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[Uccio]

Testing a bit with Caius, trying to mold his dynamics with Elowyn.

Spoiler

*Caius swam towards the surface. The smooth water of the marble pool broke as he surfaced gasping for air.

With few strong strokes he swam through the cold water to the stairs leading off the pool. Caius walked slowly up the stairs water dripping from his body as the morning sun shine through the round hole in the dome illuminating the interior. Statues and high columns dominated the space around the large pool.

He stopped by the bronze mirror watching the sun play on his naked and wet body sweeping his wet hair.
Several scars dotted his figure, crossing up and down over the muscles. Caius could remember the moment for each one when he had acquired them. The one in his right thigh... a Fog Warrior. A young woman who thought that the power of rage was enough to win a Tevinter battle mage.

She had thought wrong.

Long curvy scar trailing down from his left shoulder over the bicep. A Arvaarad had struck him with one of those spears. Caius had backed down while casting so the blade had trailed down his arm drawing a peculiar pattern. Then there was the one crossing his chest from the right side. A Sten with a two handed swords had broken through his magical shield.
Scars and memories. In his mind Caius had become convinced that he had sought his own death then, unconsciously. He had taken so many unnecessary risks those days.

He sighted. At least his face had remained untouched. Years had been kind to him. Thought Caius had kept himself trimmed training each day, despite not being in the Imperial army anymore. Having a fit body reflected into a fit mind, that is what he believed in.

He had seen enough how the fellow Magisters of his age had let themselves crumble. Men who had been once like a walking sculptures looked like fat cows these days. Content with the daily exercise of just eating and drinking.

Caius closed his eyes stretching his arms and body. Then the dream he had seen last night returned to haunt him. He had been here, in this pool once again.

Ashala surfaced from under the water right next to Caius who was sitting on the side of the pool, his legs in the water. They had sneaked here for one of their own moments, away from the prying eyes and his father. She spew a mouth full of water on him laughing out loud. Caius splashed water on her grinning. "Come here my love, lean closer" Ashala whispered with a coy voice covering her breasts, "I have something to show you".

"Oh, is that so?", Caius smiled, "I have a feeling I´m being tricked here". "Oh you of little faith", Ashala sighted rolling her eyes, "a naked woman wants to show you something and that is your response". She pouted her lips, "just come closer for a little kiss then".

Caius leaned forward ready for a kiss, suddenly she grabbed him by his head pulling him into the water with a large splash. Caius swam into the surface escorted by her melodious laughter. "What do you call that?" he said grabbing her smiling.

"I call it a defeat", Ashala giggled at him. "Oh really?", Caius whispered softly pulling her close closing her giggle with a kiss. Ashala pushed Caius away, "and that I would call desperation". She flashed her eyelashes at him with a fake coy smile.
He dove under the water pulling her with him. They became entangled under the water in a passionate kiss.

Caius opened his eyes while kissing her and saw Elowyn in his arms her body pressed tightly against his. Her red hair floating like a cloud around them.


He rubbed his temples closing his eyes. I can´t do this now, I need her and I don´t want to let this mess with my mind. It could be dangerous for both of us, do not lose focus.

"What have we here?".

Caius turned to look for the source of the enticing voice he knew so well. Nazlik walked in the room. Naked. Her eyes wondered up and down Caius naked body. "I see someone is feeling a bit frisky", she whispered with a sultry voice. Caius blinked and looked down. "I.. I was just swimming".

"I bet you were" Nazlik purred walking to him with swaying hips. "I think you need more practice". She whispered in Caius ear biting it softly letting her arms wander on his body as she circled around him.*

[raging_monkey]

And he worries bout his daughter hehe love it

[Uccio]

Caius is a bit complicated character.

[raging_monkey]

Very hehe

[Uccio]

Time to arm her.

Spoiler

*Caius twiddled the elegant white staff in his hands. It was made from Ironbark, the wood dalish cherished so much. Tiny dalish carvings decorated it circling around the staff towards the top. Hallas running, hunters chasing their pray. Illustrations of elven gods. The staff ended up in a stylized Halla head with a pair of smooth Halla horns touching each other from the tip, leaving a space between them where a tiny crystal wren flew with it´s little wings spread.

Appropriate, Caius smiled in his thoughts. He heard light footsteps from behind him.

"You asked for me master?".

He turned around. Elowyn stood there watching him with that expectant yet slightly scared look on her face. Do I look that intimidating, all the time? Caius thought.

Yes, I called you here for a reason", he said calmly. He turned to gesture with his hand at the hall, "this is the memorial hall of the Vaellanius family. It holds items my forefathers owned during the millenia when Tevinter ruled the known world".

Elowyn gazed around interested, "there are several magical items here. I can feel it".

"Indeed there are", Caius said pleased. "You are very sensitive to magic. Like me". Elowyn blushed, "thank you master".

"I wanted to tell you, your first training was a success. Despite what you might think, you did extremely well against me. Most of my students end up on the floor weeping in less than few moments in the first time". Elowyn smiled at that, he could see it cheered her up. "And you didn´t give up", Caius nodded. "You have spirit".

Elowyn sifted her feet with a shy look on her face. Caius sighted with delight in his mind.

"But the reason I called you here is because there is something I want to give to you". He took the staff from the pedestal, showing it to her.
"This a dreamer staff, it belonged to one of my ancestors almost a millenia ago. She was a dreamer and shaped this staff to amplify her talents".

Caius leaned forward and placed the staff in Elowyn´s hands. "Claudia Vaellanius. She had elven blood in her, thus the dalish theme. The staff is in tune with elven blood. She was a bastard child but was taken into the family. She turned the contempt on her heritage to her strength. You can find her story in the library history books. She died battling the first Archdemon himself at the gates of Minrathous, holding this staff".

He smiled at her, "and now I will give you her staff".

Elowyn gasped, "I can´t... why?". "Because I want to", Caius said softly. "Besides, there aren´t any elven born dreamers here to use it".

"What does it do?", Elowyn couldn´t take her eyes off the staff. She could feel the hidden power in it, as if it almost called out to her.

"Like most staff´s created for the user, it will amplify your talents. It can also heal you, faster than healing spell and it doesn´t drain your mana while doing so. It can create a strong barrier around you, and it also prevents anyone using blood magic mind control on you passively. All you need to do is hold it. Very handy in Tevinter. We can talk about that specific magic later".

Elowyn looked at him with her eyes wide open. "Blood magic I mean", Caius said. "You used your blood without thinking of it. I need to make sure you do it right. I don´t want you to get hurt".

"But, back on the issue. Despite it´s slender form it is a powerful staff. There are also few other abilities in the staff. Those I will let you find out on your own". Caius smiled, "little wren".

Elowyn just stared at him with her mouth open, is this the same Magister she had come to know or did someone replace him? Caius laughed from the bottom of his heart at her dumbfounded look.

A plaintive smile lingered on his face for a short moment as old memories surfaced in his mind, then he continued. "There will be a time soon when I will ask you to join me in my dreams, in a specific place actually. There is a issue I need to solve. But before that you need to train. You and I need to meet in dreams".

"All in due time, of course", he continued smiling. "Should you have a need to talk to me, feel free to do so". Caiu paused for a moment, continuing with a slight hesitation in his voice "... about anything. You can leave now if you so wish".*

[Serelir]

Elowyn gazed adoringly at the staff: it fit her hands perfectly, as if it had been made for her. She twirled it experimentally, gave Caius a quick glance and decided from his genial expression that she could get away with surprising him: she cast a halo of tiny ice crystals around him. They caught the light and sparkled. She laughed at Caius' bemused expression.

 

"I won't win any battles with that spell, but it delights the children!" Caius started laughing, too. It was enchanting to see his expression soften as the haunted look left his eyes. Elowyn wanted to hug him, but she didn't dare.

 

"I'm glad that staff will be getting some use, and I'm looking forward to seeing how you use it the next time we train together," Caius told her.

 

"I will treasure it, Master, and I won't let you down. You'd better keep your barrier strong, because I'm going to find a way through it!" Elowyn winked at the Master. She couldn't wait to experiment with her new staff.

[Serelir]

Also, speaking as Serelir - what is Caius up to with this largesse? Sounds like he requires a large number of bodies.

[Uccio]

That is part of his grand plan. He needs her happy. A happy dreamer makes everyone happy, plus he does have a soft spot for her . Also Caius needs her to trust him in order for them to plunge into dreams with the stone table. She has a good window of opportunity to capitalize on it.

The helping of the poor is also part of his plan. One step at a time. Getting the masses on his side too.

[Uccio]

A quick dream sequence. Caius is reliving his nightmare and Elowyn pulls him out of there disguised as Nazlik.

 

Spoiler

*Caius ran, faster than he had ever ran. His heart pounded in his chest threatening to break though his chest. He could only hear the beat of his heart and his own deep pant. Across the room, across the hallway. Passing a elderly slave woman, she turned her eyes down. Caius could make the sorrow in her eyes, she knew. Those eyes, how many times he had seen them?

 

Faster, faster! It is not too late yet! His mind screamed to him. Down the stairs. Caius leaped several steps at the time. Across the hall. How many times he had done this? Signs of struggle, he could see tablecloth on the floor with cups.

Here, they went through here! Run! he picked up the speed. I am coming my love! A elven slave girl, her friend, covered in the corner. Weeping.

 

Caius smashed into a closed door in full speed forcing it open with his body. To the catacombs, horror crept into his heart. No! Caius stood in the corner watching himself ran by, so many times. He ran around the corner to the steps leading into the old part of the tower.

Down there in the ancient catacombs were the sacrifice chamber was. Where his destiny waited him.

 

Dark and dank tunnel. He ran through the darkness where shadows called out to him wailing. There were signs of struggle and dragging in the dusty stone floor. Caius was out of his mind with fear, but he didn´t falter. I can´t be too late! Maker please help me! 

 

Her distant scream, "Caius, help me!". Her voice echoed through the tunnels carrying her desperate plead to him. "Help me!", it echoed calling out to him. I failed you.

 

"Hold on my love!", Caius roared not knowing if she heard him. These old tunnels had a habit of carrying sound through long distances. Sometimes strange sounds. Down the steps he ran strange whispers at his heels. Across a hallway where ancient dungeons stood empty and silent.

 

There, at the end of the stone corridor, the chamber. How long it was, the corridor. It felt like he had run through it all his life. Caius knew this place, inside out. He ran through it his footsteps echoing from the cold stone walls.The place where everything would end.

 

Deep ominous chanting could be heard from the chamber. That sound, Caius would never forget it. He ran the last steps and stormed into the chamber. Then the world turned into madness.

 

Pain. So much pain he could not bear it. There was no measure for it. He was the pain and agony. He had been living the pain and agony all the time. There was nothing else but that. He was no more, only pain.

 

And then he was in another place. No pain anymore. Nazlik was there, holding him in her arms sweeping his hair. "Rest easy my love, I will take your pain away", she whispered softly and the world was full of flowery scent. Caius sighted closing his eyes, he was happy. Then Caius opened his eyes looking into Elowyn´s.*

[Uccio]

A moment for Elowyn to save Vel.

 

Spoiler

*The first rain drops fell after sunset from the dark clouds watering the dry city. Last of the decent people had disappeared indoors to avoid the streets and alleys, along with the things that thrived in the night under the cover of darkness.

 

A lone figure stumbled forward in a dark alley hunched down. It bumbed into crates and piles of dirt fumbling to find a way forward. It reached for support as it´s progess was arduous. At times it stopped curling in a bundle and wailing softly. Hoarse cough broke occasionally the wailing. Then just when it seemed to fall down it somehow found strenght from somewhere starting to move again.

 

"Elowyn.. " Vel croaked caughing. Blood dripped from his lips staining his shirt but he was too weak to care. More blood would stream down his back each moment winning in comparison.

 

---

 

"Where are we going?" Elowyn asked smiling at him as Vel held her arm in his walking down the pier. The harbour was bustling with activity. Under the scorching mid day sun workers scurried around loading goods into ships, and unloading them. All kinds of merchant ships and trade cogs coming and going to Minrathous. Along with a number of fishing ships. A normal day in the Minrathous harbour.

 

"Boss is not the only one who can impress ladies", Vel smirked at her. "I have a favour I can cash and this is the perfect day for it".

 

They passed the "Pride of the Imperium", a gigantic war galley docked on the pier. "This is one of the ships boss funds", Vel gestured towards the ship while some of the marines leaning on the railing watched them passing. A number of smirks could be seen and whistles were heard when the marines spotted Elowyn. Vel threw a obscene gesture at them causing a laughter to erupt.

 

"Such a bunch of gentlemen", Elowyn laughed. "Hey Vel! Who´s the new bird?", someone shouted from the ship. Vel blushed glancing at Elowyn, "they don´t know what they are talking about. Bunch of inbreds".

"New bird?", Elowing squinted her eyes. "Like I said, they know nothing. Morons, never mind them", Vel dowplayed it hastily.

 

He speeded up his pace pulling her after him. After they had passed the "Pride of the Imperium" they came across a small trireme. It had house Vaellanius crest in it´s sails. Word "Somnoborium" was written on it´s side.

 

"This is a scout ship", Vel said pointing at it. "My friend is the captain, and he owns me big time". The smile on his face was almost as wide as the harbour.

 

"Hey Vel, is it time yet?", a auburn haired man with sun burns on his face popped his head over the railing. He saw Elowyn and smirked, "I think it is. Good day my lady, welcome abroad".

 

Vel escorted Elowyn to the ship through the creaky plank. "Let´s get going then Cossus" he said to the captain gesturing nobly. "Aye aye my lord!" Cossus replied with a wide smile.

 

In a few moments the little trireme had left from the pier heading out to the coast. Vel and Elowyn stood in the rear deck enjoying the hot sea breeze. "This is so wonderful!", Elowyn gasped. "How did you manage this?".

 

"He owns me a favour so he will transport us while going to training", Vel said wrapping his hands on her waist. "He will pic us up in a few hours"."Pic us up?", Elowyn wondered, "from where?".

 

"From there!", Vel pointed a small island by the coast. They could see a ancient ruin dominating the little island. She gasped and Vel took the opportunity to kiss her. Elowyn wrapped her arms around his neck returning the kiss.

 

After Cossus had dropped them off on the little pier by the island Vel took again her hand. "Come with me", he whispered. They slowly walked through a small forest into a clearing. There, surrounded by the ancient ruins was a table made ready under a cote. A smiling bard stood by with a lute.

 

They walked by the table. Vel took the wine cups poured ready and handed her one. Elowyn took a sip of the wine, her eyes widened. "This is the same wine master had!". Vel nodded smiling, "So it is, I wonder how it is possible".

 

He took a sip of the wine looking into her eyes. "And now my lady", Vel said placing his cup on the table. "May I have this dance?". He bowed, "I regret missing the opportunity when I first saw you".

 

Elowyn giggled, "oh you certainly may my lord". She dropped a perfect court curtsey. The bard started to play while they danced on the ancient marble yard.

 

One dinner later they lay in the tower ruins watching the sea. "I need to tell you", Vel said looking into her eyes. "I am serious with you. You are just not another fling". He gently touched Elowyn´s cheek, "the moment I saw you I knew there was something different in you".

 

Then his expression turned plaintive. "But in a world of mages I have little to offer to you. Except myself". He smiled softly, "I hope that is enough".

Elowyn smiled at him, "I come from a world where I was nothing, being a elf and a mage meant being at the bottom of everything". She gave him a soft kiss, "you don´t have to fear anything".

 

They fell on the platform pulling hastily their clothes. Elowyn touched his naked body releasing a tiny power surge. Vel twiched of pleasure. He pulled her on him, the air around them both heated up causing it to ripple.

 

The bard was finishing packing up the dishes when suddenly a powerful ripple crossed the little square. Trees and grass swing for a moment restlessly. He gazed around concerned until the wind carried Vel´s groan filled with pleasure to his ears. With a wry smile he returned packing.

 

"Be careful with those abolitionists" Vel whispered in Elowyn´s ear as she lay her head against his chest.

"I know the darkside of life. I know what those people are capable of doing. And willing. I have seen it. You need to be really careful even you are a mage". He stroke Elowyn´s hair twirling it around his fingers, "death is yet another tool for them too. And you work for one of the biggest slave owners in Minrathous". He kissed her head, "I have things to do tonight. A mission for boss, but I will find you after it. I will not take no for an answer".

 

---

 

The mission had gone awry. Their little team had been ambushed. Vel had ran but someone had thrown a dagger at him striking Vel into his back.

 

He had been able to shake off the pursuers but now it seemed like useless feature. He felt so weak, each step required a tremendous amount of strength. A alley and a knife in my back, a wry smiled crossed Vel´s face. I should have become a fortune teller.

 

He took a tottery step hitting his knee in a crate. With a curse he fell on his stomach on the dirty alley floor. Where is Publius when you need him? A irritated thought crossed his mind. Vel tried to stand up taking support from the crate next to him but his hands gave up causing him to fall down on his face. Some dirt with deceptively feces like smell smeared his cheek.

 

Figures, he reached out trying to pull himself forward his hands slipping on the wet alley ground. Rain drops fell on him in a faster pace washing his blood on the cobblestones.

 

"Son, I am disappointed in you".

 

The familiar voice made Vel peer through the rain. A figure walked towards him through the alley. He sat down on the crate next to Vel. It can´t be, he tought.

 

"You are dead", Vel whispered.

 

 "And so are you too soon my son" his father said. "Look at yourself. Is this the end you wanted for yourself? How low have you fallen my boy". The man shook his head with a plaintive look on his face. Vel glared at him, he had still the same clothes on him as he had in the last day Vel saw him.

 

Vel croaked with laughter, "As I recall you ended up in the alley too stabbed to death". His father just shook his head again, "I tried to teach you to be a good man. A respectable man. To have a profession you could be proud off. What happened to you?".

 

"A respectable profession?" Vel groaned, "did it help you when those alley rats stabbed you to death?".

"I teached you to be a productive member of the Tevinter society. Not to be like this. Maybe we were poor, but atleast we had dignity".

 

Vel spat a blood on the ground, "that dignity did squat for mom and me". He tried to raise himself up but slipped back down. Vel tilted his head to see him better as the water poured down his face, "I took care of mother, I did that! You left us broke, penniless. Because you didn´t want to pay. All because of dignity. F*** you!".

 

"And now you are here", his father said with saddness in his voice. "You have done bad things my son".

"I took care of mother!", Vel roared. "I took care of her, better than you ever could!". He cought blood, "I´ve killed, yes, but I´ve never killed a man who had not started it".

 

"I hope that gives you comfort".

 

"Get the void out of here!", Vel raised his head from the dirt. "I don´t want you here, if I am going to die I want Elowyn with me!".

 

The pouring rain washed slowly his father away, his plaintive face melted into the rain. Vel placed his cheek slowly against the cobblestones. Bloody hypocrite. Water poured on the silent figure in the dark alley.*

[Serelir]

No, it can't end like this! Elowyn has to find him! Must write...

 

I always wondered who left those tables with wine and cheese out in the wilderness. That was a perfect outing! And she's making headway with Caius, too - I hope he doesn't get mad at her for going into his dreams again.

[Uccio]

There is still change to find Vel. A hero can never be truly lost. Well, most of the time. 

And Caius is too dazzled by her at this point to complain of her presence. 

[Serelir]

His dreams are so interesting, too! How can he blame her for being drawn into them?

[Uccio]

He can´t, and he wont. 

[Serelir]

I hope she hasn't thrown your story off too much! He must still harbor evil plans to use her talents against his enemies.

[Uccio]

Oh he does. There is a part already under process. She will get to take part of it, personally.

[Serelir]

I can't wait! 

[Uccio]

Dices are rolling.

Spoiler

*The matter itself is rather delicate, as you very well understand Urian", Caius said stressing the Divine´s first name instead of his title.

The Divine looked at him quietly for a moment, "do you really think it matters Caius?".

Caius flashed a cold smile at him, "instigating a coup against the Divine to usurp his position while working with foreign dignitary, to be precise, a seeker".

He took a sip of his wine. "Along with destroying five Magisters". He locked his eyes with the Divine´s, "I have the evidence of your actions, to prove you plotted to bring the southern Chantry influence into Tevinter Imperium. What do you think the Magisterium would decide to do in case they would be presented all of this?".

"Don´t threaten me Caius", Urian leaned forward in his seat. "It never ends well".

"I am not threatening you your grace", Caius said calmly. "I am telling you what you will do". He leaned back in his seat, "you have committed a high treason, it is not a small feature". The Divine remained silent, he kept leering at Caius.

"You decide. It is not the first time a new Divine is elected in a relatively short time, is it?". Caius said with a cold smile.

The Knight Commander standing behind Divine Nihalias moved a bit. Nazlik standing behind Caius crossed her arms looking at the Knight Commander expectantly.

"What if I call my templars, to apprehend you. Accuse you of treason?", Divine Nihalias whispered licking his lips.
"You do that, and none of you will leave this room alive", Caius stated calmly with iron clad voice. "And then you will be posthumously declared traitor. Is that what you want?".

Elowyn winced at the tension she felt in the room and tried to look smaller than she was standing next to Nazlik. Why did he bring me here?She thought fearfully. "Observe everything", he had just said to her looking into her eyes before they entered the room.

She took a firm grip of her new staff as if it would slip from her fingers.Templars, Knight Commander, she did her best to prevent her arms from shaking. The painful memories of her encounter with the Knight Captain Hervé surfaced.Don´t be a useless wimp, she reprimanded herself. Be strong, he is here.

Panic flooded her mind threatening to overcome her. She gazed upon Caius drawing strength from his presence. Caius filled the room with his calm unapologetic power.

These men fear him, she realized surprised looking at the men´s faces. It made her slowly calm down. He was like a rock in a storm against which she could take refuge. Still there was a slight underlying fear in her mind, for him. What if they don´t fear him enough?

"All this requires is you to vote yes and bless the result of a specific vote. The Grand Clerics will vote for it too, at least a majority of them".

Caius stood up, "In time I will tell you what the vote will be. Do that and we can forget this conversation". He smiled at the Divine. It was a warm smile but it didn´t reach his eyes.

"Do not let this sour your mind against me my friend. I will still keep supporting you. I have no wish to see you removed from your post. All I need is your support in turn". The two men locked eyes for a moment, then Caius turned and walked out of the room Nazlik and Elowyn at his heels.

After they had passed the templars guarding at the door Elowyn couldn´t hold it in anymore. "What did you do that for?" she whispered pulling Caius sleeve forgetting her slight timidity towards him. "And why was I in there? I am a apprentice, I had no place there!".

Caius glanced her smiling shortly while walking, "Part of the things I need to do. You will see these things more. And your presence was important. That was the True Divine. Now that you have seen him it is easier for you to find him in the dreams". He walked on in silence, then added ominuously. "should there be a need for it".

They left the Chantry palace walking across the elaboratedly decorated halls and hallways. On the way out they passed a goup of chantry brothers and sisters singing the chant of light in a cathedral. Caius glanced at them with a contemptuous smile. "Fools", he whispered to himself.

Outside Caius stopped by the Vaellanius cart. "Take her shopping, on me", he said to Nazlik touching briefly her. "I will walk to the Magisterium from here with the rest of the guards". Nazlik nodded to him smiling and blew a kiss at him quickly while no one was looking.

"Shopping? Did he say shopping?", Elowy whispered climbing into the cart after Nazlik, she glanced at Caius walking away. "Yes he did", Nazlik giggled at her surprised look looking completely opposite to her stoic look in the meeting. "On him. I will show you the city".*

More in the part two.

[Serelir]

Elowyn can't wait to do girl stuff with Nazlik! I'll bet Caius feels lucky he doesn't have to carry the shopping bags. Go home and walk the tiny dogs, mestari.

[Uccio]

Part two.

 

Spoiler

*It was late and the party had ended. Guests slowly flowed out of the palace each on their own turn. Caius left the party Nazlik and Elowyn in his arms. Darkness had fallen over the city and the yard was covered in shadows. So many carriages still filled the yard forcing Caius' carriage remain outside the gates. "My lord, I´m so sorry for this delay" the footman exclaimed wringing his arms before his lord.

 

"Not a problem" Caius said calmly, "I think ladies and myself can walk few steps outside, don´t you think?". He turned to them leaving the question linger in the air. "Sure", Nazlik and Elowyn said excatly at the same time, causing them to look at each other with a smirk.

 

"That settles it then", Caius said to the footman, "tell the driver to pull the carriage outside the gate, we will walk there". The footman ran away relieved. "Shall we, my ladies?", Caius offered his arm to both of them.

 

Outside the palace gates the carriage waited few dozen yards away in darkness by the dragon statues with few of Caius guards. The street lights did not illuminate the place completely leaving dark shadows linger around the carriage. Guards had moved to both sides to make sure no one would get too close.

 

Caius led both of the ladies and the footman opened the door for them placing a step on the marble road before the door. Caius leaned forward guiding Elowyn inside the carriage, then he turned to Nazlik taking her hand. She reached for the door.

 

One of the guards standing behind them bolted in action. He moved forward kicking Nazlik in the back causing her fall head on inside the carriage. Then he turned to Caius with a blade in his hand. At the same time a second guard beside him rushed towards Caius from the other side with a another blade flashing in his arm. Caius was still turning to his companion as the second guard pushed him against the doorway striking his blade into Caius back.

 

With a upwards turn the blade punctuated Caius overcoat scratching his ribs while cutting its way inside him forcing its way through his internal organs. The guard twisted the blade in a attemp to reach for his heart.

 

Caius twiched with a roar, a grimace of pain flashing on his face. It completely took over him draining him of his strength. He could feel the powerful magebane extract in the blade included to nullify his power spreading into his body. And he could also feel a tingling poisonous heat spreading from the blade into his bloodstream as well.

 

The first cuard turned in one smooth move striking his blade into Caius stomach increasing the effect and pulled him in one massive move away from the carriage door tearing his intestines with the blade.

 

As Nazlik fell face on inside the carriage and into Elowyns lap she screamed of horror knowing what was going on behind her.

 

Elowyn was frozen from the sudden burst of violence cutting coldly through the lovely evening, her head cleared from the drinks she had in the party in one shocking flash.

She reached out without thinking and a arc of lightning shot from her hand stiking the second guard standing behind Caius sending him rolling down the road.

 

Nazlik sprang backwards kicking the guard on Caius side into his face sending him stumbling away from Caius. The massive dose of magebane obstucted Caius mana flow draining him severely of his power. Massive bleeding and internal damage along with the fast spreading poison caused Caius to drop on his knees before the carriage door.

 

He could feel there was only few moments left. Time slowed down.

 

Caius reached towards his staff placed by the carriage door. His hand shook from the early effects of the poison threatening to take control of his body as the blood gushed from his wounds drenching his clothes showering on the marble road. His guards around the carriage sprang into action in order to protect their lord, too late.

 

The first guard kicked back by Nazlik regained his balance and bolted towards Caius his bloody dagger swishing in the air. Nazlik tried to turn around but her dress was caught in the door hinges. She screamed of anguish. Elowyn turned to the first guard and another arc of lightning shot from her hand causing the guard to shake uncontrollable.

 

Darkness started to close in from the sides of Caius vision. He felt his last moment had arrived. Caius knew he had no strength left so he let his body fall forward in his last effort to reach for the staff. His fingers grazed the staff, softly, then wrapped around it. A surge of power filled his dimming mind.

 

Darkness twirled around Caius and he disappeared appearing next to the first guard. Caius placed his bloody arm on the guards throat. A surge of power between them caused the guard twitch even more.

 

"Yes.. ", Caius whispered with a barely audible voice blood dripping between his lips while looking into the guards eyes as he fell slowly down before him.

 

"Give me your life... ". Caius eyes gleamed in the dark as the guards skin started to wrinkle and dry up, tighten over his bones while his hair turning first gray then white. A small groan left from the guards lips, the last sound.

 

Caius stumbled forward dropping the dried up corpse of the guard placing his hand on his stomach. It was still bleeding and he could feel the effect of the poison inside him. His feverish eyes scanned the surroundings.

 

Nazlik rushed out of the carriage tearing her dress, "Caius, no!". She ran towards Caius with her tattered dress flying in the air. Caius stumbled forward trying to lean on his staff, then he saw the second guard crawling away in the shadows. Elowyns bolt had not killed him yet.

 

Another flash of darkness and Caius appeared right at side of the guard, placing his bloody hand on his shoulder. Caius legs gave up and he fell down on the marble road next to the guard. "Who sent you?" Caius demanded with the last drops of his willpower with the blood spell placing his mouth next to his ear, "who sent you?".

 

The guard whispered something, Caius concentrated for the last time and life started to rush to him from the guard.

 

Caius released his grip from the dried up corpse and tried to stand up. His feet gave up causing him to tip over on his back next to the guard on the marble road, his hand dropping against the ground releasing his staff rolling with a clatter on the ground.

 

"No, please no!", Nazlik ran like a wind to him leaving the guards behind her. Elowyn fade stepped right next to Caius. She gazed at him horrified.

 

The bleeding had mostly stopped, Caius lay in a pool of his own blood his clothes soaked with it. His face was pale and eyes stared into the black night above. Elowyn kneeled beside him placing her hand on Caius arm. She called her mana trying to adjust healing power to him. Nazlik stormed to her side falling on her knees. She pulled Caius in her arms whispering, "please my love. Don´t leave me".

 

Elowyn could feel the poison raging inside him, burning still like a wildfire despite the lives of the two guards. Elowyn gazed around looking for something useful and saw Caius staff. She reached out and took his staff in her hands feeling the power rush into her. She converted the extra mana flow into a healing power channeling it to Caius.

 

"We need to get him home, to healers" Nazlik stared at Elowyn tears falling from her eyes.*

 

Stay tuned for part three.

[Serelir]

I'm speechless! Why oh why did Elowyn disdain to study healing? *sighs at her own obstinacy*

[Uccio]

Her presence was crucial and it will be with what comes next. With this twist I wanted to show that Caius is not so unbeatable as he himself thinks. He is a mortal and can be brought down. 

[Serelir]

I want to write about Elowyn's shopping trip with Nazlik! So many things to write.

 

If she's going to find herself in an armed conflict, saving the life of her Master, she'd better have good shoes.

[Uccio]

I was actually saving that shopping piece for you.

[Serelir]

I knew it! Now, if you'd stop distracting me with wicked thoughts, I could sit down and write it without squirming.