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[raging_monkey]

Take your time I can take a rest after the next chapter. Work is skiing me I need sleep

[raging_monkey]

Continuity addition written by uccio (personal favorite scene)

Actt 238:

Actions have consequences.

Spoiler

*Magical energy twirled in the room throwing furniture across the room along with all the little items, clothes, cups, paintings. Mucia stood in the center of the storm her hands raised up. "That bastard, that son of a wh*re!", her scream echoed in the room exceeding the rumbling of the storm. "Why did you do that to me?". Her raven black hair was being thrown around in the wortex and her beautiful features were twisted by rage boiling inside her. Then the power died down and all the items fell to the ground with a rumble. She sat on the floor covering her face with her hands. Small sobs could be barely heard as her shoulders twitched in pace with the muffled sobs.

Slowly she stopped, wiping tears from her eyes. "What kind of life will this be?", she whispered to herself looking at her hands in her lap. Silence lingered in the room, then she raised her head steel in her eyes. "I am a daughter of house Florus, I will not let him take me down", her silent vow echoed in the room. Mucia stood up slowly wiping her eyes and adjusting her robes, "I will rule this house one day".

"What in the void has been in your head?", Lucius roared to Caius standing before him in the study. He was barely able to control the rage in his voice. "You left your wife in the night of your wedding to sleep with slave women? I should have you flogged for it, just to see you scream!". He bent forward over the table leaning on his tight fists.

Caius felt such a satisfaction to see his father so enraged, "I did my duty as a husband, as told". "Your duty?", Lucius exhaled, "you have been doing your 'duty' way too much already. Do you have any idea how many bastards I have been forced to deal with so far? Those slave women, it is like you are specifically trying to fill this house with your bastards. It ends now!". Lucius walked around the table stopping right before Caius. Their faces were only an inch apart, eyes locked.

"From now on you will make sure none of the slave women "accidentally" get pregnant. That is a command, do you hear me?", Lucius whispered looking into Caius eyes. "And you will be with your wife, like a good husband. Have your wh*res, but do not have them when you are with her".

Caius struggled, his body started to shake a little and little blood stream started to flow down his nose. "Bastard", barely audible whisper escaped his lips. A cold smile lingered on Lucius lips, "that´s right, you want to fight me my son? I can see it, after all, you are a Vaellanius. Now tell me, how it is?".

A vortex filled Caius head, a another stream of blood started to flow from his nose, "I will make sure none of the slave women become pregnant for me again. I will be a good husband for Mucia, when we are together". The words came out on their own. Lucius looked into his eyes, there was no warmth in them, "now, get out of here".

---

Caius gazed out of the carriage window in his thoughts rolling down the marble streets of Minrathous. This had to be done, there was no point of delaying it anymore. Nazlik looked at him in silence, Caius had been absent lately. She had seen him standing in his study looking at a little black spell book. There was something ominous about that book, Nazlik had gone to see it, but could not touch it. the air was cold around it, as if the book itself was cold, and when she reached for it she pulled her hand away. There was something repulsive in that book, she didn´t want to touch it.

Caius had found himself standing in the study with his fathers spellbook in his hand. That book. The book that contained a specific blood ritual to completely change a personality of the subject. But he didn´t have to read it, each word, each chant, each syllable, was carved into his mind with letters of blood. The moment he awoke with the book in his hand he knew, he was still not free.

The cart stopped, Caius leaned out of the door whispering to Nazlik, "wait here. This is between me and her". "Are you sure?", Nazlik said surprised, "will you go alone?".

"I will, it will be best that way", Caius nodded and left the carriage. The guard at the door stood before it closing the way from Caius. He had seen the elaborate carriage coming, escorted with a dozen of armored riders. Caius walked towards the door ignoring him. "My lord, what I can do for you?", the guard said nervous, he knew who this visitor was.

"You can get out of my way", Caius said gesturing slightly. The guard stared at him with a dazed look then opened the door and stepped aside.

Inside the house a buttler stood waiting and bowed when Caius walked in. "My lord Magister Vaellanius, what what a pleasure is to have you as a guest. I will inform my lady of your coming". Caius stopped before him, "and then there was no turning back". He whispered. The buttler twitched and blinked. Then he gestured towards the main hall, "this way my lord".

A little later Caius stood in the main hall gazing at the decorations when Zera walked in with bodyguards in tow. "So father, you have come. What is it this time?", she said with a cold voice. "I needed to talk to you. There is a matter so important that it cannot wait". "So, am I going to be reprimanded again?", Zera asked dryly. "Something like that", Caius said calmly.
He turned to the bodyguards, "you will leave now. The matter I am going to speak is for my daughters ears only. This is your only warning".

The bodyguards gazed at Caius nervous and then at Zera. "You can go, take a break", she said waving her hand. "It is not like my father is going to attack me, right?", she smiled.

The butler walked in with a tray holding a bottle of wine and two cups. He placed cups for each and poured some wine to them, then left.

"So", Caius exhaled, "there is no point of delaying this". He took a sip fo his wine, then leaned forward towards Zera. "You are pregnant". Zera twitched, "how do you know that?". "Once you open your mouth over something that concerns me, I will know it, sooner or later", Caius said calmly.

"Did Miriel tell you this?", Zera asked silently. "Miriel?", Caius asked surprised, "No. So she knows too?". He shook his head, "is it Tiberius child?".
Zera didn´t answer, she gazed at the cup in her hand and took a sip. "No". Caius nodded, "I figured that, you have not been with your husband as I told you. You know what follows now?".
"What?", Zera raised her gaze, there was a angry yet scared under tone in that question. Caius looked into her eyes and cold words dropped from his lips.

"I will disown you, I will banish you from the family. You will never become a Magister. You will be stripped of your Altus status. I have already papers ready to be delivered to the Archon and the True Divine stating that you are not my daughter, but a result of illegitimate affair of my wife with a male slave. I will wipe you off the family record. You will be a soporati". He leaned back, "and I will destroy your little business. I will make sure you will not have anything in the Imperium".

Zera stared at him with wide eyes. "That is, unless you provide a child with your husband. Not some bastard you think I would let into the family. That is never going to happen". Caius grind his teeth, "I´d rather...". Then he took a deep breath. "So, the decision is yours".

"Do I really have a choice?", Zera asked silently

He stoop up. "There is always a choice". Silence lingered for a moment. "Unless you are with your husband tomorrow I will do what I said. You know where I will be". Caius gazed Zera in silence for a while, then turned and walked away.

Zera stared after him when Caius walked out, she took another sip of the wine. Would he really go throug with it? The butler walked into the room, "lord Magister Vaellanius has left. Shall I take the bottle and cups now?".

Zera nodded in her thoughts. She stoop up and left for her study. Just as she had stepped over the treshold she felt a tearing pain in her abdomen. She fell on the floor with a scream.

Caius stared at the streets of Minrathous rolling by from the carriage window. It was either that or the ritual, I chose that. Over her life. Now she can´t have children unless I provide her with that specific ingredient. There was no remorse.*

[raging_monkey]

Act 239: wrong

Spoiler

hotus leaned against the wall pondering upon his future. Caius had not recognized him merely dismissing as someone without merit. "Tis a busy man. Could be a minor mistake" he said rubbing his hair feeling shaved ends tickle his hand. He heard a loud scream come from the study.

Xxx
Zera held her stomach as she bled from her womanhood. "No no no... he wouldn't... he could have... I'm just having a dream..." she said panicking at her condition, she channeled mana to stem the bleeding and save her unborn child, only to feel emptyness.

Hotus barged into the room horrified by the blood that zera sat in "zera what's happened "he asked calmly trying to place his hand on her shoulder. She swatted it away shouting at him to leave as she begun to weep. Hotus brushed her hair as he lifted her up "master ragin will be back tomorrow, just allow the house to do the work Milady " hotus said carrying her to the bedroom to rest.

XXx

Zera laid in her bed silently weeping able to her the gossip coldi and hotus said. She began to realize no matter what her father did for her it always came at a cost, that she was a doll to played with then discarded. "Disown me.. take away my life and then threaten me... " she said stepping from the bed to the window. "He can have it all back. I am my mother's child... a Florus. He took my child and now I'll take his.." she said referring to herself stretching her hand to the moons.

Xxx

Hotus stood at the harbour seeing his master's ship make port, he stroked his chin unable to describe the news of zera's condition. He saw the brow fall landing on the ground splashing water back to the sea. "Master ragin " he shouted cuping his hands.

Monkai groaned at the sound of his voice as he helped elara down as she winced in pain "good to see you hotus "he said sarcastically but sensed something was wrong in his demeanor. "Where's zera... "he asked only for hotus to whistle for his carriage.

XXx

"Damnation what did that man do!" He said jumping from the carriage as they pulled up to his estate. He ran past coldi as she said good afternoon, ignoring her chipper attitude.

Zera sat in the study filing out papers for her business. Her trance like state broken by the harsh opening of the door. "Your late... what's with your hair and eyes !" she said putting her quil away.

" long story. Hotus said caius came by did he do anything " monkai asked hastily out of breath. He could feel something was off with his lover, a sense of sadness and grief.

Zera took a breath deeply as she rubbed her eyes fighting back tears. "Don't cry no more crying." She thought to herself " he has once again renege on his deal and has truly decided that any interaction between us will be met with my immediate disownment and financial destruction." She said slamming her fist into the table breaking it in half.

Monkai sensed that none of what said was the root of her emotions. He didn't know whether it was their love that allowed him to gauge her emotions or by the fact of change in his partner's focus " but he has used that threat for months why does that make it different... I mean even if he disowns you we have enough finances to live off of for the next two years. "

Zera walked over to him taking him into her arms, holding him tightly. "Remember when I was ill and fetched almost hourly " she said

"Yeah and I also remember you eating everything... what about it?" He said confused by the question only able respond in humor

"Well we have... had a miracle i was pregnant with our child despite our trials and madness. Until he came by he took our child before he was even born... had the tyrant waited six months i would have given him his heir and tried to be what he wanted" zera said biting his coat to fight off the tears that began to flow

Monkai's heart sank he found what was causing her such pain the one thing she wanted was gone in a instant and he was dumbfounded to help her. "We... I'm sorry zera ... I shouldn't have left...I should have..."

"Don't you dare call he that.. my name is murica..." zera called herself the name of what she wanted to call their child

[raging_monkey]

Act 240: disavowed

Spoiler

zera watched monkai sleep brushing his white hair,from his face. "What did that expedition do to you... there's no way we can hide what you are you " she said woefully seeing that everything she held dear was being taken away. She refused the meeting between her and her father unable to stand being near him after the action he too against her, shaking her very core.

XXx

Monkai sat beneath a lush tree watching the gnarled branches and rotted foliage become alive again. He had forgotten what his sleeping mind was like before scorn had warped it to suit their mental state. "It looks beautiful compassion... I had completly forgotten it" he said picking up a flower that bloomed noting the sweet fragrance.

Is it my beloved? I have much to heal. How do you fair compassion said sitting beside her other half resting her head on his shoulders.

Monkai looked at her seeing her appearance matched scorns but calmer and more serene. Her black tattered dress was regal and white full frills and embroidery, her nails where short and immaculate rather sharp and long. He wondered did all spirits take such forms depending on their mental states or was it mortal interference that they took less monstrous or odd forms.

"I feel remorse for our child... I feel Z's heart ache with pain with the loss but more so of her decision to abandon her house and home all for me while I galavant on adventure and seek to find my place in the world. I want to help but.." he said calmly staring at the black city fade realizing he was waking soon.

Compassion gently took his face into her hand as if a mother would a child there will be times you can't help all you can do is be their for her. We will begin training again soon if you wish to help then take your life into your own hands and try she said kissing his forehead

XXx

Monkai awoke shielding his eyes from the morning sun, feeling rested rather than exhausted. He saw the journal he had stolen from elywon, smiling at the idea he had to return it and make amends. He heard zera getting dressed listening to the sound of her buckling her belt and lacing her boots.

"So how do I look?" She asked. She was dressed in clothes fitting of what she believed soparati wore, hideous schemes of brown and green. Monkai began to kicking and laugh harder than he ever did. "Hey it's what they are wearing! Its not funny! " she cried embarrassed.

Monkai wiped tears from his eyes "yeah maybe if orlais conquers us and brings their enlightened fashion tastes " he teased getting out the bed and walking to her

Zera pouted at him for mocking her clothes knowing he was right in that she looked silly. "Least my hair isn'to white and eyes are normal " she said mocking his current appearance

"Believe me I'm not thrilled I look like adris " monkai said sighing at any resemblance to the old man. He realized that most of his issues with authority stemmed from him as he laughed at the realization.

Zera placed her head on his chest "so your living with a soparati with no business, money or even living family .... are you okay with that?" She said knowing the answer.

"I'm a half mad abomination, man child. Only recently getting over my issues... of course " the responded leaning in to kiss her only for the door to open.

"GOOD MORNING LOVEBIRDS! I HAVE NEWS! Galatea shouted barging into their room giddy and half drunk .

Zera pushed her lover aside hiding behind the wall hoping Galatea didn't see her attire "report"

"Well first off your disowned and have to actually work for a living, then your old man is on one again. I mean really he's such a child at times " Galatea said laughing jumping onto the bed getting dirt on to the sheets

"So my business really is tarnished... " zera said taking off her attire and slipping into her normal clothes.

"Oh yeah completely done all ships except for the one fury has are scuttled and the office is torched as well all assets by one zera vallinious are to be seized." Galatea said nonchalantly

Zera sighed heavily "he really did it... " she thought to herself. "What of the other businesses not in my name."she asked.

"The only one that survived the culling was the cult connections and the deals with the carcellas. He missed those ones" Galatea said finally giving her the good news.

"Well at least we have the other manors right? That slaver gave us right " monkai asked rubbing his hair.

"Only one though and it's near the magister's." Galatea responded jumping from the bed and to the door gently closing it.

"Damn it... five months of all that work gone... I've made my choice... he made his " zera said putting on her boots "get dressed we have training to do... "

[raging_monkey]

Act: 241 hawks of minrathous

Spoiler

monkai walked the training ground of Domus carcella ,searching for Lucius. He knew he was late chastising himself for his tardiness. "Hey Lucius I'm here" he shouted hoping to stir his mentor from hiding.

The air broke in sharp hiss' as monkai saw daggers being thrown at him. He guarded his face and chest as he ercted a barrier in his defense only for the daggers to impale his arms and legs causing him to fall on his back.

"****... how did though get through! " he thought as he pulled the knives from his legs and arms. His face dropped as his wounds healed instantly, faster than before. "Okay ... creepy never healed that fast "he said squeezing his hand feeling the tendons strengthen.

A hooded figure dropped from the ledge, the sleeve of his coat flowing in the gust of wind that blew. "My my wish I had that trick " darkon said removing his hood. He looked to the corner on the balcony nodding to the figure squatting above them.

"Where is Lucius " monkai said conjuring mama between his fingers. He felt off with his power, it felt less aggressive and more passive,he pushed the idea aside believing it was nothing.

Darkon moved faster than monkai could see grabbing his face and sent him flying into a pillar. He felt his bones splinter and reform as he rose to his feet. "Okay again even shouldn't be able to heal that I felt everything break..." he said coughing traces of bone from his mouth.

"Pay attention the battle has just begun " darkon said casting lightning at his friend. Monkai erected another barrier absorbing the blast retaliating with bolts of entropy, only for Darkon to evade in blurs each bolt missing his face slightly.

Monkai reached for his sword only to groan at it not being at his side "blood and damnation " he whispered remembering the spirit took it for whatever reason it had. He had lost his staff to the sea when caius derailed his plans and now he lost the only memento he had of his father. He saw a figure glide down and kick him in the face with both feet and then leap off as he slammed into the ground.

"Mind if I step in? Kon " caradoc said landing on the tips of his toes,his coat flowing in the air.


Darkon smiled at him "so the little hawk wants to play?" He said walking to a chest opening it.

"Yeah the mistress is out and fera is no fun... unless it off-duty " caradoc said whimsically as he waited for darkon to finish. "And you haven't called me that in years"

"Figured we would change things up for the ingrate "darkon said carrying a sword tossing it to monkai as he stood up rubbing his face.

"I swear if you kick me again wiseass! "Monkai shouted channeling his mana ,he felt his power dimishish as he did.

Darkon sighed in disappointment ,feeling nothing of the power he saw from two years before. "The qunari lover taught you too well...." he said remorsefully. "Monkai pick up that sword... "

Monkai scoffed at his command and unsheathed the sword hearing a melody play in his ear. He saw the blade was made primaryly of lyrium and stormheart giving it a odd colour but light enough to be wielded one handed. "I take it this cost'd a fortune?" He said flushing the weapon.

"The magistra is mining the tomb you and batzas excavated. Quite the hoard of lyrium you kids found priceless indeed " caradoc said dashing to monkai

XXx

Monkai blocked caradoc's strikes, noticing his daggers had odd curve to the hilt, assuming it made it easier to fit in the palm to compensate for the large blades. Monkai pushed him off as they locked blades.

Caradoc flipped backwards smirking at his foe "well I've fought mages for a long time, including imperial knights out of fun but this gets the blood boiling yea" he said flipping his daggers to a proper grip rather a reverse style.

"I see why your called a hawk... guess elven Stereotypes are true "monkai teased dashing to caradoc. Caradoc blocked monkai's blade shattering his dagger in the process.

"Auri is going to kill me!" He thought to himself, stepping back and throwing his coat in monkai's face blinding him.

Monkai pulled the coat from his face looking for the elven rogue. "Yoohoo!" Caradoc said throwing knives, coated in magebane. Monkai blocked the volley of blades guessing their trajectory and closed in to caradoc bringing the blade to his throat.

"Yield "monkai said smiling at his victory, only to see a red glow appear on his chest.

"No you yeild ragin "darkon said lighting a pipe from his sash "look familiar? Guess that ugin fellow left one last gift" he said pointing to the glyh. Monkai sheathed his blade knowing that not even with his increased regenerative abilities he wouldn't survive the spell.

Lucius entered the grounds clapping slowly. "So the hawks just as effective as ever.. if lazy. I asked you to go al out"

"Aww but it's Tuesday and my day off" caradoc said picking up his broken dagger sighing knowing he would be scolded like a child

"Uh my arm hurts " darkon added flapping the empty sleeve on his coat. Lucius groaned as they laughed, telling them to leave as they laughed.

"So what this was a test..."monkai asked

" Yes...I heard how your... spirit .. demon what have you has been tamed as it shows in your eyes and hair, but your weaker I can feel it. " Lucius said looking over his younger cousin " but perhaps we should take advantage of that"

Monkai knelt before Lucius "I know for years I've relied on raw power... but all I could do was defend myself "

Lucius knelt beside him staring into his eyes "don't ever kneel to me boy... it's insulting. And you pride yourself a medium and entropic specialist? Incorporate all your skills. Take advantage of your condition wholeheartedly master barriers, healing magics, and maybe even Demonology, something, anything."

Monkai stared into the ground taking a deep breath. Knowing he felt different from before, realizing his anger gave him his strength but he wasn't angry anymore and would have to read adapt to his new power

XXx

Zeta sat in a circle inscribed with arcane sigils and waited for her master to begin the ritual she spent hours preparing.

"So your sure this is what you want... there's no going back. Your mind is the most dangerous place for a mage. If I even think you will fail. I'll brand you " fera said cracking her finger with her thumb

Zera took a deep breath she read her master's book wanting to protect her mind having grown paranoid that her father would make her do his bidding "This has to be done.. he murdered my child.. what's stopping him from killing me... right?" She thought to herself rationalizing her decision

"I need a answer lady vallenious " fera said cracking her middle finger making a audible pop.

"My name is murica florus.. don't you ever call me that! " zera said intent on her new name "just do it!"

Fera gave her a sadistic grin cracking her ring finger "As you say lady florus" she said impaling her hand with her nails letting rivets of blood fall upon the circle. "Good luck little one."

[raging_monkey]

Act 242: deceived

Spoiler

zera awoke from the ritual annoyed that it was just a dream conjured by fera. " you lied to me! " zera cried charging into fera's face gagging on her stench .

Fera took her pipe cleaning the soot from it "did you honestly think I'd do that? I'm orlaisan not the maker. " she said sitting down in the chair that stayed by the table.

Zera pace back and forth frustrated at her master slapping her pipe from her lips "you don't understand I needed this! Why did you say you would help if you weren't "

Fera sighed at her broken pipe wishing she had a spare. "Because the magistra forbade it and you girl have a bad habit of taking extremities. What if you had made yourself a drooling simpleton, what then?. " fera said her tone cold and uncaring

"The magistra has NO AUTHORITY, what I do with my life! Not you, the maker, and certainly not my father." Zera shouted pushing her mentor. Fera took her abuse as she shouted letting her hit her over and over.

"Are you done we have real work to do... actually go for a walk... a long one til you cool off... maybe go shopping " fera said leaving the chamber letting zera stew in her anger

[raging_monkey]

243: debt

Spoiler

Hotus staggered to the ragin manner placing his hand on the door. "I really messed up... " he said holding his arm and entering the manor.

Xxx

Coldi meditated in the study trying to understand the leyline that encircled the house. It was blue signaling it was stable but it felt off compared to her normal routine.

"Blast nothing makes sense. Its stable but... " she said waving her hand summoning her pets. They bounced around at being in the tangible world of mortals. "What do you guys think? Call it a day and go shopping "

She heard a loud crash coming from downstairs, she ran to see who it was. She found hotus slumped onto the floor taking shallow breathes. "Timaesus! " she said rushing to him.

"Coldi... hey... sorry I'm late..." he said weakly, pushing himself against the wall for support.

"Where have you been you've been gone for hours, your covered in cuts!" Coldi asked placing her hands on the wounds and channeling her magic. The healing arts were her worst subject even with zera's teachings she was at best a novice."mend the bone,stitch the flesh "

Hotus winced as his wounds became worse, he smiled at her attempt to help kissing her cheek

Xxx

Hotus laid in his bed letting the moons shine upon him he reached for the tray of food long gone cold. "I wouldn't eat that if I were you.. coldi made it" zera said entering his room.

Hotus groaned at realization, in truth he wasn't hungry "if I don't eat it... she will start to suspect something. She's a smart woman... perhaps "

Zera sighed at his polite nature, she sat on the desk and looked over the bandages he had applied himself. "Mutilated, broken, and enslaved by merely a whim... and still your loyal..."

Hotus chuckled at the statement "I'm indebted to him he saved my mother.. I have a debt to pay. " he said remorseful

" and if he kills you what of your mother, coldi, and cassia. There's a difference between stupidity and loyalty. " zera said standing from the desk and going to the door.

"Wait. You should know he plans to.." hotus said struggling to move.

"If it's about the allegations that kai's is abomination ...it's irrelevant, I'll get a arbiter... with what little money I have...." zera said wiping her face.

"I'll help... if you need me... " hotus said.

"Why the sudden change of heart.. I thought your loyalty was to the magister. "

Hotus did give a response, he had none, every instinct in his mind was telling him run and report to his master to get back in his graces.... " maybe I value our friendship... maybe I've lost a lot of blood... I'm a mage of mediocre skill at best... but being with this house... I feel more at home" hotus said chastising himself for his decision.

"Thank you timaesus... know I can't pay you like before but I will be a fine ally. " zera said bowing before him grateful

[Uccio]

Actually, the blood magic ritual Caius did made Hotus his most faithful servant, he would now die for Caius. And there are no traces of the spell, it is self absorbing and only affect the mind. Like a super version of the blood charm. Sorry I didn't specify the effect. Caius has used it before and I thought you knew it.

[Uccio]

And he can't speak about it because his mind has been "washed".

[raging_monkey]

Oh my God that was literally the next chapter *steadies heartbeat * did you read my drawer of plot lines! Totally in sync . I had a whole scene ready after work.

I'm so pumped no joke

[raging_monkey]

Act 234 : court

Spoiler

monkai awoke with the sun blaring upon him. He felt the world around him become different, as he rose from the sheets. "Get dress we have today is the day" zera said getting her dress on and applying her make-up

Monkai groaned at his date with the magisterium. He dealt with them during his days as the first enchanter each time a false allegation or some beaucratic assembly. But now his former master was waging a vindictive war. "Yeah yeah let me get my robe" monkai said heading to the bath.

"Where that outfit Aurelia bought you! " zera said telling him to dress proper rather than his normally ragged attire

Xxx

Monkai watched as zera paced back and forth, worried how far her father's reach went with the magisterium and if they would believe his allegations that her lover was a abomination. "Just had to write about abominations" she thought to herself hearing the door the to the courtroom open.

"Well z good and bad which first" darkon said kicking monkai awake who began to node off "wake up beautiful "

"Bad first and my name is murrica " zera correcting him.

"Bad new; the court refuses to recognize the slanderous use of the magister vallenious's late wife. So your stuck with your first name best you have is ragin... add to the fire I have to recuse myself from your defence ." Darkon explained chuckling awkwardly.

"Darkon... tell me you didn't... " monkai said palming his face knowing why his arbiter would recuse himself.

"I might have beded two the presiding judges... and led them on to varying degrees. " darkon chuckled until zera began to strangle him

"One job kon! One job can't keep it in your trousers can you, you'd **** a goat if you could " zera said slapping him until monkai pulled her off him

" maker I remember you liked rough but we are in public" darkon said massaging his throat "Have no fear my friends I have a few tricks yet." He added smiling at his mistress with caradoc and fera walking to them.

Aurelia looked upon monkai wearing the outfit she had commissioned. His coat only had one sleeve and was a dark brown reaching to his knees, she noted the finger less gloves he added thinking they gave him a exotic look. "Can't saw I approve of the gloves but I'm sure your father would like it" she said fixing his collar


"What are you doing here... you know being seen in public will- " monkai said until Aurelia raised her hand stopping his sentence.

"I wasn't there to save your father... and I wasn't there to make sure you were raised properly but I will be damned if I lose the last of your father to some fereldan game of ******. " Aurelia said lead them into the chamber and tossing monkai a piece of string "tie your hair mathias ...your a ragin act like one. "

XXx

Monkai looked at the judges that spoke his charges at him, feeling annoyed at each fallacious charge. On the left was tenvrae who looked like he got fatter since their last meeting. Monkai could hear the clanging of gold in his pockets knowing that caius had bought him off.

The one on the right was a woman who insured her face with her hood who sat quietly listening to the one in the center speak. The judge in the center was a large man by the name of girass. "Do you understand the charges before you?" Girass said

"Property damage we can believe but these cries over abominationhood... my the magisterium is awfully bored." Aurelia said raising her brow.

"Look at the boy's hair it was black two years ago! I believe magister vallenious 's claim." Tenvrae shouted food flopping from his beard.

Girass looked at him to to be silent and stared at aurelia. "The tribunal recognizes magister carcella. But yes magister vallenious is a esteemed member of this senate and he claims his one time apprentice is a avowed abomination. "

"Uh just gotta say this real quick... can I use the privy I gotta take a massive **** been holding it for like a hour " monkai said to the disgust of of the attendants

"Well aside from your vulgarity... I'm yet to be convinced " the hooded woman said folding her hands staring at monkai curious noting his oddly coloured eyes "like jewels" she whispered to herself

Girass sighed at those before him " I have yet to hear the boy's answer to the charge... care to explain your appearance "

Monkai rubbed his stubble wishing he had shaved more. " well first I wanna say I'm no abomination. I write theories on them sure but it's all theory. Secondly the hair eyes... bit more complicated, eyes acute mana surge, common in my family and the hair... lyrium exposure during a trip " he said flaunting his new features

Tenvrae 's face turned red by his matter a fact attitude. " you lie! Rivani I've never heard of mana surge more treasonous swill. "

Aurelia shot him a glance staring him down. Tenvrae held his chest feeling it tighten " enough i grow weary of this charade. " she said pulling papers from her satchel. "I have legitimate documents saying the this boy is of my bloodline. If you seek to harass my family any more I will take this to the archon " Aurelia said walking to the gallery showing her family's records.

The judges spoke among themselves in hushed whispers. Monkai pulled Aurelia aside. "Have gone insane! If the bastard finds out your screwed, we our screwed." He said his voice slightly panicking

Aurelia gestured to fera as she cracked her her finger. "Don't fret my boy... this is all according to plan caius doesn't have the pull to affect my interests even if our children are married.. think about it..." Aurelia said as she began to leave. " fera you know what to do. And up top to... the left "

Fera cracked her fingers with her thumb and took sharp breaths and as the judges returned to the discussion at hand their mind became hazy. The figure Aurelia pointed out fell from the rafter convulsing as he imagined being eaten by serpants. "Only one... how arrogant..." she said cracking her fingers again hearing a second thud "or two much more his style. "

Xxx

Monkai sat in his study silently cursing in his mind at how his blood line had just been revealed and how fera did whatever she did hoping she didn't kill them he had enough enemies. "What did she mean..." he said remembering Aurelia's words. He heard the door open.

"How was court master ragin.. " hotus said carrying a tray of food, smiling. Monkai took the tray setting it aside while he sat back down.

"Your still here? Figured you would leave.. once the war began." Monkai said giving him a suspicious stare. Something was off about his retainer, he imagined for not taking the bait of his barb.

"No I have a duty to zera and besides i have my place." Hotus said bowing politly.

"So your not staying for coldi? " monkai asked.

lie to him a whisper came in hotus's ear "yes of course for Louis.

[raging_monkey]

Act 235: enough!

Spoiler

monkai watched coldi practice her magic, finally able to sustain her barriers and conjure fire. "There we go told you could do it!" He said clapping his hands in approval.

Coldi panted as she wiped her brow, "easier than your mum " she joked as she fixed her vest noticing the mustard stain on it leaving it be for a later snack. Their sense of levity was broken by zera entering the study slamming the door behind her.

"Vhenhidis that man has so many issues!" Zera said softly taking a glass of rum and downing the bottle.

"What happened now? Your turn for a bronto trial " monkai joked halfheartly

Zera held her finger telling him to wait while she finished the bottle letting out a loud belch when she she finished. "It's ****** hilarious. He kills every relationship I've had since darkon, then when I finally do as he says he kills that one too! Then tops all off he disowns me takes MY legitimate businesses and kills our child then harasses me to return to him just to play house!" She ranted searching for a another bottle.

Monkai rubed his head listening to her vent knowing exactly how she felt "He has a funny way of showing his love right? Seriously out of all his clout he acts like a child. "

"Yeah think so I mean it would hilarious if he found a heir better suited. I never wanted to be a magister only a simple mage that worked for the poor, but no daughter of mine will debase her talents . I'm not going back ever maybe he can have some runts with elywon, he is quite enamored with her! " zera continued having given up the search for her alcohol "why is there never any booze when I need it " she cried flipping the table hearing a knock on the door.

"Master ragin, template have come to the door seems urgent " hotus said entering. Monkai stared at him finding that every time he talked with his lover or anyone he was there conviently listening. "He's back to spying on us..." he suspiciously thought never believing that he changed sides despite what zera told. He tried to feel anything within his mind that gave away any guilt but felt only indifference.

Zera shouted and cursed annoyed by how her father had reneged "so two days for him is actually a day well that's fair. And he wonders why I don't talk to him or go back"

"I doubt he would be that overt it's probably just act. I'll be back shortly. " monkai groaned having had enough interruptions in his life. "Deal with the templars, then get rid of hotus " he thought to himself knowing it was going to be a long night

XXx

Monkai entered the grand catherdel, gazing upon the remnants of ancient tevinter's veneration of dragons and their ilk. He had been escorted by the templars to where the divine was. He knew the divine was a pragmatic man that often left the day to day affairs of the minrathous's circle to his steward, which at one time was his duty until caius took that from him. In truth he only wanted the position for a sense of autonomy but realized it was a beaucratic position that left him constantly bored.

He entered the auditorium templars circled the room as he entered, he could her faint melodies come from some of them as they assumed defensive stances. "So magic is out. Didn't think he would allow those here" he thought chuckling , adjusting his belt that held his sword. As he walked to the center.

"Most honoured to grace the presence of one so close to the maker. " monkai said bowing trying to be as genuine as possible.

"Spare me the pleasantries boy. It has come to my attention that you are abomination! " the divine said curtly having little patience for malificar. "Its said you erupt with mana seething from your body your eyes change to demonic colours "

Monkai hid his annoyance of the same charge being called again. "Well back to this old trick. I am no abomination just a theorist that wrote a fine book that most buy out of curiosity. Didn't you buy one too?" He said nonchalantly wishing this affair to be over.

The divine looked over monkai seeing how his eyes looked like topaz and emerald. "Care to explain boy. Know if I find your lying... "

"I will be put to death and my entrails eaten by carrion " monkai said sighing at the realization he was in deep trouble. "As to the fiery mana deal and eyes's mana surge due being a potent medium, chapter eight of the book just for reference. Causing temporary physical mutations due to ingestion of lyrium or drawing upon leylines. And I know your gonna ask about the hair... lyrium exposure in it's raw form, shouldn't be alive t but lucky "


The divine tapped his fingers rhythmically having had his answer been answered. "Well you honest... if insolent" he said.

Monkai rubbed his cheek lightly laughing " I get that a lot. Youthful abandon"

"Stand still boy... move even a hair and I'll have you skewered " the divine said standing up. He outstretched his hands and began to chant archaic words as he focused his will creating a large glyph from under monkai as it began close in trapping him.

Monkai felt his skin tingle and vibrate, feeling a sense of peace as the glyph glowed brighter and the divine said more words. He saw his skin crack and burn beloved... should I echoed in his mind asking for permission to heal their wounds. Monkai chuckled at how she asked to heal themselves showing tact and discretion "no, this is how it has to be just take the damage"he thought to himself as he convulsed in pain, letting out loud screams. The templars began to close in to him raising their shields in case of any response.

The divine lowered his hands and voice as he watched monkai smolder, coughing due to screaming til his lungs bled. "Is that all you have your grace... in chapter thirty... I mentioned a particu- " monkai said collapsing from his wounds. He had forgotten what true pain was he had always healed and deadened the pain but this was unbearable for him to tolerate.

"Take his back where you found him... I appal my time being wasted..." the divine said leaving.

"Your grace will this be the end of my summons..." monkai said weakly coughing up blood on a Templar, he looked at the man to apologize, noting the man was orlaisan as he cursed. "Guess even templars hated choosing sides " he thought to himself.

"For now yes I have yet to see any truth from the ritual. But know if you are a abomination and just been hiding well I will personally have your entire blood line purged." The divine said his voice plunging into monkai's heart

[Uccio]

Nice dodge .

[raging_monkey]

Really feels I like I could have done better like was missing something. I was going for a scenario where the divine panicked. Caius knows if he was there he definitely would forced the demon from him but scorn has reverted to her original nature so while he can pass again for a normal mage it coated him that raw power and now he's forced to relief on his sword and healing since he's been stunted

[raging_monkey]

Act 236: intermediary

Spoiler

Aurelia awaited for caius to arrive at the café she had chosen, a neutral area that neither owned due to the smell of orlaisan merchants. She was mildly incensed by his threat of destruction over affairs that did not concern him . She hated drama finding they were both too old for nonsense. She pulled a small book from her satchel deciding to read staving off her anger.


"Ah magistra carcella I received your message for... how did you say parley? " caius said approaching her table. He was dress in his finest robes in case she had gotten any ideas assignation, knowing she lacked the gall to attempt it in broad daylight.

"Ah yes magister vallenious pleasure to see you as always. Has it already been six months my my " Aurelia said noticing the sliver of gray at his temples, she laughed silently finally seeing him again if only slightly.

"Truly it has and you look stunning as ever" caius said chastly kissing both her cheeks. He called for wine to be brought to them making the smell of cheese was to gone. " to business then? I have grieveiances to address "

Aurelia folded her hands deliberately waiting til the wine was brought. " as do I my old friend " she said smiling "first dismiss your spies we agreed to meet alone...and yet you bring them. "

Caius saw a figure training their arrow at him from a building, his cheek twiched slightly " same could said of you... I see you've taken a new archer in your ranks. "

Aurelia laughed as she looked at her associate "poor little susa decent shot but terrible hider, must be due to the her stillborn. " she said giving a small gesture for her to leave as did caius for his attache.

"I know you protect the boy and I know you know he is a abomination, a dangerous one at that." Caius said his voice cold as ice.

"My you believe such rumors? Tsk tsk I thought better of you. " Aurelia replied smelling her wine, she noticed it had gone sour "should chosen a better location she thought.

"Don't play coy. He has become a thorns in my side for years, this your last warning do not interfere. " caius said saiding up and leaving until Aurelia called to him.

"I don't appreciate being told who I deal with regarding family affairs. The boy is of my house both in blood and conviction. I am merely taking him back without filing a grievance for you stealing him from me. I understand... the troubles you have with your daughter but unilaterally destroying her and by extension my cousin will unfortunately cause us to have a spat. One I refuse to engage in. "

"Then why disrupt my plans. You take a large risk " caius said staring her down. She merely glared at him.

"I have my reasons and the girl comes with him. I understand it she's a bastard from a affair from your late wife... looks like the father. " Aurelia said hoping he would agree. "Runs roughshod over my family and others... not anymore " she thought to herself.

"I will not allow it zera, will learn to obey. Even if I must take everything from her and leave her destitute " caius said coldly ready to destroy everything this she held dear. He took her child out spite, he took her income because he was owed and he was determined to hurt her as she did him.

"Such a shame imagine the resources you'd still have .our meeting is adjourned maker's glory to you" Aurelia said taking her leave in the opposite direction. "Ah love it when a plan comes together now fulcrum must make their move. " she thought to herself as she entered the carriage.

[raging_monkey]

Act 237: bottom

Spoiler

zera read the most recent document detailing the last of her financial resources annexed my her father's organizations, to be dismantled and used for whatever purpose. She tried to appeal to the courts saying she was never consulted nor received and payment but was blocked by various forces preventing any recourse.

"I made my choice... and he his.. now we are truly strangers" she said falling asleep from stress, tired of her father's vindictive nature.

XxX

Zera heard rustling as she slept waking to see Galatea put a blanket over her. "Creep..." she said pulling the covers over herself

Galatea laughed at how she presented herself as cold and uncaring. "Just between us how are you fairing. Been a rough few months " she said dancing around the what really bothered her housemate.

"Don't dance around the bush. You always speak your mind why stop now!" Zera said forcing the issue.

" well first stop mopping over your child it's dead move on. Either pop one out or just **** for fun! And then there's your little concession to hotus sure he is bedding your Ward but you know his stance try as you might to pretend otherwise. " Galatea said knocking zera on her head as trying to knock some sense into her. "I grew a experiment piece used for everything your guilded mind can think of ! Had your chance at love and took it so embrace it.

Zera brought herself to Galatea's chin ignoring her short stature in comparison "don't you dare bring up my child! " she shouted. She paused while Galatea asked if she was done. "Speaking of hotus he's late..."

Galatea sighed frustrated by her nativity. She felt a sense of comradrie with her knowing how she would react. "Think about it sweetheart, he conviently switched sides after being tortured? By a known control freak... does that not strike you as odd?" She said explaining her opinion.

"And your just as trust worthy you play both fields how do I know you won't undermine me!" Zera said raising her voice.

"I said my piece do with what you will know that we care for the same person" she said leaving and softly closing the door. Zera raised her fist to hit the desk but realized couldn't afford a new one

"She's right you know... hotus has already betrayed us before. No matter how he feels he will chose the magister over us..."monkai said entering the room carrying a package.

"I know... but best keep our enemies close right? "She said taking a deep breath "what's in the package "

"Just your new dress carcella is having a party tonight. Called it a family reunion " monkai said leaving the package on the desk. He took her hand into his "it will be alright... " he said kissing her being able have a moment to themselves

Zera pulled herself from him despite wanting to continue "not tonight... I'm " said with monkai nodding in agreement knowing what she meant . His mind thought of hotus and his absence the entire "something feels off" he thought to himself only to push it from his mind to get ready for his engagement

[Uccio]

Hey! Caius doesn´t have gray hair, yet. 

[raging_monkey]

Its just stress graying it will be good after a good nights rest besides I added actual time to the story. Thedas has 12 months right cause I guessing it late equalvant to November now lol

[raging_monkey]

Act 238: welcome

Spoiler

monkai and zera stood outside of carcella's manor watching the guests arrived. She noticed him shuffling his feet nervous at meet his extended family, she took his arm chuckling for all his bravado or sarcastic indifference he was nervous at the situation. "Relax they will love you... " she said helping him along.

They stood at the entrance listening to the guests mingle and make merriment. Monkai cleared his throat taking zera's arm "we should have stayed home.. " he said feeling his stach churn. He remembered how he hated parties due to how exposed he was and how his other half always prodded him for leering.

it's alright just breath, feel the emotion around you compassion echoed soothing his stomach. Monkai closed his eyes and felt the wide emotion emanating from the attendants. He felt a wave of support each gave to another despite their political grievances . He began to remember he felt that much support from compassion and Kara in his youth.

"Ah cousin you have arrived! Bout bloody time" batzas shouted seeing him across the way. He left cassia's side to greet his younger cousin.

"Hey batzas... I came... so let's get this over with I have a experiment to tend to." Monkai said holding zera's hand tightly.

"Ah batzas good to see you again I hope you life has been well." Zera said smiling. He enjoyed his warm demeanor, no matter what when on with his life he was always smiling and full of energy.

"We have been fine sister... unlike you." Cassia interjected. She looked over zera noticing how her dress was of homly design lacking any of the embroidery she was accustomed too. "She did all this for him... foolish woman, no matter " she thought to herself.

"Perhaps we should let the ladies catch up " batzas said pulling him to meet their uncles and aunts. Monkai mouthed for her to help him, only for a kiss to be blown his way.

XXx

Zera bit her lip feeling awkward at talking to cassia. She could feel her tension in the air between them. "So how's Miri... I know this has been hard on her" she asked knowing the answer

"She will be fine not that it's your concern, you should have considered her well being instead of shirking your place" cassia said her voice cold and monotone.

Zera leaned against the wall sighing at having to talk to her. "Just like father... and mother no wonder she was the favorite" she thought. "Well I guess we are done I have to go check on kai."

"Making sure your little pet doesn't expose himself? " cassia said her voice low enough for only her to hear.

Zera cracked her finger mimicking her master's odd habit genuinely considering making her sister forget she ever existed. "It would be so easy... she wouldn't feel a thing.. " she thought "cassia I know you never understood my life style nor partners but I still love both you and miri with all my heart. Remember that okay.." she said walking away seeing monkai mingle.

Cassia smirked, feeling a macabre sense of euphoria. "Good girl keep fighting father.. play house and have many bastards... make him waste his resources, won't matter in the end I will have everything!" Cassia thought to herself knowing that everything was going according to plan

Xxx

"So your narass's bastard you look just like him albeit the eyes and hair. " the elderly woman said inspecting him. "Your coat is most similar as well "

Monkai began to feel uncomfortable as his relatives began to compare him to his father more and wondered if he was to be a replacement, simple copy of a dead man "uh yeah it's a long story how I look... bad experiment and exposure.. uh excuse me you are aunt..."

"Aura remember it well young man," aura teased pretending to scold him. Lucius walked up behind him with fera dressed hideous orange and red colours wrapped around his arm "mother enough the runt is nervous as it is save it for winterfest " Lucius said laughing.

"I have twenty-five years of dotage to do on the boy I can not wait anymore " aura said fanning herself.

"As much I love your company aunt aura. My date seems to be in distress." Monkai said excusing himself and quickly grabbing zera rushing off to the door.

" Ladies and gentlemen of house carcella. For twenty years we have searched for our missing child! Tonight is the night we truly welcome him into our house." Aurelia shouted as monkai grabbed the door to leave. "****..." he whispered

"Come Mathias ragin cast away your alias and join your family in fealty to the archon and magister " Aurelia commanded. Monkai walked to the podium as in in a trance, his body moved on it's own and wondered if he was under some spell. He knelt before Aurelia with giving a sardonic remark, realizing that he could feel her warmth how ever jaded to be genuine.

Batzas stood beside Cassia as the guests began to welcome monkai into their ranks. "So aside from this hiccup is you plan going well" he said.

"Of course it's possibly going better now... are the eavesdroppers taken care of." Cassia said referring to her father's spies that had snuck into the engagement and watch their every move.

"Yes the hawks have dealt with them. Simple memory wipes and poisons making sure they forget the past year. House carcella is fully autonomous again. Curious to the reason."

" you have been a good lap dog so a longer leash is a proper reward... and a happy vassel is a godly vassel " cassia said freely speaking now she could.

"Hehe still you treat me as a object... and that my dear is why I love you" batzas said stroking cassia's face brushing her hair aside "such a lovely red tinge "

Cassia blushed at his words "don't get cute we have little time and much to do. And keep it up I'll take away your arm" she said deadpanned. Batzas laughed at her attempt at humor despite it being a genuine threat

"As you say my dear" batzas said stifling his laughter

[raging_monkey]

Act 239: amends

Spoiler

coldi awoke from her bed groggy and sore. She had spent then entire night training with Galatea. She forced her to run and apply muscles she never knew she had for hard labour instead of magical talents. It mattered not today for today was the day of her birth.

"And today is the day I turn eighteen ! " she shouted jumping on top of her bed excited for what the day brought. She ran to the bath to ready herself for her grand day intent on not having her guardians ruin it with their drama.

XXx

Coldi rushed down the stairs to the kitchen to peek for her cake only to find the staff gone. Remembering the down sizing of their house. "Damn..." she whispered defeated and went to find her master hoping he had remembered.

Monkai broke from his meditation as coldi entered the study "I demand my present!" Coldi said playfully shaking him. Monkai grabbed neck and burrowed his knuckles into her head.

"What did I say about manners! Your eighteen act like it! " he said releasing her from his grip.

She felt the top of her hair burn wondering if he had set her aflame." I get my manners from you so blame yourself master " she said rubbing her hair.

Monkai sighed knowing she was right was polite when he needed something even them he was a rude and impolite. He wondered if would have less enemies if he just said please and thank you more often. "Yeah but from here on we will amend that. " he said standing to his feet.

They heard the door open to the study, zera looked how coldi and monkai were dressed ,mirroring each other. "Don't you match. Adorable " she teased comparing their schemes of brown and similar styles of dress.

"What can I say I'm to be desired by all" coldi said teased striking a sultry pose, as monkai palmed his face hiding his smile that despite everything she still stayed the same.

"So are you all ready we have a day to ourselves" zera said smiling intent of having a fine day.

XXx

Coldi pressed her face against the glass window as they came to a large building. Zera scanned her surroundings looking for any trace of her father 's men, paranoid she was being watched. "I'll stay outside still blacklisted" zera said leaning on a lampost. "Go have fun"

Monkai looked at her, seeing how she looked like him when he was lost in his own misery. "Come on zera don't give him anymore clout... let's just enjoy our outing." He said taking her hand and pulling her inside. It was his turn to help her through the darkness as she did for him.

The shopkeeper looked up as she heard the door creak open. "Ah good morning to ye. Welcome to- " the wizened woman said stopping when she saw zera "apologies good sir but we can't serve her kind"

"I admit the kid is a bit rough around the edges but she needs her staff." Monkai said smiling deflecting the shopkeeper's statement to his ward.

"Its alright I'll be outside just get her gift..." zera said leaving to wait outside pulling her Hood over her face. "Alcohol again for tonight 's dinner.." she thought finding herself feeling a need for comfort.

XXx

Coldi gazed upon the wide selection of staves each unique in their design. "They are so regal looking! " she thought as she picked one up from the rack.

"You can have anyone you want but remember it's an extension of yourself. " monkai said looking at her choice. He stifled a laugh as he watched her struggle to hold it "perhaps lazurite is a bit much" he thought as she put it back looking pensive.

"If it's to be an extension, shouldn't i create my own?" Coldi said realizing why they came and the whole was a test.

"Good... you finally got it now pick your pieces. I will be outside" monkai said giving her a pouch of coins. "Make it yours my little sister"

Xxx

Zera sat at the tavern across the shop where monkai and coldi did their business. She poured herself another glass of rum noting the added honey inside the bottle. "Always messing with good rum" she whispered as she stared at the reflection of herself inside the glass.

"So pulling one of my habits are we? " monkai said as she guzzled her beverage .

"Did I say anything when you drank yourself into a stupor, or when go galavanting on your adventures" she said exhaling creating a miasma of honeyed rum. She knew her method of coping was foolish at best and destructive at worse.

"Did I say I was objecting I know how it is to lose everything and then be drowning in your own self inflicted misery " monkai said taking a seat beside her taking the bottle from her.

"Excuse me! I chose to be with you. So shut up and don't act all high and mighty" zera said in her drunken stupor until covering her mouth and moving to the back of the tavern.

"Z talk to me you know I'm here to listen. Maybe I came on too strong but I want to help " he said as he watched her pour the last of her drinking out the window.

Zera sighed at what she said intent on finishing " I am sick of my father running roughshod over people and I refuse to bend to his will, I hate that he says he loves me but is destroying everything I hold dear. I mean is that love? Is that how a parent shows affection.. but mother was no better but least she was honest despite how she treated miri" Zera whispered still paranoid of her father's men despite none being inside the tavern or that part of the city.

"I know but she has enough clout to stall caius til we can think of something. Soon as this ends I will be done with her." Monkai said taking her hands.

"I know it's just I feel so empty since what he did what he did. Food doesn't have taste, I feel nothing but anger for him. Nothing fills the void in my heart besides you and coldi. This must end soon" zera said gripping his hand tightly. She wanted to scream as loud as she could but found it to be childish.

"Come on let's go home. Coldi still has a cake to eat" monkai said as they left. He could feel her heart weigh upon him, it hurt him greatly to feel the maelstrom of sorrow emanating from her.

XXx

Coldi exited the shop waving goodbye, thanking the owner for her patientence. He she looked at her covered creation excited to show her master her progress. She saw zera stumble next to monkai becoming incensed by her starting her party before her. "So you look bubbly "

"Yes I am my dear... so let's see it?" Zera said taking her staff she felt the work through the clothe know it suited her." Its perfect" she said without inspecting the weapon and tossing it back to her.

Monkai smiled as he watched coldi tell of what made her staff and it's enchantments, he noticed a woman from the corner of his eye, seeing it was elywon escorted by apprentices from vallenious manor. "I'll be right back" he said excusing himself knowing he was going to do something stupid.

Elywon looked at monkai as he entered her sphere of influence, see his hands raised surrendering " Ah monkai, such a odd occurance" she said as her apprentices stepped before her expecting a fight. She looked at his appearance intently find his eyes their demonic color and his hair white "so it's taken over completly" she said.

"Uh long story.. I just came to say I'm sorry for everything and to return this "monkai said pulling the journal he had stolen from her room." All the pages are still there... just I'm sorry " he said putting the ancient journal on the ground and leaving intent on not causing a scene.

"So was that elywon?" Zera asked as he caught up with his family. Monkai sighed at her tone.

"Yeah... just had to apologize.. long story. So cake time?" Monkai said deflecting the question and rubbing coldi's head.

"Can it be after lady Hotus' book signing miri and I have tickets " coldi asked knowing the political climate.

"Its your day it's your call kid" monkai said with zera nodding feeling lightheaded after. Coldi smiled that her day went off without a hitch

[raging_monkey]

Act: 240: informative

Spoiler

zera awoke from her drunken stupor the night before unable to remember the day it was all it was it morning. "Note to self get rid of the alcohol " she said rubbing her head feeling the headache build.

She heard the door crept open and hotus entering opening the windows "oh yes much better fresh air for this stuffy room" hotus said.

Zera shielded her eyes from the light. She could understand why her lover had such a disdain for him. "Where were you... you were missing all day,coldi was livid " she said brushing her hair

"I was looking for a cake... then got lost" hotus said bowing apologetically good don't tell her where you really were you are a faithful servant the voice whispered as he rose.

Zera sighed at him finding it uncharistic that he got lost. "No matter just apologize. Where's kai " she asked opening the drawer taking all the the alcohol and putting it a box deciding to wallow in her misery was getting old.

"In the study ma'am he is with a elderly woman, who refused to give her name. And I will" hotus said rubbing is head.

XXx

"So you grew up in the rivaini circle I heard they are nothing but abominations is it true?" Aura asked prodding her nephew on his past confused to how he escaped the war.

Monkai felt trapped by her inquiries, how would he tell her "that hey your nephew is a monster that you claim to hate." He thought stroking his beard. "Uh... "

"Go on you can tell me come come." She said pressing the issue "if your scared we know of your... condition"

Monkai's face dropped in horror "and that condition is... " monkai tentativly asked wondering if she truly believed the rumours that surrounded him.

"That your a medium that is a master at controlling spirits taking in their power and unleashing them " she said choosing her words properly.

"Uh... I guess... any other questions... i have my experiments to do" monkai said excusing himself only for her to follow him to the door.

He opened the door to leave his study but to find hotus stand at the door ready to knock. " hotus... " he said deadpanned knowing he was up to something.

" lady zera requests your presence in the cellar. Claims alcohol is to be banned" hotus said not flinching at all from his master's gaze.

"Understood anything else?" Monkai asked trying to see his response. It was calm and collect and unsettled him as he left to meet his lover.

"Milady if you could be so kind to allow me to escort your residence It is late and the streets are quite dangerous " hotus said his voice calm adding a flair of whimsy traditional to his race.

"Such a polite young man especially for a elf" aura said as she led the way.

Xxx

Aura racked her mind thinking of a proper gift for her nephew. "I wonder what rivainies read... or the kinds of cakes they eat. He mentioned vanilla perhaps -" she said hearing her carriage come to stop abruptly. " what goes on out there" she said exiting the carriage.

She saw her driver riddled with knives "what in hessarin's redemption.. "she whispered as she heard knives whip past her grazing her cheek. She scanned the roofs to see where her assailant hid. She saw a figure dart from building to building. She began to channel her magic throwing fire at them. She screamed as felt a knife go into her hand. "Who dares to attack the lady of marothous " aura said pulling the knife from her hand.

The figure landed upon the ground,pulling her Hood to mask her face " those who ally with carcella and the vallenious will be cleansed by a holy fire. Those that do not submit will be devoured by my master. All will worship and submit to the void. " the figure said.

Aura scoffed at the figure's decree, she looked over the figure realizing it was a woman carrying a dagger in one hand. "It will not be my death but yours that submits to the void "she cried forcing her blood to congeal and evaporate and spout in torrents of blood. The woman danced avoiding aura's attack even it bent to catch her crashing into the ground.

"Well this has been fun but I'm on a schedule..." the woman said dashing to her target throwing her knife into aura's eye. She laughed as aura screamed in pain tearing the knife from her eye. Her vision blurred as it became red.

"Lower class ****** "aura said channeling her mana summoning her blood until she felt a sharp pain into her stomach.

"Did you know a human's body can sustain forty six cuts and a hundred if there a skilled mage in the creation school. "The woman said appearing before aura if out of thin air. "Please keep up... I know I'm fast for a mundane but still try" she giggled maniacally as she began to prove her remark opening her coat to show dozens of blades . Aura felt her skin tear and and blood be splashed on to the ground.

"And ninety-nine.." the woman said as aura fell, barely breathing. aura looked at her assailant with her remaining eye. "Don't fret... I won't kill you yet... I still need information "

[raging_monkey]

Act 241: answers .

Spoiler

aura awoke in a chair bound by ropes that dug into her skin as she moved. The smell blood and urine coated the air choking her. She saw a man similarly bound across from her covered in blood and not moving

"Ah your awake ... sleep well? I hope so cause we have a fun day ahead of us " the woman who assailed her said taking off her hood. Her eyes were amber, and her skin sickenly pale.

"Know that when am free I will have you fed to ogres " aura hissed as she began to conjure mama only for it to evaporate. The woman laughed as she saw aura fail.

"Glyphs surround this room, preventing any magic. I am no simple fool. "She exclaimed, she pulled a chair and squatted on top of it meeting her captive in the eye. "Here are the rules tell me what you know of magister vallenious, his little army and mates, magister carcella and hers....including the ragins and of their ilk. And maybe I'll let you live... moderatly intact oh yeah and what's a thousand minus nine descending "

"Foul ****** you'll get nothing from her or me! And when the magisters find out what you have done!" The man said waking from his stupor.

"Well I guess your awake again... perhaps I should remind you as well" the woman said walking to the table and grabbing a bloodied axe . "Did you know the average human body can walk with only half of their feet. " she said removing the man's boot teasingly bouncing her her ax over his foot. "Last chance vallenious dog "

The man spat in her face laughing as mucus covered her eye. The woman wiped the fluid from her eye unfazed by the slimy texture and dropped the axe keeping her promise.

Aura tried her her best not to listen her fellow captive screamed rocking in his bolted down chair as the woman continued to torture him. "Whats a thousand minus nine descending .. come on I know you... TELL ME! " the woman cried demanding a answer for her arbitrary questions ,cutting off digits each time he got it wrong unable to count from the pain.



" nine hundred ninety -one" aura said taking pity on the mutilated man. The woman stopped leaving his last finger alone "bingo! Now we are getting somewhere" the woman said giggling maniacally

Aura looked the woman dead on knowing she had to be a mad woman taking pleasure from these barbaric acts. "She won't get anything from me... maker take beside you allow me to walk alongside you when see your holy gaze" she muttered praying for her internal salvation, knowing she would be with her God soon.

"Tell me what I want to know... " the woman said twirling her axe.

"Go the void with you and your ilk you think you will hide for ever... kill us both matters not your prey will destroy you" aura said defiantly

"Wrong answer hag I will learn what I need to know shortly... " the woman said bringing her axe down on aura's arm severing it to the floor

[raging_monkey]

242: routine

Spoiler

monkai laid in his hammock while listening to coldi cut the air with her staff practicing her martial prowess. "Work with your momentum don't swing wildly." He said groggy falling asleep.

Coldi swiped the sweat from her brow watching her wisp bounce around her trying to make her pay attention "I'm trying but the damn thing is heavy " she said lifting her staff upon her shoulder.

Monkai smiled at her regret " well volcanic aurum is essentially heavy rocks ..." he stated getting from his hammock and walking to her. He inspected her weapon trying to sense the enchants only to find it mirrored his staves, only different in design and function.

"See something you like master? Zera won't be" coldi teased til monkai flicked her forehead.

"You lack red hair first of all and second why do you have a water sack of your staff" monkai said sternly.

Coldi stepped back from her master "so I can do this!" She said opening the sack conjuring a blade from the water "every staff needs a pointy end " she said giggling

XXx

Zera strolled the streets of the market, watching how her new caste lived. They were blissfully ignorant of how their society functioned, that the powerful ruled over them while the weak submitted, she came to understand how the mundanes of the south viewed mages as monsters and jailed them "I wonder would I have done the same as him were I in his position " she said watching the children toss a ball to each other.

She made her way to a alley deciding to take a shortcut home, hearing a small wimper come from the refuse. It was a small puppy starved trying to make it's mother move,tugging its ear. "Poor thing she said kneeling next to it. The pup growled defending it's mother long since gone. She pulled a piece of jerky from her satchel letting it snap it from her.

The pup gnawed on the dried trying to eat it but it's teeth weren'to strong enough. "Here let me help " zera said taking the meat and chewing it into a less solid form and offering it to the orphan.

The pup licked her hand as it finished sitting on it legs throwing the front legs begging for more "sorry pumpkin. I'm all out" she said walking away stopping every so often hearing clicking behind her.

Zera smiled at the dog kneeling before it as it wagged it's tale. "I have a idea... I have a home and their are other strays of sorts but plenty of food and friends. Is that something you would like " she asked thinking the dog understood her. The dog barked in acknowledgement.

"Then it's decided but you will need a name, how bout pumpkin " she said only for the dog to give her a stern look. "Uh jerky" she asked again only for the pup to burp, she clapped her hands together finding the perfect name. "Zerotia Meat Ragin but we will call you zero for short" the dog bounced in a circle overjoyed as much a dog could be by it's name leaping on to her.

"Alright zero let's go home... ugh you so need a bath... and what breed are you I wonder " zera said carrying the dog home hoping she didn't suffocate from the smell

[raging_monkey]

Act 243: suspicious

Spoiler

hotus stared at the small dog zera had brought to the residence. It sniffed the walls looking for the spot to mark it territory. "Wrong, wrong outside " he said clapping his hands while the dog marked it's spot. He rubbed his head in disgust wishing the new house mate was housebroken.

"Ah is the flunky mad that he must clean up after the hound. It seems everyone is above you in the hierarchy " galatea said leaning against the door.

"It is no matter a dutiful servant til the end. Perhaps you should remember who you serve." Hotus said glaring at her. don't allow her to goad you, play your role well the voice whispered in his ear. Hotus rubbed his head he found himself a loss of hour sometimes days. He chucked it up to fatigue.

"I serve no one and if I must serve another it shalt not be to one who pollutes everything he touches " Galatea said as the dog looked at her cockeyed "such a ugly dog..." she thought to herself

Hotus scoffed for the months he had know woman he had found her to be a devious woman always ensuring she had everyone in her pocket yet chastising her betters that did the same "your a hypocrite. A self-deluding one at that... " hotus said before Galatea grabbed his throat lifting him into the air.

"Am I.. the world is full of hypocrisy. Others hide it with all their might afraid of seeing how they appear to others. But a very rare few own up to their hypocrisy accepting it for what it is." Galatea said squeezing his neck,she began to channel her will imagining a wall form around him. "You may have everyone fooled but I know you still work for him.." she said dropping him to the floor.

"I assure you I'm on your side.. you know what it's like to be tortured " hotus said coughing. excellent play on her past, make her weakness known the voice shouted in his ear.

" and what makes you say that? Only one knows my past... which one told you" Galatea asked testing him..

"Master ragin... you are good friends... of course you told him." Hotus said confident.

Galatea laughed whistling for the pup to follow. " caught you... it will be fun to watch you hang yourself". She thought to herself passing by monkai

Monkai saw hotus on the ground "I'm guessing you called her a tease?" He said rubbing his hair assuming he would be sleeping a haunted house

XXx

Hotus tossed and turned in his sleep screaming in a cold sweat. He wiped his face as he watched coldi snore blissfully. "Whats with that dream.. " he said dreaming of a dragon clawing at his heart, he began to chastise himself thinking it was due to reading his mother's literature, her details of her exaggerated sex life always horrified.

Coldi awoke from her sleep rubbing the crusts from her eyes. "Hotus your screaming again... can you shut up" she said cranky from waking up.

"Apologies Louis... just some bad reading " hotus said smiling patting her head good good gain her trust then let the master have her. Take everything thing from the rivaini scum the voice whispered.

Coldi cocked her brow at him calling her by her given name. "Um coldi remember... no one calls me that.... whatever we talk about it tomorrow " she said brushing it off as his overwhelming politeness

[Serelir]

I thought Zera had black hair, like her mother?