Life Lessons

[Eltana Malgrace]

Considering it was a midsummer evening, the abundant rainfall and heavy thunder seemed a bit out of place. The sky could best be described as a grim abyss of darkness, the light of the stars unable to penetrate the thick gray rainclouds that loomed over the town of Tamasha; in fact, not even the luminous moon itself could muster the strength to pierce through the oblivion casted over the settlement. The air was as cold as death itself, surprising considering the season. If the stormy weather wasn't bad enough, a heavy fog filled the streets, impairing the vision of whomever was unlucky enough to be outside on such a night.

Not many people were unfortunate enough to be traversing the streets this horrible night. Most people were warm and cozy in their homes, probably enjoying a nice meal with their friends and family; the less fortunate were only sheltered by their poorly constructed homes, subjected to the cold air of the night and barely protected from the thousands upon thousands of water droplets by the rotting, cracked wood of their houses. A few homeless were scattered in the streets, begging passerbys for coins and shelter as they shivered to death, their worn bones shielded from the freezing winds by what little rags they were wearing.

However, there was a diamond in this rough of drunkards and beggars: a mysterious figure was casually strolling down a random street, protected from the pellets of water by a dark violet parasol. Very little of this person could be seen, except for a thin black robe that hugged his petite frame tightly and a matching scarf wrapped around his pale neck. This enigmatic individual was was walking very slowly, his gaze carefully perusing over each and every unfortunate soul on the path. His evening stroll was interrupted by a young kid no older than ten, who thrusted himself in front of the apparently wealthy man and held a small can out to him.

"Excuse meh, ma'am, don't mean tah bother you, but I'm starvin' and freezin' out here. I don't think I'll wake up next morn' if I can't find some shelter. Can ye give me a few silver pieces so I might get a room at the local inn?" pleaded the orphan boy as tears of pain rolled down his cheeks.

An eerie silence followed as the effeminate man stared down at the child, studying his dirty features. The little boy seemed sickly, his youthful face ravaged by disease and malnourishment. He raised his free hand and held it over the child's can of coins. A small pillar of flame fell from his palm onto what little money the beggar had, effectively melting it into worthless goo. The boy stared up at the man in disbelief, looking like he was about to start crying hysterically. "Why, why...?" whispered the boy as more and more tears poured from his eyes.

Eltana resumed his walk down the street, leaving the boy to cry over his shattered hopes and the cruelty of life. "Because life isn't fair," he called out with an amused chuckle as he walked further into the fog.

[lust]

Stera had watched the scene with a slight smirk. She inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly.

"People certainly haven't changed." She whispered softly to herself.

She was standing under the small overhang of a bar she was just in. She stuck her hand out to sample the pressure of the rain. It was a soft drizzle, a mist even. She loved the weather when it was like this. It was one of the few things she liked about her childhood. The rain would wash it all away. She would once again become clean. Though, such naive thinking didn't last long.

The boy was still standing in the same spot. His eyes fixed on where the figure disappeared into the fog. Stera frowned recalling days of her youth. She was never a beggar. She never let herself sink that low. Shes worked since the day she left 'home'. She walked towards the boy. While walking she unsheathed one of her daggers. Behind the boy, she put the blade to his throat. Before she spoke she slipped quite a few coins into his pocket, enough for a place for the night and food. She spoke softly, "Life isn't fair. If you want something, work for it. Nothing good comes for free..." As an afterthought she added, "I don't want to see you out here again." Which she probably never would, considering she wasn't going to be around these parts much longer... She stepped back from the boy sheathing her dagger. Not even taking a second to turn around, he ran. Those around who witnessed the scene shuffled away or avoided eye contact. Stera smiled.

With the boy tended to, she decided to pursue the figure. She sensed something very strange in him, strange yet familiar. She walked along the houses, out of sight and silently in his direction. She kept her eyes downcast to the mud that was forming at her feet.

Only minutes in the drizzle and she was soaked to the bone. Ahh no funds for a place to stay tonight, I hope this rain lets up... Her stomach growled at her loudly "shhh calm down," she whispered to her stomach. She looked up to see where the figure had gone.

[Eltana Malgrace]

The necromancer traveled further down the road, the high-heeled boots he was wearing clicking against the cobblestone pavement as he walked; considering his perpetually slow and steady pace, he didn't seem to be in much of a hurry to get to wherever he was going. Eltana had always found storms quite pleasant; the darkness of the sky, the wild winds, the flashes of lightning, and the loud bursts of thunder that would fluster most people put him in a state of ease and relaxation. Perhaps this was because, like the storm, he was dark and chaotic.

Had it not been for the loud sound of rain splattering against the stone, he would have heard the stranger stealthily following him. After living for hundreds and hundreds of years, one becomes remarkably perceptive of the world around him and attuned to his surrounding environment. In any case, he had no idea the girl was following him...

That is, until her own stomach betrayed her.

Eltana was near his destination when he heard a low growling sound. He gave a quick glance in the direction from whence it came, but could not see anything because of the dense fog. After that brief pause he resumed his walk through the town before coming upon a small, rather unwelcoming establishment; the lights were turned off, signifying the absence of the proprietor and his assistants. Nevertheless, Eltana rapped his boney hand against the door; receiving no answer, he let out a small sigh.

Suspecting the person was still around, he spoke up in the usual icy, feminine tone: "Quite a lovely evening, no? I've always been fond of dark nights like these." He made no effort to turn away from the door, his back to his pursuer and the large parasol hiding his face.

[lust]

"Quite a lovely evening, no? I've always been fond of dark nights like these."

Stera stopped suddenly. She looked up to where she heard the voice. A woman? No way. The voice had sent a strange sensation down her spine. Something was wrong. She decided not to respond to see if the woman would pursue the conversation. Instead she surveyed her surroundings. She had a sharp eye and could see better then most, even in this fog. She saw the outline of the woman in front of a clearly empty home. The area they were in was completely deserted. Not a sound was heard but that of rain and the wind picking up. Looking to her right, she noticed a small alleyway a few feet away. A possible escape route. Yet, she waited. She wanted to see what this person was up to. Then possibly find something to eat. The pains in her stomach were starting to bother. She softly settled into a position that would enable her to escape or defend at any second. Inhale, exhale.

[Eltana Malgrace]

Eltana waited patiently for a response for a few moments, but received none. Perhaps his pursuer gave up a few minutes ago and went back to whatever she was doing? No; he had a feeling that whomever was following him was still there. He had no way of knowing it; only a very strong feeling of suspicion. He turned around to face the street. Because of the thick fog, he couldn't even make out even a silhouette of the stranger.

Deciding to give it another go, the androgynous man smiled warmly; his smile wasn't a pleasant, but was a and twisted parody of a grin. Something about it just seemed... inhuman. "You should eat more, dear; your stomach gave you away once it started growling. And the deep breathing isn't helping either, I might add. Come now, speak up! I won't bite," he said, placing a strange and unsettling emphasis on the last sentence before falling silent.

[lust]

"Why are you so ugly?" Stera asked in an innocent tone. "It's just not you." Stera studied the face of the man. He really wasn't ugly. In fact, Stera found the face attractive. His personality on the other hand wasn't something to be envied. She stepped forward to get a better look, not making a sound. She tucked her rain soaked hair behind her ears and stood watching.

[Eltana Malgrace]

"Why are you so ugly?"

These insulting words would have definitely caused him to fly off the handle if he were in one of his worse moods. A narcissist by nature, Eltana took great pride in his physical appearance and greatly valued aesthetics. Thankfully he was in a calm mood this particular evening, so he took the blow without a hint of annoyance cracking through his lovely visage. "What could have brought you to say such a thing? Why, I don't believe I've done anything to you. Such a rude little girl!" he chastised calmly while clicking his tongue in disapproval.

[lust]

His reply sent Stera into a fit of laughter. She took another step closer, still laughing. Her laughter rang through the night fog and was certainly heard by many. She was clutching her stomach hardly able to stand. Her laughter soon broke into a wide grin.

"Wow I haven't laughed that hard in a long time." She said this nearly out of breath. She wiped tears from her eyes. "Whooo I certainly haven't. Nope." She stretched a bit and yawned.

Abruptly, all the traces of laughter vanished from her face and she wore a solemn expression. Tilting her head to the side slightly, a pout played on her lips. "Mmmm life certainly is unfair yes?" Her frown childlike.

[Eltana Malgrace]

Eltana watched without speaking a word as the strange girl broke into hysterical laughter, his head tilted to the side in confusion. She had been so very stealthy and silent when following him, which he took care to notice after her growling stomach gave her away. Even after he began conversing with her, she wouldn't give herself away; it was as if she were a professional assassin or stalker! For her to spontaneously let loose so much emotion befuddled him to no end.

The uncontrolled laughter attracted the attention of the four or five people who were previously going about their business; they stared at her as if she were madwoman, expressions of surprise and fright on their faces. Even though he was insane, he wasn't crazy: he knew that doing something like that in public wasn't exactly a wise idea. The frightened villagers quickly dispersed, save for a drunk who couldn't bring himself to get out of the gutter.

"Mmmm life certainly is unfair yes?"

This statement answered quite a few questions, yet raised some new ones: this girl had obviously been present at the time he destroyed what money that little urchin had, and that was why she was trailing him. What did this young woman intend to do once she caught up with him, though? Eltana suspected she was a dangerous individual, taking into mind her remarkable stalking skills; she probably intended to assault him. But she had witnessed him use magic, so she probably knew he was a formidable individual well-versed in sorcerery. This strange young woman had to either be extremely confident in her own abilities, insane--which would explain her behavior, or very, very brave.

Never the type to beat around the bush, Eltana decided to be blunt. He regained his composure and gave the girl the same bizarre smile. "You witnessed what I did to that street rat, did you? That is why you followed me, no doubt. So, what do you plan on doing now?"

[lust]

Stera could sense that her actions were definitely puzzling the man. The few villagers in the general area quickly vanished into their homes. The moon was finally able to pierce this odd fog. Stera looked up to find it was gorgeously full. She smiled at it's beauty. Ah sweet nature I should really be finding somewhere to sleep, she thought to herself. She glanced back at the man just in time to catch his scary smile form.

"You witnessed what I did to that street rat, did you? That is why you followed me, no doubt. So, what do you plan on doing now?" He asked.

Stera liked that he got straight to the point. Yet, she decided to wait to respond. A Man, dressed like a woman, who possesses magical abilities. He's heartless, and likes to talk like a woman. What a weird one. Once again she looked up at the moon. She sighed softly. Her stomach growled loudly. She rolled her eyes. Finally she responded, "Take me to eat. Now." She looked into his eyes unflinchingly.

Meanwhile, waiting for his response, her mind was plagued with thoughts. She could feel her body rebelling from the lack of food and the cold. She was soaked, and not wearing much wasn't doing her well. Suddenly, she heard something. Just kill yourself. What the... Where did that come from... I must seriously be losing it. Did he say that? All these thoughts but no facial change. She began to avoid her thoughts and wait for his response.

[Eltana Malgrace]

The fog had mostly dispersed, and the moon was shining brightly in the sky above. Stars, once absorbed by the misty fog and heavy rainclouds, were now glowing in the dark oblivion with all their astral glory. Even the rain had mostly stopped pouring and subsided into a light drizzle. The cold, however, remained in its fullest.

Eltana noticed that it was taking a while for the girl to answer his question. Being a perceptive person, he inferred that she was quite the thinker: her expression unreadable, as if to mask what was going through her mind; she had yet to give him a quick reply, and obviously put much thought into what came out of her mouth. The necromancer respected this; for it was the sign of an intelligent and controlled individual.

"Take me to eat. Now."

Wow! this girl was certainly unpredictable. He knew that she was starving, but hadn't expected her to have the nerve to demand that he take her out somewhere and buy her a meal. Eltana tilted his head once again, his thin lips curving from an odd smile into an even odder smirk. He met the girl's gaze with his bright, light brown hues, refusing to blink even once. After about two minutes he finally replied: "..Very well, come with me to my home and we'll have something to eat. I'm sure you'll find the food quite delicious. Then again, I'm sure it doesn't matter to someone as ravenous as you."

Without even waiting for the stranger to reply, he turned from her and began walking down the street--presumably toward his house.

[lust]

Stera narrowed her eyes, but she did follow him. Staying a few steps behind, she was of course ready for any surprise attack. His agreeing so quickly was odd. She wanted to ask why but choose to remain silent. She kept alert paying close attention to her surroundings so she wouldn't get lost.

The cold was really starting to get to her. She had to force herself not to shake. Ravenous huh? She smiled at her thoughts. This character was certainly an interesting one. So he has a home here... Didn't see that coming.

[Eltana Malgrace]

The girlish man walked down the road at the usual slow pace, now holding the opened parasol over his right shoulder. Not once did he diverge from the road; he just kept on walking, never turning round a corner or heading into an alley. He didn't even bother glancing over at his companion to see if she was still following him, knowing that her hunger wouldn't allow her to pass up a free meal--even if it was with the likes of him.

Eltana walked down that same path for about fifteen minutes before they arrived at the section of the town where the wealthier people lived; very successful merchants, noblemen, and the like. As he walked he began to reflect on why he even agreed to take this dirty little girl into his home; that 'thoughtful' pause before his reply involved no actual consideration--he was merely doing it to make her think and draw conclusions. Why? He felt like it. As to why he actually agreed, he reflected, he hadn't had any good fun in the last twenty years, and this girl would probably prove to be interesting.

Suddenly, he came to a stop and turned to face an expansive mansion; it was rectangular in shape and stood four stories high, excluding the two small, thin towers connected to each side which added another level--suspiciously large for a reclusive, family-less man such as himself to be residing in. It was constructed of hard stone, and seemed to resemble a diminutive castle; the rooftop, covered in wood shingles, was a dark crimson. Multiple large, arched windows lined the walls; the view they offered into the strange man's lair was blocked by heavy violet drapes. "And here we are," he said with the same strange smile, motioning to the large building.

[lust]

Following closely, Stera noted the change in area. They were headed for the more civilized part of the city. Feeling very much out of place, she was beginning to regret her bold actions. Yet, she wasn't the one to tuck tail and run, so onward she went. She also hadn't eaten since yesterday, pass up free food, not likely.

The walk was starting to seem annoyingly long. Almost everything she saw magically transformed into chicken or steak. Just as Stera was about to voice her opinion, the man stopped and turned to face a humongous mansion sized home. Well at least to Stera it was humongous. She hid her look of awe, certainly denying him the pleasure of it. It was almost like the castle she had pictured in all of her dreams as a child. Except, this castle was the opposite of it, but in that way exactly the same. She wondered if he lived here alone, or did he actually have some sort of similarly deranged family.

She looked at him with an empty expression and simply said, "Ok." She waited for him to make the next move. In her head she counted up her remaining star blades as well as the likelihood of someone hearing her scream.

[Eltana Malgrace]

Without waiting for a response or even giving her a quick glance, Eltana headed over to the towering double doors of the mansion and pulled them open to reveal a portal to a realm of only absolute darkness. A blanket of pure black covered the foyer, engulfing the works of art that decorated the walls and the many pieces of expensive furniture positioned round the room. Unwelcoming didn't even come close to describing the feeling that the inside of the necromancer's home projected; it just seemed... unearthly.

He closed his parasol before stepping inside, then leaned it against what was probably a dresser or bookcase. After a short pause, he headed farther into the oblivion before coming to a complete stop. An icy, distorted voice suddenly cut through the unsettling silence; it was a cold, raspy whisper that seemed to emanate from all directions. Two other 'voices' followed, reiterating the unintelligible gibberish of the first. "She's a guest of mine, and she is in need of a good meal," replied Eltana to these strange voices.

In response to the master of the house's reply came a very loud, demonic series of shrieks that could best be described as a twisted mix of the yips of a small puppy with a hyena's hysterical chuckling. Eltana, unmoved by these bizarre noises, merely glanced back at his guest and gave her a small smile. "What would you like?"