's manor ,clenching his hands. "I need to know more... " he said opening the gate.

He felt himself be lifted from behind and swung back and forth. "Ah cousin you got my letter " batzas said swinging him,ecstatic at seeing him.

"Hey hey corpse hands off blast it!" Monkai said shouting, struggling to break free. He wondered why the man held him in such esteem, regarding barely knowing each other nearly causing him to become a monster out of greed.

"Come on come we have decades to catch up on" batzas said carrying the gaunt man noticing how light he was .

XXx

Batzas thanked the servant who brought them water and fruit. He awkwardly cleared his throat trying to avoid his cousin's gaze. He had dark circles around his eyes giving him a sleepless look. "So I'm guessing you don't sleep often. My mother has some draughts. "

Monkai sniffed the cup of water deciding it was safe after batzas took a sip. "Your letter said you had business. "He said coldly.

"My my such paranoia. Simply a friendly conversation. "Batzas said sighing at the turn of the conversation. "I understand your suspicion of me,my mother, the magister and his flock. And I know what your going through "

"You know nothing. Disclose your business or I'm leaving " monkai said pushing his attempt at friendship away.

Batzas sighed folding his hands. "This is my business. I was married to a shrew of a woman once. I cared about her but she did not for me. I tried to be dutiful etcetera etcetera but only through your intervention when you gave me my legs again and through mothers dealings did realize that love is ultimately selfish. And it hurts you more than anything " he said giving monkai a cold stare losing his jovial demeanor.

"And we are done. Tell cassia to go fellate a dracolisk when you go home." Monkai said grabbing his coat bored of having to suffer another lecture of duty. He had begun to loath the concept finding it a antiquated mortal construct.

" Sit. Down. " batzas said his voice gaining strength, stopping monkai. "First don't insult my wife political or otherwise, I will forget how you helped me and our familial relationship. Second if your so inclined to discuss business instead of getting to know each other we will do so."

Monkai felt the power swirl around batzas like a maelstrom. He sneered at the familiar feeling. "So looks like I wasn't as through as I thought.. abomination "

Batzas chuckled at his cousin's sneer." No you weren't. I won't try to explain it but I am just like you now. Transcended, I said I know exactly how you feel you agonize over not having zera yet your not strong enough. " he said his voice deepening, he gestured for monkai to sit down.

"Let me guess you want a army of you... us." Monkai sarcastically said placing his hand on his sword. Sweat dripped from his brow as he watched for batzas to make the first strike.

"Oh maker no... that's so last season good man I have something better in mind." Batzas said equally sarcastic. " I want us both to transcend the maker himself. To remove the worlds sorrow through our power , you and I will find the tomb and full mothers dream of a better world."

"Then what you live on a vineyard tending grapes " monkai said rubbing his head at his absurd plan.

"Yes... I like tending grapes and wines. Now go pack your things we leave tomorrow I have a ship ready. " batzas said stepping from his chair and walking away.

"You think I'm going with a unstable madman to a forest your truly mad " monkai said.

Batzas sighed at his cousin's stubboness " I admit I was a bit dramatic with my intentions but I do need your aide. I don't want my mother to go... and zera insists you go now... here words were enough dawdling make more money "

Monkai stood in shock as batzas left he didn't know whether to be furious at his cousin's tone or worried that the woman he loved was gone becoming just like the man he hated. "****... always something in this godless city

[raging_monkey]

Act 230: refurbished

Spoiler

monkai forced his way to the harbour excepting to see batzas at his ship. He had walked the streets of minrathous thoughout the night listening to his other half rant.

how could we be so careless I felt that disgusting creature be banished! scorn said chastising her lover repeating her words throughout the night. He dug into his ear as if trying to remove a gnat.

"I know for the uptenith time. If you have any other topics be silent otherwise "monkai murmured to himself as he passed dock workers.

do not speak to me in that fashion ingrate it's your fault you failed to get my property back and now we have to work with a forgery. she shouted causing him to have a headache.

Monkai held his head as he finally reach the pier. He saw the ship that had crippled his own as dashed any attempt at destroying his former master's plans "I was so close " he said staring at the ship.

"Ah cousin you've arrived early excellent we can take sail "batzas said jovially coming from the crowded docks. He noticed monkai lacked any luggage finding it peculiar that he wasn't prepared. " maker no change in clothes tsk tsk I hope you brought soaps at the least"

Monkai shrugged his head annoyed by batzas jolly nature. "Lets get this over with I do have things to do" he said pulling a pipe from his sash.

"Still sore of last night... no matter I have a surprise for you." Batzas said pulling him.

XXx

Batzas cover monkai's eyes as he led him giddy with excitement. "Just to show we are family and payment for saving my life " he said taking his hands from his cousin.

Monkai looked upon the ship batzas showed him. It was the lover's endurance repaired and improved from a basic smuglling ship to one that batzas felt was more important " what in the divine's name did you do to my ship..." monkai said grabbing batzas collar furious of what he did. The sails had be turned black and most of the original ship had been replaced and reinforced with odd runes.

"Well it was damaged and mother said it was slow and poorly made so I took the liberty of making some improvements." Batzas said scratching his cheek. "I mean it was barely holding togethor I almost turned it into kindling "

Monkai released his cousin cursing loudly as he walked up to the brow and on to the ship. He saw dramis and elara inspecting the new ship .

"Greetings milord, welcome to the abomination's reprieve "elara said bowing to her employer. "You will find there are some changes in -"

"Itz a new shup bos ,sweet lips alwats forz da tails ya." Dramis said enjoying the the ship dragging her bare feet over the smooth wood. "Mmm ironbark... lotta knife-ears died for dis "

Elara palmed her face at her lover's use of the slur. "And you just lost sex for a year." She said walking to greet batzas.

"Aw com un you used it forty six times yesterday... that's as high I can count. "Dramis said stomping her feet. Elara dismissed her claim of her vulgarity shushing her.

"Shall we depart then. We have much to discuss " batzas said chuckling at their display, he found the two women to be peculiar at best constantly bickering but made up instantly. He knew that this would be a interesting adventure

[raging_monkey]

Act 231: establishment

Spoiler

galatea sat amongst the various patrons at the wh*re's gambit watching them drink the afternoon away. She held her glass calling over a barmaid. "More livations for the patrons Clara.. and another glass of brandy." She said shaking her glass. She saw darkness over shadow the light from the window letting out a small chuckle.

"Ah samir.. any news?" Galatea said calmly to her associate. Samir looked upon her, staring intently as Galatea told her to sit down.

" I will stand " samir said, her voice lethargic. "The report is ready "

Galatea looked at samir indifferent to her agenda. She took a final drink from her glass clearing her throat as it burned. "Leave it to a qunari to kill a mood... well disclose what you learned " she said bored of the conversation.

Samir took a small ledgar from her coat turning the pages to the most relevant of news. "All cells have been fully reestablished with each group holding twenty members of former slaves and current indentured servants in you name. Operations will be resuming tomorrow with three operations actually being followed." Samir said her voice slightly breaking it's monotonous slur.

"Excellent and what of fury's little cabal and the old man's interference " Galatea said folding her hands.

"The fury's knowledge is completly unaware of the situation and we have the fiends obstetric support so long we turn a profit or at least liberation of each target willing or otherwise. As to the magister's forces unknown but appear to be uninterested for now... but unwise to challenge him in our current state." Samir said putting away the ledger, her brow itched from the constant cloak and dagger situation

Galatea thanked clara as she brought her another glass leering at her as she left. " good I'll be at the first operation personally. Now if you don't mind I will be seeing to that lovely maid. Make sure the deed to this place arrives at my personal residence." She said as music began to play, she left her seat brushing samir as aside and beginning to dance with Clara. As the rhythm sped with Clara giggling, Galatea kissed her having decided to celebrate the reestablishment of her network.

Samir watched as her mistress did what she did taunting her. Galatea pulled her finger gesturing for samir to follow as she took Clara upstairs

[raging_monkey]

232: calling out

Spoiler

zera drank her tea basking in the winter sun waiting for Miriel to arrive for their weekly lunch . She smelled the air noting the first signs of winter. "How does he live like this, should've frozen to death years ago " she said adjusting her coat to keep warm perplexed how monkai wore his sleeveless attire during winter.

Zera heard a shout from the distance turning to see miriel bundled in heavy tunics and cloaks. "Sorry I'm late wedding plans and such." Miriel said panting from the heat.

"You look like you were seven and mother took us to the frostbacks on vacation. You still got sick even after she enchanted you coat to stay warm haha " zera said laughing at her sister as she sat down looking like a bundle of clothes.

"You and cassi called it vacation, she called it alternative training... nearly died "miriel groaned reliving the memory, she begun scanning the table only to see a cup of tea that had gone cold. "And no cookies... marmalade... "

Zera snapped her fingers calling for a large man to come to her side. "Master Gend would you be so kind to procure the baked goods." She asked. Gend bowed polity, ignoring the irony he was now a bodyguard to one he tried to kill.

"Well he's big... one of papa's?" miriel asked cocking her eyebrow at the large man.

"No one of mine. But enough of who works for who, tell me more of your betrothed; publicus right." Zera said stirring her tea

Miriel noted the change in her sister and how she began to act like their mother when she never got her way. "Um yea we are fine.. he dotes on me and uh... you are different since your wedding... " she said changing the subject as gend brought a tray of food.

Zera tapped her fingers rhythmically trying to find the appropriate response. She knew miriel knew of her change "comes with being the eldest and doing family duty. The magister is a busy man"

"I don't mean professionally. You stopped talking to father and cassia we all used to be so close. You said family sticks together no matter what!" Miriel said slamming her hand on to the table.

"Well cassia is busy doing what she does so we rarely have time as to our father he knows where I live, tell him one of his cronies to abduct me or something " zera half jokingly said. She wanted to tell miriel the truth of their father but knew it would fall on deaf ears since she idolized him since she was small.

"Zera... that's not fair. Monkai is great and he's like a older brother but "miriel began pushing her fingers together

"What father says goes yeah I'm aware but perhaps you should do what you want.... "zera said standing whistling for gend to escort her home. "Order what you please, I own this restaurant so it's free." She said walking away

Miriel stormed after her sister tripping in her haste. Zera caught her younger sister as she wrapped around her waist. "Are you alright " zera asked full of concern breaking her facade of indifference

Miriel 's eyes widened in shock as she felt her sister's stomach "papa is going to kill you..." she said giggling.

"Not a word... still haven't told monkai yet, nor coldi " zera rubbing her temple chastising herself for not wearing a thicker coat.

"How far.. " miriel said barely able to keep her composure.

"Three months tomorrow. I'll tell father soon after. Can't kill me yet right" zera said laughing after finally able to tell someone of her condition. It felt as if the tumultuous months before had been worth it

[raging_monkey]

Act 233: excavation

Spoiler

monkai and batzas trekked through the forest pushing aside vines as elara and dramis followed them. " mabari's hairs boz why whyse we gotz go." Dramis said swatting mosquitos away from her ear.

"Because we are short handed at the moment." Monkai said tripping over a tree root. "Besides you let strangers change my ship."

"Oyi it's originally my ship rivaini" dramis cried.

"You sold it and then gambled the money away "elara chided pulling her robe to avoid the mud.

"Enough... we are here " batzas finally added. His face froze in bewilderment at seeing the tomb of nardeth, one of many still untapped in potential. "Beautiful isn't it... lady elara would you be so kind to alert the excavators that it's safe... we have much to learn " he said breathing in the ancient clearing.

XXx

Batzas stood in the antechamber carefully stepping to the stairwell that excavators made. " I feel... serene almost as if I am one with the world" he said as he listened to the alluring sound that hummed in his ear. He made his way to a door that had the carcella heraldry. "My ancestors had a odd fixation wit.h serpanots... maybe some veneration of the old gods." He said as he looked upon a dragon devour it's own tail clenching it heart.

He heard footsteps echo breaking his trance like state. "So this is where you scurried off to " monkai said carrying a torch. He gazed upon the markings on the door "seriously what's with vints and serpants " he said aloud smiling at batzas.

"Well your half tevinter so you have the same predisposition. " batzas said pointing at monkai's tattoos.

"So what has my fearless elder cousin found... or is Bullshit and I can go back home.? " monkai responded dragging the torch over the door.

Batzas looked at the words carved into the door worn away by time "my ancient tevene is poor but it looks like it says blood of my blood unite with blood of my blood and the door shall be revealed ... that is the closet translation I have the rest is dwarven oddly "

"Friend of mine might know more. Girl knows more about creepy elf **** than me... and creepy dwarven **** too." Monkai said placing the torcch on a crevice to give them more light.

"Well let's take a tracing real quick then let's open this door." Batzas said excitedly.

XXx

Monkai watched as the excavators picked over the room batzas found,he noticed most were from the cult he had recruited coming to the conclusion zera had sent them with him. "Damn it z what are you planning. I don't think I know you anymore.." he said leaning against the wall feeling the wall shift sighing heavily.

"Milord ser batzas wishes to speak with you." Elara said reviewing the tracing batzas made, she found it to be riddled with hyperbole and metaphor. She cursed silently as they became more esoteric with each line.

"Thank Lara.. take a break while your down here." Monkai said noticing the dark circles under her eyes.

"I'm fine milord. Best hurry dramis is planning to kill him, she in a mood again. " elara said sighing with frustration.

"Drama in your relationship too" monkai asked putting his hand on her shoulder.

"It is impolite to discuss personal affairs... but yes." She said fixing her hair to hide her milky eye.

"Ever want to talk I'll be here " he said

Xxx

Dramis drew her sword pointing it to batzas. " call me stupid again " she cried seething with rage.

"I didn't call you stupid ma'am I merely said hitting the door wouldn't be wise " batzas calmly said trying to diffuse the situation. He was befuddled by how his mild suggestion created thine altercation. "It not what you say it's how you say it" he thought to himself his mother's words echoing in his mind.

"You did it again I want double the pay! Insult pay" dramis shouted.

"Hey hey. Sword down what in blazes is going on." Monkai said walking into the room "actually I don't care status report!

"Highborn herare called me stupid " dramis continued til elara glared at her.

"Well I found a way to open the door... but how are you at blood magic. Any moral qualm with your southern upbringing " batzas said pulling a knife from his hand.

"I experimented on you didn't I?" Monkai said as batzas cut his palm drawing blood.

"Good cause I need you help. It said unite the blood so both hands on the door should work yes. " batzas squeezing his hand making sure his regenerative abilities were halted .

Monkai bit his thumb tearing the skin allowing blood to rivet from the wound. "I have a bad feeling bout this." He as they placed their bloodied hands on the door watching the marking glow red and dust fell.

blood of my blood the tribute is accepted a voice echoed from the door and revealed a heavy garbed figure

[raging_monkey]

Act 234: curiosity

Spoiler

monkai stared at garbed figure as the light filled the room. He saw the garbed figure sit still surrounded by veins of lyrium and the leyline of the fade circle around him violently as if a moth desparatly trying to escape.

"Blood of my blood... welcome " the garbed figure said waving his hand.

Careful beloved this demon does not feel like anything we have seen before scorn echoed. Her voice was laden with fear.

" I am no demon, creature of desire... merely a guardian tasked with protecting my charges" the figure said calling out to scorn.


"Great you can read minds..." monkai said annoyed by the figure's intrusion. He gripped his sword reading himself for any altercation.

"I am merely a keeper of knowledge. Perhaps you should guard your thoughts better." The figure said.

" ah perhaps we should introduce ourselves; I am batzas carcella and this is mathais ragin. We are heirs to both nardeth and umbra. " batzas said politely bowing.

"And the two women? Their blood reeks of impurity " the figure said raising it's hand toward elara and dramis. Dramis drew her sword stepping front of elara, her hands shook with fear having never fought a creature from the fade and only her the most horrifying of rumors of what the could do.

"Attaches ,the were here as scribes mostly... now you are. "Batzas said directing the figures attention to him.

"I have no name... but you mortals require those things yes... duty... yes that seems sufficient " duty said fixing the garb on his face.

"Well duty I understand you guard my family's inheritance.. so where is it. I see nothing but lyrium and I doubt it's enough in today's currency " monkai said insolently having grown bored with the figure.

Duty looked at his visitors staring at each of them. "Pass my tests and I will tell you... " he said waving his hand. The four fell to their knees and as they struggled against the spirit's magic they began to regret disturbing the spirit

[raging_monkey]

Act 235: self

Spoiler

monkai awoke alone with a cell his body felt heavy, his bones ached and his mind screamed for the incessant sounds of the lyrium to stop.

ah you are awake beloved... sleep well scorn echoed in his ear. Her voice starked with sarcasm but soothing.

"I hate hexs damn the fool who created entropy and it's variance" monkai said rubbing his head wondering why he never built a proper defence against such spells.

He scanned the room he lied in looking for his companions, shaking off nausea from being surrounded by lyrium. He found himself alone only for duty to appear in front of him. "Hello blood of my blood you've awoken." The spirit said extending his hand.

"Where are my companions!" Monkai cried drawing his sword the blade taking a silver hue. Duty cocked his head slightly curious to the question.

"I sent the women to the surface. The prepare to rescue you and the carcella. They will die as they defile this tomb as did others before them." Duty plainly said touching the blade pointed at him. "They will add to the thralls that protect this place" he added as he tightened his grip.

Monkai struggled to move his sword only for the spirit to snapp the blade in half. He felt his very soul shatter as he sensed scorn's pain, her screams terrifying him. Duty walked from him as he withered in pain. He dragged his entropic hand over the door opening it to a cavern. "Through here you will gain what you seek but you must give me your weapon in return" duty said standing by the door.

" and my friends ... what of them. " monkai said coughing blood.

"That depends on you..." duty said fading away


XXx

Monkai trekked through the cavern, the leylines led him down a dark path and finally to a antechamber riddled withgnarled veins of lyrium. "So ideas? Its a dead end " he said expecting a reply from his other half... hoping she still lived.

home we.... need home scorn said weakly, she had begun to lose her sense of self and feeling herself be slowly eaten away by a unknown force

"Just hold on a little longer... just a bit longer "he said staggering to the center of the chamber and falling lifelessly "****... why... tch finally got myself kill..."

"Wow I grew up to be a whiney ****... a with hair that's weird " a boy said squatting before him. He wore a sleeveless brown vest that cover half his small frame.

"Great I must be dying... get lost runt I'd rather not talk to a hallucination." Monkai said to his younger self.

"Well tough **** crybaby.. first off you killed Kara! Second you changed my name. You gotta lotta nerve ******* " mathais said poking his adult half. Monkai groaned at how impetuous he had been in his youth.

"I didn't mean to kill her runt it was a accident. And you... we hated our name anyway.. " monkai said pushing himself up.

Mathias spat in monkai's face furious at his refusal to truly accept his actions. "Thats what you always do avoid your guilt by claiming accidents or unknown catalysts. Did it ever occur to you that maybe every thing wrong in our life was our fault.!"

Monkai swatted the hallucination away telling it to be silent "listen ingrate your no better we have a life that's better! We are free from both the circle and adris " he cried staggering to his feet.

"Was it really so bad my love... we were destined to be together but you chose freedom and that demon over us" Kara said stepping from the shadows. Monkai saw the wound he left on his former lover.

"You tried to kill me! I tried to help us, YOU BETRAYED US!" Monkai shouted "I wanted us to be together but were like the other temps when it counted..."

Kara walked to him taking his hand and putting it in the hole inside her chest "as did I and you wanted me to do it... you we're just as frightened by the war as I was we saw our friends kill each other and become monsters. Do you regret not dying that day." She said woefully.

"Yes I believe he does. Imagine the pain he would have spared my daughter and house had he did. A foolhardy child" caius said standing atop a large vein of lyrium

"Oh **** you geezer I'm protecting her from you! Do you have any idea what your doing to her!" Monkai shouted

The apparition of caius stroked his beard chuckling "do you have any idea what you do to her? Had you come forward and made a case for her I might have agreed but instead you both chose to undermine my ruling and now try to start a war that will get you both killed" the spectre said calmy.

Monkai channeled his mama erupting in blue flames of pure mana, his eyes taking their demonic hue when he used his power "all you know nothing.... JUST SHUT UP!" He cried casting bolts of entropy at his tormentors only for them to pass through their targets.

"Can't kill us ******* we are figments of your guilt." Mathais said chuckling at his older self

Monkai wheezed as he buckled to his knees find he was suffering from lyrium exposure. Channeling mana he turned as he heard foot steps crept behind him stopping his attack only to see elywon.

"They are right this test of is of the self. You have to confront your flaws as a man. You attacked me all because I wanted to be a friend only to see me as a tool at best is that how you treat your friends abomination " elywon said placing her hand his shoulder.

Monkai swatted her hand away backing into the center of the chamber while glyphs circled around him. "All of you stay back or I will!" He cried as the apparitions closed in on him

beloved it's over I'm too tired let's just rest scorn said as her words faded away having finally exhausted herself. Monkai pleaded for his other half to stay with him but received only silence as each of his foes took hold of him.

He screamed in agony as their touch began to burn his skin and remove his tattoos piece by piece, rending his very soul in the process. "Apathy is death... arrogance and indifference to others is death " they all said over and over until he stopped screaming and fell into darkness

XXx

Monkai felt his skin burn as he began to regenerate. "What... do you... want... " he said weakly as his skin healed knowing that the last trace of his old life had been burned away.

Mathais squatted in front of him giving him a sadistic grin "we want you to be stronger but you can old do that by growing.... and this is a eleven year old saying this asshat"

"You had love and loyalty in your heart once but you let your life embitter you" Kara said placing her hand on his chest.

"I tried to teach you to let go of your hate and live but you scorned my hand merely for doing what a master does for his apprentice " caius said kneeling before him.

"I wanted to understand you and help liberate our people but you chose to kill me and steal from me" elywon said taking his his hand into hers.

Monkai felt himself be lifted into the air as each spectre vanished being absorbed into him. "I... don't know how to grow up... " he said fighting back tears.

"Only through compassion can you do that my love" Kara said be fore she too was absorbed. Monkai erupted a pillar of light, it was warm but not bright. He had begun to feel a sense of relief as he floated down.

rest now my beloved rest and awaken to new dawn a voice echoed inside his mind.

"Scorn..." monkai said weakly as he watched the leylines become dark and vanish.

no... I am so sorry I put you through such horrors in my jealousy... I have returned for without compassion you are what you hate most compassion said soothingly as he drifted into slumber

[raging_monkey]

Act 236: alternative

Spoiler

batzas walked the cavern duty had led to. He spent hours studying the odd patterns of the lyrium cavern jokingly wishing he was a dwarf so he may feel the texture of the magical mineral.

"Maker I must hurry I fear this much exposure may be lethal or a the least inconvient " batzas said continuing his pace.

"Ah carcella you have arrived. The ragin passed his test but you choose to waste time. Odd one you are you strive to do your duty but take a passive role in your life " duty said coming from the shadows

"Passivity in uncertainty is often the best choice but you are right I do prefer to watch from a distance. Perhaps you should give me the test now so you may have your answer" batzas said bowing polity.

Duty began to remove the garb from his face revealing a skeletal creature long since rotted. "You are a delusional boy presuming you are transcended merely because you have power... but potential is there. "

"Ah mind reading interesting trick spirit. But perhaps you are right. What is this test" batzas said inspecting his nails bored of dealing with the creature

"The test is humility and perseverance; give up your ill-gotten power and earn it. You are young and clever enough to gain your power back. Or will you be a slave to your delusions and keep your power" duty said extending his hand for batzas to take.

Batzas folded his arms at the spirit's proposal. He knew either way he would come out on top of the deal but he started to remember when he nearly became a monster and how he murdered others merely to feed his inner self.

"You know for all my raving on transcedancy and the matter. I admit I grow bored of this power.... rather I fear it, I suffered the alternative path of my cousin and nearly lost... but during that time I thought upon what I said. Doing what we did stunted our growth as mages, becoming too reliant on outside forces rather inner. Boy oh boy quite the conundrum indeed "

Duty looked at the pondering young man "and your choice boy." He said

"Sure why not like you said I'll transcend everyone and then make the world better for all " batzas said taking duty's hand. He felt his body go numb as the last traces of agony's power left him. He squeezed his hand making sure the spirit hadn't took away his mobility "well that tick- " batzas said before he fell to his knees, as many surged through him.

"You gave the correct answer. I grant the the carcella's gift: resurgence you will learn in time what you gift is now walk... no run to your destiny. I will always be watch you "duty said leaving the boy to cope with his new power

[raging_monkey]

Act 236: will

Spoiler

Dramis barked commands to the cultists as they tried to seal off the tomb planting spiked caltrops at the entrance. She and her lover had fought corpses long rotted sustained by what she described as foul magicks. "N'evr ends." She said hearing the next wave come shambling over and the crunch of bones of their fallen associates

Elara took deep breaths trying to steady herself. The sickenly sweet aroma of blood filled the narrow tomb while the undead devoured their victims " corpses created when a demon of hunger enters the remains of mortals. Resistance to physical trauma and magic relating to ice but suseptiable to fire " she said trying to escape the carnage.

Dramis cocked her eye to her companion finding it annoying how she coped with violence "a'wayz dinking too much " she thought to herself as she readied her sword,she gripped the sword so tight blood came from her hands, "if y'all nuttas wanna live den.. " she said til she heard footsteps that shook the earth beneath them.

Corpses flung as the creature swatted them away from it's path. It let out a primal roar and electricity struck the cultist that bowed to it vaporizing them in the process. "Pride demon... resistant to most magic and known to be healed by lightining based magic... dangerous at worst " elara said standing to her feet. She had read of them but never thought they were real, how could she was a self-taught mage with little experience with her kind.

"Well let's see if steel works! "Dramis said charging toward the demon.

[raging_monkey]

237: resolve

Spoiler

monkai's fingers twitched slightly as he awoke from his slumber. He no longer felt nausea choke him, only sense of relief.

He looked at his hand watching a spider crawl upon it,he set the creature down smiling at how it feared him more than he did it. "I feel odd... but serene. " he sat dusting himself off as he rose to his feet. He saw his tattoos were gone only smooth skin in its place.

"I guess it's time to leave... coming compassion? " he said walking down the path he came before only to stop to see his reflection. His hair was snow white and his eyes were green and orange, "well hope this isn't permanent..." he said brushing his hair.

Xxx

Batzas crawled as he became accustomed to the surge of mana given to him by the spirit known as duty. The pain racked his body at first but had become numb, he rose to his feet forcing himself on to the wall. "I think I should have declined... " he said shuffling to a bright light. He wondered what the spirit said of resurgence, in all his readings it was magic that was made to heal bring those close to death back to health, but the spirit spoke of something different. He came upon monkai holding a flame from his hand fiddling with his hair.

"Not a word... and if you laugh at my appearance..." monkai said noticing his cousin.

"I promise not a word lord cotton "batzas teased stifling his laughter. He looked like a jester in a olaisan play, comically out of fashion.

XXx

Dramis slammed in to the wall nearly toppling a pillar from the force of impact. She coughed blood feeling her ribs crack and press upon her lungs " damit... I'm not dyin yet" she said painstakingly rising to her feet watching the demon regenerate it's arm she had cleaved off .

The pride demon swung it's arms creating whips of electricy and began to batter elara's barrier. She buckled at each blow, slowly feeling her barrier crack "think defense is impractical but offense is viable... perhaps " she thought planning her next move. She slammed her hands to the ground conjuring a pillar of fire engulfing the demon. The creature roared as it broke free from the flames swatting her away into to the air.

Dramis caught her before she fell, shaking her to respond to now avail."sweet-ears! Sweet-ears, wake up wake up... the rents not paid .. and I gambled it again... and you have to finish the book you gave me " she cried forcing herself to articulate her words.

Elara weakly rubbed her cheek "enough of the dramatics... I'm fine... just need to sleep... " she said as her hand fell, dramis screamed for the entire tomb to hear as the demon walked to them, drooling at the idea of feeding off them.

The demon raised it's hand, electricity cackling as it swung at them only for a bolt of entropy to explode in it's face. WHO DARES INTTURUPPT MY FEIST the creature shouted.

Monkai conjured a ball of entropy while batzas dug into his ear. "Get you filthy ****** claws off my crew. " monkai said calmly.

"Now now cousin talking to creatures of pride like that always... skip it" batzas said slamming his hands down chanting archaic words. Mana surged around him as the demon froze in place and began to evaporate in the ether. Monkai looked at him puzzled at what he did. "What the.."

"Old carcella trick... " batzas said placing his finger on his lips telling monkai to hush. They walked to dramis and elara to tend to their wounded compatriots, ready to leave this death trap of a forgotten time

[Serelir]

Man, I have a lot to catch up on...