331 réponses à ce sujet

[Uccio]

I was also thinking that if Tiberius would have stepped over the line Zera could have simply told Caius for the sake of getting him killed, so she would get rid of him. Because it works that way too.

[raging_monkey]

Hmm I'll try something in the morning. Bit spent ATM need rest.

But would that be ooc? She's getting desperate yes but hmm sleep or brainstorm

[Serelir]

I'd go through with the marriage to Tiberius because it would provide lots of drama for further stories, but if you're really determined to send Zera off with Monkai, I suppose you have to get rid of Tiberius somehow. Why not just pay him off?

 

Also, how old is Zera supposed to be? She could start acting with a little wisdom rather than tantrums. Anyway, the wise decision on her part would be to marry Tiberius, and then arrange for him to spend time somewhere else or be conveniently done away with. Widowhood gave women the most power in pre-20th century societies. She would have wealth, status, and even independence if she got sick of sharing Monkai with Scorn.

 

But I'm not writing Zera's story. She's like Lydia in Pride & Prejudice: she acts like a youngest daughter, not the heir. I kept thinking Cassia was the eldest. 

[Uccio]

I have to agree with Sere here. Zera is in position where she has only one way out, given the circumstances. Her only option is to 'go with the flow' and work from the position she has. She goes through the same as Caius did, without the blood ritual though. Still she has much more arsenal in her possession afterwards than Caius did. It is not the end of the world, more like beginning.

Zera is about 22, Cassia 20 and Miriel 18. Short time distance but I had to include it in the story.

At least Cassia knows the game better than Zera does.

[raging_monkey]

Oh I was fully intended for monkai to lose this one no matter what. I did say caius gave him everything but coated him everything. The hard part is how do I do it just right to capture the drama. But hey maybe we need sere to write this one. Been spot on with this arc

[raging_monkey]

I have final altevinter. I would like to dedicate this one to y'all for pushing me to my limits and supporting me in my bad days in my scenes as I say at my card shop "ladies and gentlemen tis SHOOOWTIIIMMME!" *fireworks go off*

Disclaimer first section is a recap modified better to show character traits I've neglected and due to it fitting/continuity. Its also a start for foray later in another relationship dynamic

Spoiler

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

"We need her..." monkai whispered

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

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

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

XXx

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Xxx

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

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

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

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

Xxx

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

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

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

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

XXx

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xxx

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Uccio]

And he is still alive. At least there is that. 

[Serelir]

That was very passionate! Bravo! It gives you a chance to explore what happens afterward - they may still find a way to be together, or each of them may change in some fashion. For instance, if Zera has a child with Tiberius and has to choose between raising her child or running away with Monkai. Or there might be new developments in Monkai's life as he discovers more about his father's family.

[raging_monkey]

Glad ya'all enjoyed it that was the last of my fire lol

[raging_monkey]

So are we keeping it or are we at the drawing boards still lol

[Serelir]

Spoiler

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

[Uccio]

A excellent observation from the outside, if she says this to Caius then he will do as she asks. Support is what he needs now.

[Serelir]

Funny thing about writing Elowyn is that sometimes her opinions surprise me. I have to put myself into her head and see things from her perspective.

[Uccio]

A little clash.

 

Spoiler

*"Venhedis!", Caius huffed annoyed. The construct standing before him was incomplete. Caius turned to look at the notes of the mage Nereda, a Tevinter mage who once traveled to Amgarrak thaig to take part of the dwarven construction of a Harvester.

 

Caius stroked his goatee in his thoughts reading again the lines this mage had written. Before him on the stone table was several ancient tomes and scrolls. He tapped his finger on the point where Nereda spoke of binding a spirit to the body giving it life. I can´t use spirits, he thought, Nereda was sure it had something to do with the fact that the construct went crazy.

 

The Zera´s wedding party still annoyed him, making him loose focus. It had gone awry, almost. Monkai had been whisked away into dungeon for safe keeping and Zera was now firmly wed. At least something went right.

 

He turned around looking at his creation. A bulk of fleshy mass, but still small and incomplete. Dead bodies lay around it, ready to be incorporated into the main creature. Caius had also the blood magic instructions on how to make a harvester of himself on the table, but he had no wish of becoming this deformed monster. He was only looking ways to incorporate the knowledge from it to the dwarven version.

 

He turned to the table and picked up the control rod. A enchanted item Vartag had acquired to him along with the few notes available from the Thaig Amgarrak. Maybe I should use a living soul, he thought. A door opening caught his attention. Nazlik strolled in bringing basket of fruit with her. "I see you are working", she said gazing at the dead bodies with disgusted look.

 

"Oh yes", Caius said turning to her. "What brings you here darling?". "I brought you something to eat, you haven´t eaten anything today". She stepped closer and placed an apple on Caius lips, "here, have some". Caius looked at her over the apple and then bit it. "See? it is not that hard", she said smiling. Caius shrugged and took the apple from her hand chewing the bite. "I have to concentrate on this, I don´t have much time to eat".

 

"Well, you should", Nazlik placed the basket on the table. "You will need your strength later". She grinned suggestively. "I will head to the tower, to see our son". She leaned forward and kissed Caius, "remember what I said". She whispered with a smoky voice her silver eyes glistening.

 

Caius smiled looking into her eyes, "how could I forget that?". Then he remembered, "oh, and when you go. Please tell Elowyn to stop by. I need her help with this". Nazlik gazed at him for a while then nodded, "alright, I will ask". She walked out of the chamber blowing a kiss at him.

Caius walked slowly around the Harvester´s torso. The binding of the bodies had progressed to a point but without the life giving spirit or soul it would not be complete. What if I divide the soul between the rod and the Harvester, could the split binding assure more control? He walked to the table browsing through the blood magic tomes for references on mind domination.

 

Caius waded deep into the tomes, when finally he came across a reference he was looking for. Yes, this might do... "What are you doing here?", a horrified gasp disrupted his thoughts. Turning around he saw Elowyn staring at the construct and the dead bodies around it with a terrified look, her beautiful eyes wide open.

 

"Did you kill all these people?", she whispered looking at Caius. "Kill them? Me? No I did not", Caius said turning to the bodies. "These are from the Proving Grounds, dead convicts, killed in combat. Serving the state for the last time".

 

"oh", Elowyn exhaled, "then... I guess it is alright". Caius could see she was deeply distracted by their presence.

 

"You should see the necromancer quarters in the Minrathous circle", Caius said amused, "now there is something even I might find disturbing. Not to mention what they are doing down in Nevarra".

Elowyn glanced at him and took a careful step forward looking at the Harvester torso, "what is that?". "A weapon", Caius said calmly. "Something I would hope turn into a mass production, to assure our victory over the qunari". He stood there looking at the construct, "not that I wouldn´t believe the Imperium is not able to defeat the oxmen. But this would make it easier to achieve, less losses".

 

Elowyn took a deep breath and turned away from the view. "You wanted to see me, Nazlik said something about that?".

"Yes", Caius said, "come here. I will show you something". Elowyn walked next to him by the table, Caius inhaled and got a whiff of her scent. A flowery scent in this dank chamber. He took a deep breath, trying to forget her being so close to him. "Look at these notes", Caius tried to keep his eyes on the book. "they tell how to create a Harvester, that is what this construct is called. It is a golem made out of flesh".

 

Caius turned to her letting his eyes wander over her features. Elowyn gazed at him and Caius was caught momentarily in her eyes. "I.. the construct requires a prime mover. Otherwise it will not work. Nereda used spirit from the Fade but it seems that did not work as the construct rebelled". He raised his arm to touch her but changed direction and tapped the book, "I think that getting the process done correctly I need to use a living soul".

 

"A living soul?", Elowyn gasped. "Yes", Caius nodded. "Something I know the dwarves of Orzammar used when producing golems of stone and steel".

"And for that I need your help", he said. "I need to keep this study hidden because using a living soul requires blood magic". He turned to look at the construct, "and you are only one powerful enough to support me in the process. I will need your input in controlling the multilayered spell when I infuse the soul. A slave or a convict".

 

"Absolutely not!", Elowyn exhaled. "What?", Caius turned to her surprised, that was not what he expected to hear. "Absolutely not!", she replied her eyes litting up with fire. "I will not kill people to make experiments!". "This is extremely important study", Caius said bewildered. "I am working on a weapon to save the Imperium".

 

"Then find a another weapon!", she said tapping her tiny finger in Caius chest with a wrinkled brow. Caius had not seen her like this before, she seemed to have lost all fear for him. Somehow that little angry face made Caius feel aroused. "Oh really?", he whispered.

 

"Oh really, if you think that we have any change then you will not even think about it!", she kept tapping her finger in Caius chest and he felt heat rising making blood rush through his veins. Caius tilted his head, and his eyes darkened. "so.. ", he whispered looking into her eyes intensely. Elowyn realized what she was doing and stopped blushing. "What I mean is that we do not need to resort into evil actions, to save the Imperium. All you are doing now is what the southern Chantry says. There must be another way".

 

Caius looked at her in silence for a while, "the means to save the Imperium rely on magic. What ever we do blood magic is the key to it all. Countless of Magisters have searched to bring forth ways to fight those cursed oxmen. And always, always it goes down to blood magic, taking someones life in order to save many. If I don´t do this now, there is a change that all of this", Caius spread his arms, "will most likely perish in the hands of those monsters. Including you. Is that the price you would pay for doing "the right thing"?".

 

Elowyn gazed at him her chest heaving of the anger she felt, Caius stepped fast forward wrapping his hands around her waist placing his lips against hers. His kiss was long and hungry. Then he released her taking a step back. "Think about it, I need your help". Caius smiled softly at her stunned look and left the chamber.* 

[raging_monkey]

Well calling insanity creating harvesters makercs breath... I'm game.

Jokes aside so I we're off the drawing board then? If so I have a lotta work to do before work

[Serelir]

"Somehow that little angry face made Caius feel aroused. "

 

I just burst out laughing at this!   

 

There they are, standing in the midst of a bunch of dead bodies and a flesh golem, and Caius is getting excited. Dumat's balls!   

 

I like this argument though. You know, we do have someone locked up in the dungeon...

[Uccio]

A "volunteer", yes. 

[raging_monkey]

At some caius's madness will have to implode so do I continue or wait once all this is done. I'm a week behind on the schedule

[Serelir]

There's a schedule?

[raging_monkey]

For me yes lol y'all no I usually just add when appropriate due general self containment

And I don't structure myself I'll be at the drawing board for eternity. But it seems we're back to business so I'll do something I'll just add the wedding and ely's to the thread I'll be back to work

[Uccio]

A scene from Caius younger years in Seheron.

Spoiler

*It was a hot summer day, like so many days were in this norther latitude. Sun shined from the zenith with relentless force scorching the little convoy riding through the jungle, along that little path carved into the thick jungle. Those thirty imperial soldiers rode in double line, there was no room for more. Two scouts moved ahead trying to make sure the convoy would not be ambushed.

Caius rode in silence on the left side as the third pair, watching the back of Spurius riding before him. Caius being the second battle mage of the three mages assigned to the team was trusted to cover the front in case of combat. Sisenna riding on his right side slapped Caius on the shoulder. "Come on, this is your second year in Seheron, and you are still alive! We definitely need to celebrate it!".
Sisenna was a son of some poor soporati from the city of Marothius. Apparently he had a talent for killing too, and he had ended up in the Darinius' Dragons. The man looked more like some street vendor with his dark hair and pale blue eyes, than a killer. But such men seldom did. Their team was a special group of men collected to deal with specific situations. This time they had been sent to deal with a village accused of harboring and aiding Fog Warriors. DD´s were here to deal with the situation. Permanently.

Caius grunted, "I received news, my father has arranged me a marriage. I am to be wed to this woman I know nothing of". He shook his head, "there is nothing to celebrate".
Sisenna gave a laugh, "I never understand you Altus people. Living in luxury, a wife given to you, and you still ran to Seheron. You rather fight the cursed oxmen and Fog Warriors than plow some noble beauty in silky sheets?". He slapped Caius again in the shoulder as if it would make it more clearer, "you are a strange man Caius". He turned to look forward down the trail, "but I am still going to buy you a drink once we get back to Alam", nodding to himself.

Caius smiled shortly looking at Spurius' back riding before him, but didn´t say anything. And how could he, sometimes his mind blacked out when he tried to remember what had happened. Ashala had died, despite everything Caius had done. That memory, the only really clear one, burned like a brand in his mind.

I failed you.

He had vague dreams about... fighting his father? But they all blend into something, a black vortex filled with pain and blood. Such pain that Caius would wake up with a throbbing head ache. Only flashes of things and thoughts of past surfaced occasionally, but they were clouded memories. And even with those few memories a sadness filled him like a black cloud before storm depressing him almost speechless. She is dead, and I am alone. He did not want to think about it, never.

A clear whistle in the air cut his dreaming abrupt. Caius looked at Spurius, everything looked as it should be. Except for the arrow stuck in his head sideways. A bloody arrowhead stuck out from Spurius right temple, a bright red drop of blood glimmered on the tip dangling for a moment then falling down. Spurius started slowly fall down to the left without a word.

"Ambush!", Caius roared when white fog started to expand rapidly among the convoy, while wrapping the soldiers inside it, it also dimmed the sun causing strange kind of half light.
"Fog Warriors!", Sisenna screamed drawing his sword. And then the air was full of arrows whistling from left and right towards the Imperial soldiers. Caius flashed his magical shield on causing several arrows to bounce away. Sisenna glided of his horse lifting his large shield to cover him of the arrows flying from the right side.

Centurion Nonus barked orders somewhere behind them inside the fog. The squad acted with preset orders with fast pace dismounting fast and forming a defensive position. Like trained so many times before. Caius and Sisenna withdrew fast into the formation jumping over the few dead, killed by the raining arrows.

Matia, a laetan born woman shouted with a high pitch voice when she saw Caius stumbling over the bodies from the fog. "There you are! I would have seriously kicked your ass if you would have died!", she grabbed Caius robe pulling him behind her large shield. Caius shrugged, this laetan born brunette had gotten in her head that she would wed Caius at one point and that would be her ticket out of Seheron and into a better life. "Knock it off", Caius glared at her, "I am in no mood for playing now". "Neither am I", Matia hissed staring over her shield into the mist, "I am still going to bed you, you know. So you better not die today".

The arrow rain stopped. Caius and the other remaining mage started casting improving the remaining soldiers. Caius cast a haste extending the effect over the team. A quick head count stopped at twenty two. Eight man had perished in the arrow rain including one of the three combat mages. Silence lingered only a few seconds, then shadowy figures started to close in from the fog. Caius started casting, a volley of lightning struck into the fog causing screams to erupt. A war cry echoed around the team when Fog Warriors realized that the Imperial troops were prepared for them. A wave of pale painted soldiers charged against the shield wall. Ciaus raised his hand and several Fog Warriors charging against Matia were lifted into the air, then slammed into the ground with bone shattering force. None of them tried to stand up and only few wailed trying to move a bit.

"Good job!", Matia exhaled, "you know, a lady might think you are trying to protect her". "If only there were any ladies here", Caius said casting his second spell. "Such a gentleman and romantic", Matia laughed striking her sword into a Fog Warriors eye over her shield. The first charge was repelled, and second one had less numbers in it. Centurion barked orders and the team turned into offensive.

Matia moved forward with Sisenna Caius following them close by. With swift combination of hard professionalism and Caius magic they cut down any Fog Warrior trying to close in on them. The fog started to slowly dissipate as the last of the enemy warriors were killed. Matia sheathed her sword looking around, "it seems we have the day".
Caius turned to search the dead Fog Warriors without a word. One of them caught his eye. A long golden hair tweaked from among the dead bodies. He stepped forward, keeping an eye on the surroundings. It was a elven woman, Caius turned her slowly around with his staff keeping a distance. She turned on her back, and opened her eyes, they were blue. With a high pitch scream she jumped up along with his companion laying practically at Caius feet.

Caius twirled around without hesitation striking the end of his staff into the Fog Warriors knee cap breaking it and his leg. The man cried out stumbling forward and Caius continued his movement spinning his staff in a long arc striking the top end into the mans neck breaking it. Basic movement of staff fighting, the Imperial special forces took no risks, even mages had to know hand to hand combat. The elven woman charged towards him with a dagger in her hand, Caius raised his hand and telekinetic force threw her against a tree close by. She slid down the tree slumping at its base unconscious.

A electricity shook the Fog Warrior awake. She convulsed out of control and a scream erupted from her lips. A efficient but less gently awakening. She saw those cursed Imperial soldiers standing before her. A Centurion stood there along with two foot soldiers, a man and a woman, and the mage. She noticed instantly the mage that had killed Jadon and struck her down, despite their attempt to surprise him. The mage stood next to the soldiers his arms crossed, he had such cold eyes. She had difficulties looking into them, like black holes in his face. This man was dangerous.

"Well, you are awake", the Centurion said. "Caius, he turned to the mage, "I will leave it to you to question this rebel. You know the drill". The mage called Caius nodded silently without taking his eyes off her.

Sisenna slapped Caius shoulder, "you are in luck. You get to have a moment with the lady here". He chuckled with Matia when they left leaving Caius standing here eyeing the captive. Caius stared at the elven woman, and Ashala looked at him smiling her eyes gleaming like little stars, and he blinked shaking his head. What was that? This woman looked so much like her, so much. Blue eyes, golden hair, her face. Caius took a deep breath, get it together. She needs to be questioned. "Where is your main encampment?", he asked trying to collect his thoughts.

"Drop dead", the elven woman said sneering. She noticed his hesitation, it was strange to see his cold look crumble for a moment.
Caius gazed around to see if anyone was too close, and pulled out a small silver dagger. "So now the cutting begins then, eh?", she asked. There was no fear in her voice. "Unfortunately no, I have to disappoint you, I will not be cutting you", Caius said calmly. He made a small cut into his pawn, the gestured quickly with his fingers. The effect was instant, her eyes became dazed and her mouth opened a little.

"Now, tell me where is your main encampment", Caius said crouching before her. She started speaking with a monotonic voice. Caius gazed at her in his thoughts memorizing what she said. After she had finished Caius knew it was time to discard her. But something made him stay his hand. He hesitated for a moment, a question lingered in his lips. He heard his own voice ask, "what is your name?".
"Ashala", she said with the same monotonic voice. Caius stood up stunned, he gazed at her bewildered. "What was that?", he whispered with barely audiple voice. "Ashala", she replied. And sun shined, her smile filled Caius world, "I made this for you" she said. Caius took a step back taking a deep breath.

"Are you done? Can I have a go now with her?", Sisenna said smiling slapping Caius shoulder. With a swift move Caius twirled around striking his fist into Sisenna´s throat sending him staggering backwards gagging and gasping for air. "Keep your hands off her", Caius growled. Sisenna looked into his eyes trying to catch his breath and saw only his own death. "Calm down Caius!", he croaked. Caius blinked few times and then took a deep breath. "Sorry", he whispered turning to the elven girl.

She leaped towards Caius with a roar holding a long dagger in her hand. A wide flame erupted from Caius extended hand scorching her with a almost blue flame. It set her ablaze instantly, her hair, clothes were in flames and her skin melted but still she came at him. Her charge brought her before Caius. Her scream had transformed into something strange and inhuman as her face and mouth burned into cinder. Her last move brought the dagger down into Caius right thigh piercing through his leg. A arc or lightning from Caius arm struck her into chest sending her remains flying through the air.

Caius fell down holding his leg, "venhedis!". Matia ran to him sword in her hand, "what in the deep happened here?". "Don´t ask me", Sisenna croaked holding his throat and looking at Caius. "Ask Ser Sensitive here". Sisenna left his hand on his throat glaring at Caius.

Matia crouched next to him pulling bandages and a healing potion from her backpack. She cut Caius pants open and started to wrap the wound while Caius drank from the bottle. "Good thing that little b*tch did not cut your noble staff", she grinned tapping Caius chin. "You will be needing it tonight, today was a close call and I will not wait anymore". Caius stared at her for a moment, then burst out laughing.*

[raging_monkey]

Hehe epic as always

[Serelir]

I love reading about Caius' army days! Though it was sad, too. Nothing to be done when people try to kill you - they must fry. I liked that image of him blowing the cinders away.

[Uccio]

I think there are some untold stories in those years. All this is actually inspired by you Sere, that little story of yours was so good. 

[Serelir]

Caius' transformation from naive romantic into ruthless magister is rich fodder.