The Healing Weaver (Open)

[rpgoddess]

(( Sorry about the delay, I am in the process of moving and enrolling for my BA.))


"Yes, good," Hansid replied. He wondered if the elf could be trusted, likely not. Yet for the time being he seemed manageable enough. However, he could see he would need to put some safety measures in place to ensure that the creature kept to his word. "Very good, son." He said again. He slapped the boy on the back and grinned. "Well it seems the last match of the day is done. I will need to escort Naria back to her longhouse and take care of a few loose ends regarding the festival. Dancing and music will follow the event, please enjoy yourself." Hansid explained in a light tone. "Good day." He added with a nod before making his was back to the platform.

Naria was already standing and preparing to leave when Hansid returned, having him near set her senses on alert, for a moment she wished that she were still oblivious to the deceit lurking beneath the man's surface, and the surface of her village. She felt a deep sense of loss in her recent discoveries. At least she had Pippa.

"I will return you to your longhouse." Hansid said in greeting.

"It's alright, I can find my way, I am in a hurry to get back to Pip and relay the day's events to her, perhaps we will return to the festivities after a rest." Naria replied, wanting to be free of the over bearing elder and his sly glances.

"Oh dear, it slipped my mind completely." Hansid said in reply. "I've taken the liberty of having Pippa moved to my longhouse for the duration of the festival, you will need the time and solitude to prepare yourself and your home for your new husband." He explained. "I know it's a lot, but really I wanted to help."

Naria's throat felt as if it was closing, her sister was gone, under the thumb of the very man she meant to be free of, all thoughts of running away crashed to the ground. "That-that really wasn't necessary." Naria stammered, swallowing the angry words she really wanted to say. "I prefer to have Pip with me, actually."

"I know darling, and I am sure you will be lonely, but I want to avoid any unneeded upsets or added strain, having sometime to yourself will do good, give you time to reflect. Reflection is always wise when one is about to make a big decision." Hansid answered.

"Decision? None of this is my decision." Naria snapped. Her eyes widened with the realization that Hansid had removed Pippa from her care to ensure she remained put. "You..."

"Enough, you are tired and need a good meal. I won't escort you after all, there are matters I must attend to, plans to be made, and preparations for the days ahead." Hansid said in a mildly annoyed tone. "I will see you tomorrow." He added before leaving her alone on the platform.

Naria stood there alone staring off into nothingness as the recent developments churned in her mind, a bleak look crossed her face. She needed to find out what was really going on, why Hansid was so set on keeping her close, and if his intentions were pure, why was he being so callous with his methods? With a growl of frustration Naria pulled the veil from atop her head and twisted it in her hands. She would get to the bottom of this and reclaim her sister. She would leave this place and never look back.

Squaring her shoulders Naria climbed down from the platform and started walking toward her home. A few of the men called out to her, but no one dared approach her now that the games had begun, to cause her public insult would result in disqualification, that much she was thankful for.+

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

((No worries at all my friend, and congratulations for moving on up so to speak))

James smiled kindly at the man, but had to try not to gag when he laid his dirty hands upon him. He smiled and nodded to the man as well. "I am sure she is in the most capable of hands my friend, she wouldn't be safer if she had an entire army protecting her if I might say so myself." he commented. He knew it was not a lie, no not at all. It seemed to him this man would do whatever it took to keep Naria in his grasp, be it legal, holy, or otherwise. As he explained about the festivities, James shrugged. "I was originally going to train and rest up for tomorrow, but why not enjoy myself while the festivities are still here?" he added. As he watched him walk away, Gilashi laughed. "He makes us both wanna hurl, trust me." he remarked, as James nodded in agreement.

James looked up at the platform as he began to walk away, but paused behind a nearby building to watch closer. It seemed this Hansid fellow was being a little too helpful. In fact, judging from the reaction on Naria's face, he could tell he had done something that even she wouldn't stand for. She stormed off from the platform, obviously very upset and angry. In his rush to comfort her, he forgot about what she had said about being careful not to be seen together for a while. As she walked off, he leaped into a nearby tree, and jumped form branch to branch until he was a short way in front of her. He sat on the lowest branch of a tree on the way to her longhouse and he propped his head on his fist, looking down at her. He signaled for her attention with a shrill whistle. "Naria," he began, "What seems to be the problem?"

[rpgoddess]

((So sorry again, just got moved, been unpacking and running around like crazy. My posts might be spotty for the rest of the week but things will get back to normal soon.))

Her mind was centered on her anger, so much so that the shrill whistle from above barely registered, but when James called quietly to her, she gasped and looked up. Relief washed through her, though she knew there was little either of them could do, just having someone who understood her reluctance, who made an effort to listen, helped in ways she could not readily explain. "Oh James Tekkarro," Naria breathed as her eyes darted around them. The longhouse was just a head and behind the minstrels had begun their show, grabbing the attention of those in the village square. Meeting so openly was a risk, but Naria felt they would go unnoticed if it was kept brief. "They've taken Pip, Hansid says it is to give me some much needed solitude for reflection and preparation, but I know it is just a ploy to hold me here." Naria explained in a rush, her chest tightening with the worry. "I-I've no idea how long he intends to keep her, or if she will be treated kindly. I thought I knew these people, but now I realize that I don't, I've always been treated as an outsider...I thought...maybe it was just because of my birth father, but now I wonder...." She worried vocally.

Naria glanced down at the twisted veil in her fists and forced herself to loosen her grasp on the delicate material. Her eyes touched the lovingly sewn blossoms and ivy and a lump formed in her throat. She had never been separated from her sister, she reacted to the situation with much more emotion that she thought herself capable of.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

((, chill, its fine! Remember, you do have a REAL LIFE outside of this website, and which do you think should be kind of important? Congrats on moving on up, and don't apologize again! I will simply eagerly and patiently await you.)

James smiled. He felt happiness in the fact that she felt relief in his presence. But he quickly felt her urgency as she looked nervously around herself. He knew he would have to keep this meeting short, or risk being spotted again. He crouched lower to her as she whispered about her sister being taken. He grimaced and clenched his fists, a slightly growl emitting form between his teeth. He climbed upon the tree once more, higher into the limbs,but close enough to still be able to communicate with Naria. He nodded, understanding her plight, and he placed a finger to his lips in a motion to silence her. He then placed his hand upon his chest, while the other steadied himself against the trees. "Please, try to remain calm. It is disgusting that he should stoop so low as to kidnap a child. But we must continue to play our parts like good little puppets...for now. When the time comes..." he paused, cautious in case anyone was listening, " I will see that everything is taken care of for you, understand?" he tried to comfort her, but he knew that she felt little comfort in his words. When she pondered her status in the village, he shook his head. "No, do not fret about it. It's because your special, talented. But to the village you are alike a trophy, a treasure. And like a greedy serpent, Hansid will do anything in his power to subdue you. But I will keep my promise to you, and all will be well." he assured her once more.

As he saw her stare down upon her veil, he sighed, trying to think of something, anything, that may take her mind of her current situation and calm her in the slightest way. He forced a smile slightly, raising a hand to gesture to the veil. "You did look stunning up there. Even if it was simply decoration for a horde of bloodthirsty brutes."

[rpgoddess]

The smile was weak but it was genuine as Naria looked up and nodded her thanks to James for his kind words. "Thank you, I should probably pay more heed to my appearance than I do, Pip-Pip has been telling me so for years now." She commented. To be honest she felt pretty, but she also felt that all the effort that women put into making themselves look pleasing was a waste of valuable time. Time that could be spent on things that are important and worthwhile. Naria gave a slight shrug. "I should go. Before we attract attention, that is." She added quietly. "Thank you James Tekkarro, for everything." With that she scurried off to her longhouse, completely aware that she had yet again left his company in a rush and very rudely, but powerless to quell the urge to flee.

She was unsettled. That was what she decided later as she sit upon her bed with her chin propped on her knees. Unsettled, definitely, and that was the reason for the rush of strong emotion she had begun to feel lately. Before, nothing rattled her. Pip annoyed her, yes, but not enough to elicit the reactions most people would experience. She had always been cool and level headed, but now she felt her insides were in turmoil. "What is it?" She breathed with a deep sigh. For a moment her eyes wandered to Pippa's empty bed, she was gripped with a feeling of great sadness and looked away quickly.

Her eyes fell to her hands lying on the bed. "All of this because they think I am something I am not, and even if I were, would it be so terrible?" She mused softly. Lifting her right hand she pressed her fingertips together in a cone shape and twisted her wrist, inspecting the appendage as if it were alien to her. "A weaver..." she murmured then snorted and opened her palm. The action was accompanied by a sizzle and spark of purple light shimmering off of the pads of her fingertips. With a gasp Naria scrambled backward on her bed, pressing her back firmly against the wooden wall behind her. She lifted her right hand again and gazed at it in a mixture of shock and horror. "By the Goddess." She rasped breathing rapidly.


The following morning Hansid and Dovin stood near the entrance of the Elder's hall. They had been in a heated discussion inside only moments before and had somehow carried the debate out with them. Leaning close they exchanged words in low angry voices. The older man's, Dovin, much more excited as he slashed his hands in the air.

"How can you know the girl has it? Hmmm, she hasn't shared any knowledge of it with us."

"And why would she?"

"Because up until a few days ago she trusted her people, now she looks at us all as if we were monsters. Your insistence to force her into this rite of passage has turned her against us, Hansid, and I need not remind you that this is supposed to be a joyous time for a willing girl." Dovin ground out.

"We must do all we can to keep her under thumb, do you want the chit to bring another bloodwar down upon our heads?" Hansid argued.

"Of course not, I still remember the last." Dovin replied with a look of deep thought." And with it went the last of the Weavers, so why are you so dead set on accusing every Drabien woman of being one? Look at what we did to Taka, she was such a lovely woman, kind, and your suspicious nature destroyed that!"

"But she showed she had the gift, she showed it to me!" Hansid said in hasty defense of his past actions. "I am only trying to protect our people ,Dovin, I know that girl has the gift, and she is dead set on leaving us! I have, We have no choice but to wed her to someone we can influence and hold her here."

"As we did her mother?"

"Exactly, is that so bad?" Dovin frowned at Hansids words, Ramand had treated the woman well, but she never returned to herself after the mock festival. And what of the Elf that was sniffing about the Drabien girl?

"Do you intend to use the same methods on the elf as you did Garrif to make him leave then?"

"If need be."

"And if none of this works?" Dovin asked with lifted brows.

"Then..." Hansid gave a deep frown. "Then the girl must die."

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James smiled and opened his mouth to speak again, but before he knew it his friend had already left. He understood her pressure, but it would be nice to have company for what had seemed like months. "Congrats kid, you scared away another one." Gilashi echoed in his mind, chuckling once more. James just shook his head and sighed, leaping form the tree back to the ground. He did not feel like partaking in the festivities, he was tired and the fights were enough to disgust him as it was. He instead turned to return to his campsite, to train and rest for the big day tomorrow.

As the sun rose, James opened his eyes slowly. He uncurled his legs from around the limb of the tree he had slept on, flipping himself back upside right before leaping back down to earth. He had fallen asleep meditating once again, a habit he couldn't break no matter how hard he tried. No matter though, he felt rested and confident for the day ahead. HE formulated new maneuvers as well as plans to escaped with Pip and Naria when he time came. As he entered the town once more, he gripped the hilt of his sword loosely, prepared for anything as a scent of evil weakly wafted through the air.

[rpgoddess]

Naria donned her white festival gear once again that next morning. She listened to the women chatter around her as they wove pink and blue blossoms into her braid and curled it over her left shoulder again. This time they opted not to place the veil over her face. "Best that you let those warriors see what you are offering." One had said, Naria felt herself resist the urge to snort at the empty-headed comment, anyone with eyes could see she offered them nothing. She thought.

So the morning passed as such and soon enough Hansid came calling for her. Today he brought a gift, a lavender bloom, that he tucked behind her ear with an almost fatherly smile. "I am so proud of you my dear girl." He said. The words, though sweet, sickened Naria and she found herself scowling at his happy lined face.

"Your pride is torturous." She muttered. "Where is Pippa?"

"At my longhouse, busy with some mending, the girl has so much energy and she is ever ready for any work I can think of. Eager to please, you were once like that, but the stress of everything has changed you, and no wonder." He patted her hand gently. "All will be back as it should soon enough. Dovin and I have made plans you see, to hasten the games." He explained as the strolled lazily toward the center of the village.

"Plans?" Naria asked, unable to resist.

"Indeed." He replied with a nod. "Why as we speak Dovin is making the announcement."

"What plans?" Naria urged lightly.

"Well, we are cutting a day of qualifications off. Today will be the last. It is all for your good my dear, I assure you. But we are eager to see you settled."

"I can only imagine." Naria said in a flat tone. "So you are taking a day off of the rounds?"

"Two actually." Hansid replied as they neared the platform, Dovin's voice boomed over the disappointed crowd as he explained the change.

"...Therefore, in an effort to appease out most anxious Maiden, we will be deducting a sum of two days from the games. Today you will participate in the final qualification round, and tomorrow begins the real competition." He shouted. Naria gazed up at Hansid.

"Why are you doing this?" She asked. To her shock Hansid gripped her arm and pulled her close. His breath feathered hotly over her cheeks as he hissed his reply.

"We can't have you running off now can we? If you leave this place your sister will suffer. Do you understand?" He threatened, when Naria didn't answer right away he gave her a slight shake and tightened his grip. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, yes." Naria ground out and jerked herself free of his biting fingers.

"....Let the games begin!" Dovin's voice thundered over the platform. The names were called as the older man climbed to his seat and cast Naria a kind smile. She grimaced.

"Smile girl, this is in your honor." He ordered lightly as he motioned for her to sit.

The first fight was much like the other, though the men were slightly more skilled, it was quick, first blood was drawn easily and the defeated player cursed and kicked at the dirt, he was out. No more chances. Naria realized that today she would watch as the weak and unskilled were weeded out, and only possible winners would remain. Tomorrow and the day after were real and her fate was in the balance. She sat forward as James' name met her ears, he was fighting another outlander, a stranger. Naria's breath became shallow as her eyes searched for the elf, he had to win today.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James raised an eyebrow in suspicion at the new announcement. He knew that in some way, it was all part of the elder's plot to keep Naria here, and to get rid of him in whatever way possible. Why else would they disrupt what was supposed to be their grandest festival. HE shook his head. It mattered not, it would only speed up the process. GIlashi laughed and agreed, muttering in his head. "That's the spirit kid, if they are in that much of a rush to die let;s grant em their death wish!" James simply leaned against a wall, studying those in battle and those around him. Today many of the earlier contestants seemed quicker and stronger, while other new men emerged who appeared stronger then ever. He found it to be no surprise. Many of them had probably planned to conserve their energy for when they needed it the most, and today had become the final qualifying rounds. If they lost today, they would not be coming back

And that is exactly why James would simply win.

James waited patiently until he heard the announcement. "The next match is our own infamous elf, James Tekkarro against one Draco Setzu!" the man shouted. James sighed and stepped into the circle, accompanied by many more boos and jeers. He glanced across to study his new opponent. The man wore loose fitting black garb adorned with white stripes in occasional places. The clothing was torn and mended in many spots, and on either side of his waist hung several knives and short swords of several types and sizes. Draco had a mess of brown hair that was cut short and brown eyes that matched. The man smirked at him and James yawned, taunting the man. From his looks he seemed to be a thief, not a mediocre one, but not anything out of the ordinary. The mans stepped forward, grabbing two knives from his sides.

"So what's a pointy eared sort like you doing around here?" he leered, getting into a fighting stance. James merely sighed and drew his blade, the slender metal glittering in the sunlight.

"I am here like anybody else, to win the maiden's hand, and if you do not shut your moth you may find my sword has more of a point then my ears."

James stepped forward as well, as Draco lunged with his knives, striking for him. James easily slipped to the side, avoiding the blades, and pushed the man away with a palm. This angered Draco, and he sneered, rushing forward again.

"Oh really, seems to me like your more then just 'interested' in her you piece of scum. What, you find fighting for her romantic?"

James tried not to gag at the man's preposterous idea. If there was anything James hated more then this "festival" was the men who competed in it like Draco. Draco lunged forward with both knives, striking downward, but James lifted his sword to catch the blow before it landed. Draco pushed down hard, trying to move the elf, but failing miserably.

"It's a shame you won't make it past this round, I would love having the pleasure of splattering your worthless blood all over the dirt. Maybe grab that sword of yours. These hands are my trophies after all. But after this tournament, Ill have a new prize. A new wife to do my bidding, sounds good to me. Who knows, maybe I'll even break her in, if you know..."

Draco didn't even finish the sentence. The way he spoke had boiled the blood in James's veins, as his eyes had flared red with a glowing intensity the entire time the pitiful thief talked. The man disgusted him, and losing all control, James pushed the man back and with one clean swipe sliced both of the man's hands off to the stump. Draco fell backwards, screaming in agony, gazing at the blood flowing form his wrists. James, his marble eyes now back to normal, regained his composure and sheathed his sword. He kicked the severed hands over to Draco, eying the fountain squirting from his wrists. "I Think hat counts as first blood. Now take your trophies and go you sickening beast." James turned away, sicked with the man, and himself. Without a word, he returned to his camp to contemplate the day's happenings.

[rpgoddess]

It escaped on its own accord, the horror stricken shriek that tore it's way out of her constricting throat. She squeezed her eyes shut but the blood pooling on the ground around the writhing man poured into her mind relentlessly, she felt herself warring within, instinct pushed her to go to the injured man, but she refused, she would be no help to him. A wave of sickness washed over her as she clapped her hand over her mouth and looked for an escape.

"Don't even think about it." Hansid warned in a low growl. "This is all for you."

"I don't want this!" Naria shouted. ". None of these men deserve such fates for my hand, none of them." She begged.

"And what of your elf?" Hansid asked with a lifted brow. "Do you still pine for him now, now that he had demonstrated his own blood-lust?" he continued, gesturing with a sweeping hand to the bloodied man being carted away.

"It's not the same." Naria said weakly.

"Oh but it is. How would you ever make it dear Naria, a healer with a killer?" Hansid teased menacingly.

"I am not a weaver, and James Tekkarro is not a killer. You are forcing his hand, he means only to keep me from the derelicts that you would allow to compete for me." Naria hissed angrily. "This is all your doing, all of the suffering, the unrest, the blood and soon death..."

"I know, wonderful is it not?" Hansid replied with a grin. "Tell me, how long will you resist the urge to leap into the ring and save someone? Will it be your elf's wounds you won't be able to ignore? We both know that sickness that washes over you when you see them hurt, that instinct to go to them and help will win eventually. When it does, everyone will see you for what you are, and I will have their full support."

Naria glared at the man. So he had finally spilled the truth, at least part of it. This competition was no longer a test for the men, but a test for her. His determination to prove that she was a Weaver was boundless, and he would gladly sacrifice the life and limb of every man out there to see his suspicions proven correct. "You're a monster." Naria chocked out.

"And you my dear are an abomination, gilded in a pretty package to bring death and destruction." Hansid replied matter-of-factly. "The next round is beginning, quiet now."

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James ran his fingers through his hair, cursing silently under his breath. "What the hell was that?" he shouted to himself, gazing into his small fire once more. His supply of fuel was dwindling, and he would need to gather up more wood soon. He tossed another log on violently, sickened with himself. "Calm down kid, I thought it was pretty funny. I mean the look on his face, and all that blood! He he, I didn't think you had it in ya to be honest." Gilashi chimed in, teasing the boy. James shook his head in shock. "No, that wasn't me. You saw how I handled the first one, I simply cut him only deeply enough to draw blood...but that...that was more me then you wasn't it?" he asked of his own inner demon,t hat which plagued him since he was but a child. GIlashi just chuckled, a dark voice echoing infinitesimally throughout James's skull. "Okay, I have to take some credit for that. But the only reason you're having trouble controlling me is the fact you haven;t let me feed in ages. Or maybe something deeper, maybe feelings for this girl? Wouldn't that be cute, two little freaks eh?" James thought of each of the eight gods loudly in his head, shouting their names knowing they were the demons bane. "Alright alright alright! Sheesh, don't throw a fit kid." Gilashi yelped, seething with anger, but knowing there was nothing he could do. James shook his head. "I know I haven't let you feed yet, and I apologize. But I am merely fulfilling a promise to the girl. Nothing more, I assure you of that. But if the village thinks I'm just some romantic lover trying for her hand, it is for the best after all." he explained, pulling forth his sword. HE laughed bitterly, turning his father's blade over and over in his hand, examining it. "Do you remember the day we were bound GIlashi? After all, it was practically the beginning of your new life...and the end of mine..."

It had been hot that day in the small rebel camp outside of the kingdom. They had all been starving and hot beyond belief, waiting for their champions to return. The tyranny of the demon Gilashi had plagued them for almost a year now, and he had almost completely taken over the land of Moldavia. The only hope they had was the eight men they had sent out, one from each kingdom, each race. His father was leading them as James recalled, and it had been days since they Had seen them. The whole camp had almost given up hope when suddenly, almost as if from a dream, their heroes crested the hill, alive, and with the freed slaves from Gilashi's castle directly behind them. Immediately the camp burst into cheers and song, for life was theirs once more! They had not a care in the world, and all would be restored to normal. That night there was many a celebration and festivity, but there was a darkness behind it all. James's father called him into heir tent, holding what he had thought was his father's sword wrapped in cloth. His father was almost a complete opposite of James, with short golden hair that glistened even in this dark night. His eyes were shadowed and weary, and stood out against his bronzed skin. He knelt down to the boy, smiling weakly. "James, my son, my young prince," he began, a twinkle of guilt James did not understand lurking behind his eyes, "do you wish to hear of how we defeated the Demon Lord?" James always loved hearing his father's stories, and he leaped at the chance. " Oh yes father, please, nothing would make me happier!" His father frowned sadly, but placed a fake smile upon his lips as he unwrapped his blade. "My son, it was a difficult fight. We barely made it to the top of the fortress. The guards were strong, and we lost many men. But we finally reached the demon. He fought long and hard, and we almost had him beaten. But the thing about a demon is that you shall never really kill them., You will only release them back to their original hell, where they could only return once more. SO the only way to contain him was to trap him in this sword." his father explained mournfully, showing the sword that was once bright, beautiful, and strong. It now was black as pitch, and appeared as if it were covered in hardened, spiked tar. The only remainder of his father's sword was a bright red ruby. But the gem now shone with an ominous, horrific light. James stared in both awe and wonder at the beastly horror that was both horrific and beautiful. His father continued, "But the sword can only contain the beast for so long. He will eventually have to be placed inside the body of another mortal, a strong one, who can resist his temptations and power." James looked up at his father with wondering eyes. "Like you father?" he inquired. His father shook his head, tears welling in his eyes as he grasped his son lightly around the neck. "No my son," he muttered as he drew the blade back," like you..." And with hat, he plunged the blade into James's body, and with it, his soul.

James, upset with himself, distraught with his past, stood up and headed to wards the woods for more firewood...and a snack for the beast within. "Come on Gilashi, You may feed, but behave for the rest of the competition." he bargained. The demon giggled with glee. "Really, I'm getting out?" James nodded, and as his eyes shone in the night with the same light and color as that ruby all those years ago, his hair grew and shone with the light of the full moon. The demon entered the forest, and that night, a single innocent was slaughtered. But is that such a price for keeping the world safe for another day?

(OOC: I know it's hard to understand, but my RP character is actually placed in the time slot between Book 1 of my Trilogy and Part 2. It's kind of a middle ground of where He knows whats wrong with him, but is yet to face it. SOrry if it confuses you, and good to have you back )

[rpgoddess]

(Not to worry, I love that James has a rich background. It makes for a better story. Naria, unfortunately, does not, but most of my other characters do, as they are pulled right from my own stories. You see, I am a novelist as well. Small world huh, not famous mind you, and all I have published to date are some short stories and poetry.)

"Did you see it Dovin?" Hansid asked angrily with his fists clenched at his sides as he and the other elder sat in a quiet corner of the tavern. "Did you, that look, like he was no himself, and the gore, the violence."

"I saw it, I am trying to forget it actually." Dovin shuddered. "Something about it just gives me the-" not having the words to explain Dovin gave another shudder and made a funny sound.

"There is something off about him. I think we should take measures to ensure he drops out of the race." Hansid said with a nod.

"You really think so?" Dovin asked after swallowing down a gulp of wine. "I mean, the boy might not take lightly to the suggestion."

"Who said anything about suggesting, I have a plan. Will you hear it?" Hansid replied, leaning forward.

Dovin watched him curiously, then with a sigh of resignation he nodded. "Very well, then."

"He cares for the Drabien girl, anyone can see that. We must use her against him."

"What are you getting at?"

"Arcania poison. Small amounts. But enough to make our intentions known. I will send a messenger to the elf, tonight in fact," Hansid glanced over his shoulder and noted that there moon was beginning to slip away," well, just before first light. The message will offer him a choice, leave and the Drabien girl is kept safe, stay and she will die."

"Are you mad?"Dovin scoffed.

"Perhaps a little." Hansid teased. "I know it seems drastic, and the boy may react violently, but if he truly cares for the girl he will comply."

"Or try to rescue her."

"But that is the beauty of the poison. One an antidote made from the same plant can cure her, she will deteriorate slowly, but visibly, until she dies. He will be informed off all of this." Hansid explained.

"If there is no other way..." Dovin said in a glum tone.

"There isn't." Hansid snapped. "Just as well though, I've already had the dose administered."

_________________________________________________________________________


Naria clutched the sides of the chamber pot as she wretched violently. Her insides felt like fire and acid, her lungs felt cold and stiff, and her head felt as if it were trapped in a vice. "Oh Goddess be, what did I eat?" She groaned as she pushed her cheek against her arm and closed her eyes.

The pounding in her head suddenly became real, it took a moment for her to realize that it was someone at the door. She winced as she forced herself to her feet and stumbled to the curtain, pushing it aside.

"Oh by the One, you're awake! It's an emergency, I swear it, the Draco's got a terrible fever, we are afraid he might not last a night...the healer's off examining some mutilated body in the forest, bad night I tell you, full moon and all." A rather rag-tag looking man rambled.

"I'm no healer." Naria croaked, barely able to lift her head to look at the man fully, she could tell from his scent he was a worker, perhaps one of the fighter's men.

"Aye, but you know your way around the herbs and all that, the elders said as much from the start. Please just come and see if there is something you can do, miss." The man replied.

Naria sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, willing the pain away so that she could think clearly. The man from earlier, the one who had been in the ring with James, hot with fever. That wasn't good, likely an infection. She wondered if he even had any will to live, having lost his hands. Something deep inside of her compelled her to go to him, it went against the grain not to. What could it hurt to look in on him, apply some herbs, and say a prayer? "Very well, let me get my things." She said.

Only as she followed the bent man toward the tents did the other part of his ramblings melt in through the rush of pounding blood in her brain. A mutilated body found in the forest? Despite her nausea she quickened her steps so that she walked closer to the man a head. It didn't take a seer to find the tent she was headed for, it was late, most were dark, but this one was lit brightly, the flickering candle light lent an illusion of a twinkling star in the black night. She could hear the man inside groaning and whimpering, she could smell the stench of dying flesh and infection.

Stepping inside she was met by three sets of eyes. All dark and shadowed, one wild and feverish.

"You!" The man writhing on the bed spat. "Take me, take me away, she's come to claim my soul!" He cried and fought against the two men restraining him on the makeshift cot he lay upon.

"You'll have to forgive him miss, he's talking madness, has been for hours now." One man said to her. Naria gave a slight nod, unable to do much with her head hurting as it was. Her eyes scanned the man's sweat glistening face, his heaving chest through the sweat soaked shirt, and finally his wrists. She gasped when she saw the once removed appendages has been sowed back into place and lie gray and lifeless at the end of his arms.

"Who did this?" She demanded as she came to the side of the cot and sank to her knees.

"The field doctor, said there was a chance the flesh might reconnect." The man who led her to the tent answered.

"Fool." Naria spat. "The flesh is dead, its contaminated the living flesh and is now festering, the infection spreads fast, it might already be too late." She explained.

"You have to try, please. Can't say I like the bloke, but none of us mean to watch him suffer." Another man replied with a frown.

"I don't know if there is anything to be done." Naria answered. "I will try, here, give him this, and then wait outside." She said to the man nearest her as she reached into her pack and handed him a small vile of liquid. "All of you." She added. Once the concoction was poured into Draco's mouth he fell quiet and still.

"Is he-" One of them asked.

"No, just resting, now go, I need quiet, and room." Naria explained. The men cast Draco a final glance, all looking as if it were the last time they would see the man alive and then stepped outside.

Naria settled into a more comfortable position at the man's side and rubbed her hands together. Festering wounds were no little affair. She shook her head. She didn't know what to do, she felt faint and weak, and her gut burned like white fire. Then there was the sound of crackling and she looked down at her hands where she was still rubbing them together. The purple light was there again, sizzling between her palms. It was warm and tickling her flesh. She drew a breath and held it. "Okay. It is worth a try." With eyes closed she laid her hands on one of the man's wrists. When she finally opened her eyes again she gasped, the light was growing, surrounding the man's wound, it grew louder, and warmer. As if by instinct she moved her fingers over the edges of the wound and pushed them inside, once in she could feel the severed connections, carefully she began to weave them back together.

Sweat had broken on her brow, her own malady was long forgotten as she worked in complete silence. First one wrist, then the other. The sun was just about to break over the horizon when she pulled her arms away with exhaustion and looked at her handiwork. She was in a state of disbelief. She had woven the man's flesh back together, repaired the injuries, and forced new life into the dead tissue. Now his wounds were no more than deep cuts, which she wrapped carefully.

All of her energy felt drained as she stepped back and turned toward the tent flap as it opened. She gave the man before her a weak smile. "I've done all I can." She said faintly before the world went black.


The messenger was quiet. He had to be, his line of work required a certain level of discretion. He aimed. Pulled back on the line. Ensured the arrow would hit it's mark and released in complete silence. The feathered arrow soared with a whizzing hiss and landed with a hollow thunk. Buried deep in the trunk of a tree just over the elf's head. A letter fluttered around the arrow, waving in the darkness.

The messenger smiled. He had read the letter, he always did. He wondered how the elf would react to the message as he walked away, bow slung over his shoulder.

Elf,

Your recent actions have forced us to take certain measures. We no longer feel you are worthy of the hand of our Maiden. We ask that you drop out of the competition and leave. Do not return.

Should you refuse. The girl will suffer for it. She has been given a rare poison,as a precaution, the antidote can only be made from the same plant at the poison. If you remain, she will not receive that antidote.

Should you stay, you will watch as she slowly deteriorates, and know that it is because of you.

H.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James was dozing peacefully beneath a tree when his ears perked, the sound of rushing wind flying by. He dove and reached for his sword, noticing an arrow that had flown directly overhead. He was about to retaliate when he noticed a letter was attached. He noticed the blood and gore remaining on his lips and with disgust wiped it away. He slowly stood, and warily snatched the parchment form the arrow. He began to read it, as fury built up inside of him. He clutched the paper in his hands, his fingers disfiguring into claws as his mind processed the words. The elders had stooped so low as to harm Naria, and to poison her. They had threatened James, thinking he would give up so easily? A low growl emitted from his throat, the fury feeding upon him. He would not stand for this! A dark fire began to burn at his feet and his fingertips, as a deep chuckle echoed throughout the trees, the voice that had beens et free. "That's it kid, give in, let Uncle Gil take care of things form here on out..." As James once again transformed into the demonic spectacle of GIlashi, his hair once more grew into a silver spiked mess, and his eyes blazing a beastly red. As he crouched, digging claws into he ground, he remembered the direction the arrow had flown from and he inhaled deeply. The scent of filthy human was in the air. He leaped forward into the brush, chasing the scent until he came upon a nameless man with a bow. No doubt he was the one who delivered the message! He tackled him to the ground, growling and breathing the rank smell of death into his face. "You pitiful creature,tell me where to find Hansid! Where is that snake?" he demanded. But he was far too impatient as he took a hand and tore apart the man's throat. HE continued on his search, not knowing where to stop next. Then it occurred to him. He had to warn Naria, and before it was too late.

James Had calmed himself after he tracked Naria's scent, taking time to clean the blood form himself and making himself presentable. He hurriedly climbed the side of the building, until he found her window. She had not woken yet,w which was good, meaning her assistants were not there yet either. He hurriedly crawled through the window and made his way silently to her bedside. He clasped a hand over her mouth while waking her, stirring her softly. "Naria, no time to explain," he began, "Hansid has slipped you a poison threatening to not give you he antidote unless I drop out of the Tournament. The good news is that the antidote is made from the same plant as the poison. We only need to find out what the poison is. Until hen I shall continue in the tournament. I promised no harm will come to you, and I promised to get you out of here. Please have faith in me."

[rpgoddess]

"Please have faith in me."

Naria was slow to wake fully, the words James spoke seemed to swirl in her mind as she lifted her hand to her mouth, feeling his there. His last words seemed to give her the strength to open her eyes and groan. Her head still hurt, it made sense now, poison. She breathed hard out of her nose, trying to force the wave of nausea away. After a moment the world stilled around her and her stomach settled. Only then did she pull James' hand away from her mouth and examine her surroundings. She was in her longhouse, but had not recollection of how she had gotten there. Her mind struggled to recall the events of the night, but eventually she was stricken with the reality of what she had done.

"Oh my..." she breathed and pressed her hands to her cheeks, rising slowly. "Poison you say." She murmured. "It makes perfect sense, the symptoms are all there, why had I not seen it?" She rambled mostly to herself. When she turned her feverish gaze to James she saw his worry and it pulled at her, but rather than address the emotion she shook her head. "I think I did something, something that will complicate things, I did not mean to but my head was pounding and I couldn't think straight and the man needed my help. I hadn't meant to do it, not really, I was curious I think, about the light, then it happened, and it was done before I realized it, and there is no way to hide the proof of it." She blurted, then realized how little sense her words would make to James and sighed. "It's complicated, but what I mean is last night, I let myself do something that will prove all of Hansid's suspicions are correct."

Naria forced herself to think again on the poison. It was a shock that her former guardian would got to such lengths, but then she should not be surprised in the least. She searched her mind for the plant, cataloging all of the symptoms and the information James had unknowingly provided. "Arcania, I think, I mean that would be the poison, it fits at least, the one complication is that the antidote would not come from the same kind of plant, but the same specimen, each is unique...Hansid would have it somewhere...if I am right, that is." She spoke slowly, feeling the effect of the dose again. "It works slowly, days of illness pass before you meet the point of no return, if you receive only a single dose. Each dose will quicken the ultimate end. I only began feeling ill last night, I've had nothing since then to eat or drink, so I think I've only had one exposure." Naria added, then swallowed down the bile rising in her throat. "I can't believe he would go so far." She whispered hoarsely.

[Elf Prince Tekkarro]

James continued to gaze at Naria, furrowing his brow in worry. He did not know how it happened, but now Naria was much more then a promise. She was a friend. Somebody who knew how it felt to be the outsider. He crouched on her bed as he watched her think and ramble to herself. He clenched his fists tightly on her bedsheets,s lightly tearing them in anger. "I think I could get an answer out of Hansid if you told me where he was.." he wondered aloud, growling slightly, but he managed to gain his composure again, trying to maintain his full calm while in Naria's presence. He listened to her explain the full effects of the plant and with a grim frown James nodded. "Do you think you can get the plant, the antidote yourself? What do you think I should do, or do you have the courage to place your trust in my decisions..." He asked, not entirely sure if he trusted even himself in his decisions.

[rpgoddess]

A sudden clarity passed over her eyes as she looked up into James' inquiring stare. "I trust you, James Tekkarro." She said simply. Then she looked down again, the fevered look returned as she nibbled on the knuckle of her index finger and thought. "It wouldn't do for you to assault Hansid, not with all of these warriors about to poke their noses into it in order to gain favor, no. I might be able to find something." Naria sighed deeply. "If only I could get to Pip, maybe I will beg not to be present today, and use that time to sneak off to the his longhouse...I might be able to even get Pip." She looked up then and placed her hand on James' chest. "Promise me, if I can get the antidote and Pippa we won't wait any longer, I don't care about my honor or duty, I just want to leave this place and never look back, please?" She begged quietly. She was sickened by how vulnerable she seemed, but the poison rampaging through her body made it almost impossible to maintain her usual facade. She found herself struggling to guard her thoughts and feelings, the result was her emotions feeling raw and empowered. "I don't think I can stand another day of watching men hack into one another and know that I am powerless to stop it, that I am the cause of it." She murmured softly. "It goes against everything I am..." Quickly she closed her mouth. It wouldn't do to let loose her recent discovery, sharing it with even James could increase the danger. No, she would keep it to herself, at least for now.